JP5494301B2 - Image forming apparatus, confidential printing method, and confidential printing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a confidential printing method, and a confidential printing program, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a confidential printing function, a confidential printing method, and a confidential printing program.

  In general, an image forming apparatus that switches between an operation mode in which an image can be formed and a power saving mode in which an image cannot be formed when the user does not use but has low power consumption is known (for example, Patent Document 1). ). The conventional image forming apparatus switches the operation mode to the power saving mode when the user does not operate for a predetermined time or longer.

  Also, when the confidential print is designated from the PC to the image forming apparatus and the print data is transmitted, the image forming apparatus stores the print data immediately without printing, and when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus, the print data is stored first. A secret print function for printing received print data is known.

However, it is conceivable that the conventional image forming apparatus has a confidential print function. However, when the user logs in, the print data received earlier in the operation mode is printed, and if the predetermined time does not elapse, the power saving mode is set. Cannot switch to. For this reason, there is a problem in that the power consumed after printing the print data for which the confidential print is designated and before switching to the power saving mode is wasted.
JP 2005-43588 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus with reduced power consumption.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a confidential printing method with reduced power consumption.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a confidential printing program with reduced power consumption.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image, an operable mode, and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the operable mode. Switching means for switching the operation mode to any one of the above, a confidential print receiving means for receiving and storing confidential print data including personal information and print data, an authenticating means for authenticating a user, and a stored confidential print data If confidential print data including the user identification information of the user authenticated by the authentication unit exists, the image forming unit forms an image of the print data included in the confidential print data including the user identification information of the authenticated user. a confidential printing unit, a detection sensor that detects a human body, and personal information reading apparatus personal information is input, personal Comprising a power control unit for controlling electric power supplied to the broadcasting reader, and switching means, when it is switched to the power saving mode, in response to a user is authenticated by the authentication unit switches to an operational mode After being switched to the operable mode by the operable mode switching means and the operable mode switching means, the image formation of the print data included in the confidential print data including the user identification information of the authenticated user by the image forming means is completed. later, seen including a power-saving mode switching means for switching to the power saving mode, the authentication means, based on the personal information input to the personal information reading device, authenticates the user, the power control unit, saving the switching means When switching to the power mode, if confidential print data is stored in the storage means, power is supplied to the personal information reader. And, if the confidential print data is not stored in the storage means, and cut off the power supplied to the personal information reading device, in response to the human body is detected by the detection sensor, and supplies electric power to the personal information reader .

According to this aspect, when the user is authenticated when the user is switched to the power saving mode, the user is switched to the operable mode and included in the confidential print data including the user identification information of the authenticated user. After the print data image formation is completed, the mode is switched to the power saving mode. For this reason, since the time during which the operation mode becomes the operable mode is shortened, an image forming apparatus with reduced power consumption can be provided. Also, when switching to the power saving mode, if confidential print data is stored, power is supplied to the personal information reading device, so it is necessary to wait for the startup time until the personal information reading device becomes readable. The personal information can be read immediately. Further, when the confidential print data is not stored, the power supplied to the personal information reading device is cut off, and the personal information reading device is supplied with power when the human body is detected by the detection sensor. The power consumed by the information reading device can be reduced.

  Preferably, the operable mode includes an all operable mode and a print operable mode that consumes less power than the fully operable mode, and the operable mode switching means authenticates the stored confidential print data. If there is confidential print data including user identification information of the user authenticated by the means, the first switching means for switching to the print operation enable mode, and the user authenticated by the authentication means among the stored confidential print data And second switching means for switching to the all operable mode when there is no confidential print data including user identification information.

  According to this aspect, when the confidential print data including the user identification information of the authenticated user exists, the mode is switched to the print operation enable mode, and the confidential print data including the user identification information of the authenticated user does not exist. Is switched to the all operable mode. For this reason, it is possible to further reduce the power consumption by consuming only the power necessary to form the image of the confidential print data.

  Preferably, the personal information reading device includes an external device that reads and outputs personal information.

  Preferably, the communication device includes a communication circuit that is connectable to an external device and supplies power to the connected external device, and the authentication unit further includes a connection detection unit that detects whether the external device is connected to the communication circuit. The power control means includes power to the communication circuit in preference to the operation panel when the connection detecting means detects that an external device is connected while the switching means is switched to the power saving mode. Supply.

  Preferably, the personal information reading device includes an operation panel that receives a user operation.

  Preferably, after the user is authenticated by the authenticating means, further comprising a notifying means for notifying that the authentication is successful, and the power control means supplies power to the notifying means in response to being authenticated by the authenticating means. .

