JPH10312135A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device convenient for a user by accepting a password number key so as to make a reservation to shift to a password number input state during an image forming operation and realizing the password number input state just after the image forming operation is completed. SOLUTION: This image forming device is provided with a reserving means 53 making a reservation to shift to the password number input state, a storage means 59 storing reservation information and a control means 58. In this device, the shift to the password number input state can be reserved during the image forming operation by the reserving means 53. When the shift to the password number input state is reserved by the reserving means 53, the reservation information by the reserving means 53 is stored in the storage means 59. When the reservation by the reserving means 53 is stored in the storage means 59, the shift to the password number input state is executed by the control means 58, after the image forming operation is completed. Thus, when the shift to the password number input state is reserved, the shift to the password number input state can be executed immediately after the image forming operation is completed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine which manages the number of copies and the copy mode restriction by inputting a password.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine used by a plurality of users, a password input method for requesting the input of a password in order to permit use of each user, There has been proposed a security code totaling method for totalizing passwords, a security code copy mode restriction method for limiting a copy mode by a security code, and the like. Examples thereof include, for example, JP-A-59-210454, JP-A-1-225970, and JP-A-7-212.
No. 556, etc.

In these copiers, the time is measured by timer means, and when a predetermined time has elapsed from a predetermined operation or when a password key is pressed, a transition is made to a password input state.

[0004] Further, the above-mentioned proposed apparatus will be described. An image forming control apparatus according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Sho 59-210454 includes a means for storing an identification code registered in advance, an input identification code and the storage means. It is configured to include means for enabling image formation when the stored identification code matches, and means for managing an image forming operation based on the identification code.

Further, the copying machine with a copy management function according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-225970 has a password input means, a means for counting the number of copies for each password, and a copy limit for each password. Means for checking whether or not the input security code matches a predetermined code; means for preventing copying when the codes do not match; and a total number of copies corresponding to the input security code. And a means for comparing the number of copies with the number of copies, and a means for issuing a warning when the comparison result indicates that the number of copies is greater than the number of copies, and disabling copying thereafter.

Further, the image processing apparatus according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-212556 has a plurality of recording modes, and performs a recording operation when a preset password is input. Means for selecting a recording mode, and means for setting permission / non-permission information of each recording mode for each of the passwords, and a recording mode based on the permission / non-permission information for each recording mode corresponding to the password. Is selected and the recording operation is executed.

Further, in a conventional copying machine configured to manage the number of copies, the recording mode, and the like by using the above-mentioned password, when a series of copying operations is completed, a timer means is operated, and a predetermined time has elapsed. Later, the state automatically shifts to the password input state, or the state shifts to the password input state by pressing the password key.

[0008]

However, the prior art described above has the following problems. In other words, in an office where copying machines used by multiple users are installed on different floors or different rooms,
In some cases, a plurality of users who perform copying work are lined up in front of the copying machine. In such a case, after the copying operation is completed, if the user waits until the timer means is operated and a predetermined period of time elapses to automatically shift to the security code input state, the next user can perform the copying operation. Since the time until the start is longer, the user who has completed the copy work without pressing the password input state by the timer means presses the PIN code key for the next user after the copy operation is completed. It is necessary to take into consideration such as keeping the password input state.

However, even after the final copy sheet is discharged onto the discharge tray, the password key is not accepted while the operation such as cleaning of the photosensitive member is being performed.
There is a problem that the user has to wait for the end of the copying operation even in a hurry. In addition, there is also a problem in that the consideration of pressing the password key for the next user after the copying operation is completed is a burden on each user.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to accept a password during image forming operation.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can provide convenience to a user by making a reservation for a transition to a password input state and immediately entering a password input state after an image forming operation is completed.

[0011]

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming operation by inputting a personal identification number can be operated during the image forming operation. A reservation unit for reserving a transition to a password input state, a storage unit for storing reservation information by the reservation unit, and after the image forming operation is completed when the reservation by the reservation unit is stored in the storage unit. And control means for shifting to a password input state.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is a cancellation means for canceling the reservation by the storage means, and a deletion means for deleting the reservation information in the storage means when the reservation is canceled by the cancellation means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, when the reservation information is stored in the storage means, if the image forming operation is abnormally terminated, the storage of the reservation information is held, and the normal operation of the image forming operation is maintained. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is terminated to shift to a password input state.

