JP4960068B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image formation control program capable of controlling a use time, at least a use time related to an image forming process.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers are well known that do not have a user identification function and can be used by anyone for image forming processing when a power switch is turned on.

  On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus is used, a password set in advance using the operation unit of the touch switch type display panel or numeric keypad of the image forming apparatus is input, or an ID card (control card) is inserted. An image forming apparatus having a protection function that includes a means for identifying a user such as setting and cannot execute an image forming process unless it is correctly recognized.

  By the way, such usage restrictions can be imposed when an image forming apparatus is installed in an environment where a billing system such as a workplace is not introduced, even if an authorized user uses it for private purposes. Is actually not done. In particular, when the installed image forming apparatus is a color copier, the cost per sheet is high, or when a large number of copying functions are used, the damage becomes large.

  At this time, an image forming apparatus having an authentication system, for example, an apparatus that can perform authentication by a personal identification number, can be avoided from being used for a private purpose by a person who does not know the personal identification number.

  However, if you do not need to know or limit the amount of usage for each user, that is, enter a password with a few digits each time you use it, even during the daytime when you do not need to limit users. In other words, the operation becomes complicated and the user may feel annoyed when he / she wants to use it quickly.

  In addition, the authentication system that uses an ID card instead of the encryption number can restrict the use by anyone other than the person who owns the ID card, and can be used by inserting the ID card. Although the troublesomeness is reduced as compared with the operation of inputting the image ID, it is necessary to equip the ID card system as a standard or option, and there is a problem that the cost of the image forming apparatus increases.

Therefore, an image forming apparatus having an authentication system based on a personal identification number, which cancels the usage restriction in a time zone where there are many users depending on the current time, and forces the input of the personal identification number only when there are few users. There has been proposed an image forming apparatus that restricts use when there are few people at night or the like, that is, in a time zone that is easily used for private purposes (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-005356 A

  However, since the image forming apparatus configured as described above can execute the image forming process even if the user is authenticated even in the limited use time zone such as at night, it can be used for private purposes. The fact was that we could not prevent it.

  In addition, since the use restriction is a restriction for the entire image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a multifunction peripheral imposes a use restriction on functions that do not need to be stopped. Has occurred.

  In addition, since usage restrictions are managed only during the time period, if there are no usage restrictions during the day, etc. in the same environment as the usage restriction period such as holidays and closed days, so-called summer term introduction, etc. As described above, there is a problem that the response to the case where the use time limit changes over a long period of time is insufficient.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming control program capable of limiting the use restriction of image forming processing according to time and function.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming control program that can set usage restrictions according to a period other than a certain time period.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention sets timer means for monitoring time, timer setting means for setting start / end times, and operation of the image forming apparatus main body during a set period by the timer setting means for each port. Port opening / closing setting means, and port control means for controlling opening / closing of the port set by the port opening / closing setting means when the monitoring time by the timer means becomes the start / end time by the timer setting means. It is characterized by that.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a timer unit that monitors time including a calendar function, a timer setting unit that sets start / end times in units of months, weeks, and days, and a setting period by the timer setting unit. The port opening / closing setting means for setting the operation of the image forming apparatus main body in units of ports and the port opening / closing setting means when the monitoring time by the timer means becomes the start / end time by the timer setting means And a port control means for controlling opening and closing of the port.

  At this time, it is preferable that the port opening / closing setting unit closes at least a port related to a print output of an image forming process using the image forming processing unit.

  A storage unit for storing image data for image forming processing using the image forming processing unit; the storage unit stores the image data while the port is closed by the port control unit; Preferably it is.

  Furthermore, the image forming control program of the present invention includes a time monitoring step for monitoring time including a calendar function, a timer setting step for setting start / end times in units of months, weeks, and days, and setting by the timer setting step. A port opening / closing setting step for setting the operation of the image forming apparatus main body during the period in units of ports, and the port opening / closing setting step when the time monitored in the time monitoring step reaches the setting time set in the timer setting step The operation of the main body of the image forming apparatus is controlled by a port control step for controlling opening / closing of the port set in (1).

  According to such a configuration, use restrictions of the image forming apparatus or the image forming processing system can be controlled in units of time and ports.

  The image forming apparatus and the image forming control program of the present invention can limit the use restriction of the image forming processing according to time and function.

