JP4764789B2 - Electronic device, storage control method, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus and an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, an image processing apparatus such as a digital copying machine is equipped with an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is stored in a control program stored in advance in a nonvolatile memory such as a flash ROM (Read Only Memory). Is controlled on the basis. When correcting this control program, an update program is stored in advance in an external storage means such as an IC card, and the user can easily use the IC card by connecting it to the image forming apparatus. Generally, a mechanism that can update the control program is adopted.

  Since digital copiers are shipped not only in Japan but also overseas, depending on the power requirements of each country, for example, the heater control for fixing, the language of the operation unit, and the startup screen can be used for each country. A so-called destination adjustment is required. Further, in the case of a product group in which a plurality of models are lined up, the control program is slightly different for each model. Therefore, the control program is optimized for each model and stored in the nonvolatile memory.

The optimization of the control program based on the destination adjustment and the model described above has been performed by switching the adjustment data and the control program by operating a dip switch on the base in the image forming apparatus at the time of factory shipment. In addition, the adjustment data and control programs downloaded via the network are stored in a memory card, etc., and the data is transferred from the memory card to the nonvolatile memory, or the removable nonvolatile memory that has been adjusted in advance is manufactured. It was supported by attaching with.
In recent years, due to demands for reducing inventory costs associated with the increase in the number of product models, there is a mechanism that allows one model at the time of shipment from a manufacturing plant to be set near the consumer or at a sales company (hereinafter this mechanism is called a machine). There is an increasing demand for simple configuration adjustment. This is because when the machine configuration can be adjusted, the shipping model becomes one model in the manufacturing factory, so inventory management becomes easy and the lead time from ordering to shipping can be shortened. In addition, since there is no need to have inventory for each destination or model in the vicinity of the consumption area or at the sales company, it is possible to respond to orders in a timely manner without incurring an increase in inventory even if the best selling model is not expected. Become.

  However, as described above, since the dip switch operation and the rewriting of the nonvolatile memory must be performed by some means for adjusting the machine configuration, the image forming apparatus to be adjusted is packed in a factory or a store warehouse. If it is in a state, it is necessary to replace the non-volatile memory at least after packing it, or to transfer data to the non-volatile memory only after it becomes energized. There was a problem.

  For these reasons, various inventions have been made for the purpose of realizing effective machine configuration adjustment.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to data rewriting using radio. This is because the RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) system is used to write or update the adjustment data and control program in the non-volatile memory built in the main body by the RFID terminal, which is an external device, even when the image forming apparatus is packed. It is possible. When the image forming apparatus is turned off, data is transferred from the RFID terminal to the non-volatile memory. When the image forming apparatus is turned on, the CPU connected to the non-volatile memory by wire is connected to the non-volatile memory. The stored data is read and a predetermined operation is performed. Further, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 provides a device-specific data transmission / reception system and a device-specific data transmission / reception module that can accurately select the conventional two-way access of wired connection and wireless connection. It is an object.
JP 2005-149391 A

  However, in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is not considered to distinguish the nonvolatile memory in the image forming apparatus from the nonvolatile memories in other image forming apparatuses. For this reason, when data is written (transferred) from the RFID terminal to the nonvolatile memory in the image forming apparatus in a warehouse such as a factory or a store, the data transfer is performed wirelessly. When multiple image forming devices are placed side by side or when the radio wave environment is too good, data is transferred to a non-volatile memory other than the image forming device that performs data rewriting, and unintended data rewriting is performed. There was a fear. In addition, even during normal use after the data in the nonvolatile memory is rewritten by the RFID terminal, there is a possibility that the data in the nonvolatile memory is rewritten due to the occurrence of some noise depending on the use environment of the user. In either case, there has been a problem that, for example, machine configuration adjustment data unique to the image forming apparatus such as destination adjustment data may be rewritten unintentionally, resulting in a malfunction.

  The present invention has been invented to solve this problem in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that prevents unintended rewriting of machine configuration adjustment data.

In order to achieve the above object, the electronic apparatus of the present invention receives and stores model-specific information that is different setting information depending on the destination, model, etc., and the operation is controlled based on the stored model-specific information. an electronic device that is, write inhibit flag stored wireless connection capable receiving means for receiving the model-specific data, the model-specific information received by the receiving means, corresponding on the basis of the model-specific data A storage means comprising: an operation means capable of input by an operation key; and when the storage means stores the model-specific information, a write prohibition flag corresponding to the stored model-specific information is set, and the operation means and a storage control means for setting the reset and the model-specific data of the write inhibit flag by a predetermined operation key input in the write inhibit off While performing an operation for setting the reset and the model-specific data in grayed, the receiving means may be configured to prohibit the reception of the model-specific information by a wireless connection.

