JP4515718B2 - Function setting device, image forming apparatus, and function setting method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a function setting device and an image forming apparatus for setting a function desired by a user in an apparatus or the like that can execute a plurality of functions.andFunction settingTo the lawRelated.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a user performs a copying operation by setting a plurality of functions such as setting for monochrome printing or color printing, enlargement or reduction, and the number of copies to be printed. Also in the facsimile apparatus, after setting the clearness of the image, the transmission destination is set and the facsimile transmission operation is executed.
[0003]
As described above, in an image forming apparatus and other apparatuses that perform operations including other multi-functions, a user sets a plurality of functions and then performs operations including these functions. Conventionally, such a plurality of function settings have been performed by a user operating buttons or the like provided on an operation panel or operating a touch panel.
[0004]
However, recent copiers and the like are capable of setting a large number of functions. In a configuration in which these functions are set with buttons provided on the operation panel, it is necessary to prepare a large number of buttons. Increase the space and complexity of the configuration, and the operation is complicated. Further, even when a GUI (Graphical User Interface) such as a touch panel is used, many operations are required to set a large number of functions.
[0005]
In order to reduce the complexity of such operations, an information recording medium such as an IC card in which information related to functions to be set in advance is recorded, and the function execution device reads and reads the information related to the functions recorded on the information recording medium. It is conceivable to adopt a method of executing an operation in accordance with information related to the function.
[0006]
As a technique for adopting such a method, a technique is proposed in which a wireless memory label storing communication mode data of a partner communication terminal is used, and a facsimile apparatus reads the communication mode data from the wireless memory label and operates according to the data. (See Patent Document 1).
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-196777 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the facsimile apparatus that operates according to the information recorded on the wireless memory label as described above, when there are a large number of functions that can be set, it is necessary to prepare a wireless memory label corresponding to each of the functions. As the number of wireless memory labels increases, it is necessary to search for a wireless memory label desired by the user from among many wireless memory labels, and the operation may be complicated.
[0009]
For example, when preparing a wireless memory label that records the facsimile number of the other party and data related to the communication speed, if there are 10 communication partners and three types of communication speeds can be set, all settings are supported. In order to do this, 10 × 3 = 30 wireless memory labels must be prepared.
[0010]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and a function setting device and an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing the complexity of the configuration for function setting and facilitating the setting operation.andFunction settingThe lawThe purpose is to obtain.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is recorded on an information recording medium in which function information related to function setting is recorded.AboveReading means for reading the function information, and each of the information read from the plurality of information recording media by the reading meansAboveSetting means for setting so that an operation combining the functions specified by the function information is executed.The setting means, when the function information recorded on the information recording medium is read by the reading means, when the function specified by the read function information is set, The function setting device is configured to execute the function when the function is not set while setting the function not to be executed.
[0012]
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the function information related to the function setting is read from the plurality of information recording media, and the operation combined with the function specified by each read function information is set to be executed. Also,According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the function specified by the function information read from the information recording medium has already been set, the function setting is canceled and the function specified by the read function information is set. If not, the function is set to be executed.
[0021]
  Claims2The invention according to claim1In the configuration of the invention, the setting unit treats only the last read function information as the read information when the same function information is read a plurality of times by the reading unit within a predetermined period. And
[0022]
  Claim2According to the invention, when the same function information is read a plurality of times within a predetermined period, only the last read function information is treated as valid and used for function setting.
[0023]
  Claims3The invention according to claim1In the configuration of the invention, functional information related to a plurality of function settings is recorded on the information recording medium, and the setting unit reads the functional information when the information recording medium is read by the reading unit. When any one of the plurality of functions shown in the above is set, an operation including the set function is set not to be executed, and the set function is different from the set function. A function is selected, and an operation including the selected function is set to be executed.
[0024]
  Claim3According to the invention, when the function information related to the plurality of function settings is read from the information recording medium, when the function specified by any of the plurality of function information is set to be executed, the setting is set. It is set so that the operation including the function specified by the other function information in the plurality of function information is released.
[0037]
  Claims4The invention according to the present invention includes an image forming operation, an operation unit that executes an operation related to image formation, or both, a reading unit that reads the function information recorded on an information recording medium in which function information related to function setting is recorded, Means for setting the operation means to execute an operation including a function specified by the function information read from the information recording medium by the reading means, and is recorded on the information recording medium by the reading means When the function information is read, when the function specified by the read function information is set, the function is set not to be executed, while the function specified by the read function information is set. An image forming apparatus comprising: setting means for setting the function to be executed when there is no such function It is.
[0038]
  Claim4According to the invention, when the function specified by the function information read from the information recording medium is already set as a function to be executed, the function setting is canceled and the function specified by the read function information Is not set, an image forming operation including the function and an operation related to image formation are set to be executed.
[0039]
  Claims5The invention according to the present invention includes an image forming operation, an operation unit that executes an operation related to image formation, or both, and a reading unit that reads the function information recorded on an information recording medium in which function information related to a plurality of function settings is recorded. A means for setting the operation means to execute an operation including a function specified by the function information read from the information recording medium by the reading means, and recorded on the information recording medium by the reading means. When the function information being read is read, if any of the functions indicated in the read function information is set, an operation including the set function is set not to be executed. In addition, a function different from the set function is selected from the plurality of functions, and an operation including the selected function is executed. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising setting means for so that setting.
[0040]
  Claim5According to the invention, when the function information related to the plurality of function settings is read from the information recording medium, when the function specified by any of the plurality of function information is set to be executed, the setting is set. The image forming operation including the function specified by the other function information among the plurality of function information and the operation related to image formation are set to be released.
[0053]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  With reference to the accompanying drawings, a function setting device and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below.andFunction settingLegalA preferred embodiment will be described in detail.
[0054]
A. First embodiment
A-1. overall structure
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus that can implement the function setting method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a reading unit 110, an operation unit 111, a control unit 112, a function specifying table 113, an image forming unit 114, and a finisher 115.
