JPH11334158A - Imaging apparatus, imaging system, and computer readable memory medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus in which a print sheet can be obtained at an arbitrary timing from an imaging apparatus connected through a network, and security of print-out is enhanced at low cost. SOLUTION: A print data is received, along with an identification code 1 thereof, from a personal computer 11 and stored in a buffer 133. An image reading section 131 reads out the image of an ID card and an image recognizing section recognizes the identification code 2 from the image thus read out. A decision is then made whether the identification codes 1 and 2 match each other or not and the print data is printed at an image output section 132 only when the both codes match each other.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a copying function,
Built-in printer function or facsimile function, LAN (Local Aera Network)
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, an image forming method, and a computer-readable storage medium for realizing the image forming method, which are connected to a network such as a computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, functions of an image forming apparatus have become more complex, and a copying function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like are often realized by one apparatus. In addition, when such an image forming apparatus is connected to a network such as a LAN, it is used as a printer or scanner for a personal computer or a workstation on the network.

The print data sent via the network or the facsimile print data sent via the telephone line is temporarily stored in the file of the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, and thereafter, the image is formed during the copying operation. Is discharged.

[0004] Further, for example, there is known an apparatus in which a computer is connected to a printer via an external interface, document data or the like created by the computer is input, and the image is printed out on a recording sheet as a visible image. in this case,
The computer issues a print instruction and sends print data to the printer, and the printer which receives the print instruction sequentially records and outputs an image based on the sent print data on recording paper.

[0005] However, the image forming system centered on the image forming apparatus as described above has the following problems. That is, when print data is transferred from a terminal on the network to the image forming apparatus, for example, from a computer to a copying machine having a printer function, if a third party is performing copying work, the work is not performed. Since the priority is given, no output is made until a series of copying operations is completed. For this reason, there is a problem that it is not possible to know when the transferred print data is output when the image forming apparatus has a queue waiting for a copying operation or when a large amount of copying is being performed.

Further, when the image forming apparatus having the composite function has a single output paper discharge tray, various output papers are output to the discharge tray at any time, and sorting and sheeting according to functions are performed. In some cases, the output paper is left unsorted without being sorted. Even if a single tray is used and a discharge tray corresponding to each function of the image forming apparatus such as a print function, a facsimile function, and a copy function is provided, if the discharge tray of a certain function is focused on, There is no means for partitioning the output sheet bundle, and the output sheets from the image forming apparatus are simply piled up on the discharge tray in a random manner, and it is not possible to determine which sheet bundle is the desired sheet bundle.

Therefore, when taking out a sheet bundle, it is necessary to take out all the sheet bundles at once, search for a desired bundle from the bundle, and return the remaining bundle to the original discharge tray.

In the case where a computer is connected to the printer via an external interface, if the computer and the printer are set apart from each other when a confidential document is to be output, The paper output by the user may be seen by others before the user goes to the printer device, which is a problem in maintaining confidentiality.

In order to solve such a problem, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-251358, an identification code is added to printout data, and when a user inputs the same identification code to a printer device, There is a method (first conventional method) that enables only a printout. Alternatively, instead of the user inputting the identification code into the printer, the printer reads the magnetic card on which the identification code is written, and prints out only when the identification code matches the identification code included in the printout data. Method (second conventional method)
There was also.

According to the first or second conventional method,
An operator can obtain a print sheet at an arbitrary timing from an image forming apparatus connected via a network.
In addition, since printing can be performed at an arbitrary timing, it is possible to select an idle time of the printer device and perform printing.

[0011]

However, in the above-mentioned first conventional method, it is necessary for the user to input an identification code every time a printout is performed, which is troublesome. Furthermore, there is a problem that printing out becomes impossible when the identification code is forgotten.

Further, in the second conventional method using a magnetic card, it is necessary to distribute a magnetic card to each user or to carry the magnetic card when the user uses the printer. However, there is a problem that the cost is increased because of the need for

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention makes it possible to obtain a print sheet at an arbitrary timing from an image forming apparatus connected via a network, and to improve the protection of printout confidentiality at low cost. It is an object to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, an image forming method, and a computer-readable storage medium that can be used.

