JP6229627B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a communication function in addition to a printing function.

  Among image forming apparatuses, an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral has a plurality of functions such as a printing function and a transmission function. The composite function type image forming apparatus has a function of transmitting / receiving data to / from a computer or a facsimile machine, for example. If an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions can be utilized in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake, it is possible to efficiently notify the content of the disaster to many users.

  One aspect of use of an image forming apparatus at the time of a disaster is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Specifically, Patent Document 1 detects that a disaster has occurred, stores in advance limit data indicating a function to limit execution when the disaster occurs, and based on the limit data when a disaster is detected There is described an image forming apparatus that performs control so that a function determined to be restricted is not executed. Specifically, when it detects that a disaster has occurred, operation restrictions such as stopping running jobs, prioritizing and printing the content of disasters, prohibiting communication with non-specific communication partners, and not performing image stabilization processing (See Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraph [0101], etc.).

JP 2009-154313 A

  In addition to printing functions, image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals support communication in multiple formats such as data transmission / reception with a computer via a network, mail transmission / reception functions, and facsimile transmission / reception functions via telephone lines. In addition, when using the facsimile transmission / reception function, a telephone line is connected. Therefore, in such an image forming apparatus, a call with the other party is also possible.

  By the way, a user who can use the image forming apparatus may be registered in the image forming apparatus. When using the image forming apparatus, the user performs necessary input (for example, input of a password or a user ID). If the input information is correct, the image forming apparatus is ready for use. Thereby, misuse by a third party can be prevented, or the usage status of each user can be confirmed. As described above, the information of each user is stored in the image forming apparatus.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus is rich in selectable communication methods and stores information on the user. However, conventionally, there is a problem that the image forming apparatus cannot be used effectively during a disaster.

  In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, priority is given to the display and printing of the contents of the disaster, so that specific functions can be executed and other functions cannot be executed. In addition, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 only transmits a message indicating that a disaster has occurred, does not check the user's state, and utilizes the reception function of the image forming apparatus. There is no problem.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention effectively utilizes the user information stored in the image forming apparatus and the communication function of the image forming apparatus, incorporates a safety confirmation function, and further confirms the safety of each user. It is possible to easily and accurately, and obtain the effects unique to an image forming apparatus.

Because image image forming apparatus of the above problems solved include printing unit, a communication unit, an operation panel, a storage unit, a control unit. The printing unit performs printing. The communication unit receives a disaster notification from the outside. The operation panel includes a display unit for displaying a screen and a touch panel unit for receiving a touch operation on the screen, and is used for setting. The storage unit stores user management information that is registered in advance by setting input to the operation panel and includes contact information of each user. When the communication unit receives a disaster notification, the control unit shifts to a safety confirmation mode.When the communication unit is in the safety confirmation mode, the control unit sends the contact information of each user registered in the user management information. When the communication unit receives a status response based on the safety confirmation message, the user confirms the user status based on the status response. recognize. The storage unit may store the user management information including authentication information for identifying whether the user is authorized to use the image forming apparatus. The operation panel may accept input of identification information for identifying a user. The control unit identifies a user based on the authentication information and the input identification information, and when the identified user in the safety confirmation mode is a user who has not yet received the situation answer, A safety confirmation screen may be displayed on the display unit, and the status of the user may be recognized based on an operation performed on the safety confirmation screen. The communication unit may include a telephone line connection unit including a plurality of ports for communication using a telephone line. When the control unit is in the safety confirmation mode, the control unit causes the communication unit to perform the safety confirmation notification by calling the contact information of each user registered in the user management information. When the situation answer is received and a plurality of telephone lines are connected to the telephone line connection unit, the safety confirmation notification is not performed to the communication unit using all the telephone lines, and At least one of them may be a reception-only port. The communication unit may confirm the incoming telephone number in the safety confirmation mode. When the incoming telephone number is a telephone number registered as a contact information of the user in the user management information, the control unit does not perform processing for receiving as a facsimile to the communication unit, and sends the status answer to the communication You may make it receive to a part. The communication unit may confirm the incoming telephone number in the safety confirmation mode. The control unit may recognize that the safety of the user corresponding to the incoming telephone number is secured when the incoming telephone number is a telephone number registered in the user management information as a contact information of the user. In addition, when the communication unit receives the status reply notifying that there is a problem, the control unit prioritizes information on the user who made the status response notifying that there is a problem over other print jobs. In this case, the printing unit may perform printing.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus can be effectively used by incorporating the safety confirmation function and using the stored user information and the communication function. In addition, the safety confirmation of each user can be performed more easily and accurately.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a multifunction machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a user information screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a login screen. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication method of a multifunction machine. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the transmission of a safety confirmation notification by the multifunction peripheral. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process regarding one email received during safety confirmation mode. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a process when there exists an incoming call (incoming call) by the telephone line in safety confirmation mode. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process performed other than transmission and an incoming call in safety confirmation mode. It is a figure which shows an example of a safety confirmation screen.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the multifunction peripheral 100 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) is taken as an example. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in this embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Outline of image forming apparatus)
Next, an outline of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 has an operation panel 1 (illustrated by a broken line) on the front surface. In addition, a document transport unit 2a and an image reading unit 2b are provided at the top. In addition, a printing unit 3 (a paper feeding unit 3a, a conveyance unit 3b, an image forming unit 3c, and a fixing unit 3d) that performs printing is provided in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The operation panel 1 includes a display unit 11 that displays the status of the multifunction peripheral 100, a message, and a setting screen. In addition, a touch panel unit 12 is provided for the display unit 11. The touch panel unit 12 receives an input operation (touch) on the screen. The touch panel unit 12 is for detecting the position and coordinates of the portion pressed by the display unit 11. Based on the output from the touch panel unit 12, the operated (pressed) button or soft key is recognized. The operation panel 1 is also provided with a plurality of hard keys 13 such as a start key and a numeric keypad. The operation panel 1 is provided with a panel control unit 10 that recognizes the operated soft key and the operated hard key 13 based on the output of the touch panel unit 12 and controls display of the display unit 11. (See FIG. 2).

