JP2005215101A - Electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance safety required for changing electronic equipment from a regular operation mode to a equipment maintenance mode. <P>SOLUTION: In the electronic equipment having, as the operation mode of the main body of the equipment, the regular operation mode, an equipment management mode, and the equipment maintenance mode, a control part 1 performs the following control: (1) the permission or inhibition of an operation required to change the equipment to the equipment maintenance mode from the regular operation mode can be set in the equipment management mode; (2) authentication required to change the equipment to the equipment maintenance mode from the regular operation mode can be changed in the equipment management mode; (3) when the equipment is changed to the equipment maintenance mode from the regular operation mode, first authentication required for the change is used together with second authentication required to change the equipment to the equipment management mode from the regular operation mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device having a normal operation mode, a device management mode, and a device maintenance mode as operation modes of the device body.

  Conventionally, electronic devices such as copiers are provided with a normal operation mode for performing a normal copy operation, a device management mode for managing the image forming apparatus, and a device maintenance mode by an outside service person. Processing is performed using the function assigned in the mode.

  In electronic devices equipped with such various modes, when shifting from the normal operation mode to the device management mode, or when shifting from the normal operation mode to the device maintenance mode, the transition operation to each mode is supported. It is designed to authenticate key operations and passwords. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for classifying managers into several groups and managing only the management targets.

JP-A-9-312500

  However, in conventional electronic devices, the operation in the device maintenance mode is given authority for maintenance of the device itself, and most operations are possible, and information that is not normally available is also available. And various setting information can be changed. For this reason, for example, if a malicious third party is notified of authentication that allows the device to enter the device maintenance mode, the user of the electronic device, such as unauthorized use of the electronic device, falsification of information, unauthorized function restrictions, etc. A very disadvantageous problem arises.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems. That is, according to the present invention, in an electronic device having a normal operation mode, a device management mode, and a device maintenance mode as operation modes of the device main body, whether or not to accept an operation required when shifting from the normal operation mode to the device maintenance mode is determined. It can be set in the management mode.

  In addition, the present invention can change the authentication necessary for shifting from the normal operation mode to the device maintenance mode in the device management mode, or is necessary for the transition when shifting from the normal operation mode to the device maintenance mode. In addition to the first authentication, the electronic device also uses the second authentication that is required when shifting from the normal operation mode to the device management mode.

  Further, according to the present invention, when shifting from the normal operation mode to the device maintenance mode, only the first authentication required for the shift is requested, or when shifting from the normal operation mode to the device management mode together with the first authentication. It is also an electronic device that is capable of switching whether to require the second authentication required.

  In the present invention as described above, even if an operation or authentication necessary for shifting from the normal operation mode to the device maintenance mode is known to a third party, it is possible to reject the operation in the device management mode. Since the authentication can be changed, it is possible to prevent a third party from entering the device maintenance mode. Also, when shifting from the normal operation mode to the device maintenance mode, in addition to the first authentication, the second authentication required when shifting to the device management mode is also required, so that when shifting to the device maintenance mode. Can improve the safety.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, even if an operation or authentication for shifting from the normal operation mode to the device maintenance mode is known to a third party, the device maintenance mode can be shifted without the permission of the person who manages the device body. Therefore, it is possible to improve safety in using electronic devices.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a copying machine that is an example of an electronic apparatus according to the present embodiment. The copying machine has an automatic document feeder 2, an image reading unit 3, a document number measurement unit 4, a sheet number measurement unit 5, a document image aggregation unit 6, an image output unit 7, an operation panel 8, and a storage unit centered on the control unit 1. 9, a CE information management unit 10, a device manager information management unit 11, a paper tray 12, and a paper type detection unit 13.

  In such a copier, a normal operation mode in which a normal copying operation is performed, a device management mode for managing various settings and usage restrictions on the function of the copier, and an outside service person etc. maintain and inspect the copier. And a device maintenance mode.

  The present embodiment is characterized in that safety is improved when shifting from the normal operation mode to the device maintenance mode. In other words, in the conventional electronic device, when shifting from the normal operation mode to the device maintenance mode, authentication for shifting to the device maintenance mode is performed by inputting a personal identification number known by a service person or the like. However, if this password is known to a third party, the device maintenance mode can easily be entered.

