Image forming system

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that allows a plurality of users to log in from a plurality of remote controls that can perform wireless communication with the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus capable of preventing a situation where functions cannot be executed as intended by the users.SOLUTION: After receiving a user's log-in from a remote-control panel 50a, an image forming apparatus 1 can receive a user's log-in from a remote-control panel 50b in a state in which the user logs in from the remote-control panel 50a. In a period from when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 1 from the remote-control panel 50a until when the user logs out from the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus restricts at least either one of instructions to execute an image forming job issued by the remote-control panel 50b or settings related to image formation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or an electrophotographic printer (for example, a laser beam printer or an LED printer). Equipped The present invention relates to an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in image forming devices, a configuration has been widely known that includes a display unit that displays images and an operation unit for inputting information, and that includes an operation display unit that allows a user to operate the operation unit to set settings related to image formation and give instructions for executing jobs.

[0003] Patent Document 1 also describes a configuration in which multiple users can log in to an image forming apparatus from an operation display unit. In the configuration of Patent Document 1, when a user who logs in first operates the operation display unit to select a specific function, the selection of functions by users who log in second or later is restricted for functions that overlap with the selected function in physical resources until the execution of the function is completed. This allows each user to execute the function as intended, even if the functions of the first user who logs in and the second user who logs in conflict with each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-126318 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In view of the recent widespread use of tablet terminals, a configuration is conceivable in which a remote control device configured separately from the image forming apparatus is used as the operation display unit and transmits and receives information to and from the image forming apparatus via wireless communication. Also, in an image forming apparatus compatible with such a remote control device, a configuration is conceivable in which multiple users can log in to one image forming apparatus from each of multiple remote control devices.

[0006] Here, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, multiple users log in to the image forming apparatus from a single operation display unit formed integrally with the image forming apparatus, so that the first user to log in selects a function, and then the second user logs in and selects a function. Therefore, if the functions of the second user to log in are restricted in accordance with the function selection of the first user to log in, simultaneous execution of conflicting functions among multiple users can be suppressed.

[0007] On the other hand, when multiple users log in to one image forming apparatus from multiple remote control devices, the first user and the second or subsequent user may execute conflicting functions before the first user issues an instruction to execute a job, which may result in functions not being executed as intended by each user.

[0008] For example, the first user to log in operates a remote control device to set the sheet on which an image is to be formed. Then, before the first user to log in issues an instruction to execute an image formation job, another user operates another remote control device to set the sheet on which an image is to be formed. Then, the first user to log in issues an instruction to execute an image formation job. In this case, there is a risk that an image will be formed on a sheet that is not intended by the first user to log in.

[0009] In view of the above, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of users can log in from a plurality of remote control devices capable of wireless communication with the image forming apparatus. system Image forming apparatus capable of suppressing a situation where a function is not executed as intended by a user in the image forming apparatus systemThe purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention of The typical configuration is: In an image forming system including an image forming apparatus that forms an image, a first remote control device having a display unit that displays information and an operation unit that inputs information and transmits and receives information to and from the image forming apparatus via wireless communication, and a second remote control device having a display unit that displays information and an operation unit that inputs information and transmits and receives information to and from the image forming apparatus via wireless communication, the image forming apparatus After accepting login of a user from a first remote control device, in a state where the user is logged in to the image forming apparatus from the first remote control device, The above Able to accept user login from second remote control device and , The image forming apparatus includes: At least one of an instruction to execute an image forming job by the second remote control device and a setting related to image formation is restricted during a period from when a user logs in to the image forming device from the first remote control device until when the user logs out. When the image forming apparatus receives an instruction to execute an image forming job from the first remote control apparatus during a period from when the user logs in to when the user logs out from the first remote control apparatus, the image forming apparatus restricts at least one of an instruction to execute the image forming job by the second remote control apparatus or settings related to image formation until the image forming job is completed, even if the user logs out from the first remote control apparatus. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of users can log in from a plurality of remote control devices capable of wireless communication with the image forming apparatus. system In this way, it is possible to prevent the function from not being executed as intended by the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an image forming system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a remote control panel. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming system. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a remote control panel. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system between an image forming apparatus and a remote control panel. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a transition of communication between the image forming apparatus and the remote operation panel in the Wi-Fi Direct system. [Figure 8]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing coordinate display on the display of a remote control panel. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart of a restriction sequence. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a remote operation panel. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a remote operation panel. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 illustrates a user management table. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a restriction table. [Figure 14] 4 is a timing chart showing an example of an operation of a remote control panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] <Image forming device> The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below together with the operation during image formation with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described below are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an image forming system A equipped with an image forming apparatus 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming system A is composed of the image forming apparatus 1 that forms an image on a sheet S, a post-processing device 16 that performs post-processing such as stapling and punching on the sheet S on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 1, and a remote control panel 50, which will be described later. In addition, a reader 14 is provided on the upper portion of the image forming apparatus 1 that optically reads an image of a document placed on a glass surface (not shown) and converts the image into image data.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a seesaw-type main power switch 79 for switching the main power on and off. The image forming apparatus 1 is also provided with a display panel 71 for displaying lamps and error codes to inform a user of the status of the image forming apparatus 1, such as when the image forming process is in progress, when it is stopped due to an error, or when it is in a standby state. The image forming apparatus 1 is also provided with a tower-type lamp 72 for notifying a user at a remote location of the status of the image forming apparatus 1 by turning on, off, or blinking the light source.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a remote control panel 50 configured to be detachable from the panel mounting section 73. The remote control panel 50 is configured to be capable of wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 1, and can be operated from a position away from the image forming apparatus 1. When the remote control panel 50 is mounted on the panel mounting section 73, a charging connector 55 (FIG. 2) of the remote control panel 50 is connected to a power supply connector 73a (FIG. 5) of the panel mounting section 73. This causes the image forming apparatus 1 to detect the connection of the remote control panel 50, and the image forming apparatus 1 charges a battery 57 (FIG. 5) of the remote control panel 50.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the remote control panel 50. As shown in Fig. 2, the remote control panel 50 has a power switch 52 for switching the power of the remote control panel 50 on and off, a speaker unit 53 for outputting sound, and a lighting unit 54 made up of LEDs for indicating the state of the remote control panel 50 by turning on, off, or blinking.