[0055]
The reading unit 110 reads function information recorded on an information recording medium 120 separated from the image forming apparatus 100, and outputs the read function information to the control unit 112. In the present embodiment, identification information for identifying the medium from other information recording media 120 is recorded as function information recorded on the information recording medium 120, and the reading unit 110 performs control by reading the identification information. Output to the unit 112. Details of the reading unit 110 and the information recording medium 120 will be described later.
[0056]
The operation unit 111 has an interface such as a display panel for displaying various information to the user and buttons for the user to input various instructions. When the user operates the button or the like, the operation unit 111 outputs operation data corresponding to the operation content to the control unit 112. In addition, information or the like according to data indicating display contents supplied from the control unit 112 is displayed on the display panel.
[0057]
The image forming unit 114 is for forming an image on a sheet or the like accommodated in a paper feed tray (not shown). The image forming unit 114 in the present embodiment is configured to perform electrophotographic image formation. Although it has elements, the image may be formed by other methods.
[0058]
In addition, the image forming unit 114 includes a scanner unit that reads a document placed on a contact glass (not shown) or a document conveyed by an automatic document feeder, and converts the document image read by the scanner unit. A base image can be formed on a sheet, that is, a copying operation can be performed.
[0059]
In addition, the image forming unit 114 performs an image forming operation including one or more functions set by the control unit 112 when performing such an image forming operation. In other words, when zoom setting such as enlargement / reduction is set by the control unit 112, an image forming operation is performed according to the zoom setting, and when setting is made to output a plurality of copies, the number of set copies is set. An image forming operation is performed according to various settings such as a copying operation.
[0060]
The finisher 115 sorts the sheets on which images are formed by the image forming unit 114 as described above, and performs stapling. The finisher 115 also executes a finisher operation including one or more functions set by the control unit 112. That is, when the setting to be sorted is made by the control unit 112, the image-formed sheets are sorted and output, and when the setting is made so that the center of the sheets is bound and output, a plurality of images have been formed. A stapling process such as binding the center of the paper is performed.
[0061]
As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming unit 114 and the finisher 115 perform operations in accordance with the settings set by the control unit 112. Therefore, the user appropriately operates the operation buttons and the like of the operation unit 111. Thus, when an instruction related to an image forming operation (copy start instruction, number of output sheets, enlargement / reduction, monochrome / color printing, finisher processing, etc.) is input and designated, the control unit 112 performs an operation according to the input designation ( The image forming unit 114 and the finisher 115 perform the operation designated by the user.
[0062]
In addition, the control unit 112 controls each part of the apparatus such as the image forming unit 114 and the finisher 115 so that the operation according to the user's instruction input via the operation unit 111 as described above is performed, and the reading unit 110. The operation execution units such as the image forming unit 114 and the finisher 115 are controlled according to the function information supplied from the information recording unit 120, that is, the identification information of the information recording medium 120.
[0063]
The control unit 112 refers to the function specifying table 113 when setting a function to be included in an operation to be executed by the image forming unit 114 or the finisher 115 based on the identification information supplied from the reading unit 110.
[0064]
In the function specifying table 113, identification information and information related to functions are stored in association with each other. In the illustrated example, information “color printing” relating to the function is stored in association with the identification information “01”, and information “monochrome printing” relating to the function is stored in association with the identification information “02”. . In addition to this, information relating to various functions that can be realized by the image forming apparatus 100, such as the number of output copies, a variable magnification, and processing contents by the finisher, can be associated with the identification information. In this case, information related to one function may be associated with one piece of identification information as in the illustrated example, but information relating to a plurality of functions may be associated with one piece of identification information.
[0065]
The control unit 112 refers to the function specifying table in which such data is recorded, specifies a function corresponding to the identification information supplied from the reading unit 110, and causes the image forming unit 114 and the finisher 115 to perform this function. Set as operation contents. That is, the control unit 112 sets the operation content for the image forming operation by the image forming unit 114 and the operation related to the image formation (in this embodiment, the finisher operation). For example, when the identification information “01” is supplied, the corresponding function is specified as “color printing”, and the image forming unit 114 is set to perform color printing.
[0066]
Details of the function setting process performed by the control unit 112 will be described later. In addition, the control unit 112 changes the recording contents of the function specifying table 113 referred to when specifying a function as described above in accordance with a user instruction. Details of such processing will be described later.
[0067]
A-2. Reading unit and information recording medium
Next, the reading unit 110 and the information recording medium 120 on which the function information read by the reading unit 110 is recorded will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0068]
As shown in the figure, the reading unit 110 includes a power supply unit 150, a transmission / reception control unit 151, an antenna unit 152, and a switch 153. In the reading unit 110, power is supplied from the power supply unit 150 to the antenna unit 152 when the switch 153 is turned on. The antenna unit 152 is configured by a resonance circuit in which a coil and a capacitor are connected in parallel, and transmits electromagnetic waves when power is supplied as described above.
[0069]
The transmission / reception control unit 151 performs control to set the switch 153 on / off. That is, when reading the information recorded on the information recording medium 120, the switch 153 is turned on. Further, the transmission / reception control unit 151 outputs the function information when the function information recorded in the information recording medium 120 is read to the control unit 112 (see FIG. 1).
[0070]
The information recording medium 120 includes an antenna unit 160, a power source 161, a control unit 162, and a memory 163. The antenna unit 160 is a circuit in which a coil and a capacitor are connected in parallel. As described above, the power supply 161 obtains and charges power by electromagnetic induction by electromagnetic waves transmitted from the antenna unit 152 of the reading unit 110, and the control unit 162 is driven by the power to store information stored in the memory 163. Control to read and transmit via the antenna unit 160 is performed.
[0071]
As described above, the memory 163 stores identification information for uniquely specifying the information recording medium 120 as function information.
