JP6451531B2 - Image forming apparatus, setting change method, and setting change program - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus capable of wirelessly communicating with an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, a setting changing method for the image forming apparatus, and a setting changing program for the image forming apparatus.

  IC cards that can wirelessly communicate with terminals are widely used. The IC card incorporates a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). When the user touches the terminal with the IC card, the terminal starts wireless communication with the IC card, and reads information stored in the storage device of the IC card. The terminal performs various functions using the information.

  In recent years, a wireless communication function with an IC card has been installed in various devices. As an example, the function is installed in an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral). As an example of using the IC card, when the user touches the image forming apparatus with the IC card, the image forming apparatus reads user information stored in the IC card and performs personal authentication using the user information. As a result, the user can automatically log in to the image forming apparatus.

  Regarding the IC card, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-36021 (Patent Document 1) discloses a data storage device that performs “resource management of an IC card”.

JP 2000-36021 A

  Incidentally, in an image forming apparatus, settings relating to an IC card are defined in an LDD (Loadable Device Drivers) setting file or the like. Special knowledge is required to change the contents of such a configuration file. Therefore, there is a demand for an image forming apparatus that can easily change settings related to an IC card even for a user who does not have specialized knowledge.

  In recent years, the types of IC cards are diversified, and it is required to customize the settings of the IC cards in the image forming apparatus for each user. In order to realize this, it is necessary to edit the LDD setting file for each user, which is troublesome. Therefore, an image forming apparatus that can easily change the settings relating to the IC card is desired. Patent Document 1 does not disclose a method for changing settings related to an IC card.

  The present disclosure has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object in one aspect thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of changing settings related to an IC card more easily than in the past. It is. An object in another aspect is to provide a setting change method that can change settings related to an IC card more easily than in the past. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a setting change program capable of changing settings related to an IC card more easily than in the past.

  According to an aspect, the image forming apparatus communicates wirelessly with a first IC card that holds information used to execute a predetermined function of the image forming apparatus and a second IC card for changing settings related to the first IC card. When communication between the communication unit capable of performing communication and the first IC card is established, information is read from a predetermined reading area in the first storage unit of the first IC card, and a predetermined function is executed using the information And a display unit for displaying a setting screen for changing a reading destination of information in the first storage unit when communication is established between the execution unit and the second IC card, and predetermined reading in the first IC card A change unit for changing the area to a new reading destination set on the setting screen.

  Preferably, a plurality of objects are displayed on the setting screen. Each of the plurality of objects is associated with a reference value indicating a location in the second storage unit of the second IC card. The image forming apparatus further includes a specifying unit for specifying a location in the second storage unit indicated by a reference value associated with an object selected from a plurality of objects. The changing unit sets an area in the first storage unit corresponding to the specified location as a new reading destination.

Preferably, the object includes at least one of a character and a graphic.
Preferably, the identifying unit sets a reference area having a predetermined bit width as data in the second storage unit, and sequentially calculates a value indicated by the bit string in the reference area while moving the reference area in the second storage unit. When the sequentially calculated value matches the reference value associated with the object selected from the plurality of objects, the reference value indicates the location of the reference area set for calculating the value. It specifies as a place in the 2nd storage part to show.

Preferably, the setting screen accepts an input with a predetermined bit width.
Preferably, the setting screen receives an input of a reference value.

  According to another aspect, a method for changing a setting of a computer establishes a step of communicating wirelessly with a first IC card that holds information used to execute a predetermined function of the computer, and communication with the first IC card. In this case, a step of reading information from a predetermined reading area in the first storage unit of the first IC card and executing a predetermined function using the information, and a second IC card and a radio for changing settings relating to the first IC card And a step of displaying a setting screen for changing a reading destination of information in the first storage unit when communication with the second IC card is established, and a predetermined reading area in the first IC card. And a step of changing to a new reading destination set on the setting screen.

  According to still another aspect, the setting change program establishes communication with the first IC card, the step of wirelessly communicating with the first IC card holding information used to execute a predetermined function of the computer. A second IC card for reading information from a predetermined reading area in the first storage unit of the first IC card and executing a predetermined function using the information, and a setting relating to the first IC card. Wirelessly communicating with the second IC card, displaying a setting screen for changing the information reading destination in the first storage unit when communication with the second IC card is established, and predetermined reading on the first IC card. And changing the area to a new reading destination set on the setting screen.

  In one aspect, the settings related to the IC card can be changed more easily than in the past.

