JP2007094673A - Apparatus and use restriction program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus and a use program, in which the propriety of use of a function by a user can be determined by an extensible structure. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus includes a user identification information management means managing user identification information for identifying a user who requests execution of the function, a user attribute information management means managing user attribute information for restricting disclosure of the information, that is unique information of the user; and an authentication certification means which is generated when the user is authenticated based on the user identification information and the user attribute information. The priority of use of the function requested to execute is determined based on the presence of the authentication certification means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a device and a use restriction program, and more particularly to a technique for authenticating a user and proving whether or not the authenticated user is executable when executing a function.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a multi-function machine in which a plurality of functions such as a printer, a copy, and a scanner are stored in a single casing. In such a multifunction device, a plurality of applications called a printer application, a copy application, and a scanner application are mounted on a general-purpose OS such as UNIX (registered trademark), and a plurality of functions are realized while switching execution processes of these applications. It was.

  However, since the printer application, the copy application, and the scanner application perform engine control, memory control, system control, and the like separately, wasteful duplication processing has occurred.

  For this reason, in Patent Document 1, the applications such as engine control, memory control, and system control, which have been performed by a plurality of applications installed in the multifunction peripheral, are grouped from each application as a common processing part (platform). The development efficiency is improved.

In Patent Document 2, print control software installed in a printing apparatus is composed of a plurality of software components based on object-oriented design, and printing processing is performed by cooperative operation of such component groups.
JP 2002-084383 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-327883

  However, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 shares the processing part that controls the hardware, and does not share the overall internal processing of each application. Since internal processing is not divided into classes according to functions, there is a problem that the development efficiency of internal processing in general is not good. In other words, in order to improve development efficiency, applications on the multifunction peripheral have room for improvement by sharing the internal processing and dividing the characteristic functions into classes.

  For example, when a user performs authentication when using a function provided in the device, the authentication for each function is made common and authentication is performed using the managed user information. It is possible to divide the function that proves that the user can use the function.

  The invention disclosed in Patent Document 2 is a print control software configured by a plurality of software components based on object-oriented design, and authentication of a user who uses the function or an authenticated user uses the function. It does not disclose software components that control the flow until it can be proved. Therefore, in a multi-function machine that determines whether or not a user has the authority to be executed for each function by multi-functionalization, a software component corresponding to user authentication by applying the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2 Even if a user is created, the function to authenticate using the managed user information and the function to prove that the authenticated user can use the function are divided into user authentication processing and authentication. It is not easy to efficiently control the process of proving that a functioned user can use the function.

  For these reasons, it is a big issue how to efficiently realize the authentication process of the user of the application installed in the MFP and whether the authenticated user can use the function or not. . Note that such a problem does not arise only for the multifunction peripheral. For example, when a user who has a plurality of functions and has a predetermined authority performs authentication, a user authentication device that permits execution for each function This is also a problem that arises in the same way when forming.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and provides a device and a use restriction program that enable a user to determine whether or not a function can be used with a scalable configuration. For the purpose.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention includes user identification information management means for managing user identification information for identifying a user who requests execution of a function, and information unique to each user. When the user is authenticated based on the user attribute information management means for managing the user attribute information for which the disclosure of the information is restricted, the user identification information and the user attribute information And a generated authentication certification means, and it is determined whether or not the function requested to be executed can be used according to the presence or absence of the authentication certification means.

  In such a device, whether or not a user can use a function can be determined by a scalable configuration.

  Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, this invention is good also as a utilization restriction program for functioning the said apparatus as said each means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a device and a use restriction program that can determine whether or not a user can use a function with an expandable configuration.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to various apparatuses.

  First, an outline of an image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “multifunction machine”) 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 15, and 16. FIG. FIG. 1 is a network diagram for explaining a network environment surrounding the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the MFP 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the relationship between software and hardware of the multi-function device 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation panel 400 of the multifunction machine 1. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the software configuration installed in the multifunction peripheral, and FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between software and hardware of the conventional multifunction peripheral. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, devices such as a PC (Personal Computer) provided in an office or the like are connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and can communicate with each other due to recent progress in networking. It became normal. For example, as shown in the figure, a client PC, an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server, an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server, a server PC, etc. are connected to such a network to send and receive e-mails and transfer files. The modem-connected delivery server can communicate with a fax machine outside the office.

  With the progress of such networking, the multifunction device 1 is also connected to such a network and can communicate with a device such as a PC. By incorporating a storage device such as a hard disk, a so-called network multifunction device can be obtained. It has evolved to meet various user needs.

  Specifically, in addition to the normal copy function, the multi function device 1 is connected to the server PC by a printer function for printing document data and the like by a print request from the client PC, and by a fax request from the client PC. A fax function for transmitting to a fax machine in another office via a modem, and a storage function for storing a received fax document or a copy document in a built-in hard disk. In order to realize such many functions, the software installed in the conventional multi-function machine becomes large and complicated. Along with this, the man-hours for developing and maintaining such software have increased significantly. Therefore, the software installed in the multifunction machine 1 according to the present embodiment reduces the man-hours for development and maintenance. The configuration of software installed in the multifunction machine 1 will be described later.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 1. As shown in the figure, the multi-function device 1 has a configuration in which a controller 10 and an engine unit (Engine) 60 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus. The controller 10 is a controller that controls the entire multifunction device 1 and controls drawing, communication, and input from an operation unit (not shown). The engine unit 60 is a printer engine that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a one-drum color plotter, a four-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit. The engine unit 60 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine part such as a plotter.

  The controller 10 includes a CPU 11, a north bridge (NB) 13, a system memory (MEM-P) 12, a south bridge (SB) 14, a local memory (MEM-C) 17, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 16 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 18, and the north bridge (NB) 13 and the ASIC 16 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 15. The MEM-P 12 further includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12b.

  The CPU 11 performs overall control of the multifunction machine 1 and includes a chip set including the NB 13, the MEM-P 12, and the SB 14, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

  The NB 13 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 11 to the MEM-P 12, SB 14, and AGP 15, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 12, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 12 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like, and includes a ROM 12a and a RAM 12b. The ROM 12a is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, and the RAM 12b is a writable and readable memory used as a program / data development memory, a printer drawing memory, and the like.

  The SB 14 is a bridge for connecting the NB 13 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 14 is connected to the NB 13 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 16 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP 15, PCI bus, HDD 18 and MEM-C 17. The ASIC 16 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that is the core of the ASIC 16, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 17, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that perform rotation of image data by hardware logic. Access Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the engine unit 60 via the PCI bus. An FCU (Fax Control Unit) 30, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 40, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface 50 are connected to the ASIC 16 via a PCI bus.

  The MEM-C 17 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 18 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms. It is.

  The AGP 15 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed for speeding up graphics processing. The AGP 15 speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 12 with high throughput. .

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the hardware and software configuration of the multifunction device 1, and specifically, an integrated application 110 including an authentication management unit 211, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment to be described later, A hierarchical relationship between the software 100 and the hardware 150 is shown. As shown in the figure, the hardware 150 includes a hardware resource 151, and the hardware resource 151 includes a scanner 151a, a plotter 151b, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 151c, a network 151d, and other resources 151e. . The other resources 151e are hardware resources 151 other than 151a to 151d, and indicate input / output devices such as an operation panel, for example.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation panel 400 of the multifunction machine 1. As shown in the figure, the operation panel 400 includes an initial setting key 401, a copy key 402, a copy server key 403, a printer key 404, a transmission key 405, a ten key 406, a clear / stop key 407, a start key 408, a preheat. A key 409, a reset key 410, and a liquid crystal touch panel 420 are provided. When the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation panel 400 having such a configuration, an object that materializes each class, which is a feature of the present embodiment, included in the integrated application 110 operates.