[0072]
Under the above configuration, the reading operation of information recorded on the information recording medium 120 by the reading unit 110 is performed in the following procedure.
[0073]
First, the switch 153 is turned on by the transmission / reception control unit 151, and power is supplied to the antenna unit 152. Thereby, electromagnetic waves are transmitted from the antenna unit 152.
[0074]
When there is the information recording medium 120 in the vicinity of the reading unit 110, power is supplied to the power source 161 of the information recording medium 120 by the electromagnetic induction by the electromagnetic wave, thereby driving the control unit 162 and reading the function information from the memory 163. And sent to the reading unit 110.
[0075]
In this way, identification information that is functional information transmitted from the information recording medium 120 is received by the antenna unit 152 and supplied to the transmission / reception control unit 151. The received signal is subjected to processing such as conversion to a digital signal and error check by the transmission / reception control unit 151, and then a signal indicating identification information is output to the control unit 112 (see FIG. 1).
[0076]
As described above, when the information recording medium 120 is in the vicinity of the reading unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100, the identification information recorded in the memory 163 of the information recording medium 120 is read by the reading unit 110. It is supplied to the control unit 112. That is, the reading unit 110 in the present embodiment reads the identification information that is the function information recorded on the information recording medium 120 in a non-contact manner.
[0077]
Further, in the present embodiment, as the reading unit 110 that reads information from the information recording medium 120, a reading unit 110 that can perform non-contact reading and has an anti-collision technique is used. Therefore, even when a plurality of information recording media 120 are simultaneously held near the reading unit 110, information recorded on each of these information recording media 120 can be read almost simultaneously.
[0078]
Next, the external appearance of the reading unit 110 and the information recording medium 120 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the information recording medium 120 in the present embodiment is a rectangular card-shaped medium, and has a card-shaped base part 121. Components such as the antenna unit 160 (see FIG. 2) are disposed inside the base member 121. A function display field 121b for displaying functions set by the information recording medium 120 is provided on the surface 121a of the base member 121.
[0079]
In the present embodiment, the function display field 121b allows the user to describe the function name set by the information recording medium 120. In the example shown in the figure, “color printing”, “A3 is reduced to A4”. These functions are described. In this way, by describing the function names that can be set by the information recording medium 120 in the function display field 121b, even if a plurality of information recording media 120 are prepared, the user can select a desired one from them. It is possible to easily obtain the information recording medium 120 corresponding to the function.
[0080]
In addition, the reading unit 110 in the present embodiment is provided on the upper side of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 3, a medium posting area 101 indicating a range in which the reading unit 110 can read the information recorded on the information recording medium 120 more reliably is displayed on the housing upper surface portion 100 a of the image forming apparatus 100. In the medium posting area 101, a message such as “Please bring a card close here” is described. The antenna unit 152 of the reading unit 110 is arranged on the back side of the medium posting area 101, that is, the inside of the housing, and the information recording medium 120 is substantially parallel to the upper surface part 100a in the vicinity of the medium posting area 101. The information recorded on the information recording medium 120 can be read in a non-contact manner.
[0081]
A-3. Action
Next, an operation for performing function setting using the information recording medium 120 in the image forming apparatus 100 having the above configuration will be described. As described above, when one or a plurality of functions are set in the image forming apparatus 100 to perform a copying operation or the like, the user appropriately operates the operation unit 111 to input function settings, and the information recording medium 120. In the following, the operation when function setting is performed using the information recording medium 120 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0082]
As shown in the figure, when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on, the control unit 112 determines whether or not the identification information has been read from the information recording medium 120 by the reading unit 110 (step Sa1).
[0083]
When the information recording medium 120 is posted in the vicinity of the reading unit 110 by the user and the identification information recorded on the information recording medium 120 is read (determination “Yes” in step Sa1), the control unit 112 displays the function specifying table. The function corresponding to the identification information read with reference to 113 is specified, and the specified function is set as a function to be realized (step Sa2). When the contents as shown in FIG. 1 are stored in the function specifying table 113, when the identification information “01” is read, the function “color printing” corresponding to the identification information “01” is specified. The function “color printing” is set as a function to be executed. When the setting is performed as described above, the setting contents may be notified to the user by displaying the function name set by the control unit 112 on the display panel.
[0084]
After setting the specified function as described above or when the identification information is not read (determination “No” in Step Sa1), the control unit 112 determines whether or not the operation should be started (Step S1). Sa3). That is, it is determined whether or not the user gives an instruction to execute an operation such as copying via the operation unit 111 or whether or not the timing is reached when a timer operation or the like is set.
[0085]
Here, when it is time to start the operation, the control unit 112 controls each part of the apparatus so that the operation including the function set for the operation to be started at that time is performed, and executes the operation. (Step Sa4). Therefore, when the function setting based on the identification information read from the information recording medium 120 is made as described above, each part of the apparatus is controlled so that the operation including the set function is realized.
[0086]
Note that when the operation is executed in this way, each part of the apparatus is controlled to perform an operation including a default setting function if no special function setting is made by the user. For example, in the case of a copying operation, control is performed so that operations according to default settings such as monochrome printing, same size, one copy, no finisher processing are performed.
[0087]
On the other hand, if it is not time to start the operation (determination “No” in step Sa3), the control unit 112 returns the process to step Sa1, and determines whether or not the identification information has been read by the reading unit 110. That is, the control unit 112 monitors whether or not the identification information is read until it is time to start the operation, and if it is read, sets the function corresponding to the read identification information to the function to be realized. To do.
[0088]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the reading unit 110 performs non-contact reading, and when a plurality of information recording media 120 are posted simultaneously, the information is recorded on each of the information recording media 120. Identification information can be read almost simultaneously. Therefore, when the user holds a plurality of information recording media 120 near the medium posting area 101 at the same time, the identification information recorded on each of these information recording media 120 is read, and the function corresponding to these identification information Is set to be executed.