  The document conveying section 2a feeds the set documents one by one and continuously and automatically conveys them toward the reading contact glass (reading position, not shown). The image reading unit 2b reads a document passing through the feed reading contact glass and a document set on a placement reading contact glass (not shown) to generate image data.

  The paper feed unit 3a accommodates a plurality of sheets. In the example shown in FIG. 1, two paper feed cassettes are provided as the paper feed unit 3a. When a print job is executed, one of the paper feed cassettes feeds the paper one by one to the transport unit 3b. The transport unit 3b transports the paper supplied from the paper feed unit 3a. The image forming unit 3c forms a toner image based on the image data. Further, the image forming unit 3c transfers the toner image onto the conveyed paper. The fixing unit 3d fixes the toner image transferred to the paper. The paper after toner fixing is discharged to the discharge tray 3e.

(Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus)
Next, an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  A control unit 4 is provided in the multifunction device 100. The control unit 4 includes a circuit for performing control and processing such as the CPU 41 and the image processing unit 42. Note that the control unit 4 is divided and controlled for each function, such as dividing a main control unit that performs overall control and image processing, and an engine control unit that controls the printing unit 3 to control printing. Plural kinds of portions may be provided.

  The CPU 41 is a central processing unit. The CPU 41 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus and performs various arithmetic processes based on the program and data stored in the storage unit 5. The image processing unit 42 performs processing related to image data. The image processing unit 42 performs image processing on image data related to a job, such as density conversion, enlargement / reduction, and format conversion of image data.

  The storage unit 5 includes a ROM 51, a RAM 52, and an HDD 53. The storage unit 5 is configured by combining a nonvolatile storage device and a volatile storage device. The storage unit 5 stores various data such as various programs and data for controlling the multifunction peripheral 100, setting data, and image data.

  The control unit 4 is connected to each unit such as the operation panel 1, the document conveying unit 2a, the image reading unit 2b, and the printing unit 3 through a bus, a signal line, or the like. The control unit 4 controls the operation (for example, the scanning operation and the printing operation) of the multifunction device 100.

  The operation panel 1 is provided with a panel control unit 10 that actually controls the display of the display unit 11 and recognizes the setting contents based on the output of the touch panel unit 12 or the hard key 13. The control unit 4 instructs the panel control unit 10 to display a screen to be displayed on the display unit 11. In response to this, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to display the instructed screen. Further, the panel control unit 10 transmits data indicating the setting content recognized based on the output of the touch panel unit 12 and the hard key 13 to the control unit 4. As a result, the control unit 4 recognizes the setting contents made on the operation panel 1.

  Further, a communication unit 6 including a circuit such as a connector, a socket, and a chip (communication hardware) and communication software is provided. The communication unit 6 can communicate with the outside via the network NW and the public telephone line. The communication unit 6, the control unit 4, and the storage unit 5 are connected to be communicable with each other. The control unit 4 causes the communication unit 6 to perform transmission using the data stored in the storage unit 5.

(User registration)
Next, an example of user registration according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the user information screen 71 displayed on the display unit 11.

  As shown in FIG. 3, “user name”, “user (Kana)”, “login user name”, “login password”, “access level”, “affiliation”, “email address (contact address)”, “ Items relating to the user such as “phone number (contact address)” and “FAX number (contact address)” can be registered on the user information screen 71. Items of “email address (contact address)”, “phone number (contact address)”, and “FAX number (contact address)” are destinations for safety confirmation notification (details will be described later). The contents of the items “login user name” and “login password” are used as authentication information 54a for authenticating the user.

  The contents of unregistered items (unentered items) are not displayed (in FIG. 3, “FAX number (contact address)” item). A change key K1 (K1a to K1i) is provided for each item. When the change key K1 is pressed, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to display a software keyboard (not shown) for inputting characters, symbols, and numbers. The user uses a software keyboard to input numbers, characters, etc., and sets each item.

  When an operation for newly registering a user is performed on the operation panel 1, the panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to display a new user information screen 71 with the contents of each item being blank. When an operation for changing the content of an item is performed on the operation panel 1 for a user who has already been registered, the panel control unit 10 displays a user information screen 71 for the registered user. In this case, the display unit 11 displays the user information screen 71 on which the currently registered content is written. Thereby, the content of the item can be edited.

  On the user information screen 71, a registration key K2 is arranged. When a touch operation is performed on the registration key K2, the storage unit 5 stores the contents of each item when the registration key K2 is operated. The storage unit 5 stores a bundle of contents (information) set on the user information screen 71 of each user as user management information 54. As described above, the storage unit 5 stores user management information 54 that is registered in advance by setting input to the operation panel 1 and includes contact information of each user.

(Identification of user in MFP 100)
Next, an example of user identification processing in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the login screen 72 according to the embodiment.

  First, the control unit 4 basically puts the multifunction device 100 in an unusable state (logout state). In the logout state, the operation panel 1 accepts only an input for log-in, and does not accept setting of functions such as copying and reading, and a job execution start instruction.

  Therefore, the identification (authentication) of the user based on the input to the operation panel 1 will be described. The panel control unit 10 displays a login screen 72 (see FIG. 4) on the display unit 11 in the logout state. To log in after receiving authentication, the user inputs a user name and a login password on the login screen 72.

