MXPA97002497A - Image format device with control access - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is directed to an image forming apparatus that includes a printing machine operable in at least two modes, and an access control system connected to and controlling the printing machine. The access control system includes an access control key to allow selective and discriminated switching of the printing machine from one of at least two modes to another of at least two modes, such as in an economical mode to a mode of operation. high quality, or vicever

Description

IM GENES FORMAT DEVICE WITH CONTROLLED ACCESS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and, more particularly, to printers having a controllable operation. 2. Description of Related Matter An image forming apparatus, such as a printer, can typically be operated selectively in one of a plurality of different modes. In the case of an inkjet printer, one such mode may be a high quality mode that provides a high quality printed job. Alternatively, the ink jet printer may be operated in a relatively lower quality ink-saving mode wherein certain available pixels are essentially "outlined" in such a way that the ink is not deposited on the printing medium in a certain place. correspondent. In the case of an electrophotographic printer (for example, a laser printer), the printer can be operated in a similar manner in different modes to use different amounts of toner for a specific job. With conventional printers, the printer is normally switched from one mode of operation to another by pushing a button on the printer, or alternatively sending a signal from a host computer attached to the printer. However, with such known printers, there is no controlled access to the printer to switch from one mode of operation to another. Anyone can either press a button on the printer or send an appropriate signal from the host computer to the printer to switch from one mode of operation to another. A problem with known printers is that it is not possible to prevent a person from using a printer in an operation mode that consumes a relatively large quantity of a consumable supply, such as ink, toner or paper, over a predetermined unit of time. For example, a color inkjet printer attached to a host computer can be used basically to produce business type graphics, presentations, etc. However, children can also access the printer and use it to print design created, clip art, etc. Although the activities associated with such printing jobs provide children with entertainment and education, the person wishing to use the printer for business purposes may wish to limit the use of consumable supplies in the printer so that the appropriate consumable supplies are subsequently found available for the production of a business type work product. What is needed in the art is an image forming apparatus, such as a printer, which allows controlled access to selected features and / or (sub) systems of the printer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an image forming apparatus, such as a printer, which has controlled access to selected features and / or (sub) systems. Controlled access allows a selected use of consumable supplies, such as ink or toner. The invention comprises, in one form thereof, an image forming apparatus that includes a printing machine operable in at least two modes, and an access control system connected to and controlling the printing machine. The access control system includes an access control key to allow selective and discriminated switching of the printing machine from one of at least two modes to another of at least two modes, such as from an economical mode to a high quality mode, or vice versa. An advantage of the present invention is that controlled access is provided to certain features and / or (sub) systems of the printer.

Another advantage is that a consumption ratio of consumable supplies, such as ink or toner, can be controlled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above-mentioned features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood with reference to the following description of the embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a basic flow chart of an embodiment of the access control system of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an access control system of the present invention that includes an electronic access key; Figure 3 is a flow diagram of the access control system shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an access control system of the present invention that includes a mechanical access key; Figure 5 is a flow chart of the access control system shown in Figure 4; and Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of an access control system of the present invention with another variant of a mechanical access key. The corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts through all the various views. The exemplifications set forth herein illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Figure 1, a basic flow diagram of an embodiment of an access control system of the present invention is shown. The access control system provides the selective and discriminated access to the selected features and / or (sub) systems of an image forming apparatus, such as a printer, and by this is able to control a consumption ratio of consumable supplies, such as ink, toner, paper, etc. Where the terms "control", "controlling" or the like are used in this application, it should be understood that such terms may include the meaning of the terms "regular," which regulates, "etc. That is, such" control "may It can also be understood, and will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, that the methodology and logic of the present invention described herein can be carried out using any number of structural configurations such as hardware, software, and / or electronic firmware, or the like In contrast to a conventional printer that simply accepts a received signal and is switched from one mode of operation to another, the access control system of the present invention demands an interface with a control access key to be provided by a user (block 10) As will be described in more detail hereafter, the access control key may be e in the form of an electronic access control key such as a password, or a