JP4365593B2 - Image forming apparatus maintenance method and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus maintenance method and an image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Image forming apparatuses have high image quality and high resolution, and color image forming apparatuses are also widely used. In such an image forming apparatus capable of forming a high-quality image, fine adjustment is performed by a P-sensor, a T-sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or the like so that the image formation is in an appropriate state. In addition, more detailed settings are possible depending on the usage environment and usage status of the image forming apparatus or the user's preference of the image forming apparatus, and services such as changing the parameters of the image forming process based on the detection results of various sensors. This is performed by man and the like (for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-5-134548 [0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when various parameters are changed, users who are not very familiar with the settings change the parameters in various ways so that they become their own preferences. Eventually, unintended image formation (for example, image density is extremely high). In many cases, it may be necessary to request a maintenance from a sales company or the like.
[0005]
Normally, special settings make it difficult for ordinary users to use encryption, etc., but since the encryption is not so long, a service person such as a sales company can see the encryption input when performing maintenance. There is a high possibility that
[0006]
Furthermore, although a method of lengthening the encryption or making it not constant is conceivable, this imposes a heavy burden on the development stage of an image forming apparatus that requires frequent special settings.
[0007]
As described above, special settings are often used not only by the developer of the image forming apparatus but also by a service person who performs maintenance of the image forming apparatus, so that the special settings are understood and permitted. There has been a demand for a maintenance method for an image forming apparatus that can be set only by a person without feeling a burden.
[0008]
According to the present invention, only an authorized specific operator can perform maintenance of an image forming apparatus with special settings, and prevents erroneous operation of the image forming apparatus caused by setting by an unskilled person. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus maintenance method and an image forming apparatus.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a maintenance method for an image forming apparatus in which only an operator carrying an IC card is permitted to maintain the image forming apparatus, and prohibits setting operations of each function of the image forming apparatus. If the image forming apparatus receives the identification data transmitted from the IC card, the image forming apparatus collates the identification data with the registered data registered in the image forming apparatus. When the identification data of the IC card is authenticated as the registration data, the lock unit is released so that the setting operation of each function of the image forming apparatus can be performed, and the receiving unit of the image forming apparatus When the transmission data from the IC card is received every predetermined time in the case where the transmission data from the IC card has not been received for a certain period of time, the locking means is locked. Prohibits setting operation of each function of the serial image forming apparatus, the IC card is a contactless card, characterized in that the communication with the IC card by radio signal and the image forming apparatus is performed.
[0010]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, when maintenance of the image forming apparatus is performed, when an operator approaches the image forming apparatus, identification data recorded on the IC card is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. When the image forming apparatus receives the transmitted identification data, the identification data is collated with data registered in advance in the image forming apparatus. If the two data match as a result of the collation, the lock means for prohibiting the setting operation of the image forming apparatus is released, and the operator can perform maintenance work on the image forming apparatus.
[0011]
In addition, the transmission unit receives the transmission data from the IC card every predetermined time at the receiving unit of the image forming apparatus, and locks the lock unit when the transmission data from the IC card has not been received for a certain period of time. Therefore, only when the identification data recorded on the IC card matches the registered data, the lock means is released, and only the owner of the IC card performs the setting operation of each function. As a result, it is possible to perform appropriate maintenance, avoid erroneous operation of the image forming apparatus caused by setting by a person who is not familiar with the technology, and the person carrying the IC card leaves the place ( Even when the user is away from the image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent others from changing the function setting of the image forming apparatus without permission.
Further, since the IC card is a non-contact type card, it is not necessary to attach the IC card to the image forming apparatus, and the authentication work can be easily performed.
[0012]
The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, a history of maintenance of the image forming apparatus is recorded on the IC card.
[0013]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the same effect as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained. When the image forming apparatus is maintained, the time and setting contents of the setting operation are stored in the image forming apparatus as a history. Saved. The history is transmitted from the image forming apparatus to the IC card, and the history is recorded in the card.
[0014]
As described above, since the contents of maintenance are recorded on the IC card, it is possible to save the trouble of creating a document for the details of the maintenance contents, and as a reference for the maintenance of the image forming apparatus and the maintenance plan based on the history. Can be used.
[0015]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the maintenance count number formed by the image forming apparatus for the maintenance of the image forming apparatus is calculated from the total count number in which the image forming apparatus has actually performed image formation. It is characterized in that it is subtracted and excluded from the billing target.
