JP2955889B2 - Image forming system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus system including an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine and a host computer connected by communication means. And an image forming apparatus system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, image forming apparatuses such as copying machines have become widespread, and their performance and functions have shown remarkable progress. Unlike a simple copying machine used for personal use, such a high-performance copying machine is often managed in a company and shared by each department. In this case, it is appropriate to share management costs according to the number of copies to be used. For this purpose, a plurality of memory cards (portable storage means) which are detachable from the main body of the apparatus and which are portable, and in which the codes of departments and personal codes are registered, are distributed to each workplace and copied. By performing the process by attaching the device to the apparatus main body, the number of copies for each workplace can be managed. There are not many proposals for a copying apparatus in which a memory card can be mounted. For example, JP-A-60-165664
No., JP-A-61-277976, JP-A-62-96958, JP-A-62-96958
Japanese Patent Application No. 96966 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-105964 disclose techniques relating to this.

[0003] As a result, the number of copies for each registered department is counted in the copying apparatus and displayed as needed. However, a memory card is not intended for only one image forming apparatus (hereinafter, also referred to as a copying machine), but is mounted on a plurality of copying machines to perform copying. Even if the number of copies is counted, a total sum for a specific registered department cannot be obtained.

To cope with this, an image forming apparatus system is formed by connecting one host computer and a plurality of copying machines by communication means such as a telephone line.
The host computer communicates with each copying machine to obtain the total number of copies for each registered department.

[0005]

However, in budget management, it is not sufficient to simply count the number of copies for each department and grasp the current situation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus system in which a command is issued from a host computer to enable centralized management so as not to exceed a preset frame (limit value). And However, on the other hand, in an image forming apparatus system in which centralized management is performed, the degree of freedom of operation of a copying machine as a terminal device is lost. For example, a copying machine that receives a prohibition command due to centralized management performs copying even in an emergency. Inconvenience that you cannot do it. An object of the present invention is to provide an extremely effective image forming apparatus system in which centralized management is performed while relaxing such restrictions.

[0007]

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus system including an image forming apparatus having a counter function for each ID number and a host computer for counting the counter value by communication means. , The host computer
Then, the counter values for each ID number are counted, and when the counting result reaches the limit value registered in the host computer in advance, the host computer
The image forming apparatus has a function of sending a copy prohibition command using an ID number to each image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus has a registration unit that can ignore the copy prohibition command.
Release copy prohibition command by registering step and copy operation
And the information when the copy prohibition command is released is
This is achieved by an image forming apparatus system characterized by contacting the host computer .

Here, as one embodiment of the present invention, there is an image forming apparatus system characterized in that when the image forming apparatus cancels the copy prohibition command, the image forming apparatus system communicates with the host computer.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A shows a configuration of an image forming apparatus system according to the present invention. A host computer 1 as a control means is connected to a plurality of copying machines 2 by communication means 3 each using a telephone line. Between the computer 1 and the copying machine 2, the number of copies is counted and a copy operation prohibition command is transmitted and received via the communication means 3. The copying machine 2 used here is a copying machine in which a memory card (ID card) storing a detachable ID number can be loaded. In the embodiment described below, a copying machine in which the number of copies for each ID of each department or the like is counted by inserting a pre-registered ID card, but is not limited thereto, and a means for writing a password is provided. Alternatively, the copying machine may be such that a password is used instead of an ID card.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing a control configuration in the host computer 1 and the image forming apparatus 2. Both the host computer 1 and the image forming apparatus 2 determine
The communication means 12 of the host computer 1 and the communication means 22 of the image forming apparatus 2 are connected by the communication means 3 of a telephone line. In the host computer 1, storage means 13 for storing data such as a preset limit value of the number of copies for each department and a copy count for each department read from the image forming apparatus 2, a read copy count for each department, etc. Tallying means 14 for tallying the data of
Display means 16 is provided. The image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not the ID card is a registered ID card and specifies an ID number by pressing an ID No. specifying means 25 and a copy button provided on an operation panel. Is input, and counting means 24 for counting the number of copies.
Storage means 23 for storing an ID card No. registered in advance, the number of copies counted, and the like, an ID No. prohibition means 26 for receiving a prohibition instruction from the communication means 22, and a display means 28. Further, the image forming apparatus 2 of the present invention is provided with a prohibition canceling means 29, and has a registration means for enabling copying by ignoring a copy prohibition command by an operator's operation.