[0014]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reserving means operable during an image forming operation and reserving a transition to a password input state, a storing means for storing reserving information by the reserving means, When the reservation by the reservation unit is stored in the storage unit, after the image forming operation is completed, the control unit shifts to a password input state. During the operation, it is possible to reserve the transition to the password input state, and when the transition to the password input state is reserved by this reservation means, the reservation information by the reservation means is stored in the storage means, When the reservation by the reservation means is stored in the storage means, after the image forming operation is completed, the control means shifts to the password input state, thereby making the transition to the password input state possible. In short, after the image forming operation is completed, it is possible to immediately shift to the password input state, and when a plurality of users are waiting for use of the image forming apparatus, the previous user can perform the image forming operation. Immediately after the end, the user can enter the personal identification number to start the image forming operation, so that it is possible to provide the user with convenience.

[0015]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a digital color copying machine of a multiple transfer system as an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a main body of the digital color copying apparatus, and an image reading apparatus 3 (Image Input Terminator) for reading an image of a document 2 is provided at an upper end in the main body 1 of the digital color copying apparatus.
l) is arranged. The image reading device 3 illuminates the image of the document 2 placed on the platen glass 4 with the light source 6 while the document 2 placed on the platen glass 4 is pressed by the platen cover 5. First and second scanning mirrors 7 and 8 reflect the reflected light image of document 2.
The CCD sensor 10 scans and exposes the color material reflected light image of the original 2 to a predetermined dot density (for example, 16 dots / m) by the CCD sensor 10 via the imaging lens 9.
m).

The color material reflected light image of the original 2 read by the image reading device 3 is, for example, original reflectance data of three colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) (8 bits each). As the image processing device 12 (Image Process)
The image processing device 12 sends the reflectance data of the document 2 to predetermined data such as shading correction, positional deviation correction, lightness / color space conversion, gamma correction, frame erasure, color / movement editing, and the like. Image processing is performed.

The image data subjected to the predetermined image processing by the image processing device 12 as described above includes black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) (8 bi each).
t) is converted into the original color material gradation data of the three colors ROS1
5 (Raster Output Scanner), and the ROS 15 performs image exposure with laser light in accordance with the original color material gradation data.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ROS 15 modulates the semiconductor laser 16 in accordance with the original color material gradation data, and emits a laser beam LB from the semiconductor laser 16 in accordance with the gradation data. The laser beam LB emitted from the semiconductor laser 16 is deflected and scanned by the rotary polygon mirror 17 and is reflected by the photosensitive drum 2 via the reflection mirror 18.
Scanning exposure is performed on 0.

The photosensitive drum 20 on which the laser light LB is scanned and exposed by the ROS 15 is driven to rotate at a predetermined speed in a direction indicated by an arrow by driving means (not shown). The surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is
After being charged to a predetermined potential by the charging corotron 21 in advance, an electrostatic latent image is formed by scanning and exposing a laser beam LB in accordance with document color material gradation data. The electrostatic latent images formed on the photoreceptor drum 20 include four color developing units 22K, 22Y, 22M, 22C of black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C).
Are sequentially developed by a rotary type developing device 22 provided with a toner image having a predetermined color.

The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 20 is transferred onto a transfer material 24 such as a transfer sheet held on a transfer drum 23 disposed adjacent to the photosensitive drum 20 by a transfer corotron. The images are sequentially transferred by the charging of 25. As shown in FIG. 2, the transfer material 24 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 2 stored in a lower portion of the copying apparatus main body 1.
8, 29, or 30, paper can be fed from a paper feed roll 31 or from a manual feed tray 38 arranged on a side surface outside the copying apparatus main body 1. The material 24 is conveyed to the surface of the transfer drum 23 by the conveying roller 32 and the registration roller 33 at a predetermined timing. The transfer material 24 is held on the surface of the transfer drum 23 in a state where the transfer material 24 is electrostatically attracted to the surface of the transfer drum 23 by charging of the transfer corotron 25 which also serves as a charger for electrostatic attraction. In addition, from the manual feed tray 38, a transparent OH for an overhead projector other than a non-standard-size transfer paper such as a postcard is provided.
A P sheet or the like can be fed, and an image can be formed on an OHP sheet or the like. From the manual feed tray 38, the transfer material 24 on which an image is formed on one side is fed upside down, so that double-sided copying is possible.