According to another aspect of the present invention, the confidential printing method is a confidential printing method executed by an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image, and the image forming apparatus detects a human body. And a personal information reading device to which personal information is input, a switching step for switching the operation mode to either one of an operable mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the operable mode, and the personal information and receiving the confidential print data including the print data, a storing step of storing an authentication step of authenticating the user, confidential print data including the user identification information of the authenticated user within the stored confidential print data is the If present, image of print data included in confidential print data including user identification information of authenticated user is formed Includes a step of forming a step, a power control step of controlling the power supplied to the personal information reading device, a switching step, when it is switched to the power saving mode, the user is authenticated in the step of authenticating And after the switching to the operable mode, after the image formation of the print data included in the confidential print data including the user identification information of the authenticated user by the image forming means is completed. , seen containing a step of switching to the power saving mode, the authentication step is based on the personal information input to the personal information reading device, authenticates the user, the power control step is switched to the power saving mode in switching step If confidential print data is stored in the storage step, Supplying power to the reading device and switching to the power saving mode in the switching step. If the confidential print data is not stored in the storing step, the power supplied to the personal information reading device is cut off and detected by the detection sensor. depending on the human body is detected, the personal information read including the step of supplying power, to the device.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a confidential printing method with reduced power consumption.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, confidential printing program, a confidential printing program executed by a computer for controlling an image forming apparatus having an image forming means for forming an image, the image forming apparatus, the human body A switch for switching the operation mode to one of an operable mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the operable mode. a step to receive confidential print data including the personal information and the print data, a storing step of storing an authentication step of authenticating the user, the user identification information of the authenticated user within the stored confidential print data has been Confidential print data including user identification information of the authenticated user A step of forming an image of print data to the image forming unit included, and the power control step of controlling the power supplied to the personal information reading device, cause the computer to execute the switching step, when switched to the power saving mode And a step of switching to the operable mode in response to the user being authenticated in the authenticating step, and confidential print data including user identification information of the user authenticated by the image forming means after being switched to the operable mode. after image formation of the print data included in the finished, viewed including the step of switching to the power saving mode, the authentication step is based on the personal information input to the personal information reading device, it authenticates the user, power control If the step is switched to the power saving mode in the switching step, the memory step If the confidential print data is stored in the personal information reader, the personal information reader is switched to the power saving mode in the switching step, and if the confidential print data is not stored in the storage step, the personal cut off the power supplied to the information reading device, in response to the human body is detected by the detection sensor, the personal information read including the step of supplying power, to the device, the confidential printing program.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a confidential print program with reduced power consumption.

2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of a CPU provided in the MFP together with data stored in an HDD. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the format of confidential print data. It is a figure which shows an example of the data format of user data. It is a figure for demonstrating the transition of an operation mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the electric power supply state according to operation mode. It is a time chart which shows an example of the transition of an operation mode. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a personal information reader setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of all the operation mode processes. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a power saving mode process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary flow of a print operation mode process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP. Referring to FIG. 1, an MFP 100 includes a main circuit 101, an automatic document reader (ADF) 10, a document reading unit 20, an image forming unit 30, a paper feeding unit 40, and an operation panel 13 as a user interface. And a communication I / F 60 and a power supply circuit 50.

  The main circuit 101 includes a CPU 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113, an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 114, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 115 as a mass storage device. , A facsimile unit 116, a network I / F 117, a human body detection sensor 118, and an external storage device 119 on which a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) 119A is mounted. CPU 111 is connected to ADF 10, document reading unit 20, image forming unit 30, paper feeding unit 40, operation panel 13, communication I / F 60, and power supply circuit 50, and controls the entire MFP 100.

  The ADF 10 automatically conveys a plurality of documents set on the document feed tray one by one to a predetermined document reading position set on the platen glass of the document reading unit 20, and the document reading unit 20 reads the document. The document whose image has been read is discharged onto a document discharge tray. The document reading unit 20 includes a light source that emits light to the document conveyed to the document reading position and a photoelectric conversion element that receives light reflected from the document, and scans a document image corresponding to the size of the document. The photoelectric conversion element converts the received light into image data, which is an electrical signal, and stores it in a memory or outputs it to the image forming unit 30.

  The image forming unit 30 forms an image by a known electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 30 performs various types of data processing such as shading correction on the image data input from the document reading unit 20, and the image data after the data processing is processed. Based on this, an image is formed on the sheet conveyed by the sheet feeding unit 40. The paper feed unit 40 conveys the paper stored in the paper feed tray to the image forming unit 30.

  A communication I / F 60 is an interface that is connected to the CPU 111 and connects the MFP 100 to another apparatus using a serial communication cable. The communication I / F 60 can be connected to the card reader 70. When the card reader 70 is attached to the communication I / F 60, the card reader 70 is driven by receiving power from the communication I / F 60.

  The card reader 70 inserts an IC card owned by the user, reads the user identification information stored in the inserted IC card from the IC card, and transmits the read user identification information to the communication I / F 60.

  The power supply circuit 50 is supplied with power from a commercial power supply, and converts the supplied AC power into a DC having a predetermined voltage. The power supply circuit 50 is controlled by the CPU 111 and supplies power to all or part of the MFP 100.

  The ROM 112 stores a program executed by the CPU 111 and data necessary for executing the program. The RAM 113 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program.

  The facsimile unit 116 is connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN or receives facsimile data from the PSTN. The facsimile unit 116 stores the received facsimile data in the HDD 115 or outputs it to the image forming unit 30. The image forming unit 30 forms an image of facsimile data received by the facsimile unit 116 on a sheet. Further, the facsimile unit 116 converts the data stored in the HDD 115 into facsimile data, and transmits the facsimile data to a facsimile machine connected to the PSTN.

  A network I / F 117 is an interface for connecting the MFP 100 to a network. The CPU 111 can communicate with a personal computer (PC) connected to the network via the network I / F 117 and transmits / receives data to / from the PC. In particular, confidential print data received from a PC is received.

  The human body detection sensor 118 is an infrared sensor that detects infrared rays emitted from an object. The human body detection sensor 118 detects infrared rays emitted from the human body if a person is present within the detectable range, and outputs an ON signal to the CPU 111, and outputs an OFF signal to the CPU 111 if no infrared ray is detected. .

  The external storage device 119 is loaded with a CD-ROM 119A. The CPU 111 can access the CD-ROM 119A via the external storage device 119, and can execute a program stored in the CD-ROM 119A by loading it into the RAM 113. Note that the program executed by the CPU 111 is not limited to the program stored in the CD-ROM 119A, but may be a program stored in another storage medium, a program stored in the HDD 115, or a network I / O. It may be a program written in the HDD 115 by another computer connected to the network via F117.