[0018] The remote operation panel 50 also has a touch panel display 51 in which a display unit for displaying images and an operation unit for inputting information are integrated. A user can perform settings related to image formation, such as the number of images to be formed and the size of the sheet S, and settings related to image reading, such as the size of the document, by touching the keys displayed on the display 51 with a finger to input numerical values, etc. Note that, although the present embodiment has been described with respect to a configuration in which the remote operation panel 50 is equipped with a touch panel display 51, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which hardware keys such as a numeric keypad and a reset key are separately provided as an operation unit for inputting information may also be used.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming system A. As shown in Fig. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 15 that forms an image on a sheet S. The image forming unit 15 includes photosensitive drums 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K, charging devices 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2K, and developing devices 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K. The image forming unit 15 also includes primary transfer rollers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, a laser scanner unit 3, an intermediate transfer belt 6, a secondary transfer roller 7, a secondary transfer opposing roller 8, and the like.

[0020] When an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 1, first, an image formation job signal is input to the control unit 10 shown in Fig. 4. As a result, the sheet S stored in either the sheet cassette 75a or 75b is sent to a conveying path 94. Thereafter, the sheet S passes through the conveying path 94 and is sent to a secondary transfer unit formed by a secondary transfer roller 7 and a secondary transfer opposing roller 8.

[0021] Meanwhile, in the image forming unit 15, the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y is first charged by the charging device 2Y. Thereafter, the laser scanner unit 3 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y with laser light in accordance with image data of the document read by the reader 14 or image data transmitted from an external device (not shown) via a network, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y.

[0022] Next, yellow toner is applied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y by the developing device 4Y, forming a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y. The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 6 by applying a primary transfer bias to the primary transfer roller 5Y.

[0023] By a similar process, magenta, cyan and black toner images are formed on the photosensitive drums 9M, 9C and 9K. Then, by applying a primary transfer bias to the primary transfer rollers 5M, 5C and 5K, these toner images are transferred and superimposed on the yellow toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 6. As a result, a full-color toner image corresponding to the image signal is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6.

[0024] Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 6 rotates, thereby sending the full-color toner image to a secondary transfer section. Then, in the secondary transfer section, a secondary transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 7, thereby transferring the full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 6 to the sheet S. The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 70 by the conveyor belt 95. Then, in the fixing device 70, the toner image is fixed to the sheet S by heating and pressurizing.

[0025] Next, the sheet S on which the toner image has been fixed passes through a discharge path 97 and is sent to the post-processing device 16. If the user has specified post-processing such as stapling, punching, or bookbinding, the sheet S sent to the post-processing device 16 is discharged to the discharge tray 16a after the specified post-processing is performed. If the user has not specified post-processing, the sheet S sent to the post-processing device 16 is discharged directly to the discharge tray 16b without being subjected to post-processing.

[0026] <System configuration of image forming apparatus> Next, the system configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

[0027] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10 having a CPU 11, a ROM 12, and a RAM 13. A reader 14, an image forming unit 15, a post-processing device 16, a display panel 71, and the like are connected to the control unit 10. A network connection unit 84 is also connected to the control unit 10, which connects with an external device (not shown) via a network.