  The panel control unit 10 causes the display unit 11 to display a software keyboard when a touch operation is performed on the login user name key K3 and when a touch operation is performed on the login password key K4. Then, the user inputs his / her login user name or login password on each software keyboard screen. The panel control unit 10 displays the input login user name in the login user name display field 72a and the input password in the login password display field 72b. For the password, each character may be replaced with “*” so that the password itself is not displayed (see FIG. 4).

  When the user performs a touch operation on the login key K5, a user identification process (authentication operation) is started. The login user name and login password (identification information for identifying the user) input to the operation panel 1 are sent to the control unit 4. Then, the control unit 4 compares the identification information with the user management information 54 of each user stored in advance in the storage unit 58. Then, the control unit 4 searches for a user whose identification information matches the authentication information 54a ("login user name" and "login password" registered in advance) included in the user management information 54 among the users. And the control part 4 recognizes the matched user as the user who is going to log in. When there is no matching user, the user determines that a person without use authority intends to use the multifunction device 100 and continues to display the login screen 72 on the display unit 11.

  Note that the identification (authentication) of the user based on the identification information input to the operation panel 1 has been described. However, a card in which user identification information is stored may be distributed, and the multifunction peripheral 100 may read the card information to identify the user. In this case, a card reader (not shown) is attached to the multifunction device 100.

  When a predetermined time (for example, several minutes) elapses after no input to the operation panel 1 or when an instruction to shift to the logout state is input to the operation panel 1, the control unit 4 controls the multifunction peripheral 100 (operation panel). 1) is automatically logged out. At this time, the control unit 4 displays a login screen 72 (see FIG. 4) on the display unit 11.

(Communication method of MFP 100)
Next, a communication method of the multifunction machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication method of the multi-function device 100.

  The communication unit 6 can make a call with the telephone 200 (a fixed telephone or a mobile phone) and the facsimile apparatus 300 using a telephone line (public line). The communication unit 6 can also send and receive a facsimile to and from the facsimile apparatus 300 using a telephone line (public line). The facsimile apparatus 300 in this description is, for example, a G3 standard facsimile apparatus 300. The communication unit 6 is provided with a telephone line communication unit 61 for connecting and communicating with a telephone line. The telephone line communication unit 61 includes circuits and members for enabling communication via a telephone line. For example, the telephone line communication unit 61 includes a modem for facsimile communication, a communication circuit for communication via a telephone line, and a port 62 for telephone line connection. Here, the telephone line communication unit 61 includes a plurality of ports 62 so that a plurality of telephone lines can be connected to the multifunction peripheral 100 and communication can be performed using the plurality of telephone lines.

  The communication unit 6 sends e-mails via a network NW (for example, an IP network) to a computer 400 (for example, a PC or a server), a mobile communication terminal 500 (for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a mobile phone), or an Internet fax machine 600. Can be transmitted to such a communication device. Note that the Internet fax machine 600 in this description can send and receive electronic mail, and has a function of printing image data attached to an electronic mail at the time of reception and transmitting image data attached to the electronic mail at the time of transmission. The communication unit 6 can transmit / receive an Internet fax by transmitting / receiving an e-mail in which image data is attached to an e-mail with the Internet fax apparatus 600 via the network NW. For communication via the network NW, the communication unit 6 is provided with a network communication unit 63. The network communication unit 63 includes a circuit for performing communication processing based on the communication protocol of the network NW, and a socket for connecting a network NW connection cable.

  In addition, the communication unit 6 receives an external disaster notification. Disaster notification can be determined as appropriate. For example, the disaster notification is an emergency earthquake bulletin. For example, the earthquake early warning is transmitted from a service provider that receives information from the government office and distributes the earthquake early warning such as a mobile phone operator. In this case, the disaster notification device 700 of FIG. 5 is a device of a service provider, and is a device that distributes an earthquake early warning. In recent years, services that deliver evacuation advisories and evacuation instructions from national and local governments have appeared. Therefore, the disaster notification may be an evacuation recommendation or an evacuation instruction distributed from the service provider. In this case, the disaster notification device 700 in FIG. 5 is a device of a service provider and distributes evacuation advisories and evacuation instructions. Then, the communication unit 6 (the network communication unit 63 or the telephone line communication unit 61) receives the disaster notification from the disaster notification device 700.

(Send safety confirmation notification)
Next, transmission of the safety confirmation notification by the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the transmission of the safety confirmation notification by the multi-function device 100.

  When the communication unit 6 receives a disaster notification, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment shifts to the safety confirmation mode. Then, the control unit 4 causes the communication unit 6 to transmit a safety confirmation notification to the contact information of each user registered in the user management information 54 when the safety confirmation mode is set. Therefore, the start of FIG. 6 is a time point when the communication unit 6 has received the disaster notification and the control unit 4 has recognized that the disaster notification has been received.

  First, the control unit 4 sets the mode of the MFP 100 to the safety confirmation mode (step # 11). In other words, when the control unit 4 recognizes the reception of the disaster notification, the control unit 4 shifts its processing mode to the safety confirmation mode.

  Note that the operation panel 1 may accept an instruction to shift to the safety confirmation mode. When a predetermined shift instruction operation is performed, the operation panel 1 notifies the control unit 4 that the shift instruction has been performed. Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 4 may shift to the safety confirmation mode. In other words, the controller 4 (multifunction device 100) may be manually set to the safety confirmation mode.

  Subsequently, the control unit 4 causes the communication unit 6 to transmit a safety confirmation notification by e-mail to each address registered as the user contact information in the user management information 54 (step # 12). When the contact is the Internet fax machine 600, the e-mail is transmitted as an Internet fax. Note that it is not possible to send a safety confirmation notification by e-mail or Internet fax to a user whose address is not registered in the user management information 54.

