JP4089945B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus., EmotionWhen an operation reservation specifying an application is performed from the information processing apparatus, only the user who made the operation reservation is permitted to perform the operation, and only the user is allowed to perform the initial setting to improve the usability.And image forming methodAbout.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the spread of networking, image forming apparatuses such as printers and digital copying machines are connected to a network, and the image forming apparatus is shared and used as one of network resources.
[0003]
In order to effectively use an image forming apparatus connected to such a network, conventionally, for example, the operation unit and the display unit of the image forming apparatus are used to remotely operate and use another image forming apparatus. There has been proposed an image forming system for improving work efficiency (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-307588).
[0004]
In addition, the applicant first accommodates a plurality of multi-function telephones in a storage program controlled private branch exchange, and connects the multi-function telephones to each other and connects to an external line via the private branch exchange. In the private branch exchange system, image information transmitting means connected to the first multi-function telephone, which scans the document and inputs the image information is transmitted via the first multi-function telephone, and the first multi-function telephone. An image information private branch exchange system provided with an image information print output means connected to a second multifunction telephone other than the telephone and printing out the image information inputted through the second multifunction telephone. (See JP-A-6-291905).
[0005]
In other words, this technology aims to construct a network that satisfies the facsimile function, printer function, and copy function at a low cost and with high expandability, unify operation procedures, and efficiently use the copying machine.
[0006]
Further, the applicant of the present invention provides an image forming apparatus having a signal transmission / reception means, a control means for the signal transmission / reception means and a storage means, an external terminal having a signal transmission / reception means, an operation input means, a control means for these means, and a storage means. In the network system of the image forming apparatus that enables the operation information to be transmitted to and received from the device, reservation information for making reservations for securing the use of the image forming apparatus and the copy mode at the time of use is imaged from the external terminal device. A network system for an image forming apparatus that can be transmitted to the forming apparatus has been proposed (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 4-22260).
[0007]
In other words, this technique improves the use efficiency of a plurality of users in a network system of an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting / receiving operation information of the image forming apparatus from a remote place, and reduces the waiting time at the place where the image forming apparatus is used. It prevents the occurrence and aims for efficient use.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional technique, it is possible to set a mode for reservation of an image forming apparatus such as a copying apparatus using a personal computer connected to a network. In the current situation of increasing complexity, it is necessary to install dedicated software on each personal computer or the like in order to display a screen equivalent to the operation screen of the copying apparatus on a personal computer or the like and enable the operation. At the same time, the amount of data notified from a personal computer or the like increases, and the work efficiency of the personal computer or the like may decrease.
[0009]
Therefore, the present invention performs processing at the time of reservation on the image forming apparatus side only by making a usage status and operation reservation of each image forming apparatus from the information processing apparatus side such as a personal computer. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus with good usability.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  Claim 1The present invention comprises means for executing a plurality of applications, an operating means for performing an initial setting for each of the plurality of applications, a screen display means for displaying an initial setting screen by the operating means, and an information processing apparatus. And means for prohibiting screen transition to the initial setting screen only for the application for which the operation reservation has been made on the condition that the information processing apparatus has made an operation reservation for the application. It is characterized by havingThe
  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the password is entered and the operation reservation is made, the password entered by the operation means and the password entered at the time of the operation reservation. Provided with means for permitting initial setting of the application reserved for operation by the operating means for performing initial setting on condition that the codes match.It is characterized by doing.
  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect further comprises an operation prohibiting unit that prohibits the operation of the application on condition that the information processing apparatus has made an operation reservation for the application. Features.
  The invention according to claim 4 is an image forming method, wherein the reserved application is registered on the condition that the operation reservation of the application for image formation is performed together with the recitation code, and the reservation information is registered together with the recitation code. Only, the step of prohibiting the screen transition to the initial setting screen for changing the initial setting, the step of determining the coincidence / mismatch between the input recitation code and the pre-registered recitation code, and the input recitation code And a step of permitting screen transition to an initial setting screen for changing the initial setting of the application when a match with a pre-registered recitation code is determined.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention, and thus various technically preferable limitations are given. However, the scope of the present invention is particularly limited in the following description. As long as there is no description which limits, it is not restricted to these aspects.
[0023]
1 to 21 are diagrams showing a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and this embodiment corresponds to claim 1.
[0024]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a network system 1 to which an image forming apparatus to which the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied is applied.
[0025]
In FIG. 1, a network system 1 is connected to a network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network) with computers PC1 to PCn as a plurality of client apparatuses and digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn as a plurality of image forming apparatuses. As the network NW, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) is used as a physical means and TCP / IP communication of an OSI (Open System Interface) reference model is used for data communication. However, the network NW is not limited thereto.
[0026]
The network system 1 also performs in-machine status notification of each of the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn existing on the network NW, billing management of the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn, control commands such as remote output commands, and transfer of setting commands. .
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 2, the digital copying apparatuses DC <b> 1 to DCn are provided with an ADF (automatic document feeder) 20 in the upper part of the main body casing 10. A reading unit 30, a writing unit 40, an image forming unit 50, a paper transport unit 60, a paper feed unit 70, a reverse paper feed unit 80, and the like are accommodated. Further, in the digital copying apparatuses DC <b> 1 to DCn, a finisher 90 is attached to the side surface of the main body housing 10.
[0028]
The ADF 20 includes a document table 21, a feeding roller 22, a feeding belt 23, a discharge roller 24, a document set detection sensor 25, and the like, below the feeding belt 23, and on an upper surface portion of the main body housing 10. A contact glass 31 of a reading unit 30 to be described later is disposed.
[0029]
When the start key on the operation unit 110 is pressed on the document bundle set on the document table 21 with the image surface of the document face up, the ADF 20 starts from the lowermost document by the feeding roller 22 and the feeding belt 23. When the document is fed to a predetermined reading position on the contact glass 31 and the reading unit 30 completes reading of the image of the document on the contact glass 31, the scanned document is read by the feeding belt 23 and the discharge roller 24. Discharge.
[0030]
When the document set detection sensor 25 detects that the next document is on the document table 21, the ADF 20 feeds it onto the contact glass 31 like the previous document, and when the reading by the reading unit 30 is completed, the same as above. Then, the document that has been read is discharged by the feeding belt 23 and the discharge roller 24. The ADF 20 drives the feed roller 22, the feed belt 23, and the discharge roller 24 with a motor (not shown).
[0031]
The reading unit 30 includes a contact glass 31 on which the document is placed and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 32, a first mirror 33, a second mirror 34, a third mirror 35, and a lens. 36, a CCD image sensor 37, and the like. The exposure lamp 32 and the first mirror 33 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 34 and the third mirror 35 are fixed on a second carriage (not shown). When reading the document, the reading unit 30 drives the first carriage and the second carriage with a scanner drive motor (not shown), but the relative speed of the first carriage and the second carriage is two-to-one so that the optical path length does not change. Then, the original on the contact glass 31 is scanned, and the image of the original is read by the CCD image sensor 37 and converted into an electrical signal. The reading unit 30 can change the image magnification by moving the lens 36 and the CCD image sensor 37 in the left-right direction in FIG. 2, and the lens 36 and the CCD image sensor 37 correspond to the designated magnification. Set the horizontal position of. The ADF 20 and the reading unit 30 function as reading means as a whole.
[0032]
The writing unit 40 includes a laser output unit 41, an imaging lens 42, a mirror 43, and the like. Although not shown, the laser output unit 41 includes a laser diode that is a laser light source and a motor at a constant speed. A rotating polygon mirror is accommodated.
[0033]
The writing unit 40 uses a laser output unit 41 to irradiate laser light emitted from a laser diode with a polygon mirror that rotates at a constant speed and irradiates the imaging lens 42 with the laser light. 43 is irradiated. The mirror 43 reflects incident laser light in the direction of the photoconductor 51 of the image forming unit 50 described later, and focuses and forms an image on the surface of the photoconductor 51.
[0034]
The polarized laser light applied to the photosensitive member 51 is exposed and scanned in a direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the rotating direction of the photosensitive member 51, and a selector 145 of an image processing unit 140 (see FIG. 7) described later. The line-by-line recording of the image signal output from is performed.
