JP2002162875A - Controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To rapidly execute fingerprint collation processing without increasing a memory capacity. SOLUTION: When a copying machine 21 is in a standby state, a CPU 61 executes decryption and thawing processing of dictionary data during the time after the input of a signal indicating the detection of a human body is received from a human body detecting unit 5 before the temperature of a fixing roller of a copying section 17 rises, decrypts and thaws the encrypted and compressed dictionary data recorded in a memory 66 for registration to the dictionary, temporarily stores the data in a memory 62 used for temporary saving of the copied image data and erases the data after the end of the fingerprint collation processing. Further even after the end of the copying processing, the CPU caries out the decryption and thawing processing of the dictionary data, thereby executing the fingerprint collation processing without giving a user the time for waiting even during continuous use.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a control device,
In particular, in order to store dictionary data for authentication processing without increasing the memory capacity, even if the dictionary data is encrypted or compressed, the time required for decoding and decompressing the dictionary data is provided to the user. The present invention relates to a control device that can execute an authentication process for managing a user of an image forming apparatus without making the user feel it.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a conventional copying machine. The copier 1 has an openable lid 4 on its top.
When the cover 4 is opened, the document table 3 is exposed. The platen 3 is made of transparent glass or the like, and a user places a document (not shown) on the platen 3 when making a copy. An operation panel 2 is arranged in front of the document table 3. The user places a document to be copied on the document table 3, closes the lid 4, operates the operation panel 2, and instructs copying of the document. Is discharged. The largest power consumption in such a copying machine 1 is a so-called fixing roller for thermally fixing toner.

In the copying machine 1, in order to reduce power consumption during standby, a lamp for overheating the fixing roller is turned off during standby, the temperature of the fixing roller is controlled at a low temperature, and an image is read. In many cases, the light source is turned off, that is, the mode is shifted to a so-called power save mode. The return from the power save mode is performed, for example, by providing a human body detection unit 5 for detecting whether the user has performed any operation on the operation panel 2 or whether a person is present near the copying machine. In this case, the human body is detected by the human body detection unit 5. The human body detection unit 5 can detect that a person has approached the copying machine 1 by, for example, emitting infrared rays and analyzing reflected waves. At the same time as returning from the power save mode, heating of the fixing roller is started, and after the fixing roller reaches a certain temperature, a copying operation can be started.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the copying machine 1 shown in FIG.

[0005] CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11
Controls each part of the copier 1. For example, according to a signal indicating a user operation input from the operation panel 2 via the internal bus 12, a CCD (Charge-Coupl)
Using the ed Devices 13, a document on the document table 3 is read, and digital data of an image input via the amplifier 14 and the A / D converter 15 is stored in the memory 16, and the data stored in the memory 16 is stored. Is output to the copying unit 17 at a predetermined timing to execute the copying operation.

The CCD 13 is provided below the glass surface of the document table 3 in FIG. 1 and scans the document together with a light-emitting source (not shown), receives reflected light, and outputs it to the amplifier 14. The amplifier 14 amplifies the input analog image data corresponding to the document and outputs the amplified analog image data to the A / D converter 15. The A / D converter 15 converts the input analog image data into digital data with a predetermined resolution, and supplies the digital data to the memory 16 via the internal bus 12.

[0007] The memory 16 is a memory for temporarily storing digital image data output from the A / D converter 15. When the user uses the operation panel 2, for example,
When a copy mode such as multiple copy, double-sided copy, or sort mode is selected, the CPU 11 stores the A /
The digital image data output from the D conversion unit 15 is temporarily stored, and the data is read out in a predetermined order.
By outputting the original to the copying unit 17 and copying the original, a copy original desired by the user can be quickly created.

The copying section 17 has a laser diode and a polygon mirror inside, and turns on / off the laser emission of the laser diode based on input data.
F is controlled and reflected by a polygon mirror rotated at a predetermined speed, so that the light emitted from the laser diode is scanned on the surface of the photoconductor (not shown) to form an electrostatic latent image. Toner is electrically attached to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor surface. Further, a sheet of a size desired by the user is conveyed to the vicinity of the photoconductor by a sheet conveying mechanism (not shown). The conveyed sheet is charged with electricity at a position in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor on which the toner image is formed, so that the toner is attached to the conveyed sheet and conveyed to the fixing roller. And
The toner is fixed on the sheet by the heat and pressure of the fixing roller, and the sheet on which the image is copied is discharged.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The processing of the conventional copier 1 will be described.