According to the electronic apparatus of the present invention, the storage means for storing the machine configuration adjustment data for controlling the operation of the electronic apparatus is provided with the write flag for controlling the data writing, and the machine configuration adjustment data is written to the storage means. If the write flag is set, the write to the storage means is prohibited , and the write prohibit flag is reset and the machine configuration information is set by a predetermined operation key input. Since the electronic device prohibits the reception of machine configuration adjustment data by wireless connection, it is possible to avoid malfunctions such as overwriting of data and unintentional rewriting during data adjustment .

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the best mode for carrying out the present invention, the image forming apparatus 1 will be described as an example of the electronic apparatus. However, other electronic apparatuses and image forming apparatuses may be used.

A first embodiment of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
(Overview of system configuration)
First, an outline of a system configuration for performing machine configuration adjustment on the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system that performs machine configuration adjustment on the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention is contained in a packing box 2. The RFID terminal 3 can read and write data in a memory module (storage unit) (not shown) inside the image forming apparatus 1 in a non-contact or non-energized state. The details of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described in the outline of the next apparatus.

The image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 described later can rewrite data in a storage unit such as a nonvolatile memory (not shown) in the image forming apparatus 1 using the RFID terminal 3. It is an example of an image forming apparatus known as a prior art.
(Outline of the device)
Next, the outline of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a reading control unit 10, an operation unit 20, a main control unit 30, a writing control unit 40, an IO control unit 50, a fixing control unit 60, an electrophotographic process 70, a fixing heater 80, and a power supply 90. , ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 100 and the like.

  The reading control unit 10 controls an image reading unit such as a scanner (not shown). For example, the scanner 11 is controlled to read the document 11 as image data. The read image data is transmitted to the main control unit 30.

  The operation unit 20 is an interface unit that is operated by a user. For example, a touch panel. Information input / output by the operation unit 20 is controlled by the main control unit 30. The detailed configuration of the operation unit 20 will be described in a detailed configuration example of the operation unit 20 described later.

  The main control unit 30 controls the reading control unit 10, the operation unit 20, and a writing control unit 40 described later. Here, the image data of the document 11 is received from the reading control unit 10, and image processing is performed on the image data by an image processing unit (not shown) in the main control unit 30. The image data that has been subjected to image processing is sent to the writing control unit 40. In addition, a storage unit (not shown) that receives and stores information such as model-specific information from the external RFID terminal 3 is provided. The detailed configuration of the main control unit 30 will be described in a hardware configuration example of the RFID terminal 3 and the main control unit 30 described later.

  The writing control unit 40 controls the lighting of a laser diode (not shown), and forms an electrostatic latent image in an electrophotographic process 70 described later, which is a writing unit. Here, the image data of the document 11 is received from the main control unit 30 and, based on this image data, lighting control of a laser diode (not shown) and formation of an electrostatic latent image on the electrophotographic process 70 are performed.

  The IO control unit 50 controls a fixing control unit 60 and an ADF 100, which will be described later.

  The fixing control unit 60 controls a fixing unit (not shown) in the electrophotographic process 70 and a fixing heater 80 described later.

  The electrophotographic process 70 transfers toner onto transfer paper conveyed from a paper supply unit (not shown). Further, the toner is fixed on the transfer paper by a fixing unit (not shown) in the electrophotographic process 70 heated by the fixing heater 80, and the formed copy 12 is output to the outside.

  The fixing heater 80 is a device that generates heat to a fixing unit (not shown) in the electrophotographic process 70. It is controlled by the fixing controller 60.

  The power supply 90 supplies power to the image forming apparatus 1. Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 is on standby, the power supply to the fixing heater 80 may be cut off in order to reduce the power consumption of the system.

  The ADF 100 is a device that automatically and continuously reads a document. It is controlled by the IO control unit 50.

With the above apparatus configuration, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention, the main control unit 30 receives information such as model-specific information from the external RFID terminal 3. In addition, machine configuration adjustment is performed based on the received information such as model-specific information, and the operation is performed as a predetermined model based on the model-specific information. For example, if the shipping destination is in Japan, information indicating that the language notation of the operation unit 20 is set to Japanese is stored as model-specific information, and the image forming apparatus 1 is a model that performs Japanese notation. As the operation. The model-specific information and the predetermined model are not limited to this case. In addition, the main control unit 30 may perform machine configuration adjustment based on the model-specific information input in the operation unit 20.
(Hardware configuration example of RFID terminal 3 and main control unit 30)
Next, a hardware configuration example of the RFID terminal 3 and the main control unit 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the RFID terminal 3 and the main control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, the RFID terminal 3 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, an RFID reader / writer 34, and an RFID antenna 35. The main control unit 30 includes a CPU 310, a ROM 320, a RAM 330, an ASIC 340, and a memory module unit 350. Further, the memory module unit 350 includes an RFID antenna 351, an RFID power generation unit 352, an RFID access unit 353, a control switching unit 354, a CPU bus access unit 355, a control unit 356, a nonvolatile memory 357, and a CPU control bus 360.