  The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an image forming apparatus as an MFP. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a user touches an image forming apparatus with an IC card. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the IC card for a setting. It is a figure which shows the operation for changing the reading destination of the user information of an IC card in time series. It is a figure which shows the content of the ASCII code (ASCII code). It is a conceptual diagram which shows roughly the process which searches the newly set reading area | region. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the image forming apparatus according to 1st Embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the search process of a reading area. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a data flow among an authentication IC card, a setting IC card, and an image forming apparatus. 1 is a block diagram showing a main hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the main hardware constitutions of an IC card. It is a figure which shows the operation for changing the reading destination of the user information of an IC card in time series. It is a figure which shows the content of address information. It is a figure which shows the example of operation for changing the setting regarding the IC card for authentication.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. The following embodiments and modifications may be selectively combined as appropriate.

<First Embodiment>
[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100]
A configuration of image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an image forming apparatus 100 as an MFP. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the user touches the image forming apparatus 100 with the IC card 200A.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a card reader 105 for realizing wireless communication with the IC card 200A, and a scanner unit 107 for optically reading a document to obtain image data. And a printing unit 108 for printing an image on a sheet based on the image data. A feeder 114 is provided on the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 to send the document to the scanner unit 107. Below the image forming apparatus 100, a plurality of paper feeding units 119 that supply paper to the printing unit 108 are provided. At the center of the image forming apparatus 100, a tray 115 is provided on which a sheet on which an image is printed by the printing unit 108 is discharged.

  The operation panel 104 is provided on the upper part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. The operation panel 104 includes, for example, a display 120 and a touch sensor (not shown), and is configured as a touch panel.

  The card reader 105 is provided, for example, in the casing of the operation panel 104. When the user brings the IC card 200A close to or in contact with the card reader 105, the card reader 105 starts wireless communication with the IC card 200A. As the wireless communication system, for example, near field communication such as NFC (Near field communication) and BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) is adopted.

  When the card reader 105 starts wireless communication with the IC card 200A, the card reader 105 reads user information stored in the IC card 200A from the IC card 200A. The user information includes, for example, a user ID (Identification) and a password. The image forming apparatus 100 performs personal authentication using the read user information. As a result, the user can automatically log in to the image forming apparatus.

[Setting IC card 200B]
The setting IC card 200B will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows an example of the setting IC card 200B.

  The image forming apparatus 100 can wirelessly communicate with an IC card 200B for changing settings related to the IC card 200A, in addition to the IC card 200A (see FIG. 2) that holds user information used during user authentication. Hereinafter, the IC card used for executing the user automatic authentication function is also referred to as an “authentication IC card”. An IC card used for changing the setting of an authentication IC card is also referred to as a “setting IC card”.

  Although details will be described later, the administrator can easily change the setting related to the authentication IC card 200A by using the setting IC card 200B. There is no conventional setting changing method using the setting IC card 200B.

  The IC card 200B can be used in the following aspects, for example. For example, it is assumed that the code value of the department (for example, the research and development department) stored in the IC card 200A is used for authentication of the image forming apparatus 100 before the setting is changed. It is assumed that the code value of the belonging area (for example, Tokyo, etc.) stored in the IC card 200A is used as new authentication data due to a change in security policy or the like. In this case, the administrator uses the setting IC card 200B to change the reading destination of the authentication data from “affiliation department” to “affiliation area”. From the next time, when the image forming apparatus 100 detects the IC card 200A, it reads the “affiliation area” information stored in the IC card 200A, and performs authentication using the information.

  As described above, the administrator can change the setting of the IC card 200A only by touching the image forming apparatus 100 with the IC card 200B and inputting a new reading destination on the setting screen displayed by the touch. it can. The administrator does not need to edit the setting file by using the setting IC card 200B when changing the setting of the IC card 200A. Therefore, even an administrator who does not have specialized knowledge can easily change the settings of the IC card 200A.

[Setting Change Processing of Image Forming Apparatus 100]
A setting change process by image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 can wirelessly communicate with at least two types of IC cards, that is, the authentication IC card 200A and the setting IC card 200B.

  The image forming apparatus 100 displays a setting screen by detecting the proximity or contact of the setting IC card 200B. The setting screen accepts a change of the reading destination (hereinafter also referred to as “reading area”) of the user information of the authentication IC card 200A. That is, the administrator can change the reading destination of the user information of the IC card 200A by setting a new reading destination on the setting screen. Thereafter, when the user touches the image forming apparatus 100 with the IC card 200A, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the user information from the reading area newly set for the IC card 200A. As described above, the administrator simply touches the setting IC card 200B on the image forming apparatus 100 and changes the setting related to the authentication IC card 200A simply by changing the reading destination on the setting screen. be able to.

