JP4153838B2 - Function and performance limiting device for image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for limiting the functions and performances of an image forming apparatus, and in particular, enables ease of maintenance of the image forming apparatus, simplification of parts management and manufacturing, and consequently reduces the cost of the apparatus itself. The running cost can be reduced.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, image forming apparatuses such as digital color copiers have been improved with the times, and various models are currently being used at the same time. For this reason, dealers prepare and manage parts for each model in preparation for parts replacement required due to parts failure, parts wear, and the like. Control programs are also prepared and managed for each model.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-130654 [0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, with regard to image forming apparatuses, even if the architecture is the same, hardware and software differ for each product, model, and performance, so it is necessary to have an inventory for each product, model, and performance. is there. As a result, there are problems such as an increase in inventory management cost and complicated maintenance.
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which ease of maintenance, parts management, inventory management, and simplification of manufacturing can be obtained, and as a result, the price of the apparatus itself and the running cost can be reduced. It is to provide a function and performance limiting device.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention includes a plurality of hardware operation content differs, the provided corresponding to each of the plurality of the hardware, the function setting control data block for setting the function of each hardware plurality A plurality of function setting control data blocks provided in the function setting control data block , and capable of switching the performance of hardware corresponding to the control data block in a plurality of stages, and the plurality of function setting control data A function / performance setting means capable of switching and setting a combination of a block and a valid / ineffective block among the plurality of performance setting control data blocks; and the function / performance setting means formed by key information as the combination of active and non-valid block is determined, the key information from the outside And characterized by including the key information incorporation means to accept.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, an overall outline of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
[0008]
FIG. 1 schematically shows an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus (for example, a digital color copying machine) according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus roughly includes a scanner unit 1000 as an image reading unit that reads a color image on a document, and a color printer unit 2000 as an image forming unit that forms a duplicate image of the read color image. These operate under the control of the main control unit 3000. The main control unit 3000 is provided with an operation signal from the operation panel unit 4000. Further, a facsimile unit 5000 controlled by the main control unit 3000 is provided. The main control unit 3000 can also be connected to a network cable for connecting other image forming apparatuses, personal computers, and the like via an external interface.
[0009]
The scanner unit 1000, the color printer unit 2000, the facsimile unit 5000, and the like are hardware associated with the main control unit 3000. The color printer unit 200 includes a monochrome printer function and a color printer function. Further, the image forming apparatus has a printout function for printing out information when the information is transmitted from an external personal computer.
[0010]
As described above, the scanner unit 1000 as hardware can read an image, and the printer unit 2000 as hardware can print out. Therefore, when both are combined, a copy function (copy function) is realized. The printer unit 2000 realizes a printout function for printing out information when the information is transmitted from an external personal computer as hardware alone. In addition, the scanner unit 1000 realizes a function of reading an image and storing it in hardware or transmitting it to an external personal computer as hardware alone.
[0011]
The main control unit 3000 of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is provided with a key mounting unit 311 for mounting a hardware key 350 as key means for limiting or canceling the function of the apparatus. The main control unit 3000 includes a main CPU (central processing unit), and the main CPU 301 is connected to a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a hard disk drive (HDD) 304, and the like via a bus. The ROM 32 stores a startup program and various control programs for controlling the operation of each unit. The RAM 33 is used for temporarily storing data. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 is used to store data.
[0012]
A USB (Universal Serial Bus) controller 305 is also connected to the main CPU 301. The main CPU 301 determines whether or not the hardware key 350 is attached via the key attachment unit 311 and the USB controller 305. If the hardware key 350 is attached, a specific code of the hardware key 350 is determined. Can be read. The specific code stored in the nonvolatile memory of the hardware key 350 is output after being encrypted, decrypted by the USB controller 305, and the decrypted specific code is transferred to the main CPU 301.
[0013]
With reference to FIG. 2, the characteristic portion of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
[0014]
The present invention includes a scanner unit 1000, a color printer unit 2000, a facsimile unit 5000, an external interface, and the like as a plurality of hardware having different operation contents. Among a plurality of hardware, a plurality of hardware units or combinations thereof are prepared corresponding to each function to control the operation of the corresponding hardware in order to realize a target function by controlling the hardware. Control data blocks 3021, 3022, and 3023 for function setting.
