JP4883294B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming program - Google Patents

Description

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

  Generally, an image forming apparatus is configured to be able to set its operation. In order to change the setting of the device, conventionally, the operator manually changed the setting from the operation panel of the device. However, such a change in setting changes the operation of the apparatus when the change is reflected. For this reason, for example, when changing the setting of a device used for business or the like, it is necessary to perform the setting change work on a holiday or night when the business is not performed, which is a burden on the operator. In particular, when the number of setting items is large or when the setting is changed in many devices, the time to stop the work for changing the setting becomes longer, so the tendency to do it on holidays or at night is remarkable. .

  For example, in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, a setting request is made from the outside, and the setting is executed when there is no print job. In this case, although the operation from the operation panel can be performed by an external device, the setting is reflected as soon as there is no print job. Therefore, it is only possible to select the date and time when the job is not performed.

  In Patent Document 3, a setting file server is provided separately from the setting device, the setting file is registered in advance in the setting file server, and the setting file server updates the setting using the setting file under a predetermined condition. ing. With this technique, in a system in which a setting file server exists, an operator only has to register a setting file in advance, so that he / she is freed from work such as holidays and nights.

JP 2002-135493 A JP 2003-29941 A JP 2000-25307 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and can perform setting of a device without using another device and can reflect a change in setting at a desired timing. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving the environment.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided: a forming unit that forms an image using setting data according to setting information; a receiving unit that receives a setting request in which a date and time for setting is specified as an execution condition; Determining whether the setting content of the received setting request is to change the setting information for performing image forming operation or overall control of the apparatus or setting of the setting data used at the time of image formation; When the setting content of the setting request is a change of the setting information, a difference image for changing the setting information according to the setting content of the setting request received by the receiving unit and a mask image indicating data for changing the setting Created or updated, and if the setting content of the setting request is the setting data setting, whether it is a macro / font file addition / update request If there is a macro / font file addition / update request, the optimization means for creating or updating the command file for adding / updating the macro / font file and the date and time are specified in the setting request. Based on the difference image and the mask image or based on the command file when the determination unit determines that the execution condition is satisfied. An image forming apparatus comprising execution means for executing the setting request.

  In addition to the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the invention described in claim 2 further includes notification means for notifying that the execution request has been executed by the execution means. Device.

  A third aspect of the present invention is an image forming program that causes a computer to execute the function of the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect.

  According to the invention described in claim 1 of the present application, the setting can be executed at the date and time designated as the execution condition by eliminating the redundant setting by optimization only by making the setting request in advance by the operator. The working environment of the operator can be improved and the time required to execute the setting can be reduced.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it can be confirmed that the setting is reflected.

  According to the invention described in claim 3 of the present application, the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or claim 2 of the present application can be obtained.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, 11 is a reception unit, 12 is a storage unit, 13 is an optimization unit, 14 is an output unit, 15 is a determination unit, 16 is an execution unit, 17 is a setting holding unit, 18 is a notification unit, 19 is a formation unit, 21 is a setting request, and 22 is setting data.

  The receiving unit 11 receives a setting request from the outside and stores it in the storage unit 12 as the setting request 21. For example, a setting request may be received through various communication paths such as a LAN, the Internet, a telephone line, a parallel, serial, or dedicated interface, or an operator input may be received from an operation panel (not shown). The accepted setting request includes an execution condition for executing the setting request. As the execution condition, for example, the date and time for setting can be set as a condition. Of course, in addition to this, various conditions indicating the timing for executing the setting can be set.

  The storage unit 12 can store various data that needs to be stored in the image forming apparatus, and in particular, stores one or more setting requests 21 received by the receiving unit 11. Can do. In the example shown in FIG. 1, setting data 22 used by the forming unit 19 is also stored in the storage unit 12.

  When a plurality of setting requests 21 are stored in the storage unit 12, the optimization unit 13 arranges and optimizes the plurality of setting requests 21. For example, when duplicate settings are made by a plurality of setting requests 21, the latest setting request 21 may be set with priority. In addition, for the setting request 21 for performing settings that require restart of the apparatus, the settings can be collected so that the restarts are minimized. Further, for a plurality of setting requests 21 for updating setting data to the setting holding unit 17 to be described later, it is possible to create an image of setting data and set the image in the setting holding unit 17.

  The output unit 14 outputs the setting request stored in the storage unit 12. As an output method, an image can be formed and output by the forming unit 19 or can be notified to the outside using a communication channel used when the receiving unit 11 receives the setting request 21 or other communication channels.