  With reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the operation for changing the reading destination of the user information of the IC card 200A will be described in more detail. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation for changing the reading destination of the user information of the IC card 200A in time series. FIG. 5 shows the contents of the ASCII code. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing a process of searching for a newly set reading area.

  When detecting contact or proximity of the setting IC card 200B, the image forming apparatus 100 displays the screen (A) in FIG. For example, the screen (A) includes a current reading area 122A of the IC card 200A, a reference value 123A indicating the location of the reading area 122A, and a current setting content 125A. The setting content 125A includes characters indicating the location of the current reading area 122A in the IC card 200A, a reference value indicating the location of the reading area 122A, remarks information for the administrator to identify the contents of the reading area 122A, And the bit width of the reading area 122A.

  When detecting that the setting button 126 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 100 displays a setting screen (B) for changing the reading destination of the IC card 200A. The setting screen (B) includes address information 130 indicating the location of each storage area of the IC card 200A. The address information 130 is stored in advance in the IC card 200B, for example, and the image forming apparatus 100 receives the address information 130 from the IC card 200B when communication with the IC card 200B is established.

  The address information 130 includes a character indicating the location of each storage area in the authentication IC card 200A, a reference value indicating the location of each storage area, and an administrator identifying the contents of each storage area. Remark information is stored in advance. The relationship between each character and each reference value corresponds to, for example, the ASCII code 129 shown in FIG. The reference value may be represented by a decimal number or a hexadecimal number.

  The setting screen (B) receives an operation for selecting a specific item from among a plurality of items included in the address information 130. The input area 134 accepts input of characters. The administrator can select a specific item of the address information 130 by inputting characters in the input area 134. The input area 135 receives an input of a reference value. The administrator can select a specific item of the address information 130 by inputting a reference value in the input area 135. The input area 136 receives the bit width of the reading area in the IC card 200A. The bit width indicates the size of a new reference area used at the time of search processing described later.

  In the example of the setting screen (B) in FIG. 4, items representing the character “A” and the reference value “0x41” are selected (see the hatched 131). In the input area 134, the letter “A” shown in the selected item is displayed. In the input area 135, the reference value “0x41” indicated in the selected item is displayed. The administrator can discard the contents set on the setting screen (B) by pressing the cancel button 138.

  When detecting that the confirmation button 137 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 100 searches the IC card 200B for a storage area corresponding to the selected item. For example, it is assumed that the item of the letter “A” is selected by the administrator. Based on this, as shown in the example (A) of FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the reference area 141 having a bit width (for example, 8 bits) input to the input area 136 as the IC card 200B. The data 140 in the storage unit is set. The image forming apparatus 100 sequentially calculates the code value indicated by the bit string in the reference area 141 while moving the reference area 141 in the data 140. As an example, the code value is calculated by a little endian method. When the sequentially calculated code value matches the reference value “0x41” associated with the character “A”, the image forming apparatus 100 determines the location of the reference area 142 set for calculating the code value. Remember. The location of each bit of the data 140 and the location of the data in the IC card 200A are associated in advance. The image forming apparatus 100 sets a storage area in the IC card 200A corresponding to the reference area 142 as a new reading destination.

  The image forming apparatus 100 displays the confirmation screen (C) in FIG. 4 when a new reading destination can be searched. As an example, the confirmation screen (C) displays a new reading area 122B corresponding to the searched reference area 142, a reference value 123B indicating the location of the reading area 122B, and a new setting content 125B. The setting content 125B includes characters indicating the location of the new reading area 122B of the IC card 200A, a reference value corresponding to the character, remarks information for identifying the contents of the reading area 122B, and a new reference area 142. Bit width.

  When detecting that the OK button 145 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 100 reflects the new setting content 125B in a setting file (for example, an LDD setting file) that manages settings related to the IC card 200A. When detecting that the cancel button 146 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 100 discards the contents set for the setting screen (B).

  After the setting is changed, when the user touches the image forming apparatus 100 with the IC card 200A, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the user information from a new reading destination in the IC card 200A, and executes the automatic authentication function using the user information. To do.

  As described above, the administrator simply touches the image forming apparatus 100 with the setting IC card 200B and performs an operation of changing the reading area on the setting screen (B), thereby reading the IC card 200A for authentication. The area can be changed. That is, the administrator does not need to edit the setting file related to the IC card 200A, and even an administrator who does not have specialized knowledge can easily change the settings of the IC card 200A.

  In the above description, an example has been described in which a character is associated with a reference value indicating the location of the storage area, but other objects that can be displayed on the display 120 may be associated with the reference value. For example, the object includes at least one of a character and a graphic. In addition, the object may be an image, a character string, or the like.