[0015]
Examples of functions to be realized include a scan function, a copy function, and a print function. Here, at least one function setting control data block among the plurality of function setting control data blocks is prepared corresponding to each performance stage in order to switch the performance of the corresponding hardware to a plurality of stages. It has a plurality of control data blocks for setting performance. In the example shown in the figure, control data blocks 3021, 3022, and 3023 for setting each function include control data block A for setting standard rank performance, control data block M for setting intermediate rank performance, and control for setting highest rank performance, respectively. Data block H is prepared. The performance includes, for example, scan resolution, copy resolution and print speed, print resolution and print speed.
[0016]
Here, the function / performance setting means 3024 reads the key information from the key information reading unit, and sets a plurality of function setting control data blocks and valid / invalid blocks among the plurality of performance setting control data blocks in block units. Can be controlled. That is, by controlling the switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 of the function setting unit 3025, for example, the scanner unit 1000 and the color printer unit 2000 can be set in an operable state, and the facsimile unit 5000 and the external interface can be set in an inoperable state. . Conversely, the scanner unit 1000 and the color printer unit 2000 can be set in an inoperable state, and the facsimile unit 5000 and the external interface can be set in an operable state.
[0017]
Further, the function / performance setting unit 3024 controls the switches SW01, SW02, and SW03 of the performance setting unit 3026, thereby enabling the hardware (eg, the scanner unit 1000, the color printer unit 2000, and the facsimile unit 5000) in an operable state. The performance (rank) can be set. The performance has a standard rank, an intermediate rank, and a highest rank.
[0018]
The function / performance setting unit 3024 sets the valid / invalid block based on the information from the key information capturing unit (the key mounting unit 311 and the USB controller 305) when the system is started up (when the power is turned on). Decide on a block basis.
[0019]
The hardware key 350 has a different code content depending on its price. The code contents are used for setting a plurality of functions provided for each function in order to set a plurality of different functions depending on hardware alone or a combination of hardware among a plurality of hardware of the image forming apparatus. This is for specifying a control data block. Furthermore, the code content is for specifying a plurality of performance setting control data blocks prepared for each performance in order to switch the performance of the function corresponding to the function setting control data block to a plurality of stages. It is.
[0020]
The control data block is an application program (software) handled by the CPU in each hardware and the main CPU that associates these CPUs. Therefore, the storage location is not specified, and it is constructed by a combination of an application in the ROM in each hardware and an application related to each other.
[0021]
FIG. 3 shows an operation flow when the main CPU 301 makes a situation determination and sets a function depending on whether the hardware key 350 is attached or not. The hardware key 350 will be described assuming that two types of hardware keys 350 are prepared for hardware performance setting and hardware performance setting. These two types are for intermediate performance setting and for maximum performance setting.
[0022]
Actually, depending on the grade, each of a plurality of pieces of hardware installed in the image forming apparatus is determined to be operable or non-operational, but in order to simplify the explanation, In the figure, the hardware is selected and the routine for realizing the function is omitted.
[0023]
When the power of the apparatus is turned on, it is determined whether or not the hardware key 350 is attached (step S2). If not, the process moves to step S8 to set the standard performance. If the hardware key is attached, information in the hardware key is acquired by the main CPU 301 (step S3). Thereby, the main CPU 301 determines the capability in the image forming apparatus (step S4). It is determined whether or not the hardware key is for setting the maximum performance (step S5). If not, the intermediate performance is set (step S6). Set (step S7).
[0024]
In the above example, an example in which a plurality of performance setting control data blocks are prepared so that the three types of performance can be switched to a plurality of stages has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such function settings, and various additions and modifications can be made as function setting contents.
[0025]
For example, the information in the hardware key may be content that limits the use time. Such a restriction is easy. This is because there is a clock unit inside the image forming apparatus, and it is only necessary to compare whether the time is within the set time. When the usage time is limited, for example, in the case of a company, setting such as 8:00 to 17:00 can prevent unauthorized use of the device after working hours. In addition, the rental company can set the rental fee in stages according to the length of the use time by performing the use time management.
[0026]
FIG. 4 shows a state in which hardware key 350A for maximum performance setting and hardware key 350B for intermediate performance setting are prepared as hardware keys for image forming apparatus MFP-1. .
[0027]
The place where the hardware key is attached has a lid that can be opened and closed by a service person with a special tool so that a general user cannot open and close it.