  For example, when the initial setting key 401 is touched, a menu for initial setting is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 420, and in this menu, a paper size to be stored and the like can be set. Further, when the user wants to make a copy, the copy key 402 is stored. When the copy result is stored in the multifunction device 1, the copy server key 403 is displayed. When the operation related to the printer is performed, the printer key 404 is displayed. When the user wants to transmit an image or the like, touch the transmission key 405 to display a menu corresponding to the liquid crystal touch panel 420.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the software 100 mounted on the hardware 150 is hierarchized, and a service layer 102 is constructed above the operating system 103, and an application layer 101 is constructed above the service layer 102. ing. The service layer 102 corresponds to a driver that controls each hardware resource (151a to 151e). The scanner control unit 102a, the plotter control unit 102b, the accumulation control unit 102c, the distribution / mail transmission / reception control unit 102d, and the FAX transmission / reception control. Unit 102e, network communication control unit 102f, and other control unit 102g.

  Here, how the software 100 shown in FIG. 3 has taken such a hierarchical structure will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in the software configuration installed in the multifunction peripheral. As shown in the pre-service layer separation application 2001 in FIG. 15, the software installed in the multifunctional multifunction peripheral is created as an independent application for each function such as a copy application, a FAX application, and a scanner application, and is shown in FIG. Operating on the operating system 103.

  However, since these applications include a driver (service layer 102) that controls hardware resources, duplicate processing exists in each application. As a result, the scale of each application has become large.

  Therefore, as shown in an application 2002 after service layer separation in FIG. 15, a portion corresponding to the service layer of the application 2001 before service layer separation is bundled into the service layer 102, and each application is an upper layer of the service layer 102. The application layer 101 is constructed. By adopting such a hierarchical structure, each application has been streamlined and development effort has been reduced.

  However, as the networking and multifunctional functions of multi-function peripherals have further progressed, it has become a problem that a common processing part exists in each application. Specifically, each application of the application layer 101, for example, a copy application or a scanner application, performs processing for communicating with a driver such as the scanner control unit 102a or the accumulation control unit 102c, and the flow of data handled by various functions. Similar processing such as stream control to be controlled was included inside. As described above, when each application has the same processing, the development scale of each application is increased, and the improvement scale of each application with respect to the specification change of the service layer is increased.

  In order to solve this problem, as shown in the common routine separation application 2003 in FIG. 16, it has been considered that such similar processing (common processing portion) is bundled as a common routine. However, since such a common routine is intended to share slightly different processing in each application, the processing inside the common routine becomes complicated. For example, when adding a new application such as a printer application, it is necessary to modify the common routine in order to adapt to the new application.

  However, since the internal processing of the common routine is complicated, it became difficult for repair personnel to grasp the processing, and there were concerns about the increase in the scale of repair and the impact on other applications due to repair mistakes.

  Therefore, as shown in the object-oriented application 2004 in FIG. 15, the plurality of applications are integrated into the integrated application 110 by an object-oriented design method (object modeling). Specifically, a common processing part of each application is extracted as an object model, and the integrated application 110 is configured from the collection of object models. The functions such as the conventional copy function and scanner function are realized by the cooperative relationship of the object model.

  By adopting such a configuration, for example, addition of a new function such as a printer function can be dealt with by subclassing a class belonging to the object model. For this reason, a repair part becomes clear and the influence on other functions by repair can be made small. In addition, the object modeling program is easier to grasp the process than the conventional procedural program, so it is easier for the repair staff to grasp the process, reducing the scale of the repair, and other applications due to mistakes in the repair. The influence on can be reduced.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a conventional application at the stage of the service layer separated application 2002 shown in FIG. 15 and the relationship between the application and each driver of the service layer 102. As shown in the figure, the application layer 101A includes a copy application 121, a scanner application 122, a fax application 123, and a printer application 124.

  For example, the copy application 121 transmits / receives data to / from the scanner control unit 102a, the plotter control unit 102b, the accumulation control unit 102c, and the other control unit 102g in order to realize a copy function. Further, the fax application 123 performs data transmission / reception with the plotter control unit 102b, the accumulation control unit 102c, the FAX transmission / reception control unit 102e, the network communication control unit 102f, and the other control unit 102g in order to realize the fax function. As described above, communication between each application in the application layer 101A and each driver in the service layer 102 is complicated.

  Returning to FIG. 3, a plurality of applications existing in the application layer 101 are integrated into the integrated application 110 by the object modeling described above. The communication processing with each driver, which has been performed by each application overlappingly, is configured to be performed by a predetermined object model that configures the integrated application 110, so that the application of the application layer 101 and the service layer 102 of Communication between the drivers is simple compared to FIG.

  Next, the internal configuration of the integrated application 110 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the integrated application 110 and the position of the authentication management unit 211 that is a characteristic part of the present embodiment to be described later in the integrated application 110. As shown in this figure, the integrated application 110 includes an operation system subsystem 201, a management system subsystem 202, and an execution system subsystem 203.

  The operation subsystem 201 is a software group in charge of man-machine interface. Specifically, the operation subsystem 201 performs processing for accepting a user request, processing for instructing execution of the request, and processing for providing the user with information on the execution status and execution result of the request. .

  The management subsystem 202 is a software group that manages the resources of the multifunction machine 1. Specifically, the management subsystem 202 performs a service for managing the hardware resource 151 and the data state held by the hardware resource 151.

  The execution subsystem 203 is a software group in charge of executing a request from a user. Specifically, the execution subsystem 203 performs processing from reading a document to outputting a product when a copy request is made.

  The operation subsystem 201, the management subsystem 202, and the execution subsystem 203 send processing results to each other as necessary. In this way, the subsystems cooperate to provide services required for the multifunction device 1 as the integrated application 110 as a whole.

  The management subsystem 202 includes an authentication management unit 211 that is a characteristic part of the present embodiment. The authentication management unit 211 accepts a request related to user authentication from the operation subsystem 201 or a request as to whether or not the user can execute the function when executing the function in the multifunction device 1, and authenticates the user. If the function can be executed, the fact is output to the execution subsystem 203.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram in which each subsystem shown in FIG. 5 is replaced with a UML (Unified Modeling Language) class diagram (UML class diagram). Here, UML is a system modeling language for which specifications are formulated by OMG (Object Management Group), and defines a notation for describing the results of modeling. This UML is widely used in the design of object-oriented software.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the integrated application 110 has a plurality of packages, and the integrated application 110 itself is one package. Here, the package is a grouping of each component (symbol) of the UML model, and this package is represented by a folder-type symbol with a tab on the upper left. A straight line connecting the packages indicates that there is a relationship such as a processing request between the packages.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the integrated application 110 is a package having three packages of an operation subsystem 201, a management subsystem 202, and an execution subsystem 203 inside. Furthermore, the management subsystem 202 is a package that has the authentication management unit 211 package therein. A straight line connecting the operation subsystem 201, the management subsystem 202, and the execution subsystem 203 indicates that there is a relationship such as message transmission / reception between the packages. A symbol written at the right end of the tabs of the operation subsystem 201, the management subsystem 202, and the execution subsystem 203 is a UML symbol indicating that the package is a subsystem.