[0035]
The writing unit 40 forms an image (electrostatic latent image) on the surface of the photoconductor 51 by repeating main scanning at a predetermined cycle corresponding to the rotation speed and recording density of the photoconductor 51. The electrostatic latent image is a potential distribution generated by converting an image into light information and irradiating the surface of the photoconductor 51.
[0036]
Although not shown, a beam sensor for generating a main scanning synchronization signal is disposed at a position irradiated with a laser beam in the vicinity of one end of the photoconductor 51. Based on the main scanning synchronization signal, a beam sensor in the main scanning direction is arranged. Control of image recording start timing and generation of a control signal for inputting / outputting an image signal described later are performed.
[0037]
The image forming unit 50 includes a photoconductor 51, a developing unit 52, a conveyance belt 53, a fixing unit 54, and a paper discharge unit 55. The development unit 52 and the conveyance belt 53 are in contact with the photoconductor 51. A transfer sheet 71 accommodated in a sheet feeding unit 70 is conveyed from the sheet conveying unit 60 between the photosensitive member 51 and the conveying belt 53.
[0038]
In the image forming unit 50, laser light modulated based on the image data of the original read by the reading unit 30 or the received image data is written from the writing unit 40 to the photoconductor 51 to form an electrostatic latent image. Then, toner is supplied from the developing unit 52 to the surface of the photoreceptor 51 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed, and a toner image is formed. Then, the image forming unit 50 transfers the toner image on the photoconductor 51 to the transfer paper 71 while the transfer paper 71 is conveyed by the conveyance belt 53 at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductor 51, and the toner image is transferred. The transfer paper 71 is transported to the fixing unit 54 by the transport belt 53.
[0039]
The fixing unit 54 heats and pressurizes the transfer sheet 71 on which the toner image is transferred to fix the toner image on the transfer sheet 71 to the transfer sheet 71, and the transfer sheet 71 on which the toner image has been fixed is fixed. The paper is sent to the paper discharge unit 55. The writing unit 40 and the image forming unit 50 function as a recording unit as a whole.
[0040]
A reverse feed unit 80 is connected to the paper discharge unit 55, and the reverse paper feed unit 80 includes a double-sided input conveyance path 81, a reverse part 82, a double-side conveyance path 83, a reverse discharge conveyance path 84, and the like. ing. In the double-sided recording mode, the reversing paper feeding unit 80 introduces the transfer paper 71 having an image formed on one side thereof into the reversing unit 82 through the double-sided paper feeding / conveying path 81 and conveys it from the reversing unit 82 to the double-sided conveying path 83. Then, the transfer sheet 71 is inverted, and the inverted transfer sheet 71 is conveyed again between the photosensitive member 51 and the conveyor belt 53 from the double-sided conveyance path 83, and an image is formed again on the inverted transfer sheet 71.
[0041]
Further, the reversing paper feeding unit 80 introduces the recorded transfer paper 71 from the double-sided paper feed conveyance path 81 to the reversing unit 82 when the recorded transfer paper 71 is sent out to the finisher 90 with its front and back sides reversed. Then, the paper is fed from the paper discharge section 55 to the finisher 90 through the reverse paper discharge conveyance section 84 from the reversing section 82, so that the front and back surfaces of the transfer paper 71 are reversed and discharged to the finisher 90.
[0042]
The finisher 90 includes a branching deflection plate 91, a paper discharge transport roller 92, a feed roller 93, a paper discharge tray 94, a stapler transport roller 95, a stapler 96, a stapler feed roller 97, a staple tray 98, a jogger 99, and a staple completion paper discharge tray. 100 etc. The finisher 90 is a direction of the feeding roller 93 and a staple processing unit for switching the transfer paper 71 discharged from the paper discharge unit 55 in the main body housing 10 to the outside of the main body housing 10 by switching the branch deflection plate 91. Switching to the direction of the stapler transport roller 95 and switching of the branch deflecting plate 91 upward causes the transfer paper 71 to be discharged from the feed roller 93 onto the discharge tray 94 via the discharge transport roller 92. Further, the finisher 90 switches the branch deflecting plate 91 downward so that the transfer paper 71 passes through the paper discharge transport roller 92, the transport roller 105, the stapler transport roller 95 and the staple feed roller 97, and the staple tray 98. The transfer paper loaded and placed on the staple tray 98 is aligned by the paper jogger 99 each time a sheet of paper is discharged, and when the copy is completed, the stapler is completed. Bind by 96. The finisher 90 stores the transfer paper group bound by the stapler 96 in the staple completion paper discharge tray 100 by its own weight.
[0043]
On the other hand, the normal paper discharge tray 94 is a paper discharge tray that can be moved back and forth, and moves forward and backward for each original or each copy section sorted by the image memory, and is simply discharged. The transfer paper 71 is sorted.
[0044]
The paper feed unit 70 includes three paper feed trays 72, 73, and 74. Each of the paper feed trays 72 to 74 stores a plurality of transfer papers 71. Each of the paper feed trays 72 to 74 is provided with a sending section 75 to 77, and each of the sending sections 75 to 77 receives the transfer paper 71 stored in each of the paper feed trays 72 to 74 one by one. The paper is separated and sent to the paper transport unit 60.
[0045]
The paper transport unit 60 transports the transfer paper 71 sent out from the paper feed trays 72 to 74 by the sending sections 75 to 77 between the photosensitive member 51 and the transport belt 53 of the image forming unit 50.
[0046]
The image forming unit 50 transfers the toner image formed on the photoreceptor 51 to the transported transfer paper 71 and fixes the toner image on the transfer paper 71 by the fixing unit 54.
[0047]
The photosensitive member 51, the conveyor belt 53, the fixing unit 54, the paper discharge unit 55, and the developing unit 52 are driven by a main motor (not shown), and the sending units 75 to 77 of the paper feeding unit 70 are connected to the main motor. The driving is transmitted and driven by a sheet feeding clutch (not shown). Further, the paper transport unit 60 is driven by the driving of the main motor being transmitted by an intermediate clutch (not shown).
[0048]
The digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn include an operation unit (operation unit) 110 illustrated in FIG. 3. The operation unit 110 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 111, a numeric keypad 112, a clear / stop key 113, a print key 114, and a mode clear key. 115, an initial setting key 116, an interrupt key 117, and an application switching key 118 for switching applications such as copy, fax, printer, and scanner. On the liquid crystal touch panel (display means, operation means) 111, a function key 119 and a message indicating the number of copies and the status of the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn are displayed. The application switching key 118 includes keys for installed applications (applications such as copy, fax, printer, and scanner), and can be switched by pressing the key. In addition, the application switching key 118 has a built-in LED (Light Emitting Diode), and displays the status of the currently selected application, an operating application, and an application in which a malfunction (interruption of operation) has occurred.
[0049]
The liquid crystal touch panel 111 displays, for example, as shown in FIG. 4. For example, in the upper left part of the display area of the liquid crystal touch panel 111, a message for displaying a message such as “Can copy” or “Please wait” On the right side of the area, a copy number display area for displaying the set number of sheets is provided, and on the lower side, a function key area which is a display area for the function keys 119 is provided. As function keys 119 to be displayed in the function key area, for example, an automatic density key for automatically adjusting image density, an automatic paper selection key for automatically selecting transfer paper, and a process for aligning copies partially in page order are designated. Sort key to specify, Stack key to specify the process of sorting copies for each page, Staple key to specify the process of binding the sorted items partly, Same size key to set the magnification to the same magnification, Enlargement / reduction magnification Scaling key to set, duplex key to set duplex mode, erase / move key to set binding margin mode, etc., print key to set stamp, date, page, etc. Shaded.
[0050]
In the liquid crystal touch panel 111, when the operator touches the function key 119 displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 111, the function key 119 indicating the selected function is inverted in black. In addition, when specifying the details of a function (for example, if it is variable magnification, a variable magnification value, etc.), the function key 119 is touched to display a detailed function setting screen. Thus, since the liquid crystal touch panel 111 uses a dot display, the optimal display at that time can be graphically performed.
[0051]
The digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn can have a hard block configuration as shown in FIG. 5, and an image reading unit 121 corresponding to the reading unit 30 and an image writing unit 122 corresponding to the writing unit 40. , A system controller 123, a user restriction device 124, a human body detection sensor 125, an operation unit 110, a clock unit 126, a remote diagnosis unit (CSS) 127, a memory unit 128, and the like. The image reading unit 121, the image writing unit 122, and the memory unit 128 are connected by a data bus 129 and also by a system bus 130, and the system bus 130 is further connected by a system controller 123 and a remote diagnosis unit 127. And the clock unit 126.