[0028] The ROM 12 stores various programs related to the control of the image forming apparatus 1 and various image data. The CPU 11 performs various arithmetic processing based on the control programs stored in the ROM 12. The RAM 13 temporarily stores data. That is, the CPU 11 uses the RAM 13 as a working area based on the control programs stored in the ROM 12, and controls the reader 14, the image forming unit 15, the post-processing device 16, and the like connected to the control unit 10 to perform the image forming operation described above.

[0029] Further, a panel connection unit 80 that establishes a connection with the remote operation panel 50 is connected to the control unit 10. The panel connection unit 80 has a power supply connector 73a and is equipped with a panel mounting unit 73 to which the remote operation panel 50 is connected, and a wireless communication unit 81 that establishes wireless communication with the remote operation panel 50. The charging connector 55 of the remote operation panel 50 is connected to the power supply connector 73a of the panel mounting unit 73.

[0030] The wireless communication unit 81 has a command communication unit 82 and an image transmission unit 83. The CPU 11 reads out an image stored in the ROM 12, and transmits the image to the remote operation panel 50 via the image transmission unit 83 of the wireless communication unit 81. The CPU 11 also generates instructions for the remote operation panel 50, and transmits the instructions to the remote operation panel 50 via the command communication unit 82. The CPU 11 also receives notifications and instructions generated by the remote operation panel 50 via the command communication unit 82. Note that, although the command communication unit 82 and the image transmission unit 83 are configured separately in this embodiment, they may be configured to be integrated into a single communication line.

[0031] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 50 perform wireless communication via an access point 86 (FIG. 6) such as a Wi-Fi router, and then perform wireless communication by Wi-Fi Direct communication, which is a communication format that directly connects apparatuses. Miracast, which is a display transmission technology that applies the Wi-Fi Direct communication method, is used in, for example, mobile phones, displays, and projectors. Note that the wireless communication may be performed by other methods such as Bluetooth and NFC instead of Wi-Fi wireless communication.

[0032] A power supply device 17 is also connected to the control unit 10. The power supply device 17 receives power from a commercial power source via an outlet plug 19, converts the power into power used by each device, and supplies the power to each device. Specifically, the power supply device 17 first supplies power to the control unit 10 when the main power switch 79 is switched from off to on. Thereafter, the power supply device 17 supplies power to the reader 14, the image forming unit 15, the post-processing device 16, the display panel 71, the remote operation panel 50 mounted on the panel mounting unit 73, the wireless communication unit 81, the network connection unit 84, and the like, based on an instruction from the control unit 10.

[0033] <Remote control panel system configuration> Next, the system configuration of the remote control panel 50 will be described.

[0034] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the remote operation panel 50. As shown in Fig. 5, the remote operation panel 50 includes a control unit 20 having a CPU 21, a ROM 22 (storage unit), a RAM 23, and a timer 24. The timer 24 measures time when the control unit 20 performs various processes. The control unit 20 is also connected to a network connection unit 96 that establishes a connection with an external device (not shown) via a network.

[0035] The ROM 22 stores data such as various programs related to the control of the remote operation panel 50. The CPU 21 performs various arithmetic processing based on the control programs stored in the ROM 22. The RAM 23 temporarily stores data. That is, the CPU 21 controls the display 51, speaker unit 53, lighting unit 54, etc. connected to the control unit 20 based on the control programs stored in the ROM 22 while using the RAM 23 as a working area.

[0036] The remote control panel 50 also includes a connection unit 90 for connection with the image forming apparatus 1. The connection unit 90 includes a charging connector 55 connected to the power supply connector 73a of the image forming apparatus 1, and a wireless communication unit 91 for wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 1.

[0037] The wireless communication unit 91 has a command communication unit 92 connected to the CPU 21, and an image receiving unit 93 connected to the display 51. The CPU 21 generates instructions and notifications for the image forming apparatus 1, and transmits them to the command communication unit 82 of the image forming apparatus 1 via an antenna (not shown) of the command communication unit 92. The CPU 21 also receives instructions and information transmitted from the command communication unit 82 of the image forming apparatus 1 via the command communication unit 92.

[0038] The image receiving unit 93 receives image data transmitted from the image transmitting unit 83 of the image forming apparatus 1 via an antenna (not shown), converts the image data into image data to be displayed on the display 51, and displays the image data on the display 51. Note that, although the command communication unit 92 and the image receiving unit 93 are configured separately in the present embodiment, they may be configured to be integrated into a single communication line.

