JPH06187061A - Equipment managing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To considerably and easily extend the number of users and sections without extending storage capacity inside an equipment by comparing identification data inputted from an input means with identification data read from a second storage means through a communication means. CONSTITUTION:When data peculiar for any objective section or individual are inputted from a key group 600, a CPU 801 compares and collates them with data peculiar for the objective section or individual registered on a SRAM 811 and when both of them are coincident, the possibility of a copy operation is controlled. When both of data are not coincident, a CPU 902 compares and collates the inputted data peculiar for the objective section or individual with the data peculiar for the objective section or individual registered on a copy information managing device 900 SRAM the possibility of copy operation execution is controlled. Therefore, copy information requested by the user can be managed without increasing cost for a main body 100 of a copy device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device management apparatus which analyzes data input by a user of a predetermined device and manages the operation of the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a user inputs an ID code into a predetermined device, for example, a copying machine, determines whether the ID code matches a pre-registered ID code, and enables a copying operation. A device management device for managing devices has been proposed. In this case, by counting the number of copied sheets and adding it to the counter corresponding to each ID,
It is configured to easily manage the number of copies.

On the other hand, for example, by inserting a card for each department or individual using a copying machine, and making the code stored in the card coincide with the code registered in advance, it becomes possible to perform a copying operation. There is also proposed a copy management apparatus capable of managing each department or individual. Then, the copy management device can be connected to the main body of the copy device to manage the number of individual copies for many departments.

Further, when managing the number of copies or the like for each department in the copy information management device, the administrator sets a department number to be managed or a secret code as an initial setting by a key input means on the copy information management device. There are cases where operations such as setting numbers or prohibiting the use of departments in the middle occur.

[0005]

Since the conventional device management apparatus is configured as described above, the number of departments that can be managed by the ID function is very limited, and the number of management departments can be easily adjusted as needed. I couldn't increase it.

Further, even if IDs can be managed for a large number of departments in advance, there is a problem in that the memory of the copying apparatus is increased and the cost is increased in mass production.

On the other hand, the management by the copy information management device is performed only by the card, not by the ID.

Further, when the number of copies or the like is managed by the copy information management device for each department, the administrator sets, for example, the number of departments to be managed, paper size, etc. as an initial setting by the key input means of the copy information management device. In the middle, it is necessary to work to prohibit the use of a certain department. This work is
This has to be performed for all the copy information management devices of the generally managed copy device, which is a great burden on the administrator.

On the other hand, there is a method in which the copy information management device and an external device, such as a personal computer, are connected by a LAN (local area network) and these operations are set on the personal computer. Further, there is a problem in operation that a personal computer is required and the administrator must go to the personal computer installation position each time for registration work and perform the work.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and a device management device for managing the device is connected to a device capable of ID management, and a memory area held by the device management device is allocated. By using this, it is possible to easily increase the number of departments of users who can manage IDs, and common data to be used also in at least one other device management device set by the data input means of the device management device. Is stored in the storage means in the device management apparatus, and by communication,
An object of the present invention is to provide a device management apparatus that can be transmitted to at least one other device management apparatus and can easily store the common data in the storage means in each of the device management apparatuses.

[0011]

A first device management apparatus according to the present invention comprises a second storage device for storing identification data for identifying a user in advance, the second storage device and the device. Communication means for communicating between the second and second comparison means for comparing the identification data input from the input means with the identification data read from the second storage means via the communication means, Second control means for enabling the operation of the device by the coincidence signal of the second comparison means is provided.

A second device management apparatus according to the present invention is the first control means or the second control means according to the input data of the input means.
It is configured to select any one of the above control means.

A third device management apparatus according to the present invention is a device management apparatus having an input unit for inputting data and a control unit for controlling a device based on the data from the input unit. A communication means for communicating with the device is provided, and the control means is configured to control the communication means so as to transmit the data from the input means to another device management apparatus.

[0014]

In the first aspect of the invention, when the second comparison means compares the identification data read from the second storage means with the identification data input from the input means via the communication means and the two match. In addition, since the second control means enables the device to operate, it is possible to significantly and easily expand the number of users and their departments without expanding the storage capacity in the device.

In the second aspect of the invention, either the first control means or the second control means is automatically selected according to the input data of the input means, so the first storage means or the second storage means. It is possible to use continuously or to use according to the purpose.