[0014]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: an image reading unit that reads an image; and an image reading unit that reads the image from the image reading unit. Image recognition means for recognizing the first identification code, storage means for receiving and storing print data and a second identification code as an identification code of the print data from an external device, Detecting means for detecting a match or mismatch between the first identification code and the second identification code stored in the storage means; and forming an image of print data corresponding only when the detection result of the detection means matches. Means.

In an image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the image read by the image reading means is a card on which the first identification code is written at a predetermined position. Image.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: image reading means for reading an image; image recognition means for recognizing a first identification code from the image read by the image reading means; Storage means for storing data and a second identification code which is an identification code of the print data; and a first identification code recognized by the image recognition means and a second identification code stored in the storage means. The apparatus includes a detecting unit for detecting coincidence and non-coincidence, and an image forming unit for forming an image of the corresponding print data only when the detection result of the detecting unit is coincident.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system, an image reading unit for reading an image, a first storage unit for storing print data, and a second storage unit for storing the print data and an identification code of the print data. Storage means for transmitting the identification code to the image forming apparatus;
An image forming system comprising: image recognition means for recognizing an identification code from an image read by the image reading means, wherein the identification code recognized by the image recognition means and the identification code transmitted from the transmission means are provided. When the codes match, the corresponding print data is transferred from the second storage unit to the first storage unit, and an image is formed by the image forming apparatus.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the fourth aspect, the first storage means is provided in the image forming apparatus.

In the image forming method according to the present invention, the print data and the first identification code which is the identification code of the print data are received from an external device and stored in the storage means, and the image is read. An image reading process, an image recognition process for recognizing a second identification code from an image read in the image reading process, and a first identification code stored in the storage unit and the image recognition process. A detection process for detecting a match or a mismatch with the second identification code, and an image forming process for forming an image of the corresponding print data only when the detection result of the detection process is a match. .

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to the sixth aspect, the image read by the image reading process is a card on which the first identification code is described at a predetermined position. Image.

In the image forming method according to the present invention, print data and a first identification code which is an identification code of the print data are stored in a storage means, and an image reading process for reading an image is performed. An image recognition process for recognizing a second identification code from an image read by the image reading process, a first identification code stored in the storage unit, and a second identification code recognized by the image recognition process And an image forming process for forming an image of the corresponding print data only when the detection result of the detection process is a match.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method, a first storage means for storing print data, and a second storage means for storing the print data and an identification code of the print data.
An image reading process for reading an image, a sending process for sending an identification code to the image forming apparatus, and an image recognition process for recognizing the identification code from the images read in the image reading process. And when the identification code recognized by the image recognition processing matches the identification code transmitted from the transmission processing, the corresponding print data is transferred from the second storage means to the first storage means. The image data is transferred and the image is formed by the image forming apparatus.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the computer-readable storage medium, a print step of receiving print data and a first identification code as an identification code of the print data from an external device and storing the first identification code in a storage means; An image reading step for reading an image, an image recognition step for recognizing a second identification code from the image read in the image reading step, a first identification code stored in the storage means and the image recognition step A program having a detection step of detecting a match or a mismatch with the second identification code recognized by the method, and an image forming step of forming an image of the corresponding print data only when the detection result of the detection step is a match is stored. Things.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

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

The LAM 10 which connects a plurality of information devices and enables data exchange between arbitrary devices includes personal computers 11 and 12 for creating and modifying documents, and the image forming apparatus 1.
3 and the file server 14 are connected.

The image forming apparatus 13 of this embodiment is a multifunction peripheral having a copy function as a basic function and a printer function in addition to the copy function.
1 and an image output unit (printer unit) 132. Further, the image forming apparatus 13 has a built-in buffer 133 for temporarily storing a print command from the personal computer 11 or 12.

The image reading section 131 is for optically reading a document image placed on the document table. The image output unit 132 outputs print data on recording paper based on image information obtained by reading the document image by the image reading unit 131 when the image forming apparatus 13 performs the above-described copying function. To reproduce the original image.

This copying operation will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the reader unit 131 and the printer unit 132 of the image forming apparatus 13 shown in FIG.