[0052]
The image reading unit 121 corresponds to the reading unit 30 and irradiates the document with light from the exposure lamp 32 and converts the reflected light into an electrical signal by the CCD image sensor 37, and then performs necessary image processing. . The necessary image processing includes quantization processing for converting an analog electric signal output from the CCD image sensor 37 into binary or multi-value image data, irradiation unevenness of the exposure lamp 32 that irradiates the document, and the CCD image sensor 37. There are various processes such as shading correction for correcting sensitivity variations, MTF correction for correcting blur due to an optical system, and scaling processing for interpolating data using image data read by changing an image reading density.
[0053]
The image writing unit 122 corresponds to the writing unit 40, and forms an image on the transfer paper 71 by the electrophotographic method as described above, using the image image (image data) sent by the electric signal.
[0054]
The system controller 123 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 123a, controls each part of the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn, and executes basic processing as the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn. For example, the system controller 123 performs paper copy processing, electrophotographic process processing, an abnormal state, a paper feed cassette state (the presence or absence of paper, etc.), etc., in order to form an image in the image writing unit 122 when executing the copy mode. In order to read the image by the in-machine monitoring and image reading unit 121, the scanner operation, ON / OFF of the light source, etc. are controlled. In particular, the system controller 123 is a resource that is a unit of a functional unit shared by a plurality of applications when executing a plurality of applications installed in the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn, for example, applications such as copying, faxing, printers, and scanners. And assign resources and control their behavior.
[0055]
The memory unit 128 includes a compression block 128a, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) block 128b, and a DMA (Direct Memory Access) block 128c. However, the memory unit 128 is necessary only for realizing a memory function, and has a normal copy function. It is not particularly necessary when it is realized.
[0056]
The clock unit 126 is used to implement a weekly timer function that boots or shuts down the machine at a specific time. The weekly timer is a function for turning on / off the power in accordance with the ON / OFF time set for each day of the week. For this function, the operation for adjusting the time of the clock unit 126 and for each day of the week are performed. An operation to set the ON / OFF time is required.
[0057]
The human body detection sensor 125 controls the fixing temperature to be lowered by a certain temperature (for example, 10 ° C.), and turns off the display of the operation unit 110, so that it is placed in front of the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn in the preheating mode to save power consumption. When realizing the function of automatically canceling the preheating mode when the user approaches, it is used to detect whether or not there is a user near the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn. The preheating mode is automatically set after a certain time from the absence of operation and operation depending on key input or machine setting in the operation unit 110. The preheating mode is canceled by key input in the operation unit 110. It is canceled when the human body detection sensor 125 detects that a person stands in front of the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn by machine setting.
[0058]
The remote diagnosis unit 127 automatically reports to the service center of the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn when an error occurs in the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn, or the execution status of the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn. And monitor usage from a remote location.
[0059]
The user restriction device 124 is a device for identifying, limiting, and managing users of the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn, such as a coin rack, a key counter, a key card, a prepaid card, and the like, and is used using a personal identification code. Can also be restricted.
[0060]
The DRAM block 128b of the memory unit 128 stores the image signal (image data) of the document read by the image reading unit 121 and the image data received from the computers PC1 to PCn, and stores the image data in the DRAM 128b in response to a request from the system controller 123. The stored image data is transferred to the image writing unit 122. The compression block 128a has a compression function such as MH (Modified Huffman), MR (Modified Relative Element Address Design), MMR (Modified MR) method, etc., and the use efficiency of the memory (DRAM block 128b) and transfer over the line. In order to improve efficiency, the image data of the image read by the image reading unit 121 is compressed, and when the image writing unit 122 writes the image, the address to be read and the direction thereof are changed. Rotate. Further, the memory unit 128 is also used as a buffer unit when transferring image data between the computers PC1 to PCn on the network NW and transferring image data between the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn.
[0061]
In FIG. 5, the image reading unit 121, the image writing unit 122, the memory unit 128, and the remote diagnosis unit 127 are controlled only by the CPU 124a of the system controller 124. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 121a, 122a, and 128d are provided in the image reading unit 121, the image writing unit 122, and the memory unit 128, respectively, and commands from the system controller 123 to the CPUs 121a, 122a, and 128d are transmitted through control signal lines. You may do it.
[0062]
In the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn, the image reading unit 121 as the reading unit 30 and the image writing unit 122 as the writing unit 40 are configured as an image processing unit 140 as shown in FIG. The processing unit 140 includes the CCD image sensor 37, the A / D converter 141, the shading correction unit 142, the MTF / γ correction unit 143, the print composition unit 144, the selector 145, the print composition unit 146, the scaling unit 147, and the print image data. A generation unit 148, a memory controller 149, an image memory 150, a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) driver 151, an I / O port 152, a CPU 153, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 154, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 155, and the like. . In FIG. 7, addresses and data indicate image data, and data and addresses connected to the CPU 153 are not shown.
[0063]
Reflected light irradiated from the exposure lamp 32 and reflected from the original surface is imaged on the CCD image sensor 37 through the lens 36, and the CCD image sensor 37 receives the imaged light and photoelectrically converts it. And output to the A / D converter 141. The A / D converter 141 converts an analog electric signal input from the CCD image sensor 37 into a digital signal, and the shading correction unit 142 performs shading correction on the image signal converted into the digital signal. The MTF / γ correction unit 143 performs image correction processing such as MTF correction and γ correction on the image data subjected to the shading correction, and the print composition unit 144 prints the image data on which the image correction processing has been performed. The print image data from the data generation unit 148 is combined and output to the selector 145.
[0064]
The print image data generation unit 148 receives an address and data from the CPU 123a of the system controller 123, generates print image data based on the address and data, and outputs the print image data to the print composition unit 144 or the print composition unit 146.
[0065]
The selector 145 switches the sending destination of the image signal (image data) to the scaling unit 71 and the memory controller 149, and when forming an image, the selector 149 sends the image signal to the print composition unit 146, The print composition unit 146 combines the print image data input from the print image data generation unit 148 and sends it to the scaling unit 147. The scaling unit 147 enlarges / reduces the image signal in accordance with a designated or necessary scaling factor and sends it to the writing unit 40. The writing unit 40 is based on the input image data (image signal). The laser beam emitted from the laser diode of the laser output unit 41 is modulated to write an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 51.
[0066]
An image signal can be input / output bidirectionally between the memory controller 149 and the selector 145, and is not shown in FIG. 7, but is input from the reading unit (image reading unit 121) 30, that is, the CCD 37. In addition to the image data to be processed, it has a function of selecting input / output of a plurality of data so that image data supplied from outside such as the computers PC1 to PCn connected to the network NW can be processed.
[0067]
The ROM 154 stores various programs such as a basic program of the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn and a remote operation control processing program to be described later, and various data necessary for executing these programs. The RAM 155 is a process of the CPU 153. Temporarily store various data necessary for execution. The CPU 153 controls each unit of the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn based on a program in the ROM 154, executes basic processing as the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn, and executes remote operation control processing to be described later. Setting to the controller 149 and the like and control of the image reading unit 121 and the image writing unit 122 are performed. Further, the CPU 153 writes data to the image memory 150 and reads data from the image memory 150 via the memory controller 149.
[0068]
As shown in FIG. 8, the image signal for one page in the selector 145 is a frame gate signal (/ FGATE) indicating the effective period of the image data of one page in the sub-scanning direction, and a main scanning synchronization signal for each line. (/ LSYNC) is a line gate signal (/ LGATE) indicating that the image signal in the main scanning direction is valid, and the image signal becomes valid at a predetermined clock after the main scanning synchronization signal (/ LSYNC) rises. . Each of these signals is synchronized with the pixel clock VCLK, and data of one pixel is sent to the selector 145 for one cycle of the pixel clock VCLK. The image processing unit 140 generates a separate frame gate signal (/ FGATE), main scanning synchronization signal (/ LSYNC), line gate signal (/ LGATE), and pixel clock (VCLK) for each of image input and image output. It has a mechanism, and various image input / output combinations can be realized.