The transfer material 24 onto which the toner image of a predetermined number of colors has been transferred from the photoreceptor drum 20 is separated from the surface of the transfer drum 23 by discharging the corotron 34 for separation, and then the fixing device 35 The toner image is transferred to the transfer material 24 by heat and pressure by the fixing device 35.
The color image is fixed on the sheet and discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 36, thereby completing the color image forming process.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 37 denotes a charge removing corotron pair for removing charge from the transfer drum 23.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an image forming unit of the digital color copying apparatus of the multiple transfer system.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 20 denotes the photosensitive drum, and a transfer drum 23 as a transfer material carrier is provided so as to be in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 with a small gap therebetween. I have. The transfer drum 23 is driven to rotate at the same speed as the peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 20 by a drive mechanism (not shown). As shown in FIG. 4, the transfer drum 23 includes a pair of ring members 40, 4 as annular members disposed at both ends in the axial direction.
And a tie bar plate 41 as a connecting member for connecting the ring members 40 and 40 to each other. The tie bar plate 41 is made of a dielectric film such as polyethylene terephthalate or polyvinylidene fluoride. A circumferential front end portion 42a of the transfer film 42 is fixed, and both side ends are wound around a frame along the outer peripheral surfaces of the ring members 40, 40, and a circumferential rear end portion of the transfer film 42 is formed. 42b is fixed to the tie bar plate 41 and formed in a hollow cylindrical shape.

As described above, the transfer material 24 is supplied to the transfer drum 23 from any one of the plurality of paper feed cassettes 28, 29, and 30. The transfer material 24 is adsorbed from the back side of the transfer drum 23. It is charged by the transfer corotron 25, which also functions as a charging device, and is electrostatically attracted onto the transfer film 42 of the transfer drum 23. This transfer drum 23
On the transfer material 24 adsorbed thereon, black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) toner images sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum 20 are transferred.
5 is transferred by charging.

The transfer material 24 to which the toner image of a predetermined number of colors has been transferred from the photosensitive drum 20 is discharged by a peeling corotron 34 and peeled off from the surface of the transfer drum 23 by a peeling device 44. The toner image is conveyed to the fixing device 35 via the conveyance guide 45, the toner image is fixed on the transfer material 24 by heat and pressure by the fixing roller 35 a and the pressure roller 35 b of the fixing device 35, and the outside of the device is fixed by the fuser outlet roll 46. Is discharged onto the discharge tray 36 of the.

By the way, the digital color copying apparatus according to this embodiment is operable during the image forming operation and reserves a transition to a password input state,
Storage means for storing the reservation information by the reservation means; and control means for, when the reservation by the reservation means is stored in the storage means, shifting to a password input state after the image forming operation is completed. Is configured.

Further, in the digital color copying apparatus according to this embodiment, when the reservation is released by the release means for releasing the reservation by the storage means,
And a deletion unit for deleting the reservation information in the storage unit.