When the document is started from the operation unit disposed on the front of the main body, if the document is placed on the document feeder 301, the above-described document feeding operation is performed, and Wait until the sheet is conveyed to a predetermined position on the surface 302.
When the original is placed directly on the platen glass surface 302 at a predetermined position, the lamp 303 of the scanner unit is turned on at the start of the operation unit, and the scanner unit 30 is turned on.
4 moves to irradiate the original.

The reflected light of the original is reflected by mirrors 305, 306,
An image is input to a CCD image sensor 309 via a lens 307 and a lens 308. Further, the image processing unit 310 performs image processing set by various operation units. After that, the electric signal connected to the image output unit 132 is transmitted to the exposure control unit 40.
The light signal is converted into an optical signal modulated by 0, and irradiates the photoconductor 402 via the mirror 401.

The latent image formed on the photosensitive member 402 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 403. The transfer paper is conveyed from the transfer paper stacking unit 404 or the transfer paper stacking unit 405 at the same timing as the leading end of the latent image.
At 6, the developed image is transferred. The transferred image is fixed on transfer paper by a fixing unit 407, and then discharged from a paper discharge unit 408 to a tray 501 outside the apparatus.

When the image forming apparatus 13 executes the printer function, a header 66 as shown in FIG.
A print command 660 including a set of 1 and an identification code (1) 662 and print data 663 is transmitted and stored in a buffer 133 built in the image forming apparatus 13. Then, the image output unit 132 outputs the print command 66
0 print data 663 is read from the buffer 133,
Print out. The header 6 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 61 describes a unique number of the personal computer and information necessary for communication.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of the image recognition section 600 built in the image processing section 310.

The image recognizing section 600 reads an ID card as shown in FIG. 5 by the image reading section 131 to read an identification code (2) 650 for specifying an individual written on the ID card. Has a function. That is, the image recognition unit 600 performs various image processes of the shading correction unit 601, the filter processing unit 602, the γ correction unit 603, and the gradation processing unit 604 on the image read by the image reading unit 131, The image recognition unit 605 recognizes the identification code (2).

The ID card shown in FIG. 5 is a card such as an employee ID card or a license card on which an identification code (2) for specifying an individual is written. In such a card, a number or character string indicating an individual, such as an employee number or a license number, is usually written in a fixed font at a fixed position. When the position and font are determined in this way, it is relatively easy to read out the number or character string by image recognition.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the image forming apparatus 13 according to the present embodiment, the LA
When printing out a document on the personal computer 11 connected to the N10, the user inputs his / her identification code (1) from the personal computer 11 in print settings. The personal computer 11 uses the identification code (1) and print data to be printed out as a print command 660 via the LAN 10 via the LAN 133 of the image forming apparatus 13.
(Step S11).

When the user wants to obtain the printed output paper, the image reading unit 131 of the image forming apparatus 13 reads his / her ID card. The identification code (2) of the user is recognized by the image recognition / recognition unit 600 built in the image reading unit 131 (step S1).
2). Then, the identification code (2) read by the image forming apparatus 13 is compared with the identification code (1) sent from the personal computer 11 (step S13), and the buffer 133 is stored.
Only the print data having the matching identification code is printed out from the image output unit 132 (step S1).
4) Then, the print data is deleted from the buffer 133 (step S15).

On the other hand, if there is no identification code in the buffer 133 that matches the identification code of the user read by the image recognition / recognition unit 600, the image forming apparatus 1
"There is no corresponding data."
Is displayed (step S16), and printout is not performed.

By the above operation, the user can receive the printout paper at the timing when he wants to receive it without mixing with the printout of another person, and leave the printout paper unattended. , Confidentiality can be maintained.

If the user who instructed the printout did not inadvertently go to receive the printout paper, the print commands 660 stored in the buffer 133 may exceed the buffer capacity. Therefore, the print command 66 stored in the buffer 133
0 may be automatically deleted after a predetermined time has elapsed. Furthermore, when the buffer capacity is exceeded, the oldest print commands 660 stored in the buffer may be deleted.