  The CPU 31 is a device for controlling the RFID terminal 3. Based on the control program built in the ROM 32, the RAM 33 operates as a work area.

  The ROM 32 is a device for storing a control program, data, and the like of the RFID terminal 3.

  The RAM 33 is a device for temporarily storing data and the like. For example, data is temporarily stored as a work area of the CPU 31.

  The RFID reader / writer 34 is a device that recognizes and controls information managed by the main control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 1, such as ID information.

  The RFID antenna 35 is a communication device for communicating with the image forming apparatus 1.

  The CPU 310 is a device for controlling the main control unit 30. The RAM 330 operates as a work area based on a control program built in the ROM 320.

  The ROM 320 is a device for storing a control program, data, and the like of the main control unit 30.

  The RAM 330 is a device for temporarily storing data and the like. For example, data is temporarily stored as a work area of the CPU 310.

  The ASIC 340 is a device that controls the IO control unit 50 (see FIG. 2) and the like outside the main control unit 30. This is provided separately from the CPU 310 because the image forming apparatus 1 has many control targets.

  The memory module unit 350 is a storage unit configured by an RFID antenna 351, an RFID power generation unit 352, an RFID access unit 353, a control switching unit 354, a CPU bus access unit 355, a control unit 356, and a nonvolatile memory 357, which will be described later. . For example, model-specific information received wirelessly from the RFID terminal 3 via the RFID antenna 351 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 357. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, model-specific information received from the CPU 310 via the CPU control bus 358 by wire may be stored.

  The RFID antenna 351 is a communication device for communicating with the RFID terminal 3. For example, information is received from the RFID antenna 35.

  The RFID power generation unit 352 is a device that generates power.

  The RFID access unit 353 is an interface on the wireless connection side that inputs and outputs data transmitted from the RFID antenna 351.

  The control switching unit 354 is a device that switches connection between the control unit 356 described later and the RFID access unit 353 or the CPU bus access unit 355 described later.

  The CPU bus access unit 355 is a wired connection-side interface that inputs and outputs data sent from a CPU control bus 360 described later.

  The control unit 356 is a device that controls storage contents of a nonvolatile memory 357 described later.

  The nonvolatile memory 357 is a device that saves stored contents even when the power is turned off. For example, model-specific information of the image forming apparatus 1 is stored.

  The CPU control bus 360 is a transmission path for each device to exchange data. For example, a serial bus such as a 12C bus. A parallel bus may also be used.

With the above configuration, the main control unit 30 in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention receives model-specific information from the external RFID terminal 3 and stores it in the nonvolatile memory 34 in the main control unit 30. The non-volatile memory 357 in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention is characterized in that it includes not only a data storage area for storing received model-specific information but also a write prohibition flag as shown in FIG. . Details of the write prohibition flag will be described in an operation example described later.
(Function structure)
Next, a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a receiving unit 101, a storage unit 102, a storage control unit 103, and a main body control unit 104.

  The receiving unit 101 receives model specific information. For example, the RFID antenna 351 or the like receives model-specific information from the RFID terminal 3 by wireless communication. Also, the CPU bus access unit 355 and the like receive model-specific information transmitted from a CPU control bus 360 (described later) by wired communication.

  The storage unit 102 stores the model specific information received by the receiving unit 101. Further, a write prohibition flag may be provided. For example, the nonvolatile memory 357 or the like. Here, the storage means 102 is controlled by a storage control means 103 described later.

  The storage control unit 103 controls the storage unit 102. For example, the control unit 356 or the like controls the storage contents of the storage unit 102.

  The main body control unit 104 controls the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the model-specific information stored in the storage unit 102. For example, it is performed by the CPU 310 or the like.

With the above function configuration, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention stores the model-specific information received by the receiving unit 101 in the storage unit 102. Note that the storage means 102 is controlled by the storage control means 103. The main body control unit 104 controls the operation of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the model-specific information stored in the storage unit 102.
(Operation example)
Next, an operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  Here, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention receives information such as the heater control for fixing, the language of the operation unit, and the start screen as model-specific information from the external RFID terminal 3, stores this, and prohibits writing. The operation until the flag is set (in the following description, it is described that the write inhibit flag is set) will be described.

  First, the receiving unit 101 receives model-specific information (S101).

  Here, the RFID antenna 351 serving as the receiving unit 101 receives information such as the language of the operation unit of the model, the startup screen, and the like, which are model-specific information. The model-specific information to be received is information transmitted by the RFID terminal 3 via the RFID antenna 35 based on a user operation.

  Next, the storage control unit 103 stores the model-specific information received in step S101 in the storage unit 102 (S102).