In step S1, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a human body has been detected based on a signal input from the human body detection unit 5 via the internal bus 12. If it is determined in step S1 that the human body has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S1 until it is determined that the human body has been detected.
Is repeated.

If it is determined in step S1 that a human body has been detected, then in step S2 the CPU 11
Determines whether the current state is the power save mode (that is, the state where the temperature of the fixing roller of the copying unit 17 is low). If it is determined in step S2 that the mode is not the power save mode, the temperature of the fixing roller is controlled to an appropriate temperature, and the copying operation can be executed. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S5.

If it is determined in step S2 that the mode is the power save mode, then in step S3 C
The PU 11 generates a control signal for starting heating of the fixing roller, and outputs the control signal to the copying unit 17 via the internal bus 12. A temperature sensor (not shown) is provided near the fixing roller, and temperature data detected by the temperature sensor is output to the CPU 11 via the internal bus 12. The CPU 11 heats the fixing roller until a predetermined temperature is reached based on the input temperature data, for example, by turning on a heating lamp for the fixing roller.

In step S4, the CPU 11 determines whether the function of each part of the copying machine 1 is working normally or
Perform a self-check to see if any paper remains in the paper path. The self-check usually ends in a time shorter than the overheating of the fixing roller.

In step S5, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the user has pressed a copy button for instructing the start of a copying operation based on a signal input from the operation panel 2 via the internal bus 12. to decide. If it is determined in step S5 that the copy button has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S8.

If it is determined in step S5 that the copy button has been pressed, then in step S6, C
The PU 11 determines whether the temperature of the fixing roller is equal to or higher than a reference value, based on a signal input from a temperature sensor provided near the fixing roller of the copying unit 17. Step S
In step 6, when it is determined that the temperature of the fixing roller is equal to or lower than the reference value, the process of step S6 is repeated until it is determined that the temperature of the fixing roller is equal to or higher than the reference value.

If it is determined in step S6 that the temperature of the fixing roller is equal to or higher than the reference value, in step S7, the CPU 11 controls each part of the copying machine 1 to execute a copying process. That is, the CCD 13 captures image data of a document placed on the document table 3 and outputs the image data to the amplifier 14. The amplifier 14 amplifies the input data and outputs the amplified data to the A / D converter 15. A / D converter 1
5 converts the input analog image data into digital data, and outputs it to the memory 16 for storage. CPU
Reference numeral 11 denotes a memory 16 for performing a copy operation based on a copy mode input by the user using the operation panel 2.
Is read out in a predetermined order based on the copy mode, and is copied via the internal bus 12 to the copy unit 17.
Output to The copying unit 17 copies the input data to a sheet conveyed from a sheet tray (not shown) and discharges the data by a predetermined process.

If it is determined in step S5 that the copy button has not been pressed, or if the processing in step S7 has been completed, the CPU 1 proceeds to step S8.
1 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the last operation performed. The predetermined time may be, for example, a time determined by various standards related to energy saving, or may be a time predetermined by a user or an administrator. If it is determined in step S8 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S8.
5 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

If it is determined in step S8 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 11
A control signal for turning off the lamp for heating the fixing roller is generated and output to the copying unit 17, and if necessary, the power supply mode is cut off to shift to the power save mode. The process ends.

The copying machine 1 is often used by a plurality of users, for example, in an office or the like. In order to prevent the copying machine 1 from being used illegally, the user is specified. Thus, the use can be permitted only to the user registered in advance. In recent years, biometrics has been attracting attention as a means for identifying an individual. In particular, a personal collation system using fingerprints and crests has been put into practical use.