In the present embodiment, the identification code (1) is input to the personal computer 11 at the time of printout. However, when the person who uses the personal computer 11 is determined, the identification code (1) is used for the personal computer. The personal computer 11 or the image forming apparatus 13 may be provided with a table in which the personal computer number and the user identification code (1) are associated with each other, and the personal computer unique number may be converted into the identification code (1). .

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a main part of an image forming system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Elements common to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. ,
The description is omitted.

As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, a print buffer 112 for temporarily storing print data to be printed and an identification code (1) of the user who has printed out, and a regular image forming apparatus 13 And a print request unit 113 for transmitting a print request signal 702 and a request signal 700 including the identification code (1).
For example, it is provided on a personal computer 11. Further, the image output unit 132 is provided with a buffer 133 for storing the print data sent from the personal computer 11.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the request signal 700 sent by the print request means 113.

The header section 701 describes a unique number of the personal computer and information necessary for communication. When the user prints out, the personal computer 11 temporarily stores the user identification code (1) obtained by the same method as in the first embodiment and print data 663 for printout in a print buffer. 112 and the print requesting means 113
Sends a request signal 700.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

When the user causes the image reading unit 131 to read the above-mentioned ID card and the identification code (2) is obtained by the image recognition / recognition unit 600 (step S21).
The image forming apparatus 13 compares with the identification code (1) included in the request signal 700 sent from the print request unit 113 (Steps S22 and S23). When the two identification codes (1) and (2) match, the print data stored in the print buffer 112 on the personal computer 11 is transferred to the buffer 133 on the image forming apparatus 13 (step S24). , Image output unit 132
Is performed (step S25).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the buffer 13 in the image forming apparatus 13 is used only when printing is performed.
Since the data is transferred to the H.3, it is possible to prevent the data from exceeding the buffer capacity as described in the first embodiment. Further, since the print data remains in the print buffer 112 on the personal computer 11 until the printout, a message such as “printout data remains” can be displayed on the screen of the personal computer 11. You can also receive a printout.

In the second embodiment, the print requesting unit 113 periodically sends out the request signal 700 to the image forming apparatus 13. A request storage device is provided, and the identification code (2) obtained from the image recognition / recognition unit 600 is compared with the identification code (1) included in the request signal 700 stored in the print request storage device. Recognition device 13 is personal computer 1
1 may be used to transfer data.

In the second embodiment, the print data is temporarily stored in the print buffer 112 of the personal computer 11, but may be stored in the file server 14 connected to the LAN 10.

For example, when the identification code (1) included in the request signal 700 is a specific code such as "0000", as soon as the image forming apparatus 13 receives the data as in a conventional ordinary printer, the printing is performed. Out may be performed. This is convenient for automatically printing out data at night.

In the second embodiment, the identification code (2) written on the ID card is a number,
Other optically readable codes (eg bar codes)
May be.

The above-described control method can be realized by storing a program according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 in a storage device in the image forming apparatus 13 and operating the program.

The present invention is not limited to the apparatus of the above-described embodiment, but may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or an apparatus including a single device. As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the embodiments is also supplied to a system or an apparatus, and the system or apparatus is also stored in a computer (or CPU or MPU). It goes without saying that the code is completed by reading and executing the code. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, and a ROM can be used. When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS or the like running on the computer performs actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where some or all of the operations are performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included. Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to the memory provided on the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the next program code is expanded based on the instruction. It may also include a case where a function provided by an expansion board or a CPU provided in an expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing by performing the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments. Needless to say.

[0057]

As described in detail above, the image forming apparatus according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the image forming system according to the third aspect of the present invention, and the sixth to eighth aspects of the present invention.
According to the image forming method according to the described invention, for example, the user can forget the identification code and cannot print out, or without adding a special device such as a magnetic card reader, the network can be used. The operator can obtain a print sheet from the connected image forming apparatus at an arbitrary timing, and the protection of the confidentiality of the printout can be improved at low cost.

According to the image forming system according to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention and the image forming method according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the first image forming apparatus can be used only when printout is performed. Since the data is transferred to the storage means, it is possible to prevent a situation where the data exceeds the storage capacity. Furthermore, until the printout, the second
Since the print data remains in the storage means, it is possible to display, for example, a message for receiving a printout on the screen of a personal computer.