  The storage medium for storing the program is not limited to the CD-ROM 119A, but an optical disc (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), IC card, optical card, mask ROM, A semiconductor memory such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) may be used.

  The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 111 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  Operation panel 13 is provided on the upper surface of MFP 100 and includes a display unit 103 and an operation unit 105. The display unit 103 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device or an organic ELD (Electroluminescence Display), and displays an instruction menu for a user, information about acquired display data, and the like. The operation unit 105 receives a user operation and outputs the received operation to the CPU 111. The operation unit 105 includes a touch panel arranged so as to be superimposed on the display unit 103. The touch panel is made of a transparent member, and is arranged so as to be superimposed on the display unit 103. When the user touches the touch panel with a finger, the touch panel detects the touched position as an instruction position and outputs the detected position to the CPU 111.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overview of the functions of the CPU provided in the MFP, together with data stored in the HDD. The functions of the CPU 111 shown in FIG. 2 are formed by the CPU 111 executing a confidential print program stored in the ROM 112, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 119A. Referring to FIG. 2, CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 includes a confidential print receiving unit 131 that receives confidential print data, an authentication unit 133 that authenticates a user, a confidential print unit 137, a switching unit 139 that switches operation modes, A human body detection unit 149 that detects a person, a notification unit 151, and a power control unit 153 that controls the power supply circuit 50 are included.

  When the confidential print receiving unit 131 receives the confidential print data from the PC or the like connected to the network, the confidential print receiving unit 131 acquires the confidential print data from the network I / F 117. The confidential print data is data transmitted from the PC to the MFP 100 when the user operating the PC instructs the MFP 100 to transmit the print data from the PC to the MFP 100, and is a confidential print. In order to indicate this, it is data in which user identification information for identifying the user of the PC is added to the print data. When the confidential print receiving unit 131 acquires the confidential print data from the network I / F 117, the confidential print receiving unit 131 stores the acquired confidential print data in the HDD 115. As a result, the confidential print data 83 is stored in the HDD 115.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the format of confidential print data. Referring to FIG. 3, confidential print data 83 includes an item of user identification information and an item of print data. User identification information is set in the item of user identification information, and the user identification information is information for identifying a user who has instructed transmission of print data.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the authentication unit 133 includes a connection detection unit 135. The connection detection unit 135 determines whether or not the card reader 70 is connected to the communication I / F 60. For example, the determination is made based on whether or not communication with the card reader 70 is possible via the communication I / F 60. When the connection detection unit 135 determines that the card reader 70 is connected to the communication I / F 60, the connection detection unit 135 sets the card reader 70 as a personal information reading device, and the card reader 70 is not connected to the communication I / F 60. Is determined, the operation panel 13 is set to the personal information reading device. When the card reader 70 is set as a personal information reading device, the connection detection unit 135 outputs the device identification information of the communication I / F 60 to the power control unit 153, and when the operation panel 13 is set as the personal information reading device, The device identification information of panel 13 is output to power control unit 153.

  When the connection detection unit 135 sets the card reader 70 as a personal information reading device, the authentication unit 133 communicates with the card reader 70 via the communication I / F 60 and determines whether an IC card has been inserted into the card reader 70. to decide. Further, the authentication unit 133 causes the card reader 70 to read the user identification information stored in the IC card, and acquires the user identification information from the card reader 70. Authentication unit 133 determines whether the user to whom the acquired user identification information is assigned is a user permitted to operate MFP 100.

  User data including user identification information of a user who is permitted to operate MFP 100 is stored in HDD 115 in advance, and authentication unit 133 includes user data 81 in which user identification information acquired from card reader 70 is stored in HDD 115. It is judged whether it is included in. The authentication unit 133 authenticates if the user identification information acquired from the card reader 70 is included in the user data 81, but does not authenticate if it is not included in the user data 81. When authenticating, the authentication unit 133 outputs an authentication signal including user identification information acquired from the card reader 70 to the confidential print unit 137, the switching unit 139, the notification unit 151, and the power control unit 153.

  When the connection detection unit 135 sets the operation panel 13 as a personal information reading device, the authentication unit 133 detects whether the user has operated the operation unit 105 and detects that the user has operated the operation unit 105. , A set of user identification information and password input by the user to the operation unit 105 is acquired. The authentication unit 133 determines whether the user data 81 stored in the HDD 115 includes the set of user identification information and password acquired from the operation unit 105. The authentication unit 133 authenticates if the combination of user identification information and password input from the operation unit 105 is included in the user data 81, but does not authenticate if it is not included in the user data 81. When authenticating, the authentication unit 133 outputs an authentication signal including user identification information acquired from the operation unit 105 to the confidential printing unit 137, the switching unit 139, the notification unit 151, and the power control unit 153.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data format of user data. Referring to FIG. 4, user data 81 includes a user identification information item and a password item. User identification information is set in the user identification information item, and a password is set in the password item.

  Returning to FIG. 2, when an authentication signal is input from the authentication unit 133, the notification unit 151 notifies the user that the authentication is successful. Here, a message indicating that the authentication is successful is displayed on the display unit 103.

  In response to the input of the user identification information from the authentication unit 133, the confidential print unit 137 determines whether the confidential print data 83 including the input user identification information is stored in the HDD 115. When the confidential print data 83 including the user identification information input from the authentication unit 133 is stored in the HDD 115, all the confidential print data 83 including the input user identification information is extracted. The confidential print unit 137 controls the image forming unit 30 to form an image of print data included in the extracted confidential print data.

