JP4054012B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and locking / unlocking program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that prints an image on a sheet, an image forming system having the image forming apparatus , and a locking / unlocking program, and more particularly to locking and unlocking a paper feeding cassette without using a physical lock. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of locking, an image forming system, and a locking / unlocking program.

Image forming apparatuses typified by printers, copiers, scanners, facsimile machines, composite apparatuses, and the like are provided with one or more paper feed cassettes for setting sheets as printing media.
Conventionally, the paper cassette contains only ordinary printing paper (inexpensive print paper), and it is necessary to prevent the paper from being pulled out from the paper cassette until it is locked. Was scarce.

  However, as an application of recent image forming apparatuses, securities such as checks that can be used immediately after entering the number of money, etc. are put in a paper cassette, and the amount of money can be increased by mica toner containing magnetic powder. There is provided a mica toner printer that can be used immediately for economic transactions if numbers are printed. In such a mica toner printer, it is necessary to prevent an economic loss that the paper cassette is pulled out without permission and the check paper is stolen by locking.

Therefore, techniques for locking / unlocking the paper feed cassette have been proposed.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, locking means (cylinder main body 102, locking member 104) are provided to fix the paper feed cassette 101 to the main body 100 a of the image forming apparatus 100 so that it cannot be pulled out. There is a technique (for example, refer to Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Specifically, for example, the cylinder main body 102 is provided on the paper feed cassette 101 side, and the locking member 104 is provided on the main body 100 a side of the image forming apparatus 100. When the user inserts the key fitting 103 and rotates it, an internal tag (metal fitting, not shown) rotates. When the rotated tag is locked to the locking member 104, the locking means is closed. On the other hand, when the rotated tag is detached from the locking member 104, the locking means is opened.
According to this technique, since the paper feed cassette 101 is fixed to the main body 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 by the locking means, the paper feed cassette 101 cannot be pulled out, and the set paper is not loaded until unlocked. It becomes impossible to take out without permission.

JP 2001-121895 A JP 2001-132296 A

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, a physical key (key) is used to lock and unlock the locking means provided in the paper feed cassette. In other words, as long as there was the physical lock, anyone could easily unlock the locking means, pull out the paper feed cassette, and easily remove the set paper. As a result, the meaning of attaching the locking means to the paper feed cassette disappears, and the result is that the theft of valuable paper is acquitted.

Therefore, in order to avoid theft and misuse of this physical key fitting, it was necessary to store the key in any appropriate place, but in order to thoroughly prevent theft and misuse by the storage, The environment and system to be monitored and managed by humans and facilities had to be taken. For this reason, a human burden and a cost burden were imposed, and the management was unavoidable.
In the unlikely event that the key fitting is lost, the locked paper feed cassette cannot be unlocked. For this reason, even if the paper in the paper feed cassette runs out, it cannot be replenished, so that the image forming apparatus cannot be used.

SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that can be locked and unlocked without using a physical key.

In addition, even if locking and unlocking can be performed with locking / unlocking data (password, etc.) without using a physical key, if the unlocking data is leaked to a third party, Using an information processing device (such as a personal computer) other than the information processing device used by the administrator, a third party can easily unlock the paper cassette, and the paper in the paper cassette is stolen. Problem occurs.
In order to prevent such a problem, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a locking / unlocking program that cannot be easily unlocked by a third party.

In order to achieve this object, an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a housing, a paper feed cassette that can be inserted into and removed from the housing, and a lock that unlocks and unlocks the housing and the paper feed cassette. An image forming apparatus comprising: a data receiving unit that receives locking / unlocking data relating to locking and / or unlocking, and causing the locking unit to perform locking and / or unlocking based on the locking / unlocking data It is configured to include locking / unlocking control means.

If the image forming apparatus has such a configuration, the locking means can be locked and unlocked only by inputting or transmitting the locking / unlocking data to the image forming apparatus , and a physical lock is not required. For this reason, a locking means that can be opened and closed based on the locking / unlocking data is provided between the sheet feeding cassette and the image forming apparatus main body instead of a physical key.
As a result, the act of unlocking the locking means using the physical key, pulling out the paper feed cassette, and taking out the set paper cannot be performed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent theft of paper using a physical key, particularly theft of valuable paper.

In addition, since no physical lock is required, it is not necessary to establish a human-facility monitoring and management system for the lock. For this reason, human and cost burdens can be reduced, and management complexity can be avoided.
Furthermore, the risk of losing the key can be avoided. In other words, there is a possibility that the key metal may be lost, and if this lost key metal is picked up by another person, there is a risk that valuable paper will be stolen. On the other hand, since the unlocking data is not a thing (object), there is no worry that it is lost and picked up by others. From this, the risk of loss can be avoided.

In addition, by limiting the person who knows the lock / unlock data in advance, only the limited person can open and close the paper feed cassette and replace the paper.
For this reason, especially when the paper set in the paper cassette is precious, it is important that only the administrator of the paper knows the unlocking data. Security can be strengthened by preventing theft of paper.

Note that the unlocking data can be one of a password, a command, a command, a message, and a code.
If the lock / unlock data is set in this way, processing by an apparatus (including an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, etc.) with a built-in computer becomes possible. For this reason, locking / unlocking data can be input from the image forming apparatus main body or transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus. In the image forming apparatus, a predetermined process can be executed on the input or received lock / unlock data to lock / unlock the lock means.

Specifically, for example, when the lock / unlock data is a password, the password to be verified stored in advance and the input or received verification password are verified in the image forming apparatus.
As a result of the collation, when the collated password and the collation password match (or correspond), the locking means is unlocked or locked. On the other hand, when the password for verification and the password for verification do not match (or correspond), the locking means is not unlocked or locked.

  Furthermore, when the locking / unlocking data is a specific password (free insertion / removal password; for example, “0000” for locking and unlocking), the insertion and removal of the paper feeding cassette can be made free. Therefore, a specific person can freely select whether or not to use the locking means (locking function) of the image forming apparatus.

  In addition, in the image forming apparatus, for example, a password for locking and unlocking (password) is registered in advance in the password registration unit 58 constituting the lock control unit 50, and this password is stored in, for example, the operation unit. 11 is input, the locking means (solenoid 13 and bracket 22) are locked and unlocked.

In addition, the paper cassette can be automatically locked when inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus, and can be unlocked with a password only when unlocked.
Accordingly, if only the specific person (for example, the administrator of the image forming apparatus) is informed of the password, it becomes impossible for anyone other than the specific person to pull out the paper feed cassette from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

In the present invention, a command is a command for giving a work instruction to a computer, and is expressed by, for example, an alphanumeric string. It is attached to the OS, programming language, application software, etc., and by giving a command, the corresponding software operates.
An instruction is a unit in a program and is used to instruct a computer to cause an arithmetic device to perform an operation or to retrieve or store data from a storage device, and is often expressed as a bit string.
A message is a series of communication information, and consists of a string of symbols and characters. Various information output from the computer to the operator, operator input data, and the like are also included.
A code means a symbol, a number (numerical string), a character (character string), or a combination thereof for expressing information.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of sheet cassettes, and one or two or more sheet cassettes out of the plurality of sheet cassettes include a locking unit, and a locking / unlocking control unit. However, all or some of the one or more locking means are configured to perform locking and / or unlocking based on the locking / unlocking data.
With such a configuration, it becomes possible to lock and unlock a plurality of paper feed cassettes (first to fourth paper feed cassettes 20A to 20D) based on the lock / unlock data.
Specifically, for example, when there are four paper feed cassettes, the two paper feed cassettes are provided with locking means and can be locked, and the other two paper feed cassettes are not provided with any locking means, and can be freely inserted. Can be removable.
Furthermore, one paper feed cassette is provided with locking means that can be locked and unlocked based on the locking and unlocking data, and the other paper feed cassette is provided with locking means that can be locked and unlocked by a physical key. The remaining two paper cassettes may be provided with no locking means.

