Printing speed setting system, image forming apparatus, and printing speed setting method

Abstract

To provide a printing speed setting system, an image forming apparatus, and a printing speed setting method that can change the printing speed of an image forming apparatus not having a communication function via a network.SOLUTION: A printing speed setting system includes a server, and an image forming apparatus 4 that can vary a printing speed. The server comprises a first acquisition processing unit that acquires specific information specific to the image forming apparatus and a designated printing speed, a generation processing unit that generates key data on the basis of the acquired specific information and designated printing speed, and an output processing unit that outputs the generated key data. The image forming apparatus 4 comprises a second acquisition processing unit that acquires the key data input through a user's operation to the apparatus, a specification processing unit that specifies the designated printing speed on the basis of the acquired key data and specific information on the apparatus, and a setting processing unit that sets the printing speed of the apparatus to the specified designated printing speed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing speed setting system, an image forming apparatus, and a printing speed setting method.

Background Art

[0002] As a related art, there is known an image forming apparatus capable of changing a printing speed set at the time of factory shipment based on license data transmitted from a server communicably connected via a network (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described related art, it is not possible to change the printing speed of an image forming apparatus that does not have a communication function via a network.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a printing speed setting system, an image forming apparatus, and a printing speed setting method capable of changing the printing speed of an image forming apparatus that does not have a communication function via a network.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A printing speed setting system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an information processing system and an image forming apparatus capable of varying the printing speed. The information processing system includes a generation processing unit and an output processing unit. The generation processing unit generates key data based on unique information unique to the image forming apparatus and a specified printing speed of the image forming apparatus. The output processing unit outputs the key data generated by the generation processing unit. The image forming apparatus includes an acquisition processing unit, a specification processing unit, and a setting processing unit. The acquisition processing unit acquires the key data input by a user operation on the own apparatus. The specification processing unit specifies the specified printing speed based on the key data acquired by the acquisition processing unit and the unique information of the own apparatus. The setting processing unit sets the printing speed of the own apparatus to the specified printing speed specified by the specification processing unit.

[0007] An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is capable of varying the printing speed and includes an acquisition processing unit, a specification processing unit, and a setting processing unit. The acquisition processing unit acquires key data based on unique information unique to the own apparatus and a specified printing speed of the own apparatus, which is input by a user operation on the own apparatus. The specification processing unit specifies the specified printing speed based on the key data acquired by the acquisition processing unit and the unique information of the own apparatus. The setting processing unit sets the printing speed of the own apparatus to the specified printing speed specified by the specification processing unit.

[0008] The printing speed setting method according to another aspect of the present invention is executed in a printing speed setting system including an information processing system and an image forming apparatus capable of varying the printing speed, and includes a generation step and an output step executed in the information processing system, and an acquisition step, a specification step, and a setting step executed in the image forming apparatus. In the generation step, key data is generated based on unique information unique to the image forming apparatus and a designated printing speed of the image forming apparatus. In the output step, the key data generated in the generation step is output. In the acquisition step, the key data input by a user operation to the own apparatus is acquired. In the specification step, the designated printing speed is specified based on the key data acquired in the acquisition step and the unique information of the own apparatus. In the setting step, the printing speed of the own apparatus is set to the designated printing speed specified in the specification step.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to change the printing speed of an image forming apparatus that does not have a communication function via a network.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples embodying the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] [First Embodiment] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the configuration of a printing speed setting system 100A according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing speed setting system 100A includes a server 1, a terminal device 2, and an image forming apparatus 4. In the printing speed setting system 100A, the server 1 and the terminal device 2 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network 3. The image forming apparatus 4 does not have a communication function via the communication network 3. For example, the communication network 3 is the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). The server 1 and the terminal device 2 are examples of the information processing system of the present invention. Note that the printing speed setting system 100A may include a plurality of image forming apparatuses 4.

[0014] The server 1 is an information processing device capable of issuing a license for changing the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 4.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the server 1 includes a control unit 11, an operation display unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a storage unit 14.

[0016] The control unit 11 comprehensively controls the server 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 11 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, and a RAM 23. The CPU 21 is a processor that executes various arithmetic processes. The ROM 22 is a non-volatile storage device in which information such as control programs for causing the CPU 21 to execute various processes is stored in advance. The RAM 23 is a volatile or non-volatile storage device used as a temporary storage memory (working area) for various processes executed by the CPU 21. The CPU 21 executes various control programs stored in advance in the ROM 22. Thereby, the CPU 21 comprehensively controls the server 1.

[0017] The operation display unit 12 is a user interface of the server 1. The operation display unit 12 includes a first display unit and a first operation unit. The first display unit displays various information according to a control instruction from the control unit 11. For example, the first display unit is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display. The first operation unit inputs various information to the control unit 11 according to a user's operation. For example, the first operation unit includes a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel.

[0018] The communication unit 13 is a communication interface that executes wired or wireless data communication via a communication network 3 with external communication devices such as the terminal device 2.

[0019] The storage unit 14 is a non-volatile storage device. For example, the storage unit 14 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0020] The terminal device 2 is an information processing device used as a user interface of the server 1 at a location remote from the server 1. The terminal device 2 is provided in the vicinity of the installation position of the image forming device 4. For example, the terminal device 2 is a portable information processing device such as a notebook computer, a smartphone, and a tablet terminal. Note that the terminal device 2 may be a stationary information processing device.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 2 includes a control unit 31, an operation display unit 32, a communication unit 33, and a storage unit 34.

[0022] The control unit 31 comprehensively controls the terminal device 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 31 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, and a RAM 43. The CPU 41, ROM 42, and RAM 43 have the same functions as the CPU 21, ROM 22, and RAM 23 of the server 1.

[0023] The operation display unit 32 is a user interface of the terminal device 2. The operation display unit 32 includes a second display unit and a second operation unit. The second display unit displays various information according to a control instruction from the control unit 31. For example, the second display unit is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display. The second operation unit inputs various information to the control unit 31 according to a user's operation. For example, the second operation unit includes operation keys and a touch panel.

[0024] The communication unit 33 is a communication interface that performs wired or wireless data communication via the communication network 3 with external communication devices such as the server 1.

[0025] The storage unit 34 is a non-volatile storage device similar to the storage unit 14 of the server 1.

[0026] The image forming apparatus 4 is a multifunction device having a plurality of functions such as a print function for forming an image on a sheet based on image data, a scan function, a fax function, and a copy function. Note that the image forming apparatus 4 may be a printer having the print function, a fax device, a copy machine, or the like.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 4 includes a control unit 51, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 52, an image reading unit 53, an image forming unit 54, a paper feeding unit 55, an operation display unit 56, and a storage unit 57.

[0028] The control unit 51 comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 51 includes a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, and a non-volatile memory 64. The CPU 61, the ROM 62, and the RAM 63 have the same functions as the CPU 21, the ROM 22, and the RAM 23 of the server 1. The non-volatile memory 64 is a non-volatile storage device.

[0029] The ADF 52 conveys the document on which the image is read by the image reading unit 53. The ADF 52 includes a document set unit, a plurality of conveyance rollers, a document presser, and a paper discharge unit.

[0030] The image reading unit 53 realizes the scanning function. The image reading unit 53 includes a document table, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, and a CCD.

[0031] The image forming unit 54 realizes the printing function. For example, the image forming unit 54 forms a color or monochrome image on the sheet supplied by the paper supply unit 55 by an electrophotographic method. For example, the image forming unit 54 includes a plurality of image forming units, an optical scanning device, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, a fixing device, and a paper discharge tray. Note that the image forming unit 54 may form an image on the sheet supplied by the paper supply unit 55 by another image forming method such as an inkjet method.

[0032] The paper supply unit 55 supplies the sheet to the image forming unit 54. The paper supply unit 55 includes a paper supply cassette, a manual feed tray, and a plurality of conveyance rollers.