  The confidential print unit 137 forms an image of the print data included in the confidential print data in response to the user identification information input from the authentication unit 133. Therefore, the user operates the PC to print the print data as a confidential print. After specifying and transmitting to MFP 100, if the user logs in to MFP 100, an image of the previously transmitted print data is formed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent others from seeing the paper on which the image of the print data is formed.

  When the image formation of the print data included in the confidential print data 83 is completed, the confidential print unit 137 deletes the confidential print data 83 from the HDD 115 and outputs a confidential print end signal to the switching unit 139.

  The switching unit 139 switches the operation mode. The operation modes include all operation modes, a print operation mode in which power consumption is lower than that in the entire operation mode, and a power saving mode in which power consumption is lower than that in the print operation mode. The full operation mode and the print operation mode are operation modes capable of forming at least an image. The full operation mode and the print operation mode are collectively referred to as a printable mode. Here, the transition of the operation mode will be described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the operation mode. Referring to FIG. 5, the operation mode transitions to the power saving mode when the first power saving switching event occurs in all the operation modes, and changes to the all operation mode when the all operation switching event occurs in the power saving mode. . The operation mode transitions to the print operation mode when the print operation switching event occurs in the power saving mode, and transitions to the power saving mode when the second power saving switching event occurs in the print operation mode. Switching unit 139 includes a power saving mode switching unit 141 and an operable mode switching unit 143. The power saving mode switching unit 141 switches the operation mode to the power saving mode when detecting the first power saving switching event in all the operation modes. The power saving mode switching unit 141 detects the first power saving mode switching event when the operation unit 105 does not detect an operation by the user continuously for a predetermined time. The power saving mode switching unit 141 outputs a first power saving switching signal to the power control unit 153 when switching the operation mode from the full operation mode to the power saving mode. Further, when the power saving mode switching unit 141 detects the second power saving switching event in the printing operation mode, the power saving mode switching unit 141 switches the operation mode to the power saving mode. When the confidential printing end signal is input from the confidential printing unit 137, the power saving mode switching unit 141 detects the second power saving switching event. The power saving mode switching unit 141 outputs a power saving switching signal to the power control unit 153 when switching the operation mode from the print operation mode to the power saving mode.

  Operable mode switching unit 143 includes a first switching unit 145 and a second switching unit 147. When detecting a print operation switching event in the power saving mode, the first switching unit 145 switches the operation mode to the print operation mode. The first switching unit 145 detects a print operation switching event if the authentication signal is input from the authentication unit 133 and the confidential print data 83 including the user identification information included in the input authentication signal is stored in the HDD 115. . The first switching unit 145 outputs a printing operation switching signal to the power control unit 153 when switching the operation mode to the printing operation mode.

  When the second switching unit 147 detects an all operation switching event in the power saving mode, the second switching unit 147 switches the operation mode to the all operation mode. The second switching unit 147 detects all operation switching events when the authentication signal is input from the authentication unit 133 and the confidential print data 83 including the user identification information included in the input authentication signal is not stored in the HDD 115. . The second switching unit 147 outputs a full operation switching signal to the power control unit 153 when switching the operation mode to the full operation mode.

  The human body detection unit 149 receives an ON signal or an OFF signal from the human body detection sensor 118. While the ON signal is input from the human body detection sensor 118, the human body detection unit 149 outputs a detection signal indicating that a person has been detected to the power control unit 153, and the OFF signal is input from the human body detection sensor 118. During this time, the detection signal is not output to the power control unit 153.

  Power control unit 153 controls power supply circuit 50 to supply power to all or a part of MFP 100. The portion where power is supplied to MFP 100 differs depending on the operation mode. The power control unit 153 receives one of the power saving switching signal, the print operation switching signal, and the entire operation switching signal from the switching unit 139 and determines the operation mode switched by the switching unit 139. Specifically, when a power saving switching signal is input from switching section 139, power control section 153 determines that the operation mode has been switched to the power saving mode. When the printing operation switching signal is input from switching unit 139, power control unit 153 determines that the operation mode has been switched to the printing operation mode. When the all operation switching signal is input from switching unit 139, power control unit 153 determines that the operation mode has been switched to the all operation mode.

  The power control unit 153 determines a part that supplies power to a predetermined part corresponding to the operation mode switched by the switching unit 139 among the units of the MFP.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power supply state for each operation mode. In FIG. 6, a circle indicates that power is supplied in the corresponding operation mode, a cross indicates that power is not supplied in the corresponding operation mode, and a Δ mark indicates that power is supplied in the corresponding operation mode. It indicates that there is a case where power is supplied and a case where power is not supplied.

  Referring to FIG. 6, in all operation modes, power is supplied to main circuit 101, ADF 10, document reading unit 20, image forming unit 30, paper feeding unit 40, operation panel 13, and communication I / F 60.

  In the print operation mode, power is supplied to the main circuit 101, the image forming unit 30, the paper feeding unit 40, the operation panel 13, and the communication I / F 60, and power is supplied to the ADF 10, the document reading unit 20, and the paper feeding unit 40. Not.

