JP4233293B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a multifunction device such as a copy, a printer, a facsimile, or a single function image.Formationapparatus, Image forming methodIn particular, USB (Universal Serial Bus) interfaceByImages that can be connected to a USB device and communicate with each otherFormationapparatus, Image forming methodAbout.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the recent spread of IT, there are many cases where various computer devices are used not only in offices but also in various places, and an environment where computers can be used everywhere is being prepared. In such an environment, notebook personal computers (notebook PCs), PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), and the like are portable devices, for example, many businessmen such as salesmen are carrying around when they go out. Moreover, various document files, image files, and the like are stored in a hard disk (HDD) in a portable computer device.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, as shown above, in a computer device that is carried around and used, when you want to check the document file or image file held by the device on a recording paper on the go, etc. For example, there is an increasing need to use digital copiers installed at convenience stores. However, in conventional digital copying machines, since an interface with a computer device is not always provided, there are many cases where a desired file cannot be easily and quickly output onto a recording sheet.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above, and a portable computer device is provided by providing an interface that can be connected to a portable computer device in a multi-function device disposed in various places such as a storefront. An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily and quickly output various types of file data held in the recording paper.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the USB interface disposed near the operation position and connected to the USB device, and the USB interface connected via the USB interface. User information corresponding to the device information of the USB device when the USB device is connected via the USB interface and a USB controller that performs recognition processing of the USB device and recognizes device information of the USB deviceTheUser information storage means for downloading from the client and storing the user information;When the USB controller controls the USB device connected via the USB interface,User information stored in the user information storage means,in frontUser authentication means for performing user authentication by collating user information sent from the USB device.
[0006]
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a USB interface disposed near the operation position and connected to the USB device, and the USB device connected via the USB interface are recognized, and the USB device is connected. User information corresponding to the device information of the USB device when the USB device is connected via the USB interface and the USB controller that recognizes the device information ofTheUser information storage means for downloading from the client and storing the user information;The USB controller controls the USB device connected via the USB interface,User information stored in the user information storage means;,in frontUser authentication means for performing user authentication by collating user information sent from the USB device makes it possible to easily perform user authentication of the USB device and to connect the USB via a USB interface. When the device is connected, the user information corresponding to the USB device is downloaded and the user information is stored, so that the efficiency of the user authentication process can be improved.
[0011]
  Claims2ImagesFormationThe apparatus further includes card payment means for performing user authentication and paying a usage fee for the image forming process after the authentication is permitted with a predetermined card.
[0012]
  thisClaim 2According to the invention, the claimsInvention of 1With the authentication information and the card information input by the user, it is possible to pay for the usage fee with a credit card or the like when the image is formed with the user authentication permission.
[0013]
  Claims3ImagesFormationThe apparatus further includes point service means for performing a point service for performing user authentication and reducing the usage fee in accordance with the amount of image forming processing used after authentication is permitted.
[0014]
  thisClaim 3According to the invention, the claimsInvention of 1 or 2Points are added according to the amount of use of image formation processing (number of recording paper, recording paper size, monochrome / color) after user authentication and authentication is permitted, and free or reduced depending on the number of points By performing the service, it can be expected that the frequency of use of a device installed in a specific model or a specific location is increased.
[0015]
  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the USB connection step of connecting to the USB device by the USB interface arranged in the vicinity of the operation position, and the recognition of the USB device connected via the USB interface by the USB controller Recognizing the device information of the USB device by performing processing, and user information corresponding to the device information of the USB device when the USB device is connected via the USB interfaceTheA user information storage step of storing the user information downloaded from the server and stored in the user information storage means;The USB controller controls the USB device connected via the USB interface,User information stored in the user information storage means;,in frontAnd a user authentication step of performing user authentication by collating with user information sent from the USB device.
[0016]
  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the USB connection step of connecting to the USB device by the USB interface arranged in the vicinity of the operation position, and the recognition of the USB device connected via the USB interface by the USB controller Recognizing the device information of the USB device by performing processing, and user information corresponding to the device information of the USB device when the USB device is connected via the USB interfaceTheA user information storage step of storing the user information downloaded from the server and stored in the user information storage means;The USB controller controls the USB device connected via the USB interface,User information stored in the user information storage means;,in frontA user authentication step of performing user authentication by collating user information sent from the USB device, so that user authentication of the USB device can be easily performed, and the USB device is connected via a USB interface. When the device is connected, the user information corresponding to the USB device is downloaded and the user information is stored, so that the efficiency of the user authentication process can be improved.
