JPH04318861A - Image forming device and communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying apparatus having means for communicating with an external device via a communication line.

0002

[Background Art] There is a strong desire to add various functions to copying machines and make them more sophisticated.The structures and functions of copying machines are becoming more and more complex, and the number of copying machines installed within a single company is also increasing. In order to ensure appropriate and prompt processing, management, and repairs, the copying machine is equipped with a communication control means, and is configured so that an external device can be called by a telephone number and sent and received through a communication line, and can be managed periodically or as needed. 2. Description of the Related Art Copying devices that can exchange data, etc. with external devices installed in departments and other places are known.

[0003] The copying apparatus described above requires initial values necessary to start communication, such as the telephone number, ID, etc. of the communication partner.
It is necessary to set a password in advance.

0004

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the setting of the initial value, which is the condition for starting communication, is configured to be easily carried out at any time, so the initial condition value, e.g. There was a possibility that the recipient's phone number, password, identification code (hereinafter referred to as ID), etc. could be set illegally or without permission, allowing communication with unauthorized or incorrect parties, and data being sent and received.

[0005] This invention was made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and requires a specific operator or the like to perform a predetermined initial value input permission operation, which prevents connection with an incorrect external device other than the one for which permission has been given. It is an object of the present invention to provide a copying device with high confidentiality that makes communication impossible.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] Therefore, a copying apparatus according to the present invention includes a copying control means for controlling copying operations;
According to a configuration characterized by having a communication control means for controlling transmission and reception performed with an external device via a communication line, and an initial value input permission means for enabling input of an initial value necessary for performing transmission and reception with the external device. , which seeks to achieve the above objectives.

[0007]

[Operation] With the above configuration, the copying apparatus can perform copying operations under the control of the copy control means, and can transmit and receive data, etc., with an external device via a communication line under the control of the communication control means. can.

[0008] In order to set the initial values necessary for transmission and reception with an external device, the necessary initial values can be input by operating the initial value input permission means, and it is possible to input the necessary initial values by operating the initial value input permission means. To prevent data leakage, etc. by preventing inconvenient initial value setting by anyone other than the person.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A copying apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment. Reference numeral 100 denotes the main body of the copying apparatus, 800 a control means for controlling the copying operation, 900 a communication control means (modem board) for transmitting and receiving data with an external communication line, and 908 a public communication line which is an external communication line. Line 999 is an external device, such as a post computer system located at a management base for managing copying machines.

FIG. 2 shows the communication control means (modem board) 9
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of 00. 901 is a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) for controlling communication, and 903 is a memory (R) for temporarily storing communication data.
AM), 905 transfers digital communication data to public line 908.
906 is a network control unit (NCU).

Under the control of the copy control means 800 and the communication control means 900 configured as described above, the copying operation of the copying apparatus 100, data storage, and communication with an external device via the external communication line 908 are carried out.

[0013] The copy control means 800 and the communication control means 900 have an initial value input permission function that enables the input of initial values necessary for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device 999 using the built-in CPU and storage device and their programs. It also constitutes a means.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the structure of the copying apparatus, and the structure and operation will be explained with reference to the figure. Reference numeral 100 denotes a main body of the copying apparatus, 200 a circulating automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as RDF) that automatically feeds originals, 300 a sorter or sorter, and 400 an automatic computer form feeder (hereinafter referred to as CFF). , RDF20 above
0, Sorter 300 and CFF 400 are copying machine main body 1
It can be used in any combination with 00.

The configuration of the copying apparatus main body 100 will be explained below. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 101 denotes a document table glass serving as a document placing table. Further, 102 is an optical system as a document reading means, and a document illumination lamp (exposure lamp) 10
3, a scanning mirror, a lens, a motor 104, etc., the document is scanned by the motor 104, illuminated by an exposure lamp 103, and the reflected light from the document is directed to a photoreceptor drum 105 by the scanning mirror and lens. irradiate.