  And the authentication management part 211 which is the characteristic part of this Embodiment is demonstrated in detail. Note that the authentication management unit 211 has configured an object model so that existing processing is not simply converted into an object and functions can be added or modified more easily when designing based on object orientation.

  FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the concept of processing performed by the authentication management unit 211, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, when there is a user authentication request from the operation system subsystem 201, authentication is performed to determine whether or not the user is a valid user by using authentication data that exists for each user. As the authentication data, for example, a user ID and a password can be considered.

  When it is determined that the user is a valid user by the authentication, a permit indicating that the user is a valid user is issued. During the period in which the permit is present, the authenticated user can execute the function of the multifunction device 1 from the operation subsystem 201. Then, after the permit is issued, when the user requests execution of the function of the multifunction device 1 from the operation subsystem 201, the permit accepts the request. Then, the license confirms whether or not the function requested for the user data is restricted. When it is confirmed that the function for which the permit is requested is not restricted, a request for executing the function is output to the active subsystem 203.

  As described above, the authentication management unit 211 which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment has a configuration in which user data and a permit are separated, and the authentication management unit 211 performs object modeling. In this way, information that varies with time, such as proving that the user who uses the multifunction device 1 is an authenticated user, and static personal information such as a user ID used for collation of the user are included. For example, the authentication status of the user can be managed without changing the table or the like that manages the personal information of the user.

  In order to authenticate the user with the authentication certification unit 211, the user needs to log in to the multifunction device 1 from the operation panel 400 provided in the multifunction device 1 or a client PC connected to the multifunction device 1 via the network. is there. First, the operation subsystem 201 receives an input of a user ID and password of a user from the operation panel 400 or the client PC. When the operation subsystem 201 receives the input of the user ID and password, the operation subsystem 201 outputs the user ID and password to the authentication management unit 211 of the management subsystem 201 to authenticate the user.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the block configuration and class configuration of the authentication management unit 211 in UML classes. As shown in the figure, the authentication management unit 211 includes a user management unit 710, an authentication certification unit 720, a user attribute unit 740, and a system usage item management unit 750.

  The user management unit 710 manages information (personal identification information) for identifying individual users such as account names. The user management unit 710 also accepts input from the operation system. That is, the user management unit 710 receives a request for browsing or changing user information, authenticating a user, confirming whether or not a function can be used from the operation system, and performs processing according to the request.

  In the user management unit 710, the process of receiving input from the operation system and the management process of personal information are different in nature, so each is divided and managed in different classes. That is, the user management unit 710 includes an authentication name list class 711 that receives a request from the operation system, and a registered user class 712 that manages personal identification information of a user who can use the multifunction device 1. As a result, when an input from the user is accepted, an instance of the registered user class 712 is expanded on the memory only when necessary.

  The authentication certification unit 720 proves that the user is authenticated. That is, whether or not the authentication certification unit 720 can execute the function requested by the user from the operation panel 400 or the like is generated when it is authenticated that the user can use the multifunction device 1. A permit class 721 is provided for inquiring of the function restriction unit 730 to determine whether the user can use the function. The permit class 721 is a class generated when user authentication is performed using the user information managed by the user management unit 710. For example, the user authentication is performed at an arbitrary facility. It is the same as the permit issued in the case of That is, instead of managing the presence / absence of the login state for the user as in the prior art, the relationship between the user and the usage right is established with the user management unit 710. Thus, for example, when a plurality of authentications are performed for one user, a plurality of permit classes are issued when the user management unit 710 authenticates a plurality of times in the same manner as a plurality of permits are issued. 721 instances are created, allowing the user to have multiple usage rights.

  The user attribute unit 730 manages attribute information (user attribute information) that is unique to each user and is restricted from being disclosed to other users. The attribute information unique to each user is, for example, authentication information such as a password or biometric information, information on function usage restrictions for each user, and the layout of the desktop screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel 420 when logging in This corresponds to information related to the personal environment such as information. The interface of the user attribute part 730 is defined in the user profile class 731. That is, the user profile class 731 defines commonly required attributes and operations regardless of the type of user attribute information. A subclass of the user profile class 731 is defined for each type of user attribute information. In the present embodiment, an authentication information class 732, a use authority sheet class 741, and a personal environment class 733 are defined as subclasses of the user profile class 731.

  The authentication information class 732 is a class for managing authentication information. The personal environment class 733 is a class for managing information related to the personal environment. The user authority sheet class 741 constitutes an individual use authority management unit 740 together with the restricted function class 742 and the security key class 743.

  In the personal use authority management unit 740, the user authority sheet class 741 manages the role of the user and the function that the user is restricted from using, determines whether the function can be used in response to the inquiry, The judgment result is output. The restricted function class 742 expresses a function that the user is restricted from using. The security key class 743 represents a security key for releasing the use restriction of the function for which the user is restricted. Here, the security key refers to information that is requested to be input to the multi-function device 1 in order to cancel the use restriction, or a medium on which the information is recorded, for example, a key card, a user code, or a user name. And a combination of passwords.

  Thus, in the user attribute unit 730, the interface is defined in the user profile class 731 and the subclass is defined for each type of user attribute information. Therefore, it can be said that the user attribute unit 730 has a flexible and expandable configuration with respect to increase / decrease in the type of user attribute information. That is, when management of new user attribute information becomes necessary, a subclass corresponding to the user attribute information may be defined. In addition, since attributes and operations commonly required for various types of user attribute information are defined in the user profile class 731, attributes newly specialized in the user attribute information are defined in the newly defined subclass. And only the operations need to be defined.

  The system use item management unit 750 manages the restricted items for each role, determines whether the function can be used with the authority input in response to the inquiry, and sets an access role ledger class 751 that outputs the determination result. Prepare.

  By the way, the multifunction device 1 has functions that can be executed for each user. However, in addition to the functions that are restricted based on the user, the multifunction device 1 includes functions that are restricted based on the authority of the user. Therefore, the authentication management unit 211 manages these separately. That is, the individual use authority management unit 740 manages functions restricted for each user, and the system use item management unit 750 manages items restricted for each role. As a result, it is possible to collectively manage restrictions that can be shared by the user's role, and when there is a change in an item determined for each role, it is possible to change it collectively. That is, it is not necessary to set for each user, and the labor associated with the change is reduced.

  A rectangle indicating each class has three sections. From the top, a rectangle indicating a class name, an attribute section indicating data (attribute) included in the class, and an operation section indicating processing (operation) included in the class are referred to. For example, a rectangular name section indicating the authentication list class 711 indicates that the class name of the class is “authentication list”, and the attribute section indicates that the attribute of the class is “state”. The operation section indicates that the operations included in the class are “change ()”, “authentication request ()”, and “use availability confirmation ()”.