[0028]
FIG. 5 shows a plurality of examples of display contents on the display panel when a hardware key is inserted into image forming apparatus MFP-1. FIG. 5A shows display contents on the display panel when the hardware key 350A is inserted, FIG. 5B shows display contents on the display panel when the hardware key 350B is inserted, and FIG. This is the display content of the display panel when the hardware key 350C is inserted. The hardware keys 350A and 350B have support codes for starting up the scanner unit, printer unit, and copy unit, respectively.
[0029]
When the hardware key 350A is inserted, the display panel has a scan resolution of 600 dpi (dot per inch), a copy resolution and a copy speed of 600 dpi · 40 ppm (page per miniute), and a print resolution and print speed of 600 dpi.・ Indicates 40 ppm (page per miniute).
[0030]
When the hardware key 350B is inserted, the display panel has a scan resolution of 400 dpi (dot per inch), a copy resolution and a copy speed of 400 dpi.30 ppm (page per miniute), and a print resolution and print speed of 400 dpi.・ It indicates 30ppm (page per miniute).
[0031]
When the hardware key is not inserted, the display panel has a scan resolution of 300 dpi (dot per inch), a copy resolution and copy speed of 300 dpi 20 ppm (page per miniute), and a print resolution and print speed of 300 dpi.・ It indicates 20ppm (page per miniute).
[0032]
In the above description, an example in which some functions and their performance are set has been described. However, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is equipped with many kinds of hardware, and can realize a large number of functions according to these hardware alone or a combination thereof. Therefore, after realizing some or all of these functions according to the contents of hardware key codes of different grades, the technical concept of further setting the performance (rank) for the realized functions Is within the scope of the present invention.
[0033]
FIG. 6 shows the inside of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in more detail, and various functions can be realized by combining these hardware.
[0034]
The image forming apparatus may be connected to a mail server via a local area network (LAN). The mail server is connected to the Internet.
[0035]
The image forming apparatus includes a main control unit 3000, an operation panel unit 4000, a clock unit 13, a scanner unit 1000, an image processing unit 15, a printer unit 2000, a bus controller 17, a (hard disk drive) HDD 304, a facsimile unit 5000, a page memory 330, A network interface (I / F) 700 (connection unit) and the like are included.
[0036]
The main control unit 3000, operation panel unit 4000, clock unit 340, scanner unit 1000, image processing unit 600, printer unit 2000, and bus controller 321 are connected by a bus line. The bus controller 321, the HDD 304, the facsimile unit 5000, the page memory 330, and the network I / F 700 are connected by a bus line. The image processing unit 600, the facsimile unit 5000, and the page memory 330 are connected by a bus line.
[0037]
The main control unit 3000 includes a main CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, and the like. The ROM 302 stores a program for comprehensively controlling each unit, a dedicated program for analyzing and creating an e-mail, and the like. The RAM 303 is formed with a work area necessary for the main CPU 301 to perform various processes. The main CPU 301 comprehensively controls each unit by executing a program stored in the ROM 302.
[0038]
The operation panel unit 4000 includes a control panel CPU 401, a flash ROM 402, a RAM 403, a display unit 404, an operation unit 405, and the like. The flash ROM 402 stores a program for controlling the display unit 404 and the operation unit 405 as firmware (F / W). The control panel CPU 401 executes a program stored in the flash ROM 402 and controls various instructions input from the operation unit 405 and various information displayed on the display unit 404.
[0039]
The clock unit 340 performs a time counting operation. Further, a predetermined time is measured based on an instruction from the main control unit 3000.
[0040]
The scanner unit 1000 is controlled by the scanner CPU 101, flash ROM 102, and RAM 103. The flash ROM 102 stores a program for controlling the image reading operation of the scanner unit 1000 as F / W. The scanner CPU 101 executes a program stored in the flash ROM 102, reads, for example, an image of a document sent from an unillustrated auto document feeder (ADF), and sends it to the image processing unit 600, for example.
[0041]
The image processing unit 600 performs predetermined image processing on the image data sent from the scanner unit 1000. The image data is output to the facsimile unit 5000 or the page memory 330.