Since the counting of the number of copies and the prohibition command via the communication means 3 according to the present invention are performed in the idling group in the copy process, the flow chart is from the power supply to the image forming apparatus 2 to the start of the copy. The present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, when the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, the CPU of the image forming apparatus 1 is initialized in step C1, the peripheral I / O is initialized in step C2, and the RAM is cleared in step C3. Then, the dip switch is read in step C4, and the process proceeds to step C5. In step C5, initialization is performed, and the process proceeds to step C6. Step C6
Then, it is determined whether or not the mode is the test mode. If the mode is the test mode, the process proceeds to the test mode. If the mode is not the test mode, the process proceeds to steps C7 and C8. This test mode is a mode that is set only when a service person or the like performs initial setting or adjustment of the image forming apparatus or changes of storage items of the ID card. The test mode is set by pressing.

In steps C7 and C8, it is checked whether the temperature of the fixing means is a predetermined fixing temperature. If the temperature is lower than the fixing temperature, the image forming mode is initialized in step C9. Restore mode,
Both proceed to step C11. In step C11, the fixing heater, which is the heat source of the fixing unit, is turned on, and the process proceeds to the next idling group.

When entering the idling group, step D
In step D1, warm-up of the fixing unit is checked, in step D2, a jam on the transfer material conveyance path is checked, and in step D3, the loading of the sheet cassette and the transfer material in the sheet cassette are checked, and the process proceeds to step D4. In Step D4, it is determined whether or not the jam flag is set,
If it is not set, the process proceeds to step D5. If it is set, jam display is performed by the display means in step D6, the fixing heater is turned off in step D7, and the process returns to step D1.

In step D5, it is determined whether or not a display indicating that there is no card is displayed on the display unit provided on the operation panel by the display means 28. If not, the process proceeds to step D8. Proceed to step D9.
In step D9, it is determined whether or not the card-in signal is ON. If it is ON, the process proceeds to step D10, and if not, the process returns to step D1. In step D10, it is determined whether or not the card invalid signal is ON. If it is ON, the process proceeds to step D8. If it is not ON, the display of no card is cleared in step D11, and the card ID No. is received in step D12.
Proceed to step D13. In step D13, it is determined whether or not the job is interrupted in the middle of the job. If the job is interrupted in the middle of the job, the process returns to step D1, and if not, the process returns to step C9.

In step D8, it is determined whether or not the card-in signal is ON. If the signal is ON, the process proceeds to step D14. That is, when the detection means detects that the card is mounted, the determination is made based on the card-in signal input to the determination means 21 via the card-in transmission means. Conversely, if the card-in signal has not been turned ON, a display indicating that there is no card is performed in step D15, and the process returns to step D1. That is,
If the card is not inserted by the detection means, the card-in signal is not turned on and the signal is not sent to the card-in transmission means. Therefore, the judgment section 21 judges that there is no signal, and the display means 28 displays on the operation panel. Is displayed, for example, "Card @ Set-Site".

In step D14, it is determined whether or not the card invalid signal is ON. If it is not ON, the flow proceeds to step D16. If it is ON, the display of card invalid is set in step D17, and the flow proceeds to step D1. The card invalid signal is sent to the judgment means 21.
Is a signal input to the determination means 21 through the card invalid transmission means. Note that the above-mentioned card invalid display is displayed on the above-mentioned display unit by the display means 28,
For example, “Konocard Hatsukaemasen” is displayed.

In step D16, various operation buttons on the operation panel (not shown) are checked, and the processing is performed according to each subroutine. When the various operation buttons have been checked, the process proceeds to step D18. Step D18 to Step D26
FIG. 5 is a flow chart for exchanging information and instructions with the host computer 1 according to the present invention via the communication means 3.

At step D18, it is checked whether or not the carrier detect signal (CD signal) is ON. If it is ON, the line communication at step D19 is performed. The image forming apparatus system according to the present invention connects the host computer 1 and the copying machine 2 by a telephone line which is a communication unit 3,
Provides the following functions:

(1) A function that the host reads various data of the copying machine. (2) A function that the host prohibits copying by department of the copying machine. The function that the host reads various data of the copying machine. Various data that can be read from the copying machine are as follows.