[0017]
According to the invention of claim 5, in the invention of claim 4, further comprising a card payment step of performing user authentication and paying a usage fee for image forming processing after authentication permission with a predetermined card. Characterized by
[0018]
According to the invention of claim 5, in the invention of claim 4, payment of the usage fee is paid by a credit card or the like at the time of image formation by user authentication permission based on the authentication information and card information input by the user. It becomes possible.
[0019]
According to the invention of claim 6, in the invention of claim 4 or 5, the point service further reduces the usage fee in accordance with the usage amount of the image forming process after the authentication is permitted by performing user authentication. It has the point service step which performs.
[0020]
According to the invention of claim 6, in the invention of claim 4 or 5, the usage amount of image forming processing after user authentication and authentication is permitted (number of recording sheets, recording sheet size, monochrome / color) ) And the like, and by providing free or reduced services according to the number of points, it can be expected that the frequency of use of a device placed in a specific model or a specific location will increase.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention., Image forming methodA preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment.
[0022]
The present invention comprises a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface on the operation panel of a multifunction machine such as a copy, printer, facsimile, or the like or a single-function image forming apparatus (digital copying machine) or in the vicinity thereof, and a USUSB device ( For example, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a notebook PC (Personal Computer) or other mobile device) is connected to each other and communicates with the connected device. Image file data and text files held by the device Are output on recording paper. This will be specifically described below.
[0023]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multi-function machine 100 is a digital copying machine having a copy function for performing normal copy processing and editing processing, a printer function for printing print data transferred from the outside, and a facsimile function for performing facsimile transmission / reception. The multi-function device 100 may be either monochrome or full color.
[0024]
The multi-function device 100 is centrally controlled by a system controller 101. The system controller 101 is constituted by a microcomputer system such as a CPU, RAM, and ROM. As will be described later, a scanner 102, a printer engine 103, an operation panel 104, a USB controller 107, a LAN interface (I / F) 111, and the like are connected to the system controller 101.
[0025]
As is generally known, the scanner 102 optically scans a document to be copied or transmitted by facsimile and collects the reflected light on a CDD image sensor and reads it. The printer engine 103 constitutes a so-called laser printer, and is composed of an image forming system based on a known electrophotographic process, and forms an image on a recording paper according to the above process by laser writing according to image data. is there.
[0026]
The LAN interface 111 is an interface for communication connection with the management server 160 via a LAN (local area network). The management server 160 stores user registration information (hereinafter referred to as user information) in advance.
[0027]
As will be described later, the operation panel 104 informs each operation setting and device status for each composite function (copy, printer, facsimile), and includes a group of keys and an LCD panel 105, and a USB interface 151. A USB interface 106 that can be connected to the USB device 150 is provided. The USB interface 106 is connected to the USB controller 107. The USB controller 107 includes an authentication unit 108 for performing user authentication when the USB device 150 is connected, an authentication memory 109 for storing user authentication data, and charging processing and point addition processing by the USB device 150. A billing processing unit 110 is connected. Further, a card insertion unit 112 for inserting a credit card or the like is connected to the billing processing unit 110.
[0028]
The USB device 150 is a mobile device capable of holding or downloading image data. Specifically, for example, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a notebook PC, and the like are targeted.
[0029]
By the way, USB is a Universal Serial Bus: a general-purpose serial bus, and corresponds to both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 specifications. Therefore, the USB controller 107 is also configured to correspond to the above two specifications.
[0030]
In FIG. 1, the system controller 101, USB controller 107, authentication unit 108, authentication memory 109, and billing processing unit 110 are shown as independent forms. However, these functions are combined to form an ASIC (Application Specific IC). Of course, a single-chip configuration may be used.
[0031]
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the operation panel 194 in FIG. Reference numeral 120 denotes a USB connector insertion port compliant with the USB series specification, reference numeral 121 denotes a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies and a destination number at the time of copying / facsimile transmission, and reference numeral 122 denotes a USB to be pressed when the USB device 150 is connected. Key, reference numeral 123 is an SD card key, reference numeral 124 is a stop key that is pressed when the apparatus is stopped after the start of the apparatus, reference numeral 125 is a clear key for canceling the input set value, and reference numeral 126 is pressed when starting copying. Is the start key. Reference numeral 151 denotes a USB connector provided on the signal cable of the USB device 150.
[0032]
There are two types of USB connectors, the USB series A connector and the USB series B connector. If these two types are supported, the shape of the USB connector insertion slot 120 matches the respective specifications. . The USB connector insertion port 120 is naturally connected to the USB interface 106.
[0033]
The LCD panel 105 is composed of a liquid crystal (LCD) dot panel, and displays function keys, the number of copies, a message indicating the status of the apparatus, and the like. When the operator touches the key displayed on the LCD panel 105, the key indicating the selected function is inverted in black. Further, when it is necessary to specify the details of the function (for example, when the magnification is changed, a scaling value, etc.), a detailed function setting screen is displayed by touching the key. Thus, since the LCD panel 105 uses a dot display, it is configured to be able to graphically perform the optimum display at that time.