Around the photosensitive drum 105, there are a high voltage unit 106, a blank exposure unit 107, a potential sensor 108, a developing device 109, a transfer charger 110, a separation charger 111, and a cleaning device 112. These photoreceptor drums 105 and the like constitute image recording means.

The photosensitive drum 105 is connected to the main motor 113
The optical system 10 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.
When reflected light from the document is irradiated from 2, an electrostatic latent image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device 109 and visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 114 or the lower cassette 115 into the main body 100 by paper feed rollers 118 and 119 via pickup rollers 116 and 117 is separated by registration rollers 120 between the leading edge of the toner image and the transfer paper. After timing is taken so that the leading edge of the toner image coincides with the leading edge of the toner image, the toner image is fed to the photoreceptor drum 105, and the toner image is transferred by the transfer charger 110. After this transcription,
The transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 105 by a separation charger 111, guided to a fixing device 122 by a conveyor belt 121, where the toner image is fixed by pressure and heating, and then discharged from the main body 100 by a discharge roller 123. be done. Further, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 105 is cleaned by a cleaning device 112.

The copying apparatus main body 100 has, for example, 4000
A deck 124 capable of storing sheets of transfer paper is provided. The lifter 125 of the deck 124 is raised according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always comes into contact with the paper feed roller 126.

Reference numeral 127 denotes a paper discharge flapper, which switches the path between the double-sided recording side or multi-recording side and the discharge side (sorter 300). That is, the transfer paper sent out from the discharge roller 123 is switched by the paper discharge flapper 127 to the double-sided recording side or the multiplex recording side. Also, 128
is a lower conveyance path, in which the transfer paper sent out from the discharge roller 123 is turned over via a reversing path 129 and guided to the paper re-feeding tray 130.

Reference numeral 131 denotes a multiple flapper for switching the path between double-sided recording and multiplex recording, and by tilting this flapper to the left, the transfer paper is guided directly to the lower conveyance path 128 without passing through the reversing path 129. A paper feed roller 132 feeds the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 105 through a path 133. 13
A discharge roller 4 is disposed near the paper discharge flapper 127 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the paper discharge flapper 127 to the outside of the machine.

During double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiplex recording (multiple overlapping copying), the paper discharge flapper 127 is raised upwards, and the copied transfer paper is turned over and re-transferred via the reversing path 129 and the lower conveyance path 128. The paper is stored in the paper feed tray 130. At this time, the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted to the right during double-sided recording, and the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted to the left during multiplex recording. During the next back-side recording or multiplex recording, the transfer sheets stored in the re-feeding tray 130 are guided one by one from the bottom to the registration rollers 120 of the main body via the path 133 by the sheet feeding roller 132.

When reversing and discharging the transfer paper from the copying apparatus main body 100, the paper discharge flapper 127 is raised upward, the flapper 131 is pushed down to the right, the copied transfer paper is conveyed to the conveyance path 129 side, and the transfer paper is transferred. After the trailing edge of the paper passes the first feed roller 140, it is transferred to the second feed roller 142 by the reversing roller 142.
It is conveyed to the feed roller side of the
Turn the transfer paper over and eject it out of the machine.

Next, the control devices 800 and 900 will be explained. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control devices 800 and 900 of this embodiment, in which 800 is a control device constituting the above-mentioned copying control means for controlling the copying operation of the copying apparatus main body 100, and 900 is an external communication line. This is a communication line control device constituting the above-mentioned communication control means that controls communication with.

Reference numeral 801 is a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) that controls the entire copying apparatus, and 802 is a read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as ROM) that stores control procedures (control programs) for the copying apparatus main body 100. and C
The PU 801 controls each component device connected via the path according to the control procedure stored in the ROM 802. Further, 803 is a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM) which is a main storage device used for storing input data and as a working storage area. An input/output unit 804 outputs control signals from the CPU 801 to loads such as the main motor 113 and inputs signals from sensors of the fixing device 122 and sends them to the CPU 801.