[0042]
The printer unit 2000 is controlled by the printer CPU 201, flash ROM 202, and RAM 203. The flash ROM 202 stores a program for controlling the printing operation of the printer unit 2000 as F / W. The printer CPU 201 executes a program stored in the flash ROM 202 to operate each device for forming an image, and, for example, passes through a paper passage path (not shown) based on the image data stored in the page memory 330. An image is formed on the paper to be fed.
[0043]
The bus controller 321 is controlled by the main control unit 3000 and controls transmission destinations of various data. The page memory 330 is used for performing rotation, compression / decompression, resolution conversion, and the like of image data to be printed. The facsimile unit 5000 receives or transmits an Internet fax via the network I / F 700.
[0044]
The HDD 304 stores, for example, an image read by the scanner unit 1000, an e-mail received via the network I / F, and the like. In addition, various application software for operating the above-described devices is stored.
[0045]
Network I / F 700 is communicably connected to the LAN. As a result, the image forming apparatus can communicate with a computer device or the like connected to the Internet. The image forming apparatus can receive and transmit an electronic mail via the network I / F 700.
[0046]
The mail server is disposed, for example, in an agent 7 that provides a maintenance service for the image forming apparatus in a predetermined area. A PC (computer device, firmware data source) is connected to the mail server via a LAN.
[0047]
As described above, according to the present invention, all hardware of the image forming apparatus can be configured identically. For this reason, the manufacturer can easily manage parts and inventory, and can easily manage software for function setting and performance setting. This makes it possible to reduce product costs and maintenance costs.
[0048]
Even if the image forming apparatus has such a configuration, various functions and performances of the image forming apparatus can be set according to the hardware key. As a result, for example, the rental price of the image forming apparatus can be set stepwise from a low price to a high price according to its function and performance. In addition, when the user applies for an improvement or restriction of functions and performance during rental, the user can respond to the request only by exchanging the hardware key.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention makes it possible to obtain parts management, inventory management, and manufacturing simplification, and as a result, the cost of the apparatus itself can be reduced and the running cost can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a concept of a characteristic part of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart shown for explaining an operation example of the apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a usage pattern in the device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a display panel when the apparatus of the present invention is used.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing in more detail the components of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
[Explanation of symbols]
1000: scanner unit, 2000: printer unit, 3000: main control unit, 4000: operation panel unit, 305: USB controller, 311 ... key mounting unit, 350: hardware key.

Claims (6)

Multiple hardware with different operations,
A function setting control data block for setting the function of each hardware, provided corresponding to each of the plurality of hardware;
A plurality of performance setting control data blocks provided in the plurality of function setting control data blocks , respectively, and capable of switching the performance of hardware corresponding to the control data block in a plurality of stages ;
A function / performance setting means capable of switching and setting a combination of valid / ineffective blocks among the plurality of function setting control data blocks and the plurality of performance setting control data blocks;
As the combination of the effective and non-effective blocks by the key information to form the said function and performance setting means is determined, an image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a key information fetching means for accepting the key information from the outside Function and performance limiting device. 2. The function and performance limiting device of an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of performance setting control data blocks set a scanning resolution of a scanning unit and a printing speed of a printer unit in a plurality of stages.   2. The performance and function limiting device for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the key information capturing means for receiving key information from the outside has a USB controller.   2. The function and performance limiting device of an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the key information fetching unit has a key mounting part for mounting a hardware key.   The key information capturing means for receiving key information from the outside has a USB controller and a key mounting part for mounting a hardware key, and reads a code stored in the hardware key. The function and performance limiting device of the image forming apparatus according to 1. A scanner unit, a printer unit, and a facsimile unit having different operation contents;
A function setting control data block which is provided corresponding to each of the scanner unit and the printer unit, and sets an operable state / inoperable state of each of the scanner unit, the printer unit and the facsimile unit;
A plurality of performance setting control data provided in each of the plurality of function setting control data blocks and capable of switching the resolution or speed of the scanner unit, printer unit and facsimile unit corresponding to the control data block in a plurality of stages. Block,
A function / performance setting means capable of switching and setting a combination of valid / ineffective blocks among the plurality of function setting control data blocks and the plurality of performance setting control data blocks;
The combination of the valid / invalid block formed by the function / performance setting means based on the key information determines the operable state / inoperable state of the scanner unit, printer unit and facsimile unit, and the combination of each resolution or each speed. As described above, a function and performance limiting device for an image forming apparatus, comprising a key information capturing unit that receives the key information from the outside .

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