Further, in the digital color copying apparatus according to this embodiment, when the reservation information is stored in the storage means, and when the image forming operation is abnormally terminated, the storage of the reservation information is retained, and the image forming operation is performed. Is configured to be shifted to the password input state after the normal termination of.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a system configuration of a digital color copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 47 denotes the image reading device 3.
48 is an image storage unit provided inside the image processing apparatus 12, and 49 is a photosensitive drum 2
Image forming means comprising 0 and members disposed therearound; 50, a password setting / registering means for setting and registering a password; 51, a copy number managing means for managing the number of copies; 52, a copy mode; A copy mode management means for managing the password, a reservation means for making a reservation for a password input state,
54 is a reservation canceling means for canceling the reservation to the password input state, 55 is a password inputting means comprising a ten-key to input a password, and 56 is a password input by the password inputting means 55 for the password. Setting / registration means 5
A password collation means for collating with a password registered and set to 0, a display means 57 provided on a control panel described later for displaying a predetermined message, and a reference numeral 58 when a reservation by the reservation means 53 is stored in a storage means. Control means for shifting to a password input state after the image forming operation is completed; release means for releasing the reservation by the storage means; and reservation information in the storage means when the reservation is released by the release means. Control means for controlling the entire operation of the digital color copying apparatus; and 59, a storage means for storing the reservation information by the reservation means 53.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a control panel of the digital color copying machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 61 denotes a message display section comprising an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for displaying a predetermined message to the operator. Reference numeral 62 denotes an operation unit for performing a magnification selection.
The display unit 64 includes an up / down key 63 for selecting a fixed magnification and an LED for displaying a fixed magnification, an up / down key 65 for selecting an arbitrary magnification, and a display unit 66 for displaying an arbitrary magnification. It is composed of The display unit 64 for displaying the fixed magnification has a magnification of 100%.
In addition to% and automatic selection of automatic magnification selection, fixed magnifications such as predetermined fixed magnifications such as 70% and 81% are displayed. Reference numeral 67 denotes an operation unit for selecting a paper tray. The paper tray selection operation unit 67 includes an up / down key 68 for selecting a predetermined tray or an automatic paper selection mode, and a selected key. The display unit 69 includes LEDs for displaying the trays, and a display unit 70 for displaying the size of the sheets stored in the selected tray. The display unit 69 for displaying the paper size of the selected tray includes, in addition to the automatic selection of the automatic paper selection, a selected tray such as a tray 1 or a tray 2 in which sheets of a predetermined size are respectively stored, and Special paper such as a manual feed tray is displayed. In addition, the display unit 70 for displaying the size of the paper accommodated in the selected tray is lit with characters such as B4, B5, and A3 indicating the paper size. Reference numeral 71 denotes an operation unit for setting a color mode. The color mode setting operation unit 71 includes an up / down key 72 for selecting a color mode and an LED for displaying the selected color mode. And a display unit 73. Display unit 7 for displaying the color mode
Reference numeral 3 indicates black (arbitrary), black (text / photo), color (photo), color (text / photo), and automatic. Reference numeral 74 denotes a copy start key, and reference numeral 75 denotes a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies. By operating the copy start key 74, a predetermined copying operation of the copying machine is started. Note that 76
Is a security code input key operated when inputting a security code, and functions as a reservation means for making a reservation in the security code input state and a function as a reservation release means for canceling the reservation in the security code input state It has both. Also, 77
Is a personal identification number LED for prompting the input of a personal identification number, etc., which is turned on or off by a predetermined operation.

With the above arrangement, the digital color copying apparatus according to the present embodiment accepts the password key during the image forming operation and reserves the transition to the password input state as follows. Immediately after the formation operation is completed, the user enters the password input state, thereby making it possible for the user to be convenient.

First, in the digital color copying apparatus, a password is always input before a copy is made, so that a copy cannot be made unless a password is input.

In the above digital color copying apparatus, when the power of the apparatus is turned on, the message display section 61 of the control panel displays, as shown in FIG. 6A, "Press the start button after inputting the password". To
A message prompting you to enter your PIN appears. that time,
The security code LED 77 is turned on to indicate that the security code is being accepted. In this state, no copy can be made.

Next, when the user inputs the correct four-digit password entered using the ten keys 75 on the control panel, the message display section 61 displays "can be copied" as shown in FIG. 6B. A message is displayed. Here, the password LED 77 is turned off, and copying can be performed in this state.

When the user sets the copy mode (color mode, set number of sheets, paper size, etc.) using the various operation buttons 63, 68, 72, etc. on the control panel, and presses the start button 74 on the control panel, the user presses the start button 74 on the control panel. As shown in FIG. 6C, "Copying" is displayed on the message display section 61, and the copy operation is started. In this state, the transition to the password input state can be reserved.

Security code button 76 on the control panel
Is pressed, the transition to the password input state is reserved, and the message display section 61 of the control panel displays FIG.
As shown in (d), "the transition to the password input state has been reserved" is displayed. The password LED 77 of the control panel blinks.

When the copy operation of the set number of sheets is performed and the discharge of the set number of copy sheets is normally detected, the user can leave the place with the original 2 and the copy sheets.

When the digital color copying machine normally completes the copying operation, the message display section 61 of the control panel displays, as shown in FIG. 6A, "Press the start button after inputting the password." To
A message prompting the input of a password is displayed, and the password LED 77 changes to a lighting state.

In this state, the user waiting for the next copy can immediately enter the password and use the digital color copying apparatus.

During the copying operation, if the security code button 76 on the control panel is not pressed and the transition to the security code input state is not reserved, the copying operation is performed as shown in FIG. After a lapse of 7 seconds from the end, the message display section 61 of the control panel displays
As shown in FIG. 7 (b), a message prompting the user to input the password is displayed, such as "Press the start button after inputting the password", and the password LED77 is
It changes to the lighting state.