Here, the model specific information received by the control unit 356 as the storage control unit 103 in step S101 is received via the RFID power generation unit 352 and the RFID access unit 353, and this is received by the nonvolatile memory 357 as the storage unit 102. Remember me at each address.
Step S102 will be described in more detail. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the nonvolatile memory 357 includes a write prohibition flag control unit 358 and a memory area 359. The control unit 356 reads / writes data from / to the memory area 359 by using an address designation signal, write data, read data, a read control signal, and a write control signal 5. The write control signal 5 is connected to the memory area 359 as the write control signal 6 via the write prohibition flag control unit 358.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the write prohibition flag control unit 358 includes a flag control FF (Flip-Flop) and an AND circuit. The flag control FF receives a flag ON / OFF set value signal and a flag ON / OFF set signal from the controller unit 356 as a flag control signal, and outputs a flag signal. The flag signal is “1” when writing is permitted, and “0” when writing is prohibited. The AND circuit receives the flag signal output from the flag control FF and the write control signal 5 from the control unit 356 and outputs the same as the write control signal 6. The memory area 359 is a storage area for storing model-specific information.

  With this configuration, the write prohibition flag control unit 358 outputs a signal having the same level as the write control signal 5 as the write control signal 6 when the write is permitted, and regardless of the write control signal 5 when the write is prohibited. L ″ is output as the write control signal 6. In particular, when writing is prohibited, the writing control signal 6 is “L”, so that writing cannot be performed even if an address designation signal and writing data are output from the control unit 356 to the memory area 359.

  That is, it may be considered that the flag control FF functions as a write prohibition flag for determining whether to prohibit writing (output a flag signal of “0”) or not (output a flag signal of “1”). At this time, the write prohibition flag control unit 358 changes the output of the write control signal 6 based on the write prohibition flag to determine whether or not to perform storage by the memory area 359 as the storage unit 102. It may be considered to have a function as a means.

  FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing operations of the write prohibition flag control unit 358 when writing is permitted and when writing is prohibited. The relationship among a flag ON / OFF set value signal, a flag ON / OFF set signal, a flag, a write control signal 5 and a write control signal 6 is shown. In FIG. 8, the write control signal 5 and the write control signal 6 are described as active when they are “H”.

  In step S102, the control unit 356 that is the storage control unit 103 receives the model-specific information received in step S101 via the RFID power generation unit 352 and the RFID access unit 353, and this is stored in the nonvolatile memory that is the storage unit 102. It is stored in each address of the memory area 359 within. At this time, the flag signal output by the flag control FF of the write prohibition flag control unit 358 is “1” indicating write permission. That is, it indicates that the write prohibit flag is not set.

  Next, the storage control means 103 sets a write prohibition flag in the storage means 102 (S103).

  Here, the control unit 356 serving as the storage control unit 103 sets a write prohibition flag provided in the nonvolatile memory 357 serving as the storage unit 102. That is, the control unit 356 outputs a flag OFF setting signal to the flag control FF. The flag control FF receives a flag OFF setting signal and outputs “0” indicating write prohibition as a flag signal. Output of “0” indicating write prohibition indicates that the write prohibition flag is set. For this reason, the image forming apparatus 1 cannot write to the storage unit 102.

  With the operation described above, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention stores the model-specific information received from the external RFID terminal 3 and sets the write prohibition flag.

  Therefore, the following effects are exhibited. The effect is that unintentional rewriting of machine configuration adjustment data can be prevented. In this embodiment, once model-specific information is stored in the image forming apparatus, a write prohibition flag is set, that is, the flag signal output in the flag control FF is set to “0” indicating write prohibition. This makes it possible to prevent rewriting of the contents stored in the memory area 359. In addition, machine configuration is facilitated, and an image forming apparatus having a stable quality can be provided to the user.

  In the above description, the flag control FF and the write prohibition flag control unit 358 are considered to function as a write prohibition flag and a write determination unit, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this case.

  As a modified example of the first operation example, it is considered that the storage area for the write prohibition flag secured in the memory area 359 in the nonvolatile memory as the storage means 102 functions as the write prohibition flag. The operation at this time will be described with reference to FIG. Steps S101 and S102 are the same as described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted here. In step S103, the storage control unit 103 sets the write prohibition flag by writing data indicating write prohibition in the write prohibition flag storage area on the memory area 359. This prevents unintentional rewriting of the machine configuration adjustment data in the image forming apparatus 1.

  As a modified example of the second operation example, the processing in step S103 (setting the write prohibition flag) in the operation example will be described by replacing the write control signal by the write prohibition control unit. In other words, the write prohibition flag control unit 358 functioning as a write prohibition control means performs an operation to control so that the write control signal 6 from the control unit 356 to the memory area 359 is blocked when writing is prohibited. In the following description, similarly, the setting of the write prohibition flag has the same meaning as the interruption of the write control signal by the write prohibition control means. The resetting of the write prohibition flag has the same meaning as the conduction of the write control signal by the write prohibition control means.

  In the present embodiment, the write prohibition flag has been described as being inside the nonvolatile memory 357, but it may be outside. That is, the write prohibition flag control unit 358 may be inside or outside the nonvolatile memory 357. The same applies to the write prohibition flag control unit 358.

It should be noted that the method of setting the write prohibition flag shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 in the operation example may be used in a modified example of Example 1 and Example 2 described later.
(Modification of Example 1)
Next, a modification of Embodiment 1 of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the RFID terminal 3 and the main control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to a modification of the first embodiment.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the model-specific information received from the external RFID terminal 3 is stored, and the operation for setting the write prohibition flag on the entire nonvolatile memory 357 is performed (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 3). (Refer to the operation example in the first embodiment). Here, the write prohibition flag is not set for the entire nonvolatile memory 357, but by a hardware configuration in which a write prohibition flag is provided for each memory address in the nonvolatile memory 357 as shown in FIG. It is possible to arbitrarily set a write prohibition flag for each address.

  Note that (Overview of system configuration), (Overview of device), (Hardware configuration example of RFID terminal 3 and main control unit 30 (excluding nonvolatile memory 357)), (Functional configuration) (Operation example) Since it is the same as that of Example 1, description is abbreviate | omitted here.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the modification of the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved by using the configuration of the nonvolatile memory 357 as shown in FIG. For example, in addition to the effects in the first embodiment, the non-volatile memory 357 stores destination adjustment data, linear velocity data, copy counters, motor rotation counters, etc., which must be protected absolutely. For information that cannot be performed (here, destination adjustment data and linear velocity data), a write prohibition flag is set and protected, and other information (here, motor rotation counter etc. is rewritten for each copy operation) Information) can be finely set according to conditions, such as being rewritable without protection. That is, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is highly convenient for control.

  Next, a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment stores the model-specific information received from the external RFID terminal 3 and performs the operation of setting the write prohibition flag. The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment performs an operation of resetting the write prohibition flag once set. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 1 resets the set write prohibition flag through a user operation.

The outline of the system configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, the outline of the apparatus, and the hardware configuration of the RFID terminal 3 and the main control unit 30 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted here. Here, the operation unit 20 (see FIG. 2) where a user operation is performed, the functional configuration, and the operation example will be described in this order.
(Configuration example of operation unit 20)
Next, a configuration example of the operation unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the operation unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention.

  10, the operation unit 20 includes a display unit 21, operation keys 22, a start key 23, a clear stop key 24, an initial setting key 25, and the like.

  The display unit 21 displays a character string and a bitmap. For example, a display.

  The operation key 22 is a button used for operations such as input of the number of copies to be printed.

  The start key 23 is a button used for an operation for instructing start of copying or document reading.

  The clear stop key 24 is a button used when the copy operation is interrupted or the number of copies is reset.

  The initial setting key 25 is a button used when setting an initial value of a setting used for a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, or the like.

With the above configuration, the display unit 21 performs screen display on the operation unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention. Also, it has a function as a man-machine interface unit that is operated by the user with the operation key 22, the start key 23, the clear stop key 24, the initial setting key 25, and the like.
(Function structure)
Next, a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 11, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a receiving unit 201, a storage unit 202, a storage control unit 203, a main body control unit 204, and a display unit 205.

  The receiving unit 201 receives model-specific information. For example, the RFID antenna 351 or the like receives model-specific information from the RFID terminal 3 by wireless communication. Also, the CPU bus access unit 355 and the like receive model-specific information transmitted from a CPU control bus 360 (described later) by wired communication.

  The storage unit 202 stores the model specific information received by the receiving unit 201. A write inhibit flag is provided. For example, the nonvolatile memory 357 or the like.

  The storage control unit 203 controls the storage unit 202. For example, the control unit 356 or the like controls the storage unit 202.

  The main body control unit 204 controls the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the CPU 310 or the like performs based on the stored contents of the storage unit 202. Further, the display content displayed by the display means 205 described later may be controlled.

  The display unit 205 performs display. For example, the operation unit 20. The display content displayed by the display unit 205 is controlled by the main body control unit 204. In addition, here, the display unit 205 also has a function as an input unit that performs input by a user operation.

With the above functional configuration, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention stores the model-specific information received by the receiving unit 201 in the storage unit 202. Note that the storage unit 202 is controlled by the storage control unit 203. The main body control unit 204 controls the operation of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the model-specific information stored in the storage unit 202.
(Operation example 1)
Next, a first operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the operation example 1 of the second embodiment.

  Here, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention, processing is performed until the write prohibition flag set by processing as in the operation example of the first embodiment is reset based on the input in the operation unit 20.