[0016]
The invention described in claim 3 has the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 2, and subtracts the maintenance count number formed for image maintenance from the total count number, so that the user needs to bear the burden. No charge for image formation can be eliminated.
[0017]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the history recorded on the IC card is read into an electronic recording medium separate from the image forming apparatus, and a series of history data is recorded in an electronic file. Features.
[0018]
According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the same effect as that of the second aspect of the invention can be obtained, and the history data can be obtained from a plurality of IC cards by connecting the IC card and the electronic recording medium. The image forming apparatus sold on the electronic recording medium can be collectively managed.
[0023]
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the image forming apparatus outputs history information data for which maintenance has been performed.
[0024]
In the invention as set forth in claim 5, created with the same effects as the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the it is possible to output history information data from the image forming apparatus, maintenance work report Can be performed quickly and easily.
[0025]
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the maintenance method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is performed.
[0026]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus capable of performing good image formation can be obtained by the maintenance method according to any of the first to fifth aspects.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 2 is a flowchart showing an authentication operation in the IC card, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a maintenance report, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a maintenance method for the image forming apparatus.
[0028]
The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 50 that controls the image forming apparatus 100, and the control unit 50 controls the apparatus based on recorded programs and data. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a density sensor 11 that reads an image density of a developed pattern on the drum, a temperature sensor 13 that measures the temperature of the drum and the fixing roller, and various sensors such as a registration sensor 15. These sensors are connected to the operation unit (control plate) 39 through the control unit 50. Then, setting operation can be performed in the operation unit 39 so that image formation is performed appropriately.
[0029]
In the present embodiment, only a specific worker can perform a setting operation on the operation unit 39. That is, when a specific worker carries an IC card 10 to be described later and the image forming apparatus 100 receives and authenticates identification data transmitted from the IC card 10, maintenance (hereinafter also referred to as maintenance) is performed. The lock means 37 for permitting is released.
[0030]
The IC card 10 is about the size of an employee ID card and is used by a worker to carry. The IC card 10 has an attribute information memory 21 in which ID data (identification data) of the owner is recorded, a maintenance database 23 in which a format format of a report 60, which will be described later, is recorded, and the date and time of maintenance. And a history memory 25 that records history information such as contents. Further, the IC card 10 includes a transmission / reception unit 27 that performs information communication with the image forming apparatus 100.
[0031]
Further, on the image forming apparatus 100 side, a transmission / reception unit 31 that performs information communication with the IC card 10 and an IC card read unit 32 that reads transmitted information are provided. The ID data transmitted from the IC card 10 is collated with registered data registered in advance. In order to further ensure authentication, a password verification unit 35 is provided to prompt the operator to input a password. In addition to authentication by inputting a password, a physical recognition means for recognizing a human fingerprint, voice, DNA information, etc. by a sensor may be combined. When the IC card 10 is authenticated by the above method, the lock means 37 for permitting the setting operation of each function is released.
[0032]
The IC card 10 is a non-contact card and performs information communication at a position away from the image forming apparatus 100. The distance that can be communicated between the IC card 10 and the transmission / reception unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 100 is 5 m or less, preferably 0.2 to 4 m, more preferably 0.5 to 3 m in consideration of a maintenance work range or an erroneous operation. is there.
[0033]
Further, the IC card lead unit 32 receives transmission data from the IC card 10 every predetermined time (for example, 1 minute), and the IC card 10 is out of the communication range with the transmission / reception unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 100. That is, it is possible to easily recognize that the operator has left the image forming apparatus 100. When the transmission data from the IC card 10 is no longer received, the locking means 37 is locked, and even if the worker carrying the IC card 10 leaves the place, other people can use it. It is possible to prevent the setting from being changed.
[0034]
In the image forming apparatus 100, a history about maintenance contents is recorded in the IC card writer unit 41. The history is also recorded in the IC card 10. That is, the IC card writer unit 41 records the identification data of the image forming apparatus 100, the maintenance content recording unit 45 that records the maintenance date and the history of the maintenance, and the number of times of image formation. And a counter unit 43. Information stored in the maintenance content recording unit 45 is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 to the IC card 10 via the transmission / reception units 27 and 31 and recorded as the history memory 25.
[0035]
As described above, since the history of maintenance date and time, maintenance contents, etc. is recorded in the IC card 10, the information recorded in the history memory 25 of the IC card 10 on the computer after the worker returns to the company. By reading, the report 60 or the database can be easily created.