In this way, the cassette to be used can be properly used according to the value and use of the paper.
For example, for precious paper, a paper cassette equipped with locking means that can be locked and unlocked based on the unlocking data, and for paper that is used only by a specific department, it can be unlocked using a physical lock. A paper feed cassette provided with a lockable locking means (in this case, it is desirable to manage the physical lock metal in a specific department), and a general inexpensive sheet is provided with a locking means. It can be set in each paper cassette that is not.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has a plurality of locking / unlocking data, the locking means are provided in a plurality of paper feed cassettes, and the locking / unlocking data corresponding to each locking means is defined respectively. The locking / unlocking control means causes the locking means corresponding to the locking / unlocking data received by the data receiving means to lock and / or unlock.

With such a configuration, different lock / unlock data is set for each paper feed cassette, so paper management for each paper feed cassette becomes possible.
For example, a department (department) to be used is determined for each paper cassette, and the unlocking data of the paper cassette to be used is managed for each department. Here, the department A manages the locking / unlocking data of the first paper cassette, and the department B manages the locking / unlocking data of the second paper cassette. In this way, department A can use the first paper feed cassette, but cannot use the second paper feed cassette because it does not manage locking / unlocking data.

Note that it is not limited to assigning only one paper feed cassette to one department, but two or more paper feed cassettes can be assigned depending on the use frequency, use size, and the like.
On the other hand, it is not limited to assigning only one department to one paper feed cassette, and two or more departments can be assigned.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the locking / unlocking data includes a password, the image forming apparatus includes password verification means for verifying the password, and the locking / unlocking control means is correct as a result of the verification. Based on the determined password, the locking means is configured to lock and / or unlock.
With such a configuration, the locking means can be locked / unlocked based on whether the password is correct or not.
For this reason, a person who does not know the password cannot insert or remove the paper feed cassette provided with the locking means, and cannot take out the paper from the inside. Therefore, theft of paper (especially valuable paper) by a third party who does not know the password can be prevented.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the data receiving unit includes a receiving unit that receives electronic data transmitted from the outside.
The image forming apparatus having such a configuration can receive lock / unlock data transmitted from the outside. For this reason, the lock / unlock data input by the external device other than the image forming apparatus can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus. From this, it becomes possible to lock and unlock the paper feed cassette in the image forming apparatus by an operation on the external apparatus.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the unlocking data received first by the data receiving means, and the unlocking and unlocking at the time of subsequent locking or unlocking. An information processing device specific data verification unit that performs verification with the information processing device specific data of the information processing device that has transmitted the data, and the locking / unlocking control unit performs the verification by the information processing device specific data verification unit Based on the result, the locking means is configured to lock and / or unlock.

With such a configuration, the information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the first unlocking data received by the data receiving unit of the image forming apparatus, and then the locking and unlocking data have been transmitted. If the information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus does not match, locking / unlocking cannot be performed.
Here, the “information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the first unlocking data received by the data receiving means” includes, for example, “the first unlocking / unlocking after setting the unlocking data” Information processing device specific data of the information processing device that has transmitted the lock / unlock data when the data is received ”or“ the information processing device that is the transmission source of the set lock / unlock data is included with the lock / unlock data ” The transmitted information processing apparatus specific data ”is included. Among these, the former is different from the latter in that the locking / unlocking data can be set by another information processing apparatus or image forming apparatus.
When locking or unlocking the paper feed cassette, the information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the locking / unlocking data first received by the data receiving means of the image forming apparatus and the subsequent locking or The information processing device specific data of the information processing device that has transmitted the unlocking data received by the data receiving means of the image forming device at the time of unlocking is collated, and these two information processing device specific data match, and further image formation When the locking / unlocking data registered in the device matches the locking / unlocking data received at the time of locking or unlocking, locking / unlocking can be performed.

  In order to ensure that the information is “first”, once the information processing apparatus specific data is stored and registered in the information processing apparatus specific data storage means, a predetermined process (for example, information processing apparatus specific operation by operation on the operation unit) As long as data registration change processing is not performed, it is possible to prevent the storage / registration from being changed even if the data receiving unit receives data specific to the information processing apparatus thereafter.

  Instead of “information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the first unlocking data received by the data receiving means”, “information of the information processing apparatus in which the unlocking data is first input” It may also be “processing device specific data”. In this case, the time at which the locking / unlocking data is input in the information processing apparatus is recorded, and the recorded input time is transmitted to the image forming apparatus together with the locking / unlocking data. Then, in the image forming apparatus, the first unlocking / unlocking data input based on the recorded input time is specified, and the information processing apparatus to which the specified locking / unlocking data is input is specified.

As a result, a third party who knows the unlocking / unlocking data obtains the unlocking / unlocking data from the information processing apparatus other than the information processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “specific information processing apparatus”) that first transmitted the unlocking / unlocking data. Locking and unlocking cannot be performed even if input or transmission is performed. Therefore, for example, even if a password or the like, which is locked / unlocked data, is known to a third party, paper theft can be prevented.
Here, the case where the password is set first refers to the case where a new password is registered. Specifically, for example, when the password is not registered in the password registration unit of the lock control unit of the image forming apparatus, the password is registered for the first time, or the already registered password is deleted and a new password is registered. This includes the case of re-registering the password.

Further, the information processing apparatus specific data of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is one or more of the MAC address, manufacturing number, or IP address of the information processing apparatus.
With such a configuration, for example, a MAC address, a serial number, an IP address, or the like can be used as the information processing apparatus specific data.
These MAC addresses are given by different character strings (combinations of numbers, characters, symbols, etc.) for each information processing apparatus. Therefore, Oite the image forming apparatus, by storing manage them MAC address or the like, capable of uniquely identifying the specific information processing apparatus.
Furthermore, the MAC address etc. is automatically transmitted to the image forming apparatus by the information processing apparatus itself. Even if a third party other than the administrator knows the MAC address etc., the third party uses it. The information processing apparatus transmits the MAC address and the like of the information processing apparatus itself. As a result, the image forming apparatus can reliably determine whether or not the transmission source is the specific information processing apparatus based on the transmitted MAC address or the like. Accordingly, only the specific information processing device can lock and unlock the paper feed cassette, and theft of the paper by a third party using another information processing device can be prevented.

In addition, the image forming system of the present invention includes a housing, a paper feed cassette that can be inserted into and removed from the housing, and a locking unit that locks and unlocks the housing and the paper feed cassette. and an image forming apparatus, an image forming system including an information processing apparatus for sending predetermined data, the information processing apparatus, and software for inputting locking unlocking data related locking and / or unlocking, locking opening and transmission means for transmitting a lock data to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus, performed a receiving means for receiving a locking unlocking data, on the basis of the locking and unlocking data, locking and / or unlocking the locking means And a locking / unlocking control means.

  With this configuration, when the administrator of the image forming apparatus is at a position away from the image forming apparatus (for example, the administrator using the information processing apparatus is on the first floor of the building and the image forming apparatus is on the second floor). The administrator can operate the information processing apparatus to unlock and lock the paper feed cassette without moving, even if the paper cassette is installed in the computer.