  The determination unit 15 determines whether or not the execution condition set for the setting request 21 stored in the storage unit 12 is satisfied. For example, when the date and time is set as the execution condition, it may be determined whether or not the date and time has arrived. If the execution condition is satisfied, the execution unit 16 is instructed to execute the setting request 21.

  When the determination unit 15 determines that the execution condition corresponding to the setting request 21 is satisfied, the execution unit 16 executes the setting instructed by the setting request 21. The execution of the setting includes updating of setting data held by the setting holding unit 17 and updating of setting data 22 stored in the storage unit 12.

  The setting holding unit 17 holds various setting information for controlling the operation of forming an image by the forming unit 19 and various setting information for controlling the entire apparatus. For example, there is a setting for forcibly embedding a watermark in an image by the forming unit 19 or an IP address setting. The setting holding unit 17 can be configured by a non-volatile memory that is not erased even when the power is turned off.

  The notification unit 18 notifies the preset notification destination that the execution unit 16 has executed the setting instructed by the setting request 21. This notification can be performed using, for example, a communication path used when the reception unit 11 receives the setting request 21 or another communication path. Of course, notification may be performed by outputting an image from the forming unit 19.

  The forming unit 19 forms an image according to the setting information held in the setting holding unit 17 and using the setting data 22 stored in the storage unit 12. The image forming method is arbitrary.

  Next, an example of the operation in the embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the date and time for executing the setting is specified as an execution condition. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when a setting request is received. In S <b> 31, the receiving unit 11 receives a setting request in which the execution condition is specified, and stores the setting request as the setting request 21 in the storage unit 12.

  The optimization unit 13 performs optimization processing for the setting request 21 by the following processing. In S32, the setting folder is searched using the execution condition, here the date and time as a search key. Here, the setting folder is created for each execution condition (here, date and time) and holds data for optimized settings. The data for setting includes an image of setting information held in the setting holding unit 17 and setting data 22 stored in the storage unit 12. The setting request only needs to be distinguishable from other print requests for forming an image by the forming unit 19, and the data format, communication method, and the like are arbitrary.

  In S33, it is determined whether or not a setting folder corresponding to the execution condition exists in the search in S32. If it exists, the process proceeds to S35 as it is. If it does not exist, a new setting folder corresponding to the execution condition (here, date and time) is created in S34, and the process proceeds to S35.

  In S35, the setting content of the setting request 21 received in S31 is determined. Here, the setting information stored in the setting storage unit 17 is used to change the setting information for controlling the image forming operation and the entire apparatus, or the image stored in the storage unit 12 such as a macro or a font. It is determined whether it is a setting of various setting data 22 used at the time of formation.

  If the setting content of the setting request 21 is a change of setting information for performing image forming operation or overall control of the apparatus, the setting is retrieved in the setting folder searched in S33 in S36 (or newly created in S34). It is determined whether a difference image of information exists. If the difference image does not exist, in S37, the difference image for changing the setting information stored in the setting storage unit 17 and the data for changing the setting are indicated in accordance with the setting content of the setting request 21 received in S31. Create a mask image. The setting information stored in the setting storage unit 17 often sets a function by ON / OFF of a bit. The value of a bit whose setting is changed may be a difference image, and the bit position to be changed may be a mask image. . The difference image and the mask image are stored in the corresponding setting folder of the storage unit 12.

  If a difference image already exists in the setting folder, in S38, the already existing difference image is changed in accordance with the setting contents of the setting request 21 received in S31, and a new setting is made along with the change. Change the mask image for the bit position to be changed. The difference image and the mask image after the change are stored in the corresponding setting folder of the storage unit 12 and updated.

  On the other hand, when the setting content of the setting request 21 is a setting of various setting data 22 stored in the storage unit 12 and used at the time of image formation, an optimization process for the setting request 21 is performed. Here, it is determined whether or not a macro / font file addition / update request is made in S39, and if it is a macro / font file addition / update request, in S40, the macro file or font file to be added or updated is set in the setting folder. Copy and prepare for addition / update. In S41, in order to add / update the prepared macro / font file, a new command file is created, or if the command file already exists, the command file is updated. At this time, further optimization can be achieved by eliminating duplicate commands. If it is determined in S39 that the request is other than a macro / font file addition / update request, a new command file is created or updated in S41 as described above.