[0089]
For example, the information recording medium 120 for setting the “color printing” function and the information recording medium 120 for setting the “reducing A3 to A4” function before the user gives an instruction to start the copying operation. When the information recording medium 120 is posted in the vicinity of the medium posting area 101 (see FIG. 3) in order to set two functions, these two functions are set as functions to be realized. When the user issues a copy operation start instruction, a copy operation including two functions such as a “color printing” function and a “reduce A3 to A4” function is executed.
[0090]
In addition to the above-described two information recording media 120, information recording for setting other functions (for example, image quality designation, number of copies, presence / absence of sorting, stapling position, etc.) in addition to the above two information recording media 120 is performed. When one or more of the media 120 are posted, the identification information recorded on the posted information recording medium 120 is read and a function corresponding to this is set. When a copy operation start instruction is issued, a copy operation including these set functions is executed.
[0091]
When the operation including the function set as described above is performed, the control unit 112 clears the set function (step Sa5), and then the control unit 112 returns the process to step Sa1, and thereafter the same process as described above. repeat.
[0092]
As described above, in the present embodiment, identification information is recorded as information for setting functions in the memory 163 of the information recording medium 120, and information such as what functions should be set is recorded. Not. For this reason, the control unit 112 specifies the function based on the identification information by referring to the function specifying table in which the identification information and the information related to the function are stored in association with each other. .
[0093]
That is, in the present embodiment, information for setting a specific function is not recorded on the information recording medium 120, but a user who purchases the information recording medium 120 uses the information recording medium 120 for setting. Functions that can be assigned are to be assigned. Hereinafter, the operation in the case of performing such assignment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0094]
As shown in the figure, when a user instruction to assign to the information recording medium 120 is supplied via the operation unit 111, the control unit 112 displays “Information recording to assign function” on the display panel of the operation unit 111. A message stating “Please bring the medium (card) close to the medium posting area” is displayed (step Sb1), and the user is prompted to post the information recording medium 120.
[0095]
And the control part 112 discriminate | determines whether identification information was read from the information recording medium 120 by the reading part 110 (step Sb2). When the identification information is read from the information recording medium 120 posted by the user in response to the message, the control unit 112 stores the read identification information in the function specifying table 113 (step Sb3). Here, when the read identification information is the identification information already recorded in the function specifying table 113, new recording is not performed.
[0096]
Then, the control unit 112 displays a display screen or the like for prompting selection of a function to be assigned to the information recording medium 120 on the display panel (step Sb4). Note that the method of using the display panel as described above can be used when prompting the user to select a function, or when prompting the user to approach the card as described above, but the method is limited to this. For example, the user may be notified by voice.
[0097]
When the function selection is prompted in this way, the control unit 112 determines whether or not the user has selected a function to be assigned to the information recording medium 120 (step Sb5). When the selection information of the function to be set is supplied from the user via the operation unit 111, the control unit 112 is information regarding the function selected in association with the identification information recorded in the function specifying table 113 as described above. Is recorded (step Sb6). If the read identification information has already been recorded, the information related to the function associated with the recorded identification information is erased and newly selected in association with the identification information. The function specifying table 113 is rewritten so as to record information related to the function. That is, in the present embodiment, the control unit 112 functions as a unit that records identification information and information related to the function corresponding to the function specifying table 113.
[0098]
In this way, when the identification information and the information related to the function corresponding to the identification information are recorded in the function specifying table 113, and the information recording medium 120 on which the identification information is recorded is posted in the vicinity of the reading unit 110, In this way, an operation including a function selected and assigned by the user is realized. After such an assignment process is completed, if the function selected and assigned by the user is described in the function display field 121b of the information recording medium 120 to which the user has been assigned, the information recording medium 120 can be selected. This makes it easy to understand whether the function is for setting such a function.
[0099]
As described above, in this embodiment, when the user posts the information recording medium 120 for setting a desired function in the vicinity of the reading unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100, an operation including the function is executed. It can be set as follows. Therefore, even when the image forming apparatus is capable of realizing multiple functions, the operation for selecting the function can be simplified.
[0100]
In other words, in a conventional multi-function image forming apparatus or the like, it is necessary to perform a plurality of button operations for selecting a function, or even when using a GUI, a selection is made through a multi-level menu screen. In some cases, the amount of operation increases. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a function can be selected by a simple operation such as selecting an information recording medium 120 corresponding to a desired function and holding it near the reading unit 110.
[0101]
In the present embodiment, when a plurality of functions are set, these functions can be set by performing an operation such as posting the information recording medium 120 corresponding to each of the plurality of functions. Operations including a plurality of functions (such as copying operations) can be executed. Therefore, even when a plurality of functions are selected, the operation for function setting is simplified.
[0102]
In the present embodiment, the information recording medium 120 corresponding to each of a plurality of functions, that is, a function set by these information recording media is included by performing an operation such as posting a plurality of information recording media 120 1 One operation can be performed, for example, a copying operation. For example, when performing a copying operation that realizes four function settings such as color printing, high image quality, reduction of A3 to A4, and output of two copies, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment allows the user to perform color printing settings. Information recording medium 120, high-quality setting information recording medium 120, A3 as A4, and four information recording media 120 such as a reduction setting information recording medium 120 and a two-part output setting information recording medium 120. It suffices to hold it near the reading unit 110.
[0103]
On the other hand, in the case of adopting a configuration in which function setting is performed based on information read from one information recording medium 120, in order to perform a copying operation including the four functions, the information recording medium 120 has the four functions described above. It is necessary to record information for setting. Of course, in this case, since the setting is made by posting one information recording medium 120, the operation for setting is easy, but the following problems arise.