In the image forming system of the present invention, the software includes application software and / or utility programs.
If the image forming system has such a configuration, the application software or utility program is activated on the information processing apparatus, and the lock / unlock data is input to lock and unlock the paper cassette of the image forming apparatus. it can.

In the image forming system of the present invention, the transmitting unit of the information processing apparatus transmits information processing apparatus specific data to the image forming apparatus , and the image forming apparatus is first received by the data receiving unit. Information for comparing the information processing device specific data of the information processing device that has transmitted the locking / unlocking data with the information processing device specific data of the information processing device that has transmitted the locking / unlocking data at the time of subsequent locking or unlocking A processing device specific data collating unit, wherein the locking / unlocking control unit causes the locking unit to perform locking and / or unlocking based on the result of the collation by the information processing device specific data collating unit; It is as.
With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a third party from unlocking and locking the paper feed cassette using an information processing device other than the specific information processing device.

Further, the information processing apparatus specific data of the image forming system according to the present invention is configured to be one or more of a MAC address, a manufacturing number, and an IP address of the information processing apparatus.
With such a configuration, for example, a MAC address, a serial number, an IP address, or the like can be used as the information processing apparatus specific data.
Since these MAC addresses and the like are given by different character strings for each information processing apparatus, the image forming apparatus can uniquely identify a specific information processing apparatus by storing and managing the MAC address and the like.
In addition, the MAC address etc. is automatically transmitted to the image forming apparatus by the information processing apparatus itself. Even if a third party other than the administrator knows the MAC address etc., the third party uses it. The information processing apparatus transmits the MAC address and the like of the information processing apparatus itself. Accordingly, only the specific information processing device can lock and unlock the paper feed cassette, and theft of the paper by a third party using another information processing device can be prevented.

The locking / unlocking program of the present invention causes the image forming apparatus to function as a locking unit that locks / unlocks between the housing and the paper feed cassette, and functions as a receiving unit that receives the locking / unlocking data, Based on the locking / unlocking data, the locking unit is made to function as a locking / unlocking control unit for locking and / or unlocking, and the information processing apparatus transmits the locking / unlocking data to the image forming apparatus. A locking / unlocking program that functions as a transmission unit, causing the transmission unit of the information processing apparatus to transmit information processing apparatus specific data to the image forming apparatus, and the image receiving apparatus is first configured by the data receiving unit. Information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the received unlocking data and information of the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the unlocking data at the time of subsequent locking or unlocking It functions as an information processing apparatus specific data collating means for performing the collation with the processing apparatus specific data, and locks and / or unlocks the locking means based on the result of the collation by the information processing apparatus specific data collating means. It is configured to function as locking / unlocking control means.

With this configuration, the information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the unlocking data received first by the information processing apparatus specific data receiving means of the image forming apparatus , and the subsequent locking or unlocking If the information processing device specific data of the information processing device transmitted at the time of locking does not match, locking / unlocking cannot be performed.
Thus, even if a third party who knows the unlocking / unlocking data inputs / transmits the unlocking / unlocking data from the information processing apparatus other than the specific information processing apparatus, the locking / unlocking cannot be performed. Therefore, for example, even if a password or the like, which is locked / unlocked data, is known to a third party, paper theft can be prevented.

According to the present invention, it is possible to lock and unlock the locking means simply by inputting or transmitting the locking / unlocking data to the image forming apparatus , and a physical lock is not required. For this reason, it is possible to prevent theft of paper using a physical key, particularly theft of valuable paper.
In addition, by notifying only the specific person of the unlocking data, it is possible to prevent the paper cassette from being pulled out from the casing of the image forming apparatus except for the specific person. Therefore, it is possible to strictly manage valuable print paper.
Further, a specific person can freely select whether or not to use the locking means (locking function) of the image forming apparatus.

In addition, some or all of the paper cassettes can be locked / unlocked based on the locking / unlocking data, and different locking / unlocking data can be set for each paper feeding cassette (locking means). By making it possible, a different paper cassette can be used for each department (department).
In addition, other than the operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus main body, for example, the unlocking / unlocking data can be input / transmitted from the information processing apparatus.
Even when the administrator of the image forming apparatus is located away from the image forming apparatus, the administrator can unlock and lock the paper feed cassette without moving.

In addition, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that cannot be locked or unlocked unless the data unique to the information processing apparatus matches not only the unlocking data. For this reason, even if a third party can know the password, etc., that is the unlocking data, the administrator must enter the unlocking data using the information processing device that first entered the unlocking data. The paper cassette cannot be locked or unlocked. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the paper in the paper cassette from being stolen more strictly.
In addition, since the information processing apparatus specific data can be the MAC address, serial number, and IP address of the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus specific data is different depending on the information processing apparatus (a combination of numbers, characters, symbols, etc.). The specific information processing apparatus can be uniquely specified. Accordingly, only the specific information processing device can lock and unlock the paper feed cassette, and theft of the paper by a third party using another information processing device can be prevented.

  Furthermore, the MAC address etc. is automatically transmitted to the image forming apparatus by the information processing apparatus itself. Even if a third party other than the administrator knows the MAC address etc., the third party uses it. The information processing apparatus transmits the MAC address and the like of the information processing apparatus itself. Therefore, the image forming apparatus can reliably determine whether or not the transmission source is the specific information processing apparatus based on the transmitted MAC address or the like. Therefore, it is possible to prevent paper theft by a third party using another information processing apparatus.

The paper feeding cassette is inserted into and removed from the housing of the image forming apparatus, and can be locked by the locking means. And unlocking data (for example, a password, a personal identification number, etc.) are used for unlocking and locking of the locking means. Further, the image forming apparatus main body includes a communication unit, and lock / unlock data is transmitted from the terminal device connected to the communication unit to the image forming apparatus main body, thereby enabling locking and unlocking to be controlled from a remote position. .

[First embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus (for example, a mica toner printer MP) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a main part when a paper feeding cassette is pulled out, and FIG. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of a means, Comprising: (A) is a perspective view of a locked state, (B) is a perspective view of an unlocked state.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus (such as a mica toner printer MP) includes a printer main body 10 and first to fourth paper feed cassettes 20A to 20D.
The printer main body 10 (image forming apparatus main body) includes a main body housing (first housing) 30A and a first paper feed cassette 20A that is detachably provided in the main body housing 30A. .
The second to fourth housings 30B to 30D and the second to fourth paper feed cassettes 20B to 20D provided in the second to fourth housings 30B to 30D so as to be insertable / removable. These are independent devices that can be added as options.

In addition, electrical control (for example, paper feed control and sorter control) of the printer main body 10 and the second to fourth paper feed cassettes 20B to 20D can be performed from the operation unit 11 of the printer main body 10 (not shown). ).
Each of the paper feed cassettes 20A to 20D can store important and valuable print paper such as a check.

The printer main body 10 includes an operation unit 11 on the front side of the upper surface.
The operation unit 11 is a human-device interface (man-machine interface, MMI), and includes a liquid crystal display unit 11a and a button unit 11b including various function buttons (see FIG. 4).
The liquid crystal display unit 11a displays important paper types such as checks stored in the paper cassettes 20A to 20D, and displays an abnormality content with illustrations and characters when an abnormality occurs. Is called. Further, the number of print sheets used and the limit of the number of sheets used for a predetermined period (for example, one week) are displayed.