  In this way, a setting request sent from the outside is accepted and optimized according to the setting contents. At this time, the requested setting is not immediately executed, and the setting is executed when the execution condition is satisfied by the execution process described below (here, the date and time has arrived). Since the setting is not changed only by accepting the setting request and optimizing it, it is not reflected in the image formation by the forming unit 19. On the contrary, until the requested setting is reflected, image formation by the forming unit 19 is continued with the setting up to that point.

  In the above-described operation example, an example of performing an optimization process in which setting requests are summarized for each date and time, and an image of the setting information is created and aggregated for changing the setting information for controlling the image forming operation and the entire apparatus. Indicated. In addition, in the case of setting of various setting data 22 used at the time of image formation, a macro / font file is prepared by copying in advance, and the settings are shown to be collected as a command file. The optimization process performed by the optimization unit 13 is not limited to this example. For example, if there is an item that performs duplicate settings by referring to the execution conditions in the order of date and time, the latest setting request is given priority. By deleting, the setting process can be reduced. Alternatively, optimization may be performed by reducing the number of times of restarting by summarizing according to necessity / unnecessity of restarting the apparatus. In particular, when the setting information held by the setting holding unit 17 is changed, it is often necessary to restart the apparatus. As described above, the setting information held by the setting holding unit 17 includes a plurality of setting request images of difference data. The number of restarts can be reduced by creating from 21. Of course, you may optimize by another method.

  The above setting request may be made any time before the execution condition is satisfied. For example, even when setting is performed for a plurality of image forming apparatuses all at once, it is not necessary to perform setting all at once when sending a setting request. Accordingly, the setting request can be transferred so as not to place a burden on the communication path, such as transferring the setting request when the communication path is free.

  Further, the optimization process by the optimization unit 13 may be performed any time before the execution condition is satisfied, and the setting is normally performed even if the optimization process is not performed. Therefore, the optimization process may be executed when there is no problem in the image formation by the forming unit 19. In addition, since the setting is executed with the optimized setting contents during the actual setting process, the processing time for the actual setting is shortened.

  The setting request 21 stored in the storage unit 12 can be output from the output unit 14. For example, by sending an output request to the image forming apparatus, a list of stored setting requests 21 can be taken out, and the setting contents of each setting request 21 can be referred to. Alternatively, the setting request 21 stored in the storage unit 12 can be output as a report from the forming unit 19 together with the contents thereof according to an instruction from the user. For example, this function can be used when confirming the contents set in advance.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when a setting request is executed. Here, since the date and time are the execution conditions, the current date and time is acquired in S51. In S52, the setting folder is searched in the order of the date and time set as the execution condition, and in S53, one of the searched setting folders is selected.

  In S54, it is determined whether or not the date and time (execution condition) corresponding to the setting folder selected in S53 is earlier than the current date and time. This determination is performed by the determination unit 15. If the date and time corresponding to the setting folder is before the current date and time, it is necessary to execute the setting corresponding to the setting folder. Accordingly, the execution folder 16 is notified of the setting folder, and the setting based on the contents of the setting folder is executed.

  In the example described with reference to FIG. 2, the setting folder includes an image of difference data and a mask image for changing the setting information held by the setting holding unit 17, and various setting data 22 used by the forming unit 19 during image formation. A command file for setting the file and a macro / font file prepared by copying as necessary are stored. In step S55, the execution unit 16 first executes the contents of the command file (each command) in the setting folder. At this time, for example, a macro file or a font file prepared by copying in advance is set as usable setting data 22.

  Next, in S56, the execution unit 16 changes the setting information held in the setting holding unit 17 using the difference data image and the mask image in the setting folder.

  After setting the setting folder selected in S53, the setting folder is deleted in S57, and the process returns to S52. Then, the setting folder of the next date and time is searched, and the searched setting folder is selected in S53. If the selected setting folder is before the current date and time, the setting is executed in S55 and S56, and the setting folder is deleted. Repeat the operation.

  If the date and time of the setting folder searched in S52 is later than the current date and time, since the setting folder with the old date and time is searched, there is no setting folder that satisfies the execution date and time by the current date and time. It shows that. In this case, in S58, it is determined whether or not the setting information held by the setting holding unit 17 has been changed. If the setting information held by the setting holding unit 17 has been changed, the apparatus is restarted in S59, and the setting process ends.

  Note that the notification unit 18 can be configured to notify that the setting request has been executed after the processing of S55 and S56 or after the end of the setting processing shown in FIG. For example, the notification may be made to a notification destination by using a preset administrator or user as a notification destination or receiving a notification destination together with a setting request. For example, notification can be performed by e-mail, FAX, or other means. Alternatively, a message indicating that the setting has been made from the forming unit 19, setting contents, or the like may be output as an image or accumulated as an operation history.