In the third aspect of the invention, the control means controls the communication means so as to transmit the data from the input means to another device management apparatus, so that the input operation load of the common data managed by each device management apparatus is controlled. It is possible to reduce.

[0017]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of a device management apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention. For example, this corresponds to the case of a copying system management apparatus, and the copying system includes a main body 100 and a pedestal. 200, RDF300, sorter 4
00, etc., and will be described in detail in order.

Structure of Main Body 100 In the main body 100, 101 is a platen glass on which an original is placed, 103 is an illumination lamp (exposure lamp) for illuminating the original, and 105, 107 and 109 are first to third mirrors (scanning mirrors). ), It functions as a scanning mirror that changes the optical path of the reflected light due to the illumination of the original by the illumination lamp 103. Reference numeral 111 denotes an imaging lens having focusing and variable magnification functions, 113 denotes a fourth scanning mirror for changing an optical path, 115
Is an optical motor 117, 119, 12 for driving the optical system.
A position sensor (sensor) 1 detects the scanning position of the optical system.

Reference numeral 131 is a photosensitive drum, 133 is a main motor for driving the photosensitive drum 131, 135 is a high voltage unit, 137 is a blank exposure unit, 139 is a developing device, 140 is a developing roller, 141 is a transfer charging device, and 143.
Is a separation charger, and 145 is a cleaning device. 15
Reference numeral 1 is an upper cassette, 153 is a lower cassette, 171 is a manual paper feed port, 155 and 157 are paper feed rollers, and 159 is a registration roller. Further, 161 is a conveyor belt that conveys the recording sheet on which an image has been recorded to the fixing side, 163 is a fixing device that fixes the conveyed recording sheet by heat and pressure, 165 is a discharge roller, and 167 is used for double-sided recording. It is a sensor.

The surface of the above-mentioned photosensitive drum 131 is composed of a photoconductor and a seamless photosensitive member using a conductor, and the photosensitive drum 131 is rotatably rotatably supported and responds to the pressing of a copy start key described later. The main motor 133 that operates in this way starts rotation in the direction of the arrow shown. Next, when the predetermined rotation control and potential control processing (preprocessing) of the photosensitive drum 131 is completed, the original placed on the platen glass 101 is illuminated by the illumination lamp 103 that is configured integrally with the first scanning mirror 105. The reflected light of the original is reflected by the first scanning mirror 105 and the second scanning mirror 10.
7, third scanning mirror 109, imaging lens 111, fourth
An image is formed on the photosensitive drum 131 via the scanning mirror 113.

The photosensitive drum 131 is corona charged by the high voltage unit 135. Thereafter, the image (original image) illuminated by the illumination lamp 103 is slit-exposed, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 131 by the known Carlson method.

Next, the electrostatic image on the photosensitive drum 131 is
It is developed by the developing roller 140 of the developing device 139 and visualized as a toner image, and the toner image is transferred to the transfer charger 14.
1 is transferred onto the transfer paper as described later.

That is, the transfer paper in the upper cassette 151 or the lower cassette 153 or the manual paper feed port 171.
The transfer sheet set at is fed to the inside of the main body apparatus by the sheet feeding roller 155 or the sheet feeding roller 157, and is fed to the photosensitive drum 131 at a correct timing by the registration roller 159 so that the leading edge of the latent image and the transfer sheet are transferred. The tip is aligned. After that, the transfer charger 141 and the photosensitive drum 1
By passing the transfer sheet between the transfer sheet 31 and the sheet 31, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 131 is transferred onto the transfer sheet. After completion of this transfer, the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 131 by the separating charger 14.
And the fixing device 16 is separated by the conveyor belt 161.
3, fixed by pressure and heat, and then
It is discharged to the outside of the main body 100 by the discharge roller 165.

After the transfer, the photosensitive drum 131 continues to rotate, and its surface is cleaned by the cleaning device 145 including a cleaning roller and an elastic blade.