The button portion 11b is provided with a numeric keypad, an all clear button, a start button, a stop button, etc. (not shown).
The numeric keypad is used for setting a password (locking / unlocking data), the type of printing paper used for printing (designating a paper feed cassette), the number of prints, the number of copies, the maximum number of copies used for one week, and the like. The all clear button is used to return various settings made through the operation unit 11 to the initial settings.
The start button is a button for starting the print function with the setting after the setting is completed. The stop button is a button for canceling the started print function.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B, the first paper feed cassette 20A can be pulled out from the insertion / removal opening (opening) 12 in the main body housing 30A of the printer main body 10 in the direction of the arrow. It is.
On the left side before the insertion / removal port 12, a solenoid 13 constituting a locking means is attached.
Further, an L-shaped bracket 22 constituting locking means as shown in FIG. 3 is attached to the back surface side of the front plate 21 of the first paper feed cassette 20A and facing the solenoid 13. Yes.

Then, when the insertion / removal rod 13a of the solenoid 13 is inserted into and removed from the locking hole 22a of the bracket 22, a locked state and an unlocked state are ensured. This locking and unlocking method will be described later.
Note that the locking means (solenoid 13 and bracket 22) between the second to fourth casings 30B to 30D and the second to fourth sheet feeding cassettes 20B to 20D are locked in the first sheet feeding cassette 20A. Since it is the same as the structure of the means, the description is omitted.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control system of the first embodiment, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of lock control means constituting the control system, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of password allocation to each paper feed cassette. is there.

A configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus (such as a mica toner printer MP) according to the first embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, the control system 40 includes an operation unit 11, a main control unit 41, a bus 42, a solenoid driving unit 43, an interface (I / F, receiving unit, receiving unit) 44, machine The drive part 45, the alarm part 46, and the information processing apparatus 70 are provided. Reference numeral 80 denotes communication means.

  The operation unit 11 receives operation guide display and image data for abnormality display from the main control unit 41 described below, displays them on the liquid crystal display unit 11a, and receives input of various buttons of the button unit 11b. Information is sent to the main control unit 41.

The main control unit 41 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and the CPU operates according to a system program stored in the ROM. Abnormal display image data and the like are stored in the RAM. Alternatively, a mass storage device such as a hard disk can be connected so that a large amount of data can be handled.
The main control unit 41 incorporates lock control means 50 (see FIG. 5) according to the gist of the present invention described later.

  Further, the main control unit 41 controls the solenoid driving unit 43 and the mechanical driving unit 45 in order to execute functions instructed by the operation unit 11 or the information processing apparatus 70 (described later). Examples of the mechanical drive unit 45 include devices necessary for driving a mechanism unit necessary for the image forming apparatus, such as a scanner mechanism unit, a drum rotation mechanism unit, and a paper feed mechanism unit. The mechanical drive unit 45 is provided with various sensors, and the main control unit 41 detects an abnormality based on a signal from the sensor. When abnormality detection is performed, the main control unit 41 performs abnormality notification using a light and buzzer (not shown) connected to the alarm unit 46.

  The solenoid drive unit 43 moves the insertion / removal rod 13a of the solenoid 13 back and forth when a password to be described later is registered in advance. When the insertion / removal rod 13a protrudes, it is in a locked state, and when it is pulled in, it is in an unlocked state. The drive target of the solenoid drive unit 43 is all of the solenoids 13 in the first to fourth paper feed cassettes 20A to 20D.

Next, the principal part of 1st embodiment is demonstrated, referring FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the lock control means 50 includes a cassette designation control means 51, a password registration control means 52, a password change control means 53, a password verification control means 54, a password determination control means 55, a lock / The unlocking control means 56, the communication control means 57, and the password registration means 58 are provided.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the unlocking data includes a password.

  In response to an instruction input from the button unit 11b or the information processing device 70, the cassette designation control unit 51 determines how many sheets and how many copies on which print paper of the four paper feed cassettes 20A to 20D. Specifies whether to print.

The password registration control unit 52 performs control to set and register individual passwords corresponding to the respective paper feed cassettes in the password registration unit 58 that registers passwords in advance (see FIG. 6). The password is set by setting input from the operation unit 11 and the information processing apparatus 70. Only a specific administrator (for example, a group leader) can set a password, and other persons such as general employees cannot. Therefore, only an administrator who knows the password can open and close the paper feed cassette.
It is also possible for a specific administrator to set a password for unlocking or a password for locking only.

  The password change control means 53 is used for control when changing a set password. The change can be input from the operation unit 11 and the information processing apparatus 70. The password is preferably changed after a certain period. This is because the password may be leaked to non-administrators.

The password verification control means (password verification means) 54 performs control to verify whether or not a newly input password has been registered with the administrator password shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, an administrator password that can be set only by an administrator is set for each sheet cassette, and the administrator password includes an unlock password and a lock password.

When valuable print paper is not used (for example, inexpensive copy paper is used), for example, all the administrator passwords may be set to “0000”. In this way, ordinary employees can freely open and close the paper feed cassette.
The password determination control unit 55 performs control to determine whether or not the newly input password has been registered and whether or not the paper cassette is allowed to be locked / unlocked based on the result of the verification by the password verification control unit 54.

The locking / unlocking control means 56 operates the solenoid 13 to control locking / unlocking or locking / unlocking when the input password has been registered.
In addition, the locking / unlocking control means 56 is one of the one or two or more locking means when one or two or more of the paper feeding cassettes 20A to 20D are provided with the locking means. All or a part of the locking means can be locked and / or unlocked based on the locking / unlocking data.
In this way, it is possible to lock and unlock some of the paper feed cassettes.

Further, the locking / unlocking control means 56 has a plurality of locking / unlocking data, and the locking / unlocking data received by the communication control means 57 when the locking / unlocking data corresponding to each locking means is determined. It is also possible to cause the locking means corresponding to the lock data (or the lock / unlock data determined to be a regular password by the password determination control means 55) to be locked and / or unlocked.
In this way, the user can be limited for each paper feed cassette, and the use of others can be limited. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a third party from pulling out the paper (especially theft of valuable paper).

The communication control unit 57 controls communication with the information processing apparatus 70 via the interface (reception unit, reception unit) 44 and the like. The communication means 80 can be either wired or wireless.
In the present embodiment, the operation unit 11 for inputting a password (locking / unlocking data) by the user, the interface 44 for receiving the locking / unlocking data, and the communication control means for receiving the locking / unlocking data inside the apparatus. 57 is collectively referred to as “data receiving means”.

The information processing apparatus 70 can be constituted by, for example, a general personal computer (such as a desktop personal computer or a notebook personal computer), a display unit 71 made of liquid crystal, a keyboard 72 capable of inputting predetermined data, a printer (image forming apparatus). ) A communication function with 10 control systems 40 (not shown) is provided.
In particular, the information processing apparatus 70 is provided with software for inputting locking / unlocking data. This software includes application software and utility programs (including tools) for executing the locking / unlocking function of the paper feed cassettes 20A to 20D.
The application software or utility program transfers the input unlocking data to the printer 10. In order to execute this data transfer, the information processing apparatus 70 is provided with a transmission means (not shown).

Note that the unlocking data can be one of a password, a command, a command, a message, and a code. That is, the unlocking data including these passwords can be transmitted from the information processing apparatus 70 to the printer 10.
However, since commands and instructions are usually a normal program itself or a part of the program, the lock / unlock data is transmitted as a message or code from the information processing apparatus 70 to the printer 10, and the lock / unlock data is stored in the printer 10. The locking means can be locked and unlocked by processing the program (command or command).