  In the above description, the example in which the object, the reference value, and the remark information are displayed on the setting screen has been described. However, at least one of the object, the reference value, and the remark information may be displayed on the setting screen.

  Furthermore, in the above description, the automatic authentication function has been described as an example of the predetermined function of the image forming apparatus 100 executed by touching the IC card 200A. However, the predetermined function is an automatic authentication function. It is not limited. For example, the predetermined function includes a function for managing the number of printable sheets in the image forming apparatus 100 and a function for automatically reflecting print setting information stored in the IC card 200A.

  Furthermore, the bit width of the searched reference area may be different from the bit width of the reading area from the next time. In this case, the bit width of the reading area is set after the reference area searching process. As an example, an area from the most significant bit of the searched reference area to the set bit width is set as a new reading area.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 may have a setting mode for enabling or disabling setting processing by the IC card 200B. As an example, the user can set the setting mode via the operation panel 104. The setting mode is set to invalid in the initial state, for example. When the setting mode is invalid, the image forming apparatus 100 does not display the setting screen even when the IC card 200B is detected. When the setting mode is valid, the image forming apparatus 100 displays a setting screen based on the detection of the IC card 200B.

[Functional Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100]
The function of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102. The CPU 102 includes a communication unit 150, an identification unit 152, a display unit 154, a specifying unit 156, a changing unit 158, and an execution unit 160 as functional configurations.

  The communication unit 150 is an authentication IC card 200A (see FIG. 2) that holds user information used for executing the automatic authentication function of the image forming apparatus 100, and a setting for changing settings related to the IC card 200A. Wirelessly communicates with the IC card 200B (see FIG. 4). More specifically, the communication unit 150 periodically emits radio waves to the surroundings, and receives identification information (for example, a card ID) of the type of IC card based on receiving a response to the radio waves from the IC card. The data is output to the identification unit 152.

  The identification unit 152 identifies the type of IC card based on the identification information of the IC card. The identification information and the type of IC card are associated in advance. When the identification unit 152 detects the setting IC card 200 </ b> B, it outputs that fact to the display unit 154. When the identification unit 152 detects the authentication IC card 200 </ b> A, the identification unit 152 outputs the fact to the execution unit 160.

  The display unit 154 displays a setting screen for changing the reading area of the IC card 200A on the display 120 (see FIG. 2) based on the establishment of communication with the IC card 200B. As described above, a plurality of objects (for example, characters) are displayed on the setting screen. A reference value indicating a location in the storage unit of the IC card 200B is associated with each of the plurality of objects in advance. The display unit 154 outputs the reference value associated with the object selected by the user to the specifying unit 156.

  The specifying unit 156 specifies the storage area indicated by the reference value associated with the selected object for the IC card 200B. Since the method for specifying the reading location is as described above, the description will not be repeated (see FIG. 6).

  The changing unit 158 uses the storage area in the IC card 200A corresponding to the storage area specified by the specifying unit 156 as a new reading destination, and rewrites a setting file (for example, an LDD setting file) that defines the reading destination. . Thereby, the changing unit 158 changes the reading area set in the IC card 200A to a new reading destination set in the setting screen.

  When communication with the IC card 200A is established, the execution unit 160 reads information from the storage area of the IC card 200A indicated by the reading destination defined in the setting file. The execution unit 160 executes a predetermined function of the image forming apparatus 100 using the read information. As an example, the information to be read is user information of the IC card 200A, and the execution unit 160 executes the automatic authentication function as a predetermined function using the user information.

[Control Structure of Image Forming Apparatus 100]
A control structure of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed by image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a reading area search process. The processing in FIGS. 8 and 9 is realized by the CPU 102 (see FIG. 7) of the image forming apparatus 100 executing a program. In other aspects, some or all of the processing may be performed by circuit elements or other hardware.

  In step S50, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the communication unit 150 (see FIG. 7) emits radio waves to the surroundings and receives a response to the radio waves from the IC card. When CPU 102 determines that a response has been received from the IC card (YES in step S50), CPU 102 switches control to step S52. If not (NO in step S50), CPU 102 executes the process of step S50 again.

  In step S52, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the response transmission source is the setting IC card 200B (see FIG. 4). When CPU 102 determines that the response source is IC card 200B (YES in step S52), CPU 102 switches control to step S60. If not (NO in step S52), CPU 102 switches control to step S70.

