JP3648941B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that permits use of the apparatus only when a registered password is input.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus (for example, a copier, a facsimile machine, etc.) that allows a user to use a device only when a personal identification number is input from an operation panel and a registered number is input is known.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since such a personal identification number is usually a four-digit number, when the number of registered personal identification numbers increases, the use of the device is permitted even when a person who is not authorized to use the device enters an appropriate value. The possibility of registering a personal identification number is lost and security problems arise. In order to eliminate such problems, it is conceivable to increase the number of digits of the personal identification number. However, it is appropriate that a human being memorizes the personal identification number as about four digits. There were problems such as forgetting and the problem that the password entry operation was cumbersome and unusable.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can maintain security even when the number of registrations increases.
[0005]
In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus can register a plurality of codes having a first property and a code having a second property in association with each other, and a registration unit. A switching unit that switches between the first mode and the second mode according to the number of codes having the first property registered by the unit, and a code having the registered first property is input in the first mode. A first permission unit that permits the operation of the device when the code is registered, and a code having the registered first property and a code having the second property corresponding thereto in the second mode. And a second permission unit that permits the operation of the apparatus.
[0006]
According to the present invention, the mode for permitting the operation of the apparatus is switched in accordance with the number of codes having the first property registered. Thereby, security can be maintained even if the number of registrations increases.
[0007]
More preferably, the code having the first property is a personal identification number, and the code having the second property is a department number.
[0008]
If the code number and department number are employed as codes in this way, the device user can easily remember the codes.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a copying machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of an operation panel of the copying machine shown in FIG.
[0010]
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the copying machine 1 scans a document and converts it into an image signal, an image signal processing unit 20 that processes an image signal sent from the scanning system 10, and an image signal processing unit. The memory unit 30 controls whether the image data input from the printer 20 is output to the printer device as it is or stored in the memory, and the semiconductor laser 62 is controlled based on the image data output from the memory unit 30. The print processing unit 40 to be driven, the laser optical system 60 that guides the laser beam from the semiconductor laser 62 to the exposure position on the photosensitive drum 71, and the latent image resulting from the exposure are developed, transferred onto recording paper, fixed, and imaged. An image forming system 70, an operation panel 90 provided on the upper surface of the copier body, a document transport unit 500 that transports a document and reverses the front and back as necessary, and an image And a made a supply to the transfer position the recording sheet again or re-feeding for discharging inverts the recording paper / reversing portion 600..
[0011]
The scanning system 10 and the image signal processing unit 20 constitute a reading device IR, and the printing processing unit 40, the laser optical system 60, and the image forming system 70 constitute a printer device PRT.
[0012]
Referring to FIG. 2, on the operation panel, a liquid crystal touch panel 91, a numeric keypad 92 for inputting a numerical value such as a department code, a clear key 93 for returning a numeric value to a standard value “1”, and setting inside the copying machine A panel reset key 94 for returning the set value to the standard value, a stop key 95 for stopping the copy operation, a start key 96 for starting the copy operation, and an ID key 97 for confirming the input password. And are provided.
[0013]
The LCD touch panel 91 displays the copying machine operating status such as exposure level, copying magnification, and recording paper size, various abnormal statuses of the copying machine such as jam occurrence, service man call occurrence, paper empty occurrence, and other information. To do. Further, the liquid crystal touch panel 91 can be used to input an automatic selection mode such as density, copy magnification, and recording paper.
[0014]
In this copying machine, copying cannot be performed until a personal identification number (or personal identification number and department number) is input from the operation panel. When the registered password is input, the copying operation is possible. When a registered password or the like is input, the number of copies for each copy operation is counted by a department counter corresponding to the password. As a result, the number of copies for each department can be tabulated.
[0015]
3 and 4 are block diagrams showing the configuration of the control unit 100 of the copying machine.
Referring to the figure, the control unit 100 is mainly composed of seven CPUs 1 to 7, and each of these CPUs 1 to 7 includes ROMs 111 to 117 storing programs, and RAMs 121 to 127 serving as program execution work areas. Is provided. Note that the CPU 3 is provided in the memory unit 30.