  Next, an image forming apparatus and an image forming control program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a system configuration example of an image formation control program according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of an image formation control program according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a system block diagram of a main part of the image forming control program according to the embodiment, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen at the time of port closing operation in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 5 is an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen when a port blocking period is set in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen for setting a port closing date in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 is a display screen for setting a port closing time in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen when a port is closed in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a control routine of the image forming control program according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is.

(Overall configuration of image forming system)
As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming control program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a network line such as an intra network in which a multifunction device 1 as an image forming apparatus and a plurality of (personal) computers 2 are connected via a server 3. 4 is connected. Although the server 3 has a function as a host PC of the multifunction machine 1, it may also function as an Internet server, a mail server, etc., and the Internet via a router or a terminal adapter (not shown). It is also possible to connect to the line 5.

  The multifunction device 1 has a copy function, a FAX function, a printer function, and a scanner function. In the multi function device 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a CPU 6 as a control circuit for comprehensively controlling the above functions is connected to a network line 4 via a network interface 7.

  Further, the CPU 6 is connected to ROM 8, ROM 9, flash memory 10, and hard disk (IDE / SCSI etc.) 11 as various storage media, and data (for example, ROM 8) and network line 4 for controlling the above functions. It is possible to store data (for example, the hard disk 11), etc. that are transmitted using data or image data (PDF, JPG, etc.) read using a scanner function. Further, the CPU 6 controls the display screen 12 including a liquid crystal panel switch and the like, the operation unit 13 including a button switch group such as a numeric keypad, and the print control circuit 14. The display screen 12 has functions as a timer setting unit and a port opening / closing setting unit for setting usage restrictions, which will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the print control circuit 14 includes a timer 15 having a calendar function and a port controller 16.

  For example, the port control unit 16 controls opening and closing of various ports of the server 3 set in the network interface 7 via the CPU 6. The CPU 6 can manage a network protocol (TCP / IP, UDP / IP, etc.) by a print control operating system (OS) installed in the hard disk 11, and each of the layers below the network protocol. The port is set. At this time, the connection of each port to various ports of the server 3 is managed by the IP filter 17 of the network interface 7 based on the state of opening / closing control by the port control unit 16.

  Examples of various ports that are managed for connection to the IP filter 17 include HTTP, SMTP, POP3, IPP, RAW, LPR, FTP, Samba, and SNMP.

  Incidentally, TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a standard protocol used in a network. It bridges the IP of the network layer and the protocol (HTTP, SMTP, POP3, FTP, etc.) higher than the session layer.

  UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is also a standard protocol used in the network. Similar to TCP, it bridges the network layer IP and the protocol above the session layer. In the Internet, UDP is used as a transport layer protocol in addition to TCP. UDP has a high transfer rate but low reliability, and TCP has a high reliability but a low transfer rate.

  HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is a protocol used for transmitting and receiving data between a Web server and a client (such as a Web browser). It is possible to exchange an HTML document or a file such as an image / sound / moving image associated with the HTML document including information such as an expression format.

  SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is a protocol for transmitting electronic mail over the Internet or an intranet. Used when exchanging mail between servers on the Internet or an intranet, or when a client sends mail to the server. In the multi function device 1, it is possible to use the scanned image data or the like when directly delivering Internet mail.

  POP3 is a protocol for receiving mail from a server storing electronic mail on the Internet or an intranet.

  IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) is a protocol for transmitting and receiving print data and controlling printing devices through a TCP / IP network such as the Internet.

  As a major feature of this IPP, printing can be instructed to a printer on the network using an HTTP protocol used by a Web browser or the like. Data can be sent to a remote printer via the Internet for printing, and can be used as an alternative to FAX (Internet FAX).

  However, a restriction mechanism such as user authentication is incorporated in the IPP-compatible device and software so as not to be used without permission by an unknown third party. Although depending on the type of the other party's printer or the like, sending a document directly by IPP is cheaper and simpler than FAX, and image forming processing with high image quality is possible.

  RAW (Read After Write) is a function of reading the written data immediately after writing to the storage medium, comparing it with the original data, and checking whether the recorded data is correct. If the original data and the read data do not match, the writing is considered to have failed and the writing is performed again.

  LPR (Line Printer Daemon protocol) is a protocol for printing via a TCP / IP network. It is also a command name for performing printing using the LPR protocol.