According to the computer-readable storage medium of the tenth aspect of the present invention, the same effects as those of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained by reading and executing the program.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a reader unit and a printer unit of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a format diagram of a print command.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image recognition unit built in the image processing unit.

FIG. 5 is an external view of an ID card.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of an image forming system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a request signal 700 transmitted by the print request unit 113.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 LAM 11, 12 Personal computer 13 Image forming apparatus 14 File server 112 Print buffer 113 Print request means 131 Image reading part (reader part) 132 Image output part (printer part) 133 buffer

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 1/00 107 G03G 21/00 390

Claims (10)

[Claims] An image reading means for reading an image, and a first image reading means from among the images read by the image reading means.
Image recognition means for recognizing the identification code of the print data;
Storage means for receiving and storing the identification code from an external device; and matching the first identification code recognized by the image recognition means with the second identification code stored in the storage means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a detecting unit that detects a mismatch; and an image forming unit that forms an image of print data corresponding only when the detection result of the detecting unit indicates a match. 2. An image read by the image reading means,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first identification code is an image on a card described at a predetermined position. 3. An image reading means for reading an image, and a first one of the images read by the image reading means.
Image recognition means for recognizing the identification code of the print data;
Storage means for storing an identification code of: a match between the first identification code recognized by the image recognition means and the second identification code stored in the storage means;
An image forming system comprising: a detecting unit that detects a mismatch; and an image forming unit that forms an image of print data corresponding only when the detection result of the detecting unit indicates a match. 4. An image reading means for reading an image, a first storage means for storing print data, a second storage means for storing the print data and an identification code of the print data, An image forming system comprising: sending means for sending to an apparatus; and image recognition means for recognizing an identification code from an image read by the image reading means, wherein the identification code recognized by the image recognition means is provided. When the identification code transmitted from the transmission means matches,
The corresponding print data is stored in the first storage unit from the second storage unit.
An image forming system, wherein the image forming apparatus transfers the image data to the storage unit and forms an image using the image forming apparatus. 5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein said first storage unit is provided in said image forming apparatus. 6. A storage process for receiving print data and a first identification code as an identification code of the print data from an external device and storing the received print data in a storage unit, an image reading process for reading an image, and an image reading process for reading the image. The second from the received images
Image recognition processing for recognizing the identification code of the above; matching between the first identification code stored in the storage means and the second identification code recognized by the image recognition processing;
An image forming method, comprising: performing a detection process of detecting a mismatch and an image forming process of forming an image of the corresponding print data only when the detection result of the detection process is a match. 7. An image read by the image reading process,
7. The image forming method according to claim 6, wherein the first identification code is an image on a card described at a predetermined position. 8. A print data and a first identification code which is an identification code of the print data are stored in a storage means, and an image reading process for reading an image, and an image reading process from the image read process. Second
Image recognition processing for recognizing the identification code of the above; matching between the first identification code stored in the storage means and the second identification code recognized by the image recognition processing;
An image forming method, comprising: performing a detection process of detecting a mismatch and an image forming process of forming an image of the corresponding print data only when the detection result of the detection process is a match. 9. An image reading process for reading an image, comprising: first storage means for storing print data; and second storage means for storing the print data and an identification code of the print data. A sending process for sending a code to the image forming apparatus; and an image recognition process for recognizing an identification code from an image read in the image reading process. The identification code recognized by the image recognition process and the sending process If the ID code sent by
The corresponding print data is stored in the first storage unit from the second storage unit.
Wherein the image forming apparatus transfers the image data to the image forming apparatus. 10. A storage step of receiving print data and a first identification code, which is an identification code of the print data, from an external device and storing the same in storage means; an image reading step of reading an image; An image recognition step of recognizing a second identification code from the obtained image; and a match or mismatch between the first identification code stored in the storage means and the second identification code recognized by the image recognition step. And a computer-readable storage medium storing a program having a detection step of detecting an error, and an image forming step of forming an image of print data corresponding only when the detection results of the detection step match.