When the password button 76 is pressed again during the reservation for the transition to the personal identification number state, the reservation for the transition to the personal identification number state is canceled, and the message display section 61 of the control panel displays FIG. As shown in ()), a message "The transition to the password input state has been released" is displayed, and the password LED 77 on the control panel is turned off. On the other hand, the machine stops abnormally (for example, jam,
In the case of occurrence of paper out, etc.), the reservation to the password transition state is not released, and is retained until the normal operation of the machine after the job recovery ends.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a password number button receiving process.

First, it is determined whether or not the password button 76 has been pressed (step 101).
If is not pressed, the process ends. If the security code button 76 is pressed, it is determined whether or not the security code input state change reservation flag is set (step 102). If the security code input state change reservation flag is set, A process for clearing the password input state transition reservation flag (step 103) and turning off the password encryption LED 77 is performed (step 10).
4), the process ends. On the other hand, if the password input state transition reservation flag is not set, it is determined whether or not copying is in progress (step 105). If the password is being copied, the password input state transition reservation flag is set (step 105). (Step 106), a process of blinking the password encryption LED 77 is performed (Step 107), and the process is terminated.
If copying is not being performed, a password input / display process is performed (step 108), a process of turning on the password encryption LED 77 is performed (step 109), and the process ends.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing after the end of the machine operation.

In this flow, it is determined whether or not the operation has been completed normally (step 201). If the operation has not been completed normally, the process is immediately terminated. If the password is normally terminated, it is determined whether or not the password input state transition reservation flag is set (step 202). If the password input state transition reservation flag is not set, the password is immediately reset. The process ends. If the password input state transition reservation flag is set, the password input state transition reservation flag is cleared (step 203), and a password input state display process is performed (step 204). The lighting process of the LED 77 is performed (step 205), and the process ends.

FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the operation state of the digital copying apparatus according to this embodiment as described above.

As described above, in the above embodiment, the reservation means 53 which can be operated during the copy operation and reserves the transition to the password input state, and the storage means 59 for storing the reservation information by the reservation means 76. When the reservation by the reservation unit 76 is stored in the storage unit 59, the control unit 5 shifts to the password input state after the copy operation is completed.
8, the reservation means 53 can reserve the transition to the password input state during the copying operation, and the reservation means 53 reserves the transition to the password input state. If the reservation is made, the reservation information by the reservation means 53 is stored in the storage means 59. If the reservation by the reservation means 53 is stored in the storage means 59, the control means 58 By making a transition to the PIN input state, if the transition to the PIN input state is reserved, it is possible to immediately transition to the PIN input state after the copy operation is completed, and a plurality of users wait for use of the copying apparatus. For example, when the previous user finishes the copy work, the user can immediately enter the PIN and start the copy work,
It is possible to provide convenience to the user.

[0053]

According to the present invention, since the transition to the password input state can be reserved / canceled, the management can be performed correctly in an image forming apparatus or the like which manages the number of copies and the copy mode by inputting the password. It is possible to improve efficiency for copy users.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system configuration showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating an image forming unit.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a transfer drum.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a control panel.

FIGS. 6A to 6D are explanatory views showing messages displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams showing messages displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIGS. 8A to 8D are explanatory views showing messages displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation.

FIG. 11 is a transition diagram illustrating a change in a display state of the image forming apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 47 image reading means, 48 image storage means, 49 image forming means, 50 password setting / registration means, 51 copy number management means, 52 copy mode management means, 53 reservation means, 54 reservation release means, 55 PIN input means,
56 password identification means, 57 display means, 58 control means (release means deletion means), 59 storage means.

Claims (3)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming operation by inputting a personal identification number, a reservation means operable during the image forming operation and reserving a transition to a personal identification number input state, An image forming apparatus comprising: a storage unit that stores reservation information by a reservation unit; and a control unit that, when the reservation by the reservation unit is stored in the storage unit, shifts to a password input state after an image forming operation is completed. apparatus. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: cancellation means for canceling the reservation by said storage means; and deletion means for deleting the reservation information in said storage means when the reservation is canceled by said cancellation means. 2. The image forming apparatus according to 1. 3. When the reservation information is stored in the storage unit, if the image forming operation is abnormally terminated, the storage of the reservation information is held, and the normal termination of the image forming operation is performed to shift to a password input state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: