JP6316476B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, and in particular, prevents a connected function expansion device such as a USB wireless LAN adapter from being damaged or accidentally removed. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of

  As one type of image processing apparatus that is an electronic device, an image forming apparatus (typically a copier) that forms an image on recording paper is introduced in many offices (company, office, etc.). In such offices, there are many cases where an image forming apparatus having a printer function, a copy function, and the like is connected to a network and shared by a plurality of users. A multifunction peripheral (MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)), which is one type of such an image forming apparatus, has a copy mode, a facsimile mode (hereinafter referred to as a facsimile), a network compatible printer mode, and a scanner mode. A plurality of basic operation modes are provided.

  The image forming apparatus includes, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) as an interface for connecting to a network. The NIC is equipped with a terminal, and a communication cable such as a UTP cable (a pair of unshielded wires) is connected to the terminal, whereby the image forming apparatus is connected to the network. The image forming apparatus is connected to a network, and receives and prints image data from a terminal device such as a PC connected to the network, and attaches image data obtained by scanning a document to an e-mail. For example, a function for FTP transfer of image data to a computer server or the like.

  In recent years, a wireless network environment has been prepared because wiring is unnecessary and installation of equipment is easy. As devices for wireless connection, small USB adapters for wireless LANs (hereinafter referred to as USB wireless LAN adapters) complying with international standards such as the IEEE 802.11 series are widely used. A device such as a PC equipped with a USB wireless LAN adapter can be connected to a router, an access point, or the like by radio in a frequency band such as 2.4 GHz. Also, with Wi-Fi, the mutual connectivity between manufacturers of wireless LAN devices can be authenticated, and wireless network connection has become more widespread.

  For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a USB wireless LAN adapter that changes the communication method (isochronous transfer or bulk transfer) according to the type of communication data (whether it is streaming data) and the communication status (whether isochronous transfer is in progress). Is disclosed.

  A USB port of a device such as a PC is used to connect various peripheral devices in addition to the wireless LAN adapter. As a peripheral device capable of USB connection, a USB memory is widely used. The USB memory has a large capacity, is small and light, has excellent portability, and is easy to handle. Therefore, the USB memory is used to move data having a large data size such as image data to another apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus having a plurality of USB ports is also known. In such an image forming apparatus, a USB wireless LAN adapter is always connected to one USB port (always connected while the image forming apparatus is turned on) and connected to the network wirelessly. To do. The user inserts a USB memory into another USB port of the image forming apparatus, and inputs image data to be printed stored in the USB memory to the image forming apparatus, or the scanned image data of the document is a PC or the like Can be stored in a USB memory for transfer to another device.

JP 2011-82677 A

  In the state where the USB wireless LAN adapter is connected to the USB port on the front surface of the image forming apparatus, the USB wireless LAN adapter can be easily removed, so the user may accidentally remove the USB wireless LAN adapter. In that case, there is a problem that communication is disconnected. Further, since the user stands in front of the image forming apparatus and operates the image forming apparatus, the user's body may hit the USB wireless LAN adapter and the USB wireless LAN adapter may be damaged. Further, when the user or the like passes in front of the image forming apparatus, there is a possibility that the USB wireless LAN adapter may be touched and damaged. As described above, the conventional image forming apparatus has a problem that a USB device such as a USB wireless LAN adapter is connected to a USB port from which a user can easily remove the inserted USB device and is used as it is.

  However, in a device having a plurality of USB ports, such as a general PC, peripheral devices can be used by connecting to any USB port. The same applies to a conventional image forming apparatus having a plurality of USB ports. The invention described in Patent Document 1 cannot solve the above problem.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the possibility that a function expansion device connected by USB, such as a USB wireless LAN adapter, will be damaged by an external force and may be accidentally removed. For the purpose.

  The above object can be achieved by the following.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of USB sockets, and the plurality of USB sockets are arranged on a front surface of the image forming apparatus or in an area within a predetermined range from the operation unit. and placed first USB socket, it is composed of a second USB sockets arranged rear region of the rear or side of the image forming apparatus, the type of available device for each of a plurality of USB socket in advance And a control unit that selectively executes a process for making a device connected to each of a plurality of USB sockets usable or unusable. Whether the control unit enables use of the device connected to the first USB socket, including determining whether the device connected to the first USB socket is a device whose use is restricted. Based on the first determination to determine whether the device connected to the first USB socket is selectively executed or disabled, the second process is selectively executed, and the second a device connected to the USB socket, by determining whether the available devices, the second determination determining whether to allow use of the devices connected to the second USB socket the basis, that perform processing to enable or unusable using the device connected to the second USB socket selectively.

  Preferably, the device connected to the first USB socket or the second USB socket is a USB memory or a USB device for communicating with an external device.

More preferably, the second USB socket, Ru disposed on the back of the images forming apparatus.

  More preferably, the control unit acquires the class information of the USB device from the USB device connected to the first USB socket, and determines whether or not the acquired class information is predetermined class information. It is determined whether or not the USB device is ready for use.

  Preferably, the control unit acquires a vendor ID and a product ID of the USB device from the USB device connected to the first USB socket, and the acquired vendor ID and product ID are a predetermined vendor ID and a predetermined product ID. It is determined whether or not the USB device is in a usable state.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a display unit that displays information, and the control unit performs processing for making the device connected to the first USB socket or the second USB socket unusable. It includes processing for displaying information indicating that the apparatus cannot be used on the display unit.

  According to the present invention, among a plurality of USB sockets (USB ports) provided in the image forming apparatus, the USB apparatus is arranged within a range that can be reached by a user operating the image forming apparatus, and the user can easily insert and remove the USB apparatus. Even if a USB device for expanding the functions of the image forming device is connected to a specific USB socket that can be used, the USB device can be prevented from being used, so it can be accidentally removed during use. And the possibility of being damaged can be reduced.

  By restricting the USB socket disposed on the front surface of the image forming apparatus, the user can easily use a USB memory or the like on the front surface of the image forming apparatus, and in addition, a specific USB device can be connected to the front USB socket. Incorrect connection can be prevented.

  Since the USB device whose use is restricted is determined using known USB standard descriptor information (class ID, vendor ID, and product ID), it is supplied from the manufacturer without storing special information in the USB device. USB devices can be used as they are.

1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a back surface of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a program for restricting use of a USB device connected to a USB socket in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the USB device is inserted into the front USB socket of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a display screen showing an example of a message displayed on the image forming apparatus. 6 is a display screen showing an example of a message displayed on the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of class ID of a USB descriptor. 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus having a USB socket on a side surface.

  In the following embodiments, 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.

  1 and 2, an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention forms a multicolor or single color image on a predetermined recording sheet according to image data generated by reading a document. To do. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a main body device 110 and an automatic document feeder 120.

  An image reading unit 140 is disposed on the upper part (inside) of the main body device 110. The image reading unit 140 scans a document conveyed by the automatic document feeder 120 and generates image data. An operation unit 160 is disposed on the upper part of the main body device 110. The image forming apparatus 100 executes processing according to an instruction input via the operation unit 160. A paper feeding unit 156 that holds a recording paper for forming an image is disposed below the main body device 110. The image forming apparatus 100 pulls out the recording paper from the paper supply unit 156, forms an image on the surface thereof, and discharges the recording paper on which the image is formed to the in-body discharge tray 170.

  The main device 110 includes a front USB socket 184 and a rear USB socket 186. The front USB socket 184 is a surface on which the operation unit 160 is disposed, and is disposed on the front surface that is a surface facing the user who operates the image forming apparatus 100. The rear USB socket 186 is disposed on the rear surface, which is the surface facing the front surface. Specifically, the back USB socket 186 is disposed on the back surface in the vicinity of the right side surface 112 of the main body device 110 as shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the USB devices that can be inserted into the front USB socket 184 and the rear USB socket 186 are indicated by broken lines.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) 130 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 100, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 132 for storing a program, and the like, and a volatile property. RAM (Random Access Memory) 134, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 136 that is a non-volatile storage device that retains data even when the power supply is interrupted, and a bus 142. The ROM 132 stores programs and data necessary for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The CPU 130, ROM 132, RAM 134, and HDD 136 are connected to the bus 142. Data (including control information) is exchanged between the units via the bus 142. The CPU 130 reads a program from the ROM 132 onto the RAM 134 via the bus 142, and executes the program using a part of the RAM 134 as a work area. That is, the CPU 130 controls each part of the image forming apparatus 100 according to a program stored in the ROM 132 and realizes each function of the image forming apparatus 100.

  In addition to the automatic document feeder 120, the image reading unit 140, the paper feeding unit 156, the operation unit 160, the in-body paper discharge tray 170, the front USB socket 184, and the rear USB socket 186, the image forming apparatus 100 forms an image. Unit 150, image processing unit 152, image memory 154, USB host controller 180, and USB hub 182. These (excluding the USB hub 182) are also connected to the bus 142. Although not shown, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a NIC, a FAX communication modem, and the like for connecting to a network with a communication cable, as in a normal image forming apparatus.

  The operation unit 160 receives an input such as an instruction to the image forming apparatus 100 by the user. The operation unit 160 includes an operation panel 162 and an operation key unit (an area other than the operation panel 162 in the operation unit 160). The operation panel 162 includes a display panel configured by a liquid crystal panel and the like, and a touch panel that is disposed on the display panel and detects a touched position. In order to operate the image forming apparatus 100, soft keys are displayed on the display panel, and hard keys are arranged on the operation key unit. The CPU 130 monitors user operations on these keys. The user can press or touch these keys to input an image forming instruction, image forming condition setting, or the like to the image forming apparatus 100. Selection of the key displayed on the display panel is performed by touching a corresponding portion on the touch panel superimposed on the display panel.

  When the operation unit 160 is operated by the user and an image formation is instructed, the image data generated by reading the document by the image reading unit 140 is temporarily stored in the image memory 154. The image processing unit 152 executes various image processes on the image data stored in the image memory 154. The image data is stored in the HDD 136 as necessary.

  The paper feeding unit 156 includes a paper feeding cassette and holds recording paper for image formation. The image forming unit 150 includes a photosensitive drum, a charger, an optical scanning device, a developing unit, a transfer roller, a fixing unit, and the like, and image data read from the image memory 154 or the HDD 136 is conveyed from the paper feeding unit 156. Form on recording paper.

  The USB host controller 180, the USB hub 182, the front USB socket 184, and the rear USB socket 186 are connected in a known USB connection form (multi-star topology). The USB host controller 180 is also the highest level root hub. Both the front USB socket 184 and the rear USB socket 186 are sockets to which a known series A plug is connected.

  Hereinafter, a program for restricting use of a USB device connected to a USB socket, which is executed in the image forming apparatus 100, will be described with reference to FIG. Information (port number) for specifying a USB socket that restricts the use of the inserted USB device and information for specifying a USB device that is restricted (USB descriptor information to be described later) are stored in advance in the HDD 136. Is remembered. Note that “restrict the use of a USB device” and “a USB device whose use is restricted” means that the image forming apparatus controls the hardware by a device driver (OS (Operating System) corresponding to the USB apparatus. This means that there is a case where the USB device is not loaded and the USB device cannot be used.

  In the following, when a USB wireless LAN adapter is inserted into the front USB socket 184, the USB wireless LAN adapter is not made usable, that is, left unusable. Suppose that usage is not restricted. Further, when a USB device other than the USB wireless LAN adapter is connected to the front USB socket 184, the USB device can be used.