[0069]
The memory controller 149 and the image memory 150 can be illustrated as shown in FIG. 9. The memory controller 149 includes an input data selector 161, an image composition unit 162, a primary compression / decompression unit 163, an output data selector 164, and a secondary data selector. Each block includes a compression / decompression unit 165 and the like, and control data is set to each block by the CPU 153.
[0070]
The image memory 150 includes a primary storage unit 150a and a secondary storage unit 150b. The primary storage unit 150a writes data and reads data when outputting an image substantially in synchronization with the transfer rate of input image data. For example, a memory such as a DRAM that can be accessed at high speed is used. The primary storage unit 150a is configured to be divided into a plurality of areas according to the size of image data to be processed and to simultaneously execute input / output of image data (interface unit with the memory controller 149). For example, in order to be able to execute input and output of image data in parallel in each divided area of the primary storage unit 150a, the interface with the memory controller 149 has two sets of address data for reading and writing. For example, image data can be output (read) from the memory area 2 while an image is input (written) to the memory area 1.
[0071]
The secondary storage unit 150b is a large-capacity memory that stores data in order to combine and sort input image data. If both the primary storage unit 150a and the secondary storage unit 105b use elements that can be accessed at high speed, the primary storage unit 150a and the secondary storage unit 105b can perform data processing without distinction, and control is relatively easy. Although simplified, since elements such as DRAM are expensive, the secondary storage unit 150b is not so fast in access speed, but uses an inexpensive and large-capacity recording medium to perform primary processing of input / output data. It is good also as a structure performed via the memory | storage part 150a. When the image memory 150 has such a memory configuration, digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn capable of inputting / outputting, storing, and processing a large amount of image data can be realized with a low-cost and relatively simple configuration.
[0072]
The memory controller 149, when inputting an image (saving image data in the image memory 150), causes the input data selector 161 to write image data to the image memory 150 (primary storage unit 150a) from among a plurality of data. Is supplied to the image composition unit 162, and the image composition unit 162 performs composition with the image data already stored in the image memory 150, and sends it to the primary compression / decompression unit 163 or the output data selector 164. Output.
[0073]
The primary compression / decompression unit 163 compresses the image data processed by the image composition unit 162 and writes the compressed data in the primary storage unit 150 a of the image memory 150.
[0074]
The image memory 150 further compresses the data written in the primary storage unit 150a as necessary by the secondary compression / decompression unit 165, and then stores the data in the secondary storage unit 150b.
[0075]
The memory controller 149 reads image data stored in the primary storage unit 150a during image output (reading from the image memory 150), and an image to be output is stored in the primary storage unit 150a. The primary compression / decompression unit 163 decompresses the image data in the primary storage unit 150a, and the image composition unit 162 performs image composition of the decompressed image data, the decompressed image data, and the input image data. The image data after the selection is selected by the output data selector 164 and output.
[0076]
The image composition unit 162 composes the image data of the primary storage unit 150a and the input image data (has a phase adjustment function of the image data), and selects the output destination of the image data after composition (image output, primary storage) For example, write back to the unit 150a and simultaneous output to both output destinations).
[0077]
When the image to be output at the time of image output is not stored in the primary storage unit 150a, the memory controller 149 converts the image data to be output stored in the secondary storage unit 150b into a secondary compression / decompression unit. In 165, the decompressed image data is written in the primary storage unit 150a, and then the same image output operation as described above is performed.
[0078]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. The digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn according to the present embodiment can make an operation reservation for the applications of the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn from the computers PC1 to PCn connected to the network NW. It is characterized in that operation input by the other users of the application reserved for operation in the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn is prohibited and screen transition to application initial setting is prohibited.
[0079]
That is, the digital copy devices DC1 to DCn can make an operation reservation for an application from the computers PC1 to PCn connected to the network to which the digital copy devices DC1 to DCn are connected. Although the copying operation cannot be started in the copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn during the fixing heating, the copying operation can be performed after the fixing heating is completed by completing the mode setting and document setting and making an operation reservation. This is a function that automatically starts a copy operation at the point. Note that the operation target that can be reserved for operation is not limited to the operation reservation during fixing heating, and the operation that becomes operable as time elapses can be the target of operation reservation. Operation reservations can be made during time, polygon motor rotation stabilization time, toner supply operation, and the like.
[0080]
First, when an operation reservation is made for the applications of the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn from the computers PC1 to PCn, an application (for example, as shown in FIG. 10) is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 111 of the operation unit 30 of the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn. , Copy) operation reservation window 111a indicating that an operation reservation has been made is displayed in the foreground. In operation reservation window 111a, the user IDs of computers PC1 to PCn that have made operation reservations (USER001 in FIG. 10) are displayed. ) Is displayed to determine who made the reservation.
[0081]
The digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn prohibit the operation setting input operations of the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn while the operation reservation window 111a indicating that the operation is reserved.
[0082]
When making an application operation reservation on the computers PC1 to PCn, first, on the display 200 of the computers PC1 to PCn, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn connected to the network NW. Displays the type of image forming apparatus. In this case, as the image forming apparatus, a plurality of digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn and other apparatuses such as a printer apparatus may be connected to the network NW, so that the names can be individually given. In the copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn, a name can be assigned for each function (application).
[0083]
In FIG. 11, when the users of the computers PC1 to PCn select the usage status button, the network usage status screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display 200. In this network usage status screen, the currently operating network connected to the network NW is operating. In addition, the reserved image forming apparatus can be displayed and the image forming apparatus can be reserved. In the network usage status screen of FIG. 12, the device name of the usage status is displayed with the name shown in FIG. 11, and the status of the usage status is each status of the image forming apparatus, operating (BUSY), reserved (RESERVED). ), Operation in progress (OPERATE), etc. are displayed. In the owner column of the network usage status screen of FIG. 12, the user IDs of the computers PC1 to PCn are displayed for operations from the computers PC1 to PCn, and the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn (for example, MF02 etc.) are displayed. ) And a facsimile machine (FAX1), when the user directly operates and operates the image forming apparatus, it is displayed as OPERATER or the like to distinguish from the user.
[0084]
As shown in FIG. 12, the network usage status screen displays a field for selecting an image forming apparatus to be reserved for operation, a field for entering a reservation button, and a password.
[0085]
In order to make an operation reservation for the image forming apparatuses such as the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn from the computers PC1 to PCn, it is necessary to perform user registration. To perform user registration, a user as shown in FIG. The registration list screen is displayed on the display 200 of the computers PC1 to PCn. In this user registration list screen, registered user names (such as USER008) and user codes (such as 444) are listed in order of priority, and keys necessary for registration, change, and deletion are displayed. When the new registration key is pressed, a user registration screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. On the user registration screen, user ID (user name in the screen display of FIG. 14), usable functions (in the case of FIG. 14, copy, printer, FAX transmission, scanner), password (user code in the screen display of FIG. 14) You can register. In addition, although the same user ID (user name) can be registered on this user registration screen, a warning or the like is displayed in the case of duplication so as not to duplicate the password. Further, when changing the user registration contents, the user registration screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the user registration screen by pressing the key of the registered user name / user code on the user registration list screen shown in FIG. It is displayed with the registered contents.
[0086]
The computers PC1 to PCn close the user registration screen and return to the user registration list screen of FIG. 13 when a new user registration or content change is performed on the user registration screen of FIG. 14 and the setting key is pressed. The user registration list screen is displayed with the contents changed according to the setting contents.
[0087]
Then, in an image forming apparatus connected to the network NW, for example, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn, at the time of application switching, as shown in FIG. 15, the liquid crystal touch panel 111 of the operation unit 30 has an application switching transition. Is displayed on the screen. That is, for example, if a copy application is reserved, the operation reservation window 111a indicating that the operation is reserved from the computers PC1 to PCn is displayed on the screen of the reserved application screen (the left screen in FIG. 15). The operation setting input of the copy application is suppressed so that the operation setting of the copy application cannot be performed. However, when the application switching key 118 of the operation unit 30 is pressed to switch the application to the fax in this screen display, the fax application is determined to be an application that is not subject to copy reservation, and the reservation display The operation reservation window 111a is closed, and an initial setting screen of the fax application is displayed so as to be displayed on the right side of FIG. 15. On the initial setting screen of the fax application, an operation setting can be input.
[0088]
When the operation for switching to the copy application reserved for operation is performed with the application switching key 118 of the software platform 30 on the initial setting screen of the fax application, a transition to the initial setting screen of the copy application is performed, and FIG. An operation reservation window 111a for reservation display is displayed so as to be displayed on the left side, and the operation setting input of the copy application is suppressed.