  In the power saving mode, power is supplied to the main circuit 101, and power is not supplied to the ADF 10, the document reading unit 20, the image forming unit 30, and the paper feeding unit 40. The operation panel 13 and the communication I / F 60 are supplied with power when a person is detected by the human body detection sensor 118, and are not supplied when no person is detected.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the power control unit 153 does not supply power to the operation panel 13 and the communication I / F 60 in the power saving mode, but prepares for the case where the user logs in in the power saving mode. Power is supplied to the operation panel 13 and the communication I / F 60 in response to the detection of a person. Specifically, when the card reader 70 is set as a personal information reading device, the power control unit 153 supplies power to the communication I / F 60 in response to a detection signal input from the human body detection unit 149. Then, when an authentication signal is input from the authentication unit 133, power is supplied to the display unit 103. In addition, when the operation panel 13 is set as a personal information reading device, the power control unit 153 supplies power to the operation panel 13 in response to a detection signal input from the human body detection unit 149.

  In the power saving mode, power is supplied to the personal information reading device when the confidential print data is stored in the HDD 115, and power is supplied to the personal information reading device when the confidential print data is not stored in the HDD 115. You may make it not supply. Thereby, it is possible to suppress power consumption when the confidential print data is not stored in the HDD 115. Further, when the confidential print data is stored in the HDD 115, the user does not need to wait until the card reader 70 becomes readable after the power is supplied.

  FIG. 7 is a time chart showing an example of the transition of the operation mode. Here, a case where the card reader 70 is connected to the communication I / F 60 and the card reader 70 is set as a personal information reading device will be described as an example. Referring to FIG. 7, in the period T1, the operation mode is the entire operation mode. In time period T1, the human body detection sensor 118 is turned on and power is supplied to the card reader 70 until time t0 when the person is detected. However, the human body detection sensor 118 is turned off and no person is detected. After t1, power is not supplied to the card reader 70 and it is turned off. After that, at time t1 when a predetermined time has elapsed without the user inputting an operation on the operation panel 13, the operation mode becomes the power saving mode.

  In a period T2 from time t1 to time t3, the operation mode indicates the power saving mode. At time t1, since the human body detection sensor 118 is OFF and no person is detected, the card reader 70 is OFF. At time t2 when the human body detection sensor 118 is turned on to detect a person, the card reader 70 is turned on. Time t3 indicates the time when the user inserted the IC card into the card reader 70. At time t3, since the card reader 70 is ON, it can be detected that the IC card is inserted into the card reader 70, and authentication is performed. In response to this, the operation mode is switched to the operable mode. Here, it is assumed that confidential print data including user identification information of the authenticated user is stored in the HDD 115. In this case, the operation mode is the print operation mode.

  In a period T3 from time t3 to time t4, the operation mode indicates the print operation mode. From time t3, printing of confidential print data including the user identification information of the authenticated user stored in the HDD 115 is started, and at time t4 when the printing is finished, the operation mode is changed to the power saving mode. In the print operation mode, power is supplied to the main circuit 101, the image forming unit 30, the paper feeding unit 40, the operation panel 13, and the communication I / F 60, and power is supplied to the ADF 10, the document reading unit 20, and the paper feeding unit 40. As a result, the power consumption is lower than in all operating modes. For this reason, it is possible to supply only the power necessary for printing the confidential print data and reduce the power consumption as much as possible. In addition, since the probability that a user whose confidential print data is stored in the HDD 115 will cause the MFP 100 to execute processing other than the printing of the confidential print data at the time of login is low, immediately after the printing of the confidential print data is completed, the power saving mode is set. By switching to, power consumption during standby when MFP 100 does not execute processing can be reduced.

  In a period T4 from time t4 to time t7, the operation mode indicates the power saving mode. At time t4, the human body detection sensor 118 is turned on and a logged-in user is detected. However, at time t5 when the user leaves the MFP 100 and the human body detection sensor 118 is turned off and no user is detected, the card reader 70 is turned off. It becomes.

  Thereafter, at time t6, when the human body detection sensor 118 is turned on and a person is detected, the card reader 70 is turned on. Time t7 indicates the time when the user inserted the IC card into the card reader 70. At time t7, since the card reader 70 is ON, it can be detected that an IC card has been inserted into the card reader 70, and authentication is performed. In response to this, the operation mode is switched to the operable mode. Here, the confidential print data including the user identification information of the authenticated user is not stored in the HDD 115. In this case, the operation mode is the entire operation mode. Therefore, in a period T5 after time t7, the operation mode indicates the entire operation mode. At time t7, the user logs in and the operation mode becomes the full operation mode. However, at time t8 when the logged-in user finishes the operation and leaves the MFP 100, the human body detection sensor 118 is turned off and the user is not detected. The card reader 70 is turned off.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of personal information reading apparatus processing. The personal information reading device setting process is a process executed by the CPU 111 when the CPU 111 executes a confidential print program stored in the ROM 112, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 119A. The personal information reading device setting process is executed at the time of initial setting after the MFP 100 is turned on.

  Referring to FIG. 8, CPU 111 determines whether or not card reader 70 is connected (step S01). If it can communicate with the card reader 70 via the communication I / F 60, it is determined that the connection is established. If card reader 70 is connected, the process proceeds to step S02; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S03.

  In step S02, the card reader 70 is set in the personal information reading device, and the personal information reading device setting process is terminated. In step S03, the operation panel 13 is set to the personal information reading device, and the personal information reading device setting process is terminated.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of all operation mode processing. The all-operation mode process is a process executed by the CPU 111 when the CPU 111 executes a confidential print program stored in the ROM 112, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 119A. The all operation mode process is a process executed when the operation mode is set to the all operation mode.