  In step 400, the CPU 130 determines whether or not a USB device plug has been inserted into the front USB socket 184 or the rear USB socket 186. USB devices include USB memory and USB wireless LAN adapter. Whether or not a USB device plug is inserted into the front USB socket 184 is determined by, for example, observing the potential of a specific terminal (for example, a “+ Data” terminal or a “−Data” terminal for data transmission) of the front USB socket 184. Can be detected. The same applies to the rear USB socket 186. When the terminal of the USB socket that has been opened with nothing connected is connected to the terminal of the plug of the USB device, the potential changes. If it is determined that the USB device plug has been inserted, control proceeds to step 402. Otherwise, step 400 is repeated. Note that the CPU 130 may periodically observe the potential of the terminal of the USB socket, but an interrupt may be generated for the CPU 130 when the potential changes.

  In the following, it is assumed that the USB wireless LAN adapter 190 is connected to the front USB socket 184 as shown in FIG.

  In step 402, the CPU 130 controls the USB host controller 180 to identify the USB device to the USB device (USB wireless LAN adapter 190) connected to the front USB socket 184 via the USB hub 182. Request. Communication between the USB host controller 180 and the USB device is performed according to a known USB standard. Specifically, the USB host controller 180 transmits a reset command for resetting the inserted USB wireless LAN adapter 190, and then transmits a command (GET_DESCRIPTOR) for acquiring descriptor information of the USB wireless LAN adapter 190. The USB wireless LAN adapter 190 that has received the command must always return the stored descriptor in a predetermined data format.

  In step 404, the CPU 130 determines whether the USB host controller 180 has received the requested information (descriptor) from the USB device. If it is determined that it has been received, control proceeds to step 406. Otherwise, step 404 is repeated. Before proceeding to step 406, the CPU 130 stores the received information in the RAM 134.

  In step 406, the CPU 130 determines whether or not the USB socket into which the USB device is inserted is the front USB socket 184. Specifically, the CPU 130 reads out the port number for restricting the use of the USB device from the HDD 136 and determines whether or not it matches the port number of the USB socket in which insertion of the USB device is detected in step 400. If the detected port number matches the port number read from the HDD 136, it is determined that it has been inserted into the front USB socket 184, and control proceeds to step 408. Otherwise control passes to step 418.

  In step 408, the CPU 130 determines whether or not the inserted USB device is a USB device whose use is restricted. This can be determined using class information (class ID) of the USB descriptor.

  The USB device has a class ID defined by “USB Implementers Forum, Inc.” according to its function and the like. For example, “E0h” (h means a hexadecimal number, the same applies hereinafter) is assigned to the wireless LAN adapter 190 as a class ID. Here, since the use of the USB wireless LAN adapter 190 is restricted, “E0h” is stored in advance in the HDD 136 as information for specifying the USB device whose use is restricted. The CPU 130 determines whether or not the class ID of the descriptor received from the USB device stored in the RAM 134 in step 404 matches “E0h” read from the HDD 136. If it is determined that the USB device is restricted in use (class ID “E0h”), the control proceeds to step 410. Otherwise (class ID is not “E0h”), control passes to step 418.

  In step 418, the CPU 130 determines whether or not the corresponding device driver is stored in the HDD 136 in order to enable the inserted USB device. If it is determined that the corresponding device driver is stored in the HDD 136, the control proceeds to step 420, and the CPU 130 loads the corresponding device driver, that is, reads the corresponding device driver from the HDD 136 into the RAM 134 and can execute it. To make sure Thereafter, control proceeds to step 416. As a result, the inserted USB device can be used in the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, if it is determined that the corresponding device driver is not stored in the HDD 136, the control proceeds to step 410. Here, since it is assumed that the USB wireless LAN adapter 190 has been inserted, step 418 and step 420 are not executed.

  In step 410, the CPU 130 displays a predetermined message on the operation panel 162. When the process proceeds from step 408 to step 410, for example, a message 500 as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. In FIG. 6, the USB device (USB wireless LAN adapter 190) inserted on the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 100 displayed on the operation panel 162 cannot be used in the front USB socket 184, and the rear USB socket. At 186, a message 500 indicating that it can be used is displayed. As a result, the administrator or service person can remove the USB device inserted into the front USB socket 184, that is, the USB wireless LAN adapter 190 and insert it into the rear USB socket 186.