In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus that locks and unlocks the locking means provided in the paper feed cassette based on the locking and unlocking data, and the information processing that transmits the locking and unlocking data to the image forming apparatus A system including at least the apparatus 70 is referred to as an “image forming system”.
In the image forming system, one or more image forming apparatuses or information processing apparatuses 70 can be provided.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of locking of each paper cassette when the administrator password is registered or changed, FIG. 8 is a flowchart of unlocking of each paper cassette, and FIG. 9 is a registration of the administrator password. It is a flowchart figure of locking of each paper feed cassette in the case of having been completed.

First, registration and change of the administrator password will be described with reference to FIG.
For example, the printer administrator performs a predetermined operation of “input an administrator password” from the keyboard 72 of the information processing apparatus 70 (step S1). Then, a cassette management tool (cassette designation control means 51, password registration control means 52, password change control means 53, password verification control means 54, password determination control means 55, locking / unlocking control means 56, communication control means 57, password Registration means 58) is activated (step S2).

  Next, when there is registration / change of the unlocking / locking password of the sheet cassette, the unlocking / locking password is registered / changed for each sheet cassette (step S3: YES). If the unlock / lock password is not registered or changed, the process proceeds to “1” in FIG. 8 (step S3: NO).

  Step S3: If YES and the registration / change of the unlocking / locking password of the first paper feed cassette 20A is to be performed (step S4: YES), the unlocking / locking password of the first paper feeding cassette 20A (For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the unlocking password is “1234A” and the locking password is “1234B”) is registered (step S5), and the image forming apparatus (mica toner printer MP) is connected via the communication means 80. The locking code (locking password) of the first sheet cassette 20A is transmitted to the first sheet cassette 20A, the first sheet cassette 20A is locked (step S6), and the process proceeds to step S7.

  When the registration / change of the unlocking / locking password of the first sheet cassette 20A is not performed (step S4: NO), the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, when registering or changing the unlock / lock password of the second paper feed cassette 20B (step S7: YES), the unlock / lock password of the second paper feed cassette 20B (unlock password). "2345A" and the lock password is "2345B") (step S8), and the lock code (lock password) of the second paper cassette 20B is entered into the image forming apparatus (mica toner printer MP) via the communication means 80. ) Is transmitted, the second paper feed cassette 20B is locked (step S9), and the process proceeds to step S10.

  Similarly, when the unlocking / locking password of the Nth sheet cassette 20N is not registered or changed (step S10: NO), the process proceeds to step S13, and the operation of the cassette management tool is completed. In the present embodiment, “N = 4”.

  In step S10, when the unlocking / locking password of the Nth sheet cassette 20N is registered or changed (step S10: YES), the unlocking / locking password (unlocking password) of the Nth sheet cassette 20N is set. For example, “4567A” and the lock password is “4567B”) are registered (step S11), and the lock code of the Nth paper feed cassette 20N is transferred to the image forming apparatus (mica toner printer MP) via the communication means 80. When (locking password) is transmitted and the N-th sheet feeding cassette 20N is locked (step S12), the operation of the cassette management tool ends.

Next, the unlocking operation of each paper feed cassette will be described with reference to FIG.
In step S3 in FIG. 7, when the unlocking / locking password of the paper cassette is not registered or changed (step S3: NO), the locked state of the paper cassette is released (unlocked) ( (Step S21: YES), the paper cassette to be unlocked is specified, and its management number is input to the information processing apparatus 70 (Step S22).

  This input data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus (mica toner printer MP), and the table (FIG. 6) of the password registration unit 58 of the lock control unit 50 is referred to (step S23). If the password for the paper cassette designated for release is correct, the designated paper cassette is released (step S25). If the password for the paper cassette designated for release is not correct, the process proceeds to “2” in FIG. 7 and the role of the cassette management tool is terminated (step S13).

  In step S21 of FIG. 8, if the locked state of the paper cassette is not released (step S21: NO), the process proceeds to “3” in FIG. 9 and the management number of the paper cassette to be locked is input (step S31). ), The lock control means 50 refers to the table (FIG. 6) (step S32). If the unlock password is correct (step S33: YES), the designated sheet cassette is unlocked (step S34). If the input unlock password is not correct (step S33: NO), the process proceeds to “4”, and further proceeds to “2” in FIG. 8, and the operation of the paper feed cassette management tool ends.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, the locking means can be locked and unlocked simply by inputting or transmitting the locking / unlocking data to the image forming apparatus. No metal fittings are required. For this reason, it is possible to prevent theft of paper using a physical key, particularly theft of valuable paper.
Further, by notifying only the specific person of the lock / unlock data, it is possible to prevent the paper cassette from being pulled out from the casing of the image forming apparatus except for the specific person. Therefore, it is possible to strictly manage valuable print paper.
Furthermore, since some or all of the plurality of paper feed cassettes can be locked / unlocked based on the lock / unlock data, different lock / unlock data for each paper feed cassette (locking means). Can be set, it is possible to use different paper cassettes for each department (department).

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the second embodiment, even when the unlocking data (password or the like) is leaked to a third party, the information processing device 70 that is the same as the information processing device 70 that has input the unlocking data first is again In this embodiment, the paper feeding cassette cannot be locked and unlocked unless the unlocking data is input.
Since the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is a modified embodiment of the first embodiment described above, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in FIG. The detailed explanation is omitted.

First, the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of unique information management means in the control system.
For example, a mica toner printer MP can be used as the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment includes a main control unit 41 in the control system, and the main control unit 41 includes a unique information management unit 110 together with the lock control unit 50.
As illustrated in FIG. 11, the unique information management unit 110 includes a communication control unit 111, a unique information storage control unit 120, and an information processing device identification determination unit 130.
The communication control unit 111 controls communication with the information processing apparatus 70 performed via the interface (I / F, receiving unit, receiving unit) 44 and the communication unit 80 (wireless or wired).
Through this communication, the communication control unit 111 receives, for example, information processing apparatus specific data from the information processing apparatus 70.
In this embodiment, the interface 44 through which the information processing apparatus specific data is received from the information processing apparatus 70 to the image forming apparatus and the communication control unit 111 through which the information processing apparatus specific data is received inside the image forming apparatus are generically named. This is referred to as “information processing apparatus specific data receiving means”.

The unique information storage control unit 120 includes an information processing device unique data storage unit 121 and an information processing device unique data erasure unit 122.
The information processing apparatus specific data storage unit 121 is configured to transmit lock / unlock data (password or the like) from the information processing apparatus 70 to the image forming apparatus and set the lock / unlock data to the password registration control unit 52 of the image forming apparatus. The information processing device specific data of the information processing device 70 that first transmitted the same unlocking data as the locking / unlocking data set in the password registration control means 52 is stored. That is, first, the unlocking data is registered from the information processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus. Next, the information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the same unlocking data as the locking / unlocking data registered in the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus is stored in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, when the unlocking / unlocking data different from the registered unlocking / unlocking data is transmitted, even when the information processing apparatus specific data is first transmitted to the image forming apparatus, the information processing apparatus specific data is It is not stored in the image forming apparatus. Thereby, the information processing apparatus for setting the unlocking data and the information processing apparatus for storing the information processing apparatus specific data in the image forming apparatus can be separated.

Note that when the unlocking data is registered from the information processing apparatus 70 to the image forming apparatus, the information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus 70 that has transmitted the locking / unlocking data may be stored and registered. In this case, the information processing apparatus that sets the unlocking data and the information processing apparatus that stores the information processing apparatus specific data in the image forming apparatus can be the same.
In addition, as the information processing apparatus specific data, a MAC address, a manufacturing number, an IP address, or the like can be used.

