JPS59210454A - Image formation controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To control the utilization of a device without using a key nor a counter by allowing copying operation when a proper identification code is inputted, and controlling the operation on the basis of the code. CONSTITUTION:The storage device of a mu-COM15 is stored with plural password codes that an operator determines previously. A four-digit number is inputted on the ten-key of a key matrix 15 prior to copying operation, and a code input key ENT is then hit. Consequently, whether the input code coincides with some of the stored codes or not is made. When so, it is judged that copying operation is allowed, and the display necessary for the copying operation is obtained on a display part 3. Then, 1 is added to respective memory areas of the mu-COM15 classified by size in response to a signal corresponding to size which is generated during the inversion of an optical system, and stored. Consequently, operation states classified by size are recognized.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Technical Field The present invention relates to an image forming control device that controls the operation of an image forming device such as a copying machine.

PRIOR ART Conventionally, in order to prevent unnecessary copying and to manage the number of copies, copiers have been provided with a blunt plate that enables the copying operation and a so-called key counter that serves as both a key and a copy counter. The copying machine has been devised so that only the owner is allowed to use the copying machine.

However, when there are a large number of users, it becomes a problem in terms of expense to make each member have a key. Furthermore, even if a key is shared by a large number of people, its management becomes cumbersome, and if the key is lost, many users will not be able to make copies.

OBJECTS The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can manage the use of the apparatus without using the above-mentioned keys, key counters, etc.

Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied. In the figure, 1 is a copy key for instructing the start of the copying operation, 2 is a numeric keypad for inputting the desired number of copies, a variable magnification key for setting the copy magnification, and a clear key for clearing the set number. , a recitation code input key, etc., and is an operation section through which the user inputs desired copying conditions. 6 is 2
This is a display section that includes numerical display of digits, various warning displays, etc. 4
is a code re-input display, 5 is a power switch, 6 is a switch for monitoring memory contents, for example, a button switch to select monitor contents such as the total number of copies used, the number of sheets of each size used, and a button switch to set the recitation code. Contains a button switch to The switch 6 is normally hidden inside the machine by a cover 7 and is mounted in a location that is difficult for the operator to easily access.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electric circuit governing the operation of the copying machine. 12 is a one-chip microcomputer (μm00
M) In addition to the copy sequence control, it is equipped with a memory that can store the recitation code, the total number of copies per copy, and the number of copies used for each size. Further, reference numeral 16 denotes a backup power supply, which functions to back up the memory contents of μmC0M so that they do not disappear when the power supply sw5 is turned off or the power plug (not shown) is pulled out from an external outlet.

μmC0M12 has an input-related so-called numeric keypad.

Various necessary sensors 16 and a monitor content selection switch 6-1 which constitutes the monitor switch 6 shown in FIG. Recitation code setting switch 6-2° for each size (A3, B4, A
4 and B5 size) sheet count monitor switch 6-3.6-4
．． 6-5, 6-6 are connected. On the other hand, in terms of output, a so-called display section and a load necessary for a copy operation are connected to each other. The display section includes a 7-segment LED (2 digits) 6-1 for number/code display, and 3 LEDs for various warning displays.
-2 and the display 4 shown in the first diagram, the LED 4 lights up to indicate when an incorrect recitation code is input.
are connected via drivers 1o and 11. In addition, various DCs such as latches and solenoids are required for copy operations.
A load 5, a main drive motor 6, a high voltage transformer 7, and a rung 8 are connected to each other via a buffer or a dedicated control circuit. μmC0M12 performs the above-mentioned input/output control and controls the copying operation according to the program stored in the memory IJROM.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flow of copying operations and storing the number of copies of each size by management using a recitation code according to the present invention. The recitation code is 4 arbitrarily determined by the operator in advance.
A plurality of digit numbers are stored in the memory in μmC0M as a number unique to the user.

The operation will be explained with reference to FIG. Prior to the copying operation, the user enters four digits using the ten keys normally used to set the number of copies, and then presses the code ENT. This is υ,
It is determined whether the code input by the user is the same as any pre-stored code.

If the input code is not the same as the stored code, the re-input display 4 lights up to notify you that you should input it again. If it is determined that they are the same, it is determined that copying is possible,
At this point, the display necessary for the copy operation lights up for the first time.

Next, the operator selects the desired copying conditions such as the number of copies, magnification, size, etc. using the operation section, and presses the copy key 1. At this point, for example, the temperature of the fixing device, the presence or absence of recording paper, etc. are determined, and if the conditions necessary for copying are satisfied, a predetermined copy sequence program is executed. At this time, the total number of copies and the number of copies by size are stored in a memory area provided in μmC0M12 for each recitation code. That is,
μmC0M12 due to the paper feed signal generated during paper feeding operation
``1'' is added to memory area 1 in the memory area 1 and stored as a total count. Next, in order to determine the size of the fed paper, B
5 size, A4 size in memory area 2 in μmC0M.
In the case of the size, "1" is added and stored in the memory area 6, B4 in the memory area 4, and A3 in the memory area 5, respectively.