[0039] The remote control panel 50 also includes a panel power supply unit 56. The panel power supply unit 56 includes a battery 57 and a power generation unit 58. The battery 57 is the main power source of the remote control panel 50 and is composed of a rechargeable battery. When the charging connector 55 is connected to the power supply connector 73a of the image forming apparatus 1, power is supplied from the power supply device 17 of the image forming apparatus 1 to the battery 57, and the battery 57 is charged. The power generation unit 58 also adjusts the power of the battery 57 to a voltage that can be used by each device included in the remote control panel 50. When the power switch 52 is switched from off to on, the battery 57 is charged, and the power adjusted by the power generation unit 58 is supplied to the control unit 20, the display 51, the speaker unit 53, the lighting unit 54, and the connection unit 90.

[0040] <Communication system between image forming device and remote control panel> Next, a communication system between the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 50 will be described. Here, a communication system between three remote operation panels 50 (50a to 50c) and two image forming apparatuses 1 (1a, 1b) will be described.

[0041] 6(a) is a schematic diagram of a communication system between an image forming apparatus 1 and a remote operation panel 50 via an access point 86. As shown in FIG. 6(a), three remote operation panels 50 (50a to 50c), two image forming apparatuses 1 (1a, 1b), and a PC 35 are connected via the access point 86.

[0042] A user operates each of the remote operation panels 50a to 50c to perform a login operation to the remote operation panels 50a to 50c. As a result, when the user is in a login state to the remote operation panels 50a to 50c, a list of image forming devices 1 that can be connected via the access point 86 is displayed on the display 51 of each of the remote operation panels 50a to 50c. The login state here means a state in which authentication between the user and the device is successful. The user operates each of the remote operation panels 50a to 50c to select the image forming device 1 to be used from the list of connectable image forming devices 1 displayed on the display 51, and logs in to the image forming device 1. As a result, the remote operation panels 50a to 50c are connected to the selected image forming device 1, respectively. That is, in this embodiment, multiple users can log in to one image forming device 1 simultaneously from multiple remote operation panels 50.

[0043] Hereinafter, the operation of the remote operation panel 50 when a user logs in to the remote operation panel 50 will be described. The remote operation panel 50 displays a login screen on the display 51 and prompts the user to input user identification information (user ID) and user authentication information (password). The user identification information (user ID) and user authentication information (password) input to the remote operation panel 50 are compared with a list of user IDs and passwords stored in the remote operation panel 50, and if a match is found, the user successfully logs in to the remote operation panel 50. If the login is successful, the remote operation panel 50 enables the user to perform operations other than login. Note that, although the configuration in which a user ID and password are required as information to be input during the login operation has been described in this embodiment, other information may be input. The user identification information and user authentication information may be information stored in a magnetic card or an IC card, or biometric information such as a fingerprint.

[0044] In addition, while waiting for the user to log in to the remote operation panel 50, the remote operation panel 50 searches for a connectable access point 86. The remote operation panel 50 performs authentication with the access point 86 by notifying the access point 86 of identification information called an SSID and a password. Here, it has been described that the access point 86 is searched for in parallel with waiting for the user to log in to the remote operation panel 50, but this is not necessary, and the remote operation panel 50 may search for the access point 86 after logging in to the remote operation panel 50. In addition, it is not essential that the remote operation panel 50 searches for the access point 86, and the remote operation panel 50 may directly communicate with the image forming apparatus 1 without going through the access point 86, as in WiFi Direct described later.

[0045] Next, an operation of the remote operation panel 50 searching for the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. In parallel with waiting for a user to log in to the remote operation panel 50, the remote operation panel 50 notifies the image forming apparatus 1 of the remote operation panel identification information (operation unit ID) stored in the remote operation panel 50. The image forming apparatus 1 compares the operation unit ID list stored in the image forming apparatus 1, and if there is a match, responds to the remote operation panel 50 with a notification that the remote operation panel 50 can connect to the image forming apparatus 1. If there is no match with the operation unit ID list stored in the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 1 responds to the remote operation panel 50 with a notification that the remote operation panel 50 cannot connect to the image forming apparatus 1. The remote operation panel 50 obtains a list of image forming apparatuses 1 to which the remote operation panel 50 can connect by repeating the search for image forming apparatuses 1 that have not received a notification of connection possible or connection impossible from the image forming apparatus 1. Although it has been described here that the remote operation panel 50 searches for the image forming apparatus 1 in parallel with waiting for the user to log in, the remote operation panel 50 may be configured to search for the image forming apparatus 1 after the user logs in to the remote operation panel 50.