  Thus, each class has an attribute section for possessing data (attribute) and an operation section for possessing processing (operation) for writing and reading such an attribute. Since these classes are included as a part of the program (integrated application 110), when this program stored in the ROM 12a in advance is executed, each class is materialized in a predetermined area of the RAM 12b and included in the attribute section. Each data (attribute) is expanded on the RAM 12b. Therefore, the object in which the class is materialized can write and read each data (attribute) on the RAM 12b.

  In addition, if a "-" symbol is attached to the left side of a class element such as attribute or operation, this indicates that the element is private to external classes, and if a "+" symbol is attached, this element Indicates that it is open to external classes. In addition, the “()” symbol is usually attached to the operation, such as “change ()”, and an argument to be passed to the operation may be described, such as “(argument 1, argument 2)”. is there.

  Next, each class included in the authentication management unit 211 that is a characteristic part of the present embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 will be described.

  The authentication list class 711 receives an authentication input from the operation subsystem 201 and authenticates the user by transmitting and receiving a message to and from a registered user class 712 described later. Create an object. Then, when there is a request to execute a function from the operation subsystem 201 by the authenticated user, the authentication list class 711 passes this request to the permit object 721A. Specifically, the authentication list class 711 includes a change () 711 a, an authentication request () 711 b, and an availability check () 711 c as operations.

  The change () 711 a accepts a request for changing personal identification information or user attribute information, and changes attributes such as a registered user class 712, a user profile class 731, or a subclass of the user profile class 731.

  The authentication request () 711 b generates a registered user object 712 </ b> A when a user makes a login request to the multifunction device 1 via the operation subsystem 201, and issues an authentication request to the generated registered user object 712 </ b> A. Do. When the authentication request () 711 b requests authentication, the user account name and password input from the operation subsystem 201 are delivered as arguments. The user's account name and password are those sent from the client PC connected via the network or those entered from the operation panel 400 of the multi-function device 1 by the operation subsystem 201. Etc. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel 400 when the user logs in to the multifunction machine 1. After the screen shown in this figure is displayed, the user inputs a user name and password to log in, and presses a “login” button 902. As a result, the operation subsystem 201 inputs the account name and password, and inputs the account name and password input together with the request for authenticating the user to the authentication name list class 711. As a result, the authentication request () 711b can pass the account name and password as arguments.

  Returning to FIG. 8, the availability check () 711 c is performed when the user logs in when there is a request for executing the function provided in the multifunction device 1 via the operation panel 400 or the client PC from the logged-in user. The generated permit object 721A is requested to confirm whether or not the function requested to be executed can be used.

  If the authentication list class 711 determines that the user can use the requested function based on the confirmation result input from the permit object 721A, the authentication list class 711 outputs to the executing subsystem 203 that the function is to be executed. . As a result, the function is executed in the execution subsystem 203 only when the user is not restricted to use the function.

  The registered user class 712 is a class that manages registered user information and performs processing using the managed user information. Specifically, the registered user class 712 has an account name 712a and a state 712b as attributes, and has a collation () 712c, a reference () 712d, and an edit () 712e as operations. When an object that materializes the registered user class 712 is generated, the account name 712a and the state 712b are expanded on the RAM 12b, so that these data (attributes) can be written and read. .

  The account name 712a holds an account name indicating the registered user.

  The state 712b holds the account name 712a held by the registered user class 712 and the editing state of the attribute of the class inheriting the user profile class 731 and the user profile class 731. By holding the state 712b, the registered user class 712 can manage the editing state of the account name 712a and the like. As a result, for example, when a request is made during 'editing', the account name 712a and the like are not defined, so the registered user object 712A can not perform processing for the request. Therefore, the reliability of processing using user information such as the account name 712a can be improved.

  The collation () 712 c is called from the authentication list class 711 and collates registered users. Specifically, when an authentication request () 711 b is made from the authentication name list class 711, the account name and password received as arguments are obtained by the account name 712 a and the authentication information class 732 held by the generated registered user object 712 A. The collation is performed by determining whether or not the password matches the stored password 732a. It should be noted that the state 712b becomes “authenticating” while collation is being performed. Then, by outputting the result of the verification to the authentication list class 711, it is possible to authenticate the user who made the login request.

  The reference () 712 d refers to the attribute of the registered user class 712 and the attribute of the class inheriting the user profile class 731 and the user profile class 731.

  The edit () 712 e edits the attribute of the registered user class 712 and the attribute of the class inheriting the user profile class 731 and the user profile class 731.

  The permit class 721 is a class for certifying an authenticated user and requesting confirmation whether or not the function requested by the user can be used. Specifically, this permit class 721 has a permission number 721a as an attribute, and has a use permission confirmation () 721c as an operation. When an object in which the permit class 721 is materialized is generated, the permission number 721a is expanded on the RAM 12b, so that these data (attributes) can be written and read.

  The permission number 721a holds the input device that has performed user authentication as a number. For example, the authorization number is held as a number from 1 to 5, and when the user is authenticated by the information input from the operation panel 400, “1” is given as the authorization number, or from the client PC via the network. When the user is authenticated, “2” to “5” are set as permission numbers. As a result, even if the same user is logged in from the operation panel 400 and the client PC at the same time, it is possible to maintain the correspondence by assigning different permission numbers, and multiple logins by the same user are possible. It is said. As a result, the same user can perform FAX transmission from the PC to the multifunction device 1 while simultaneously copying a plurality of processes, for example, on the operation panel on the multifunction device 1.

  The availability check () 721 b is called from the authentication name list class 711, and requests the usage authority sheet object 741 A to check whether or not the function requested by the user can be executed. When the availability check () 721b is called, the function requested by the user to be executed is received as an argument. Further, the permit object 721A requests to confirm whether or not to execute the function requested by the user, thereby collectively managing the processing executed when the user is logged in. It is no longer necessary to determine whether or not the function can be executed after determining whether or not the user is authenticated when the request to execute the function is satisfied, and the process can be simplified. It becomes possible.

  The user profile class 731 is an abstract class in which an interface for operating user attribute information is defined. Accordingly, an instance of the user profile class 731 is not generated, but the contents defined in the user profile class 731 are inherited by the subclass. The user profile class 731 has a public level 731a and a state 731b as attributes, and has a reference () 731c and an edit 731d as operations.

  The disclosure level 731a holds the disclosure level of user attribute information. Whether or not the user attribute information can be disclosed is determined according to the value of the disclosure level.

  The state 731b holds the editing state of the attributes of the user profile class 731 and its subclass.

  The reference () 731 c refers to the user attribute information in response to the call.

  The edit () 731d edits the user attribute information in response to the call.

  The authentication information class 732 is a concrete class that inherits the user profile class 731 and manages authentication information that is one of user attribute information. The authentication information class 732 has a password 732a and biometric information 732b as attributes. When an object that materializes the authentication information class 732 is generated, the public level 731a and the state 731b in the user profile class 731 and the password 732a and the biometric information 732b in the authentication information class 732 are expanded on the RAM 12b. Therefore, it is possible to write and read these data (attributes).

The personal environment class 733 is a concrete class that inherits the user profile class 731 and manages the personal environment that is one of the user attribute information. The personal environment class 733 includes a desktop layout 733a, a redial 733b, an incoming call history 733c, a favorite 733d, and an address book 733e as attributes. When an object that materializes the personal environment class 733 is generated, the public level 731a and the state 731b in the user profile class 731 and the desktop layout 733a, redial 733b, incoming call history 733c, favorite 733d, and address book in the personal environment class 733 are generated. Since 733eb is expanded on the RAM 12b, it is possible to write and read these data (attributes). The desktop arrangement 733a relates to the desktop arrangement when the user logs in, the copy density, the selection paper, and the like. Keep information.