  Now, the operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the display unit 205 having a function as an interface operated by the user is input with an operation key (S201).

  Here, the user inputs the operation key 22 on the operation unit 20 (see FIG. 10) which is the display unit 205. The input given here is a combination of the operation keys 22 for shifting the image forming apparatus 1 to the service mode, and differs depending on the image forming apparatus 1. Note that the service mode is a mode in which the settings of the image forming apparatus 1 are adjusted.

  Next, the main body control unit 204 receives the input made in step S201, and determines whether or not to shift to the service mode based on the received input (S202). When it is determined to shift to the service mode (S202, YES), the process proceeds to step S203. If it determines with not changing (S202, NO), it will move to step S207.

  When the process proceeds to step S203, the image forming apparatus 1 transitions to the service mode (S203).

  Here, the main body control unit 204 shifts the image forming apparatus 1 to the service mode. Specifically, the main body control unit 204 instructs the display unit 205 to prompt the service mode to be displayed, and the display unit 205 performs display according to the content of the instruction.

  In step S204, the image forming apparatus 1 selects an item for resetting the write prohibition flag on the service mode screen display (S204). When selected (S204, YES), the process proceeds to step S205. If not selected (S204, NO), the process proceeds to step S208.

  Specifically, in the display unit 21 in the operation unit 20 that is the display unit 205, the user selects an item for resetting the write prohibition flag in the screen display of the service mode displayed in step S203. The The main body control unit 204 receives this selection from the display unit 205 and instructs the display unit 205 to perform a display prompting selection of whether or not to reset the write prohibition flag based on the received selection. The display means 205 performs display based on this instruction content.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S205, and the OK button or the CANCEL button is input in the image forming apparatus 1 (S205). When the OK button is input (S205, YES), the process proceeds to step S206. When the CANCEL button is input (S205, NO), the process proceeds to step S209.

  Here, an OK button or a CANCEL button is pressed by the user on the display unit 21 in the operation unit 20 that is the display unit 205. This sets whether to reset the set write prohibition flag. When resetting, the OK button is pressed, and when not resetting, the CANCEL button is pressed.

  When the process proceeds to step S206, the write prohibition flag is reset in the image forming apparatus 1 (S206). Thereafter, the process ends.

Specifically, the main body control unit 204 receives an OK button input on the display unit 205 and transmits an instruction to reset the write prohibition flag to the storage control unit 203 based on the input. The control unit 356 that is the storage control unit 203 resets the write prohibition flag in the nonvolatile memory 357 that is the storage unit 202 based on the received reset instruction.
That is, the control unit 356 outputs a flag ON setting signal to the flag control FF (see FIGS. 6 to 8). The flag control FF receives a flag ON setting signal and outputs “1” indicating write prohibition as a flag signal. As a result, the write prohibition flag is reset in the storage unit 102. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 can write to the storage unit 102.

  When the process proceeds to step S207, the main body control unit 204 shifts the image forming apparatus 1 to the normal mode (S207). Thereafter, the process ends.

  When the process proceeds to step S208, the main body control unit 204 shifts the image forming apparatus 1 to the normal adjustment mode (S208). Thereafter, the process ends.

  When the process proceeds to step S209, the main body control unit 204 shifts the image forming apparatus 1 to the normal adjustment mode (S209). Thereafter, the process ends.

  With the above processing, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention, the write prohibition flag set by the processing as in the operation example of the first embodiment is input to the “OK” or “CANCEL” key input in the operation unit 20. The process until reset is performed based on this.

Therefore, the following effects are exhibited. The effect is, for example, by enabling a transition to the service mode by performing a predetermined single key operation (see steps S201 and S202) only for the service person or the like in the operation as in the first operation example. Only a serviceman or the like can reset the write prohibition flag so that the data in the nonvolatile memory can be corrected. Further, it is possible to improve the degree of prevention of unauthorized modification by rewriting data in the nonvolatile memory.
(Operation example 2)
Next, a second operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second operation example of the second embodiment.

  In the first operation example, processing is performed until the write prohibition flag set in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention is reset based on the key input of “OK” or “CANCEL” in the operation unit 20. Here, the write prohibition flag is reset based on the input of a plurality of keys (here, “OK” and “0” keys simultaneously input) on the operation unit 20.

  Now, description will be made with reference to FIG.

  The processes according to Steps S301 to S305 and Steps S308 to S310 are the same as the processes according to Steps S201 to S205 and Steps S207 to S209 in Operation Example 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  In step S305, when the OK button is input on the display unit 205 (S305, YES), the process proceeds to step S306, and the "0" button is input in the image forming apparatus 1 (S306). If an input is given (S306, YES), the process proceeds to step S307. If no input is made (S306, NO), the process proceeds to step S311.