[0046] Next, logging in to the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. As described above, when a user logs in to the remote operation panel 50, the remote operation panel 50 acquires user identification information (user ID) and user authentication information (password). The remote operation panel 50 transmits the user ID and password to the image forming apparatus 1 selected by the user. The image forming apparatus 1 compares the user ID and password with a list of user IDs and passwords stored in the image forming apparatus 1, and if a match is found, the image forming apparatus 1 returns a response of successful login to the remote operation panel 50. When the remote operation panel 50 receives the response of successful login from the image forming apparatus 1, the remote operation panel 50 inquires of the image forming apparatus 1 about the operation contents and setting contents permitted by the image forming apparatus 1. The remote operation panel 50 displays the operation contents and setting contents permitted by the image forming apparatus 1 on the display 51.

[0047] As described below, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives information from the remote operation panel 50 that the user has selected the logout button, the image forming apparatus 1 performs a logout process, which will be described later. Here, logging out means canceling the logged-in state, and when the user selects the logout button, the remote operation panel 50 transmits information that the user has selected the logout button to the image forming apparatus 1. When the user logs out of the image forming apparatus 1, he or she will not be able to operate the image forming apparatus 1 until the next time the user logs in. After logging out, the user can select the image forming apparatus 1 to be used from the list of connectable image forming apparatuses 1 displayed on the display 51 and log in.

[0048] Fig. 6(b) is a schematic diagram of a Wi-Fi Direct connection between the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 50. As shown in Fig. 6(b), when the image forming apparatus 1 to be used is selected from the remote operation panel 50, the connection between the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 50 is switched from the connection via the access point 86 to the Wi-Fi Direct method by a connection sequence described later. This is because the Wi-Fi Direct method connection is superior in responsiveness of image display and operability compared to the connection via the access point 86.

[0049] <Wi-Fi Direct communication between image forming device and remote control panel> Next, communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 50 using the Wi-Fi Direct method will be described.

[0050] Fig. 7 is a transition diagram of communication in the Wi-Fi Direct system between the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 50. As shown in Fig. 7, when a user selects an image forming apparatus 1 to be used from among the image forming apparatuses 1 connected to the remote operation panel 50 via the access point 86, a connection sequence for establishing communication in the Wi-Fi Direct system is started (S21, S31).

[0051] When the connection sequence is started, first, a negotiation request is transmitted from the command communication unit 92 of the remote operation panel 50 to the command communication unit 82 of the image forming apparatus 1 (S22). Next, the command communication unit 82 of the image forming apparatus 1 transmits a response signal to the command communication unit 92 of the remote operation panel 50 (S32). When the remote operation panel 50 receives the response signal, the connection sequence ends, and the remote operation panel 50 logs in to the image forming apparatus 1. This establishes communication via the Wi-Fi Direct method between the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 50, enabling transmission and reception of information via the Wi-Fi Direct method.

[0052] Next, conditions for wireless communication such as communication speed and image compression rate are mutually set between image forming apparatus 1 and remote operation panel 50 via command communication units 82, 92 (S23, S33). After this setting is completed, a signal of the image stored in ROM 22 of image forming apparatus 1 is transmitted from image transmission unit 83 of image forming apparatus 1 to image reception unit 93 of remote operation panel 50 in response to an instruction from CPU 11 of image forming apparatus 1 (S34).

[0053] Next, image receiving unit 93 of remote operation panel 50 converts the received image signal and displays the image on display 51. Thereafter, when a user operates display 51, CPU 21 of remote operation panel 50 transmits operation information of display 51 to command communication unit 82 of image forming apparatus 1 via command communication unit 92 (S24).

[0054] Here, CPU 21 transmits operation information of display 51 to image forming apparatus 1 as coordinate information. This will be described below. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing coordinate display on display 51 of remote operation panel 50. As shown in Fig. 8, display 51 is divided in both the X and Y directions. The number of divisions depends on the type of touch panel, etc., but in the resistive touch panel of this embodiment, it is divided into 2048 in the X direction and 1024 in the Y direction.

[0055] Coordinates are expressed as (X, Y) based on the origin (0, 0) according to the distance from the origin. For example, position P shown in FIG. 7 is located at a position 1024 away from the origin in the X direction and 512 away in the Y direction, and is expressed as coordinates (1024, 512). The coordinate data is transmitted from the touch panel 59 (FIG. 5) of the display 51 to the CPU 21 of the remote operation panel 50, and is transmitted from the command communication unit 92 to the image forming apparatus 1 in response to an instruction from the CPU 21. In this embodiment, since the communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the remote operation panel 50 is 8 bits long, the numerical value of the coordinate data is divided by eight and transmitted. That is, when the coordinate is (1024, 512), it is replaced with (128, 64) and transmitted.