mechanical access control key such as a key in hand or coin. If the access control key that is communicated to the printer by a user is valid (decision block 12 and line 14), then the user is allowed access to certain features and / or (sub) systems of the printer (block 16) On the other hand, if the access control key is not valid (line 18), then the control goes back to block 10. Block 10, line 20, decision block 12 and line 18, therefore, define a wait state during which the printer waits for an appropriate access control key to be communicated to it by a user. If a user is allowed access to the printing system, as indicated by block 16, then certain features and / or (sub) systems of the printer can be accessed and modified. For example, the printer can be switched from one mode of operation to another where the consumption ratio of a consumable supply such as ink, toner or paper is changed. Since the printer also operates at a known expense ratio, the consumable supply may also be in the form of a period of time in which the printer can be operated. After accessing the printing system, and changing an operation mode (if desired), the control ends (block 22). The same logic shown in Figure 1 must be followed again if the mode of operation of the printer is about to be changed. Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an access control system 30 of the present invention that includes an electronic access key. The access control system 30 includes a printer 32 which is connected to a host computer 34 via a conductor 36. The printer 32 includes a printing machine 38 used to print an image on a printing medium such as paper (no shown). In the case of an inkjet printer, the printing machine 38 includes an ink jet cartridge or pen with a consumable ink supply therein. In the case of a laser printer, the printing machine 38 includes an electrophotographic assembly with a consumable toner supply for transferring a latent image to the printing medium. The printer 32 also includes a processor 40 that connects to and controls a printing machine 38 through a conductor 42. The processor 40 connects to a host computer 34 through the line 36 and receives input data from the printer. same Of course, the printer 32 may also include other structures, not shown, such as a data buffer, etc. The printer 32 is operable in at least two modes of operation, such as an economical mode and a high quality mode. The economical operation mode uses less than a consumable supply than the high quality mode. The consumable supply can be chosen selectively in what corresponds to ink, toner, paper or time, as indicated above. Since the present invention does not directly relate to the consumable supply, but rather to a method and system for providing controlled access to a consumable supply, these consumable supplies are not shown in the drawings.

In the case where the printer 32 corresponds to an ink jet printer, the high quality mode can be a stepped or interlaced by band mode in which the nozzles of an ink jet cartridge are selectively ignited over multiple steps of the print head through the printing medium. The selected nozzles are turned on during one step of the print head, while the other selected nozzles are turned on during another step of the print head. The basic concept of "staggering" is known in the art as the proportion of a high-quality print job. Alternatively, the economical mode for an inkjet printer may correspond to an ink-saving mode where only certain blinking pixels forming a print image are actually used during the printing process. That is, the print image can be divided into several pixels addressable to decide whether or not to inject a droplet of ink onto the printing medium in the particular addressable pixel. During an ink-saving mode only a predetermined array of addressable pixels is actually used to inject ink onto the printing medium. One such known ink-saving mode jumps every two addressable pixels to inject ink onto the printing medium. The host computer 34 includes a display screen 44 on which textual information such as that shown in Figure 2 can be displayed to a user. This can be done with a software driver provided with the printer that is loaded on the host computer. An electronic access control key in the form of a password request is displayed on the screen 44 when a user wishes to access the printer system to change the mode of operation of the same. further, a status indicator corresponding to the current operating mode is also displayed on the screen 44. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the status indicator is displayed as an operating mode for an economic mode or a high quality mode, although other modes of operation are also possible. The correct password can either be stored as a data file (encrypted) in the host computer or in a non-volatile RAM (NV) in the printer 32. The NV memory in the printer 32 can be incorporated in the processor 40. If an appropriate password is entered into the host computer 34, such as through the use of a keyboard, then an electrical signal is transmitted to the processor 40 over the conductor 36. The user is then allowed to access certain features and / or (sub) systems from the printer so the printer can change from one operation mode to another. Figure 3 illustrates a flow diagram of the access control system 30 shown in Figure 2. First, the user wishes to access a feature and / or (sub) system of the printer 32 (block 50). The printer system then demands an electronic access control key before allowing access to the characteristic and / or (sub) system of the printer (block 52). The electronic key in Figure 2 is in the form of a password request from the printer system. The password request may originate either from the software driver located on the host computer 34 or the processor 40 located in the printer 32. A decision is then made as to whether the password is valid for accessing the configuration and / or (sub) desired system (decision block 54). If the result is NO (line 56), the control goes to block 52. On the other hand, if the electronic key is valid and the result from decision block 54 is YES (line 58), then the user is allowed to access the characteristic and / or (sub) systems of the printer (block 60). For example, the user can change the mode of operation of the printer 32 from an economical mode to a high quality mode, or vice versa. After the user is allowed to access the feature and / or (sub) systems of the printer, the feature and / or (sub) systems of the printer are closed (block 62) and control goes back to block 50. In the modality of the access control system shown in Figures 2 and 3, the electronic access control key is in the form of a password entered in the host computer 34. However, it will also be appreciated that the host computer 34 provides a corresponding electrical signal over the driver 36 to the processor 40 of the printer 32. Since the signal transmitted on the conductor 36 to the processor 40 corresponds to the password, it is also possible to define the electronic access control key as the value of a particular electrical signal transmitted to the processor 40. Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an access control system 70 of the present invention that includes a mechanical access control key 72 that gives access to a printer 74. More particularly, the printer 74 includes a processor 76 which is connected to a printing machine 78 through a conductor 80. The processor 76 and the printing machine 78 are of similar structure and function to the processor 40 and the printing machine 38 described above with reference to Figure 2. The processor 76 is also connected to a mechanical key input device 82 through a conductor 84. The mechanical key input device 82 includes a rotating drum 86 which is movable between two positions corresponding to an economical mode and a high print quality mode. The mechanical access control key 72, which is in the form of a turnkey in the mode shown, is insertable into the slot 88 of the drum 86. The drum 86 is in a position corresponding to the economic mode as shown in Figure 4, and can also be turned clockwise approximately 90 degrees to a position corresponding to the high quality mode of the printer 74. The mechanical key input device is configured to provide an output signal which is transmitted on the conductor 84 to the processor 76. The output signal is indicative of the mode of operation of the selected printer 74. The processor 76 controls the printing machine 78 through a conductor 80 to effect a desired mode of operation. Accordingly, the mechanical access control key 72 provides selective and discriminated switching of the printing machine 78 from one mode of operation to another mode, such as from an economical mode to a high quality mode.

Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart for the access control system 70 shown in Figure 4. First, the user wishes to access a feature and / or (sub) system of the printer 70 (block 120). The printer system then demands a mechanical access control key before allowing the feature and / or (sub) system of the printer to be accessed (block 122). The mechanical access key in Figure 4 is in the form of a turnkey that is inserted into the slot 88 of the mechanical key input device 82. A decision is then made as to whether the mechanical access key is valid for access the desired characteristic and / or (sub) system (decision block 124). If the result is NO (line 126), control passes back to block 122. On the other hand, if the mechanical access key is valid and the result from decision block 124 is YES (line 128), then the user access to the feature and / or (sub) printer systems (block 130). For example, the user can change the mode of operation of the printer 70 from an economical mode to a high quality mode, or vice versa. After the user is allowed to access the feature and / or (sub) systems of the printer, the feature and / or (sub) systems of the printer are closed (block 132) and control passes back to block 120. The Figure 6 schematically illustrates another embodiment of an access control system 100 of the present invention which includes a mechanical access control key 102 in the shape of a coin. The coin 102 communicates with a coin input device 104 of a printer 106. The coin input device 104 is connected through the lead 108 to a processor 110 which in turn is connected through the lead 112 to a printing machine 114. The coin entry device 104 includes mechanical sensors and appropriate circuitry (not shown) for determining a total monetary amount of coins 102 inserted in the coin entry device 104. The monetary value corresponding to the number of coins 102 inserted in the coin entry device 104 is used to determine when a feature can be accessed and / or (sub) system of the printer 106 for use or modification. For example, the monetary value of the number of coins 102 inserted in the coin input device 104 can be used to control access to a mode of operation of the printer such as an economy mode or a high quality mode, the total number of Which sheets can be used, or a period of time during which the printer can be used. The monetary value can also be used to allow a user to switch from one mode of operation to another during use, such as from an economic mode to a high quality mode, based on the monetary value remaining at the time a demand to change the mode of operation. The logic and method of operation for the printer 100 shown in Figure 6 is the same as that illustrated by the flow chart in Figure 5. In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 6, respectively, the access control key Mechanical is found in the form of a turnkey 72 and coin 102, respectively. However, it should also be understood that other mechanical access control keys may also be used. Other examples may include a magnetically encoded access card, or vertical switches in the printer having limited access thereto. The access control system of the present invention has many possible applications. For example, a parent may wish to limit the amount of consumable supplies a child is allowed to use. In addition, a technology manager for a business may wish to control which people in the business are allowed to use the printer in a specific mode of operation. In addition, hotels may be able to place a computer and printer inside a room to be used by a patron. The printer could close its operation unless a specific access control key was entered by the pattern. Other uses are also possible. Further, with respect to the mode of the access control system 30 shown in Figure 2, the host computer 34 is connected directly to the