  The redial 733b holds the user's redial.

  The incoming call history 733c holds a FAX incoming call history sent to the user.

  The favorite 733d holds a URL registered by the user.

  The address book 733e holds a personal user address book.

  The usage authority sheet class 741 is a concrete class that inherits the user profile class 731, and manages the role that is one of the user attribute information and information related to the function restriction for the user. The user authority sheet class 741 is a result of an inquiry to the associated restricted function class 742 when a request for confirming whether or not the function requested by the user can be used is input. Then, after inputting the confirmation request to the access role ledger class 751, based on the judgment result inputted from the access role ledger, it is judged whether or not the function can be used, and the judgment result is outputted. The usage authority sheet class 741 has a role 741a as an attribute, and has a use permission determination () 741b as an operation. When an object that materializes the usage authority sheet class 741 is generated, the disclosure level 731a and the state 731b in the user profile class 731 and the roll 741a in the usage authority sheet class 741 are expanded on the RAM 12b. These data (attributes) can be written and read.

  The role 741a holds the authority set for the user. The authority set for the user may be, for example, a general device administrator or a network administrator. This role 741a makes it possible to specify items restricted in the access role ledger class 751.

  The availability determination () 741b is called by making an inquiry to the associated restricted function object 742A to determine whether or not the user can execute the function received from the permit object 721A as an argument. The determination result is output to the registered user object 712A. If it is determined by the determination based on the restricted function object 742A that the execution of the function is not restricted, an access role ledger object 751A is generated, and the user role and the user role are generated for the generated access role ledger object 751A. , The function is passed as an argument, and a request is made to confirm whether the function (item) can be executed with the authority based on the role. As described above, the function restricted for each user is referred to the restricted function object 742A to determine whether or not the function can be executed, and the items set for each role are stored in the access role ledger object 751A. By requesting confirmation, it is possible to determine whether or not the function requested by the user can be used.

  Further, when it is determined that the function requested by the user cannot be used, the availability determination () 741b outputs that fact to the authentication list class 711 via the permit object 721A. Accordingly, the authentication name list class 711 determines that the function cannot be executed, and transmits that fact to the execution subsystem 203. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 420 when the function requested by the user cannot be used. As shown in the figure, by displaying that the user cannot use it, it is possible to recognize that the user has no authority to use the requested function.

  The restricted function class 742 manages, for each function provided in the multifunction machine 1, whether or not the user according to the associated usage authority sheet object 741A can execute the function. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of function restriction information set for each user. As shown in the figure, in the function restriction information, availability of use is set for each function. In the multifunction device 1, such function restriction information is managed for each user. The restricted function class 742 is a class for managing such function restriction information by an object, and an instance is generated for each function in the function restriction information for each user. The restricted function class 742 has a type 742a as an attribute and a check () 742b as an operation. Note that when an object that materializes the restricted function class 742 is generated, the type 742a is expanded on the RAM 12b, so that these data (attributes) can be written and read.

  The type 742a holds the type of function corresponding to each instance of the restricted function class 742.

  The check () 742 b receives a function requested by the user from the usage authority sheet object 741 A, confirms the state of a security key object 743 A described later associated with the restricted function object 742 A, and confirms the function requested by the user. Check if usage is restricted.

  The security key class 743 is a class for managing the state of the security key for releasing the restriction on the use of the function, and an instance is generated for each security key. The cause of the change in the state of the security key differs depending on the type (classification) of the security key corresponding to each security object 743A. For example, when the security key is a key card, the security key is released when the key card is inserted or tampered with the card reader of the multifunction device 1. Further, when the security key is a user code or a user and a password, when the information is input to the multifunction device 1, the security key is released. The security key class 743 has a type 743a and a state 743b as attributes, and has a release () 743c, a restriction () 743d, and a confirmation () 743e as operations. When an object that materializes the security key class 743 is generated, the type 743a and the state 743b are expanded on the RAM 12b, so that these data (attributes) can be written and read.

  The type 743a holds the type of security key to which each instance of the security key class 743 corresponds. It also holds whether this security key can be used multiple times or if it is used once.

  The state 743b holds the state of the security key corresponding to each instance of the security key class 743. There are a release state and a restriction state.

  Release () 743 c changes the state 743 b to the release state based on the state of the security key (key card insertion or the like).

  The restriction () 743 d changes the state 743 b to a restricted state based on the state of the security key (key card removal, etc.).

  The confirmation () 743e returns the value of the current state 743b.

  The access role ledger class 751 manages items (functions) whose use is restricted for each role, and holds a role as an attribute when a request for checking whether or not the item can be used by the role is held. It is a class that judges whether or not it can be used using the correspondence '751a and outputs this result. Specifically, the access role ledger class 751 has a role-restriction correspondence table 751a, a state 751b, and a protect level 751c as attributes, and a confirmation () 751d and edit () 751e as operations. When an object that materializes the access role ledger class 751 is generated, the correspondence table 751a, state 751b, and protect level 751c of roles and restrictions are expanded on the RAM 12b, so that these data (attributes) are written. And reading out.

  The role-restriction correspondence table 751a holds a correspondence relationship as to whether or not there is an authority to change each role for the items provided in the multifunction device 1. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table 751a for roles and constraints. As shown in the figure, the status of each item is set for each role. For general users, the status of each item is set for each protection level. Here, the protect level is a concept corresponding to a so-called security level, and in the present embodiment, the higher the value, the higher the security level.

  In the role-to-constraint correspondence table 751a in FIG. 12, 'R' indicates that it is readable, that is, the user can use the value indicated in this item, and 'W' indicates in this item. It is possible to change the value that has been set. For example, a general user can connect to the set connection destination because the network is 'R', and a network administrator can change the connection destination because the network is 'RW'. It means that. As for the general user, it can be seen that as the protection level increases, the restriction on the change of the value becomes stricter.

  When the access role ledger class 751 is called from the confirmation () 751 d, the status of the item passed as the argument is confirmed by referring to the correspondence table 751 a of the role and the restriction by the role passed as the argument. It can be confirmed whether or not the change is possible.

  The state 751b holds the usage state of the correspondence table 751a of roles and restrictions held by the usage authority sheet class 741. For example, 'Editing', 'Checking' or 'Not used'. “Editing” indicates that the restricted function list is being edited from the authentication list class 711 via the registered user object 712A, and “confirming” indicates that the role is checked when confirmation () 751d is called. The restriction correspondence table 751a is referred to to check whether or not the item can be changed, and “not used” indicates a state other than the state described above. By holding such a state 751b, the usage authority sheet class 741 can manage the use state of the correspondence table 751a of roles and restrictions. Thus, for example, when confirmation 751c is performed during 'editing', confirmation processing is interrupted, and confirmation is performed using the correspondence table 751a of roles and constraints when the state is changed to a state within 'editing'. It is possible to improve the reliability.

  The protect level 751c holds a protect level value. For example, only the administrator can set the protection level value in the initial setting or the like.