  The control unit 4 causes the communication unit 6 to transmit a safety confirmation notification including information such as the content of the disaster (for example, the date and time of occurrence, location), safety information, and a response method for informing the situation. As information on how to answer the situation, data indicating that the MFP 100 can be answered by e-mail and data indicating the e-mail address of the MFP 100 are included in the data transmitted as the safety confirmation notification. In addition, as information on how to reply to the situation, data indicating that a reply can be made to the multifunction device 100 by telephone, and data indicating a reply acceptance telephone number among the telephone numbers of the multifunction device 100 are included in the data transmitted as the safety confirmation notification. Also good.

  In addition, when sending an e-mail to the MFP 100 as information on how to reply to the situation, one character such as “A” = “safety”, “ke” = “injury”, “ji” = “serious injury” Data indicating that it is possible to reply by e-mail may be included in the data to be transmitted as the safety confirmation notification. Further, when sending an e-mail to the MFP 100 as information on how to reply to the situation, “1” = safe, “2” = slightly injured, “3” = serious injured, “4” = located at home, “5” = Data indicating that it is possible to reply by mail combining numbers, such as “6” = at work, during commuting, may be included in the data to be transmitted as the safety confirmation notification.

  The control unit 4 processes the information included in the disaster notification received from the disaster notification device 700, and includes the content of the disaster in the data (e-mail) transmitted as the safety confirmation notification. Information such as an inquiry for safety and an answer method is determined in advance and stored in the storage unit 5. And the control part 4 includes the information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 5 in the data transmitted as a safety confirmation notification.

  Subsequently, the control unit 4 causes the communication unit 6 to make a safety confirmation notification by calling the contact information (phone number) of each user registered in the user management information 54 (safety confirmation notification by telephone). Step # 13). Note that when a large number of users' telephone numbers are registered, it is impossible to make a call to all users at the same time, so that each user's telephone number can be called in turn.

  In the MFP 100 (communication unit 6) according to the present embodiment, when both an e-mail (Internet fax) address and a telephone number are registered as contacts, e-mail and telephone Send a safety confirmation using both. However, the safety confirmation notification may be transmitted using only one of e-mail and telephone.

  When using the telephone, the safety confirmation is communicated by voice. The control unit 4 causes the communication unit 6 to transmit a voice signal as safety confirmation notification. As a result, the safety confirmation voice flows to the other party's phone. The audio signal includes information such as the contents of the disaster (for example, the date and time of occurrence, location), the fact that the safety is inquired, and a reply method for informing the situation.

  The communication unit 6 provides, as information on how to answer the situation, a voice signal indicating that the multifunction device 100 can be answered by telephone, or that a telephone number for answering out of the telephone number of the multifunction device 100 flows on the user's phone. , Send to the user's phone. Further, the communication unit 6 uses a voice signal indicating that the MFP 100 can reply to the MFP 100 by an e-mail or a voice signal that causes the e-mail address of the MFP 100 to flow through the user's phone as information on the answering method of the situation. You may send it to your phone. Further, when the communication unit 6 transmits an e-mail to the multi-function device 100, the communication unit 6 outputs a voice signal that can be answered by a one-character mail as described above or a combination mail of numbers. , It may be sent to the user's phone.

  The control unit 4 processes the information included in the disaster notification received from the disaster notification device 700, generates voice data indicating the contents of the disaster, and includes the voice data to be transmitted as a safety confirmation notification. In addition, voice data indicating a safety inquiry and a reply method is determined in advance and stored in the storage unit 5. Then, the control unit 4 uses the voice data stored in the storage unit 5 to send a voice confirmation message to the other party's phone.

  In addition, when the telephone is not connected due to a situation where the bell is not ringed for a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute), the line is busy or busy, the control unit 4 skips the telephone number that is not connected. Make a call to the next phone number. Then, the control unit 4 causes the communication unit 6 to redial the telephone number that was not connected, and causes the communication unit 6 to redial until all the registered telephone numbers are connected (step # 14). Then, when the telephone is connected to all the telephone numbers registered in the user management information 54 and the safety confirmation notification can be transmitted, this flow relating to transmission ends (END).

  Here, in the multi-function device 100 of the present embodiment, a plurality of telephone lines are connected to the telephone line communication unit 61 so as to be able to receive a telephone call for confirmation of safety by telephone and a status answer by telephone. When a plurality of telephone lines are connected to the multifunction peripheral 100, the control unit 4 does not cause the communication unit 6 to make a safety confirmation notification using all the telephone lines. In other words, when a plurality of telephone lines are connected to the telephone line communication unit 61, the control unit 4 sets at least one of the plurality of ports 62 of the communication unit 6 as a reception-only port.

(Processing when receiving e-mail)
Next, a process related to one e-mail received during the safety confirmation mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing related to one e-mail received during the safety confirmation mode.

  The communication unit 6 can receive electronic mail (including Internet fax). Then, the user can make an answer based on the safety confirmation notification and notify the user of the situation by e-mail. When the communication unit 6 receives an e-mail based on the safety confirmation notification, the control unit 4 recognizes the situation of the user based on the e-mail.

  First, the start of FIG. 7 is any time point during the safety confirmation mode. 7 starts when an e-mail from a user registered in the user management information 54 is received. The control unit 4 confirms the header part of the email and recognizes that the email is from a user registered in the user management information 54. Further, the control unit 4 recognizes who is the user who transmitted the status reply based on the user management information 54 and the transmission source address of the e-mail described in the header part.