[0104]
For example, in order to perform a copying operation such as color printing, high image quality, reduction of A3 to A4, and output of 5 copies, it is necessary to prepare an information recording medium 120 on which information for setting these four functions is recorded. In addition, a new information recording medium 120 needs to be prepared in order to perform a copying operation such as color printing, normal image quality, reduction of A3 to A4, and output of two copies. In other words, when all the combinations of functions that can be realized by an image forming apparatus that realizes multiple functions can be set using the information recording medium, an information recording medium corresponding to all these combinations is not created. As the number of combinations increases, more information recording media must be created. The production of many information recording media in this manner increases the cost and may make it difficult for the user to find an information recording medium desired by the user.
[0105]
On the other hand, in this embodiment, if a plurality of information recording media 120 for setting a single function or a plurality of functions are posted in order to perform function setting for one operation, functions corresponding to these information recording media 120 are displayed. Settings for realizing one operation combining the above are made. Therefore, if the information recording medium 120 is created for each function instead of a combination of functions that can be realized by the image forming apparatus 100, the information recording medium 120 can be used in combination to form the image forming medium. Setting operations can be performed for combinations of all functions that can be realized by the apparatus 100. Therefore, even if an image forming apparatus has a large number of combinations of functions that can be realized, it is not necessary to prepare a large number of information recording media 120 as described above, and an increase in cost can be suppressed and desired information can be suppressed. It can be suppressed that finding the recording medium 120 becomes difficult.
[0106]
That is, in the present embodiment, parallel processing is not performed on each piece of information read from a plurality of information recording media 120, but one operation is realized by combining functions specified from these pieces of read information. Such a setting process is performed, and the effect as described above can be obtained by performing such a setting process.
[0107]
Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of information recording media 120 are posted and a combination of a plurality of functions is set, but the reading unit 110 capable of non-contact reading is employed. Therefore, the setting can be performed by simultaneously holding these information recording media 120 and holding them close to the reading unit 110. Therefore, a combination of a plurality of functions can be set with a simple operation as in the case of setting using one information recording medium 120.
[0108]
In this embodiment, if a plurality of information recording media 120 having different recorded identification information are prepared, a function desired by the user can be assigned to each information recording medium 120. Therefore, even if the function frequently used by the user can be assigned to the information recording medium 120 and can be set by the information recording medium 120, when the frequency of use decreases thereafter, the information recording medium It is also possible to rewrite the contents of the function specifying table 113 so that other functions are assigned to 120. Further, when the frequency of use of a combination of functions such as color printing and high image quality is high, color printing and high printing can be performed by making one information recording medium 120 correspond to these two functions and posting one information recording medium 120. Two functions such as image quality may be set. As described above, even a combination of a plurality of functions can be assigned so that a plurality of functions can be set by posting one information recording medium 120 with a high usage frequency.
[0109]
B. Second embodiment
Next, an image forming apparatus capable of performing the function setting method according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment includes a function setting state table 201 in addition to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). In the second embodiment, components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0110]
The function setting state table 201 records setting states of various functions such as color printing, monochrome printing, reduction, enlargement, number of output copies, image quality, finisher processing contents, and whether or not each function is currently set. This information is recorded. In the example shown in the figure, “◯” indicates that the current setting is performed, and “×” indicates that the current setting is not performed. Therefore, in this example, “color printing” is currently set, and “monochrome printing” is not currently set.
[0111]
The image forming apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the function setting state table 201 is included, and the function setting processing content by the control unit 112 is different from the first embodiment. Hereinafter, an operation when function setting is performed using the information recording medium 120 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0112]
As shown in the figure, when the image forming apparatus 200 is powered on, the control unit 112 determines whether or not the identification information is read from the information recording medium 120 by the reading unit 110 (step Sc1).
[0113]
When the information recording medium 120 is posted in the vicinity of the reading unit 110 by the user and the identification information recorded on the information recording medium 120 is read (determination “Yes” in step Sc1), the control unit 112 displays the function specifying table. The function corresponding to the identification information read with reference to 113 is specified (step Sc2).
[0114]
When the function is specified as described above, the control unit 112 refers to the function setting state table 201 and determines whether or not the specified function is currently being set (step Sc3). If the function specified when the setting shown in FIG. 6 is set is “color printing”, it is determined that the function is currently set. If the specified function is “monochrome printing”, the function is not currently set. It is determined to be a function.
[0115]
Here, if the specified function is a function that is currently set, the state of the function in the function setting state table 201 is rewritten from “◯” to “X” in order to cancel the setting of the function (step Sc4). On the other hand, if the specified function is not currently set, the state of the function in the function setting state table 201 is rewritten from “×” to “◯” in order to set the function (step Sc5).
[0116]
After setting or canceling the setting for the specified function as described above, the control unit 112 performs processing for notifying the user that the function has been newly set or the setting of the function has been canceled, for example, display Processing such as displaying the changed setting state on the panel or generating a voice message indicating the changed setting state is performed (step Sc6).
[0117]
Thereafter, the control unit 112 returns the process to step Sc1, and thereafter repeats the same process. Therefore, when the user posts a plurality of information recording media 120 in the vicinity of the reading unit 110, the setting state for the function corresponding to each information recording medium 120 can be changed (setting to release, or No setting → setting).
[0118]
After the function setting is performed, when the user inputs a start instruction for a copying operation or the like via the operation unit 111, the control unit 112 refers to the function setting state table 201 at the time when the operation start instruction is issued. Then, each part of the apparatus is controlled so that an operation including the function being set is realized.
[0119]
As described above, in the second embodiment, if the user posts the information recording medium 120 related to a function whose setting contents are desired to be changed in the vicinity of the reading unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 200, the current setting state of the function is displayed. Can be changed. That is, it is possible to instruct whether to set various functions that can be set in the image forming apparatus 200 by a simple operation such as posting the information recording medium 120.