  Referring to FIG. 9, it is determined whether user identification information has been input (step S11). When the card reader 70 is set as the personal information reading device, it is determined whether or not an IC card is inserted into the card reader 70. When it is determined that the IC card is inserted into the card reader 70, the user identification information is read from the IC card and the process proceeds to step S12. When it is determined that the IC card is not inserted into the card reader 70, the process is performed. To step S21. When the operation panel 13 is set in the personal information reading device, it is determined whether or not user identification information and a password are input to the operation panel 13. If the user identification information and the password are input, the process proceeds to step S12. If not, the process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S12, the user is authenticated. When the card reader 70 is set in the personal information reading device, it is determined whether or not the user identification information read from the IC card is registered in the user data 81 stored in the HDD 115. If the user identification information read from the IC card is registered in the user data 81, authentication is performed. If not registered, authentication is not performed. When the operation panel 13 is set in the personal information reading device, it is determined whether or not the user data 81 including the same user identification information and password as those input to the operation unit 105 is stored in the HDD 115. To do. Authentication is performed if user data 81 including the same user identification information and password as the user identification information and password input to the operation unit 105 is stored in the HDD 115, but if not stored, authentication is not performed.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the authentication is successful (step S13). If the authentication is successful, the process proceeds to step S14; otherwise, the process returns to step S11. In step S14, the display unit 103 displays a login. In order to notify the user that the authentication is successful, a message indicating that the authentication is successful, for example, “authenticated.” Is displayed on the display unit 103. In the next step S15, it is determined whether or not an operation has been accepted. It is determined whether an operation input by the user to the operation panel 13 has been detected. If the operation is accepted, the process proceeds to step S16; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S16, it is determined whether the accepted operation is a logout instruction. If the operation accepted in step S15 is a logout instruction, the process proceeds to step S18; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S17. In step S17, the process corresponding to the operation received in step S15 is executed, and the process returns to step S15.

  In step S19, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If a predetermined time has elapsed since the last operation was accepted in step S15, the process proceeds to step S20. If not, the process returns to step S15. In step S20, logout is performed, and the process returns to step S11.

  On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S21, no user is logged in and user identification information is not accepted. In step S21, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If no user is logged in and the predetermined time has elapsed without accepting user identification information, the process proceeds to step S22. If not, the process returns to step S11. In step S22, the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, and the entire operation mode process is terminated.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the power saving mode process. The power saving mode process is a process executed by the CPU 111 when the CPU 111 executes a confidential print program stored in the ROM 112, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 119A. The power saving mode process is a process executed when the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode, specifically, after step S22 in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not the personal information reading device is ON (step S31). When the card reader 70 is set in the personal information reader, it is determined whether or not power is supplied to the communication I / F 60. When the operation panel 13 is set in the personal information reader, the operation panel 13 It is determined whether or not electric power is being supplied. If power is supplied to the personal information reader, the process proceeds to step S34; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, it is determined whether a person has been detected. When an ON signal is input from the human body detection sensor 118, a person is detected. If an ON signal is input from human body detection sensor 118, the process proceeds to step S33. If not, the process returns to step S31. In step S33, power is supplied to the personal information reading device, and the process returns to step S31. When the card reader 70 is set in the personal information reading device, power is supplied to the communication I / F 60, and when the operation panel 13 is set in the personal information reading device, power is supplied to the operation panel 13.

  In step S34, it is determined whether user identification information has been input. When the card reader 70 is set as the personal information reading device, it is determined whether or not an IC card is inserted into the card reader 70. When it is determined that the IC card is inserted into the card reader 70, the user identification information is read from the IC card, and the process proceeds to step S37. When it is determined that the IC card is not inserted into the card reader 70, the process is performed. Advances to step S35. When the operation panel 13 is set in the personal information reading device, it is determined whether or not user identification information and a password are input to the operation panel 13. If the user identification information and the password are input, the process proceeds to step S37. If not, the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S35, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. After power is supplied to the personal information reading device in step S31, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed without user identification information being input in step S34. If the predetermined time has passed without the user identification information being input in step S34 after the power is supplied to the personal information reading device, the process proceeds to step S36. If not, the process returns to step S34. . If the card reader 70 is set in the personal information reading device, whether or not the elapsed time that has passed without supplying an IC card to the card reader 70 after supplying power to the communication I / F 60 has exceeded a predetermined time Judging. If the operation panel 13 is set in the personal information reading device, has the elapsed time that has passed without supplying the user identification information and the password entered in the operation unit 105 after supplying power to the operation panel 13 exceeded a predetermined time? Judge whether or not.

  In step S36, the power supplied to the personal information reading device in step S31 is interrupted, and the process returns to step S31. When the card reader 70 is set in the personal information reading device, the power supplied to the communication I / F 60 is cut off. When the operation panel 13 is set in the personal information reading device, the power is supplied to the operation panel 13. Shut off the power.

  In step S37, the user is authenticated. When the card reader 70 is set in the personal information reading device, it is determined whether or not the user identification information read from the IC card is registered in the user data 81 stored in the HDD 115. If the user identification information read from the IC card is registered in the user data 81, authentication is performed. If not registered, authentication is not performed. When the operation panel 13 is set in the personal information reading device, it is determined whether or not the user data 81 including the same user identification information and password as those input to the operation unit 105 is stored in the HDD 115. To do. Authentication is performed if user data 81 including the same user identification information and password as the user identification information and password input to the operation unit 105 is stored in the HDD 115, but if not stored, authentication is not performed.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the authentication is successful (step S38). If the authentication in step S37 is successful, the process proceeds to step S39; otherwise, the process returns to step S34. Hereinafter, a user who has succeeded in authentication is referred to as a login user. In step S39, the display unit 103 displays a login. In order to notify the user that the authentication has succeeded, power is supplied to the display unit 103, and then a message indicating that the authentication is successful, for example, “authenticated.” Is displayed on the display unit 103.