  First, the control unit 4 checks whether or not the electronic mail transmitted from the address registered as the user contact information in the user management information 54 is in a prescribed format (step # 21). When the electronic mail conforms to the prescribed format (Yes in Step # 21), the control unit 4 causes the printing unit 3 to print the content of the received electronic mail (Step # 22 → End). For example, when image data is attached, the image data is also printed. That is, the control unit 4 processes as a normal electronic mail. As described above, even in the safety confirmation mode, normal electronic mail is processed as usual.

  On the other hand, when the e-mail does not conform to a prescribed format (predetermined received e-mail format in the multi-function device 100) (No in step # 21), the control unit 4 does not conform to the prescribed format. Based on the mail, the status of the user is confirmed (step # 23).

  Here, in the multi-function device 100, an e-mail (Internet fax) format that can be handled by the multi-function device 100 is determined in advance so that the multi-function device 100 can appropriately perform printing upon reception. For example, as the format of the e-mail, the setting value of the setting items related to printing is described in a predetermined position of the e-mail, the description of the attribute of the attached image data is set in the predetermined position of the e-mail, and can be attached to the e-mail A format such as the type of image data is defined. In addition, it is not restricted to said example, A format can be defined suitably.

  In other words, when the user sends an e-mail as a status reply to the safety confirmation notification, the user may send it so that it does not conform to the prescribed format. In an emergency, it is difficult to create an e-mail according to the prescribed format of the multifunction device 100. The control unit 4 determines that the above-described one-letter mail and mail that informs the situation with numbers also do not match the prescribed format.

  When not in the safety confirmation mode, when receiving an electronic mail (Internet fax) that does not conform to the prescribed format, the control unit 4 determines that the electronic mail that does not conform to the format is an error.

  When an electronic mail (Internet fax) that does not conform to the prescribed format contains information such as characters, figures, symbols indicating the user's status, the control unit 4 determines the user's status based on the information. recognize. In order to answer the situation, the user transmits an e-mail corresponding to the answer method described in the e-mail or telephone safety confirmation notification. The storage unit 5 stores the status of each user recognized by the control unit 4. On the other hand, when the information notifying the user's situation is not included in the e-mail, the control unit 4 suspends the situation determination of the user who sent the e-mail and keeps it unrecognized.

  In addition, when it is a status reply notifying that there is a problem (when an e-mail that does not conform to the prescribed format is a status reply notifying that there is a problem), the control unit 4 is the user who made the status reply indicating that there is a problem The information relating to the print job 3 is printed in preference to other print jobs (step # 24 → end).

  And, when the character included in the one-character mail is a character other than a character indicating safety, or a character that is determined in advance as a problem, for example, “injury”, “break”, “flooding” Is included in the e-mail (Internet fax), the control unit 4 determines that there is a status reply informing that there is a problem.

  When it is determined that there is a problem status answer, the control unit 4 causes the printing unit 3 to print at least the name of the user as information on the user who made the problem status answer. Further, the control unit 4 may cause the printing unit 3 to print the text, header, or footer of the received e-mail (Internet fax) as information on the user who made a problem status reply.

  In addition, the control unit 4 causes the printing unit 3 to preferentially print the information of the user who has made a problem answer. For example, when a plurality of print jobs are accumulated at the time when a problem status answer is received, when the currently executed print job is completed, the control unit 4 has a problem before the previously stored print job. The information of the user who made the status reply is printed on the printing unit 3 (interruption between print jobs). Further, when a print job is being executed when a problem status answer is received, the control unit 4 makes a user who has given a problem status answer to the paper fed next from the paper feed unit 3a. May be printed by the printing unit 3 (interruption between pages of one print job).

(Processing for incoming calls on the telephone line)
Next, processing when a telephone line is received during the safety confirmation mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing when there is an incoming call (incoming call) on the telephone line during the safety confirmation mode.

  The communication unit 6 can perform facsimile communication and a telephone call via a telephone line. Then, the user can make a status reply based on the safety confirmation notification by calling the telephone number of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  First, the start of FIG. 8 is any time point during the safety confirmation mode. Also, the start of FIG. 8 is the time when an incoming call is received on the telephone line.

  First, the communication unit 6 (or control unit 4) confirms the incoming telephone number (step # 31). Then, the control unit 4 confirms whether or not the incoming telephone number is a telephone number registered in the user management information 54 as the contact information of the user (step # 32). Further, the control unit 4 can recognize who is making a call based on the incoming telephone number and the user management information 54.

  If it is not a registered telephone number (No in step # 32), it can be regarded as a facsimile transmission from a third party, so that the control unit 4 performs a process for receiving as a facsimile (a series of reception processes based on the facsimile standard). (Step # 33).

  On the other hand, when the telephone number is registered (No in step # 32), the control unit 4 does not perform the facsimile reception process in the communication unit 6, but causes the communication unit 6 to receive the user's status reply (step # 34). ). At this time, the control unit 4 can also recognize who is making the call based on the incoming telephone number and the user management information 54.

  The control unit 4 utters the user's telephone as a voice explaining the situation answer, such as “Please push the push button 1 when it is safe, or push the push button 2 when there is a problem”. As shown in FIG. Then, the communication unit 6 receives a signal corresponding to the pushed push button. The control unit 4 recognizes the number of the pushed push button based on the signal received by the communication unit 6. Then, the control unit 4 recognizes the situation of the user based on the number of the pushed push button (step # 35).

  In order to reduce the call charge, when the incoming telephone number is the telephone number registered as the user's contact information in the user management information 54, the control unit 4 only receives the incoming call (incoming call) and receives the incoming call. You may recognize that the safety of the user corresponding to a telephone number was ensured.

  Then, as in the case of e-mail or Internet fax, when it is a status reply notifying that there is a problem, the control unit 4 gives priority to the information regarding the user who made the problem status reply over other print jobs. The printing unit 3 is then printed (step # 36 → end).