[0056] Based on the input coordinate data, the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines which position the user has touched on the display 51 of the remote operation panel 50. Then, depending on the touched position, the CPU 11 issues instructions to the remote operation panel 50, such as sending image data, instructing the lighting unit 25 to turn on and off the sound from the speaker unit 53 (S35, 36).

[0057] <restriction sequence> As described above, multiple users can simultaneously log in to the image forming apparatus 1 from multiple remote operation panels 50. In this case, if the first logged-in user and the second or subsequent logged-in user each execute conflicting functions before the first logged-in user issues an instruction to execute a job, the functions may not be executed as intended by each user.

[0058] Therefore, the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 executes a restriction sequence that restricts a predetermined function according to the order in which users log in, and prevents the function from being executed as intended by each user. The restriction sequence will be described below using an example in which three users log in to the image forming apparatus 1 from three remote operation panels 50a to 50c.

[0059] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the restriction sequence. Figs. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing examples of display screens of the remote operation panel 50. The restriction sequence is started when a login button is pressed on the login screens shown in Figs. 10(a) and 11(a) on the remote operation panel 50. The login screen 61 is stored in advance in the ROM 22 of the remote operation panel 50, and is displayed when the image forming apparatus 1 to be used is selected from the list of connectable image forming apparatuses 1 displayed on the display 51.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 9, when the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 receives from the remote operation panel 50 information that the login button has been pressed on the login screen shown in Fig. 10(a) and Fig. 11(a), the CPU 11 updates the user management table T1 shown in Fig. 12 (S1, S2). The user management table T1 is stored in the RAM 13, and is a table for managing information on the user login order, user names, and function restrictions. The CPU 11 updates the user management table T1 as described below.

[0061] 12(a), when no user is logged in to the image forming apparatus 1, no information regarding the login order, user name, or restrictions is entered in the user management table T1. As shown in Fig. 12(b), when a user U1 logs in first from the remote operation panel 50a (first remote operation device), the user name "User U1", the login order "1", and the restriction "No restriction" are entered in the user management table T1. The user name here is a name registered by the user from the remote operation panel 50 in order to identify the remote operation panel 50.

[0062] Next, as shown in FIG. 12(c), user U2 logs in from the remote operation panel 50b (second remote operation device) following user U1. In this case, the user name "user U2", the login order "2", and the restriction "restricted" are additionally entered into the user management table T1 as information about user U2. The reason why the login order item is "2" here is because user U1 logged in before user U2 and user U1 has not logged out. The reason why the restriction item is "restricted" is because user U1 logged in before user U2 and user U2 is restricted from executing certain functions based on the information in the restriction table T2 shown in FIG. 13.

[0063] Next, as shown in Fig. 12(d), user U3 logs in from the remote operation panel 50c following user U2. In this case, the user name "user U3", the login order "3", and the restriction "restricted" are additionally entered into the user management table T1 as information about user U3. The login order is "3" here because users U1 and U2 logged in before user U3 and have not logged out. The restriction item is "restricted" because user U1 logged in before user U3 and user U3 is restricted from executing certain functions based on the information in the restriction table T2 shown in Fig. 13.

[0064] 13 is a diagram showing a restriction table T2 stored in the RAM 13 of the image forming apparatus 1 and managing functional restrictions for users with "restricted" in the restriction items of the user management table T1. As shown in FIG. 13, in the restriction table T2 in this embodiment, the copy function for forming an image read by the reader 14 on a sheet S and the print function for forming an image transmitted from the remote operation panel 50 on a sheet S are set to be restricted. Also, the type of sheet S is set, a paper feed setting function for selecting the sheet feed from the sheet cassettes 75a and 75b, a paper discharge setting function for selecting the post-processing and discharge destination of the sheet S from the discharge trays 16a and 16b, and a color setting function for setting the color of the image are set to be restricted. That is, in the restriction table T2 according to this embodiment, the execution instruction of an image formation job and the settings related to image formation are set to be restricted.

[0065] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the restriction table T2 does not restrict the scan function of reading an image using the reader 14, the send function of sending an image read by the reader 14 to the PC 35 or the like, and the job hold function. The job hold function is a function of storing an image formation job in a hold queue in the RAM 13, and more specifically, a function of receiving an image formation job written in a page description language, generating bitmap image data, and storing it in the hold queue. When the restriction item in the user management table T1 is switched from "restricted" to "unrestricted," the image formation job stored in the hold queue is executed.