  In the next step S40, it is determined whether or not there is confidential print data of the login user. It is determined whether or not confidential print data including user identification information input in step S34 is stored in HDD 115. If confidential print data including user identification information input in step S34 is stored in HDD 115, the process proceeds to step S41; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S41, the operation mode is switched to the print operation mode, and the power saving mode process is terminated. In step S42, the operation mode is switched to the entire operation mode, and the power saving mode process is terminated. If the operation mode is switched to the full operation mode in step S42, since the user has been authenticated in step S37, the processing after step S15 of the processing shown in FIG. 9 is executed.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of print operation mode processing. The print operation mode process is a process executed by the CPU 111 when the CPU 111 executes a confidential print program stored in the ROM 112, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 119A. The print operation mode process is a process executed when the operation mode is switched to the print operation mode, specifically, after step S41 in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 11, power is supplied to image forming unit 30 and paper feeding unit 40 (step S51). In the next step S52, the user identification information of the logged-in user, in other words, the confidential print data including the user identification information input in step S34 of FIG. 10 is selected from the confidential print data 83 stored in the HDD 115. .

  In step S53, the print data image included in the confidential print data selected in step S52 is output to the image forming unit 30, and the image forming unit 30 is caused to form the print data image. Then, the confidential print data selected in step S52 is deleted from the HDD 115. In the next step S54, it is determined whether or not there is confidential print data to be processed next. It is determined whether or not there is confidential print data including user identification information of the login user in the confidential print data 83 stored in the HDD 115. If confidential print data including user identification information of the logged-in user is stored in HDD 115, the process returns to step S52; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S56.

  In step S56, the power supplied to the image forming unit 30 and the paper feeding unit 40 is cut off. In the next step S57, the power mode is switched to the power saving mode, and the printing operation mode process is ended.

  As described above, MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, when authenticating a user while switching to the power saving mode, switches the operation mode to the operable mode, and includes the confidential print including the user identification information of the authenticated user. After the image formation of the print data included in the data is completed, the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode. For this reason, since the time during which the operation mode becomes the operable mode is shortened, power consumption can be suppressed.

  In the power saving mode, when it is determined that the confidential print data 83 including the user identification information of the authenticated user is stored in the HDD 115, the operation mode is switched to the print operation enable mode, and the user of the authenticated user When it is determined that the confidential print data 83 including the identification information is not stored in the HDD 115, the operation mode is switched to the all operation enable mode. For this reason, it is possible to further reduce the power consumption by consuming only the power necessary to form the image of the confidential print data.

  Furthermore, when the card reader 70 is connected to the communication I / F 60, when switching to the power saving mode, when the confidential print data 83 is stored in the HDD 115, power is supplied to the card reader 70. The user identification information can be read immediately without having to wait for the activation time until the card reader 70 becomes readable. When the confidential print data 83 is not stored in the HDD 115, the power supplied to the card reader 70 is cut off, and the power is supplied to the card reader 70 in response to detection of a person by the human body detection sensor 118. Therefore, the power consumed by the card reader 70 can be reduced.

  Further, when the card reader 70 is not connected to the communication I / F 60, when switching to the power saving mode, when the confidential print data 83 is stored in the HDD 115, power is supplied to the operation panel 13. The user identification information and the password can be input immediately without waiting for the time until the operation panel 13 is activated. If the confidential print data 83 is not stored in the HDD 115, the power supplied to the operation panel 13 is cut off, and the power is supplied to the operation panel 13 in response to detection of a person by the human body detection sensor 118. Therefore, the power consumed by the operation panel 13 can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, power is always supplied to the main circuit 101. However, a power saving return control unit is provided separately from the main circuit 101. In the power saving mode, the power saving return control unit and the human body are provided. Power may be supplied to the detection sensor 118 and the operation panel 13 or the communication I / F 60 to cut off the power to the main circuit 101. In this case, when the user inputs an instruction to return from the power saving mode to the operation panel 13 or the card reader 70, the power saving return control unit controls the power supply to the main circuit 101. In the power saving mode, power is supplied only to the human body detection sensor 118 in the main circuit 101, and the human body detection sensor 118 detects a person so that the power saving return control unit supplies power to the main circuit 101. You may control to.

  In addition, when the user does not input an operation to the operation unit 105 for a predetermined time in all the operation modes, the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode. However, until the human body detection sensor 118 detects no person, the operation mode May not be switched to the power saving mode.

  Furthermore, although the operation mode is switched to the power saving mode when no operation is input to the operation unit 105 by the user for a predetermined time in all the operation modes, the operation mode may be switched to the low power mode. The Low Power mode is a mode in which power is supplied to a fixing unit and the like included in the image forming unit 30, and the time until an image can be formed is shorter than that in the power saving mode. Note that the power consumption may be suppressed by controlling the temperature of the fixing unit to a low temperature. Further, the user may set the time for transition from the Low Power mode to the power saving mode, and may transition to the power saving mode after the time set by the user has elapsed since the operation mode transitioned to the Low Power mode. .