In the specific information processing apparatus 70, when the administrator inputs the unlocking / unlocking data, the input information processing apparatus specific data is stored in the information processing apparatus specific data storage unit 121 of the image forming apparatus.
Specifically, in the information processing apparatus 70, when the administrator inputs the unlocking / unlocking data, the information processing specific data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus together with the input unlocking / unlocking data. In the image forming apparatus, the unlocking data and the information processing apparatus specific data are received by the interface 44, the locking / unlocking data is sent to the lock control means 50, and the information processing apparatus specific data is sent to the specific information management means 110. Sent. The information processing device specific data storage unit 121 stores the information processing device specific data.
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the information processing apparatus specific data is necessary for locking and unlocking the paper feed cassette, so that the unlocking and unlocking data directly from the operation unit 11 of the image forming apparatus. No input can be done.

The information processing device unique data erasure unit 122 erases the information processing device unique data registered in the information processing device unique data storage unit 121.
Specifically, when the administrator inputs locking / unlocking data such as a password from the specific information processing apparatus 70 and repeats locking and unlocking of the paper cassette, the administrator then changes to another information processing apparatus 70. The stored information processing apparatus specific data is deleted.
The stored information processing apparatus specific data may be erased each time the paper feed cassette of the image forming apparatus is locked and the paper feed cassette is appropriately unlocked while satisfying the predetermined condition. In this case, when locking / unlocking data is set again to lock the paper feed cassette, new information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus 70 is stored in the information processing apparatus specific data storage unit 121.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the information processing device identification determination unit 130 includes an information processing device specific data collating unit 131.
The information processing device specific data collating means 131 is information processing device specific data registered in the information processing device specific data storage means 121 (of the information processing device that has transmitted the unlocking data received first by the data receiving means). Information processing apparatus specific data) and the information processing apparatus specific data transmitted are collated when the unlocking data is input by the information processing apparatus 70 at the time of locking or unlocking, and the information processing apparatus specific data is the same Determine whether or not.

If the information processing apparatus specific data is the same as a result of the verification, the information processing apparatus specific data verification unit 131 matches the information processing apparatus specific data with the locking / unlocking control unit 56 of the lock control unit 50. Send a signal to that effect. In this case, the locking / unlocking control means 56 locks or unlocks the paper feed cassette on the condition that the initially input locking / unlocking data and the input locking / unlocking data are the same thereafter. .
On the other hand, when the data unique to the information processing apparatus is different, the paper feed cassette is not locked or unlocked even when the lock and unlock data match. This is because, if the information processing apparatus specific data is different, the information processing apparatus 70 that first inputs the locking / unlocking data and the information processing apparatus 70 that inputs the locking / unlocking data for locking / unlocking are different. This is because the three parties may improperly lock and unlock the paper cassette.

Next, operations of the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus 70 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
12 and 13 are operation procedure diagrams of the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.
It is assumed that the locking password and the unlocking password (locking / unlocking data) are already input and transmitted to the image forming apparatus by the operation of the administrator in the information processing apparatus 70. For this reason, the lock password and the unlock password have already been set and registered in the password registration means 58 of the image forming apparatus (step 50).
Further, the information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus 70 is set and stored in the information processing apparatus specific data storage unit 121.

First, a method for locking the paper feed cassette of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
A sheet is fed to each of the sheet feeding cassettes 20A to 20D of the image forming apparatus, and then a lock password is input in the information processing apparatus 70 (step S51). The input lock password is transmitted to the image forming apparatus together with the information processing apparatus specific data (step S52).
When the locking password and the information processing apparatus specific data are first received after setting the locking password in the I / F 44 of the image forming apparatus (step S53), the received information processing apparatus specific data is the information processing apparatus specific data. The data is sent to the storage means 121 and stored / registered (step S54).

Next, the received lock password is sent to the password verification control means 54 of the lock control means 50, and it is verified whether the lock passwords match (step S55).
If the lock passwords do not match as a result of the verification, an error message is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11a of the operation unit 11 of the image forming apparatus (step S56), and the paper feed cassette is not locked. On the other hand, if the passwords match, the sheet feeding cassette is locked by the locking / unlocking control means 56 (step S57).

Next, a method for unlocking the paper feed cassette of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
When the unlocking password is input in the information processing apparatus 70 (step S60), the information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus 70 and the input unlocking password are transmitted to the image forming apparatus (step S61).
When the information processing apparatus specific data and the unlocking password are received by the image forming apparatus (step S62), the information processing apparatus specific data stored in the information processing apparatus specific data storage unit 121 (first received by the data receiving unit). The information processing device unique data of the information processing device that has transmitted the unlocked data and the information processing device unique data received together with the unlocking password are matched by the information processing device unique data matching means 131 (Step S63).

If the information processing apparatus specific data do not match as a result of the collation, an error message is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 11a of the operation section 11 of the image forming apparatus (step S64), and the paper feed cassette 20 is not unlocked. On the other hand, if the information processing apparatus specific data match as a result of the collation, the password collation control means 54 of the lock control means 50 collates whether the unlocked passwords match (step S65).
If the unlocking passwords do not match as a result of the verification, an error message is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11a of the operation unit 11 of the image forming apparatus (step S66), and the sheet feeding cassette is not unlocked. On the other hand, if the passwords match, the sheet feeding cassette is unlocked by the locking / unlocking control means 56 (step S67).

It should be noted that the information processing apparatus specific data can be prevented from being erased when the paper feed cassette is unlocked. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the third party from entering the password or the like and then locking and unlocking the paper feed cassette by using the information processing apparatus 70 different from the specific information processing apparatus 70.
In addition, when the paper cassette is unlocked, the information processing apparatus specific data may be automatically deleted from the information processing apparatus 70 by the information processing apparatus specific data erasing means 122. In this case, the administrator can store new information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus 70 in the information processing apparatus specific data storage unit 121 by registering the unlocking data in the information processing apparatus 70 again. it can.

  When changing the specific information processing apparatus 70, the information processing apparatus specific data stored in the information processing apparatus specific data storage unit 121 is deleted by the information processing apparatus specific data erasing unit 122. Thereafter, by inputting the unlocking / unlocking data from another information processing apparatus 70, the information processing apparatus specific data of the other information processing apparatus 70 can be stored in the information processing apparatus specific data storage means 121. Device specific data can be changed.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, the physical key metal is not necessary as in the first embodiment. Theft of valuable paper can be prevented.
Further, information processing apparatus specific data is first transmitted from the information processing apparatus 70 to which the locking / unlocking data is input to the image forming apparatus, and the information processing apparatus specific data is stored, so that information at the time of locking or unlocking is obtained. Unless the information processing device unique data transmitted from the processing device 70 matches the stored information processing device unique data, the paper cassette cannot be locked or unlocked even if the lock / unlock data matches. Therefore, since the information processing device 70 other than the specific information processing device 70 cannot be used to lock and unlock the paper feed cassette, theft can be more strictly prevented.

Furthermore, even when the paper cassette is locked and unlocked using a physical key, the information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus 70 is stored in the image forming apparatus, and the paper cassette is locked. It is also possible to use information processing apparatus specific data in combination for unlocking. That is, even if the metal fittings of the paper feed cassette match, the information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus 70 stored in the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus 70 at the time of locking or unlocking If they do not match, locking and unlocking can be prohibited.
As a result, even if a physical key is used instead of the unlocking data, if the information processing device specific data does not match at the time of locking or unlocking, the paper cassette is locked and unlocked. It can also be locked.