[0089]
In addition, when the initial setting key 116 of the operation unit 30 is pressed, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn display the initial setting menu screen shown in FIG. In this initial setting menu screen, a transition key (counter key) to a counter screen (not shown) indicating the usage status of each application, and a language switching key (in FIG. 16, an English and an English indicating switching to English) are displayed. Key), a transition key to a screen for confirming / changing the initial settings of the entire digital copying apparatus DC1 to DCn (system initial setting key), and a transition key to a screen for confirming / changing the initial settings of each application (Copy initial setting key, fax initial setting key, etc.) are displayed.
[0090]
When the copy initial setting key is pressed on the initial setting menu screen, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn display the copy initial setting screen shown in FIG. 17 on the liquid crystal touch panel 111. Each tab key (basic copy, scaling factor, etc.) exists. Within each category, there are keys for each setting item (automatic paper selection priority, limitless paper feed, etc.) and feedback display of the settings (such as rotation, operation, etc.), which are displayed on the screen for each category. If there are items that cannot be displayed, a page number display and a page switching key are displayed.
[0091]
In addition, when the setting item key is pressed on the initial setting menu screen of FIG. 16, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn open a pop-up window on the liquid crystal touch panel 111 (not shown), and the setting can be changed. .
[0092]
Furthermore, when the system initial setting key is pressed on the initial setting menu screen of FIG. 16, the digital copying apparatuses DC <b> 1 to DCn display the system initial setting screen shown in FIG. 18 on the liquid crystal touch panel 111.
[0093]
In this embodiment, when an operation reservation is made by designating an application of the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn from the computers PC1 to PCn, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn are assigned by other users of the application reserved for the operation. Prohibits operation input and prohibits screen transition to application initial settings.
[0094]
That is, since the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn are valid for counter confirmation and language switching even when the operation reservation is made from the computers PC1 to PCn, when the initial setting key 116 of the operation unit 30 is pressed. The initial setting screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. When an initial setting key of an operation reserved application (for example, a copy application) is pressed on this initial setting screen, as shown in FIG. 19, the computer PC1 The operation reservation window 111a indicating that the operation is reserved from the PCn side is displayed in the forefront, the screen reservation of the application reserved for operation is suppressed to the initial setting screen, and the operation reservation of the application reserved for operation is reserved. The initial setting by users other than the selected user is prohibited.
[0095]
In the operation reservation window 111a, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn close the reservation display operation reservation window 111a when the operation reservation code is input and the # key is input, and the operation reservation window 111 Transition to a setting screen, for example, a copy initial setting screen shown in FIG.
[0096]
Further, when the cancel key is pressed in the operation reservation window 111a of FIG. 19, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn close the reservation display operation reservation window 111a and return to the initial setting menu screen shown in FIG.
[0097]
Further, when the initial setting key 116 of the operation unit 30 is pressed again while the operation reservation window 111a of FIG. 19 is being displayed, the screen returns to the screen display of the application screen before the initial setting menu screen shown in FIG. 16 is opened.
[0098]
That is, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn will be described with reference to the initial setting screen shown in FIG. 16, for example, when the initial setting key of the copy application is pressed. As shown in FIG. When the key 116 is pressed, the initial setting screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 111. On this initial setting screen, for example, it is checked whether the initial setting key of the copy application is pressed (step S101). If the copy application is not pressed, the process ends.
[0099]
When the copy application initial setting key is pressed in step S101, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn check whether the copy application is an operation reserved application (step S102). The display on the touch panel 111 is switched to the copy initial setting screen shown in FIG. 17 (step S103), the process returns to step S101, and the same processing as described above is performed.
[0100]
If the copy application is reserved for operation in step S102, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn display the operation reservation window 111a shown in FIG. 19 on the liquid crystal touch panel 111 (step S104), and the copy application for which the operation is reserved is displayed. Screen transition to the initial setting screen is suppressed, initial setting by a user other than the user who reserved the operation of the copy application reserved for operation is prohibited (key input is suppressed) (step S105), and the process returns to step S101. Processing is performed in the same manner as above (steps S101 to S105).
[0101]
Then, as shown in FIG. 21, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn check whether or not the # key is pressed while the operation reservation window 111a is displayed (step S111). It is checked whether the recitation code and the recitation code (PC security code) input by the computers PC1 to PCn reserved for operation match (step S112).
[0102]
If they match in step S112, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn close (delete) the operation reservation window 111a (step S113), cancel the suppression of key input (step S114), and execute the copy application. The screen display is switched to the initial setting screen (step S115), the process returns to step S111, and the same processing as described above is performed.
[0103]
When the # key of the operation unit 30 is not pressed in step S111, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn check whether the clear / stop key 113 of the operation unit 30 is pressed (step S116). The display field of the window 111a is erased (step S117), and when the code is input, the input code is initialized (step S118), and the process returns to step S111 and is processed in the same manner as described above.
[0104]
In step S112, when the recitation code input in the operation reservation window 111a does not match the recitation code input in the computers PC1 to PCn reserved for operation, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn proceed to step S117. Then, the display field of the operation reservation window 111a is erased (step S117), the input password is initialized (step S118), and the process returns to step S111 and is processed in the same manner as described above.
[0105]
In step S116, when the clear / stop key 113 of the operation unit 30 is not pressed, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn check whether the ten key 112 of the operation unit 30 is input (step S119). If the ten key 112 is not input, Returning to step S111 as it is, the same processing as described above is performed.
[0106]
When the numeric keypad 112 is input in step S119, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn display * symbols for the number of input digits for inputting the code of the operation reservation window 111a (step S120). The personal identification code (input personal identification code) is calculated and stored using the numeric keypad 112 (step S121), and the process returns to step S111 to perform the same processing as above (steps S111 to S121).
[0107]
In the above description, a case has been described in which an operation reservation is made for a copy application. However, the same processing can be performed for other applications, and operation reservation is not limited to one application. Even if operation reservations are made for a plurality of applications, the same processing can be performed.
[0108]
As described above, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn according to the present embodiment are connected to the network NW to which the computers PC1 to PCn are connected, and perform various application processes such as a print process and a copy process using resources, and a computer. When a personal identification code specifying a user is input from PC1 to PCn and an operation reservation for specifying an application and reserving an operation of the application is received and processed, the operation operation of the application reserved for the operation is prohibited, and a liquid crystal Of the screen display on the touch panel 111, screen transition to the initial setting screen of the application reserved for the operation is prohibited, and the reciting code input at the time of the operation reservation on the computers PC1 to PCn and the user code input on the operation unit 110 match. Then As well as it permits the operation operation of work reservation application, and allow the screen transition to the initial setting screen of the operation reserved application.
[0109]
Therefore, it is possible to ensure that a user who has made an operation reservation on the computers PC1 to PCn can use the application for which the operation reservation has been made and does not disturb the use of other users of other applications. The usability of the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn can be improved.
[0110]
22 to 24 are views showing a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and this embodiment corresponds to claim 2.
[0111]
The present embodiment is applied to a network system and a digital copy apparatus similar to the network system 1 and the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn of the first embodiment, and in the description of the present embodiment, If necessary, description will be made using the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment as they are.
[0112]
The network system 1 according to the present embodiment can make operation reservations for applications of the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn as image forming apparatuses from the computers PC1 to PCn connected to the network NW. The digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn When an application operation reservation is made, other users of the application reserved for the operation are prohibited from inputting operations on the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn, and an operation for changing the initial setting of the application reserved for the operation is prohibited. To do.
[0113]
That is, in the case of the present embodiment, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn are effective in checking the counter and switching the language even when an operation reservation is made, so the initial setting key 116 of the operation unit 30 is pressed. Then, the initial setting menu screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 111. In this state, when an initial setting key (for example, copy initial setting key) of an application reserved for operation from the computers PC1 to PCn is pressed, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn display the copy initial setting screen shown in FIG. Tab keys (basic copy, scaling factor, etc.) for each category are present on this copy initial setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 111. Within each category, there are keys for each setting item (automatic paper selection priority, limitless paper feed, etc.) and feedback display of the settings (such as rotation, operation, etc.), which are displayed on the screen for each category. If there are items that cannot be displayed, a page number display and a page switching key are displayed. In the copy initial setting screen, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn can press the tabu key and the page switching key for each classification, and can check the initial feedback display.