  The edit () 751 e is called from the authentication list class 711 via the edit () 712 e of the registered user object 712 A and the edit () 741 d of the usage authority sheet object 741 A, and edits the attributes held by the access role ledger object 751 A. . Specifically, the access role ledger object generated from the usage authority sheet object 741A via the registered user object 712A and the usage authority sheet object 741A generated when an operation by the change () 711a is performed from the authentication list class 711. Using the information passed to 751A as an argument, the role / restriction correspondence table 751a, which is the attribute of the access role ledger object 751A, is edited. While the editing is being performed, the state 751b becomes “editing”. This makes it possible to change the user's role and constraint correspondence table 751a as necessary.

  Next, the relationship between the classes shown in FIG. 8 will be described. As shown in this figure, the straight line connecting the rectangles indicating each class indicates that there is a relationship between the classes at both ends, and the characters near the ends of this line indicate the role of the class, and the numbers indicate the class. Each multiplicity is shown. Here, the role is the role and position of the other class as seen from one class at both ends of the line, and the multiplicity is the number of objects generated from the class at both ends of the line. It is a correspondence relationship.

  For example, the role of the registered user class 712 viewed from the authentication list class 711 is “registered”, the role of the authentication list class 711 viewed from the registered user class 712 is “registration location”, and the multiplicity of the authentication list class 711 is “1” and the multiplicity of the registered user class 712 is “1..n”.

  First, the class relationship between the authentication list class 711 and the registered user class 712 will be described. The authentication list class 711 has a role as a registration place since the registered user class 712 has registered the user with the multifunction device 1, while the registered user class 712 is based on the authentication list class 711. It has a role as a registration target. Such a class relationship makes it possible to specify registered user information to be collated when the authentication list class 711 receives authentication or the like.

  As shown in the figure, in the scene where the authentication management unit 211 is executed, there is only one object in which the authentication name list class 711 is expanded (substantiated) on the RAM 12b, and the authentication name list class 711 is stored. There are one or more objects and n or less objects that materialize the registered user class 712 as a target.

  It should be noted that the authentication list class 711 is formed as a single object instead of a plurality of objects, and authentication processing from the operation subsystem 201 of the multifunction machine 1 is collectively managed.

  Next, the relationship between the authentication list class 711 and the permit class 721 will be described. The permit class 721 is issued when the authentication list class 711 is authenticated as a valid user. Therefore, the authentication list class 711 has a role as a permitter when viewed from the permit class 721, while the permit class 721 has a role as a permission right when viewed from the authentication list class 711. ing.

  In addition, the authentication list class 711 has a single object, whereas the permit class 721 is a class generated every time authentication is performed. Therefore, the authentication list class 711, the permit class 721, Have a one-to-many relationship.

  Next, the relationship between the permit class 721 and the registered user class 712 will be described. Permit class 721 is issued for each authenticated user, and even if the same user is authenticated multiple times, a plurality of permits are issued for using the function. Is in a relationship. For this reason, the permit class 721 has a role as a usage right when viewed from the registered user class 712, while the registered user class 712 has a role as a user when viewed from the permit class 721. ing.

  The permit class 721 is issued for each collated user, while the user indicated by the registered user class 712 can have a plurality of permit objects 721A. The registered user class 712 and the permit class 721 have a one-to-many relationship.

  Next, the relationship between the registered user class 712 and the user profile class 731 will be described. The user profile class 731 manages user attribute information of registered users. Therefore, the registered user class 712 has a role as a holder when viewed from the user profile class 731, while the user profile class 731 has a role as a possessed when viewed from the registered user class 712. ing.

  Since one or more types of user attribute information are set for one user, the registered user class 712 instantiated for each user and the user instantiated for each type of user attribute information The profile class 731 (strictly speaking, a subclass of the user profile class) has a one-to-many relationship. Note that the subclass of the user profile class 731 has the same relationship with the registered user class 712 as the relationship that the user profile class 31 has.

  Next, the relationship between the usage authority sheet class 741 and the restricted function class 742 will be described. The instance of the usage authority sheet class 741 manages functions restricted for the user to which the instance corresponds. On the other hand, an instance of the restricted function class 742 indicates one restricted function. Therefore, the use authority sheet class 741 has a role as a management ledger when viewed from the restricted function class 742. On the other hand, the restricted function class 742 has a role as a restricted function when viewed from the usage authority sheet class 741.

  Also, since zero or more functions can be restricted for one user, the usage authority sheet class 741 and the restricted function class 742 have a one-to-many relationship.

  Next, the relationship between the restricted function class 742 and the security key class 743 will be described. The restriction function class 742 indicates a restriction function, and the security key class 743 indicates a security key for releasing the restriction function. Therefore, the restricted function class 742 has a role as a release target when viewed from the security key class 743. On the other hand, the security key class 743 has a role as a release key when viewed from the restricted function class 742.

  One function can be restricted by a plurality of security keys, and a plurality of functions can be restricted by one security key. Therefore, the restricted function class 742 and the security key class 743 have a many-to-many relationship.

  Next, the relationship between the usage authority sheet class 741 and the access role ledger class 751 will be described. The access role ledger class 751 has one materialized object instead of a plurality of objects, and collectively holds the corresponding relationship of constraints for each role. Therefore, the access role ledger class 751 has a role as a ledger when viewed from the usage authority sheet class 741, while the usage authority sheet class plays a role as a user when viewed from the access role ledger class 751. Have.

  Further, since there is only one access role ledger class 751 for each user, there is a many-to-one relationship between the use right sheet class 741 and the access roll ledger class 751. Have.

  As described above, the instances of the authentication list class 711, the registered user class 712, the permit class 721, the usage authority sheet class 741, the restriction function class 742, the security key class 743, and the access role ledger class 751 are related to each other. The functions necessary for the authentication management unit 211 can be realized by cooperation.

  Next, an example of the execution procedure of each class operation shown in FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 13 is a UML sequence diagram illustrating an operation execution procedure when the authentication management unit 211 receives a login request from a user.

  Here, the UML sequence diagram will be described. Each rectangle arranged in the upper part of FIG. 13 indicates a class object. A line extending downward from each object is a line (lifeline) indicating that each object is alive, and time is considered to flow from the top to the bottom. An elongated rectangle present on this line indicates a period during which the object is actually active (active period).

  Horizontal arrows connecting the lifelines indicate execution of operations included in the object. Specifically, this arrow indicates that the original object of the arrow calls an operation included in the object at the end of the arrow. Further, when the arrow points to its own object, it means that the object calls the operation included in itself.

  When the user operates the multifunction device 1 and inputs an account name and password to log in, the operation subsystem 201 receives the account name and password. The operation subsystem 201 calls the authentication request () 711b of the authentication list object 711A and requests authentication for the user to log in (S1301).

  The authentication name list object 711A temporarily holds the account name and password passed when the login request is accepted until the authentication is completed. Subsequently, the authentication list object 711A generates a registered user object 712A and calls the collation () 712c of the registered user object 712A (S1302). At this time, the account name and password are delivered as arguments. The generation is an operation of all objects, and each object is materialized on the RAM 12b by generation.

  The registered user object 712A for which the verification () 712c is called requests the user's password reference by calling the reference () 731c of the associated authentication information object 732A (S1303). Subsequently, the registered user object 712A determines whether or not the combination of the account name and password received as arguments of the verification () 712c matches the combination of the account name 712a and the password referenced from the authentication information object 732A held as attributes. The determination result is transmitted as a message to the authentication list object 711A.