  The above processing for executing the setting request is performed at predetermined time intervals, for example, and is performed when an external instruction, for example, specific data is received, or from an operation panel (not shown) or device re-execution. This can be done at startup. In the above description, the execution condition is date and time as an example. However, various other conditions may be set, and in addition to the processing of S52 and S53, or instead of the processing of S52 and S53. Needless to say, a setting request (setting file) may be executed by determining those conditions.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a computer program, a storage medium storing the computer program, and a computer when the functions of one embodiment of the present invention are implemented by a computer program. In the figure, 61 is a program, 62 is a computer, 71 is a magneto-optical disk, 72 is an optical disk, 73 is a magnetic disk, 74 is a memory, 81 is a CPU, 82 is an internal memory, 83 is a reading unit, 84 is a hard disk, and 85 is An interface 86 is a communication unit.

  Part or all of the functions of the units described in the embodiment of the present invention described above can be realized by a program 61 that can be executed by a computer. In that case, the program 61 and the data used by the program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A storage medium causes a state of change in energy such as magnetism, light, electricity, etc. to the reading unit 83 provided in the hardware resource of a computer according to the description content of the program, and a signal corresponding thereto. In this format, the program description can be transmitted to the reading unit 83. For example, a magneto-optical disk 71, an optical disk 72 (including a CD and a DVD), a magnetic disk 73, a memory 74 (including an IC card and a memory card), and the like. Of course, these storage media are not limited to portable types.

  The program 61 is stored in these storage media, and the program 61 is read from the computer and stored in the internal memory 82 or the hard disk 84 by, for example, mounting these storage media on the reading unit 83 or the interface 85 of the computer 62. By executing the program 61 by the CPU 81, the function described as an embodiment of the present invention can be realized. Alternatively, the program 61 is transferred to the computer 62 via a network or the like, and the computer 62 receives the program 61 by the communication unit 86 and stores the program 61 in the internal memory 82 or the hard disk 84. You may implement | achieve the function demonstrated as one Embodiment of invention. In addition, the computer 62 can be connected to various devices via the interface 85. For example, an input device such as a display device for displaying information or an operation panel for inputting information by the user is also connected. Good. An image forming engine constituting a part of the forming unit 19 can also be connected and configured through this interface 85. The storage unit 12 in FIG. 1 can be configured by the hard disk 84, and the setting holding unit 17 can be configured as a part of the internal memory 82.

  Of course, some functions may be configured by hardware, or all may be configured by hardware. Alternatively, it can be configured as a program including the present invention together with other configurations. For example, an apparatus including an image reading apparatus such as a copying machine may be configured as one program together with the control program. Of course, in the case of application to other purposes, integration with a program for that purpose is also possible.

1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement at the time of receiving a setting request. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement at the time of performing a setting request | requirement. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a computer program, a storage medium storing the computer program, and a computer when the function of the embodiment of the present invention is realized by a computer program.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Reception part, 12 ... Memory | storage part, 13 ... Optimization part, 14 ... Output part, 15 ... Determination part, 16 ... Execution part, 17 ... Setting holding part, 18 ... Notification part, 19 ... Formation part, 21 ... Setting Request, 22 ... setting data, 61 ... program, 62 ... computer, 71 ... magneto-optical disk, 72 ... optical disk, 73 ... magnetic disk, 74 ... memory, 81 ... CPU, 82 ... internal memory, 83 ... reading unit, 84 ... Hard disk, 85... Interface, 86.

Claims (3)

  A forming unit that forms an image using setting data in accordance with setting information, a receiving unit that receives a setting request in which the date and time of setting is specified as an execution condition, and the setting content of the setting request received by the receiving unit is an image It is determined whether the setting information for controlling the forming operation and the entire apparatus is changed or the setting data used for image formation is set, and the setting content of the setting request is the setting information. In the case of a change, a setting image is created or updated by creating or updating a difference image for changing the setting information and data for changing the setting in accordance with the setting content of the setting request received by the receiving means. If the content is the setting data setting, it is determined whether or not a macro / font file addition / update request is received, and the macro phone If it is a file addition / update request, optimization means for creating or updating a command file for adding / updating a macro / font file, and whether the date and time satisfies the execution condition specified in the setting request A determination unit that determines whether or not the execution unit executes the setting request based on the difference image and the mask image or based on the command file when the determination unit determines that the execution condition is satisfied. An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for notifying that the setting request has been executed by the execution means.   An image forming program for causing a computer to execute the function of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

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