  Here, the “0” button is pressed by the user on the display unit 21 in the operation unit 20 which is the display unit 205. This sets whether to reset the set write prohibition flag. When resetting, OK and "0" are pressed simultaneously.

  When the process proceeds to step S307, the write prohibition flag is reset in the image forming apparatus 1 (S307). Thereafter, the process ends.

  The processing in step S307 is the same as that in step S206 according to operation example 1, and description thereof is omitted here.

  When the process proceeds to step S311, an operation invalid message is displayed on the image forming apparatus 1 (S311). Thereafter, the process returns to step S305.

  More specifically, the main body control unit 204 receives that the OK button and the “0” button are not input on the display unit 205 and instructs the display unit 205 to display an operation invalid message. The display means 205 performs display according to the contents of this instruction.

  With the above processing, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the operation example 2, the write prohibition flag is based on the input of a plurality of keys (here, “OK” and “0” keys are simultaneously input) on the operation unit 20. Perform the reset process. Further, here, as in the first operation example, it is possible to correct the data in the nonvolatile memory by resetting the write prohibition flag by simultaneously operating a plurality of keys instead of a single key.

  Therefore, the following effects are exhibited. The effect is that, in addition to the effect in the first operation example, a serviceman or the like can prevent an erroneous operation when the write prohibition flag is reset to correct data in the nonvolatile memory.

The “0” key may not be the “0” key as long as it is a predetermined key.
(Operation example 3)
Next, a third operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the operation example 3 of the second embodiment.

  In the second operation example, the write prohibition flag set in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention is used to input a plurality of keys in the operation unit 20 (in the second operation example, “OK” and “0” keys are simultaneously input). Based on the reset process. Here, when the process as in the operation example 2 is performed and the write prohibition flag is reset, a process of shifting to the data input screen is performed.

  Now, description will be made with reference to FIG.

  Since the process concerning step S401-S411 is the same as the process concerning step S301-S311 in the example 3 of operation, description is abbreviate | omitted here.

  In step S412, the main body control unit 204 instructs the display unit 205 to display data for prompting data input. The display means 205 performs display according to this instruction content (S412).

  With the above operation, when the process as in the operation example 2 is performed and the write prohibition flag is reset, the process for shifting to the data input screen is performed.

Therefore, the following effects are exhibited. The effect is that, in addition to the effect in the operation example 2, convenience can be enhanced when data is rewritten. Further, the data stored in the storage unit 202 can be displayed as a data input screen so that the data can be corrected while viewing the display.
(Operation example 4)
Next, a fourth operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the operation example 4 of the second embodiment.

  In the third operation example, the write prohibition flag set in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention is reset based on the input of a plurality of keys (“OK” and “0” keys in the third operation example) on the operation unit 20. After that, the process to move to the data input screen was performed. Here, in addition to the operation example 3, processing for setting the write prohibition flag is performed by the data input operation on the data input screen.

  Now, description will be made with reference to FIG.

  Since the processing according to steps S501 to S512 is the same as the processing according to steps S401 to S412 in the operation example 4, the description thereof is omitted here.

  In step S513, the display unit 205 inputs data (S513). When the input is completed (S513, YES), the process proceeds to step S515. If the input has not ended (S513, NO), the process returns to step S514 again.

  In step S514, the storage control unit 203 sets a write prohibition flag in the storage unit 202 (S514). Thereafter, the process ends.

  Since the process in step S515 is the same as step S103 in the first embodiment, a description thereof is omitted here.

  With the above operation, in addition to the operation in the operation example 3, the image forming apparatus according to the operation example 4 performs a process of automatically setting the write prohibition flag when the data input operation on the data input screen is completed.

Therefore, the following effects are exhibited. The effect is that, in addition to the effect in the operation example 3, when data is rewritten, it is possible to improve convenience such as preventing forgetting to set the write prohibition flag.
(Operation example 5)
Next, a fifth operation example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the operation example 5 of the second embodiment.

  In the operation example 2, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention, the write prohibition flag is based on the input of a plurality of keys (simultaneous input of “OK” and “0” keys in the operation example 2) in the operation unit 20. A reset process was performed. Further, while a plurality of keys are being input on the operation unit 20 (step S303 to step S306 in FIG. 13), the image forming apparatus 1 has shifted to the service mode. Here, processing for prohibiting wireless connection access is performed during the transition to the service mode.

  Now, description will be made with reference to FIG.

  Since the processes according to steps S601 to S603 and S607 are the same as the processes according to steps S301 to S303 and S308 in the operation example 2, respectively, the description thereof is omitted here.

  When the process proceeds to step S603 and the image forming apparatus 1 shifts to the service mode (S603), the process proceeds to step S604, and the wireless connection access prohibition flag is set in the image forming apparatus 1 (S604). When the setting is completed, the process proceeds to step S605.