  Subsequently, the authentication list object 711 determines whether to generate the permit object 721A from the determination result received from the registered user object 712A. Specifically, when the determination result that the account name and the password match is received from the registered user object 712A, it is determined that the license object 721A can be generated by regarding the log-in as a legitimate user. If a determination result indicating that they do not match is received, the authorization object 721A is not generated and the fact that the authentication has failed is output to the active subsystem 203 without being logged in by a valid user, and the process ends.

  When receiving the determination result indicating that they match, the authentication name list object 711A generates a permit object 721A corresponding to the input device for which the user has made a login request (S1304).

  The generated permit object 721A is associated with the registered user object 712A indicating the authenticated user. If an account name is required for association, the account name held in the authentication name list object 711A may be received. Then, while the permit object 721A is alive, the user can execute the function provided in the multifunction device 1. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the permit object 721A can use the function requested by the user. The procedure for confirming whether or not this function can be used is omitted in this sequence diagram, and will be described in detail later.

  As shown in the sequence diagram described above, in this embodiment, when authenticating a user, it is generated from each class such as an authentication list class 711, a registered user class 712, an authentication information class 732, and a permit class 721. The registered objects authenticate in response to the login request and issue a permit associated with the authenticated user, so that the static data of the registered user and whether or not login is permitted Keep dynamic data separately. Therefore, management of data becomes easy. Further, the mechanism of the authentication management unit 211 is constructed by object-oriented design, object modeling is performed based on the concept as shown in FIG. 7, and an authentication name list class 711, a registered user class 712, an authentication are provided as classes necessary for verification. Since the authentication management unit 211 is realized by using the information class 732 and the permit class 721, the software developer and software maintenance personnel can easily grasp the configuration and role of the authentication management unit, User authentication processing with high reliability and reliability can be performed.

  Further, the execution subsystem 203 performs a process for displaying the screen shown in FIG. 10 when the fact that the authentication has failed is output.

  Next, another example of the procedure for executing each class operation shown in FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 14 is a UML sequence diagram illustrating an operation execution procedure when the authentication management unit 211 receives a request to execute a predetermined function from a user.

  When the user operates the multi-function device 1 and performs input for executing a predetermined function of the multi-function device 1, the operation subsystem 201 receives an operation for executing the predetermined function. The operation subsystem 201 calls the availability check () 711c of the authentication list object 711A to request confirmation of whether the user can execute a predetermined function (S1501). A value specifying a predetermined function requested by the user is handed over as an argument of the availability check () 711c. The same applies to the availability check () 721 b and the availability determination () 741 b shown below.

  Subsequently, the authentication name list object 711A specifies an input device that has requested execution of a function via the input device operation subsystem 201, and specifies a permit object 721A associated with the input device. Note that the permit object 721A is generated at the time of the authentication request shown in FIG. If the permit object 721A for the user who has requested execution of the predetermined function has not been generated, the execution is terminated assuming that the execution of the function cannot be permitted.

  Subsequently, the authentication list object 711A calls the availability confirmation () 721b of the specified permit object 721A (S1502). The permit object 721A for which the use permission confirmation () 721b is called calls the reference () 712d of the registered user object 712A and requests the reference of the use authority sheet object 741A corresponding to the user (S1503). The registered user object 712A returns the usage authority sheet object 741A held by itself. The permit object 721A that can be referred to the usage authority sheet object 741A calls the use permission sheet object 741A availability determination () 741b (S1504).

  The use authority sheet object 741A, for which the use permission determination () 741b is called, executes a process for determining whether or not the function can be used by the user who has requested the function execution. Specifically, the check () 742b of each restricted function object 742A associated with the usage authority sheet object 741A is called with the function requested to be executed as an argument (S1505).

  Each restriction function object 742A that has called the check () 742b inquires about the state of each security key by calling the confirmation () 743c of the security key object 743A associated with the restriction function object 742A (S1506). . The security key object 743A for which the confirmation () 743c is called returns the value of the state 743b. When the restriction () 743 d is called (S 1401), the value of the state 743 b is in a restricted state, the security key is input to the multi-function device 1, and the release () 743 c is called. In the case (S1402), it is in a release state. Based on the value returned from the security key object 743A, the restricted function object 742A determines whether the function supported by the restricted function object 742A can be used.

  Note that how to determine whether or not to use a function associated with a plurality of security keys may be appropriately determined according to the operation. For example, the use may be permitted only when all the security keys are in the release state, or the use may be permitted when one security key is in the release state. The determination result by each restricted function object 742A is returned to the usage authority sheet 741A as a return value of the check () 742b.

  Subsequently, the usage authority sheet object 741A calls the confirmation () 751d of the access role ledger object 751 using the role 741a held as an attribute and a predetermined function or item requested by the user as arguments (S1507).

  The access role ledger object 751A for which the confirmation () 751d has been called, reads the predetermined item by the user based on the role and items received as arguments and the role and constraint correspondence table 751a held as attributes. Alternatively, it is confirmed whether or not writing is possible. Specifically, with respect to the received role and item, it is confirmed whether reading or writing is possible by referring to the correspondence table 751a of roles and constraints as shown in FIG. Note that the access role ledger object 751 confirms whether read / write is possible in consideration of the protect level 751c when the role of the user is a general user. The confirmation result is returned to the usage authority sheet object 741A. The usage authority sheet object 741A determines whether or not the user can use the function based on the determination result returned from the restricted function object 742A and the confirmation result returned from the access role ledger object 751A. The determination result is returned to the permit object 721A as a return value of the availability determination () 741b, and further returned to the authentication name list object 711A.

  The authentication name list object 711A refers to the determination result of the availability of the function returned via the permit object 721A, and when the function can be executed, the function requested to the execution subsystem 203 is obtained. Outputs the execution.

  As shown in the sequence diagram described above, in the present embodiment, when authenticating a user, an authentication name list class 711, a permit class 721, a use authority sheet class 741, a restriction function class 742, a security key class 743, In addition, after the object group generated from each class such as the access role ledger class 751 receives a request for executing a predetermined function, it is determined whether the user can use the function, and the determination result is determined. The data is output to the execution subsystem 203. Since the mechanism of the authentication management unit 211 is constructed by such an object-oriented design and object modeling is performed based on the concept as shown in FIG. 7, the software developer and software maintenance personnel can configure the configuration of the authentication management unit. The role can be easily grasped and user authentication processing with high versatility and reliability can be performed.

  The authentication management program executed in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a flexible disc (FD), a CD- You may comprise so that it may record and provide on computer-readable recording media, such as R (CD Recordable) and DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). In this case, the CPU 11 reads out the authentication management program from the storage medium and loads it on the MEM-P 12, thereby causing the image forming apparatus to realize each step, each unit, or each unit described above.

  The authentication management program may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. Further, such an authentication management program may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  And the authentication management part 211 of this Embodiment divided | segmented for every object and decided to provide the structure mentioned above. When this occurs, only the class etc. need to be changed. For this reason, conventionally, when the requirement increases, the work amount of the designer is also proportional to this. However, the work amount is reduced by providing the above-described configuration.