[0114]
However, when a setting item key (for example, priority document type key) is pressed on the copy initial setting screen, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn are reserved for operations from the computers PC1 to PCn as shown in FIG. An operation reservation window 111a indicating that the setting is present is displayed in the foreground, and setting change input for copy initial settings is suppressed.
[0115]
When the password for operation reservation is input in the operation reservation window 111a, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn close the operation reservation window 111a and open the setting item pop-up window. When the cancel key is pressed in the operation reservation window 111a, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn close the operation reservation window 111a and return to the copy initial setting screen before pressing the setting item key shown in FIG. Furthermore, when the initial setting key 116 of the operation unit 30 is pressed again when the reservation operation reservation window 111a is displayed, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn return to the application screen before the initial setting menu screen is opened.
[0116]
That is, when a copy application operation reservation is made from the computers PC1 to PCn and the initial setting key of the copy application is pressed on the initial setting screen shown in FIG. 16, for example, as shown in FIG. When the initial setting key 116 of the operation unit 30 is pressed, the initial setting screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 111. On this initial setting screen, for example, the initial setting key of the copy application is pressed. 17 is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 111, and it is checked whether or not an initial setting item key (for example, priority document type key) is pressed on the copy initial setting screen (step S201). If the setting item key is not pressed, the process ends.
[0117]
In step S201, when the initial setting item key is pressed on the copy initial setting screen, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn check whether the copy application is an operation reserved application (step S202), and no operation reservation is made. In some cases, a pop-up window of the selected initial setting item is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 111, and the process ends (step S203).
[0118]
When the copy application is reserved for operation in step S202, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn display the operation reservation window 111a on the liquid crystal touch panel 111 as shown in FIG. 22 (step S204), and the operation reservation is made. Suppresses the screen transition to the setting item screen selected on the initial setting screen of the copy application, and prohibits setting changes of setting items by users other than the user who reserved the operation of the copy application reserved for operation (suppress key input) (Step S205), the process returns to Step S201, and the same processing as described above is performed (Steps S201 to S205).
[0119]
Then, as shown in FIG. 24, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn check whether or not the # key is pressed while the operation reservation window 111a is displayed (step S211). It is checked whether the recitation code and the recitation code (PC security code) input by the computers PC1 to PCn reserved for operation match (step S212).
[0120]
If they match in step S212, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn close (delete) the operation reservation window 111a (step S213), cancel the suppression of key input (step S214), and execute the copy application. A pop-up window of the setting item selected on the initial setting screen is displayed on the screen (step S215), and the process returns to step S211 and is processed in the same manner as described above.
[0121]
If the # key of the operation unit 30 is not pressed in step S211, the digital copying apparatus DC1 to DCn checks whether the clear / stop key 113 of the operation unit 30 is pressed (step S216). The display field of the window 111a is erased (step S217), and when the code is input, the input code is initialized (step S218), the process returns to step S211 and the same processing as described above is performed.
[0122]
In step S212, when the recitation code input in the operation reservation window 111a does not match the recitation code input in the computers PC1 to PCn reserved for operation, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn proceed to step S217. Then, the display field of the operation reservation window 111a is erased (step S217), the input password is initialized (step S218), the process returns to step S211 and the same processing as described above is performed.
[0123]
In step S216, when the clear / stop key 113 of the operation unit 30 is not pressed, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn check whether the ten key 112 of the operation unit 30 is input (step S219), and when the ten key 112 is not input, Returning to step S211, the process is performed in the same manner as described above.
[0124]
When the numeric keypad 112 is input in step S219, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn display * symbols for the number of input digits for inputting the code of the operation reservation window 111a (step S220). The personal identification code (input personal identification code) is calculated and stored using the numeric keypad 112 (step S221), and the process returns to step S211 to perform the same processing as above (steps S211 to S221).
[0125]
In the above description, a case has been described in which an operation reservation is made for a copy application. However, the same processing can be performed for other applications, and operation reservation is not limited to one application. Even if operation reservations are made for a plurality of applications, the same processing can be performed.
[0126]
As described above, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn according to the present embodiment are connected to the network NW to which the computers PC1 to PCn are connected, and perform various application processes such as a print process and a copy process using resources, and a computer. When receiving and processing an operation reservation for inputting an identification code for identifying a user from PC1 to PCn and specifying an application and reserving the operation of the application, the operation operation of the application reserved for the operation is prohibited, and The setting change operation of the initial setting of the application is prohibited, and the operation operation of the application reserved for the operation is permitted when the recitation code input at the time of the operation reservation on the computers PC1 to PCn matches the user code input at the operation unit 110. Then To, and allow setting change operation for the initial setting of the operation reserved application.
[0127]
Therefore, it is possible to ensure that a user who has made an operation reservation on the computers PC1 to PCn can use the application reserved for the operation, and the setting initial value of the application reserved for operation is changed to another user. The operation procedure at the time of operation reservation can be omitted, and the usability of the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn can be further improved.
[0128]
25 and 26 are views showing a third embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and this embodiment corresponds to claim 3. FIG.
[0129]
The present embodiment is applied to a network system and a digital copy apparatus similar to the network system 1 and the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn of the first embodiment, and in the description of the present embodiment, If necessary, description will be made using the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment as they are.
[0130]
The network system 1 according to this embodiment can make an application operation reservation for the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn as image forming apparatuses from the computers PC1 to PCn connected to the network NW, and the application operation reservation is made. In response to instructions from the computers PC1 to PCn, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn prohibit operation inputs on the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn by other users of the application reserved for the operation, and also reserve the operation reservation. Screen transition to the default setting change screen and the initial setting item change operation of the specified application are prohibited.
[0131]
That is, in the network system 1 according to the present embodiment, the operation reservation is performed by designating the applications of the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn from the computers PC1 to PCn. The operation reservation in the computers PC1 to PCn is performed by the computers PC1 to PCn. A reservation screen as shown in FIG. 25 is displayed on the display 200. On this reservation screen, an operation operation reservation of the application and an instruction operation for prohibiting the change of the setting items of the initial setting of the application reserved for operation are performed.
[0132]
Therefore, this reservation screen is provided with an application initial setting lock ON key 201. When the application initial setting lock ON key 201 is pressed, the application initial setting lock ON key 201 is displayed in reverse display and reverse release display. Perform toggle operation display. When the application initial setting lock ON key 201 is highlighted, the application initial setting is prohibited from being changed, and when the application initial setting lock ON key 201 is displayed in reverse video, the application initial setting can be changed.
[0133]
Now, when an operation reservation is made in the state where the application initial setting lock ON key 201 is highlighted, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn, for example, set item keys on the copy initial setting screen shown in FIG. For example, when the priority document type key is pressed, an operation reservation window 111a indicating that the operation is reserved from the computers PC1 to PCn as shown in FIG. Suppress input.
[0134]
When an operation reservation recitation code is input in the operation reservation window 111a, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn close the operation reservation window 111a and open a pop-up window of the selected setting item. When the cancel key is pressed in the operation reservation window 111a, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn close the operation reservation window 111a and return to the copy initial setting screen before pressing the setting item key shown in FIG. Furthermore, when the initial setting key 116 of the operation unit 30 is pressed again when the reservation operation reservation window 111a is displayed, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn return to the application screen before the initial setting menu screen is opened.
[0135]
In addition, in the computers PC1 to PCn, when an operation reservation is made in a state where the application initial setting lock ON key 201 is displayed in reverse on the reservation screen, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn are shown in FIG. When a setting item key on the copy initial setting screen, for example, a priority document type key is pressed, a pop-up window of the selected initial setting item is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 111, and the setting can be changed.
[0136]
That is, now, a case where a copy application operation reservation is made from the computers PC1 to PCn and the initial setting key of the copy application is pressed on the initial setting screen shown in FIG. 16, for example, will be described with reference to FIG. As shown, when the initial setting key 116 of the operation unit 30 is pressed, the initial setting screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 111. On this initial setting screen, for example, the initial setting key of the copy application is displayed. When the button is pressed, the copy initial setting screen shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 111, and it is checked whether or not an initial setting item key (for example, priority document type key) is pressed on the copy initial setting screen (step S301). ) If the initial setting item key is not pressed, the process is terminated.