  In step S <b> 604, the main body control unit 104 performs a setting for prohibiting wireless connection access to the storage control unit 103.

  In step S605, it is determined whether the image forming apparatus 1 has ended the service mode (S605). If it is determined that the process has been completed (S605, YES), the process proceeds to the next step S606. If it is determined that the process has not been completed (S605, NO), the process returns to step S605 to perform the process again.

  Here, the main body control unit 104 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 is in the service mode, that is, whether the image forming apparatus 1 is in the service mode or not in the service mode.

  When the process proceeds to step S606, the wireless connection access prohibition flag is reset in the image forming apparatus 1 (S606).

  Here, the main body control unit 204 performs setting to permit the wireless connection access to the storage control unit 202.

  With the above processing, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention performs processing for prohibiting wireless connection access while shifting to the service mode.

  Therefore, the following effects are exhibited. The effect is that during data adjustment by a service person or the like, wireless connection access from the RFID terminal 3 is prohibited, and malfunction can be avoided.

  Note that the wireless connection access prohibition flag may be considered to have a circuit configuration equivalent to the above-described write prohibition flag.

  In the first and second embodiments, the write prohibition flag can be set by wireless connection via the RFID terminal 3 or the like, or wired connection via the CPU control bus 360 or the like. (See Example 1 and Example 2). However, the write prohibition flag can be reset only by wired connection (see Example 2). Thereby, unintended rewriting of the machine configuration adjustment data by wireless connection (communication) can be prevented.

  Although the present invention has been described based on each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations with other elements listed in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system that performs machine configuration adjustment for an image forming apparatus of the present invention. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an RFID terminal 3 and a main control unit 30 of an image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating details of the control unit 356 and the nonvolatile memory 357 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating details of the write prohibition flag control unit 358 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. (A) When write prohibition flag control unit 358 permits writing (b) When write prohibition flag control unit 358 prohibits writing 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an RFID terminal 3 and a main control unit 30 of an image forming apparatus 1 according to a modification example of Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the operation example 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second operation example of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the operation example 3 of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the operation example 4 of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the operation example 5 of the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 3 RFID terminal 20 Operation part 30 Main control part 350 Memory module part 356 Control part 357 Non-volatile memory 101, 201 Receiving means 102, 202 Storage means 103, 203 Storage control means 104, 204 Main body control means 205 Display means

Claims (6)

An electronic device that receives and stores model-specific information that is different setting information depending on the destination, model, etc., and whose operation is controlled based on the stored model-specific information,
A receiving means capable of wireless connection for receiving the model-specific information;
Storage means for storing the model-specific information received, with a write inhibit flag corresponding based on the model-specific data by the receiving means,
Operation means that can be input with operation keys,
When the storage means stores the model-specific information, a write-inhibit flag corresponding to the stored model-specific information is set, and the write-inhibit flag is reset by inputting a predetermined operation key in the operation means and the model-specific information Storage control means for setting information ;
Have
The electronic device characterized in that, while performing an operation of resetting the write prohibition flag and setting the model-specific information, the receiving unit prohibits reception of the model-specific information by wireless connection. . Write determination means for determining whether to perform storage by the storage means based on the state of the write prohibition flag;
The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the write determination unit prohibits storage by the storage unit when the write prohibition flag is set. An electronic device that receives and stores model-specific information that is different setting information depending on the destination, model, etc., and whose operation is controlled based on the stored model-specific information,
A receiving means capable of wireless connection for receiving the model-specific information;
Storage means for storing the model-specific information received by the receiving means;
A write inhibit control means for controlling the blocking and conduction of the write control signal to the pre-term memory unit,
Have
When said storage means stores the model-specific information received by said receiving means, said write inhibit control means is an electronic device, characterized in that to block the write control signal to the pre-crisis憶means. The write inhibit control means, writing after the storing means stores the model-specific data, if the receiving unit receives the model-specific data by wireless connection, to the storage means of the write inhibit control means 4. The electronic device according to claim 3 , wherein conduction of the control signal is prohibited. A receiving unit that receives model-specific information that is different setting information depending on a destination, a model, and the like by wireless connection, the received model-specific information is stored, and a corresponding write prohibition flag is provided based on the model-specific information A storage unit;
An operation unit that can be input with operation keys,
When the storage unit stores the model-specific information, a write-inhibit flag corresponding to the stored model-specific information is set, and the write-inhibit flag is reset by inputting a predetermined operation key in the operation unit and the model-specific information A storage control unit for setting information, and a storage control method for an electronic device in which operation is controlled based on the model-specific information stored by the storage unit,
The electronic device characterized in that, while performing an operation of resetting the write prohibition flag and setting the model-specific information, the receiving unit prohibits reception of the model-specific information by wireless connection. storage control method of. An image forming apparatus comprising the electronic device according to claim 1 .

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