(Other processing during safety confirmation mode)
Next, processes other than outgoing and incoming calls in the safety confirmation mode will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow other than outgoing and incoming calls during the safety confirmation mode. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the safety confirmation screen 73.

  First, the control unit 4 confirms whether or not the user has been identified (authenticated) based on the input of identification information to the operation panel 1 (step # 41). Subsequently, when the user is identified (Yes in step # 41), the control unit 4 confirms whether or not the identified user is the user whose situation has been confirmed (the user who has received the situation answer). (Step # 42). Then, when the user is an unconfirmed user (No in step # 42), the control unit 4 displays the safety confirmation screen 73 on the display unit 11, and based on the operation performed on the safety confirmation screen 73, the situation of the user Is recognized (step # 43).

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the safety confirmation screen 73. On the safety confirmation screen 73, four answer keys K6 to K9 for confirming the status of the user who is currently using (logging in) the image forming apparatus are arranged. Inside each of the answer keys K6 to K9, any one of the characters “safe and safe”, “slight injury”, “serious injury”, and “other” is arranged. The user operates the answer key in the corresponding situation. The control unit 4 recognizes the status of the logged-in user according to the operated key among the answer keys K6 to K9. As a result, it is possible to recognize the situation of the user who cannot return the situation answer due to reasons such as the loss of the mobile phone or the lack of charge. It is also possible to recognize the situation of a user who has not registered any contact information for safety confirmation.

  When step # 41 is No, when step # 42 is Yes, and after step # 43, the control unit 4 reports that the operation panel 1 indicates the safety confirmation status (hereinafter, “safety confirmation report 62”). (In step # 44).

  Here, the control unit 4 stores the status (answer) of each user included in the user management information 54 in the storage unit 5 based on the operation on the status response and safety confirmation screen 73. By performing a predetermined operation on the operation panel 1, it is possible to instruct the printing of the safety confirmation report 62. In other words, the operation panel 1 receives a print instruction for the safety confirmation report 62. Thereby, the memory content (situation of each user) in the storage unit 5 can be printed, and a document in which the current safety confirmation status is aggregated can be provided.

  When an instruction to print the safety confirmation report 62 is given (Yes in step # 44), the control unit 4 causes the printing unit 3 to print the safety confirmation report 62 (step # 45). The safety confirmation report 62 is a list (table) including information such as each user's name, answer content, and answer date. The format can be determined as appropriate.

  When the safety confirmation report 62 is not instructed to be printed (No in Step # 44) and after Step # 45, the control unit 4 receives the status response and inputs it to the safety confirmation screen 73, thereby managing the user management information. It is confirmed whether or not the statuses of all users registered in 54 have been recognized (step # 46). Note that during the safety confirmation mode, reception of status responses by the network NW or telephone line is performed as needed in parallel with this flow.

  When all the user situations are not recognized (No in step # 46), the flow returns to step # 41. On the other hand, when all the user situations have been recognized (Yes in step # 46), the control unit 4 ends the safety confirmation mode (step # 47). As a result, the multifunction device 100 is also not in the safety confirmation mode. Then, this flow ends (END).

  Note that the operation panel 1 may receive an instruction to end the safety confirmation mode. When a predetermined end instruction is operated, the operation panel 1 notifies the control unit 4 that the end instruction has been made. Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 4 may end the safety confirmation mode. In other words, the safety confirmation mode can be ended manually.

  In this way, the image forming apparatus (multifunction peripheral 100) according to the embodiment includes the printing unit 3 that performs printing, the communication unit 6 that receives a disaster notification from the outside, and the display unit 11 that displays a screen. And a touch panel unit 12 for receiving a touch operation on the screen, and a storage unit 5 for storing an operation panel 1 for setting and user management information 54 including contact information of each user registered in advance. When the communication unit 6 receives a disaster notification, the communication unit 6 shifts to the safety confirmation mode. When the communication unit 6 enters the safety confirmation mode, the contact information of each user registered in the user management information 54 When the communication unit 6 transmits a safety confirmation notification for confirming safety and the communication unit 6 receives a status response based on the safety confirmation communication, the control unit 4 recognizes the user's status based on the status response; ,including.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus (multifunction device 100) can contact each user to inquire about the safety, and can grasp the status of each user based on the answer from the user. A user who has not returned a status answer can be determined as a user who has not yet confirmed safety. Therefore, the image forming apparatus can be used for confirming the safety of a user such as an employee. In addition, a safety confirmation system can be constructed using only the image forming apparatus, and it is not necessary to newly purchase a plurality of computers 400, servers, and communication devices to construct a safety confirmation system. Moreover, when it is not during a disaster, it can be used as a normal image forming apparatus and is more efficient than providing a dedicated safety confirmation system. Note that emergency earthquake warnings and evacuation advisories issued by municipalities can be used as “disaster notification”.

  Further, the storage unit 5 stores user management information 54 including authentication information 54a for identifying whether or not the user is authorized to use the image forming apparatus (multifunction device 100). The operation panel 1 receives input of identification information for identifying a user. The control unit 4 identifies the user based on the authentication information 54a and the input identification information, and when the identified user is a user who has not yet received the status response in the safety confirmation mode, the safety confirmation screen 73 is displayed on the display unit 11 and the user's situation is recognized based on the operation performed on the safety confirmation screen 73.

  The user may not be aware that there has been a safety confirmation notification from the image forming apparatus (multifunction device 100). In addition, there is a possibility that a communication device registered as a contact cannot be used. Therefore, a safety confirmation screen 73 is shown to the user who intends to use the image forming apparatus, and based on the input to the safety confirmation screen 73, the situation of the user can be grasped. In addition, the user does not have to answer the situation. Further, the image forming apparatus does not need to perform communication processing related to the user's status reply.