[0036]
Further, the report 60 can be output from the image forming apparatus 100. The format format of the report 60 is recorded in the IC card 10, and the report 60 is created by writing the history in the format format. In the report 60, the model name 61, the ID number 63 of the image forming apparatus 100, the contractor name 65, the maintenance date and time 67, the maintenance content 69, and the like are written. As described above, since the history information of the maintenance content can be output in the image forming apparatus 100, the report 60 can be created quickly and easily. When it is desired to describe details of maintenance, detailed data may be described by handwriting in the output report 60.
[0037]
In general, users who have a performance charge contract are charged according to the number of images formed. Therefore, it is indispensable to check the image formation for maintenance and maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100, but the user should not bear the number of sheets on which the image is formed for maintenance and maintenance. . Therefore, the number of sheets on which images are formed for maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100 is subtracted from the total counter 19. Specifically, after the authentication of the IC card 10, the image formation performed after the lock unit 37 is released is recorded in the counter unit 43. Then, the value is subtracted from the total counter 19 by the number of counters recorded in the counter unit 43. The information of the total counter 19 and the counter unit 43 is recorded on the IC card 10, the IC card 10 is connected to a computer separate from the image forming apparatus 100, and the counter recorded from the total counter 19 to the counter unit 43 on the computer. You may perform the process which subtracts a number.
[0038]
Next, based on the above configuration, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the worker carrying the IC card 10 approaches the image forming apparatus 100, it is determined whether or not the identification data recorded on the IC card 10 has been received by the receiving unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 100 (S101). When the identification data is received, the attribute data matching unit 33, which is the next step, collates the identification data with the pre-registered data (S102). If the two data match as a result of the collation, the password input from the operation unit 39 is received in the next step (S103).
[0039]
It is determined whether or not the password input by the password verification unit 35 is correct (S104). As a result, when the password matches the registered password, the lock unit 37 is released (S105), and the functions of the image forming apparatus 100 can be adjusted by the operation unit 39.
[0040]
As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with the lock unit 37 for permitting the setting operation, and the lock unit 37 is used only when the identification data recorded in the IC card 10 matches the registration data. Therefore, only the holder of the IC card 10 can perform the setting operation of each function, so that appropriate maintenance can be performed and the image forming apparatus 100 generated by the setting by a person who is not familiar with the technology. Can be avoided.
[0041]
Further, when the IC card 10 moves away from the communication range of the image forming apparatus 100, the lock unit 37 is automatically locked and the operation unit 39 cannot be operated, so that the image forming apparatus 100 can be maintained and maintained as before. It is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to perform the lock operation as in the case of manually locking after the completion.
[0042]
Since it actually implemented, the Example is demonstrated below.
[0043]
【Example】
In this embodiment, a color image forming apparatus imagio Color 4000 (trademark: manufactured by Ricoh) is improved as the image forming apparatus 100, and an IC card lead / writer 32 having a communication range of 3 m at the front right end of the image forming apparatus 100, 41 is provided so that special settings can be made when the IC card 10 capable of special settings enters the communication range of the image forming apparatus 100. A service person possessing the IC card 10 maintained and maintained the image forming apparatus 100.
[0044]
Since information indicating that an abnormal image may occur is obtained from the user of the image forming apparatus 100, the service person performs image formation with horizontal one dot for easy identification of the abnormal image. With this setting, an abnormal image is easily recognized and the image quality is not good, so it should not be performed in normal image formation. As a result of changing the parameters of image formation and other processes and forming the image, it was found that there was an abnormality in the photoconductor. Therefore, when the photoconductor was changed to a new one, a high-quality image could be obtained.
[0045]
The service person interrupted the maintenance and maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100 and left the image forming apparatus 100 with the IC card 10. Although a notice that maintenance is in progress has been placed on the image forming apparatus 100, the user of the image forming apparatus 100 has tried to change a special setting because of interest. However, since the user did not have the IC card 10 permitted for the special setting, the special setting could not be changed.
[0046]
The number of image formations required for maintenance and maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100 was 24 sheets. However, considering the amount of toner or paper consumption, 48 sheets of the total counter 19 stored in the image forming apparatus 100 are subtracted. Since there was no problem other than the photoconductor, all changed settings were restored and the user was informed that the maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100 was completed. The history of special settings was stored in the IC card 10 from the IC card leads / writers 32 and 41, the service person returned to the sales office, and entered the data stored in the IC card 10 into the computer database.