  In the device maintenance mode, in addition to the normal copy operation, processing can be performed regardless of the usage restrictions set by the device administrator, billing information or information read from other computers can be obtained, and in some cases tampering with these information Will also be possible. The electronic device of the present embodiment has a configuration that can increase the safety of transition to the device maintenance mode and prevent unauthorized use as much as possible.

  In the following description, the device maintenance mode is “CE mode”, the authentication (password) required for shifting to the device maintenance mode is “CE password”, and information regarding the device maintenance mode including the CE password is shown. It shall be referred to as “CE information”.

  First, the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is an operation panel display example for explaining the first embodiment. The first embodiment is an example in which whether or not to accept an operation required when shifting from the normal operation mode to the CE mode can be set in the device management mode.

  That is, in order to shift from the normal operation mode to the CE mode, a specific key operation is started. In the conventional copying machine, when this specific key operation is accepted in the normal operation mode, a screen for accepting the input of the CE code number is displayed, and the mode can be shifted to the CE mode by inputting the CE code number.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, whether or not to accept this specific key operation can be set in advance, and even when a specific key operation to shift to the CE mode is performed when reception prohibition is set. An error message is notified and the transition to the CE mode can be prohibited.

  Here, whether or not to accept a specific key operation can be set in the device management mode. FIG. 2 shows an example displayed when the device management mode is entered and a predetermined menu is selected. When the “CE mode prohibited” button is selected from this screen display, a specific key operation performed when shifting from the normal operation mode to the CE mode is not accepted, and when the “CE mode permission” button is selected, the normal operation mode is shifted to the CE mode. It accepts specific key operations to be performed.

  Therefore, the device administrator of the copier can set permission to shift to the CE mode, and if the device administrator sets “CE mode prohibited” even if he / she knows a specific key operation and CE password, CE The mode cannot be changed.

  For example, normally “CE mode prohibition” is set in the setting of the device manager, so that it is possible to prevent the device manager from shifting to the CE mode without permission. On the other hand, when a service person or the like is scheduled to perform maintenance in an outpatient department, the device administrator can switch to the “CE mode permission” setting before that, so that the service person can perform a specific key operation and normal operation as usual. It becomes possible to shift to the CE mode by inputting the CE personal identification number.

  3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating display examples of the operation panel according to the first embodiment. That is, FIG. 3 shows a display example of the normal operation mode, and it is assumed that a specific key operation is performed in this state. Here, when “CE mode prohibition” is set by the device administrator, a message as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. That is, in the message column of the operation panel, for example, a message “Currently CE mode is prohibited” is displayed, and it is possible to inform that the prohibition of shifting to the CE mode is set.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example for explaining the second embodiment. This embodiment is an example in which the CE code number required when shifting from the normal operation mode to the CE mode can be changed.

  Here, the CE PIN can be changed in the device management mode. Conventionally, the CE code number can be set and changed only in the CE mode. In the present embodiment, this can be done in the device management mode. Thereby, the CE personal identification number can be managed under the authority of the device manager, and safety can be improved.

  FIG. 5 shows an example displayed when the device management mode is entered and a predetermined menu is selected. From this screen display, a new password is entered in the input box indicated by “new password”. Further, the same new password as described above is entered for confirmation in the input box indicated by "Re-enter password". When the “SET” button is selected, a new CE code number is set.

  When a new CE code number is set, a new CE code number must be input when shifting to the CE mode thereafter. In other words, by granting the authority to set the CE code number to the device administrator who can shift to the device management mode, even if the CE code number is known to a third party, the incorrect CE mode is set by setting the new CE code number. Transition to can be prevented. Moreover, by changing the CE personal identification number periodically, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized transition to the CE mode.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is an example of an operation panel display for explaining the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, when shifting from the normal operation mode to the CE mode, it is necessary for shifting from the normal operation mode to the device management mode together with the CE personal identification number (first authentication) required for the shift. It is possible to switch between the case where the device manager password (second password) to be used is used and the case where the transition can be made by the authentication of only the CE password. In order to improve safety, both the CE code number and the device manager code number may be required when shifting to the CE mode.