Structure of Pedestal 200 The pedestal 200 can be separated from the main body 100 and can accommodate 2,000 sheets of transfer paper.
And an intermediate tray 203 for double-sided copying. Further, the lifter 205 of the deck 201 capable of accommodating 2,000 sheets ascends according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 207. Also, 21
Reference numeral 1 is a paper discharge flapper for switching between a double-sided recording side or multiplex recording side path and a discharge side path, 213 and 215 are conveyance belt conveyance paths, and 217 is an intermediate tray weight for pressing the transfer paper sheet. Flapper 211 and transport path 21
The transfer paper that has passed through the sheets 3, 215 is turned over and stored in the intermediate tray 203 for double-sided copying. Reference numeral 219 denotes a multiple flapper that switches between double-sided recording and multiplex recording paths. The multiplex flapper 219 is provided between the transport paths 213 and 215 and rotates upward to guide the transfer paper to the multiple recording transport path 221.

Reference numeral 223 is a multiple paper discharge sensor for detecting the end of the transfer paper passing through the multiple flapper 219. Reference numeral 225 is a paper feed roller for feeding the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 131 side through the path 227. A discharge roller 229 discharges the transfer paper to the outside of the machine.

At the time of double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiplex recording (multiplexing copying), first, a paper discharge flapper 211 of the main body 100.
The transfer paper that has been copied by raising the
It is stored in the intermediate tray 203 via the transport paths 213 and 215. At this time, in double-sided recording, the multiple flapper 219
Is lowered and the multiple flapper 219 is raised during multiple recording. The intermediate tray 203 can store, for example, up to 99 transfer sheets. The transfer sheet stored in the intermediate tray 203 is pressed by the intermediate tray weight 217.

Next, at the time of back surface recording or multiplex recording to be performed, the transfer papers stored in the intermediate tray 203 are fed one by one from the bottom, the paper feed roller 225, and the intermediate tray weight 217.
By the action of and, it is guided to the registration roller 159 of the main body 100 via the path 227.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the operation panel of the copying system shown in FIG.
It has 0, a key group 600, and a display group 700. In the key group 600, an asterisk (*) key 601 is used by the operator (user) to set the binding margin amount, mode settings such as the size of the document frame erase, and ID.
Pressed when registering (verification number) and checking. An all reset key 606 is pressed when returning to the standard mode. A preheat key 602 is pressed when the machine of the main body (not shown) is brought into a preheat state or when the set preheat state is released. The preheat key 602 is also pressed when returning from the auto shutoff state to the standard mode. Reference numeral 605 denotes a copy start key (copy start key), which is pressed when copying is started.

Reference numeral 604 is a clear stop key,
It functions as a clear key during standby (standby) and as a stop key during copy recording. The clear stop key 604 is pressed to release the set number of copies. It is also pressed when releasing the * (asterisk key) mode. The clear stop key 604 is also pressed when interrupting continuous copying. When the clear stop key 604 is pressed, the copying operation is stopped after the copying is completed.

A numeric keypad 603 is used when setting the number of copies, setting the * (asterisk) mode, or inputting a department or individual code. 619 is a job mode memory key (registration key),
Pressed when registering and calling a job mode that the user frequently uses. In this embodiment, M1 to M4 can be registered for each department (individual).

Reference numerals 611 and 612 denote copy density keys, which are depressed when manually adjusting the copy density. An AE key 613 is pressed when the copy density is automatically adjusted according to the density of the original, or when the AE (automatic density adjustment) is canceled and the density adjustment is switched to manual. 607
Is a cassette selection key, which is pressed when selecting the upper cassette 151, the middle cassette 153, and the lower paper deck (lower deck) 201. When a document is placed on the RDF 300, APS (automatic paper selection) can be selected by the cassette selection key 607. When APS is selected, a cassette of sheets having the same size as the original is automatically selected. Reference numeral 610 denotes a unity size key, which is pressed when copying a unity size (original size). An automatic scaling key 616 is pressed to automatically reduce or enlarge the image of the original according to the size of the designated transfer paper. Zoom keys 617 and 618 are used to specify an arbitrary magnification between 64% and 142%.

Reference numerals 608 and 609 denote fixed-size variable magnification keys, which are pressed to specify reduction / enlargement of fixed-size. 626
Is a double-sided key, which is pressed to make a double-sided copy from a single-sided original, a double-sided copy from a double-sided original, or a single-sided copy from a double-sided original.
A binding margin key 625 can create a binding margin of a designated length on the left side of the transfer paper. A photo key 624 is pressed when copying a photo original.

Reference numeral 623 denotes a multiple key, which is pressed when an image is created (combined) from two originals on a sheet (transfer sheet) on the same surface. Reference numeral 620 denotes an original frame erasing key, which is pressed when the user erases the frame of a fixed-size original, and the size of the original at that time is set by the asterisk key 601. 621
Is a sheet frame erasing key, which is pressed to erase the frame of the original according to the size of the cassette. A page continuous shooting key 622 is pressed to copy the left and right pages of the original on different sheets.

Reference numeral 614 denotes a paper discharge method (staple, sort,
When a stapler that can staple sheets after recording is connected with the (Group) selection key, staple mode or sort mode can be selected or released, and if a sorting tray (sorter) is connected You can select or cancel the sort mode and group mode. A paper folding selection key 615 allows selection and cancellation of Z folding in which a recorded sheet of A3 or B4 size is folded into a Z-shaped cross section and half folding in half. Reference numeral 627 denotes an interrupt key, and when pressed during copying, the copying is interrupted and a new copying (hereinafter referred to as interrupt copying) is enabled.
If the button is pressed while the interrupt copy mode is set, the interrupt enable state is canceled.

A reservation key 628 allows registration / cancellation of reservation copying. When the reservation key 628 is pressed, a copy mode different from the copy mode already set can be set. Here, the copy mode to be registered is set, and when the setting is completed, the reservation setting key 629 is pressed. As a result, the set copy mode is RA, which will be described later.
Stored on M. An ID key 630 is pressed when registering or collating an ID according to the present invention. That is, it is a key for the user to input the personal identification number (ID) of his department. For example, even if a departmental card is not inserted, a copy operation can be performed by inputting a personal identification number and performing verification.

In the display group 700 shown in FIG. 2, reference numeral 701 denotes an LCD (liquid crystal) type message display (display) for displaying information relating to the copying process.
40-character message and standard scaling keys 608, 60
9. The copy magnification set with the same size key 610 and the zoom keys 617 and 618 can be displayed. The display 701 is a semi-transmissive liquid crystal and uses two colors for the backlight. Normally, the green backlight is lit, and the orange backlight is lit when there is an abnormality or the copying is impossible.

Reference numeral 706 denotes a unity-magnification display, which lights up when the unity-magnification is selected. Reference numeral 703 denotes a color developing device display, which lights up when a sepia developing device is set, for example. A copy number display 702 displays the number of copies or a self-diagnosis code.
705 is a cassette display used, and the upper cassette 151,
Which of the middle cassette 153 and the lower deck 201 is being selected is displayed. Reference numeral 704 denotes an AE display, which lights up when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by the AE key 613. 709 is a preheat indicator, which is a two-color LED of green and orange, when ready (when copying is possible)
Lights up in green, and lights up in orange (when copying is not possible). Reference numeral 708 denotes a double-sided copy display, which is turned on when either double-sided copy from double-sided original or double-sided copy from single-sided original is selected.

In the standard mode, the automatic document feeder (R
When using DF), copy 1 sheet, density AE
Mode, auto paper selection, normal size, single-sided original to single-sided copying. In the standard mode when the automatic document feeder (RDF) is not used, the number of copies is one, the density manual mode is the same size, and one-sided copy is set to one-sided copy.
The difference between the use and non-use of the automatic document feeder (RDF) is determined by whether or not a document is set in the automatic document feeder (RDF).

A power lamp 710 is turned on when the power switch is turned on. Reference numeral 711 denotes an interrupt indicator, which lights up when the interrupt copy mode is set and during interrupt copy. Reference numeral 712 denotes a reservation registration display, which lights up when reservation copying is registered.

Further, in FIG. 2, reference numeral 500 denotes a copying machine managing apparatus showing an example of the apparatus managing apparatus according to the present invention, which shares and uses the operation unit of the operation panel and the display.
The copying machine management apparatus 500 is an option for the copying machine body 100 and can be freely removed. When the copying machine management apparatus 500 is not used, a dedicated cover (not shown) is attached. Copier management device 500
The function of (1) counts the number of copies for each department or individual, for example, up to 1000 departments. Also,
It is also possible to set the upper limit number of sheets for each department or individual and to make the copying operation impossible for the departments where the total number of copies reaches the upper limit number.

The setting of the upper limit number of sheets and the like can be input using the key group 600. The card insertion slot 501 is an entrance for inserting the magnetic card 502, for example. Magnetic card 502
After the card is inserted, the card reader section of the copying machine management apparatus 500 reads the code unique to the individual or department written on the magnetic card 502 to identify the owner of the card.

The totalized result is obtained by connecting a printer (not shown) through the printer connector 503.
The number of copies for each department or individual can be printed. Further, the counting result can be displayed on the display 701. Further, by connecting the personal computer I / F 914 to a personal computer such as RS232C, the upper limit number of sheets can be set and the number of copied sheets can be calculated on the personal computer.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the copying system shown in FIG. In the figure, 801
Is a CPU of the copying apparatus main body, and controls each unit based on a control program stored in the ROM 803 and describing a control procedure of the copying apparatus main body. 802 is a card reader unit 50
4, input / output interface (I / O interface) for controlling input / output of the key group 600 and the display group 700
Is.

A DRAM 804 is used as input data relating to the main body of the copying apparatus, for example, temporary storage of a job mode, a working storage area, etc., and when the job mode is simply set, it is temporarily stored in the DRAM 804. , When the copy start key 605 is pressed, DRA
A copy operation is performed according to the job mode memory of M804.

Reference numeral 900 is a copy information management device, and 901 is an LA.
N is a communication control means, and 902 is a copy information management device 9
A CPU that functions as a control unit of 00, a communication unit 903 that is a communication line for serial communication between the copying apparatus main body and the copy information management apparatus 900, a bus line 904, a LAN communication cable 905, and 906 It is a terminator in the LAN. In this embodiment, the main body 1
00 and the copy information management apparatus 500 are connected to each other by a LAN, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied even if the number is two or more.

In the device management apparatus thus configured, the second comparing means (CPU 902) is the communication means 903.
If the identification data read from the second storage means (SRAM 811) via the CPU and the identification data input from the input means are compared and coincident with each other, the second control means (CPU
Since 902) enables the operation of the device, the number of users and their departments can be significantly expanded without expanding the storage capacity in the device.

Further, since either the first control means or the second control means is automatically selected according to the input data of the input means, the selection operation load of the first control means or the second control means is reduced. It is possible to reduce.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the detailed structure of the copy information management device shown in FIG. The CPU 9
02 performs serial communication with the CPU 801. For example, C
Command communication such as displaying a message on the display 701 shown in FIG. 2 is performed from the PU 902 to the CPU 801.

In the figure, reference numeral 910 denotes a ROM, which stores a program describing a control procedure for controlling the copy information management apparatus. The ROM 910 and the ROM 8
03 also stores programs that describe communication processing between the CPU 801 and the CPU 902, respectively. An SRAM 911 stores the number of copies of each department or individual, the maximum number of copies, a department code, and ID information as an extension of the SRAM 911. 912 is a DRAM
And used as a work storage area. 913 is the CP
An external line for connecting to the I / O port or interrupt terminal of the U902.
Connect to 2.

The card reader 1001 is composed of, for example, a magnetic card reader, and is used when reading the department number of the card distributed according to the department of the user of the main body 100.
This is embedded in the operation unit of the main body 100. The printer 1002 is a tally printer and is used by the administrator when tallying the number of copies of each department at the end of the month. When totaling,
The printer cable is connected to the connector 1003 provided on the operation panel of the main body 100.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first ID registration processing procedure in the device management apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (9) indicate each step. Further, each processing procedure is described in R of the copy information management device (management device) 900.
It is described in OM910. For example, the main body information such as the key code string pressed on the main body 100 is the CPU 8 of the main body 100.
01 to the CPU 902 by serial communication to perform ID registration processing.

In the first ID registration processing, the ID key 630,
Asterisk (*) key 601, ID code (for example, 6
This is performed by pressing the digit code) and the asterisk (*) key 601 in this order.

When the keys are pressed in this order, first, the ID memory (6 digits), for example, a numerical value from 0 to 9 is stored in the ID memory of the main body 100 (SRAM 81 in this embodiment).
It is checked whether it is already registered in 1) (1), it is judged whether it is already registered (2), and if YES, it proceeds to step (3), and the warning process, for example, a warning according to the warning content The signal is transmitted to the main body 100 and the process returns. Upon receiving the warning signal, the main body 100 displays on the display 701 that the input ID has already been registered, for example.