(1) Serial No. (2) Total copy count (3) Copy count by transfer paper size (8 types) (4) Copy count by department (15 types) It is performed by means of.

(1) The host calls the copying machine.

(2) When the line is connected, the copying machine requests a password from the host.

(3) The host replies the password to the copying machine.

(4) The copying machine replies the password OK to the host.

(5) The host sends a data transmission request command to the copying machine.

(6) The copying machine sends the above various data to the host.

(7) Steps (5) to (6) are repeated until transmission of all data is completed.

(8) The host disconnects the line.

(9) The copier disconnects the line.

For the function of the host prohibiting copying by section of the copying machine, the prohibition instruction is issued by the following means.

(1) The host calls the copying machine.

(2) When the line is connected, the copying machine requests a password from the host.

(3) The host replies the password to the copying machine.

(4) The copying machine replies the password OK to the host.

(5) The host sends a data reception request command to the copying machine.

(6) The copying machine replies a reception request OK to the host.

(7) The host sends the section-specific copy prohibition data to the copying machine.

(8) The copying machine replies the reception data OK to the host.

(9) The host disconnects the line.

(10) The copier disconnects the line.

Transmission and reception of data between the copying machine and the host via a communication line is performed by a start-stop synchronous serial communication via a modem. During communication with the host 1, the copying machine 2 displays, for example, a message "Oh, no." On the display means 28, and does not enter the copy sequence.

On the copying machine side, an incoming call from the host is recognized by receiving a line connection result code from the modem. The communication line disconnection from the host is recognized by detecting that the CD signal has been kept OFF for the time set by the value of the specific byte of the memory switch data after recognizing the line connection (incoming). You. The communication line from the copier is disconnected by turning off the ER signal which is ON for a time set by the value of the specific byte of the memory switch data.

Table 1 shows the flow of the transmission control between the copying machine and the host, and shows the transmission control of the line communication shown in step D19. There are seven states from P1 (waiting for incoming call) to P7 (waiting for timeout). P1 (waiting for incoming call)
When CONNECT is received, timer T1 is started and state P
The process proceeds to 2 (communication standby).

Line disconnection CD signal from host in P2 state
When it is turned off, it returns to the P1 state. If there is no line disconnection CD signal OFF from the host, the password request is transmitted at the time-out, the timer T2 is started, and the process shifts to P3 (waiting for password reception). Then P4
(Data request reception waiting) and when a data transmission request is received, the collected data is transmitted. When a data reception request is received, a reception request OK is transmitted, the timer T3 is started, and P5 is started.
(Waiting for data reception). Data is fetched in the state of P5, data error is transmitted by timeout, the timer T4 is started, and the state of P6 (line disconnection waiting) is set. The ER signal is turned off by the timeout in the state P6, the timer T5 is started, and the state becomes the state of P7 (timeout waiting). It returns to P1 due to timeout in the state of P7.

During step D19, data such as copy count for each department of the copying machine is transmitted to the host, and the host counts the data of the plurality of copying machines by the counting means 14 and stores the data in the storage means 13 in advance. In contrast to the limit value, when the limit value (or the second limit value lower than the limit value) is reached, the determination means 11 issues a prohibition command to the copier, but the prohibition command is set in advance. Alternatively, it depends on one of the following prohibition command modes input by the input means 15.

(A) Copying with the corresponding ID card is prohibited by all copying machines.

(B) Copying is permitted for a specific copying machine, and copying is prohibited for other copying machines.

(C) When the second limit value lower than the limit value is reached, copying is permitted to a specific copying machine, and copying is prohibited for other copying machines.

On the other hand, the copying machine has the following two copy prohibition modes in the ID No. prohibition means 26.

(A) When receiving a section-specific copy prohibition warning instruction, a warning is given for three seconds, but copying is possible. If a prohibition instruction is received when inserting a card in the card mode, a warning is given for 3 seconds, but copying is possible. (Copy prohibition warning mode) (b) If a copy prohibition instruction for each department is received, a warning is issued and copying is not accepted. If a prohibition instruction is received when inserting a card in the card mode, a warning is issued and copying is not accepted. (Copy Prohibition Mode) The warning message in the above (a) and (b) is made by displaying, for example, "Bumon Limit @ Over Shima Shita" on the display means 28. Therefore, in the case of (1) the inhibition command mode (A), the instruction of the copy inhibition mode of (b) is issued.