[0066] The functions restricted by the restriction table T2 are not limited to the above-mentioned functions, and other functions may be restricted, or functions restricted in the present embodiment may be permitted. Also, the restriction table T2 may be manually set by a user or a maintenance manager.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 11 then transmits the image stored in the ROM 12 to the remote operation panel 50 according to the login status of the user managed in the user management table T1, and updates the display screen of the remote operation panel 50 (S3). Specifically, the function selection screen shown in FIG. 10(b) is first displayed on the remote operation panel 50 of the user U1 who has "no restriction" in the restriction item of the user management table T1. The function selection screen shown in FIG. 11(b) is first displayed on the remote operation panel 50 of the users U2 and U3 who have "restriction" in the restriction item of the user management table T1. In the function selection screen shown in FIG. 11(b), the print button for executing the print function and the copy button for executing the copy function restricted in the restriction table T2 are grayed out compared to the function selection screen shown in FIG. 11(a). In addition, the function selection screen shown in FIG. 11(b) displays a message that the selection of a certain function is restricted.

[0068] Next, when the CPU 11 receives the button selection information from the remote operation panel 50, it refers to the user management table T1 and judges whether the login order of the user who selected the button is "1" or not (S6, S7). If the login order is "1", the CPU 11 judges whether a process according to the button selection information is necessary or not (S9). The process according to the button selection information means a process of executing an image forming operation when, for example, a print job execution button is selected. If the CPU 11 judges that a process according to the button selection information is not necessary, it updates the display screen of the remote operation panel 50 according to the button selection information (S3). On the other hand, if the CPU 11 judges that a process according to the button selection information is necessary, it executes the process and then updates the display screen of the remote operation panel 50 (S10, S3).

[0069] If the CPU 11 determines in step S7 that the login order of the user who selected the button is not "1", it determines whether or not a grayed-out button was selected (S8). If the CPU 11 determines that a grayed-out button was selected, it updates the display screen of the remote operation panel 50, as described below, and causes the remote operation panel 50 to display an error message indicating that the selected function is restricted (S3).

[0070] Furthermore, when the CPU 11 determines that a grayed-out button has not been selected, it performs the following control. That is, when it determines that no processing is required in accordance with the button selection information, it updates the display screen of the remote operation panel 50 in accordance with the button selection information (S3). When it determines that processing is required in accordance with the button selection information, it executes the processing and then updates the display screen of the remote operation panel 50 in accordance with the button selection information (S10, S3).

[0071] The update of the display screen of the remote operation panel 50 in step S3 will be described below with reference to an example in which the print button is selected on the function selection screen shown in Fig. 10(b) and Fig. 11(b). When the user U1 selects the print button, the display screen of the remote operation panel 50a transitions from the function selection screen shown in Fig. 10(b) to the setting screen shown in Fig. 10(c). On this setting screen, the user U1 can select the paper feed setting button, the paper discharge setting button, or the color setting button to execute the above-mentioned paper feed setting function, the paper discharge setting function, or the color setting function, or can select the print start button to instruct the execution of an image formation job.

[0072] Also, when the user U2 selects the grayed-out print button, the display screen of the remote operation panel 50b transitions from the function selection screen shown in FIG. 11(b) to a permission request screen shown in FIG. 11(c). In this permission request screen, the user U2 can request the user U1 for permission to select the print button. When the user U1 receives the request, the display screen of the remote operation panel 50a of the user U1 transitions to an inquiry screen shown in FIG. 10(d). When the user U1 gives permission to print, the display screen of the remote operation panel 50b transitions to a screen shown in FIG. 10(d). The user U2 can select the print button, which is no longer grayed out, on the screen shown in FIG. 10(d) to execute the print function. Note that when the user U1 gives permission to the print function, the display screen of the remote operation panel 50a of the user U1 transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 11(b) and the function is restricted.

[0073] Furthermore, when a predetermined time set by the timer 24 has elapsed without the user operating the remote control panel 50, the CPU 11 performs a logout process (S4, S11) which will be described later. Furthermore, when the CPU 11 receives information from the remote control panel 50 that the user has selected a logout button, the CPU 11 performs a logout process (S5, S11) which will be described later.

[0074] As a logout process, the CPU 11 deletes the user from the user management table T1 of the remote operation panel 50. Here, the logout process of user U1 will be explained as an example. As shown in FIG. 12(e), when user U1 logs out, the CPU 11 deletes the information of user U1 from the user management table T1. In this way, the remote operation panel 50a is logged out of the image forming apparatus 1. The CPU 11 also moves up the login order of users U2 and U3 by one, and changes the restricted items of user U2, whose login order is "1", from "restricted" to "unrestricted". This removes the restriction on the functions of user U2.

[0075] That is, the remote operation panels 50a, 50b, and 50c are examples of the first remote operation device and the second remote operation device, respectively. That is, when logging in to the remote operation panel 50a, the first remote operation device is the remote operation panel 50a, and the second remote operation device is the remote operation panel 50b. After logging out from the remote operation panel 50a, the first remote operation device is the remote operation panel 50b, and the second remote operation device is the remote operation panel 50c.