  FIG. 6 is an example displayed when the device management mode is entered and a predetermined menu is selected. When the “CE + Device Manager Authentication” button is selected from this screen display, both the CE PIN and the Device Manager PIN are required when switching from the normal operation mode to the CE mode (double authentication). When the “authentication only” button is selected, authentication can be performed using only the CE personal identification number when shifting from the normal operation mode to the CE mode.

  FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating display examples of the operation panel when shifting to the CE mode when the “CE + device manager authentication” button is selected in the third embodiment. That is, when a specific key operation is performed in the normal operation mode, two input boxes are displayed: a CE password input box and a device manager password input box as shown in FIG.

  Then, enter the CE PIN in the CE PIN input box and select the “OK” button. After that, as shown in FIG. 8, the device manager password is entered in the device manager password box and the “OK” button is selected.

  As a result, authentication using two personal identification numbers is performed, and only when both personal identification numbers are authenticated, it is possible to shift to the CE mode. Therefore, when shifting to the CE mode, for example, a service administrator who authenticates with the CE personal identification number and a device administrator who authenticates with the personal administrator identification number need to be present. For example, the CE personal identification number is given to a third party. Even if it is known, since it is not possible to shift to the CE mode unless authentication by the device manager's personal identification number is performed, it is possible to prevent unauthorized shift to the CE mode.

  Further, by switching whether or not to perform the double authentication, it is possible to set the execution of the double authentication only for a user who needs the double authentication, and it becomes possible to improve the usability of the user.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the device management mode. Note that this processing is performed by the control unit 1 shown in FIG. 1, and in the following description, processing corresponding to the above-described embodiment is mainly shown.

  First, when a specific key operation is performed in the normal operation mode, a screen for accepting an input of a device manager password is displayed on the operation panel 8 (step S11). If the device manager password is entered on this screen, authentication is performed (step S12), and if the authentication is OK, a management menu is displayed on the operation panel 8 (step S13). On the other hand, if an incorrect password is entered, authentication cannot be performed, an error message is displayed on the operation panel 8 (step S14), and the process ends.

  When the authentication is performed and the management menu is displayed, the management menu is selected (step S15). Here, when the device administrator selects the CE mode prohibition setting menu, the process proceeds to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the device administrator selects the CE PIN change menu, the process proceeds to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the device manager selects the authentication method change menu, the process proceeds to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, in the CE mode prohibition setting menu shown in FIG. 10, a CE mode prohibition selection menu screen is displayed (step S21). An example of this screen is shown in FIG. Next, it is determined whether CE mode prohibition is selected (step S22). If CE mode prohibition is selected (when "CE mode prohibition" shown in FIG. 2 is selected), the CE mode prohibition flag is turned ON. (Step S23). The CE mode prohibition flag is managed by the CE information management unit 10 shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the CE mode prohibition is not selected (when the “CE mode permission” shown in FIG. 2 is selected), the CE mode prohibition flag is set to OFF (step S24).

  Next, in the CE password change menu shown in FIG. 11, a menu screen for changing the CE password is displayed (step S31). An example of this screen is shown in FIG. Next, an input of a new password is accepted (step S32), and then re-input of the password is accepted (step S33). Thereafter, when the “SET” button shown in FIG. 5 is selected, the setting is made (step S34), and a new CE code number is stored (step S35). This personal identification number is managed by the CE information management unit 10 shown in FIG.

  Next, in the authentication method change menu shown in FIG. 12, an authentication method change menu is displayed (step S41). An example of this screen is shown in FIG. Next, the selection of an authentication method is accepted (step S42). Here, if the CE password + device manager password is selected (step S43), the double authentication flag is set to ON (step S44). This is a case where “CE + device manager authentication” shown in FIG. 6 is selected, and is set to perform authentication using two personal identification numbers.

  On the other hand, when only the CE password is selected (step S45), the double authentication flag is set to OFF (step S46). This is a case where “CE authentication only” shown in FIG. 6 is selected, and is set to perform authentication using a single password. The double authentication flag is managed by the CE information management unit 10 shown in FIG.

  When the setting in each menu is completed, the process returns to step S13 shown in FIG. 9, the management menu is displayed again, and the next menu selection is awaited.