[0120]
In this embodiment, the setting state using the information recording medium 120 is continued even after a copying operation or the like is once performed, and a setting change operation such as operating the operation unit 111 or posting the information recording medium 120 is performed. If not, the setting contents are reflected in the subsequent copying operation. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform function setting every time a copying operation or the like is performed.
[0121]
In the present embodiment, after the information recording medium 120 is posted and the setting is changed as described above, it is necessary to continue the state in which the information recording medium 120 is arranged in the vicinity of the reading unit 110 in order to maintain the setting state. Therefore, there is no need to provide a mechanism for holding the information recording medium 120 in the vicinity of the reading unit 110, the configuration can be simplified, and the apparatus can be downsized.
[0122]
In the second embodiment, for functions that cannot be set at the same time, when the setting state of the function that is to post the information recording medium 120 is changed, the setting state for the function that cannot be set simultaneously is automatically changed. You may make it change to. For example, functions such as color printing and monochrome printing cannot be set at the same time. Therefore, when the color printing function is set by reading the information recording medium 120, the function of automatically canceling the monochrome printing setting is used. The setting state table may be rewritten.
[0123]
In addition, when the information recording medium 120 is posted as described above and the setting state of the function corresponding to the information recording medium 120 is switched, the user intends to post the information recording medium 120 only once. There is a risk of chattering in which the information is read. If chattering occurs, even if the user thinks that the setting has been canceled by posting the information recording medium 120 in a state where a certain function is set, the information is read twice and the information is read again. There is a problem that the function is set.
[0124]
In order to prevent such inconvenience due to chattering, the control unit 112 treats only the identification information read last as valid when the same identification information is read a plurality of times within a predetermined time, and The setting state changing process may be performed as shown in FIG.
[0125]
C. Third embodiment
Next, an image forming apparatus capable of performing the function setting method according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the image forming apparatus 300 in the third embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1), but one identification is included in the function specifying table 113. This is different from the first embodiment in that information related to a plurality of functions that cannot be set simultaneously is stored in association with information. Note that, in the third embodiment, components that are the same as those in the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0126]
As shown in FIG. 8, the function specifying table 113 in the third embodiment is associated with information (referred to as a function group) regarding a plurality of functions that cannot be set simultaneously in association with one piece of identification information. In the illustrated example, “color printing” and “monochrome printing” that cannot be set simultaneously with the identification information “01” are associated with each other, and “A3 is reduced to A4” and “A3 is not set simultaneously with the identification information“ 02 ”. Information related to multiple reduction functions with different reduction ratios, such as “Reduce to B4”, “50% reduction ratio”, etc., are associated, and “high image quality” and “normal image quality” that cannot be set simultaneously in the identification information “03” Information about two functions is associated.
[0127]
In the function specifying table in the third embodiment, the current setting state is recorded for each function included in the function group associated with one piece of identification information. In the figure, “○” is added to the function that is currently set, and “X” is added to the function that is not currently set, to indicate the setting state. Since the functions associated with one piece of identification information cannot be set simultaneously as described above, only one function in the group of functions associated with one piece of identification information is being set (“◯”). Thus, no other functions are set.
[0128]
The image forming apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment is not only different from the first embodiment in that the function specifying table 113 having the above-described contents is included, but also a control unit. The function setting processing contents of 112 are different, and the operation when function setting is performed using the information recording medium 120 in the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.
[0129]
As shown in the figure, when the image forming apparatus 300 is powered on, the control unit 112 determines whether or not the identification information has been read from the information recording medium 120 by the reading unit 110 (step Sd1).
[0130]
When the information recording medium 120 is posted in the vicinity of the reading unit 110 by the user and the identification information recorded on the information recording medium 120 is read (determination “Yes” in step Sd1), the control unit 112 displays the function specifying table. A function group corresponding to the identification information read with reference to 113 is specified (step Sd2).
[0131]
When the function group is specified as described above, the control unit 112 cancels the setting for the currently set function among the functions included in the function group and sets the setting state for the other functions included in the function group. (Step Sd3). Here, when other functions are set to the set state, the control unit 112 selects the other functions according to a predetermined order. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, “A3 is reduced to A4”, “A3 is reduced to B4”, “A3 is reduced to A4” is currently set for the function group including the functions such as “reduction rate 50%”. In the case where the current function is selected, “reducing A3 to B4” recorded on the right side of the currently set function is selected from the other functions included in the function group. When “reduction” is set, “reduction ratio 50%” on the right is selected.
[0132]
When the setting is changed as described above, the control unit 112 performs a process for notifying the user of the setting change content (step Sd4). For example, a process of notifying the setting change contents by voice or a process of displaying the setting change contents on the display panel is performed. When the notification is displayed on the display panel, a screen as shown in FIG. 10 may be displayed.
[0133]
As shown in the figure, on this display screen, a function group selected by posting the information recording medium 120 is displayed (reduced), and “A3 to A4” included in this function group is displayed below the function group. , “A3 = B4”, “50%”, “40%”, “arbitrary” functions are displayed side by side in the vertical direction. The currently set function is displayed with diagonal lines so that it can be easily recognized which function is currently set. Displaying such a screen allows the user to recognize what function setting change has been made.
[0134]
When the process for notifying the user of the setting change content is thus performed, the control unit 112 returns the process to step Sd1, and thereafter repeats the same process. Therefore, even if three or more functions are included in one function group, the function set according to the number of postings can be changed by the user posting the same information recording medium 120 multiple times. can do. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the reduction is set to “A3 to B4”, if the information recording medium 120 corresponding to the reduction function group is posted twice, the setting state is changed from “A3 to B4” → “ The transition can be made from “50%” to “40%”.
[0135]
After the function setting is performed in this manner, when the user inputs a start instruction for a copying operation or the like via the operation unit 111, the control unit 112 displays the function specifying table 113 at the time when the operation start instruction is issued. With reference to each unit, each part of the apparatus is controlled so that an operation including the function being set for each function group is realized.