  On the other hand, when the process proceeds from step 418 to step 410, for example, a message 502 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. FIG. 7 shows a message 502 superimposed on the operation screen of the image forming apparatus displayed on the operation panel 162 and indicating that the inserted USB device cannot be used because there is no device driver for the inserted USB device. It is displayed. As a result, the general user can remove the USB device inserted into the front USB socket 184 and request the administrator or service person to install the corresponding device driver in the image forming apparatus 100 if necessary.

  Note that it is possible to determine from step 408 and step 418 whether step 410 is executed after step 410 is executed by a flag. For example, if the initial value of the flag is set to “0” and it is determined in step 408 that the USB device is restricted from being used, the CPU 130 sets the flag to “1”. The message 500 as shown in FIG. 6 may be displayed when “1” is “1”, and the message 502 as shown in FIG. 7 may be displayed when the flag is “0”. The CPU 130 resets the flag to “0” after displaying the message.

  In step 412, the CPU 130 determines whether or not the inserted USB device has been removed. The removal of the USB device is performed by detecting a potential change at a predetermined terminal of the USB socket. If it is determined that the USB device has been removed, control proceeds to step 414. Otherwise, step 412 is repeated.

  In step 414, the CPU 130 deletes the message displayed on the operation panel 162 and displays the original operation screen.

  In step 416, CPU 130 determines whether an end instruction has been received or not. If it is determined that an end instruction has been received, the program ends. Otherwise, control returns to step 400. The end instruction is given, for example, when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered off.

  As described above, when the USB wireless LAN adapter 190 is inserted into the front USB socket 184, even if the corresponding device driver is stored in the HDD 136, steps 400 to 410 are executed and the USB wireless LAN adapter 190 is used. A message indicating this is displayed on the operation panel 162 without being enabled. The administrator or service person who sees the message removes the USB wireless LAN adapter 190 from the front USB socket 184 and inserts it into the rear USB socket 186. Thereafter, Steps 400 to 406 and Steps 418 to 420 are executed, and the USB wireless LAN adapter 190 inserted into the rear USB socket 186 becomes usable. Since the USB wireless LAN adapter 190 is used in the rear USB socket 186 that cannot be easily accessed, there is a low possibility that the USB wireless LAN adapter 190 will be damaged or mistakenly removed even if it is used with a constant connection.

  If a general user inserts a USB device (for example, USB memory) other than the USB wireless LAN adapter 190 into the front USB socket 184, it is determined in step 408 that the USB device is not restricted in use. The USB device can be used.

  In the above description, the class information is used in order to identify the USB device whose use is restricted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the vendor ID and product ID in the descriptor may be used. In that case, in step 408, the CPU 130 determines that the vendor ID and product ID of the descriptor received from the USB device (stored in the RAM 134 in step 404) are the vendor ID and product ID stored in advance in the HDD 136 (usage-restricted USB). It is sufficient to determine whether or not the information matches the information for specifying the device.

  The vendor ID is information for specifying the manufacturer of the USB device, and the product ID is information for specifying the manufacturer's product. The product ID is specified by the manufacturer of the USB device, and the vendor ID is determined by the manufacturer applying for “USB Implementers Forum, Inc.”. The vendor ID is well known, and data corresponding to the manufacturer is provided from the web page (http://www.usb.org) of “USB Implementers Forum, Inc.”.

  In the above description, the USB device whose use is restricted is the USB wireless LAN adapter. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any device capable of USB connection for expanding the functions of the image forming apparatus may be used, such as an external storage device (HDD or the like) or a user authentication device (IC card reader, magnetic card reader, fingerprint authentication device, etc.). May be. These are also likely to be damaged when used with being always connected to the front USB socket, and are likely to be accidentally removed, so when connected to the front USB socket, they may not be ready for use. preferable.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the class ID. For example, since the class ID of the IC card reader is “0Bh”, the IC card reader is not connected to the front USB socket when the IC card reader is connected to the image forming apparatus to perform user authentication with the IC card. As described above, “0Bh” may be stored in advance in the HDD 136 as information for specifying a USB device whose use is restricted. When a fingerprint reader is connected to perform user authentication, “0Dh” may be stored in advance in HDD 136 as information for specifying a USB device whose use is restricted. Further, when the use of a plurality of types of USB devices is restricted, their class IDs may be stored in the HDD 136 in advance.