[0034]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a network connection state in the multi-function peripheral configured as shown in FIG. Here, three multifunction peripherals 100 and a management server 160 connected to a network management center 170 are connected on a LAN (Local Area Network) 200. Although three multifunction devices 100 are shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same model may be used, but different multifunction devices may be used as long as a USB interface is provided.
[0035]
As described above, in the multifunction machine 100 having the copy, printer, and facsimile functions, the USB interface 106 is mounted on the operation panel 104 or in the vicinity of the operation panel 104 via the USB connector insertion port 120. A series of operations from the connection of the USB device 150 to recognition and user authentication will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0036]
When the user inserts the USB connector 151 connected to the signal cable of the USB device 150 such as a notebook PC, PDA, or mobile phone into the USB connector insertion slot 120 and presses the USB key 122, first, the user passes through the USB interface 106. The USB controller 107 starts the connection process of the USB device 150 (step S11). Subsequently, the MFP 100 recognizes the connected USB device 150 by plug and play (step S12).
[0037]
Subsequently, the MFP 100 is connected to the LAN 200 and can communicate with the management server 160. Since the user information is stored in the management server 160 in advance, the user connects the USB connector of the device to the USB connector. When it is inserted into the insertion slot 120 and connected to the USB interface 106, the multifunction peripheral 100 recognizes the connected device and downloads user information to the management server 160 based on the device information (step S13). The USB controller 107 controls the connected USB device 150 to display a user authentication screen (step S14). This screen display example is indicated by reference numeral 210 in FIG. That is, the content shown on the authentication information input screen 210 is output to the display of the USB device 150 (mobile phone, PDA, notebook PC). Here, it is displayed so as to prompt the user to input a user name and password as authentication information.
[0038]
Further, the user inputs a user name and a password according to the instruction (step S15). The USB controller 107 confirms whether or not the user name and password input by the user through the USB device 150 are correct information via the authentication unit 108, and determines whether or not authentication is possible (step S16). If it is determined that the input information is correct, the image forming operation by the multifunction device 100 is enabled, and a desired print or copy process instructed from the USB device 15 is executed (step S17).
[0039]
In this way, when user authentication is completed, printing and copying can be performed without cash according to the authentication. Further, when the MFP 100 is used using this authentication system, points are added according to the degree of use, and processing such as a free copy service or reduction is executed via the accounting processing unit 110 according to the points. . In addition, when the billing processing unit 110 performs billing processing according to the usage state (number of recording sheets, recording sheet size, monochrome / color, etc.), a credit card or the like is inserted into the card insertion unit 112 and the usage fee is settled by debiting the account. It is also possible to do.
[0040]
Incidentally, in order to realize the above-described user authentication processing, a register for user authentication is provided in the ASIC for functioning the authentication unit 108 in the multifunction peripheral 100 or the system controller 101 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, (a) is a device information register, (b) is a user name storage register, (c) is a password storage register, and (d) is an authentication permission register.
[0041]
When the USB device 150 is connected, information held by the device is collected and stored in the device information register. Further, the system controller 101 acquires user information from the management server 160 via the network. The user information downloaded from the management server 160 is stored in the user name storage register and the password storage register. Thereafter, the user information obtained from the USB-connected device is collated with the user information. As a result, when authentication is given, an authentication permission register is used.
[0042]
Therefore, by mounting the USB interface in the vicinity of the operation panel 104 in the multifunction device 100 described above, it is possible to connect to various computer devices (PDA, notebook PC, etc.) via the USB interface. Further, by connecting the notebook PC or PDA to the multifunction device 100, the connected device can be controlled via the USB controller of the multifunction device 100. Furthermore, by performing user authentication during the USB connection, security can be enhanced.
[0043]
In addition, since it is possible to settle the usage fee using an account withdrawal type card such as a credit card, a cashless printing service is realized. Furthermore, by providing users with point services according to usage, the frequency of use of users by this point service increases, and as a result, differentiation from other companies' machines can be realized, resulting in a competitive advantage. I can expect.
[0044]
By the way, in this embodiment, the USB is targeted as an interface, but any other interface having higher versatility may be used, for example, IEEE 1934.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention (Claim 1), the USB interface disposed near the operation position and connected to the USB device is connected via the USB interface. User information corresponding to the device information of the USB device when the USB device is connected via the USB interface and a USB controller that performs recognition processing of the USB device and recognizes device information of the USB deviceTheUser information storage means for downloading from the client and storing the user information;The USB controller controls the USB device connected via the USB interface,User information stored in the user information storage means;,in frontUser authentication means for performing user authentication by collating user information sent from the USB device makes it possible to easily perform user authentication of the USB device and to connect the USB via a USB interface. When the device is connected, the user information corresponding to the USB device is downloaded and the user information is stored, so that the efficiency of the user authentication process can be improved.