[0076] Fig. 14 is a timing chart showing an example of operations of the remote control panel 50 by users U1 and U2. As shown in Fig. 14, user U1 logs in at time T1 and logs out at time T13. User U2 logs in at time T4 and logs out at time T16.

[0077] User U1 is not restricted in functionality. Therefore, he can make settings related to image formation, such as image color settings, paper feed settings, and paper discharge settings, from time T5 to time T8, and execute a print job from time T8 to time T9. Also, he can make settings related to image formation similar to those described above from time T10 to time T11, and execute a copy job from time T11 to time T12.

[0078] In contrast, during times T1 to T13 when user U1 is logged in, user U2 is restricted from using functions that are set as "restricted" in the restriction table T2. However, user U2 is not restricted from using the scan function from time T6 to time T7 and the job hold function from time T8 to time T11, both of which are set as "unrestricted" in the restriction table T2.

[0079] Furthermore, when user U1 logs out at time T13, the user management table T1 is updated and the restricted items for user U2 are switched from "restricted" to "unrestricted." This removes restrictions on the execution of image formation jobs for user U2 and settings related to image formation. Therefore, user U2 can execute settings related to image formation and execute image formation jobs from time T14 to time T15.

[0080] In this way, until the user who first logged in from the remote operation panel 50 logs out, a user who logs in later is restricted from making settings related to image formation from the remote operation panel 50. This prevents the settings related to image formation from being changed by a user who logs in later until the user who logged in earlier executes a job, making it possible to prevent the function from not being executed as intended by the user who logged in earlier.

[0081] In addition, until the user who logged in first from the remote operation panel 50 logs out, a user who logged in later is restricted from issuing an instruction to execute an image formation job from the remote operation panel 50. This prevents the image formation job from being interrupted and executed by the user who logged in later before the user who logged in first executes the image formation job. This makes it possible to prevent the sheets S from being mixed on the discharge trays 16a and 16b between the user who logged in first and the user who logged in later.

[0082] In this embodiment, a configuration has been described in which execution of a predetermined function by other users is restricted until the first logged-in user logs out, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, even if the first logged-in user logs out, execution of a predetermined function by other users may be restricted until the job specified before logging out is completed. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, when the first logged-in user logs out during the execution of an image forming job, the settings of the paper feed and discharge destination of the sheet S from being changed by other users, thereby preventing the paper feed and discharge destination from being changed.

[0083] The end of the image forming job here refers to the timing when the sheet S onto which the last image related to the image forming job has been transferred is discharged to the discharge tray 16a or the discharge tray 16b, and the start of the image forming job refers to the timing when the sheet S has been sent to the conveying path 94 from the sheet cassette 75a or the sheet cassette 75b. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10...Control section 50a...Remote control panel (first remote control device) 50b...Remote control panel (second remote control device) 1...Image forming device A: Image forming system

Claims

1. an image forming apparatus for forming an image; a first remote control device having a display unit for displaying information and an operation unit for inputting information, and configured to transmit and receive information to and from the image forming apparatus via wireless communication; a second remote control device having a display unit for displaying information and an operation unit for inputting information, and configured to transmit and receive information to and from the image forming apparatus via wireless communication; In an image forming system comprising: the image forming apparatus is capable of accepting login from a user from the second remote control device after accepting login from a user from the first remote control device while the user is logged in to the image forming apparatus from the first remote control device; the image forming apparatus restricts at least one of an instruction to execute an image forming job by the second remote control apparatus and a setting related to image formation during a period from when a user logs in to the image forming apparatus via the first remote control apparatus until when the user logs out; When the image forming apparatus receives an instruction to execute an image forming job from the first remote control apparatus during a period from when the user logs in to when the user logs out from the first remote control apparatus, the image forming apparatus restricts at least one of an instruction to execute an image forming job by the second remote control apparatus or settings related to image formation until the image forming job is completed, even if the user logs out from the first remote control apparatus.

1. An image forming system comprising:

2. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming device restricts settings of a sheet on which an image is to be formed by the second remote control device from the time a user logs in to the time a user logs out from the first remote control device.

3. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus restricts setting of a color tone of an image by the second remote control device from the time when a user logs in to the first remote control device until the user logs out.

4. a control unit for controlling an image displayed on the first remote control device and the second remote control device, The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit grays out at least one of a button for instructing the second remote control device to execute image formation and a button for making settings related to image formation, during a period from when a user logs in to when the user logs out of the first remote control device.

5. 5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit causes the second remote control device to display an error message when the grayed-out button is selected on the second remote control device.

6. 6. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication is Wi-Fi Direct communication.

Images