[0136]
As described above, in the third embodiment, if the information recording medium 120 corresponding to the function group that the user desires to change the setting content is posted in the vicinity of the reading unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 300, the current function group is displayed. The setting state of can be changed. That is, it is possible to instruct change of settings for various functions that can be set in the image forming apparatus 300 by a simple operation such as posting the information recording medium 120.
[0137]
In this embodiment, since the setting state using the information recording medium 120 is continued even after the copying operation is performed once, it is not necessary to perform function setting every time the copying operation is performed. In the present embodiment, after the information recording medium 120 is posted and the setting is changed as described above, it is necessary to continue the state in which the information recording medium 120 is arranged in the vicinity of the reading unit 110 in order to maintain the setting state. Therefore, there is no need to provide a mechanism or the like for holding the information recording medium 120 in the vicinity of the reading unit 110.
[0138]
D. Modified example
In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, Various deformation | transformation which is illustrated below is possible.
[0139]
(Modification 1)
In the first embodiment described above, after the function corresponding to the identification information read from the information recording medium 120 is set, when the operation including the function is performed, the set content is cleared ( 4), holding means for holding the information recording medium 120 at a position where the information can be read by the reading unit 110 is provided, and the information recording medium 120 is held in the holding mechanism and the reading unit 110 records the information. While the information recorded on the medium 120 is being read, the setting of the function corresponding to the information recording medium 120 may be maintained.
[0140]
For example, a holding means as shown in FIG. 11 may be provided. As shown in the figure, this holding means has a recess 350 formed in the upper surface portion 100 a of the image forming apparatus 100. The concave portion 350 is formed by recessing the range in which the reading unit 110 can reliably read information recorded on the information recording medium 120 from the other upper surface portion 100a. The antenna unit 152 of the reading unit 110 is disposed on the back side of the concave portion 350, that is, on the inside of the housing. When the information recording medium 120 is placed in the concave portion 350, the information recording medium 120 is recorded. The information being read can be read without contact. Further, the recess 350 has a size that allows a plurality of information recording media 120 to be placed as shown in the figure, so that a plurality of information recording media 120 can be placed at the same time and a plurality of function settings can be performed. It has become.
[0141]
Providing such a recess 350 reduces the possibility that the information recording medium 120 placed in the recess 350 will move out of the recess 350 even when vibrations or the like occur, thus enabling more reliable reading. The information recording medium 120 can be held at a position where the unit 110 can read information.
[0142]
Under such a configuration, the control unit 112 determines whether or not the identification information is read by the reading unit 110 every minute time, and when the identification information is read, the function corresponding to the identification information is set. If the function is not performed, the function is set. If the function has already been set, the setting is maintained as it is. On the other hand, when the identification information corresponding to the function set as described above is not continuously read for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or longer, the setting of the function corresponding to the identification information is canceled.
[0143]
Then, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 112 controls each unit of the apparatus so that an operation including a function set when a copy operation start instruction is given is executed.
[0144]
In this way, by placing the information recording medium 120 in the recess 350, the function setting state corresponding to the information recording medium 120 can be maintained even after performing a single copying operation. There is no need to set a function each time a copying operation or the like is performed. In addition, when it is desired to cancel the setting of a certain function, the information recording medium 120 corresponding to that function may be taken out from the recess 350, and the operation for canceling is easy. Further, when the information recording medium 120 is placed in a concave portion 350 provided in a portion that is easy to enter the user's field of view, such as the upper surface portion 100a of the image forming apparatus 100, a function corresponding to the information recording medium 120 is set. Therefore, the user refers to the function display field 121b of the information recording medium 120 placed in the recess 350, so that the current setting state can be displayed without performing a special operation for checking the setting state. It is easy to know.
[0145]
The means for holding the information recording medium 120 at a position where it can be read by the reading unit 110 is not limited to the concave portion 350 as described above, and other means may be used. For example, a mechanism that holds the information recording medium 120 in a state where the information recording medium 120 can be reliably read by the reading unit 110 may be used.
[0146]
(Modification 2)
In each embodiment described above, a card-shaped information recording medium 120 is used (see FIG. 3), but the shape of the information recording medium 120 is not limited to this. Since the reading unit 110 employs a configuration capable of non-contact reading as in the above embodiment, the shape of the information recording medium 120 is higher than the case of performing contact reading. As such, various shapes can be adopted.
[0147]
(Modification 3)
In each of the above-described embodiments, the reading unit 110 that reads information recorded on the information recording medium 120 is a unit that performs non-contact reading using electromagnetic induction. The method for reading the recorded information is not limited to this, and contact reading may be performed, or another reading method may be used.
[0148]
For example, when the contact reading method is adopted, the information recorded on the plurality of information recording media 120 cannot be read almost simultaneously, unlike the reading unit 110 capable of non-contact reading in the above embodiment. Therefore, the control unit 112 detects when information is read from another information recording medium 120 within a certain time (for example, one minute) from the time when the information recorded on one information recording medium 120 is read by the reading unit 110. In such a case, it is sufficient to perform control such that the function set according to the read information is realized by the same operation.
[0149]
In this way, even if information from the information recording medium 120 is erroneously read and the function setting is performed and then left without being subjected to processing such as release, it is informed thereafter. It is possible to prevent the previous setting from being reflected in the operation when another person who does not read the information recording medium 120 for setting the function.
[0150]
A plurality of readers that read information from the information recording medium 120 may be provided, and the control unit 112 may perform a copying operation including a function set based on information read by each of these readers.
[0151]
Moreover, even if it is a method of reading information non-contact like the said embodiment, you may make it read information by the other method which does not utilize electromagnetic induction. For example, a card (information recording medium) in which a barcode is described may be used, and information for function setting such as identification information may be acquired by a barcode reader reading the barcode.