Next, the locking / unlocking program will be described.
The locking / unlocking program is read by the main control unit 41 of the image forming apparatus and the like, thereby sending commands to the respective components of the image forming apparatus, and information processing in predetermined means, for example, information processing apparatus specific data collating means 131 Collation of device-specific data, locking based on the result of this collation, locking and unlocking in the unlocking control means 57 are made to function. Thus, each function of the image forming apparatus is realized by the cooperation of the locking / unlocking program that is software and each component that is hardware resource.
The locking / unlocking program is also read by a control unit (not shown) of the information processing apparatus, and each function of the information processing apparatus is similar to each function of the image forming apparatus. This is realized by the cooperation of each component means that is a wear resource.

  A locking / unlocking program for realizing the functions of the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus is stored in a ROM or a hard disk provided in a main control unit 41 of the image forming apparatus or a control unit (not shown) of the information processing apparatus. In addition, it can be stored in a computer-readable recording medium, an external storage device, a portable recording medium, or the like.

  An external recording device refers to a memory expansion device that incorporates a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and is externally connected to an image forming apparatus or the like. On the other hand, the portable recording medium is a recording medium that can be mounted on a recording medium driving device (drive device) and is portable, and refers to, for example, a flexible disk, a memory card, a magneto-optical disk, and the like.

  The program recorded on the recording medium is loaded into the RAM of the computer and executed by the CPU. By this execution, functions such as the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment described above are realized.

In this embodiment, the case of an image forming apparatus (mica toner printer) that prints on precious printing paper has been described. However, an image forming apparatus that uses general inexpensive copy paper (copier, facsimile, copy function and facsimile). to combine the functionality MFP) also to be used for the present invention is, of course.

For example, the present invention can be applied to a case where a general document that can be viewed by anyone and a document that can be viewed only by a specific person are stored separately in each drawer in a document locker having several drawers.

1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an external appearance of a main part when a paper feeding cassette is pulled out in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an operation of a locking unit in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, where FIG. 5A is a perspective view in a locked state, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view in an unlocked state. 2 is a block diagram of a control system in the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment. FIG. It is a block diagram of the lock control means which comprises the control system. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of password allocation for each paper feed cassette in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of locking of each paper feed cassette when an administrator password is registered or changed in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of unlocking of each paper feed cassette in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of locking of each sheet cassette when an administrator password is registered in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a block diagram of a control system in the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment. It is a block diagram of the specific information management means which comprises the same control system. It is an operation | movement procedure figure at the time of locking in the image processing apparatus of 2nd embodiment. It is an operation | movement procedure figure at the time of unlocking in the image processing apparatus of 2nd embodiment. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a first conventional example, in which FIG. 1A is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view when a paper feeding cassette is pulled out. It is a figure which shows a 2nd prior art example, Comprising: (A) is a figure of the 1st step for removing a locking member with a tool, (B) is a 2nd step, and is a figure in the middle of removing a locking member (C) is a figure which is a 3rd step, Comprising: A locking member has removed completely.

Explanation of symbols

MP Mica Toner Printer 10 Printer Main Body 11 Operation Unit 11a Liquid Crystal Display Unit 11b Button Unit 12 Insertion / Removal Port 13 Solenoid 13a Insertion / Removal Rod 20A First Paper Feed Cassette 20B Second Paper Feed Cassette 20C Third Paper Feed Cassette 20D Fourth Sheet cassette 21 Front plate 22 Bracket 22a Locking hole 30A Main body housing (first housing)
30B Second housing 30C Third housing 30D Fourth housing 40 Control system 41 Main control unit 42 Bus 43 Solenoid driving unit 44 Interface (I / F)
45 Machine drive unit 46 Alarm unit 50 Lock control unit 51 Cassette designation control unit 52 Password registration control unit 53 Password change control unit 54 Password verification control unit 55 Password determination control unit 56 Locking / unlocking control unit 57 Communication control unit 58 Password registration Means 70 Information processing apparatus 71 Display unit 72 Keyboard 80 Communication means 100 Image forming apparatus 100a Image forming apparatus main body 101 Paper feed cassette 102 Cylinder main body 103 Key metal 104 Locking member 104c, 104d Hole 104e Projection 105 Tool 106 Hole 110 Unique Information management means 111 Communication control means 120 Specific information storage control means 121 Information processing apparatus specific data storage means 122 Information processing apparatus specific data erasure means 130 Information processing apparatus specific determination means 131 Information processing apparatus specific data collation means

Claims (17)