(2) In the case of the prohibition command mode (B), an instruction of the copy prohibition warning mode (a) is given to a specific copying machine.
The other copying machines are instructed in the copy prohibition mode (b).

(3) In the case of the prohibition command mode (C), an instruction of the copy prohibition warning mode (a) is given to a specific copying machine.
The other copying machines are instructed in the copy prohibition mode (b). The warning message at this time may be displayed on the display means 28 as, for example, "Bumon Limit Nichikazuki Mashita".

The copying machine determines in step D20 whether or not there is a prohibition command during line communication in step D19 from the host.
o. Performed by prohibition command check. If there is no prohibition command in step D21, it is checked in step D22 whether or not prohibition is being displayed. If no IDNo. Prohibition is displayed, step D27 is performed.
Move to If the ID No. prohibition is being displayed, the ID No. prohibition display is cleared in step D26, and the routine goes to step D27.

If there is an ID No. prohibition command in step D21, an ID No. prohibition release check is performed in step D23. Since the copying machine 2 of the present invention has the prohibition canceling means 29 and allows the operator to cancel the prohibition of copying, this will be described.

When the ID card is inserted into the copy material and the limit value is exceeded for the department, "Bumon Limit @ Over Shima Shita" is displayed, and copying is prohibited. Even in such a situation, when an emergency situation arises in which copying is required, the operator switches to the operator mode by pressing the function button or the dedicated button, and the display means 28 displays "Master key code @ set Is displayed. The master key code is, for example, an eight-digit code number known only to the operator. When the operator inputs the eight-digit code number using the numeric keypad of the input unit 27, the prohibition of copying in the specific department is released. Is displayed on the display means 28 of "copy copy mass". The ID number prohibition release notification and the number of copies in this state are temporarily stored
And is contacted to the host. The ID No. prohibition release check in step D23 is a check to determine whether or not the above operation has been performed.
If the ID No. prohibition has been released, the process proceeds to the previous step D22. If the ID No. prohibition is not canceled in step D24, it is checked in step D25A whether the prohibition command is a prohibition warning command. If the prohibition command is a prohibition warning command, the ID No. prohibition warning is displayed in step D25B. Seconds, and then goes to step D27.
A No. prohibition display is set, and the process returns to step D1 at the beginning of the idling group.

In step D27, it is determined whether or not the warming-up of the fixing means has been completed. If so, the process proceeds to step D28. If not, the process proceeds to step D28.
Return to 1. In step D28, it is determined whether or not the transfer material P is present in the sheet cassette.
If not, the process returns to step D1. In step D29,
It is determined whether or not the image formation start command is ON. If the command is ON, a copy start routine is started. If not, the process returns to step D1. This image formation start command is input via the input unit 27 if the copy button provided on the operation panel is pressed.
ON (input).

[0058]

According to the image forming apparatus system of the present invention in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to a host computer, not only the total number of copies for each registered department is obtained, but also when a preset limit value is reached. By issuing a prohibition command, centralized management in an extremely aggressive manner is performed, and in the event of an emergency, an image forming apparatus in a copy prohibition state can be released and copied, which is convenient for practical use. An image forming apparatus system has been provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1A and 1B are block diagrams showing a control configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart after the power is turned on in the system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the idling group following FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart including detection of an ID card IN signal following FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart including a line communication and a prohibition command following FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart diagram up to the copy start following FIG. 5;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Host computer (control means) 2 Image forming apparatus (copier) 3 Communication means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G07C 3/00 H04N 1/00 104

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus system including an image forming apparatus having a counter function for each ID number and a host computer for counting the counter value by communication means, wherein the host computer calculates the counter value for each ID number.
Aggregation is performed, and when the aggregation result reaches a limit value registered in the host computer in advance, the host computer has a function of sending a copy prohibition command with a corresponding ID number to each image forming apparatus. the forming apparatus have <br/> registration means allowing ignoring the copy prohibition command, the copy by the registration of the registration means
-Release the prohibition command to enable copy operation, and
Information when the prohibition command is released is stored in the host computer.
Image forming system, characterized in that the contact.