This allows the operating status of each size to be recognized.

Since these operations are performed within the μmC0M12, they are not output as signals to the outside. Also, copy counts for different recitation codes are stored in separate memory areas.

When the copy sequence ends, each drive stops, but at this time the timer program starts, and after about 60 seconds, each display goes out and the state returns to the state before the recitation code is input, making it impossible to copy. However, if copy key 1 is pressed before the timer counts 60 seconds, the predetermined copy sequence program will be executed again.

As described above, the user can make copies by inputting the appropriate recitation code, and in addition, the number of copies made and the breakdown of the number of sheets of each size used are also stored for each user, that is, for each recitation code. I can do it.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of monitoring the contents stored in the memory area for each recitation code of the user as described above. When you turn on the monitor switch 6-1 provided on the side of the device and enter the recitation code using the numeric keypad, the total number of copies corresponding to the recitation code will be displayed on the monitor switch 6 of each size.
-3 to 6-6 When you turn on 1-, the number of copies of each size is 7 segments L! 1) Displayed on 5-1. Also, when the monitor switch 6-1 is turned off, the 7 segment L
ED3-1 returns to the normal number display.

Figure 5 shows 7 segments for number/code display) LED6-
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating how 1 is displayed. The display is divided into four 2-digit numbers, and when the monitor switch 6-1 is turned on, the code and 6-digit number are displayed one by one at a certain lighting timing, and this is displayed on the monitor switch 6. -1 is repeated until off. As shown in the figure, when monitoring the total number of copies, the monitor switch 6-1 is turned on, and [cHJ is displayed first, and then the number of copies is sequentially displayed. In this case, it shows that 123,456 copies were executed. Also, when monitoring by size, [instead of cHJ display, turning on the A size monitor switch 6-1 will display rA3j, "B4" for B4, "A4" for A4, and "B5" for B5 before displaying the number of sheets. Is displayed.

FIG. 6 shows the flow when setting a recitation code. To set the code, an arbitrary four-digit number is stored in advance, but by operating the code setting switch 6-2 on the side of the device, it becomes possible to set the recited code using the numeric keypad. By turning on the code setting switch 6-2,
The contents are called from the memory area 100 in μmC0M12 and displayed on the number display section 6-1, but at this time, the memo IJ
The contents of 100 are cleared. Since the contents of the memory 100 are four-digit numerical values, as shown in FIG. 7, "EC" is first displayed and then the display is divided into two parts.

Clear the display, enter any code using the number keys (numeric keypad), and turn off the code setting switch. At the same time, the newly set code is stored in the memo IJ 100 as a recited code, and the number display 6-1 returns to the normal display. This completes the recitation code setting.

In the above embodiment, an example was explained in which the number of copies is stored for each recitation code, but by increasing the memory, the number of copies can be limited to one copy when changing the size, the number of jams, the number of single copies, and the number of multi copies. It is also possible to store and display data such as.

It is also possible to connect a printer to the μ-〇〇M12 output section by providing an interface to print out data such as the number of sheets. The printer memorizes the data for each code and size.

It is also possible to output the image for each variable magnification mode or copy format such as single/multi-copy.

Although the present invention is applied to a copying machine in this embodiment, it goes without saying that it can also be used to manage the operating status of facsimile machines, digital copying machines, office computers, word processors, and the like.

Effects As explained above, with the configuration of the present invention, when a proper recitation number code is input, it can be copied to a specific operator, and operations are managed based on the recitation code, and its contents can be changed as necessary. By displaying and outputting, the following effects appear.

No keys or key counters are required, and a specific operator can operate the image forming apparatus by simply reciting a code. Additionally, the operational status of the device can be easily managed. Furthermore, as the number of users increases, by simply increasing the number of recited codes, centralized management becomes possible and economical.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is an external view of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied, Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the operating circuit, Fig. 6 is a flowchart for inputting a memorization code and storing the number of copies. Fig. 1 is a flowchart for monitoring. , Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 are diagrams showing the display of the display section, and Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the method of setting the recitation code, where 1 is the copy key, 2 is the operation section, 6 is the display section, and 4 is the code. 6 is a monitor switch, and 12 is a microcomputer. Applicant Canon Co., Ltd. Ji 6M 擢″7 hammer

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) means for storing a pre-registered identification code; means for enabling image formation when an input identification code matches the identification code stored in the storage means; and a means for enabling image formation based on the identification code. An image forming control device comprising: means for managing image forming operations. (2. The image forming apparatus according to claim (1), wherein the management means includes a display means for displaying management data.