[0047]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0048]
Although the IC card 10 is a non-contact type card, it may be a card of a type that is attached to the image forming apparatus 100.
[0049]
The IC card 10 may be provided with a display panel or an operation panel. In this case, the past history can be viewed on the display panel simply by inputting the ID number of the image forming apparatus 100 to be maintained, and appropriate maintenance work can be performed while referring to the history.
[0050]
Although the above embodiment has been described assuming a copying machine, it may be related to a printer, a FAX, or the like.
[0051]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a maintenance method for an image forming apparatus in which only an operator carrying an IC card is allowed to maintain the image forming apparatus, and prohibits setting operations of each function of the image forming apparatus. If the image forming apparatus receives the identification data transmitted from the IC card, the image forming apparatus collates the identification data with the registered data registered in the image forming apparatus. When the identification data of the IC card is authenticated as the registration data, the lock unit is released so that the setting operation of each function of the image forming apparatus can be performed, and the receiving unit of the image forming apparatus When the transmission data from the IC card is received every predetermined time at the predetermined time, and the transmission data from the IC card has not been received for a certain time, the locking means is locked. Prohibits setting operation of each function of the image forming apparatus, the IC card is a contactless card, the communication with the IC card by radio signal and the image forming apparatus is performed, the holder of the IC card only Can perform setting operations for each function, so that appropriate maintenance can be performed, and erroneous operation of the image forming apparatus caused by setting by an unskilled person can be avoided. Even when the person leaves the place (away from the image forming apparatus), it is possible to prevent others from changing the function setting of the image forming apparatus without permission. Further, since the IC card is a non-contact type card, it is not necessary to attach the IC card to the image forming apparatus, and the authentication work can be easily performed.
[0052]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the same effect as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained, and since the contents of the maintenance are recorded on the IC card, the trouble of creating a document for the details of the maintenance contents can be saved. It can also be used as a reference for maintenance and maintenance plans of the image forming apparatus based on the history.
[0053]
The invention described in claim 3 has the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 2, and the maintenance count number formed for image maintenance is subtracted from the total count number. Charges for image formation can be eliminated.
[0054]
According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the same effect as that of the second aspect of the invention can be obtained, and history data can be read from a plurality of IC cards into the electronic recording medium by connecting the IC card and the electronic recording medium. The image forming apparatus sold on the electronic recording medium can be collectively managed.
[0057]
In the invention described in claim 5, the same effects as in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, since the maintenance contents can be output in the image forming apparatus, rapidly and creating maintenance report It can be done easily.
[0058]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus capable of performing good image formation can be obtained by performing the maintenance method according to any of the first to fifth aspects.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an authentication operation in an IC card.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a description example of a maintenance report.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a maintenance method for an image forming apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 IC card 19 Total counter (total count)
27 Transmitter / Receiver 31 Transmitter / Receiver 37 Locking Unit 43 Counter (Maintenance Count)
100 Image forming apparatus

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus maintenance method for permitting maintenance of an image forming apparatus only for an operator carrying an IC card, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a lock unit for prohibiting a setting operation of each function of the image forming apparatus. When the image forming apparatus receives the identification data transmitted from the IC card, the image forming apparatus collates the identification data with the registered data, and the identification data of the IC card Is authenticated as the registration data, the lock unit is released so that the setting operation of each function of the image forming apparatus can be performed,
The receiving unit of the image forming apparatus receives transmission data from the IC card every predetermined time, and when the transmission data from the IC card has not been received for a predetermined time, the locking unit is locked to lock the image prohibits setting operation of each function of the forming device,
A maintenance method for an image forming apparatus, wherein the IC card is a non-contact type card, and communication between the IC card and the image forming apparatus is performed by a wireless signal .   The maintenance method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a history of maintenance of the image forming apparatus is recorded on the IC card.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance count number formed for the maintenance of the image forming apparatus is subtracted from the charge count by subtracting the maintenance count number formed for maintenance of the image forming apparatus from the total count number actually formed. The maintenance method of the image forming apparatus according to 2.   The maintenance method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a history recorded on the IC card is read into an electronic recording medium different from the image forming apparatus, and a series of history data is recorded in an electronic file. 5. The maintenance method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus outputs history information data for which maintenance has been performed . An image forming apparatus that performs the maintenance method according to claim 1 .

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