[0048]
  Also, an image according to the present inventionFormationDevice (claims)2)1In this case, it is possible to pay for the usage fee with a credit card or the like at the time of image formation by user authentication permission based on the authentication information and card information input by the user. Can be performed.
[0049]
  Also, an image according to the present inventionFormationDevice (claims)3)1 or 2Points are added according to the amount of use of image formation processing (number of recording paper, recording paper size, monochrome / color) after user authentication and authentication is permitted, and free or reduced depending on the number of points By performing the service, it is expected that the frequency of use of a specific model or a device placed in a specific location is increased, and there is an effect of differentiation from competitors' machines and competitive advantage.
[0050]
  According to the image forming method of the present invention (Claim 4), the USB connection step of connecting to the USB device by the USB interface arranged in the vicinity of the operation position, and the connection by the USB controller via the USB interface. When the USB device is recognized and the device information of the USB device is recognized, a recognition step is performed, and when the USB device is connected via the USB interface, the device information of the USB device is handled. User informationTheA user information storage step of storing the user information downloaded from the server and stored in the user information storage means;The USB controller controls the USB device connected via the USB interface,User information stored in the user information storage means;,in frontA user authentication step of performing user authentication by collating user information sent from the USB device, so that user authentication of the USB device can be easily performed, and the USB device is connected via a USB interface. When the device is connected, the user information corresponding to the USB device is downloaded and the user information is stored, so that the efficiency of the user authentication process can be improved.
[0051]
According to the image forming method of the present invention (Claim 5), the usage fee is settled in the credit card in accordance with the authentication information and the card information input by the user when the image is formed by the user authentication permission. It becomes possible to pay by.
[0052]
According to the image forming method (claim 6) of the present invention, in claim 4 or 5, the amount of use of image forming processing after performing user authentication and permitting authentication (number of recording sheets, recording sheet size, By adding points according to (monochrome / color), etc., and providing free or reduced services according to the number of points, the frequency of use of a device placed in a specific model or a specific location may increase. I can expect.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an operation panel in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a network connection state in the multi-function peripheral configured as shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by USB device connection to user authentication according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection state between the MFP and the USB device and an example of an authentication information input screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of each register at the time of user authentication according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 MFP
101 System controller
102 Scanner
103 Printer engine
104 Operation panel
105 LCD panel
106,151 USB interface
107 USB controller
108 Authentication part
109 Authentication memory
110 Charge processing unit
111 LAN interface
112 Card insertion part
120 USB connector insertion slot
150 USB devices
152 USB connector
160 Management Server
210 Authentication information input screen

Claims (6)

A USB interface arranged in the vicinity of the operation position for connecting to a USB device;
A USB controller that performs recognition processing of the USB device connected via the USB interface and recognizes device information of the USB device;
When the USB device is connected via the USB interface to download the user information corresponding to the device information of the USB device from the servers, and the user information storage means for storing the user information,
Wherein by performing the USB controller is controlled to the connected USB device via the USB interface, and the user information stored in the user information storage unit, and the user information sent from the previous SL USB device, the User authentication means for verifying user authentication;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a card payment unit that performs user authentication and pays a usage fee for image forming processing after authentication permission by a predetermined card.   3. The image according to claim 1, further comprising point service means for performing point authentication for performing user authentication and reducing a use fee in accordance with a use amount of image forming processing after authentication permission. Forming equipment. A USB connection step of connecting to a USB device through a USB interface arranged in the vicinity of the operation position;
When the USB controller recognizes the USB device connected via the USB interface and recognizes device information of the USB device, a recognition step;
When the USB device via the USB interface is connected to download the user information corresponding to the device information of the USB device from the servers, and stores the user information stored in the user information storage unit Storing user information,
Wherein by performing the USB controller is controlled to the connected USB device via the USB interface, and the user information stored in the user information storage unit, and the user information sent from the previous SL USB device, the A user authentication step for verifying and authenticating the user;
An image forming method comprising:   5. The image forming method according to claim 4, further comprising a card payment step of performing user authentication and paying a usage fee for the image forming process after authentication permission by a predetermined card.   6. The image formation according to claim 4, further comprising a point service step of performing a point service for performing user authentication and reducing a usage fee in accordance with a use amount of an image formation process after authentication is permitted. Method.

Images