  In addition, the conventional authentication management part is designed for each application. However, the provision of the above-described configuration eliminates the concept of each application, thereby improving the design efficiency. Furthermore, when performing user authentication for each application, the same user is authenticated for each application in the same system. When using a certain application, other users are logged in. There was a problem of impersonating the system. However, since the authentication management unit 211 according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, the concept of each application is eliminated, so that the problem that it can be used by impersonation is solved and the reliability is improved.

  The structure of the authentication management unit 211 is similar to a rule in which a permit is issued to a user who is permitted to use a certain facility in the real world and the user is guaranteed by issuing the permit. . Since this concept of permit has been used for a long time in the real world, users can be managed with a stable structure even in authentication management. In addition, since the designer or user can intuitively grasp the concept of the permit, recognition until the design or use becomes easy.

  In addition, since the restricted function class 742 indicating the restricted function and the security key class 743 indicating the security key for releasing the restriction of the function are defined as independent classes, increase / decrease in the type of function, When responding flexibly to the increase / decrease in the type of security key, it is possible to determine whether or not the function of the device can be used with a scalable configuration.

  In addition, personal identification information such as account names that are generally safe to disclose to anyone and user attribute information that requires restriction on disclosure are clearly distinguished and managed. It becomes easy to perform individual management such as managing the identification information with a disclosure level.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the specific embodiment which concerns, In the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim, various deformation | transformation * It can be changed.

1 is a network diagram for explaining a network environment surrounding a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a multifunction machine. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a relationship between software and hardware of a multifunction machine. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation panel of a multifunction peripheral. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an integrated application of a multifunction peripheral and a position of an authentication management unit in the integrated application. FIG. It is a UML class diagram about each subsystem shown as an internal structure of the integrated application of a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of processing performed by an authentication management unit included in a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of an authentication management unit of a multifunction peripheral and a UML class configuration. It is the figure which showed an example of the login screen of the user displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel of a multifunctional machine. It is the figure which showed an example of the screen displayed on a liquid crystal touch panel when the function requested | required by the user is not performed. It is the figure which showed an example of the function restriction information set for every user. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a correspondence table between roles and restrictions that an access role ledger provided in an authentication management unit of a multifunction machine has as attributes. FIG. 11 is a UML sequence diagram illustrating an operation execution procedure when the authentication management unit of the multifunction peripheral receives a login request from a user. FIG. 10 is a UML sequence diagram illustrating an operation execution procedure when an authentication management unit of a multifunction peripheral receives a request for execution of a predetermined function from a user. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a transition of a software configuration installed in a multifunction peripheral. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relationship between the software of the conventional multifunction peripheral, and hardware.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP 10 Controller 11 CPU
12 System memory (MEM-P)
12a ROM
12b RAM
13 North Bridge (NB)
14 South Bridge (SB)
15 AGP bus 16 ASIC
17 Local memory (MEM-C)
18 Hard disk drive (HDD)
20 Keyboard 30 FCU
40 USB
50 IEEE1394 interface 60 Engine unit 100 Software 101, 101A Application layer 102 Service layer 102a Scanner control unit 102b Plotter control unit 102c Storage control unit 102d Distribution / mail transmission / reception control unit 102e FAX transmission / reception control unit 102f Network communication control unit 102g Other control units DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 103 Operating system 110 Integrated application 121 Copy application 122 Scanner application 123 Fax application 124 Printer application 150 Hardware 151 Hardware resource 151a Scanner 151b Plotter 151c HDD
151d Network 151e Other Resources 201 Operation Subsystem 202 Management Subsystem 203 Execution Subsystem 211, 211a, 211b Authentication Management Unit 400 Operation Panel 401 Initial Setting Key 402 Copy Key 403 Copy Server Key 404 Printer Key 405 Transmission Key 406 Numeric keypad 407 Clear / stop key 408 Start key 409 Preheating key 410 Reset key 420 LCD touch panel 710 User management section 711 Authentication list class 711a Change ()
711b Authentication request ()
711c Check availability ()
711A Authentication list object 712 Registered user class 712a Account name 712b Status 712c Verification ()
See 712d ()
712e edit ()
712A Registered user object 720 Authentication certificate part 721 Permit class 721a Permit number 721b Availability confirmation ()
721A Permit object 730 User attribute part 731 User profile class 731a Public level 731b Attribute 731c Reference ()
731d edit ()
731A User profile object 732 Authentication information class 732a Password 732b Biometric information 732A Authentication information object 733 Personal environment class 733a Desktop layout 733b Redial 733c Incoming call history 733d Favorites 733e Address book 733A Personal environment object 740 Personal use authority management unit 741 Usage authority sheet class 741a Roll 741b Availability determination ()
741A Usage authority sheet object 742 Restricted function class 742a Type 742b Check ()
742A Restricted function object 743 Security key class 743a Type 743b Status 743c Canceled ()
743d Limit ()
743e confirmation ()
743A Security key object 750 System usage item management unit 751 Access role ledger class 751a Role and constraint correspondence table 751b Status 751c Protection level 751d Confirm ()
751e edit ()
751A Access roll ledger object 902 'Login' button 2001 Application before service layer separation 2002 Application after service layer separation 2003 Common routine separation application 2004 Object-oriented application

Claims (12)

User identification information management means for managing user identification information for identifying a user who requests execution of a function;
User attribute information management means for managing user attribute information that is unique to each user and for which disclosure of the information is restricted;
Authentication certification means generated when the user is authenticated based on the user identification information and the user attribute information,
A device that determines whether or not the function requested to be executed can be used according to the presence or absence of the authentication certification means. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user attribute information management means includes authentication information management means for managing authentication information of the user. The device according to claim 1, wherein the user attribute information management unit includes a personal environment management unit that manages a personal environment of the user in the device. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the user attribute information management unit includes a user authority management unit that determines whether the function can be used for each user. The user authority management unit includes a restriction function determination unit that determines whether or not the function can be used for each function, and determines whether or not the function requested to be executed can be used by making an inquiry to the restriction function determination unit. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is determined. Having authority management means for determining whether or not the function can be used for each authority of the user;
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the user authority management unit determines whether or not the function requested to be executed can be used by inquiring of the authority management unit based on the authority of the user. Equipment
User identification information management means for managing user identification information for identifying a user who requests execution of a function;
User attribute information management means for managing user attribute information that is unique to each user and for which disclosure of the information is restricted;
Authentication certification means generated when the user is authenticated based on the user identification information and the user attribute information,
A use restriction program for causing a function to determine whether or not to use a function requested to be executed according to the presence or absence of the authentication certification means. 8. The use restriction program according to claim 7, wherein the user attribute information management means includes authentication information management means for managing authentication information of the user. 9. The use restriction program according to claim 7, wherein the user attribute information management means includes personal environment management means for managing the personal environment of the user in the device. The use restriction program according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the user attribute information management means includes user authority management means for determining whether or not the function can be used for each user. The user authority management unit includes a restriction function determination unit that determines whether or not the function can be used for each function, and determines whether or not the function requested to be executed can be used by making an inquiry to the restriction function determination unit. The use restriction program according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the use restriction program is determined. Having authority management means for determining whether or not the function can be used for each authority of the user;
12. The usage restriction according to claim 11, wherein the user authority management unit determines whether or not the function requested to be executed can be used by inquiring of the authority management unit based on the authority of the user. program.

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