[0016]
Each of the CPUs 1 to 7 is connected with an I / O port for exchanging signals with the outside. The image signal processing unit 20 is connected to the CPU 2 and CPU 3. A CCD (line sensor) 16 for reading a document is connected to the image signal processing unit 20.
[0017]
The print processing unit 40 is connected to the CPU 4. A laser diode 62 for exposing the photosensitive drum is connected to the print processing unit 40.
[0018]
The CPU 1 performs control related to input and display of signals from various operation keys of the operation panel 90. Further, the CPU 2 performs control of each part of the image signal processing unit 20 and drive control of the scanning system 10. The CPU 4 controls the print processing unit 40, the laser optical system 60, and the image forming system 70.
[0019]
The CPU 4 also controls the main motor M1 used for image formation.
The CPU 5 performs processing for overall timing adjustment and operation mode setting of the control unit 100. A clock IC 118 is connected to the CPU 5 in order to manage the operation time of the copying machine.
[0020]
The CPU 3 controls the memory unit unit 30 to temporarily store the read image data in the image memory, read it, and output it to the print processing unit 40.
[0021]
Signals from sheet size detection sensors SE11 and SE12 (see FIG. 1) provided in the sheet cassette are input to an I / O managed by the CPU 4, and the size of the copy sheet is managed by the CPU 4.
[0022]
Further, the CPU 4 can detect the states of the paper detection sensors 10P, 11P, 12P, SE92 (not shown) and the storage paper detection sensors 10E, 11E (not shown) through the I / O.
[0023]
The CPU 6 controls document conveyance by the document feeder 500. The CPU 7 controls the refeed / reversing unit 600.
[0024]
Next, the operation of the copying machine will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the main routine of the CPU 1. First, initial setting is performed (step S11), and an internal timer for making the processing time of one routine constant is set to start measuring time (step S12).
[0025]
Next, a department registration process for registering a department that can use the copying machine (step S13), a personal identification number input process for controlling the input of the personal identification number (step S14), and other operations for controlling the copy operation, etc. A control process is performed (step S15), the end of timing of the internal timer is waited (step S16), and the process returns to step S2.
[0026]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the department registration process shown in step S13. In the department registration process, it is first determined whether or not the screen to be displayed is the department registration screen (step S131). Here, the department registration screen is the screen of FIG. 7 and is a screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 91 in the service mode or the like.
[0027]
On the department registration screen, department no. It is determined whether or not the key K1 (see FIG. 7) has been pressed (step S132). Department No. When the key is pressed, the department No. The input mode is set (step S133). Department No. When the key is not pressed, it is determined whether or not the personal identification number key K2 (see FIG. 7) is pressed (step S134). If the code number key is pressed, the code number input mode is set (step S135).
[0028]
Here, the department No. Is a user-specific number assigned in advance by the administrator, and the number of copies is managed corresponding to this number. That is, the total number of copies and the setting of the maximum number of copies allowed are performed corresponding to this number. In addition, the personal identification number is the above-mentioned department number. This is a number that is arbitrarily set in correspondence with the key number, and is a key number when permission for copying is given. It should be noted that regarding the registration of the code number, a different department number. Are managed by an administrator so that the same password is not registered correspondingly, but a protection function may be provided to cancel the same number at the time of registration.
[0029]
Next, Department No. It is determined whether or not the input mode is set (step S136). Department No. When the input mode is set, the department number is set with the numerical value entered with the numeric keypad 92 as the department number. It is displayed in the display column D1 (see FIG. 7) (step S137).
[0030]
Department No. If it is not in the input mode, it is determined whether or not it is the password input mode (step S138). If the input of the four-digit number has been completed in the password input mode, the department number displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 91 of the department registration management table (see FIG. 8). The entered security code is set in the security code area corresponding to. Then, the total number of areas in which the personal identification number is set is set in the field of the number of registered departments (steps S140 and 141). Note that in FIG. Is marked with a ○ mark indicating that it has been registered. The department registration management table is stored in the RAM 121.
[0031]
Then, it is determined whether or not the number of registered departments is greater than 5000 (step S142). If the number is greater than 5000, security cannot be secured with a normal personal identification number, so that the personal identification number that requires input of the department number and personal identification number is required. Mode 2 is set (step S143).