  In step S60, the CPU 102 displays a setting screen for changing the reading destination of the authentication IC card 200A (see FIG. 2) as the display unit 154 (see FIG. 7). The setting screen displays a currently set reading area, a reference value indicating the location of the reading area, characters indicating the location of the reading area, and the like. Preferably, an input area for receiving a new reading area with characters is displayed on the setting screen. More preferably, an input area for receiving the bit width of the reading area is displayed on the setting screen.

  In step S <b> 62, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the reading destination of the IC card 200 </ b> A has been changed based on accepting an operation for confirming the setting contents. When CPU 102 determines that the reading destination of IC card 200A has been changed (YES in step S62), CPU 102 switches control to step S64. When that is not right (in step S62 NO), CPU102 complete | finishes the setting change process according to this Embodiment.

  In step S64, the CPU 102 searches the reading area corresponding to the character selected on the setting screen as the specifying unit 156 (see FIG. 7), and specifies the searched reading area as a new reading area. With reference to FIG. 9, the reading area searching process will be described in more detail.

  In step S64A, the CPU 102 sets, as a reference area, an area corresponding to a preset bit width from the 0th bit of the currently set reading area. In step S64B, the CPU 102 shifts the set reference area to the right by 1 bit. In step S64C, the CPU 102 calculates a code value indicated by the bit string in the reference area.

  In step S64D, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the calculated code value matches the reference value associated with the character selected by the user. When CPU 102 determines that the code value matches the reference value (YES in step S64D), CPU 102 switches control to step S64E. If not (NO in step S64D), CPU returns control to step S64B.

  Through the processing of steps S64B to S64D, the CPU 102 sequentially calculates the code value indicated by the bit string in the reference area while moving the reference area, and also sends the reference value associated with the selected character to the IC card 200B. Search within stored data.

  In step S64E, the CPU 102 stores, as a new reading area, an area corresponding to a preset bit width from the 0th bit of the reference area after movement.

  Referring to FIG. 8 again, in step S66, CPU 102 sets, as change unit 158 (see FIG. 7), a storage area in IC card 200A corresponding to the stored location of the reference area as a new reading destination. The CPU 102 reflects the new setting contents in the setting file of the IC card 200A.

  In step S70, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the response transmission source is the authentication IC card 200A (see FIG. 4). When CPU 102 determines that the response source is IC card 200A (YES in step S70), CPU 102 switches control to step S72. If not (NO in step S70), CPU 102 ends the setting change process according to the present embodiment.

  In step S72, the CPU 102 refers to the setting file, acquires the reading destination of the IC card 200A, and reads user information from the reading location of the IC card 200A corresponding to the reading destination.

  In step S74, the CPU 102 executes an automatic authentication function using the read user information as the execution unit 160 (see FIG. 7).

[data flow]
A data flow in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a data flow among the authentication IC card 200A, the setting IC card 200B, and the image forming apparatus 100.

  In step S <b> 12, the image forming apparatus 100 periodically emits radio waves to the surroundings and confirms a response to the radio waves.

  In step S14, it is assumed that the setting IC card 200B responds to the radio wave. The image forming apparatus 100 establishes communication with the IC card 200B based on the reception of the response. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 100 receives identification information for identifying the type of the IC card from the IC card 200B, and identifies the type of the IC card 200B based on the identification information. Thus, the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the IC card 200B is a setting IC card.

  In step S16, the image forming apparatus 100 displays a setting screen for setting the reading destination of the authentication IC card 200A. As an example, an input area for receiving a new reading destination as a character is displayed on the setting screen.

  In step S18, the image forming apparatus 100 receives an input of a new reading area in the IC card 200A from the administrator.

  In step S20, the image forming apparatus 100 reflects the set new reading destination in a setting file (for example, an LDD setting file).

  In step S22, the image forming apparatus 100 periodically emits radio waves to the surroundings and confirms a response to the radio waves.

  In step S24, it is assumed that the authentication IC card 200A responds to the radio wave. The image forming apparatus 100 establishes communication with the IC card 200A based on the reception of the response. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 100 receives identification information for identifying the type of the IC card from the IC card 200A, and identifies the type of the IC card 200A based on the identification information. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the IC card 200A is an authentication IC card.

  In step S26, the image forming apparatus 100 refers to the setting file and acquires the reading area of the IC card 200A.

  In step S28, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits a request for acquiring user information stored in the reading area of the image forming apparatus 100 to the IC card 200A.

  In step S <b> 30, the IC card 200 </ b> A acquires user information in a reading area in its storage unit based on the reception of the request.

  In step S <b> 32, the IC card 200 </ b> A transmits the acquired user information to the image forming apparatus 100.