The communication line control device 900 that controls communication with the external communication line 908 controls communication using the CPU 901 . 902 is a storage device (ROM) that stores communication control, initial value input control procedures for communication, and the like. The control device 800 of the copying apparatus main body 100 is R.
They are connected by S-232C interfaces 805 and 907, and this RS-232C interface 9
When data is transferred from the control device 800 of the copying machine main body 100 through the communication control device 07, the transferred data is temporarily held in the RAM 903 provided in the communication control device 900, and the data is transferred from the control device 800 of the copying machine main body. C after the end
Network control unit (
(hereinafter referred to as NCU) unit 906 to connect the communication line with the outside, and after connecting the line, the modem 905 and the NCU unit 90
Data is transferred to the outside through 6. In addition, when data is transferred from outside, the transferred data is stored in RAM.
903 and is temporarily stored in the RS-232C interface 805 in response to a request from the copying apparatus main body control device 800.
, 907 to the control device 800 of the copying apparatus main body 100.
Transfer data to.

910 is the power supply Vcc 909 of the CPU 901
911 is an initial value input permission switch connected to the I/O 904 of the CPU 901 and the NCU 906, both of which are initial value input enabling switches for communication. A value input permission means is configured. Note that the configuration may include only either the reset circuit 910 or the initial value input permission switch 911.

Next, the operation panel will be explained. Figure 5
2 is an external view showing an example of an operation panel 600 provided in the copying apparatus main body 100. FIG.

601 is an asterisk (*) key,
The operator (user) uses this when in the setting mode, such as setting the binding margin or the size of document frame eraser. 62
7 is a cursor key, which is used when selecting a setting item in the setting mode. 628 is an OK key, which is used to confirm the settings in the setting mode.

Reference numeral 606 is an all reset key, which is pressed to return to the standard mode. The auto-reset key 606 is also pressed when returning from the auto-shutoff state to the standard mode.

Reference numeral 605 is a copy start key, which is pressed to start copying. A clear/stop key 604 functions as a clear key during standby and as a stop key during copy recording. This clear/stop key 604 is pressed to cancel the set number of copies or to interrupt continuous copying. Then, after the copying at the time when the button is pressed is completed, the copying operation stops.

Numeric keys 603 are pressed to set the number of copies. It is also used to set the asterisk (*) mode. A memory key 619 allows the user to register frequently used modes. Here, four modes, M1 to M4, can be registered.

Copy density keys 611 and 612 are pressed to manually adjust the copy density. 613 is AE
This key is pressed to automatically adjust the copy density according to the density of the original, or to cancel AE (automatic density adjustment) and switch the density adjustment to manual.

A copy paper selection key 607 is pressed to select the upper paper lifter 119, the lower paper lifter 115, the paper deck 124, and the multi-manual feeder 150. Also, when a manuscript is placed on RDF300,
APS (automatic paper cassette selection) can be selected using this copy paper selection key 607. When APS is selected, a cassette of the same size as the original is automatically selected.

Reference numeral 610 is a same size key, which is pressed when making a same size (original size) copy. Reference numeral 616 is an auto-magnification key, which is pressed to automatically reduce or enlarge the original image according to the specified transfer paper size.

A double-sided key 626 is pressed to make a double-sided copy from a single-sided original, a double-sided copy from a double-sided original, or a single-sided copy from a double-sided original. 625 is a binding margin key,
You can create a binding margin of a specified length on the left side of the transfer paper. 624 is a photo key, which is pressed when copying a photo original. 623 is a multiple key, which is pressed when creating (combining) an image from two originals on the same side of transfer paper.

Reference numeral 620 denotes a document frame erase key, which the user presses when erasing the frame of a standard size document.At this time, the size of the document is set using the asterisk key 601. 62
1 is a sheet frame erase key, which is pressed to erase the frame of the original according to the copy paper size.