[0020]

[0006] However, when the feature amounts of a fingerprint or a palm print are taken in as electronic data, these feature amount data are very important personal information.
For example, a security function is required to prevent the information from being easily referred to from outside by performing encryption or the like. Further, when the feature amounts of fingerprints and palm prints are registered in advance and a process for identifying an individual is performed based on the feature amounts, the capacity of a plurality of registered feature amount data becomes enormous. In order to reduce the memory capacity for storing the amount data, it is necessary to compress such information before storing it.

That is, since data registered for specifying an individual is encrypted or compressed, it cannot be used for the collation processing as it is. Therefore, the registered data must be subjected to decryption processing or decompression processing, or both decryption processing and decompression processing each time the collation processing is executed, so that the collation processing for identifying the user is performed. Was very time-consuming.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and does not add a new memory for collation processing or increase the storage capacity of the memory. The collation processing can be executed without making the user feel time.

[0023]

According to the present invention, there is provided a control device comprising: storage means for storing a plurality of encrypted or compressed personal authentication data as registration data; Converting means for decoding or decompressing at the timing of, and converting to a state used for the authentication processing, storing means for temporarily storing the registered data converted by the converting means, and obtaining means for obtaining personal authentication data of the user And authentication means for authenticating the user's personal authentication data acquired by the acquisition means based on the registration data temporarily stored by the storage means.

The storage means is for storing registration data used for personal authentication processing, and is constituted by, for example, a dictionary registration memory 66 shown in FIG. The data used for the personal authentication process includes, for example, fingerprint data, palm print data, and image data of a user's face.
Since these are important personal data, they may be encrypted so that others cannot easily see them. Further, since these data have a very large data capacity, they may be compressed and stored.

The conversion means performs, as necessary, decryption or decompression processing, or both decryption and decompression processing, on the encrypted or compressed registered data. For example, it is configured by the CPU 61 of FIG. The decryption or decompression processing is executed at a predetermined timing so as not to delay the start of the user authentication processing.

The storage means uses the decrypted or decompressed registration data for authentication processing.
This is for temporarily storing, for example, the memory 62 shown in FIG. In the authentication process,
Since the encrypted or compressed data stored in the storage means cannot be directly used, the decrypted or decompressed registration data is temporarily stored in the storage means,
That data is used. And, after the end of the authentication process,
This data is erased.

The obtaining means is, for example, the copying machine 2 shown in FIG.
1 for acquiring personal authentication information such as fingerprints, palm prints, or facial image data of a user who intends to use the digital camera 1. For example, the fingerprint sensor 44 shown in FIG. 5 (the CCD 55 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) is used. Is done.

The authentication means performs a collation process with the user's fingerprint, palm print, face image data, or the like using the data stored in the storage means, so that the user whose user is registered is identified. This is for authenticating whether or not there is, for example, a fingerprint collation ASIC 65 of FIG.

In the control device of the present invention, a plurality of encrypted or compressed personal authentication data are stored as registration data, and the stored registration data is decrypted or decompressed at a predetermined timing. The converted registration data is temporarily stored, the converted registration data is temporarily stored, personal authentication data of the user is obtained, and the personal authentication data of the user is authenticated based on the temporarily stored registration data.

Accordingly, the decryption or decompression of the enciphered or compressed registered data is executed at a predetermined timing without delaying the start of the authentication processing. It doesn't make you aware of the time it takes to decrypt or decompress.

[0031] The storage means may be a memory for image processing of the image forming apparatus.

In a conventional image forming apparatus, for example, in the copying machine 1 shown in FIG.
13 after the image data captured by
It has been used only until the image data is output to the copying unit 17. That is, at the time of performing the authentication process, no data is stored in the image processing memory.

Therefore, the decrypted or decompressed registration data is temporarily stored in the image processing memory, and after the authentication processing is completed, the data is deleted, thereby increasing the memory capacity for the authentication processing. And it is not necessary to provide a new memory.

The image forming apparatus may further include a detecting unit for detecting that the user has approached the image forming apparatus, and the converting unit may include an image forming apparatus when the detecting unit detects that the user has approached the image forming apparatus. During setup of the device, the registration data stored by the storage means can be converted.

The detecting means can detect that a person has approached, for example, by emitting infrared rays and analyzing reflected waves. The detection means can be constituted by, for example, the human body detection unit 5 of FIG.