  Note that the class ID of an external storage device such as an external HDD is “08h”, which is the same as that of a USB memory, and therefore cannot be determined only by the class ID. However, if a vendor ID and a product ID are used, an external storage is used. The use of the device can be restricted.

  In the above description, the image forming apparatus including the USB socket on the front surface and the back surface has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A user standing in the vicinity of the operation unit to operate the image forming apparatus, a USB socket disposed at a position where the USB device can be inserted and removed by hand (for example, the front surface), and a position where the USB device cannot be inserted and removed by hand (for example, For example, the present invention can be applied to any image forming apparatus provided with a USB socket disposed on a surface other than the front surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the image forming apparatus includes USB sockets on the front side and the rear side of the right side, the side USB socket 188 may be handled in the same manner as the back USB socket 186 described above.

  In the above description, the device driver is automatically loaded in step 420 and the USB device can be used. However, a screen for inputting necessary settings may be displayed on the operation panel 162. For example, in the case of a USB wireless LAN adapter, a device driver is loaded so that a nearby wireless router or access point can be automatically detected and connected. When a plurality of connection destinations are detected, the detected connection destinations may be displayed on the operation panel 162 and selected. Further, after the device driver is loaded, a screen for inputting a connection destination IP address may be displayed. Moreover, you may set well-known security in radio | wireless communications, such as WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access).

  The present invention has been described above by describing the embodiment. However, the above-described embodiment is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and is implemented with various modifications. be able to.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 110 Main body apparatus 120 Automatic document feeder 130 Control part (CPU)
132 ROM
134 RAM
136 HDD
140 Image reading unit (scanner unit)
142 Bus 150 Image Forming Unit 152 Image Processing Unit 154 Image Memory 156 Paper Feeding Unit 160 Operation Unit 162 Operation Panel 170 In-Chip Discharge Tray 180 USB Host Controller 182 USB Hub 184 Front USB Socket 186 Rear USB Socket 190 USB Wireless LAN Adapter

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus including a plurality of USB sockets,
The plurality of USB sockets include an operation unit provided on a front surface of the image forming apparatus or a first USB socket disposed in an area within a predetermined range from the operation unit, and a rear surface or a rear side surface of the image forming apparatus. is composed of a second USB sockets arranged in the region,
The type of device that can be used for each of the plurality of USB sockets is predetermined,
Control means for selectively executing a process for making a device connected to each of the plurality of USB sockets usable or a process for making the device unusable;
The control means includes
The first device connected to the USB socket comprises determining whether a device whose use is restricted, whether to allow use of the first connected the device to a USB socket Selectively executing a process for making the device connected to the first USB socket usable or unusable based on a first determination for determining
The second USB socket connected device, by determining whether the available devices, whether to allow use of the connected the device to the second USB socket determining a second based on the determination, to run selectively processing to enable or unusable using a connected the device to the second USB socket, the image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device connected to the first USB socket or the second USB socket is a USB memory or a USB device for communicating with an external device. The second USB socket, Ru is disposed on the rear surface of the front Symbol image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The control means acquires the class information of the USB device from the USB device connected to the first USB socket, and determines whether the acquired class information is predetermined class information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus determines whether or not the USB device is ready for use.   The control unit acquires a vendor ID and a product ID of the USB device from a USB device connected to the first USB socket, and the acquired vendor ID and product ID are a predetermined vendor ID and a predetermined product ID. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the USB device is ready for use by determining whether or not the USB device is present. A display means for displaying information;
The process in which the control unit makes the device connected to the first USB socket or the second USB socket unusable is a process of displaying information on the display unit that the device cannot be used. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

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