Reference numeral 629 is a cover mode setting key, which is used to create a front cover and a back cover, and to insert a slip sheet. Reference numeral 630 is a page continuous copying key, which is used to successively copy the left and right sides of a two-page spread book.

Reference numeral 614 is a paper discharge method selection key for selecting the paper discharge method for staple sort, sort, and group, and when the staple sorter 300 is connected, it selects the staple sort mode, sort mode, and group mode for recording paper. You can make a selection or cancel the selection mode.

631 is a reservation key, and the reservation tray 21
It is used when starting the copy mode setting for the reserved original placed on the 0, and when canceling the reservation setting. 632 is a reservation setting key, which is used as a confirmation key when setting the reservation mode. Reference numeral 633 is a guide key, and the message display 7 provides explanations of the functions corresponding to various keys.
Used when displaying on 01.

Reference numeral 701 is an LCD (liquid crystal) type message display that displays information regarding initial value settings for copying and communication, and displays characters and figures in 96×192 dots. For example, the number of copies set using the numeric keypad 603, the fixed size scaling keys 608, 609, and the same size key 61.
0, the copy magnification set with the zoom keys 617 and 618, the paper size selected with the copy paper selection key 607, a message indicating the status of the copying apparatus main body 100, a guide message indicating the operating procedure, and other settings for various modes are displayed.

704 is an AE display, and the AE key 61
Lights up when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by 3. Reference numeral 709 is a preheating indicator, which lights up in the preheating state.

[0043] It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which some of the keys described above can be used to perform the initial value input permission operation for communication and the initial value input.

When the RDF200 is used in the standard mode, the settings are 1 copy, density AE mode, automatic paper selection, same size, and 1-sided copying from a 1-sided original. RDF2
When 00 is not used, the standard mode is set to 1 copy, manual density mode, same size, and 1-sided copying from a 1-sided original. The difference between using and not using RDF200 is R
This depends on whether or not an original is set in the DF200.

Next, the setting of initial values necessary for transmission and reception with an external device, which is a feature of the present invention, will be explained.

When data inside the copying machine 100 is transferred to an external device 999 such as a management computer via a telephone line, or conversely, data stored in the copying machine 100 is transferred from the management computer 999 to an external device 999 such as a management computer.
When sending data to the 00 side, the data transfer is started using the model ID and password registered in both the copying machine main body and the management computer, and the communication destination telephone number registered in the copying machine main body.

[0047] The above-mentioned ID, password, and communication destination telephone number are called initial values for starting communication.

First, an overview of data transfer using initial values will be explained. When making a call from the copying machine, the call is made to the telephone number of the communication partner registered in the copying machine itself. After the line is connected, the machine ID from the copying machine is determined by the computer on the management side, and the corresponding password is determined. Reply. The copying machine checks this password and starts data transfer if it is normal.

Next, when making a call from the management computer, a call is made to the user's copying machine, and after the line is connected, the management computer determines the model ID from the copying machine and enters the corresponding password. Reply. If this password is correct on the copying machine side, the line is temporarily disconnected. Data transfer is then started by performing the above-mentioned calling operation from the copying machine side.

As explained above, the start of data transfer is performed when the above-mentioned initial values are accurately registered, but there is a means to prevent the initial values from being set arbitrarily. The present invention provides.

In this embodiment, the above-mentioned initial value is sent as data from the host computer on the management device side to the communication control means 900, and is stored in the memory 903, which is a storage device, via the modem 905. Although this is a basic configuration in which initial values are set by It is necessary to restrict the settings so that they are not easily performed, and an initial value input permission means is provided.

(First Embodiment) Next, the initial value input permission means will be explained. In the example of the initial value input permission means using the keys on the operation unit provided in the copying machine 100, among the keys on the operation unit in FIG.
When the D” key 635 is pressed, the following appears on the LCD display screen 701.
“Do you want to allow initial data reception?” is displayed. Next, by pressing the “OK” key 628, the LCD 701
``Enabled'' is displayed on the top for a certain period of time, and data for initial data setting permission is communicated from the copy control unit 800 to the communication control unit 900, and the data is stored in the RAM 903 of the communication control unit 900.
A permission flag is set at a specific address and the permission state is entered.

After that, the host computer 9 of the management base
99, the above-mentioned initial value is transmitted, and when the transmission is completed, the permission flag is dropped and the initial value input is prohibited, and the input of the initial value will not be accepted unless the above-mentioned operation unit is operated again.

[0054] The above configuration and operation can prevent careless or incorrect input of initial values.

(Second Embodiment) Next, the initial value input permission means of another embodiment will be explained. Note that the basic configuration of initial value setting is the same as that of the previous embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

CPU 90 of communication control unit 900 shown in FIG.
1 power supply Vcc909 is reset (Res
et) The circuit 910 generates a reset pulse for the CPU 901, and after the CPU 901 is reset, a specific area of the RAM 903 is initialized (RAM
initial), and a permission flag for initial value setting is set at the specific address, resulting in a permission state.

After that, the host computer 9 of the management base
The above-mentioned initial value is transmitted from 909, and when the transmission is completed, the permission flag is dropped and the initial value input is prohibited, and the input of the initial value is not allowed unless the power supply Vcc 909 is turned off and then turned on again. I won't accept it.

In this case, it is preferable that the power supply Vcc 909 is turned on independently of the power supply switch of the copying machine main body 100, and that the switch can be turned on and off only by a specific operator.

The initial value input permission means formed by the reset circuit configured as described above can prevent careless and unauthorized input of initial values.

(Third Embodiment) The initial value input permission means of still another embodiment will be explained.

In the communication control section 900 shown in FIG.
By turning on the initial value input permission switch 911 connected to the I/O 904 of the PU 901, a permission flag is set at a specific address in the RAM 903 and the permission state is entered.

After that, the host computer 9 of the management base
The above-mentioned initial value is transmitted from 99, and when the transmission is completed, the permission flag is dropped and the initial value input is prohibited, and no initial value input is accepted unless the switch 911 is turned on again.

By concealing the existence of the initial value input permission switch 911, careless and unauthorized input of initial values can be prevented.

[0064]

As explained above, according to the present invention, the copying apparatus performs a copying operation under the control of the copying control means, and also communicates with an external device via a communication line under the control of the communication control means. It is possible to send and receive data, etc.

[0065] In setting the initial values necessary for transmission and reception with an external device, the necessary initial values can be input by operating the initial value input permission means. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a copying apparatus that can prevent inconvenient initial value settings by anyone other than the person, and can prevent data leakage and the like and has high confidentiality.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of communication control means.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the copying device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control device.

FIG. 5 is an external view of the operation panel.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 Copying apparatus main body 800 Copying apparatus main body control device (copying control means) 9
00 Communication line control device (communication control means) 801, 9
01 Central processing unit (CPU) 802, 902
Read-only memory (ROM) 803, 903 Random access memory (RAM) 906 Network control unit (NCU) 910 Reset circuit (initial value input permission means) 911 Initial value input permission switch (initial value input permission means)

Claims (4)

[Claims] [Claim 1] Copy control means for controlling copying operations, communication control means for controlling transmission and reception performed with an external device via a communication line, and input of initial values necessary for transmission and reception with the external device. A copying apparatus comprising an initial value input permission means. 2. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the initial value input permission means is an operation key provided on the main body of the copying apparatus. 3. The initial value input permission means is a reset circuit connected to the power supply circuit of the communication control means, and resets the communication control means by the rising voltage of the control voltage generated when the communication control means is powered on. 2. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific area is initialized to enable input of an initial value. 4. The initial value input permission means is an initial value input permission switch provided in the communication control means, and by turning on the initial value input permission switch, a specific area of a storage device provided in the communication control means is set to the initial value. 2. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein input is possible.