Next, in the case of NO in step (2), it is judged whether or not the ID memory of the main body 100 is in the FULL state (4). If NO, the ID code (6 Register the digit) (5) and return.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step (4) is YES, the ID memory of the management device 900 (SRAM 807)
The ID code registered in (6) is checked, and it is judged whether it is already registered (7). If YES, the process returns to (3),
The warning process is executed. If NO, it is determined whether the ID memory of the management device 900 is in the FULL state (8). If YES, the process returns to step (3) and the warning process is executed. ID code (6 in this embodiment)
Register the digit value (9) and return.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first ID collation processing procedure in the device management apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

In the first ID collating process, that is, when it is desired to make a copy operation by inputting an ID, for example, the numeric keypad 603 is used to identify the user's ID code (6 digits) and the ID key 6
This is done by pressing 30 in this order.

When the keys are pressed in this order, it is first checked whether or not the numerical value of the ID code (6 digits) is registered in the ID memory (SRAM 811 in this embodiment) of the main body 100 ( 1) One of the I's registered in the main body ID memory (SRAM 811 in this embodiment)
It is determined whether or not it matches the D code (2). If YES, the process proceeds to (5) and thereafter, and if NO, the ID input to the ID memory (SRAM 807 in this embodiment) of the management apparatus 900.
It is checked with the numerical data of the code (3), and the I
It is determined whether or not the ID code entered in the D memory (SRAM 807 in this embodiment) matches (4). If YES, the main body CPU 801 is notified that the copy operation is possible, and the main body CPU 801 enables the copy operation. Set to state (5)
, Return.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (4) is NO, a warning process, for example, a warning signal is sent to the main body 100.
(6) Return.

In response to this, the main body 100 executes processing such as displaying a message to be re-input on the LCD display 701.

As described above, the ID memory of the main body 100 and the ID memory of the management device 900 are used as a continuous memory space.
The case of executing the extended registration process of the D code has been described, but the configuration may be such that each ID memory is independently managed and accessed.

For example, when the ID is 4 digits, the ID is managed in the ID memory of the main body 100, and when the ID is 6 digits,
You may comprise so that ID code management may be performed in the ID memory of the management apparatus 900 side. As a result, for example, in the former case, when performing ID management (4 digits) in units of sections within the company,
The latter is effective when performing ID management (6 digits) on an individual basis. This will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a second ID registration processing procedure in the device management apparatus according to the present invention. It should be noted that (1) to (11) indicate each step.

In the second ID registration processing, the ID key 63
This is performed by pressing 0, an asterisk (*) key 601, an ID code (for example, a 4-digit or 6-digit code), and an asterisk (*) key 601 in this order.

When the keys are pressed in this order, it is first determined whether the number of digits of the ID code is 4 (1), Y
If it is ES, ID memory of main body 100 (SRAM 811)
(2) is judged as to whether it is in the full state or not. In the warning process, a warning signal according to the warning content is transmitted to the main body 100. In response to this, the main body 100 displays on the display 701 of the operation unit that the ID memory cannot be registered in the FULL state.

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (2) is NO, the numerical data of the input ID code is collated with the already registered numerical data in the ID memory of the main body 100 (4), and whether or not it has already been registered. (5), if YES, return to step (3) to perform warning processing, and if NO, main body 100
Register the entered ID code in the ID memory of (6)
, Return.

On the other hand, if the number of digits of the ID code is not 4 in the determination in step (1), it is determined whether the number of digits of the ID code is 6 (7), and if NO, the step (3) The warning process is executed again, and if YES, it is determined whether the ID memory on the management device 900 side is in the FULL state (8), Y
If ES, return to step (3) and execute warning processing, and NO
If so, the entered ID code is the ID on the management device 900 side.
The ID code in the memory is compared (9), and it is determined whether it is already registered (10). If YES, the process returns to step (3) to perform a warning process, and if NO, I of the management apparatus 900
The input ID code is registered in the D memory (11), and the process returns.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a second ID collation processing procedure in the device management apparatus according to the present invention. It should be noted that (1) to (8) indicate each step.

In the second ID collation processing, when it is desired to make a copy operation by inputting an ID, for example, the ten key 603 is used.
By pressing the ID code (4 or 6 digits) and the ID key 630 in this order,

When the keys are pressed in this order, it is first determined whether the number of digits of the ID code is 4 (1), Y
If it is ES, the ID data registered in the ID memory of the main body is checked (2) to check the registered ID.
It is judged whether or not they match the code (3), and if NO, the process proceeds to step (4) to execute a warning process. In the warning process here, a signal corresponding to the warning content is transmitted to the main body 100. In response to this, the main body 100 displays a message or the like indicating that the IDs do not match on the display 701 of the operation unit.