[0032]
On the other hand, when the number of registered departments is 5000 or less, the personal identification number mode 1 for requesting the input of a normal personal identification number is set (step S144). This ensures security even when the number of registered departments increases.
[0033]
Note that the PIN number modes 1 and 2 are switched using the registered department number 5000 as a threshold value. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the threshold value is used when security is more important according to the required security level. May be set smaller. If the threshold value is set to a large value when security is not important, the area where the password can be used with 4 digits increases and the operability is improved.
[0034]
In addition, if the threshold value is arbitrarily set from the operation panel, the threshold value can be set according to the security level of the image forming apparatus to be used, and it is more convenient to use while maintaining the required security level. Get better.
[0035]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the password input process shown in step S14.
[0036]
In the password input process, it is first determined whether or not the screen to be displayed is a number input screen (step S401). The number input screen is a screen for inputting the personal identification number shown in FIG. 10. When this screen is displayed, copying is impossible. When it is determined in step S401 that the number input screen is displayed, it is determined whether or not the password number mode 1 is set (step S402). If it is determined in step S402 that the code number mode 1 is selected, the code number mode 1 input process is performed (step S403). If the code number mode 1 is not set, the code number mode 2 input process is performed (step S404).
[0037]
11 and 12 are flowcharts of the password number mode 1 input process shown in step S403.
[0038]
In the password number mode 1 input process, it is first determined whether or not the number display D3 on the number input screen (FIG. 10) is in a blank state (step S4001). When the display is blank, the first digit input state is set (step S4002). Here, the first digit is the leftmost digit among the four digits indicating the password.
[0039]
Next, it is determined whether or not a numeric keypad has been input (step S4003). When the numeric keypad is input, processing corresponding to the input state is performed (step S4004).
[0040]
In the first digit input state, the input data is stored in the internal memory (step S4005), * is displayed on the left side of the number display section D3 (step S4006), and the second digit input state is set (step S4007).
[0041]
In the second digit input state, the already stored data is multiplied by 10, and a value obtained by adding the value and the input data is stored again in the internal memory (step S4008). Next, * is displayed second from the left of the number display section D3 (step S4009), and the third digit input state is set (step S4010).
[0042]
In the third digit input state, the already stored data is multiplied by 10, and the value added to the input data is stored in the internal memory (step S4011), and the third from the left of the number display section D3. * Is displayed (step S4012), and the fourth digit input state is set (step S4013).
[0043]
In the fourth digit input state, the already stored data is multiplied by 10, and the value added to the input data is stored in the internal memory (step S4014), and the fourth from the left of the number display section D3. * Is displayed (step S4015), and the input end state is set (step S4016).
[0044]
Next, it is determined whether or not the clear key 93 has been pressed (step S4017). When it is determined that the clear key has been pressed, the number display is blanked (step S4018). Next, it is determined whether or not the ID key 97 has been pressed (step S4019). When it is determined that the ID key has been pressed, if it is not in the input end state, the code number is not input, so copy is not possible (steps S4020 and 4024).
[0045]
When the input is completed, a password that matches the number stored in the internal memory is searched from the registration management table (step S4021), and if there is a matching department, copying is possible in that department (step S4022), and the screen is displayed normally. Is switched to a copyable screen (step S4023). If there is no matching department, copying is not allowed (step S4024).
[0046]
13 to 15 are flowcharts of the password number mode 2 input process shown in step S404.
[0047]
In the password number mode 2 input process, it is first determined whether or not the number display is blank on the number input screen (FIG. 10) (step S4100). When the display is blank, the first digit input state is set (step S4101).
[0048]
Next, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the numeric keypad 92 (step S4102). When the numeric keypad is input, processing corresponding to the input state is performed (step S4103).
[0049]
In the first digit input state, the input data is stored in the internal memory (step S4104). Then, * is displayed on the left end of the number display section D3 (step S4105), and the second digit input state is set (step S4106).
[0050]
In the second digit input state, the stored data is multiplied by 10 and the value added to the input data is stored in the internal memory (step S4107). Is displayed (step S4108), and the third digit input state is set (step S4109).
[0051]
In the third digit input state, the stored data is multiplied by 10 and the value added to the input data is stored in the internal memory (step S4110). Is displayed (step S4111), and the fourth digit input state is set (step S4112).