  The LPR protocol is also a protocol for causing the MFP 1 connected to another computer (print server) on the network to perform printing.

  Samba is software for providing a service using SMB. It is possible to provide services such as file sharing and printer sharing to the personal computer 1 through the network.

  SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a protocol for monitoring and controlling communication devices connected to the network such as routers and terminals (such as the personal computer 1) in the TCP / IP network.

  FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a protocol used when transferring a file over a TCP / IP network such as the Internet or an intranet.

  Next, procedures for opening / closing setting operations and time setting operations for these various ports will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Although the setting operation procedure on the display screen 12 of the multifunction device 1 will be described here, the setting may be performed using the server 3 (for example, according to the printer driver setting). However, if the port on the server 3 side is blocked, for example, if SMTP for Internet mail delivery is blocked, Internet mail delivery from the personal computer 1 cannot be performed. It is desirable to open and close the side port.

  First, as shown in FIG. 4, a time and port setting screen is displayed on the display screen 12 under the authority of the administrator of the MFP 1 (the administrator of the server 3). At this time, on the display screen 12, a usage status display unit 18 for the designated physical port, a set time display unit 19, a set time change button 20, a detailed setting display unit 21, a decision button 22, and a cancel button 23 are displayed. In FIG. 4, since there is no user restriction, “None” or the like indicating that is displayed on the set time display unit 19.

  Here, for example, when the use restriction setting is desired, when the set time change button 20 is pressed, a time selection button 19a is displayed superimposed on the set time display unit 19 as shown in FIG.

  For example, when it is desired to set a usage limit on a monthly basis depending on whether there is a so-called summer time or the like, the monthly setting screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display screen 12 by pressing “Monthly” of the time selection button 19a. Is done. Similarly, when it is desired to set usage restrictions in units of weeks such as holidays (closed days), the weekly setting screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display screen 12 by pressing “Weekly” of the time selection button 19a. The Further, when it is desired to set the use restriction in units of one day (24 hours), the weekly setting screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display screen 12 by pressing “Daily” of the time selection button 19a.

  In the monthly usage restriction setting, as shown in FIG. 6, the detailed setting display unit 21 includes a port blocking start time display unit 21a, a port blocking start time change button 21b, a port blocking end time display unit 21c, and a port blocking end. A time change button 21d and a monthly selection button display portion 21e are displayed. In this monthly selection button display unit 21e, by using the panel switch function, the month for executing the port blockage in the set period displayed on the port blockage start time display unit 21a to the port blockage end time display unit 21c is pressed. A “Le” mark is displayed for ON (selection) / OFF (release) identification.

  In the weekly usage restriction setting, as shown in FIG. 7, the detailed setting display unit 21 includes a port blockage start day display unit 21f, a port blockage start day change button 21g, a port blockage start time display unit 21h, and a port blockage start. A time change button 21i, a port blockage end day display unit 21j, a port blockage end day change button 21k, a port blockage end time display unit 21l, and a port blockage end time change button 21m are displayed. By pressing each button 21g, 21i, 21k, 21m, the day of the week and the time can be changed.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the usage restriction setting in units of one day, the detailed setting display unit 21 includes a port blockage start time display unit 21n, a port blockage start time change button 21o, a port blockage end time display unit 21p, and a port blockage. An end time change button 21q is displayed. The time can be changed by pressing the buttons 21o and 21p.

  When the use time (month / week / day unit) limit setting is completed and the determination button 22 is pressed, the port setting screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display screen 21.

  On the display screen 21 as the port setting screen, a physical port setting unit 24, a software port setting unit 25, a determination button 21, an all designation button 26 for designating all ports to be closed, and a manufacturer or the like are set in advance. An initial setting button 27 for matching the initial setting (standard setting) is displayed.

  The physical port setting unit 24 and the software port setting unit 25 display ON (open) or OFF (closed) for each port by using the panel switch function, and press this ON or OFF. Can specify opening and closing of each port.

  Next, an example of use restriction control in the CPU 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S1)
In step S1, it is monitored by the timer 15 whether or not the port use restriction start time has been reached in units of month / week / day. If the start time has been reached, the process proceeds to step S2, and the start time is reached. If not, the step S1 is continuously monitored until the designated time is reached.