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (3) is YES, the CPU 801 of the main body 100 permits the copying operation to the user (8) and returns. After that, the copy operation is started by waiting for the copy key to be pressed.

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (1) is NO, it is judged whether the number of digits of the ID code is 6 (5), N
If it is O, the process returns to step (4), the warning process is executed, and the process returns.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step (5) is YES, the I registered in the ID memory of the management apparatus 900 is registered.
The numerical data of the D code is collated (6), and it is judged whether or not it matches the registered ID code (7), NO.
In the case of, the process proceeds to step (4) and the warning process is executed.
In the warning processing of this embodiment, a signal corresponding to the warning content is sent to the main body 1
To 00. In response to this, the main body 100 displays a message or the like indicating that the IDs do not match on the display 701 of the operation unit.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (7) is YES, the CPU 805 of the management apparatus 900 transmits a copy permission signal to the main body 100 to enable the copy operation (8) and returns. After that, the copy operation is started by waiting for the copy key to be pressed. [Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, referring to the flow chart shown in FIG. 9, in the device management apparatus according to the present invention, the administrator sets a password for each department in a certain copy information management apparatus and manages other copy information. The operation of transmitting the data to the device through the LAN will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a shared registration information transfer processing procedure in the device management apparatus according to the present invention. It should be noted that (1) to (8) indicate each step.

First, it is judged whether or not the administrator card is inserted in the card reader 1001 (1). If the administrator card is not inserted, the process returns, and if the administrator card is inserted, the management is performed. The user setting mode is entered, and the CPU 902 determines whether or not the ID setting mode on the menu screen is designated (2). If NO, the process returns.
If YES, enter the ID setting process (3). In the ID setting process, the administrator sequentially inputs the department number and the corresponding ID. When this setting process is completed, it is determined whether the shared registration information such as the department number and the ID based on the setting process is transmitted to another copy information management device through the LAN.
(4) If NO, return, and if YES, determine whether communication with the destination copy information management device is possible (5). If NO, proceed to step (7) and subsequent steps to confirm that YE
If S, the setting information is transmitted to the copy information management device of the other party (6).

In the present embodiment, each copy information management device is assigned an identification code. Further, the identification code of the other copy information management device connected to the LAN is within the determined identification code range, for example, # 1.
Codes other than one's own code are sequentially transmitted by the codes of # 10 to check whether the copy information management device of the code is connected to the LAN. For example, if the code of its own is # 1, it is transmitted from # 2, and if it is the response from the copy information management apparatus of # 2, communication is possible there. If there is no response for a certain period of time, it is determined that the code does not have a copying machine information management device, and then the transmission destination partner is switched to # 3 copy information management device (switching the transmission partner to the next code) 900 ( 7) Determine whether or not the settings have been completed for all copy information management devices connected to the LAN (8)
, NO returns to step (5), and if YES returns.

In the above embodiment, the case where the personal identification number (ID) is transferred to the other copying machine management device as the shared registration information has been described, but the shared registration information may be the contents of the job mode memory. .

Specifically, the job mode memory stores information on a copy form such as double-sided copy and staple sort. Further, when it is desired to store the current job mode, after pressing the asterisk key 601, one of the registration keys 619, M1 to M4, is pressed. Then, again, the job mode memory key M1
The job mode is reproduced by pressing.

In the conventional device, for example, M
There were only four types of job mode memories 1 to M4.
However, as in the above-described embodiment, the memory capacity is expanded by the memory of the copy management apparatus to provide, for example, four types of job mode memory independently for each department (the department code of the inserted department card). It becomes possible. According to this method, the contents of the job mode memory registered by a certain copy information management device will not be rewritten by a third party in another department.

However, the job mode memory can be reproduced only by the registered copy information management device. Therefore, by transferring the job mode memory registered in a certain copy information management apparatus to all the other copy information management apparatuses via the LAN, a job of copying a person in a certain department to a certain copy information management apparatus, for example, in double-sided staple mode. After the mode is registered in the memory M1, when the person gives an instruction to call M1 at another copy information management apparatus, the main body 1 corresponding to the other copy information management apparatus concerned.
00, if double-sided staple mode function processing can be executed,
It is possible to remotely set the staple mode on both sides.