  Next, the operation for shifting to the CE mode will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the transition operation to the CE mode. This process is performed by the control unit 1 shown in FIG. First, when a specific key operation is performed in the normal operation mode, it is determined whether or not the CE mode prohibition flag is ON (step S51). Since the CE mode prohibition flag is managed by the CE information management unit 10 shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 1 inquires of the CE information management unit 10 about the CE mode prohibition flag, and whether or not this flag is ON. Judging.

  If the CE mode prohibition flag is ON, an error message is displayed (step S52). An example of this screen is shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the CE mode prohibition flag is OFF, it is determined whether or not the double authentication flag is ON (step S53). Since the double authentication flag is managed by the CE information management unit 10, the control unit 1 inquires of the CE information management unit 10 about the double authentication flag and determines whether or not this flag is ON.

  Next, the case where the double authentication flag is turned on and the case where it is turned off will be described. First, if the double authentication flag is ON, the CE code number is accepted (step S54). An example of this screen is shown in FIG. Then, the CE code number is authenticated (step S55), and if it cannot be authenticated, an error message is displayed (step S61).

  On the other hand, if the authentication is successful, the device manager password is accepted (step S56). An example of this screen is shown in FIG. Then, the device manager password is authenticated (step S57), and if it cannot be authenticated, an error message is displayed (step S61). On the other hand, if the authentication is successful, the device shifts to the device maintenance mode (CE mode) (step S58).

  Next, when the double authentication flag is OFF in step S53, the CE code number is accepted (step S59). Then, the CE code number is authenticated (step S60), and if it cannot be authenticated, an error message is displayed (step S61). On the other hand, if the authentication is successful, the device shifts to the device maintenance mode (CE mode) (step S58).

  Thus, when performing the process of shifting to the CE mode, the control unit 1 refers to the CE mode prohibition flag and the double authentication flag, and executes the authentication process according to these flags.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the example in which the authentication process is executed with reference to the double authentication flag after referring to the CE mode prohibition flag has been described. Processing may be performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, a copying machine has been described as an example of an electronic device. However, a device that performs processing by shifting from a normal operation mode to a device management mode or a device maintenance mode even if it is other than a copying machine (for example, a printer, The present invention can be applied to a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine, and a vending machine. Moreover, although a personal identification number is used for authentication, it can be applied to other authentication means such as biometric authentication and card authentication.

1 is a block diagram of a copier that is an example of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation panel display explaining 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the normal operation mode in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a message display in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display explaining 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation panel display explaining 3rd Embodiment. It is FIG. (1) which shows the example of the input box of the operation panel in 3rd Embodiment. It is FIG. (2) which shows the example of the input box of the operation panel in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the process in apparatus management mode. It is a flowchart explaining the process of a CE mode prohibition setting menu. It is a flowchart explaining the process of a CE code number change menu. It is a flowchart explaining the process of an authentication method change menu. It is a flowchart explaining transfer operation to CE mode.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control part, 2 ... Automatic document feeding part, 3 ... Image reading part, 4 ... Document number measurement part, 5 ... Paper number measurement part, 6 ... Document image aggregation part, 7 ... Image output part, 8 ... Operation panel, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 ... Memory | storage part, 10 ... CE information management part, 11 ... Device manager information management part, 12 ... Paper tray, 13 ... Paper type detection part

Claims (4)

In an electronic device having a normal operation mode, a device management mode and a device maintenance mode as the operation mode of the device body,
An electronic device, wherein whether or not to accept an operation required when shifting from the normal operation mode to the device maintenance mode can be set in the device management mode. In an electronic device having a normal operation mode, a device management mode and a device maintenance mode as the operation mode of the device body,
An electronic device characterized in that authentication required when shifting from the normal operation mode to the device maintenance mode can be changed in the device management mode. In an electronic device having a normal operation mode, a device management mode and a device maintenance mode as the operation mode of the device body,
When shifting from the normal operation mode to the device maintenance mode, the second authentication required when shifting from the normal operation mode to the device management mode is used together with the first authentication required for the shift. Electronic equipment characterized by In an electronic device having a normal operation mode, a device management mode and a device maintenance mode as the operation mode of the device body,
When shifting from the normal operation mode to the device maintenance mode, requesting only the first authentication required for the shift, or when shifting from the normal operation mode to the device management mode together with the first authentication. An electronic device characterized in that it can be switched to require the required second authentication.

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