(Step S2)
In step S2, since the use restriction start time has been reached, the port designated to be blocked by the port control unit 16 is blocked, and the print command signal or the like transmitted via the server 3 is sent to the IP filter 17 according to the blocked port. The connection is managed, and the process proceeds to step S3.

  The port is not actually blocked, but is virtually blocked, and the print command signal etc. transmitted via the server 3 is temporarily stored in the hard disk 11 or the like. You may comprise so that an image formation process may be performed.

(Step S3)
In step S3, it is monitored by the timer 15 whether or not the port use restriction end time in units of months, weeks, and days has been reached. If the end time has been reached, the process proceeds to step S4 and ends. If the time has not been reached, this step S3 is continuously monitored until the end time is reached.

(Step S4)
In step S4, since the port closing end time has been reached, the port designated for blocking is opened and the routine is terminated.

  As described above, in the multifunction device 1 of the present invention and the network system using the multifunction device 1, by limiting the use of the multifunction device 1 in units of hours, the overtime hours of midnight, etc. Unauthorized use such as private printing in situations where monitoring is not possible can be prevented, and the use can be finely specified for each port.

  In addition, the use restriction start / end time can be set in units of months or weeks, and finer use restrictions can be realized. In the above-described embodiment, the port closing start / end has been described. However, on the contrary, the port opening start / end may be designated.

  In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus and the image forming control program of the present invention have been described as being applied to the multi-function device 1. Of course.

It is explanatory drawing of the system configuration example of the image formation control program which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a system block diagram of an image formation control program according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a system block diagram of the principal part of the image formation control program which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen at the time of port closing operation in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen when setting a port closing time in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen when a port closing period is set in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen for setting a port closing date in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen when setting a port closing time in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen at the time of port closing setting in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the control routine of the image formation control program which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

2. Multi-function machine (image forming device)
3 ... Server 6 ... CPU
7 ... Network interface 12 ... Display screen (timer setting means / port setting means)
15 ... Timer (timer means)
16: Port control unit (port control means)
17 ... IP filter

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus connected to a server via a network interface,
Timer means for monitoring time, timer setting means for setting start / end time, port opening / closing setting means for setting operation of the image forming apparatus main body in units of ports during a setting period by the timer setting means, and the timer means Port control means for controlling the opening and closing of the port set by the port opening and closing setting means when the monitoring time by the timer setting means becomes the start / end time ,
The port control means controls opening and closing of various ports of the server set in the network interface, and the various ports are set in a lower layer of the network protocol and based on a state of being opened and closed by the port control means. the connection between the various ports of the server by a network interface of IP filters are managed image forming apparatus according to claim Rukoto. An image forming apparatus connected to a server via a network interface,
Timer means for monitoring the time including the calendar function, timer setting means for setting the start / end time in units of months, weeks, and days, and operation of the image forming apparatus main body during the setting period by the timer setting means in units of ports A port opening / closing setting means set in the above, and a port control means for controlling opening / closing of the port set by the port opening / closing setting means when the monitoring time by the timer means becomes the start / end time by the timer setting means, Prepared ,
The port control means controls opening and closing of various ports of the server set in the network interface, and the various ports are set in a lower layer of the network protocol and based on a state of being opened and closed by the port control means. the connection between the various ports of the server by a network interface of IP filters are managed image forming apparatus according to claim Rukoto.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the port opening / closing setting unit closes a port related to a print output of at least an image forming process using the image forming processing unit.   A storage unit for storing image data for image forming processing using the image forming processing unit, and the storage unit stores the image data while the port is closed by the port control unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. An image formation control program for controlling the operation of an image forming apparatus connected to a server via a network interface,
A time monitoring step for monitoring the time including the calendar function, a timer setting step for setting start / end times in units of months, weeks, and days, and operation of the image forming apparatus main body during the setting period by the timer setting step Port opening / closing setting step set in units, and port control for controlling opening / closing of the port set in the port opening / closing setting step when the time monitored in the time monitoring step reaches the setting time set in the timer setting step The operation of the image forming apparatus main body is controlled by the step, and in the port control step, the opening and closing of various ports of the server set in the network interface is controlled, and the various ports are set in a lower layer of the network protocol, The network interface is based on the open / close controlled state. Image formation control program, characterized in that manages the connection with the various ports of the server by the IP filter Esu.

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