In this case, the process of step (3) in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is the job mode memory registration process.

In the above embodiment, the case where the ID, the job mode and the like are registered as the shared registration information of the copy information management apparatus through the LAN has been described. However, the shared registration information is the initial setting information of the copy information management apparatus. May be.

That is, as initial setting items of the copy information management device, for example, whether or not the personal identification number (ID) is managed, the number of departments to be managed, the copy size to be managed,
There are copy modes to be managed (single-sided, double-sided, single color, multiplex, etc.), unit prices, and the like, and these pieces of information are generally set uniformly for a plurality of copying machines. Therefore, if communication between the copying machines is not possible, the administrator must set the above initialization information in the copying information management device attached to each copying machine. But,
According to the present embodiment, the initial setting information set by a certain copy information management apparatus can be transferred to and set in all copy information management apparatuses via the LAN, so that the setting operation load can be greatly reduced.

In this case, the process of step (3) in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is the initial setting information setting process.

The copy information management device and the personal computer are connected to the LA.
Compared with the conventional copy information management system connected by N, in the present invention, an arbitrary copy information management device connected by the communication control means can be used as if it was set and input by the device, so the administrator It is possible to solve the problem of having to manage in a certain place.
Further, since the administrator does not need a personal computer, the cost for managing the copy information can be greatly reduced.

Further, in the above embodiment, the copying machine managing apparatus has been described as an example of the apparatus managing apparatus. However, the media is not limited to the copying apparatus, but may be a printer, a reader, a facsimile apparatus, a file apparatus, or a computer interface. The present invention can be applied to a device management device that manages a single device such as a personal computer having a different OS or a composite device, and can be easily applied to ID management, functional processing management, etc. in that case, which is also within the technical scope of the present invention. Belong to.

[0089]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the second comparing means includes the identification data stored in the second storage means from the communication means and the identification data input from the input means. If they match, the second control means enables the operation of the device, so that the number of ID management departments is significantly increased without expanding the storage capacity in the device in response to the user's request. And can be easily expanded. Therefore, the management of the copy information requested by the user can be realized without increasing the cost of the copying apparatus main body.

According to the second aspect of the invention, either the first control means or the second control means is automatically selected according to the input data of the input means.
The storage means can be used continuously or can be selectively used according to the purpose.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the control means controls the communication means so as to transmit the data from the input means to another device management apparatus. The data can be transmitted to each other and registered as the data input from the own device management apparatus, and the conventional data input operation load on each device management apparatus can be reduced.

Therefore, by connecting an information management device capable of managing the number of copies, etc. to a device capable of ID management,
The management capability can be expanded, and the shared information stored in the connected information management device can be transferred at low cost without connecting an expensive external device such as a personal computer to another copy information management device. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a device management apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of an operation panel of the copying system shown in FIG.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the copying system illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the copy information management device illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first ID registration processing procedure in the copy information management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first ID collation processing procedure in the copy information management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a second ID registration processing procedure in the copy information management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a second ID collation processing procedure in the copy information management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a shared registration information transfer processing procedure in the copy information management system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 801 CPU 802 Input / output interface 803 ROM 804 DRAM 805 CPU 807 SRAM 811 SRAM

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An input means for inputting identification data for identifying a user, a first storage means for storing identification data for identifying the user in advance, and an identification input from the input means. Data, first comparison means for storing the identification data stored by the first storage means, and first control means for enabling the operation of the device by the coincidence signal of the first comparison means. In the device management apparatus having, second storage means for storing identification data for identifying the user in advance, communication means for communicating between the second storage means and the device, and input from the input means. The second comparing means for comparing the identified identification data with the identification data read out from the second storage means via the communication means, and the coincidence signal of the second comparing means motion And a second control unit that enables the device management apparatus. 2. The device management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein either the first control means or the second control means is selected in accordance with the input data of the input means. 3. An equipment management apparatus having an input means for inputting data and a control means for controlling equipment based on the data from the input means, the communication means for communicating with another equipment management device is provided, The device management apparatus is configured such that the control unit controls the communication unit to transmit the data from the input unit to another device management apparatus.