[0137]
In step S301, when the initial setting item key is pressed on the copy initial setting screen, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn check whether the copy application is an operation reserved application (step S302), and no operation reservation is made. In some cases, a pop-up window of the selected initial setting item is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 111, and the process ends (step S303).
[0138]
When the copy application is reserved for operation in step S302, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn check whether or not a copy initial setting lock instruction has been issued (step S304), and a copy initial setting lock instruction has been issued. If not, a pop-up window of the selected initial setting item is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 111, and the process is terminated (step S303).
[0139]
If the copy initial setting lock is instructed in step S304, the operation reservation window 111a is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 111 as shown in FIG. 22 (step S305), and the initial setting screen of the copy application reserved for operation is displayed. The screen transition to the selected setting item screen is suppressed, and setting change of the setting item by a user other than the user who reserved the operation of the copy application reserved for operation is prohibited (key input is suppressed) (step S306). Returning to step S301, the same processing as described above is performed (steps S301 to S306).
[0140]
As described above, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn according to the present embodiment, in response to an instruction from the computers PC1 to PCn that have made an operation reservation, prohibit and permit the operation operation of the application reserved for the operation, and It controls the prohibition and permission of the screen transition to the initial setting screen or the initial setting change operation of the application.
[0141]
Accordingly, the computer PC1 to PCn can prohibit and permit the prohibition and permission of the operation operation of the reserved application and the screen transition to the initial setting screen of the application or the setting change operation of the initial setting of the application. Thus, it is possible to further improve the usability of the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn by omitting the operation procedure at the time of operation reservation.
[0142]
FIGS. 27 to 30 are views showing a fourth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and this embodiment corresponds to claim 4.
[0143]
The present embodiment is applied to a network system and a digital copy apparatus similar to the network system 1 and the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn of the first embodiment, and in the description of the present embodiment, If necessary, description will be made using the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment as they are.
[0144]
The network system 1 according to this embodiment can make an application operation reservation for the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn as image forming apparatuses from the computers PC1 to PCn connected to the network NW, and the application operation reservation is made. The digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn prohibit other users of the application reserved for the operation from operating the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn and change the system initial settings of the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn. Prohibition can be instructed from the computers PC1 to PCn.
[0145]
That is, in the network system 1 according to the present embodiment, the operation reservation is performed by designating the applications of the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn from the computers PC1 to PCn. The operation reservation in the computers PC1 to PCn is performed by the computers PC1 to PCn. A reservation screen as shown in FIG. 27 is displayed on the display 200. On this reservation screen, the operation reservation of the application, the initial setting of the application reserved for the operation and the system initial setting of the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn are prohibited.
[0146]
Therefore, this reservation screen is provided with an application initial setting lock ON key 201 and a system initial setting lock ON key 202. When the application initial setting lock ON key 201 is pressed, the application initial setting lock ON key A toggle operation display of 201 inversion display and inversion release display is performed. When the application initial setting lock ON key 201 is highlighted, the application initial setting is prohibited from being changed, and when the application initial setting lock ON key 201 is displayed in reverse video, the application initial setting can be changed. When pressed, the system initial setting lock ON key 202 performs a toggle operation display of the reversed display and the reversed release display of the system initial setting lock ON key 202. When the system initial setting lock ON key 202 is highlighted, the change of the system initial setting is prohibited. When the system initial setting lock ON key 202 is displayed as the reverse release, the system initial setting can be changed.
[0147]
Now, in the state where the application initial setting lock ON key 201 is highlighted, an operation reservation is made, and the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn are, for example, setting item keys on the copy initial setting screen shown in FIG. For example, when the priority document type key is pressed, an operation reservation window 111a indicating that the operation is reserved from the computers PC1 to PCn as shown in FIG. Suppress input.
[0148]
When an operation reservation recitation code is input in the operation reservation window 111a, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn close the operation reservation window 111a and open a pop-up window of the selected setting item. When the cancel key is pressed in the operation reservation window 111a, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn close the operation reservation window 111a and return to the copy initial setting screen before pressing the setting item key shown in FIG. Furthermore, when the initial setting key 116 of the operation unit 30 is pressed again when the reservation operation reservation window 111a is displayed, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn return to the application screen before the initial setting menu screen is opened.
[0149]
In addition, in the computers PC1 to PCn, when an operation reservation is made in a state where the application initial setting lock ON key 201 is displayed in reverse on the reservation screen, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn are shown in FIG. When a setting item key on the copy initial setting screen, for example, a priority document type key is pressed, a pop-up window of the selected initial setting item is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 111, and the setting can be changed.
[0150]
Further, in the computers PC1 to PCn, an operation reservation is made in a state where the system initial setting lock ON key 202 is highlighted, and setting item keys for system initial setting of the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn, for example, priority setting When the key is pressed, an operation reservation window 111a indicating that the operation is reserved from the side of the computers PC1 to PCn as shown in FIG. 28 is displayed in the foreground, and setting change input of the system initial setting is suppressed.
[0151]
When the password for operation reservation is input in the operation reservation window 111a, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn close the operation reservation window 111a and open the setting item pop-up window.
[0152]
Further, when an operation reservation is made in the computers PC1 to PCn with the system initial setting lock ON key 202 being displayed in reverse video, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn pop up when the setting item key is pressed. Displays a window to allow setting changes.
[0153]
Also, when the cancel key is pressed in the operation reservation window 111a, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn close the operation reservation window 111a and return to the application screen before opening the initial setting menu screen. .
[0154]
That is, as shown in FIG. 29, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn check whether a setting item key (for example, priority setting key) for system initial setting is pressed on the system initial setting screen shown in FIG. S401) If the initial setting item key is not pressed, the process is terminated.
[0155]
When the setting item key is pressed on the system initial setting screen in step S401, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn check whether there is an operation reservation application (application) (step S402). Then, a pop-up window of the selected setting item is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 111, and the process ends (step S403).
[0156]
If there is an application reserved for operation in step S402, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn check whether an instruction for system initial setting lock has been issued (step S404), and no instruction for system initial setting lock has been issued. In some cases, a pop-up window of the setting item selected in step S401 is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 111, and the process ends (step S403).
[0157]
When the system initial setting lock instruction is issued in step S404, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn display the operation reservation window 111a on the liquid crystal touch panel 111 as shown in FIG. 28 (step S405), and the operation is performed. Suppresses the screen transition to the setting item screen selected on the initial setting screen of the reserved copy application, and prohibits changes to the system initial setting items by users other than the user who reserved the operation for the copy application reserved for operation (Key input is inhibited) (step S406), the process returns to step S401, and the same processing as described above is performed (steps S401 to S406).
[0158]
Then, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn check whether or not the # key has been pressed as shown in FIG. 30 while the operation reservation window 111a of FIG. 28 is being displayed (step S411). It is checked whether the recitation code input at 111a matches the recitation code (PC security code) input at the computers PC1 to PCn reserved for operation (step S412).
[0159]
If they match in step S412, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn close (delete) the operation reservation window 111a (step S413), cancel the suppression of key input (step S414), and perform system initialization. A pop-up window of setting items of the system initial settings selected on the screen is displayed on the screen (step S415), and the process returns to step S411 to perform the same processing as described above.
[0160]
When the # key of the operation unit 30 is not pressed in step S411, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn check whether the clear / stop key 113 of the operation unit 30 is pressed (step S416). The display field of the window 111a is erased (step S417), and when the code is input, the input code is initialized (step S418), the process returns to step S411, and the same processing as described above is performed.
[0161]
In step S412, when the recitation code input in the operation reservation window 111a does not match the recitation code input in the computers PC1 to PCn reserved for operation, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn proceed to step S417. Then, the display field of the operation reservation window 111a is erased (step S417), the input password is initialized (step S418), the process returns to step S411, and the same processing as described above is performed.
[0162]
In step S416, when the clear / stop key 113 of the operation unit 30 is not pressed, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn check whether the ten key 112 of the operation unit 30 is input (step S419). The process returns to step S411 and the same processing as described above is performed.
[0163]
When the numeric keypad 112 is input in step S419, the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn display * symbols for the number of input digits for inputting the code of the operation reservation window 111a (step S420). The personal identification code (input personal identification code) is calculated and stored using the numeric keypad 112 (step S421), and the process returns to step S411 to perform the same processing as above (steps S411 to S421).