  Further, when the safety confirmation mode is set, the control unit 4 causes the communication unit 6 to transmit a safety confirmation notification by e-mail to each address registered as the user contact information in the user management information 54. . Thereby, at the time of a disaster, the network NW can be used to notify the disaster and transmit data for confirming safety to the user.

  In addition, when the control unit 4 receives an e-mail which is transmitted from an address registered as a user contact information in the user management information 54 and does not conform to a prescribed format during the safety confirmation mode. Check the status of the user based on an email that does not conform to the prescribed format.

  Thereby, the reply by the electronic mail (including Internet fax) from the user with respect to safety confirmation communication can be utilized for safety confirmation. The prescribed format is a predetermined format in which the control unit 4 or the communication unit 6 recognizes a valid electronic mail (Internet fax). For example, the control unit 4 (or the communication unit 6) is attached when a file (for example, a document file) that cannot be handled by the image forming apparatus (multifunction device 100) is attached, or when the file is TIFF or JPEG. When a predetermined image file is not attached, it is determined that it does not match the format when the prescribed contents are not described in the mail data. As a result, the user may send an e-mail or Internet fax that does not conform to the regulations such as a one-character mail as a status answer.

  When the control unit 4 receives an e-mail that conforms to a prescribed format during the safety confirmation mode, the control unit 4 causes the printing unit 3 to print the content of the received e-mail. As a result, even in the safety confirmation mode, when an e-mail or Internet fax that can be regarded as not a status answer is received, printing based on the e-mail or Internet fax can be performed as usual.

  The communication unit 6 includes a telephone line communication unit 61 including a plurality of ports 62 for communicating using a telephone line. When the control unit 4 enters the safety confirmation mode, the control unit 4 causes the communication unit 6 to make a safety confirmation notification by calling the contact information of each user registered in the user management information 54, thereby answering the situation by telephone. When a plurality of telephone lines are connected to the telephone line communication unit 61, the safety confirmation communication is not performed to the communication unit 6 using all the telephone lines, and at least one of the plurality of ports 62 is set. A receive-only port.

  As a result, it is possible to make a safety confirmation notification by telephone. Further, when a plurality of telephone lines are connected, safety confirmation notification using all the telephone lines is not performed. Among the plurality of telephone lines, at least one line can be opened as a line for receiving a telephone for answering a situation. Therefore, it is possible to reliably receive a status answer from the user by telephone, as compared with the case where safety confirmation is made using all telephone lines.

  The communication unit 6 confirms the incoming telephone number in the safety confirmation mode. When the incoming telephone number is the telephone number registered as the contact information of the user in the user management information 54, the control unit 4 does not perform the process of receiving as a facsimile to the communication unit 6 and sends a status response to the communication unit 6 To receive.

  Some image forming apparatuses (multifunction peripherals 100) are set to automatically start receiving a fax when an incoming call is received. When facsimile reception processing is performed, it is impossible to receive a user's status answer by telephone. Therefore, when the telephone number is registered as the contact information of the user, the process of receiving as a facsimile is not performed. Therefore, it is possible to reliably receive a situation answer from the user by telephone. In addition, it is possible to avoid a wasteful process such as a fax reception process from a telephone call from a user.

  The communication unit 6 confirms the incoming telephone number in the safety confirmation mode. When the incoming telephone number is a telephone number registered in the user management information 54 as the contact information of the user, the control unit 4 recognizes that the safety of the user corresponding to the incoming telephone number is secured. A call charge is incurred for calls using a telephone line. Therefore, the occurrence of a call charge can be prevented by regarding the incoming call (incoming call) of the telephone number as a status answer. This is especially effective when there are many users.

  Also, when the communication unit 6 receives a status reply notifying that there is a problem, the control unit 4 gives priority to the information regarding the user who made the status reply notifying that there is a problem over other print jobs. Printing is performed by the printing unit 3.

  As a result, the printing related to the user who needs to know the rescue and the situation in detail is preferentially performed. The printed material can confirm the user who should quickly confirm the detailed situation. In addition, when notifying that it is not safe, keywords (characters, passwords) and methods to be included in the situation answer are determined in advance.

  In addition, the operation panel 1 receives a print instruction for a report 62 indicating the status of each user's answer registered in the user management information 54. The control unit 4 causes the printing unit 3 to print the report 62 when the operation panel 1 receives a print instruction for the report 62. Thereby, the current safety confirmation status can be easily confirmed.

  Further, when the control unit 4 recognizes the situation of all the users registered in the user management information 54, the control unit 4 ends the safety confirmation mode. As a result, when it is possible to confirm the safety of all members and exit the safety confirmation mode, the safety confirmation mode is automatically terminated without any operation by the user.

  Further, the operation panel 1 receives an instruction to shift to the safety confirmation mode and an instruction to end the safety confirmation mode. The control unit 4 shifts to the safety confirmation mode when the operation panel 1 receives the transition instruction, and ends the safety confirmation mode when the operation panel 1 receives the termination instruction. As a result, the image forming apparatus (multifunction peripheral 100) (control unit 4) can be set to the safety confirmation mode or the safety confirmation mode can be ended manually by inputting to the operation panel 1. For example, the safety confirmation mode can be quickly ended when a disaster notification is a false alarm.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention is applicable to an image forming apparatus including a communication unit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP (image forming apparatus) 1 Operation panel 11 Display part 12 Touch panel part 3 Printing part 4 Control part 5 Storage part 54 User management information 54a Authentication information 6 Communication part 61 Telephone line communication part 62 Port 73 Safety confirmation screen

Claims (11)