  In addition, when the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment receives normal print data other than the confidential print data in the power saving mode, the MFP 100 switches to the print operation mode to form an image. As a result, when an image of normal print data is formed, only power necessary for the image formation is consumed, so that power consumption can be suppressed.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

<Appendix>
(1) The power control unit cuts off the power supplied to the personal information reading device when a user is not authenticated by the authentication unit even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power was supplied to the authentication unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

  10 ADF, 13 operation panel, 20 document reading section, 30 image forming section, 40 paper feeding section, 50 power supply circuit, 60 communication I / F, 70 card reader, 101 main circuit, 103 display section, 105 operation section, 111 CPU , 112 ROM, 113 RAM, 114 EEPROM, 115 HDD, 116 facsimile unit, 117 network I / F, 118 human body detection sensor, 119 external storage device, 119A CD-ROM, 131 confidential print receiving unit, 133 authentication unit, 135 connection Detection unit, 137 Confidential print unit, 139 switching unit, 141 power saving mode switching unit, 143 operable mode switching unit, 145 first switching unit, 147 second switching unit, 149 human body detection unit, 151 notification unit, 153 power control Department.

Claims (8)

An image forming means for forming an image;
Switching means for switching the operation mode to any one of the operable mode and the power saving mode with lower power consumption than the operable mode;
Confidential print receiving means for receiving and storing confidential print data including personal information and print data; and
An authentication means for authenticating the user;
If there is confidential print data including user identification information of the user authenticated by the authentication means in the stored confidential print data, the print included in the confidential print data including the user identification information of the authenticated user Confidential print means for causing the image forming means to form an image of data;
A detection sensor for detecting a human body;
A personal information reading device to which personal information is input;
Power control means for controlling the power supplied to the personal information reader ,
The switching means is operable mode switching means for switching to the operable mode in response to the user being authenticated by the authenticating means when switching to the power saving mode;
After switching to the operable mode by the operable mode switching unit, after image formation of print data included in confidential print data including user identification information of the authenticated user by the image forming unit is completed, and a power-saving mode switching means for switching to power-saving mode, only including,
The authentication means authenticates a user based on personal information input to the personal information reading device,
The power control unit supplies power to the personal information reader when the switching unit switches to a power saving mode, and the storage unit stores the confidential print data, and the storage unit When confidential print data is not stored, the power supplied to the personal information reading device is cut off, and the personal information reading device is supplied with power in response to detection of a human body by the detection sensor. Forming equipment. The operable mode includes a fully operable mode and a print operable mode with lower power consumption than the fully operable mode,
The operable mode switching means switches to the print operable mode when there is confidential print data including user identification information of the user authenticated by the authenticating means in the stored confidential print data. Switching means;
And second switching means for switching to the all operable mode when there is no confidential print data including user identification information of the user authenticated by the authentication means in the stored confidential print data. Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1. The personal information reading device reads the personal information, including an external device for outputting an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. A communication circuit that is connectable to the external device and supplies power to the connected external device;
The authentication means further includes connection detection means for detecting whether or not the external device is connected to the communication circuit,
The power control means is prioritized over the operation panel when the connection detecting means detects that the external device is connected while being switched to the power saving mode by the switching means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein power is supplied to the circuit. The personal information reading device includes an operation panel for accepting an operation of the user, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A notification means for notifying that the authentication has succeeded after the user is authenticated by the authentication means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power control unit supplies power to the notification unit in response to being authenticated by the authentication unit. A confidential printing method executed by an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit for forming an image,
The image forming apparatus includes a detection sensor for detecting a human body,
A personal information reading device for inputting personal information,
A switching step of switching the operation mode to any one of the operable mode and the power saving mode with lower power consumption than the operable mode;
A storage step of receiving and storing confidential print data including personal information and print data;
An authentication step for authenticating the user;
When confidential print data including user identification information of the authenticated user exists in the stored confidential print data, an image of print data included in the confidential print data including the user identification information of the authenticated user Forming the image forming unit with
A power control step for controlling power supplied to the personal information reader ,
The switching step is a step of switching to the operable mode in response to the user being authenticated in the authentication step when switching to the power saving mode;
After switching to the operable mode, switching to the power saving mode after image formation of print data included in confidential print data including user identification information of the authenticated user by the image forming unit is completed; , only including,
The authentication step authenticates a user based on personal information input to the personal information reading device,
When the power control step is switched to the power saving mode in the switching step, and when the confidential print data is stored in the storage step, supplying power to the personal information reader;
When switching to the power saving mode in the switching step, if the confidential print data is not stored in the storing step, the power supplied to the personal information reader is cut off and the human body is detected by the detection sensor. particular response, the personal information read including the step of supplying power, to the device, the confidential printing process. A confidential print program executed by a computer for controlling an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit for forming an image,
The image forming apparatus includes a detection sensor for detecting a human body,
A personal information reading device for inputting personal information,
A switching step of switching the operation mode to any one of the operable mode and the power saving mode with lower power consumption than the operable mode;
A storage step of receiving and storing confidential print data including personal information and print data;
An authentication step for authenticating the user;
When confidential print data including user identification information of the authenticated user exists in the stored confidential print data, an image of print data included in the confidential print data including the user identification information of the authenticated user Forming the image forming unit with
A power control step for controlling the power supplied to the personal information reader ;
The switching step switching to the operable mode in response to the user being authenticated in the authenticating step when switching to the power saving mode;
After switching to the operable mode, switching to the power saving mode after image formation of print data included in confidential print data including user identification information of the authenticated user by the image forming unit is completed; , only including,
The authentication step authenticates a user based on personal information input to the personal information reading device,
When the power control step is switched to the power saving mode in the switching step, and when the confidential print data is stored in the storage step, supplying power to the personal information reader;
When switching to the power saving mode in the switching step, if the confidential print data is not stored in the storing step, the power supplied to the personal information reader is cut off and the human body is detected by the detection sensor. particular response, the personal information read including the step of supplying power, to the device, the confidential printing program.

Images