  In step S34, the image forming apparatus 100 executes the automatic authentication function using the user information received from the IC card 200A.

[Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100]
With reference to FIG. 11, an example of a hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a main hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a ROM 101, a CPU 102, a RAM 103, an operation panel 104, a card reader 105, a scanner unit 107, a print unit 108, and a storage device 110.

  The ROM 101 stores an operating system, a control program executed by the image forming apparatus 100, and the like. The CPU 102 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 by executing various programs such as a control program for the image forming apparatus 100. The RAM 103 functions as a working memory and temporarily stores various data necessary for program execution.

  The operation panel 104 includes a display 120 (see FIG. 2) and a touch sensor (not shown), and is configured as a touch panel. When the card reader 105 detects the setting IC card 200B, the operation panel 104 displays a setting screen for changing the information reading destination of the IC card 200A.

  The card reader 105 realizes short-range wireless communication with a communication medium such as an IC card using, for example, the NFC method or the BLE method. The card reader 105 may be configured integrally with the image forming apparatus 100 and the operation panel 104, or may be configured separately from the image forming apparatus 100 and the operation panel 104. When the card reader 105 is configured separately, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an interface for connecting the card reader 105.

  The scanner unit 107 scans a document set on the image forming apparatus 100 and generates image data of the document. A known method can be adopted as a method for generating image data in the scanner unit 107.

  The print unit 108 converts image data read by the scanner unit 107 or print data transmitted from an external terminal into data for printing by using, for example, an electrophotographic method, and a document or the like based on the converted data. Print the image. A known method may be employed as the image forming method.

  The storage device 110 is a storage medium such as a hard disk or an external storage device. As an example, the storage device 110 stores a setting file 112 for managing settings related to the image forming apparatus 100 and the IC cards 200A and 200B, a setting change program 113 according to the present embodiment, and the like.

  The setting change program 113 may be provided by being incorporated in a part of an arbitrary program, not as a single program. In this case, the processing according to the present embodiment is realized in cooperation with an arbitrary program. Even such a program that does not include some modules does not depart from the spirit of the setting change program 113 according to the present embodiment. Furthermore, some or all of the functions provided by the setting change program 113 may be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 and the IC cards 200A and 200B may cooperate to realize processing according to the present embodiment. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 may be configured in the form of a so-called cloud service in which at least one server realizes processing according to the present embodiment.

[Hardware configuration of IC card 200]
An example of the hardware configuration of the IC cards 200A and 200B will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the IC cards 200A and 200B. Hereinafter, the IC cards 200A and 200B are collectively referred to as the IC card 200. As shown in FIG. 12, the IC card 200 includes a ROM 201, a CPU 202, a RAM 203, an antenna 204, and a storage device 210.

  The ROM 201 stores a control program executed by the IC card 200 and the like. The CPU 202 controls the operation of the IC card 200 by executing various programs such as a control program for the IC card 200. The RAM 203 functions as a working memory and temporarily stores various data necessary for program execution.

  The antenna 204 is an antenna coil having a loop shape, for example. The antenna 204 receives a magnetic field generated by the card reader 105 (see FIG. 11) and generates a current corresponding to the change in the magnetic field. That is, the antenna 204 generates an induced current using the principle of electromagnetic induction. The induced current is supplied to each component such as the CPU 202. The antenna 204 communicates wirelessly with a communication terminal such as the image forming apparatus 100 by a communication method such as the NFC method or the BLE method.

  The storage device 210 is a storage medium such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). As an example, the storage device 210 stores the address information 130 described above, a setting change program according to the present embodiment, and the like.

[Brief Summary]
As described above, image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment sets for setting the reading destination of authentication IC card 200A based on the detection of the proximity or contact of setting IC card 200B. Display the screen. The image forming apparatus 100 sets the reading destination input on the setting screen as a new reading area. If the proximity or contact of the IC card 200A is detected after changing the reading destination, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the user information from the new reading area of the IC card 200A.

  As described above, the administrator can change the setting of the IC card 200A only by touching the image forming apparatus 100 with the IC card 200B and inputting a new reading destination on the setting screen displayed by the touch. it can. Since the administrator does not need to edit the setting file in order to change the setting of the IC card 200A, even an administrator who does not have specialized knowledge can easily change the setting of the IC card 200A.

<Second Embodiment>
[Overview]
As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 displays a setting screen for changing the setting of the authentication IC card 200A based on detection of contact or proximity of the setting IC card 200B. An object indicating the location of each storage area in the IC card 200A is displayed on the setting screen. In the first embodiment, each object is displayed in characters. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, each object is displayed as a graphic.

  Since other points such as a hardware configuration in image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated.

[Setting Change Processing of Image Forming Apparatus 100]
With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, setting change processing executed by image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an operation for changing the reading destination of the user information of the IC card 200A in time series. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the contents of the address information 180.

  When detecting contact or proximity of the IC card 200B, the image forming apparatus 100 displays the screen (A) in FIG. For example, the screen (A) includes a current reading area 172A of the IC card 200A, a reference value 173A indicating the location of the reading area 172A, and a current setting content 175A. The setting content 175A includes a graphic indicating the location of the current reading area 172A in the IC card 200A, a reference value indicating the location of the reading area 172A, and remarks information for the administrator to identify the contents of the reading area 172A. .

  When detecting that the setting button 176 has been pressed, the image forming apparatus 100 displays a setting screen (B) for changing the reading area of the IC card 200A. The setting screen (B) includes address information 180 indicating the location of each storage area of the IC card 200A. The address information 180 is stored in advance in the IC card 200B, for example, and the image forming apparatus 100 receives the address information 180 from the IC card 200B when communication with the IC card 200B is established.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the address information 180, a graphic indicating the location of each storage area of the IC card 200A and a reference value indicating the location of each storage area are associated with each other. In the address information 180, remark information for the administrator to identify the contents of each storage area of the IC card 200A may be further associated.

  The setting screen (B) accepts an operation for selecting a specific item from a plurality of items included in the address information 180. The input area 184 receives a graphic input. The administrator can select a specific item of the address information 180 by inputting a figure in the input area 184. The input area 185 receives an input of a reference value. The administrator can select a specific item of the address information 180 by inputting a reference value in the input area 185. The input area 186 receives the bit width of the reading area in the IC card 200A.

  In the example of the setting screen (B) in FIG. 13, items representing the graphic “◯” and the reference value “0x41” are selected (see the hatched line 181). In the input area 184, the graphic “◯” in the selected item is displayed. In the input area 185, the reference value “0x41” in the selected item is displayed. The administrator can discard the contents set on the setting screen (B) by pressing a cancel button 188.

  When detecting that the confirmation button 187 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 100 searches the storage area corresponding to the selected item in the IC card 200B. Since the search method is as described above, description thereof will not be repeated (see FIG. 6).

  When the image forming apparatus 100 can search the storage area corresponding to the selected item, the image forming apparatus 100 displays the confirmation screen (C) of FIG. As an example, the confirmation screen (C) displays a new reading area 172B corresponding to the searched reference area, a reference value 173B indicating the location of the reading area 172B, and a new setting content 175B. The setting content 175B includes a graphic indicating the location of the new reading area 172B of the IC card 200A, a reference value corresponding to the graphic, and remarks information for identifying the content of the reading area 172B.

  When detecting that the OK button 197 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 100 reflects the new setting contents in a setting file (for example, an LDD setting file) that manages settings related to the IC card 200A. When detecting that the cancel button 198 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 100 discards the contents set on the setting screen (B).

  After the setting is changed, when the administrator touches the image forming apparatus 100 with the IC card 200A, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the user information of the newly set reading area from the IC card 200A and automatically uses the user information. Execute the authentication function.

[Brief Summary]
As described above, image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment sets a reading destination of user information in authentication IC card 200A based on detection of contact or proximity of setting IC card 200B. To display the setting screen. On the setting screen, a graphic indicating the location of the storage area of the IC card 200A is displayed. Since the location of each storage area of the IC card 200A is represented by a graphic, even an administrator who has no specialized knowledge can easily grasp the location of each storage area of the IC card 200A.

<Third Embodiment>
[Overview]
In the first embodiment, different types of objects are associated with each reference value indicating the location of each storage area of the IC card 200A. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, different types of setting IC cards 200B are associated with each reference value. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 determines a reference value indicating a new reading destination location according to the type of the setting IC card 200B. Thus, the administrator can change the reading destination of the IC card 200A by simply touching the image forming apparatus 100 with the IC card 200B.

  Since other points such as a hardware configuration in image forming apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment are the same as those of image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated.

[Setting Change Processing of Image Forming Apparatus 100]
With reference to FIG. 15, setting change processing executed by image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an operation example for changing the setting related to the authentication IC card 200A.

  The image forming apparatus 100 can wirelessly communicate with a plurality of types of setting IC cards. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the image forming apparatus 100 can wirelessly communicate with the IC card 200B1 and the IC card 200B2.

  Each of the IC cards 200B1 and 200B2 is preliminarily associated with setting contents relating to the information reading destination of the IC card 200A. As an example, the setting content includes a reference value indicating the location of the storage area of the IC card 200A.

  As shown in the operation example (A) of FIG. 15, it is assumed that the administrator touches the IC card 200B1 on the card reader 105. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 displays the current setting content 190 and the new setting content 191 associated with the IC card 200B1. When the administrator presses an OK button 192, the image forming apparatus 100 reflects the new setting content 191 in the setting file related to the IC card 200A. When the administrator presses a cancel button 193, the image forming apparatus 100 discards the new setting content 191.

  As shown in the operation example (B) of FIG. 15, it is assumed that the administrator touches the IC card 200B2 on the card reader 105. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 displays the current setting content 190 and the new setting content 195 associated with the IC card 200B2. When the administrator presses the OK button 192, the image forming apparatus 100 reflects the new setting content 195 in the setting file related to the IC card 200A. When the administrator presses a cancel button 193, the image forming apparatus 100 discards the new setting content 195.

[Brief Summary]
As described above, image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment changes the reading destination of information in IC card 200A according to the detected type of IC card for setting. As a result, the administrator can change the setting contents to the intended setting simply by touching the setting IC card, so that the setting operation relating to the IC card 200A is further simplified.

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

  100 image forming apparatus, 101,201 ROM, 102,202 CPU, 103,203 RAM, 104 operation panel, 105 card reader, 107 scanner unit, 108 print unit, 110, 210 storage device, 112 setting file, 113 setting change program , 114 feeder, 115 tray, 119 paper feeder, 120 display, 122A, 122B, 172A, 172B reading area, 123A, 123B, 173A, 173B reference value, 125A, 125B, 175A, 175B, 190, 191, 195 126, 176 Setting button, 129 ASCII code, 130, 180 Address information, 131, 181 Diagonal line, 134-136, 184-186 input area, 137, 187 Confirmation button, 138 146, 188, 193, 198 Cancel button, 140 data, 141, 142 reference area, 145, 192, 198 OK button, 150 communication unit, 152 identification unit, 154 display unit, 156 identification unit, 158 change unit, 160 execution unit 200, 200A, 200B, 200B1, 200B2 IC card, 204 antenna.

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus,
It is possible to wirelessly communicate with a first IC (Integrated Circuit) card that holds information used to execute a predetermined function of the image forming apparatus, and a second IC card for changing settings related to the first IC card. The communication department,
An execution unit configured to read information from a predetermined reading area in the first storage unit of the first IC card and execute the predetermined function using the information when communication with the first IC card is established; ,
A display unit for displaying a setting screen for changing a reading destination of the information in the first storage unit when communication with the second IC card is established;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a changing unit for changing the predetermined reading area in the first IC card to a new reading destination set on the setting screen. A plurality of objects are displayed on the setting screen,
Each of the plurality of objects is associated with a reference value indicating a location in the second storage unit of the second IC card,
The image forming apparatus further includes a specifying unit for specifying a location in the second storage unit indicated by a reference value associated with an object selected from the plurality of objects,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the changing unit sets an area in the first storage unit corresponding to the specified location as the new reading destination.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the object includes at least one of a character and a graphic. The specific part is:
A reference area having a predetermined bit width is set in the data in the second storage unit,
While moving the reference area in the second storage unit, sequentially calculate the value indicated by the bit string in the reference area,
When the sequentially calculated values match a reference value associated with an object selected from the plurality of objects, a reference area set for calculating the value is set as the reference value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is specified as a place in the second storage unit indicated by.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the setting screen receives an input of the predetermined bit width.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting screen receives an input of the reference value. A method for changing computer settings,
Wirelessly communicating with a first IC card holding information used to perform a predetermined function of the computer;
When communication with the first IC card is established, reading information from a predetermined reading area in the first storage unit of the first IC card, and executing the predetermined function using the information;
Wirelessly communicating with a second IC card for changing settings relating to the first IC card;
Displaying a setting screen for changing a reading destination of the information in the first storage unit when communication with the second IC card is established;
Changing the predetermined reading area in the first IC card to a new reading destination set on the setting screen. A computer setting change program,
The setting change program is stored in the computer.
Wirelessly communicating with a first IC card holding information used to perform a predetermined function of the computer;
When communication with the first IC card is established, reading information from a predetermined reading area in the first storage unit of the first IC card, and executing the predetermined function using the information;
Wirelessly communicating with a second IC card for changing settings relating to the first IC card;
Displaying a setting screen for changing a reading destination of the information in the first storage unit when communication with the second IC card is established;
And a step of changing the predetermined reading area in the first IC card to a new reading destination set on the setting screen.

Images