[0033] The operation display unit 56 is a user interface of the image forming apparatus 4. The operation display unit 56 includes a third display unit and a third operation unit. The third display unit displays various information in response to a control instruction from the control unit 51. For example, the third display unit is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display. The third operation unit inputs various information to the control unit 51 in response to a user's operation. For example, the third operation unit includes operation keys and a touch panel.

[0034] The storage unit 57 is a non-volatile storage device similar to the storage unit 14 of the server 1.

[0035] Here, the image forming apparatus 4 can vary the printing speed. For example, the image forming apparatus 4 can vary the printing speed among a plurality of predetermined specific speeds.

[0036] For example, in the image forming apparatus 4, the operating speeds of the image forming unit 54 and the paper feeding unit 55 are controlled according to the speed data stored in the non-volatile memory 64 of the control unit 51. The speed data is data indicating any one of the plurality of specific speeds. At the time of factory shipment of the image forming apparatus 4, the non-volatile memory 64 stores the speed data indicating a predetermined initial speed among the plurality of specific speeds.

[0037] By the way, an image forming apparatus capable of changing the printing speed set at the time of factory shipment based on license data transmitted from the server 1 communicably connected via the communication network 3 is known as a related art.

[0038] However, in the above-described related art, it is impossible to change the printing speed of an image forming apparatus that does not have a communication function via the communication network 3, such as the image forming apparatus 4.

[0039] On the other hand, in the printing speed setting system 100A according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as will be described below, it is possible to change the printing speed of an image forming apparatus that does not have a communication function via the communication network 3.

[0040] Specifically, the storage unit 14 of the server 1 stores in advance a key data output program for causing the control unit 11 to function as the first acquisition processing unit 71A, the generation processing unit 72, and the output processing unit 73A shown in FIG. 2. The CPU 21 of the control unit 11 functions as each of the above-described processing units by executing the key data output program.

[0041] In addition, in the storage unit 57 of the image forming apparatus 4, a printing speed setting program for causing the control unit 51 to function as the second acquisition processing unit 81A, the specifying processing unit 82, and the setting processing unit 83A shown in FIG. 4 is stored in advance. The CPU 61 of the control unit 51 functions as each of the above-described processing units by executing the printing speed setting program.

[0042] Note that some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 11 of the server 1 may be configured by electronic circuits. Further, the key data output program may be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as the respective processing units shown in FIG. 2.

[0043] Also, some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 51 of the image forming apparatus 4 may be configured by electronic circuits. Further, the printing speed setting program may be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as the respective processing units shown in FIG. 4.

[0044] The first acquisition processing unit 71A acquires unique information unique to the image forming apparatus 4 and the designated printing speed of the image forming apparatus 4.

[0045] For example, the unique information is the serial number of the image forming apparatus 4. Note that the unique information may be information used for identifying the individual of the image forming apparatus 4.

[0046] Also, the designated printing speed is a printing speed designated from among the plurality of specific speeds by a setting authority having the setting authority for the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 4. For example, the setting authority is the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 4. For example, the user of the image forming apparatus 4 is permitted to use any of the specific speeds other than the initial speed by concluding a license contract with the setting authority. Note that the designated printing speed may be the initial speed.

[0047] For example, in response to an access operation to the server 1 on the operation display unit 32 of the terminal device 2, the first acquisition processing unit 71A causes the operation display unit 32 to display a first input screen used for inputting the unique information and the specified printing speed. For example, on the first input screen, input of a set of the unique information and the specified printing speed is accepted. Then, the first acquisition processing unit 71A acquires the unique information and the specified printing speed input by a user operation on the first input screen.

[0048] The generation processing unit 72 generates key data based on the unique information and the specified printing speed.

[0049] Specifically, the generation processing unit 72 generates the key data based on the unique information and the specified printing speed acquired by the first acquisition processing unit 71A.

[0050] For example, in the storage unit 14 of the server 1, a plurality of key generation data corresponding to the plurality of specific speeds are stored in advance.

[0051] For example, the generation processing unit 72 acquires the key generation data corresponding to the specified printing speed acquired by the first acquisition processing unit 71A from the storage unit 14. Further, the generation processing unit 72 executes an encryption process of encrypting the unique information acquired by the first acquisition processing unit 71A according to the common key encryption method using the acquired key generation data as a common key. Then, the generation processing unit 72 acquires the unique information encrypted by the encryption process as the key data.

[0052] The output processing unit 73A outputs the key data generated by the generation processing unit 72.

[0053] Specifically, the output processing unit 73A causes the key data to be displayed on the operation display unit 32 of the terminal device 2.

[0054] The second acquisition processing unit 81A acquires the key data input by a user's operation on the image forming apparatus 4. The second acquisition processing unit 81A is an example of the acquisition processing unit of the present invention.

[0055] Specifically, the second acquisition processing unit 81A causes the operation display unit 56 to display a second input screen (an example of the input screen of the present invention) used for input of the key data in response to a predetermined user operation on the operation display unit 56. Then, the second acquisition processing unit 81A acquires the key data input by the user operation on the second input screen.

[0056] The specifying processing unit 82 specifies the designated printing speed based on the key data acquired by the second acquisition processing unit 81A and the unique information of the image forming apparatus 4.

[0057] For example, in the storage unit 57 of the image forming apparatus 4, a plurality of pieces of key generation data corresponding to the plurality of specific speeds are stored in advance.

[0058] For example, for each piece of the key generation data stored in the storage unit 57, the specifying processing unit 82 executes a decryption process of decrypting the key data (the encrypted unique information) acquired by the second acquisition processing unit 81A according to the common key encryption method using the key generation data as a common key. Then, when the decryption of the key data is successful for any of the key generation data, the specifying processing unit 82 specifies the specific speed corresponding to the key generation data for which the decryption was successful as the designated printing speed. Also, when the decryption of the key data fails for all of the key generation data, the specifying processing unit 82 determines that the specification of the designated printing speed has failed.

[0059] The setting processing unit 83A sets the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 4 to the designated printing speed specified by the specifying processing unit 82.

[0060] For example, the setting processing unit 83A stores, in the non-volatile memory 64, the speed data indicating the designated printing speed specified by the specifying processing unit 82, instead of the speed data stored in the non-volatile memory 64.

[0061] Here, the setting processing unit 83A irreversibly sets the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 4 to the designated printing speed specified by the specifying processing unit 82.

[0062] For example, after storing the speed data indicating the designated printing speed specified by the specifying processing unit 82 in the non-volatile memory 64, the setting processing unit 83A prohibits writing data to the non-volatile memory 64.

[0063] Note that the setting processing unit 83A may set the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 4 to be changeable to the designated printing speed specified by the specifying processing unit 82.

[0064] [First key data output process] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, a part of the printing speed setting method of the present invention will be described together with an example of the procedure of the first key data output process executed by the control unit 11 of the server 1. Here, steps S11, S12,... represent the numbers of the processing procedures (steps) executed by the control unit 11. For example, the first key data output process is executed when an access operation to the server 1 is performed on the operation display unit 32 of the terminal device 2.

[0065] [Step S11] First, in step S11, the control unit 11 causes the operation display unit 32 of the terminal device 2 to display the first input screen.

[0066] [Step S12] In step S12, the control unit 11 determines whether an operation by the user to input the unique information and the designated printing speed has been performed on the first input screen.

[0067] Here, when the control unit 11 determines that an operation by the user who inputs the unique information and the designated printing speed has been performed (Yes side of S12), the process proceeds to step S13. Further, if an operation by the user who inputs the unique information and the designated printing speed has not been performed (No side of S12), the control unit 11 waits for an operation by the user who inputs the unique information and the designated printing speed in step S12.

[0068] <Step S13> In step S13, the control unit 11 acquires the unique information and the designated printing speed input by the user's operation on the first input screen. The processes from step S11 to step S13 are executed by the first acquisition processing unit 71A of the control unit 11.

[0069] <Step S14> In step S14, the control unit 11 generates the key data based on the unique information and the designated printing speed acquired in the process of step S13. The process of step S14 is an example of the generation step of the present invention and is executed by the generation processing unit 72 of the control unit 11.

[0070] For example, the control unit 11 acquires the key generation data corresponding to the designated printing speed acquired in the process of step S13 from the storage unit 14. Further, the control unit 11 executes the encryption process of encrypting the unique information acquired in the process of step S13 according to the common key encryption method using the acquired key generation data as a common key. Then, the control unit 11 acquires the unique information encrypted by the encryption process as the key data.

[0071] <Step S15> In step S15, the control unit 11 outputs the key data generated in the process of step S14. The process of step S15 is an example of the output step of the present invention and is executed by the output processing unit 73A of the control unit 11.

[0072] Specifically, the control unit 11 causes the operation display unit 32 of the terminal device 2 to display the key data.

[0073] [First Printing Speed Setting Process] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the remaining part of the printing speed setting method of the present invention will be described together with an example of the procedure of the first printing speed setting process executed by the control unit 51 of the image forming apparatus 4. For example, the first printing speed setting process is executed when the execution of the first printing speed setting process is instructed by a user operation on the operation display unit 56 in a state where writing to the non-volatile memory 64 is not prohibited.

[0074] <Step S21> First, in step S21, the control unit 51 causes the operation display unit 56 to display a selection screen used for selecting whether to change the printing speed.

[0075] <Step S22> In step S22, the control unit 51 determines whether a user operation for selecting a change in the printing speed has been received on the selection screen.

[0076] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that a user operation for selecting a change in the printing speed has been received (Yes side of S22), the process proceeds to step S23. Also, when the control unit 51 determines that a user operation for selecting no change in the printing speed has been received (No side of S22), the control unit 51 proceeds the process to step S32.

[0077] <Step S23> In step S23, the control unit 51 causes the operation display unit 56 to display the second input screen.

[0078] <Step S24> In step S24, the control unit 51 determines whether a user operation for inputting the key data has been performed on the second input screen.

[0079] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that an operation by the user who inputs the key data has been performed (Yes side in S24), it causes the process to proceed to step S25. Also, if an operation by the user who inputs the key data has not been performed (No side in S24), the control unit 51 waits for an operation by the user who inputs the key data in step S24.

[0080] <Step S25> In step S25, the control unit 51 acquires the key data input by the operation of the user on the second input screen. The processing from step S23 to step S25 is an example of the acquisition step of the present invention and is executed by the second acquisition processing unit 81A of the control unit 51.

[0081] <Step S26> In step S26, the control unit 51 executes a specifying process for specifying the designated printing speed based on the key data acquired in the process of step S25 and the unique information of the image forming apparatus 4. The processing of step S26 is an example of the specifying step of the present invention and is executed by the specifying processing unit 82 of the control unit 51.

[0082] Specifically, for each of the key generation data stored in the storage unit 57, the control unit 51 executes the decryption process of decrypting the key data (the encrypted unique information) acquired in the process of step S25 according to the common key encryption method using the key generation data as a common key. Then, when the decryption of the key data is successful for any of the key generation data, the control unit 51 specifies the specific speed corresponding to the key generation data for which the decryption was successful as the designated printing speed. Also, when the decryption of the key data fails for all of the key generation data, the control unit 51 determines that the specification of the designated printing speed has failed.

[0083] <Step S27> In step S27, the control unit 51 branches the process depending on whether or not the specific identification of the specified printing speed was successful in the process of step S26. Specifically, when the control unit 51 succeeds in identifying the specified printing speed (Yes side in S27), the process is shifted to step S29. Further, when the control unit 51 fails in identifying the specified printing speed (No side in S27), the process is shifted to step S28.

[0084] <Step S28> In step S28, the control unit 51 notifies that the setting (change) of the printing speed has failed.

[0085] Specifically, the control unit 51 causes the operation display unit 56 to display a failure notification screen including a message indicating that the setting (change) of the printing speed has failed. Then, the control unit 51 shifts the process to step S21 according to the user operation on the failure notification screen.

[0086] Note that, between when the operation of the user who inputs the key data on the second input screen is accepted and when the failure notification screen is displayed, a setting-in-progress notification screen including a message indicating that the printing speed is being set is displayed on the operation display unit 56.

[0087] <Step S29> In step S29, the control unit 51 sets the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 4 to the specified printing speed specified in the process of step S26. The process of step S29 is an example of the setting step of the present invention and is executed by the setting processing unit 83A of the control unit 51.

[0088] Specifically, the control unit 51 stores, in the non-volatile memory 64, the speed data indicating the specified printing speed specified in the process of step S26, instead of the speed data stored in the non-volatile memory 64. Further, after storing the speed data indicating the specified printing speed specified in the process of step S26 in the non-volatile memory 64, the control unit 51 prohibits writing of data to the non-volatile memory 64.

[0089] In addition, if the control unit 51 fails to store the speed data indicating the specified printing speed specified in the process of step S26 in the non-volatile memory 64 or fails to prohibit writing data to the non-volatile memory 64, the process may be shifted to step S28.

[0090] <Step S30> In step S30, the control unit 51 notifies that the setting (change) of the printing speed has been successful.

[0091] Specifically, the control unit 51 causes the operation display unit 56 to display a success notification screen including a message indicating that the setting (change) of the printing speed has been successful. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the display of the success notification screen, the control unit 51 shifts the process to step S31.

[0092] Note that, between when the operation of the user who inputs the key data on the second input screen is received and when the success notification screen is displayed, the setting-in-progress notification screen is displayed on the operation display unit 56.

[0093] <Step S31> In step S31, the control unit 51 restarts the image forming apparatus 4. As a result, the image forming apparatus 4 becomes capable of printing at the printing speed set in the process of step S30 or step S34.

[0094] <Step S32> In step S32, the control unit 51 causes the operation display unit 56 to display a confirmation screen used for selecting whether to continue the process.

[0095] <Step S33> In step S33, the control unit 51 determines whether an operation of a user who selects to continue the process on the confirmation screen has been received.

[0096] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that an operation of a user who selects to continue the process has been received (Yes side of S33), the control unit 51 causes the process to proceed to step S34. Further, when it is determined that an operation of a user who selects to cancel the process has been received (No side of S33), the control unit 51 causes the process to proceed to step S21.

[0097] <Step S34> In step S34, the control unit 51 sets the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 4 to the initial speed.

[0098] Specifically, the control unit 51 prohibits writing of data to the non-volatile memory 64.

[0099] If the control unit 51 fails to prohibit writing of data to the non-volatile memory 64, the control unit 51 may cause the process to proceed to step S28.

[0100] As described above, in the printing speed setting system 100A, the server 1 generates and outputs the unique information and the key data based on the designated printing speed. Further, the image forming apparatus 4 receives an input of the key data by a user operation on the image forming apparatus 4, and sets the printing speed based on the input key data. Thereby, it is possible to change the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 4 that does not have a communication function via the communication network 3.

[0101] [Second Embodiment] Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, the configuration of a printing speed setting system 100B according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In FIG. 10, the storage device 5 connected to the second connection unit 58 is shown by a broken line.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the printing speed setting system 100B includes a server 1, a terminal device 2, and an image forming apparatus 4, similar to the printing speed setting system 100A. Further, the printing speed setting system 100B includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 4.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the server 1 of the printing speed setting system 100B is different from the server 1 of the printing speed setting system 100A in that it includes a first acquisition processing unit 71B and an output processing unit 73B instead of the first acquisition processing unit 71A and the output processing unit 73A. Note that other points are common between the server 1 of the printing speed setting system 100A and the server 1 of the printing speed setting system 100B.

[0104] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, the terminal device 2 of the printing speed setting system 100B is different from the terminal device 2 of the printing speed setting system 100A in that it includes a first connection unit 35. Note that other points are common between the terminal device 2 of the printing speed setting system 100A and the terminal device 2 of the printing speed setting system 100B.

[0105] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 10, the image forming apparatus 4 of the printing speed setting system 100B is different from the image forming apparatus 4 of the printing speed setting system 100A in that it includes a second connection unit 58 and a cutoff processing unit 84. Also, the image forming apparatus 4 of the printing speed setting system 100B is different from the image forming apparatus 4 of the printing speed setting system 100A in that it includes a second acquisition processing unit 81B instead of the second acquisition processing unit 81A. Note that other points are common between the image forming apparatus 4 of the printing speed setting system 100A and the image forming apparatus 4 of the printing speed setting system 100B.

[0106] A storage device 5 (see FIG. 10) is connected to the first connection unit 35. For example, the first connection unit 35 has a USB connection terminal to which an external electronic device capable of inputting and outputting data based on the USB standard can be attached and detached. In this case, the storage device 5 is a USB memory.

[0107] A storage device 5 (see FIG. 10) is connected to the second connection unit 58. The second connection unit 58 has the same configuration as the first connection unit 35.

[0108] The first acquisition processing unit 71B acquires the unique information of the image forming apparatus 4 and the designated printing speed of the image forming apparatus 4.

[0109] For example, in response to an access operation to the server 1 on the operation display unit 32 of the terminal device 2, the first acquisition processing unit 71B causes the operation display unit 32 to display the third input screen used for inputting the unique information and the specified printing speed. For example, on the third input screen, input of a plurality of sets of the unique information and the specified printing speed is accepted. Then, the first acquisition processing unit 71B acquires the unique information and the specified printing speed input by the user's operation on the third input screen.

[0110] In the printing speed setting system 100B, for each set of the unique information and the specified printing speed input on the third input screen, the key data is generated by the generation processing unit 72. Also, in the printing speed setting system 100B, for each of the key data generated by the generation processing unit 72, the unique information used for generating the key data is added. Note that when the specified printing speed input on the third input screen is the initial speed, the key data may not be generated. In this case, instead of the key data to which the unique information is added, only the unique information may be output by the output processing unit 73B.

[0111] The output processing unit 73B stores each of the key data to which the unique information is added in the storage device 5 connected to the first connection unit 35.

[0112] In the printing speed setting system 100B, the key data output by the output processing unit 73B is input to the image forming apparatus 4 by the operation of the user who connects the storage device 5 to the second connection unit 58.

[0113] The second acquisition processing unit 81B acquires the key data from the storage device 5 connected to the second connection unit 58. The second acquisition processing unit 81B is another example of the acquisition processing unit of the present invention.

[0114] In the printing speed setting system 100B, for each piece of key data acquired from the storage device 5 connected to the second connection unit 58, the specifying process for specifying the designated printing speed is executed. Specifically, the specifying process unit 82 executes the specifying process for each piece of key data to which the unique information of the image forming apparatus 4 is added among the key data acquired from the storage device 5 connected to the second connection unit 58. Note that when the storage device 5 connected to the second connection unit 58 stores the unique information to which the key data is not added, if it is determined that the designated printing speed corresponding to the unique information is the initial speed, that is sufficient.

[0115] When the number of failures of the specifying process reaches a predetermined upper limit number, the power supply of the image forming apparatus 4 is cut off by the cutoff process unit 84.

[0116] For example, the upper limit number is 200 times. Note that the upper limit number may be any number.

[0117] [Second Key Data Output Process] Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the second key data output process executed by the control unit 11 of the server 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. For example, the second key data output process is executed when an access operation to the server 1 is performed on the operation display unit 32 of the terminal device 2.

[0118] <Step S41> First, in step S41, the control unit 11 causes the operation display unit 32 of the terminal device 2 to display the third input screen.

[0119] <Step S42> In step S42, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an operation of a user who inputs one or a plurality of sets of the unique information and the designated printing speed has been performed on the third input screen.

[0120] Here, when the control unit 11 determines that an operation by the user for inputting one or more sets of the unique information and the designated printing speed has been performed (Yes side in S42), the process proceeds to step S43. Also, if an operation by the user for inputting one or more sets of the unique information and the designated printing speed has not been performed (No side in S42), the control unit 11 waits for an operation by the user for inputting one or more sets of the unique information and the designated printing speed in step S42.

[0121] <Step S43> In step S43, the control unit 11 acquires one or more sets of the unique information and the designated printing speed input by the user's operation on the third input screen. The processes from step S41 to step S43 are executed by the first acquisition processing unit 71B of the control unit 11.

[0122] <Step S44> In step S44, the control unit 11 generates the key data for each set of the unique information and the designated printing speed acquired in the process of step S43. Also, the control unit 11 adds the unique information used for generating the key data to each of the generated key data. The process of step S14 is executed by the generation processing unit 72 of the control unit 11.

[0123] <Step S45> In step S45, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the generation of the key data has ended.

[0124] Specifically, the control unit 11 causes the operation display unit 32 of the terminal device 2 to display a continuation selection screen used for selecting whether or not to continue the generation of the key data. Then, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the generation of the key data has ended based on the user's operation on the continuation selection screen.

[0125] Here, when the control unit 11 determines that the generation of the key data has been completed (Yes side of S45), it causes the process to proceed to step S46. Also, if the generation of the key data has not been completed (No side of S45), the control unit 11 causes the process to proceed to step S41.

[0126] <Step S46> In step S46, the control unit 11 outputs each of the key data generated in the process of step S44. The process of step S46 is executed by the output processing unit 73B of the control unit 11.

[0127] Specifically, the control unit 11 stores each of the key data generated in the process of step S44 in the storage device 5 connected to the first connection unit 35.

[0128] Note that the control unit 11 may store each of the key data generated in the process of step S44 in the storage unit 34 of the terminal device 2. In this case, each of the key data stored in the storage unit 34 may be stored in the storage device 5 connected to the first connection unit 35 by the user operating the terminal device 2.

[0129] [Second Printing Speed Setting Process] Next, with reference to FIG. 12, an example of the procedure of the second printing speed setting process executed by the control unit 51 of the image forming apparatus 4 will be described. For example, the second printing speed setting process is executed when the execution of the second printing speed setting process is instructed by a user operation on the operation display unit 56 in a state where writing to the non-volatile memory 64 is not prohibited.

[0130] <Step S51> First, in step S51, the control unit 51 causes the operation display unit 56 to display a guidance screen including a message prompting the user to connect the storage device 5 to the second connection unit 58.

[0131] <Step S52> In step S52, the control unit 51 determines whether an operation of a user for connecting the storage device 5 to the second connection unit 58 has been received.

[0132] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that an operation of a user for connecting the storage device 5 to the second connection unit 58 has been received (on the Yes side of S52), the process proceeds to step S53. Also, if an operation of a user for connecting the storage device 5 to the second connection unit 58 has not been received (on the No side of S52), the control unit 51 waits for an operation of a user for connecting the storage device 5 to the second connection unit 58 in step S52.

[0133] <Step S53> In step S53, the control unit 51 acquires any one of the key data from the storage device 5 connected to the second connection unit 58. The process of step S53 is executed by the second acquisition processing unit 81B of the control unit 51.

[0134] <Step S54> In step S54, the control unit 51 determines whether the unique information of the image forming apparatus 4 is added to the key data acquired in the process of step S53.

[0135] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that the unique information of the image forming apparatus 4 is added to the acquired key data (on the Yes side of S54), the process proceeds to step S57. Also, if the unique information of the image forming apparatus 4 is not added to the acquired key data (on the No side of S54), the control unit 51 proceeds the process to step S55.

[0136] <Step S55> In step S55, the control unit 51 determines whether all of the key data in the storage device 5 connected to the second connection unit 58 has been acquired.

[0137] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that all the key data in the storage device 5 connected to the second connection unit 58 has been acquired (Yes side in S55), it causes the process to proceed to step S56. Also, if all the key data in the storage device 5 connected to the second connection unit 58 has not been acquired (No side in S55), the control unit 51 causes the process to proceed to step S53. In this case, in step S53 that is executed again, the control unit 51 acquires the unacquired key data from the storage device 5 connected to the second connection unit 58.

[0138] <Step S56> In step S56, the control unit 51 notifies that the setting (change) of the printing speed has failed.

[0139] Specifically, the control unit 51 causes the operation display unit 56 to display the failure notification screen including a message indicating that the setting (change) of the printing speed has failed. Then, the control unit 51 causes the process to proceed to step S51 according to the user's operation on the failure notification screen.

[0140] Note that, from when the user's operation of connecting the storage device 5 to the second connection unit 58 is received until the failure notification screen is displayed, the operation display unit 56 displays the setting-in-progress notification screen including a message indicating that the printing speed is being set.

[0141] <Step S57> In step S57, the control unit 51 executes the specifying process of specifying the designated printing speed based on the key data acquired in the process of step S53 and the unique information of the image forming apparatus 4. The process of step S57 is executed by the specifying unit 82 of the control unit 51.

[0142] <Step S58> In step S58, the control unit 51 branches the process depending on whether or not the specific identification of the specified printing speed was successful in the process of step S57. Specifically, when the control unit 51 succeeds in identifying the specified printing speed (on the Yes side of S58), the control unit 51 shifts the process to step S59. Also, when the control unit 51 fails in identifying the specified printing speed (on the No side of S58), the control unit 51 shifts the process to step S62.

[0143] <Step S59> In step S59, the control unit 51 sets the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 4 to the specified printing speed identified in the process of step S57. The process of step S59 is executed by the setting processing unit 83A of the control unit 51.

[0144] Specifically, the control unit 51 stores, in the non-volatile memory 64, the speed data indicating the specified printing speed identified in the process of step S57, in place of the speed data stored in the non-volatile memory 64. Also, after storing the speed data indicating the specified printing speed identified in the process of step S57 in the non-volatile memory 64, the control unit 51 prohibits writing data to the non-volatile memory 64.

[0145] Note that if the control unit 51 fails to store the speed data indicating the specified printing speed identified in the process of step S57 in the non-volatile memory 64 or fails to prohibit writing data to the non-volatile memory 64, the control unit 51 may shift the process to step S56.

[0146] <Step S60> In step S60, the control unit 51 notifies that the setting (change) of the printing speed was successful.

[0147] Specifically, the control unit 51 causes the operation display unit 56 to display the success notification screen including a message indicating that the setting (change) of the printing speed was successful. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the display of the success notification screen, the control unit 51 shifts the process to step S61.

[0148] Note that, from the time when the operation of the user connecting the storage device 5 to the second connection part 58 is received until the success notification screen is displayed, the setting-in-progress notification screen is displayed on the operation display part 56.

[0149] <Step S61> In step S61, the control part 51 restarts the image forming apparatus 4. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 4 becomes capable of printing at the printing speed set in the process of step S59.

[0150] <Step S62> In step S62, the control part 51 determines whether or not the number of times of failure of the specific process has reached the upper limit number of times.

[0151] Here, when the control part 51 determines that the number of times of failure of the specific process has reached the upper limit number of times (Yes side in S62), the process is shifted to step S63. Also, if the number of times of failure of the specific process has not reached the upper limit number of times (No side in S62), the control part 51 shifts the process to step S55.

[0152] <Step S63> In step S63, the control part 51 notifies that the setting (change) of the printing speed has failed.

[0153] Specifically, the control part 51 causes the operation display part 56 to display the failure notification screen including a message indicating that the setting (change) of the printing speed has failed. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the display of the failure notification screen, the control part 51 shifts the process to step S64.

[0154] Note that, from the time when the operation of the user connecting the storage device 5 to the second connection part 58 is received until the failure notification screen is displayed, the setting-in-progress notification screen is displayed on the operation display part 56.

[0155] <Step S64> In step S64, the control unit 51 shuts off the power of the image forming apparatus 4. As a result, when a user of the image forming apparatus 4 attempts to illegally change the printing speed by brute force attack, it is possible to extend the time of that operation. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the user of the image forming apparatus 4 from illegally changing the printing speed by brute force attack.

[0156] Thus, also in the printing speed setting system 100B, similar to the printing speed setting system 100A, it is possible to change the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 4 that does not have a communication function via the communication network 3.

[0157] Also, in the printing speed setting system 100B, the storage device 5 in which the key data is stored is used to set the printing speed of each of the image forming apparatuses 4. Thereby, it is possible to avoid an operation error from occurring when the key data is input to the image forming apparatus 4 as compared with the configuration of the printing speed setting system 100A.

[0158] Note that the printing speed setting system 100B may include a first acquisition processing unit 71A, an output processing unit 73A, and a second acquisition processing unit 81A. That is, the printing speed setting system 100B may have the functions of the printing speed setting system 100A.

[0159] In this case, in the printing speed setting system 100B, the first key data output process and the second key data output process may be selectively executed. Also, in the process of step S51 of the second printing speed setting process, instead of the guidance screen, the selection screen may be displayed, and in response to a user operation during the display of the selection screen, the processes after step S52 of the second printing speed setting process, or the processes after step S22 of the first printing speed setting process may be executed.

[0160] [Third Embodiment] Next, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16, the configuration of a printing speed setting system 100C according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0161] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 13, similar to the printing speed setting system 100A, the printing speed setting system 100C includes a server 1, a terminal device 2, and an image forming device 4. Further, the printing speed setting system 100C includes a plurality of image forming devices 4.

[0162] In the printing speed setting system 100C, the terminal device 2 is a portable information processing device such as a notebook computer, a smartphone, and a tablet terminal. Further, the terminal device 2 can perform wireless communication with the image forming device 4 without passing through another communication device. The terminal device 2 is an example of the portable terminal of the present invention.

[0163] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 14, the server 1 of the printing speed setting system 100C is different from the server 1 of the printing speed setting system 100A in that it includes a first acquisition processing unit 71C and an output processing unit 73C instead of the first acquisition processing unit 71A and the output processing unit 73A. Note that other points are common between the server 1 of the printing speed setting system 100A and the server 1 of the printing speed setting system 100C.

[0164] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 15, the terminal device 2 of the printing speed setting system 100C is different from the terminal device 2 of the printing speed setting system 100A in that it includes a wireless communication unit 36. Further, the terminal device 2 of the printing speed setting system 100C is different from the terminal device 2 of the printing speed setting system 100A in that a key data input program for causing the control unit 31 to function as a third acquisition processing unit 91, a fourth acquisition processing unit 92, and a display processing unit 93 shown in FIG. 15 is stored in the storage unit 34 in advance. Note that other points are common between the terminal device 2 of the printing speed setting system 100A and the terminal device 2 of the printing speed setting system 100C. Note that some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 31 of the terminal device 2 may be configured by an electronic circuit. Further, the key data input program may be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as the respective processing units shown in FIG. 15.

[0165] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 16, the image forming apparatus 4 of the printing speed setting system 100C is different from the image forming apparatus 4 of the printing speed setting system 100A in that it includes a wireless communication unit 59. Further, the image forming apparatus 4 of the printing speed setting system 100C is different from the image forming apparatus 4 of the printing speed setting system 100A in that it includes a second acquisition processing unit 81C and a setting processing unit 83C instead of the second acquisition processing unit 81A and the setting processing unit 83A. Note that other points are common between the image forming apparatus 4 of the printing speed setting system 100A and the image forming apparatus 4 of the printing speed setting system 100C.

[0166] The wireless communication unit 36 is a communication interface capable of performing wireless communication according to a predetermined communication standard with the image forming apparatus 4. For example, the communication standard is NFC (Near Field Communication) (ISO / IEC 18092). Note that the communication standard is not limited to NFC, and any standard that can perform wireless communication directly with the image forming apparatus 4 without going through other communication devices, such as Bluetooth, may be used.

[0167] The wireless communication unit 59 is a communication interface capable of performing wireless communication according to the communication standard with the terminal device 2.

[0168] The third acquisition processing unit 91 acquires the unique information from the image forming apparatus 4 whose printing speed is not set.

[0169] For example, the image forming apparatus 4 whose printing speed is not set is an image forming apparatus 4 in which writing of data to the non-volatile memory 64 is prohibited.

[0170] For example, when the terminal device 2 exists within the communication range of the wireless communication according to the communication standard, the image forming apparatus 4 whose printing speed is not set transmits the unique information to the terminal device 2. The third acquisition processing unit 91 acquires the unique information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 4.

[0171] Note that when the image forming apparatus 4 is within the communication range of the wireless communication conforming to the communication standard, the third acquisition processing unit 91 may request the image forming apparatus 4 to transmit the unique information. In this case, the image forming apparatus 4 requested to transmit the unique information may transmit the unique information if the printing speed is not set, and may notify to that effect instead of transmitting the unique information if the printing speed is already set.

[0172] The fourth acquisition processing unit 92 acquires the designated printing speed corresponding to the unique information acquired by the third acquisition processing unit 91.

[0173] For example, in the printing speed setting system 100C, a plurality of correspondence relation data corresponding to a plurality of image forming apparatuses 4 are stored in advance in the storage unit 34 of the terminal device 2. The correspondence relation data is data in which the unique information and the designated printing speed are associated with each other.

[0174] For example, the fourth acquisition processing unit 92 acquires the correspondence relation data including the unique information acquired by the third acquisition processing unit 91 from the storage unit 34. Then, the fourth acquisition processing unit 92 acquires the designated printing speed included in the acquired correspondence relation data.

[0175] Note that the fourth acquisition processing unit 92 may accept an operation of a user who inputs the designated printing speed corresponding to the unique information acquired by the third acquisition processing unit 91, and acquire the information input by the accepted operation as the designated printing speed.

[0176] The fourth acquisition processing unit 92 transmits (inputs) the acquired designated printing speed and the unique information corresponding to the designated printing speed to the server 1.

[0177] The first acquisition processing unit 71C acquires the unique information and the designated printing speed input from the terminal device 2.

[0178] The generation processing unit 72 generates the key data based on the unique information and the designated printing speed input from the terminal device 2.

[0179] The output processing unit 73C transmits (outputs) the key data generated by the generation processing unit 72 to the terminal device 2.

[0180] The second acquisition processing unit 81C acquires the key data from the terminal device 2. The second acquisition processing unit 81C is another example of the acquisition processing unit of the present invention.

[0181] For example, when the image forming apparatus 4 that has acquired the unique information exists within the communication range of the wireless communication according to the communication standard, the terminal device 2 transmits the key data received from the server 1 to the image forming apparatus 4. The second acquisition processing unit 81C acquires the key data transmitted from the terminal device 2.

[0182] Note that when the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the unique information exists within the communication range of the wireless communication according to the communication standard, the second acquisition processing unit 81C may request the terminal device 2 to transmit the key data. In this case, if the terminal device 2 that has been requested to transmit the key data has already received the key data from the server 1, it may transmit the key data, and if it has not received the key data, it may notify to that effect instead of transmitting the key data.

[0183] The specifying processing unit 82 specifies the designated printing speed based on the key data acquired by the second acquisition processing unit 81C and the unique information of the image forming apparatus 4.

[0184] The setting processing unit 83C sets the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 4 to the designated printing speed specified by the specifying processing unit 82. For example, the setting processing unit 83C sets the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 4 to the designated printing speed specified by the specifying processing unit 82 so that it cannot be changed.

[0185] In addition, after setting the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 4, the setting processing unit 83C notifies the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the unique information of the completion of the printing speed setting.

[0186] Specifically, after setting the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 4, when the terminal device 2 that transmitted the unique information exists within the communication range of wireless communication conforming to the communication standard, the setting process unit 83C transmits the completion of the printing speed setting to the terminal device 2.

[0187] The display processing unit 93 causes the operation display unit 32 (an example of the display unit of the present invention) to display the unique information of the image forming apparatus 4 for which the printing speed setting has been completed.

[0188] For example, the display processing unit 93 causes the operation display unit 32 to display progress status data indicating the progress status of the printing speed setting work for a plurality of the image forming apparatuses 4 corresponding to a plurality of the correspondence relation data stored in the storage unit 34 in response to a predetermined user operation on the operation display unit 32. For example, the progress status data includes a list of the unique information to which information indicating that the printing speed has been set or information indicating that the printing speed has not been set is added.

[0189] Further, the display processing unit 93 may cause the operation display unit 32 to display a list of the unique information of the image forming apparatus 4 for which the printing speed setting has been completed in response to a predetermined user operation on the operation display unit 32.

[0190] [Key Data Input Processing] Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the key data input processing executed by the control unit 31 of the terminal device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 17. For example, the key data input processing is executed when the image forming apparatus 4 exists within the communication range of wireless communication conforming to the communication standard.

[0191] [Step S71] First, in step S71, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the unique information has been transmitted from the image forming apparatus 4 existing within the communication range of wireless communication conforming to the communication standard.

[0192] Here, when the control unit 31 determines that the unique information has been transmitted from the image forming apparatus 4 (Yes side in S71), the process proceeds to step S72. If the unique information has not been transmitted from the image forming apparatus 4 (No side in S71), the control unit 31 waits for the transmission of the unique information from the image forming apparatus 4 in step S71.

[0193] <Step S72> In step S72, the control unit 31 acquires the unique information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 4. The process of step S72 is executed by the third acquisition processing unit 91 of the control unit 31.

[0194] <Step S73> In step S73, the control unit 31 acquires the designated printing speed corresponding to the unique information acquired in the process of step S72. The process of step S73 is executed by the fourth acquisition processing unit 92 of the control unit 31.

[0195] For example, the control unit 31 acquires the correspondence relation data including the unique information acquired in the process of step S72 from the storage unit 34. Then, the control unit 31 acquires the designated printing speed included in the acquired correspondence relation data.

[0196] <Step S74> In step S74, the control unit 31 transmits the unique information acquired in the process of step S72 and the designated printing speed acquired in the process of step S73 to the server 1. The process of step S74 is executed by the fourth acquisition processing unit 92 of the control unit 31.

[0197] <Step S75> In step S75, the control unit 31 determines whether or not it has received the key data corresponding to the information transmitted in the process of step S74 from the server 1.

[0198] Here, when the control unit 31 determines that the key data has been received from the server 1 (Yes side of S75), the process proceeds to step S76. Also, if the key data has not been received from the server 1 (No side of S75), the control unit 31 waits for the reception of the key data from the server 1 in step S75.

[0199] <Step S76> In step S76, the control unit 31 determines whether the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information exists within the communication range of wireless communication conforming to the communication standard.

[0200] Here, when the control unit 31 determines that the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information exists within the communication range of wireless communication conforming to the communication standard (Yes side of S76), the process proceeds to step S77. Also, if the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information does not exist within the communication range of wireless communication conforming to the communication standard (No side of S76), the control unit 31 waits for the appearance of the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information within the communication range of wireless communication conforming to the communication standard in step S76.

[0201] <Step S77> In step S77, the control unit 31 transmits the key data received from the server 1 to the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information.

[0202] <Step S78> In step S78, the control unit 31 determines whether notification of completion of setting the printing speed has been received from the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information.

[0203] Here, when the control unit 31 determines that the completion of setting the printing speed has been notified from the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information (Yes side in S78), the process proceeds to step S79. Further, if the completion of setting the printing speed has not been notified from the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information (No side in S78), the control unit 31 waits for the notification of the completion of setting the printing speed from the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information in step S78.

[0204] <Step S79> In step S79, the control unit 31 notifies that the completion of setting the printing speed has been notified from the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information.

[0205] Specifically, the control unit 31 causes the operation display unit 32 to display a setting completion screen including a message indicating that the completion of setting the printing speed has been notified from the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information.

[0206] <Step S80> In step S80, the control unit 31 determines whether the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information exists within the communication range of the wireless communication conforming to the communication standard.

[0207] Here, when the control unit 31 determines that the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information exists within the communication range of the wireless communication conforming to the communication standard (Yes side in S80), the process proceeds to step S81. Further, if the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information does not exist within the communication range of the wireless communication conforming to the communication standard (No side in S80), the control unit 31 waits for the appearance of the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information within the communication range of the wireless communication conforming to the communication standard in step S80.

[0208] <Step S81> In step S81, the control unit 31 instructs the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information to restart.

[0209] <Step S82> In step S82, the control unit 31 records the completion of the setting of the printing speed for the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information.

[0210] For example, the control unit 31 stores the unique information of the image forming apparatus 4 that is the transmission source of the unique information in a predetermined specific storage area in the storage unit 34. Thereby, based on the plurality of the correspondence relation data stored in the storage unit 34 and the unique information stored in the specific storage area, it is possible to generate the progress status data.

[0211] [Third key data output process] Next, with reference to FIG. 18, an example of the procedure of the third key data output process executed by the control unit 11 of the server 1 will be described. For example, the third key data output process is executed when the unique information and the designated printing speed are transmitted from the terminal device 2.

[0212] [Step S91] In step S91, the control unit 11 acquires the unique information and the designated printing speed transmitted from the terminal device 2. The process of step S91 is executed by the first acquisition processing unit 71C of the control unit 11.

[0213] [Step S92] In step S92, the control unit 11 generates the key data based on the unique information and the designated printing speed acquired in the process of step S91. The process of step S92 is another example of the generation step of the present invention and is executed by the generation processing unit 72 of the control unit 11.

[0214] [Step S93] In step S93, the control unit 11 transmits (outputs) the key data generated in the process of step S92 to the terminal device 2 that is the transmission source of the unique information and the designated printing speed. The process of step S93 is another example of the output step of the present invention and is executed by the output processing unit 73C of the control unit 11.

[0215] [Third Printing Speed Setting Process] Next, with reference to FIG. 19, an example of the procedure of the third printing speed setting process executed by the control unit 51 of the image forming apparatus 4 will be described. For example, the third printing speed setting process is executed when the power of the image forming apparatus 4 is turned on and writing to the nonvolatile memory 64 is not prohibited.

[0216] <Step S101> First, in step S101, the control unit 51 determines whether the terminal device 2 exists within the communication range of wireless communication conforming to the communication standard.

[0217] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that the terminal device 2 exists within the communication range of wireless communication conforming to the communication standard (Yes side in S101), the process proceeds to step S102. If the terminal device 2 does not exist within the communication range of wireless communication conforming to the communication standard (No side in S101), the control unit 51 waits for the appearance of the terminal device 2 within the communication range of wireless communication conforming to the communication standard in step S101.

[0218] <Step S102> In step S102, the control unit 51 transmits the own device's unique information to the terminal device 2.

[0219] <Step S103> In step S103, the control unit 51 determines whether the key data has been transmitted from the terminal device 2 that has received the unique information.

[0220] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that the key data has been transmitted from the terminal device 2 that has received the unique information (Yes side in S103), the process proceeds to step S104. If the key data has not been transmitted from the terminal device 2 that has received the unique information (No side in S103), the control unit 51 waits for the transmission of the key data from the terminal device 2 that has received the unique information in step S103.

[0221] <Step S104> In step S104, the control unit 51 acquires the key data transmitted from the terminal device 2 that transmitted the unique information. The process of step S104 is another example of the acquisition step of the present invention and is executed by the second acquisition processing unit 81C of the control unit 51.

[0222] <Step S105> In step S105, the control unit 51 executes the specifying process of specifying the designated printing speed based on the key data acquired in the process of step S104 and the unique information of its own device. The process of step S105 is another example of the specifying step of the present invention and is executed by the specifying processing unit 82 of the control unit 51.

[0223] <Step S106> In step S106, the control unit 51 sets the printing speed of its own device to the designated printing speed specified in the process of step S105. The process of step S106 is another example of the setting step of the present invention and is executed by the setting processing unit 83C of the control unit 51.

[0224] Specifically, the control unit 51 stores, in the non-volatile memory 64, the speed data indicating the designated printing speed specified in the process of step S105, instead of the speed data stored in the non-volatile memory 64. Further, after storing the speed data indicating the designated printing speed specified in the process of step S105 in the non-volatile memory 64, the control unit 51 prohibits writing data to the non-volatile memory 64.

[0225] <Step S107> In step S107, the control unit 51 determines whether the terminal device 2 that transmitted the unique information exists within the communication range of wireless communication conforming to the communication standard.

[0226] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that the terminal device 2 that transmitted the unique information exists within the communication range of wireless communication conforming to the communication standard (Yes side in S107), the process proceeds to step S108. Also, if the terminal device 2 that transmitted the unique information does not exist within the communication range of wireless communication conforming to the communication standard (No side in S107), the control unit 51 waits for the appearance of the terminal device 2 that transmitted the unique information within the communication range of wireless communication conforming to the communication standard in step S107.

[0227] <Step S108> In step S108, the control unit 51 notifies the terminal device 2 that transmitted the unique information of the completion of setting the printing speed. The process of step S108 is executed by the setting processing unit 83C of the control unit 51.

[0228] Note that if the control unit 51 fails to store the speed data indicating the designated printing speed specified in the process of step S105 in the non-volatile memory 64 or fails to prohibit writing data to the non-volatile memory 64, instead of notifying the completion of setting the printing speed, it may notify the failure of setting the printing speed. Also, the control unit 51 may notify the reason for the failure together with the notification of the failure of setting the printing speed.

[0229] <Step S109> In step S109, the control unit 51 determines whether it has been instructed to restart from the terminal device 2 that transmitted the unique information.

[0230] Here, when the control unit 51 determines that it has been instructed to restart from the terminal device 2 that transmitted the unique information (Yes side in S109), the process proceeds to step S110. Also, if it has not been instructed to restart from the terminal device 2 that transmitted the unique information (No side in S109), the control unit 51 waits for an instruction to restart from the terminal device 2 that transmitted the unique information in step S109.

[0231] <Step S110> In step S110, the control unit 51 restarts the own device. As a result, the image forming apparatus 4 becomes capable of printing at the printing speed set in the process of step S59.

[0232] Thus, also in the printing speed setting system 100C, similar to the printing speed setting system 100A, it is possible to change the printing speed of the image forming apparatus 4 that does not have a communication function via the communication network 3.

[0233] Also, in the printing speed setting system 100C, it is possible to display the unique information of the image forming apparatus 4 for which the printing speed setting has been completed on the operation display unit 32. Thereby, when the printing speed is set for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 4, it is possible to confirm the work amount of the operator who performs the setting work and the progress status of the setting work.

[0234] Also, in the printing speed setting system 100C, the unique information of the image forming apparatus 4 is acquired by the third acquisition processing unit 91 of the terminal device 2. Thereby, compared with the configuration in which the user of the terminal device 2 manually inputs the unique information of the image forming apparatus 4 to be set for the printing speed, it is possible to omit the input work by the user.

[0235] Note that the printing speed setting system 100C may include a first acquisition processing unit 71A, a first acquisition processing unit 71B, an output processing unit 73A, an output processing unit 73B, a first connection unit 35, a second connection unit 58, a second acquisition processing unit 81A, a second acquisition processing unit 81B, a setting processing unit 83A, and a cutoff processing unit 84. That is, the printing speed setting system 100C may include the functions of the printing speed setting system 100A and the functions of the printing speed setting system 100B.

[0236] In this case, in the printing speed setting system 100C, the first key data output process and the second key data output process may be selectively executed. Also, in the process of step S51 of the second printing speed setting process, instead of the guidance screen, the selection screen may be displayed, and in response to the user's operation during the display of the selection screen, the processes after step S52 of the second printing speed setting process, or the processes after step S22 of the first printing speed setting process may be executed. Also, when the printing speed setting process by the third printing speed setting process is started during the printing speed setting by the first printing speed setting process or the second printing speed setting process, the execution of the printing speed setting process by the third printing speed setting process may be withheld until the completion of the preceding printing speed setting process. The same applies when the printing speed setting process by the first printing speed setting process or the second printing speed setting process is started during the printing speed setting by the third printing speed setting process. Also, during the execution of the third printing speed setting process, the operation input on the operation display unit 56, the execution of the first printing speed setting process, and the execution of the second printing speed setting process may be restricted. Also, during the execution of the first printing speed setting process or the second printing speed setting process, the execution of the third printing speed setting process may be restricted.

[0237] [Supplementary Note of the Invention] Hereinafter, the outline of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment will be appended. Note that each configuration and each processing function described in the following supplementary note can be arbitrarily combined by making selections.

[0238] <Supplementary Note 1> An information processing system and an image forming apparatus capable of varying a printing speed, wherein the information processing system includes a generation processing unit that generates key data based on unique information unique to the image forming apparatus and a specified printing speed of the image forming apparatus, and an output processing unit that outputs the key data generated by the generation processing unit, and the image forming apparatus includes an acquisition processing unit that acquires the key data input by a user operation on the image forming apparatus, a specification processing unit that specifies the specified printing speed based on the key data acquired by the acquisition processing unit and the unique information of the image forming apparatus itself, and a setting processing unit that sets the printing speed of the image forming apparatus itself to the specified printing speed specified by the specification processing unit. A printing speed setting system.

[0239] <Appendix 2> The acquisition processing unit acquires the key data input by a user operation on an input screen used for inputting the key data, and the printing speed setting system according to Appendix 1.

[0240] <Appendix 3> The information processing system includes a first connection unit to which a storage device is connected, the output processing unit stores the key data in the storage device connected to the first connection unit, the image forming apparatus includes a second connection unit to which the storage device is connected, and the acquisition processing unit acquires the key data from the storage device connected to the second connection unit, and the printing speed setting system according to Appendix 1.

[0241] <Appendix 4> The specification processing unit executes a specification process for specifying the specified printing speed for each piece of key data acquired from the storage device connected to the second connection unit, and the image forming apparatus includes a cutoff processing unit that cuts off the power of the image forming apparatus itself when the number of failures of the specification process reaches a predetermined upper limit number of times, and the printing speed setting system according to Appendix 3.

[0242] <Appendix 5> The printing speed setting system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the setting processing unit irreversibly sets the printing speed of the own device to the designated printing speed specified by the specifying processing unit.

[0243] <Appendix 6> An image forming apparatus capable of varying the printing speed, comprising: an acquisition processing unit that acquires unique information unique to the own device and key data based on the designated printing speed of the own device, which are input by a user operation on the own device; a specifying processing unit that specifies the designated printing speed based on the key data acquired by the acquisition processing unit and the unique information of the own device; and a setting processing unit that sets the printing speed of the own device to the designated printing speed specified by the specifying processing unit.

[0244] <Appendix 7> A printing speed setting method executed in a printing speed setting system including an information processing system and an image forming apparatus capable of varying the printing speed, wherein in the information processing system, a generation step of generating key data based on unique information unique to the image forming apparatus and the designated printing speed of the image forming apparatus, and an output step of outputting the key data generated by the generation step are executed, and in the image forming apparatus, an acquisition step of acquiring the key data input by a user operation on the own device, a specifying step of specifying the designated printing speed based on the key data acquired by the acquisition step and the unique information of the own device, and a setting step of setting the printing speed of the own device to the designated printing speed specified by the specifying step are executed.

Explanation of Signs

[0245] 1 Server 2 Terminal device 3 Communication network 4 Image forming apparatus 5 Storage device 11 Control unit 12 Operation display unit 13 Communication unit 14 Storage unit 31 Control Unit 32 Operation Display Unit 33 Communication Unit 34 Memory Unit 35 First Connection Unit 36 Wireless Communication Unit 51 Control Unit 52 ADF 53 Image Reading Unit 54 Image Forming Unit 55 Paper Feeding Unit 56 Operation Display Unit 57 Memory Unit 58 Second Connection Unit 59 Wireless Communication Unit 64 Non-Volatile Memory 71A First Acquisition Processing Unit 71B First Acquisition Processing Unit 71C First Acquisition Processing Unit 72 Generation Processing Unit 73A Output Processing Unit 73B Output Processing Unit 73C Output Processing Unit 81A Second Acquisition Processing Unit 81B Second Acquisition Processing Unit 81C Second Acquisition Processing Unit 82 Specific Processing Unit 83A Setting Processing Unit 83C Setting Processing Unit 84 Blocking Processing Unit 91 Third Acquisition Processing Unit 92 Fourth Acquisition Processing Unit 93 Display Processing Unit 100A Printing Speed Setting System 100B Printing Speed Setting System 100C Printing Speed Setting System

Claims

1. An information processing system and an image forming apparatus capable of varying a printing speed, wherein the information processing system includes a generation processing unit that generates key data based on unique information unique to the image forming apparatus and a designated printing speed of the image forming apparatus, and an output processing unit that outputs the key data generated by the generation processing unit, and the image forming apparatus includes an acquisition processing unit that acquires the key data input by a user's operation on the self-device, a specification processing unit that specifies the designated printing speed based on the key data acquired by the acquisition processing unit and the unique information of the self-device, and a setting processing unit that sets the printing speed of the self-device to the designated printing speed specified by the specification processing unit, which is a printing speed setting system.

2. The acquisition processing unit acquires the key data input by a user's operation on an input screen used for inputting the key data, The printing speed setting system according to claim 1.

3. The information processing system includes a first connection unit to which a storage device is connected, and the output processing unit stores the key data in the storage device connected to the first connection unit, The image forming apparatus includes a second connection unit to which the storage device is connected, and the acquisition processing unit acquires the key data from the storage device connected to the second connection unit, The printing speed setting system according to claim 1.

4. The specification processing unit executes a specification process for specifying the designated printing speed for each piece of key data acquired from the storage device connected to the second connection unit, The image forming apparatus includes a cutoff processing unit that cuts off the power of the self-device when the number of failures of the specification process reaches a predetermined upper limit number, The printing speed setting system according to claim 3.

5. The setting processing unit sets the printing speed of the self-device to be unchangeable to the designated printing speed specified by the specification processing unit, The printing speed setting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. An image forming apparatus capable of varying a printing speed, including an acquisition processing unit that acquires key data based on unique information unique to the self-device and a designated printing speed of the self-device, which is input by a user's operation on the self-device, and a specification processing unit that specifies the designated printing speed based on the key data acquired by the acquisition processing unit and the unique information of the self-device, ​ A setting processing unit that sets the printing speed of the device to the specified printing speed specified by the specifying processing unit; An image forming apparatus comprising the same. **Claim 7** A printing speed setting method executed in a printing speed setting system including an information processing system and an image forming apparatus capable of varying the printing speed, the method comprising: In the information processing system: A generation step of generating key data based on the unique information unique to the image forming apparatus and the specified printing speed of the image forming apparatus; An output step of outputting the key data generated by the generation step; are executed; In the image forming apparatus: An acquisition step of acquiring the key data input by a user operation to the own device; A specifying step of specifying the specified printing speed based on the key data acquired by the acquisition step and the unique information of the own device; A setting step of setting the printing speed of the own device to the specified printing speed specified by the specifying step; A printing speed setting method in which the steps are executed.

Images