printer 32 via a conductor 36, such as a parallel or serial cable. However, it is also understood that the printer 32 can also be connected to and controlled by a computer that is not directly attached to it. For example, it may be desirable to control the printer 32 over a local area network (LAN). It may also be possible to use a tone generating chip such as that found in a conventional telephone to access a remotely located system that includes a tone demodulation circuit to enter a pass code that allows a feature and / or ( sub) system of a printer located in a remote station is accessed (similar to access to an electronic voice mail system that uses a multifrequency telephone). Although this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be modified subsequently within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that this application cover any variation, use or adaptation of the invention that uses its general principles. Furthermore, this application attempts to cover such deviations from the present disclosure as long as they fall within the known or customary practice in the matter to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims (31)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and therefore the property described in the following claims is claimed as property. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a printing machine operable in an economical mode and a high quality mode, said economical mode uses less of a consumable supply than said high quality mode; and an access control system connected to and controlling said printing machine, said access control system includes an access control key to enable selective and discriminated switching of said printing machine from one of said economic mode and said mode high quality to another of such economic mode and said high quality mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said access control key comprises an electronic access control key. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that said electronic access control key comprises an electrical signal. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that said electronic access control key comprises a password. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said access control key comprises a mechanical access control key. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that said mechanical access control key comprises a key in hand. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that said mechanical access control key comprises a coin. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the image forming apparatus comprises a printer. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said consumable supply comprises ink, and wherein said high quality mode comprises a band interleaving mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said consumable supply comprises ink, and wherein said economical mode comprises an ink-saving mode. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said consumable supply comprises ink. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said consumable supply comprises toner. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said consumable supply comprises paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said consumable supply comprises time. 15. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a printing machine operable in at least two modes; and an access control system connected to the one controlling said printing machine, said access control system includes an access control key to allow the selective and discriminated switching of said printing machine from one of said at least two modes to another of said at least two modes. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that said at least two modes comprise an economic mode and a high quality mode, said economical mode uses less of a consumable supply than said high quality mode. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that said consumable supply comprises ink. 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that said consumable supply comprises toner. 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that said consumable supply comprises paper. 20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that said consumable supply comprises time. 21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that said access control key comprises an electronic access control key. 22. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that said electronic access control key comprises a password. 23. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that said access control key comprises a mechanical access control key. 24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that said mechanical access control key comprises a key in hand. 25. The image forming apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that said mechanical access control key comprises a coin. 26. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the image forming apparatus comprises a printer. 27. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the access control system comprises a processor. 28. The image forming apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that said access control system further comprises a host computer connected to said processor. 29. The image forming apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that said access control system further comprises a mechanical key input device connected to said processor. 30. A method for forming an image on a printing medium, comprising the steps of: providing a printing machine operable in at least two modes; providing an access control system connected to and controlling said printing machine; provide an access control key; communicating said access control key to said access control system; and switching said printing machine from one of said at least two modes to another of said at least two modes using said access control system, depending on said access control key communicated. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that said printing machine is operable in an economical mode and a high quality mode, and wherein said switching step comprises switching said printing machine from one of said economical mode and said high-quality mode to the other of said economic mode and said high-quality mode.