An image forming apparatus comprising a housing, a paper feed cassette that can be inserted into and removed from the housing, and locking means that locks and unlocks the housing and the paper feed cassette,
Data receiving means for receiving locking / unlocking data relating to the locking and / or unlocking;
Locking / unlocking control means for causing the locking means to perform locking and / or unlocking based on the locking / unlocking data,
Locking / unlocking data setting means for setting locking / unlocking data for verification;
Unique data registration means for registering the information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the unlocking data received first by the data receiving means after the setting of the unlocking data for verification,
Information processing device unique data collating means for collating the information processing device unique data of the information processing device that has transmitted the unlocking data at the time of subsequent locking or unlocking with the registered information processing device unique data,
The locking / unlocking control means causes the locking means to perform locking and / or unlocking when both data match based on the result of the collation by the information processing apparatus specific data collating means. An image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising a housing, a paper feed cassette that can be inserted into and removed from the housing, and locking means that locks and unlocks the housing and the paper feed cassette,
Data receiving means for receiving locking / unlocking data relating to the locking and / or unlocking;
Locking / unlocking control means for causing the locking means to perform locking and / or unlocking based on the locking / unlocking data,
Locking / unlocking data setting means for setting locking / unlocking data for verification;
Unique data registration means for registering the information processing device unique data of the information processing device that has transmitted the lock and unlock data when setting the verification unlocking data;
Information processing device unique data collating means for collating the information processing device unique data of the information processing device that has transmitted the unlocking data at the time of subsequent locking or unlocking with the registered information processing device unique data,
The locking / unlocking control means causes the locking means to perform locking and / or unlocking when both data match based on the result of the collation by the information processing apparatus specific data collating means. An image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising a housing, a paper feed cassette that can be inserted into and removed from the housing, and locking means that locks and unlocks the housing and the paper feed cassette,
Data receiving means for receiving locking / unlocking data relating to the locking and / or unlocking;
Locking / unlocking control means for causing the locking means to perform locking and / or unlocking based on the locking / unlocking data,
Locking / unlocking data setting means for setting locking / unlocking data for verification;
After setting the locking / unlocking data for verification, among the locking / unlocking data received by the data receiving means, the unique information for registering the information processing device specific data of the information processing device to which the locking / unlocking data is first input Data registration means;
Information processing device unique data collating means for collating the information processing device unique data of the information processing device that has transmitted the unlocking data at the time of subsequent locking or unlocking with the registered information processing device unique data,
The locking / unlocking control means causes the locking means to perform locking and / or unlocking when both data match based on the result of the collation by the information processing apparatus specific data collating means. An image forming apparatus. After repeating the locking and unlocking of the paper feed cassette by the locking / unlocking control means, when changed to another information processing device,
Or
After the paper feeding cassette is locked by the locking / unlocking control means, each time the paper feeding cassette is properly unlocked satisfying a predetermined condition,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unique data erasing unit that erases the registered data inherent to the information processing apparatus. A plurality of the paper cassettes are provided;
The locking means is provided in one or more of the plurality of paper feed cassettes,
The locking / unlocking control means causes all or a part of the one or more locking means to perform locking and / or unlocking based on the locking / unlocking data. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. There are a plurality of the unlocking data,
The locking means is provided in a plurality of paper feed cassettes,
Locking and unlocking data corresponding to each locking means is defined,
6. The locking / unlocking control means causes the locking means corresponding to the locking / unlocking data received by the data receiving means to perform locking and / or unlocking. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The unlocking data consists of a password,
The image forming apparatus includes password verification means for verifying the password,
The locking / unlocking control unit causes the locking unit to perform locking and / or unlocking based on a password that is determined to be correct as a result of the collation. The image forming apparatus according to Item. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data receiving unit includes a receiving unit that receives the electronic data transmitted from the outside. The information processing apparatus specific data is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is one or more of a MAC address, a serial number, and an IP address of the information processing apparatus. An image forming apparatus having a housing, a paper feed cassette that can be inserted into and removed from the housing, and a locking unit that locks and unlocks the housing and the paper feed cassette;
An image forming system including an information processing device that transmits predetermined data,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Software for inputting the locking and unlocking data relating to the locking and / or unlocking;
Transmission means for transmitting the locking / unlocking data to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving the unlocking data;
Locking / unlocking control means for causing the locking means to perform locking and / or unlocking based on the locking / unlocking data,
Locking / unlocking data setting means for setting locking / unlocking data for verification;
Unique data registration means for registering the information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the unlocking data received first by the data receiving means after the setting of the unlocking data for verification,
Information processing device unique data collating means for collating the information processing device unique data of the information processing device that has transmitted the unlocking data at the time of subsequent locking or unlocking with the registered information processing device unique data,
The locking / unlocking control means causes the locking means to perform locking and / or unlocking when both data match based on the result of the collation by the information processing apparatus specific data collating means. A featured image forming system. An image forming apparatus having a housing, a paper feed cassette that can be inserted into and removed from the housing, and a locking unit that locks and unlocks the housing and the paper feed cassette;
An image forming system including an information processing device that transmits predetermined data,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Software for inputting the locking and unlocking data relating to the locking and / or unlocking;
Transmission means for transmitting the locking / unlocking data to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving the unlocking data;
Locking / unlocking control means for causing the locking means to perform locking and / or unlocking based on the locking / unlocking data,
Locking / unlocking data setting means for setting locking / unlocking data for verification;
Unique data registration means for registering the information processing device unique data of the information processing device that has transmitted the lock and unlock data when setting the verification unlocking data;
Information processing device unique data collating means for collating the information processing device unique data of the information processing device that has transmitted the unlocking data at the time of subsequent locking or unlocking with the registered information processing device unique data,
The locking / unlocking control means causes the locking means to perform locking and / or unlocking when both data match based on the result of the collation by the information processing apparatus specific data collating means. A featured image forming system. An image forming apparatus having a housing, a paper feed cassette that can be inserted into and removed from the housing, and a locking unit that locks and unlocks the housing and the paper feed cassette;
An image forming system including an information processing device that transmits predetermined data,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Software for inputting the locking and unlocking data relating to the locking and / or unlocking;
Transmission means for transmitting the locking / unlocking data to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving the unlocking data;
Locking / unlocking control means for causing the locking means to perform locking and / or unlocking based on the locking / unlocking data,
Locking / unlocking data setting means for setting locking / unlocking data for verification;
After setting the locking / unlocking data for verification, among the locking / unlocking data received by the data receiving means, the unique information for registering the information processing device specific data of the information processing device to which the locking / unlocking data is first input Data registration means;
Information processing device unique data collating means for collating the information processing device unique data of the information processing device that has transmitted the unlocking data at the time of subsequent locking or unlocking with the registered information processing device unique data,
The locking / unlocking control means causes the locking means to perform locking and / or unlocking when both data match based on the result of the collation by the information processing apparatus specific data collating means. A featured image forming system. The image forming system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the software includes application software and / or a utility program. The information processing apparatus specific data is
The image forming system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the information processing apparatus is one or more of a MAC address, a manufacturing number, and an IP address. The image forming apparatus is caused to function as a locking unit that locks / unlocks between the housing and the paper feeding cassette, and functions as a receiving unit that receives the locking / unlocking data, and based on the locking / unlocking data, the locking Function as locking / unlocking control means for locking and / or unlocking means,
A locking / unlocking program that causes an information processing device to function as a transmission unit that transmits the locking / unlocking data to the image forming apparatus,
Causing the transmission means of the information processing apparatus to transmit information processing apparatus specific data to the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus;
Locking / unlocking data setting means for setting locking / unlocking data for verification,
Unique data registration means for registering the information processing apparatus specific data of the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the unlocking data received first by the data receiving means after the setting of the unlocking data for verification,
Functions as information processing device specific data collating means for collating the information processing device specific data of the information processing device that has transmitted the unlocking data at the time of locking or unlocking thereafter with the registered information processing device specific data Let
The locking / unlocking control means is means for causing the locking means to lock and / or unlock when both data match based on the result of the collation by the information processing apparatus specific data collating means. Locking and unlocking program characterized by functioning. The image forming apparatus is caused to function as a locking unit that locks / unlocks between the housing and the paper feeding cassette, and functions as a receiving unit that receives the locking / unlocking data, and based on the locking / unlocking data, the locking Function as locking / unlocking control means for locking and / or unlocking means,
A locking / unlocking program that causes an information processing device to function as a transmission unit that transmits the locking / unlocking data to the image forming apparatus,
Causing the transmission means of the information processing apparatus to transmit information processing apparatus specific data to the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus;
Locking / unlocking data setting means for setting locking / unlocking data for verification,
Unique data registration means for registering the information processing device unique data of the information processing device that has transmitted the lock / unlock data when the lock / unlock data for verification is set;
Functions as information processing device specific data collating means for collating the information processing device specific data of the information processing device that has transmitted the unlocking data at the time of locking or unlocking thereafter with the registered information processing device specific data Let
The locking / unlocking control means is means for causing the locking means to lock and / or unlock when both data match based on the result of the collation by the information processing apparatus specific data collating means. Locking and unlocking program characterized by functioning. The image forming apparatus is caused to function as a locking unit that locks / unlocks between the housing and the paper feeding cassette, and functions as a receiving unit that receives the locking / unlocking data, and based on the locking / unlocking data, the locking Function as locking / unlocking control means for locking and / or unlocking means,
A locking / unlocking program that causes an information processing device to function as a transmission unit that transmits the locking / unlocking data to the image forming apparatus,
Causing the transmission means of the information processing apparatus to transmit information processing apparatus specific data to the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus;
Locking / unlocking data setting means for setting locking / unlocking data for verification,
After setting the locking / unlocking data for verification, among the locking / unlocking data received by the data receiving means, the unique information for registering the information processing device specific data of the information processing device to which the locking / unlocking data is first input Data registration means,
Functions as information processing device specific data collating means for collating the information processing device specific data of the information processing device that has transmitted the unlocking data at the time of locking or unlocking thereafter with the registered information processing device specific data Let
The locking / unlocking control means is means for causing the locking means to lock and / or unlock when both data match based on the result of the collation by the information processing apparatus specific data collating means. Locking and unlocking program characterized by functioning.

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