[0052]
In the fourth digit input state, the stored data is multiplied by 10 and the value added to the input data is stored in the internal memory (step S4113). Is displayed (step S4114), and the fifth digit input state is set (step S4115).
[0053]
In the fifth digit input state, the stored data is multiplied by 10 and the value added to the input data is stored in the internal memory (step S4116). Is displayed (step S4117), and the sixth digit input state is set (step S4118).
[0054]
In the sixth digit input state, the stored data is multiplied by 10 and the value added to the input data is stored in the internal memory (step S4119). Is displayed (step S4120), and the seventh digit input state is set (step S4121).
[0055]
When in the seventh digit input state, the stored data is multiplied by 10 and the value added to the input data is stored in the internal memory (step S4122). Is displayed (step S4123), and the eighth digit input state is set (step S4124).
[0056]
In the 8th digit input state, the stored data is multiplied by 10 and the value added to the input data is stored in the internal memory (step S4125). Is displayed (step S4126) and the input is completed (step S4127).
[0057]
In the input end state, nothing is done in step S4103, and the process moves to step S4128.
[0058]
Next, it is determined whether or not the clear key 93 has been pressed (step S4128). If it is determined that the clear key has been pressed, the number display is blanked (step S4129). Next, it is determined whether or not the ID key 97 has been pressed (step S4130). When it is determined that the ID key 97 has been pressed, if the input key is not in the input end state, the code number is not input, and copy is disabled (steps S4131, 4136).
[0059]
In the input end state, first, a password that matches the last four digits of the number stored in the internal memory is searched in the department registration management table (FIG. 8) (step S4132). The department number corresponding to it is compared with the first four digits of the number stored in the internal memory (step S4131). If they are the same, copying is allowed in the department (step S4134), and the screen is switched to a normal copyable screen (step S4135).
[0060]
If there is no matching password, or the department number corresponding to the password is not equal to the first 4 digits of the input number, copying is disabled (step S4136).
[0061]
As described above, in this embodiment, when the number of registered passwords is larger than a predetermined number (5000), copying can be performed by inputting an 8-digit number. Thereby, security is ensured. In addition, since both the password number and the department number are four-digit numbers, it is possible to make a copy by inputting numbers that are easy for humans to remember.
[0062]
In the above-described embodiment, the mode of the PIN number is switched to two patterns of mode 1 and mode 2, but three or more thresholds for the number of registered departments are provided and input for using the apparatus. You may make it increase the number of digits of the number to do in steps.
[0063]
In the embodiment, a numerical value is input as a code so that the apparatus can be used. However, a code such as an alphabet or other characters may be input.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention has the first mode in which the operation of the device is permitted only by inputting the first code, and the second mode in which the operation of the device is permitted by inputting the first and second codes. , Switching according to the number of codes to be registered.
[0065]
Thereby, authentication accuracy can be improved without deteriorating operability, and more reliable management can be performed, such as preventing an operation by an unauthorized operator.
[0066]
Also, the department code No. necessary for managing the number of sheets is originally assigned to the second code. By doing so, registration of a new number becomes unnecessary when switching to the second mode, and the operability is further improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a copying machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of an operation panel of the copier of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the copying machine.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram subsequent to FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main routine of the CPU 1;
6 is a flowchart of the department registration process (S13) in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a department registration screen.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a department registration management table.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the personal identification number input process (S14) of FIG.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a personal identification number input screen.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the password number mode 1 input process (S403) of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart following FIG. 11;
13 is a flowchart of the password number mode 2 input process (S404) in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart following FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart following FIG. 13;
[Explanation of symbols]
92 Numeric keypad 97 ID key 121 RAM

Claims (2)

Registration means capable of registering a plurality of codes having the first property and codes having the second property in association with each other;
Switching means for switching between the first mode and the second mode according to the number of codes having the first property registered by the registration means;
First permission means for permitting the operation of the device when a code having the registered first property is input in the first mode;
In the second mode, when a code having the registered first property and a code having the registered second property corresponding thereto are input, a second operation permitting the operation of the device An image forming apparatus comprising: permission means. The code having the first property is a personal identification number;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the code having the second property is a department number.

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