[0152]
(Modification 4)
In each of the above-described embodiments, identification information for identifying the medium is recorded in the memory 163 of the information recording medium 120, and the control unit 112 of the image forming apparatus that has obtained the information records the function specifying table 113. Although the function is specified from the identification information by referring to the information, information regarding a specific function (color printing, monochrome printing, etc.) may be recorded in the memory 163 of the information recording medium 120.
[0153]
In this case, without using the function specifying table 113, the control unit 112 that has acquired information on a specific function recorded in the information recording medium 120 may set the function indicated by the information.
[0154]
(Modification 5)
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the function setting method according to the present invention and the case where the apparatus that implements the function setting method is mounted on the image forming apparatus have been described. The present invention can be applied to an apparatus such as an information processing apparatus that can perform function setting in the apparatus to be realized.
[0155]
In addition, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function. In this case, a facsimile transmission destination can be set using the information recording medium 120. Therefore, if the function setting is performed using the information recording medium 120 for setting the transmission destination and the information recording medium 120 for setting the image quality or the like, the facsimile data can be transmitted to the desired destination with the desired image quality. it can.
[0156]
In this case, it may be possible to set a combination of image quality and transmission destination on one information recording medium. However, in a situation where there are 10 transmission destinations and three types of image quality can be selected, all combinations are possible. In order to perform the setting, 10 × 3 = 30 information recording media are required. On the other hand, if the functions specified by the information read from the plurality of information recording media 120 can be operated in combination as in the present invention, ten information recording media 120 for setting the transmission destination, If three information recording media 120 for setting are prepared, a total of thirteen information recording media 120 are prepared, settings for all combinations can be performed.
[0157]
(Modification 6)
In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the control unit 112 performs processing as a setting unit that performs control so that an operation including a function based on information for function setting read by the reading unit 110 is executed. However, a program for causing a computer to execute such processing may be provided to a user, a manufacturer, or the like via communication means such as the Internet, a telephone network, or a wireless communication network. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) and provided to a user, a manufacturer, or the like.
[0158]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, by using the information recording medium corresponding to each of the plurality of functions to be set, the setting for performing the operation combining the plurality of functions is performed. Thus, there is an effect that the setting can be performed with a simple operation without causing a significant complication of the configuration such as preparing an information recording medium for setting the combined function.According to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to set on / off of a function corresponding to the information recording medium using the information recording medium, and to read the information recording medium only at the time of on / off switching. Since it is sufficient that the information is read by the means, there is an effect that a configuration for holding the information recording medium is not necessary.
[0163]
  Claims2According to the invention, when the same function information is read a plurality of times within a certain period, only the last read function information is treated as valid and used for function setting. Even if the information recorded in the information is read a plurality of times within a short time, it is possible to suppress the setting not intended by the user.
[0164]
  Claims3According to the invention, it is possible to select and set a desired function from a plurality of functions using the information recording medium.
[0171]
  Claims4According to the invention, it is possible to set on / off of the function corresponding to the information recording medium using the information recording medium, and to cause the reading means to read the information recording medium only at the time of on / off switching. Therefore, there is an effect that the configuration for holding the information recording medium is not necessary.
[0172]
  Claims5According to the invention, when setting a function for an image forming operation or the like, there is an effect that a desired function can be selected and set from a plurality of functions using an information recording medium.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a reading unit that is a component of the image forming apparatus and an information recording medium on which information read by the reading unit is recorded.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the reading unit and the information recording medium.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for setting a function by a control unit of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for updating a function specifying table by a control unit of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for setting a function by a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for setting a function by a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display panel when function setting is performed by a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the vicinity of a reading unit of an image forming apparatus according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Image forming apparatus
100a Top surface
101 Media posting area
110 Reading unit
111 Operation unit
112 Control unit
113 Function specification table
114 Image forming unit
115 finisher
120 Information recording medium
121 Substrate part
121b Function display field
150 Power supply
151 Transmission / Reception Control Unit
152 Antenna part
153 switch
160 Antenna section
161 Power supply
162 Control unit
163 memory
200 Image forming apparatus
201 Function setting status table
300 Image forming apparatus
350 recess

Claims (5)

Reading means for reading the function information recorded on the information recording medium in which the function information related to the function setting is recorded;
Setting means for setting so as to execute an operation combining the functions specified by each of the function information read by the reading means from a plurality of the information recording media,
The setting means executes the function when the function specified by the read function information is set when the function information recorded on the information recording medium is read by the reading means. On the other hand, the function setting device is configured to execute the function when the function is not set. The said setting means treats only the function information read last as read information, when the same said function information is read in multiple times by the said reading means within a fixed period. Function setting device. Function information on a plurality of function settings is recorded on the information recording medium,
When the information recording medium is read by the reading means, the setting means is set when any one of a plurality of functions indicated in the read function information is set. And a function different from the set function is selected from the plurality of functions, and an operation including the selected function is set to be executed. 2. The function setting device according to 1. An operation means for executing an image forming operation, an operation related to image formation or both;
Reading means for reading the function information recorded on the information recording medium in which the function information related to the function setting is recorded;
Means for setting the operation means to perform an operation including a function specified by the function information read from the information recording medium by the reading means, and recorded on the information recording medium by the reading means; If the function specified by the read function information is set and the function specified by the read function information is set, the function specified by the read function information is set. An image forming apparatus comprising: setting means for setting the function to be executed when the function is not performed. An operation means for executing an image forming operation, an operation related to image formation or both;
Reading means for reading the function information recorded on the information recording medium in which the function information on the plurality of function settings is recorded;
Means for setting the operation means to perform an operation including a function specified by the function information read from the information recording medium by the reading means, and recorded on the information recording medium by the reading means; If any of the functions indicated in the read function information is set when the function information is read, the operation including the set function is set not to be executed. An image forming apparatus comprising: a setting unit configured to select a function different from the set function from the plurality of functions and set the operation including the selected function to be executed.

Images