[0164]
As described above, the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn according to the present embodiment prohibit the setting change operation of the system initial settings of the digital copy apparatuses DC1 to DCn in accordance with the instruction from the computers PC1 to PCn that performed the operation reservation. You are controlling permissions.
[0165]
Therefore, it is possible to prohibit and permit the change of the initial setting value during the reservation from the computers PC1 to PCn, omitting an extra operation procedure at the time of reservation, and further improving the usability of the digital copying apparatuses DC1 to DCn. This can be further improved.
[0166]
The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.
[0167]
【The invention's effect】
  According to invention of Claim 1,Means for executing a plurality of applications, operation means for performing initial settings for each of the plurality of applications, screen display means for displaying an initial setting screen by the operation means, and communication means for communicating with an information processing apparatus In the image forming apparatus having the above, on the condition that the information processing apparatus has made an operation reservation for the application, there is a means for prohibiting the screen transition to the initial setting screen only for the application that made the operation reservation.Therefore, it is possible to ensure that a user who has made an operation reservation in the information processing apparatus can use the application for which the operation reservation has been made, and not to prevent other users from using other applications. And the usability of the image forming apparatus can be improved.
  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the password is entered and the operation reservation is made, the password entered by the operation means and the input at the time of the operation reservation are made. Provided that the user who made the operation reservation in the information processing apparatus has the means for permitting the initial setting of the application reserved for the operation by the operation means for performing the initial setting on the condition that the obtained password is matched. It is possible to ensure that the operation reserved application can be used.
  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the operation prohibiting means for prohibiting the operation of the application is provided on the condition that the information processing apparatus makes an operation reservation for the application. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that a user who has made an operation reservation with the information processing apparatus can use the application with the operation reservation.
  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, on the condition that the reservation operation of the application for image formation is registered together with the recitation code, and the reservation information is registered together with the recitation code, only the reserved application is initialized. The step of prohibiting screen transition to the initial setting screen for changing the setting, the step of determining coincidence / mismatch between the input recitation code and the pre-registered recitation code, and the input recitation code pre-registered When a match with the recitation code is determined, the step of allowing the screen transition to the initial setting screen for changing the initial setting of the application is included. It is possible to ensure that the operation reserved application can be used.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a network system to which a digital copying apparatus according to a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the digital copying apparatus shown in FIG.
3 is a plan view of an operation unit of the digital copying apparatus in FIG. 2;
4 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a main circuit of the digital copying apparatus shown in FIG. 2;
6 is a diagram showing another example of a circuit block of the digital copying apparatus in FIG. 2;
7 is a circuit block configuration diagram of an image processing unit of the digital copying apparatus of FIG. 2;
8 is a timing diagram of image signals for one page in the selector of FIG. 7;
9 is a detailed circuit block diagram of the memory controller and image memory of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display state of an operation reservation window when an operation reservation is performed on the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit of the digital copying apparatus.
11 is a diagram showing an example of a connection configuration for network connection displayed on the display of the computer in FIG. 1;
12 is a diagram showing an example of a network usage status screen displayed on the display of the computer of FIG. 1; FIG.
FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a user registration list screen displayed on the display of the computer of FIG. 1;
14 is a diagram showing an example of a user registration screen displayed on the display of the computer of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing transition of an application screen between an application registered on the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit of the digital copying apparatus and an application not registered by the user.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an initial setting screen on the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit of the digital copying apparatus.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a copy initial setting screen on the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit of the digital copying apparatus.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a system initial setting screen on the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit of the digital copying apparatus.
19 is a diagram showing an example of a display of an operation reservation window on the liquid crystal touch panel when an initial setting key of an application reserved for operation on the initial setting screen of FIG. 16 is operated.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an operation control process when an application initial setting key is operated on an initial setting screen by the digital copying apparatus.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing operation control processing during display of the operation reservation window of FIG. 20;
FIG. 22 is a liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit when the setting item key of the application reserved for operation on the copy initial setting screen of the digital copying apparatus to which the second embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied is operated; The figure which shows an example of a display of the operation reservation window.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an operation control process when an application setting item key is operated on the copy initial setting screen of FIG. 22;
24 is a flowchart showing an operation control process while the operation reservation window of FIG. 23 is being displayed.
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation screen displayed on a display of a computer connected to a network to which a digital copying apparatus to which the third embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied is connected;
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an operation control process when a setting item key of an application reserved for operation by an initial setting is operated by a digital copying apparatus to which the third embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied;
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation screen displayed on the display of a computer connected to a network to which a digital copying apparatus to which the fourth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied is connected;
FIG. 28 displays an operation reservation window on the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit when a setting item key is operated on the system initial setting screen of the digital copying apparatus to which the fourth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied. The figure which shows an example.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an operation control process when a setting item key is operated on a system initial setting screen by a digital copying apparatus to which the fourth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied.
30 is a flowchart showing operation control processing during display of the operation reservation window of FIG. 29. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Network system
NW network
PC1-PCn Computer
DC1 to DCn Digital copy device
10 Main unit housing
20 ADF
21 Document table
22 Feeding roller
23 Feeding belt
24 Discharge roller
25 Document set detection sensor
30 Reading unit
31 Contact glass
32 Exposure lamp
33 First mirror
34 Second mirror
35 Third mirror
36 lenses
37 CCD image sensor
40 writing unit
41 Laser output section
42 Imaging lens
43 Mirror
50 Image forming unit
51 photoconductor
52 Developer
53 Conveyor belt
54 Fixing part
55 Output section
60 Paper transport unit
70 Paper feed unit
71 Transfer paper
72 to 74 Paper feed tray
75-77 sending part
80 Reverse feed unit
81 Double-sided paper feed path
82 Inversion part
83 Double-sided conveyance path
84 Reverse paper delivery path
90 Finisher
91 Branching deflection plate
92 Paper delivery roller
93 Feeding roller
94 Output tray
95 Stapler transport roller
96 stapler
97 Stapler feed roller
98 Staple tray
99 Jogger
100 Staple completion paper output tray
110 Operation unit
111 LCD touch panel
111a Operation reservation window
112 numeric keypad
113 Clear / Stop key
114 Print key
115 Mode clear key
116 Initial setting key
117 Interrupt key
118 Application switch key
119 Function key
121 Image reading unit
121a CPU
122 Image writing unit
122a CPU
123 system controller
124 user restricted devices
124a CPU
125 Human body detection sensor
126 Clock part
127 Remote diagnosis department
128 memory units
128a compressed block
128b DRAM block
128c DMA block
128d CPU
129 data bus
130 System Bus
140 Image processing unit
141 A / D Converter
142 Shading correction unit
143 MTF / γ correction section
144 Print composition unit
145 selector
146 Print composition part
147 Zooming section
148 Print image data generator
149 Memory controller
150 Image memory
150a Primary storage unit
150b Secondary storage unit
151 SCSI driver
152 I / O port
153 CPU
154 ROM
155 RAM
161 Input data selector
162 Image composition unit
163 Primary compression / decompression unit
164 Output data selector
165 Secondary compression / decompression unit
200 display
201 Initial setting lock ON key
202 System initial setting lock ON key

Claims (4)

Means for executing a plurality of applications, operation means for performing initial settings for each of the plurality of applications, screen display means for displaying an initial setting screen by the operation means, and communication means for communicating with an information processing apparatus in the image forming apparatus having, on the condition that the information processing apparatus performs an application operation reservations, only application that made the operation reservation, to have a means for inhibiting the screen transition to the initial setting screen An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
When the password is entered and the operation reservation is made, the operation by the operation means for performing the initial setting is performed on condition that the password entered by the operation means matches the password entered at the time of the operation reservation. an image forming apparatus characterized by chromatic means for permitting initial setting of reserved application. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
Wherein on condition that the information processing apparatus performs an application operation reserved, images forming device you characterized by chromatic operation inhibiting means for inhibiting the operation of the application. A process of making an operation reservation for an application for image formation together with a recitation code;
On the condition that reservation information is registered together with the recitation code, only the reserved application is prohibited from making a screen transition to the initial setting screen for changing the initial setting, and the input recitation code is registered in advance. Screen transition to an initial setting screen for changing the initial setting of the application when it is determined that the input code and a pre-registered code are matched. images formed how to characterized in that organic and a step of permitting.

Images