A printing section for printing;
A communication unit that receives external disaster notifications;
A display unit for displaying a screen; a touch panel unit for accepting a touch operation on the screen; and an operation panel for performing settings;
A storage unit that stores user management information that is registered in advance by setting input to the operation panel and includes contact information of each user;
When the communication unit receives a notification of a disaster, it shifts to a safety confirmation mode, and when it enters the safety confirmation mode, the user's safety information is sent to each user's contact information registered in the user management information. A control unit for transmitting a safety confirmation notification for confirming the status to the communication unit and recognizing a user's status based on the status response when the communication unit receives a status response based on the safety confirmation notification; Including,
The storage unit stores the user management information including authentication information for identifying whether or not the user has authority to use the image forming apparatus;
The operation panel accepts input of identification information for identifying a user,
The control unit identifies a user based on the authentication information and the input identification information, and when the identified user in the safety confirmation mode is a user who has not yet received the situation answer, the safety confirmation screen is displayed on the display unit, the safety confirmation screen images forming apparatus you and recognizes the status of made the basis of the operation the user in.   A printing section for printing;
  A communication unit that receives external disaster notifications;
  A display unit for displaying a screen; a touch panel unit for accepting a touch operation on the screen; and an operation panel for performing settings;
  A storage unit that stores user management information that is registered in advance by setting input to the operation panel and includes contact information of each user;
  When the communication unit receives a notification of a disaster, it shifts to a safety confirmation mode, and when it enters the safety confirmation mode, the user's safety information is sent to each user's contact information registered in the user management information. A control unit for transmitting a safety confirmation notification for confirming the status to the communication unit and recognizing a user's status based on the status response when the communication unit receives a status response based on the safety confirmation notification; Including,
  The communication unit has a telephone line connection unit including a plurality of ports for communication using a telephone line,
  When the control unit is in the safety confirmation mode, the control unit causes the communication unit to perform the safety confirmation notification by calling the contact information of each user registered in the user management information. When the situation answer is received and a plurality of telephone lines are connected to the telephone line connection unit, the safety confirmation notification is not performed to the communication unit using all the telephone lines, and At least one of them is a receive-only port,
  The communication unit confirms the incoming telephone number in the safety confirmation mode,
  When the incoming telephone number is a telephone number registered as a contact information of the user in the user management information, the control unit does not perform processing for receiving as a facsimile to the communication unit, and sends the status answer to the communication An image forming apparatus characterized in that the image forming apparatus receives the image.   A printing section for printing;
  A communication unit that receives external disaster notifications;
  A display unit for displaying a screen; a touch panel unit for accepting a touch operation on the screen; and an operation panel for performing settings;
  A storage unit that stores user management information that is registered in advance by setting input to the operation panel and includes contact information of each user;
  When the communication unit receives a notification of a disaster, it shifts to a safety confirmation mode, and when it enters the safety confirmation mode, the user's safety information is sent to each user's contact information registered in the user management information. A control unit for transmitting a safety confirmation notification for confirming the status to the communication unit and recognizing a user's status based on the status response when the communication unit receives a status response based on the safety confirmation notification; Including,
  The communication unit has a telephone line connection unit including a plurality of ports for communication using a telephone line,
  When the control unit is in the safety confirmation mode, the control unit causes the communication unit to perform the safety confirmation notification by calling the contact information of each user registered in the user management information. When the situation answer is received and a plurality of telephone lines are connected to the telephone line connection unit, the safety confirmation notification is not performed to the communication unit using all the telephone lines, and At least one of them is a receive-only port,
  The communication unit confirms the incoming telephone number in the safety confirmation mode,
  The control unit recognizes that the safety of the user corresponding to the incoming telephone number is secured when the incoming telephone number is a telephone number registered in the user management information as a contact information of the user. Image forming apparatus.   A printing section for printing;
  A communication unit that receives external disaster notifications;
  A display unit for displaying a screen; a touch panel unit for accepting a touch operation on the screen; and an operation panel for performing settings;
  A storage unit that stores user management information that is registered in advance by setting input to the operation panel and includes contact information of each user;
  When the communication unit receives a notification of a disaster, it shifts to a safety confirmation mode, and when it enters the safety confirmation mode, the user's safety information is sent to each user's contact information registered in the user management information. A control unit for transmitting a safety confirmation notification for confirming the status to the communication unit and recognizing a user's status based on the status response when the communication unit receives a status response based on the safety confirmation notification; Including,
  When the communication unit receives the status reply notifying that there is a problem, the control unit prioritizes the information about the user who made the status response notifying that there is a problem over other print jobs, An image forming apparatus that causes the printing unit to print. When the control unit enters the safety confirmation mode, the control unit causes the communication unit to transmit the safety confirmation notification to each address registered as a user contact information in the user management information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. When the control unit receives an e-mail that is transmitted from an address registered as a contact information of the user in the user management information during the safety confirmation mode and does not conform to a prescribed format, 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the status of the user is confirmed based on an e-mail that does not conform to a prescribed format. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit causes the printing unit to print the content of the received e-mail when receiving an e-mail that conforms to a prescribed format during the safety confirmation mode. apparatus. The operation panel receives a report print instruction indicating the status of each user's answer registered in the user management information,
Wherein, when the operation panel accepts a print instruction of the report, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that to print the report in the printing unit. The said control part terminates the said safety confirmation mode, when the situation of all the users registered into the said user management information is recognized, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 8 characterized by the above-mentioned. Image forming apparatus. The operation panel accepts an instruction to shift to the safety confirmation mode,
Wherein, when said operation panel accepts the shift command, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the transition to Rukoto the safety confirmation mode. The operation panel accepts the termination indication of the safety confirmation mode,
Wherein, when the operating panel has accepted the end instruction, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that to end the safety confirmation mode.

Images