For example, in a copying machine or the like, in order to suppress the power consumption during standby, when the idle state continues for a certain period of time, the fixing lamp heating lamp is turned off or the fixing roller is copied. In many cases, control is performed at a lower temperature than during operation. Such a state is called a power save mode.

In the power save mode, when the detecting means detects the approach of the user, setup such as heating of the fixing roller and self-check is started to enable the copying operation. Until the temperature of the fixing roller becomes constant, the copying operation cannot be performed. Therefore, if the dictionary is decrypted or decompressed during the setup period, the authentication process can be performed without making the user feel the time required to decrypt or decompress the dictionary.

Further, the conversion means can convert the registered data stored by the storage means after the image forming process of the image forming apparatus is completed.

In the authentication process following the power save mode, as described above, the dictionary is decrypted or decompressed during the setup so that the user does not feel the time required to decrypt or decompress the dictionary. However, for example, when a copying machine or the like is continuously used, since the mode is not shifted to the power save mode, there is no setup period.

Then, after the image forming process (for example, copying process in a copying machine) is completed and the image data is not stored in the image processing memory, the dictionary is decoded or decompressed. By preparing for the next authentication process, the authentication process can be executed without making the user feel the time required for decoding or decompressing the dictionary.

[0041]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 4 is an external structural view of a copying machine 21 to which the present invention is applied. Parts corresponding to those in the conventional case are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate (hereinafter the same).

That is, the copying machine 21 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with an operation panel 31 shown in FIG. 5 instead of the operation panel 2 of the copying machine 1 shown in FIG. The operation panel 31 has a display unit 4 for displaying a message to the user.
1. Numeric keypad 42 operated when designating the number of copies, etc., copy button 4 for designating the start of copying operation
3 and a fingerprint sensor 44 for reading a user's fingerprint.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the fingerprint sensor 44.

The light source 51 irradiates a reading surface 53 with light having a predetermined intensity via a prism 52. A user's finger 54 is placed on the reading surface 53. Reading surface 53
The reflected light is reflected by the prism 52,
The light is incident on the CCD 55. The CCD 55 converts a light (image) signal into an electric signal by using a semiconductor element (photodiode) whose electric storage capacity changes according to light input.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the copying machine 21 shown in FIG.

The CPU 61 controls each section of the copying machine 21. For example, at the time of fingerprint registration, the CPU 55 causes the CCD 55 of the fingerprint sensor 44 described with reference to FIG. The analog image signal is amplified by the amplifier 63 and converted to digital data by the A / D converter 64, and the fingerprint matching ASIC (Application Spec
In the case of an integrated circuit 65, the fingerprint feature amount is extracted, and the input of the extracted fingerprint feature amount is received via the internal bus 12. Then, the CPU 61 performs predetermined encryption or compression processing on the input fingerprint feature amount, and transmits the dictionary registration memory 66 via the internal bus 12.
And save it.

At the time of fingerprint collation, the CPU 61 reads out dictionary data recorded in the dictionary registration memory 66 at a predetermined timing, executes decompression and decryption processing, and outputs the data to the memory 62. In addition to temporarily storing the image data corresponding to the user's fingerprint input via the A / D conversion unit 64, a control signal for collating whether or not the image data is registered in advance is generated. Output.

The memory 62 stores A
The image data for copying inputted via the internal bus 12 from the / D conversion unit 15 is temporarily stored, and the dictionary data decoded and decompressed is temporarily stored under the control of the CPU 61 except during the copying operation. Then, after the fingerprint collation processing is completed, the dictionary data is deleted.

The fingerprint collation ASIC 65 includes an A / D converter 6
4 receives input of image data corresponding to the user's fingerprint data, performs predetermined image processing on the input image data to extract a fingerprint feature amount, and controls the internal bus 12 according to the control of the CPU 61. Whether or not there is data having a corresponding fingerprint feature in the dictionary data output to the CPU 61 via the CPU 61 or temporarily stored in the memory 62;
That is, it is determined whether or not this user is a previously registered user.

When each user uses the copying machine 21,
You need to register your fingerprint in advance. First, the registration process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In step S21, the CPU 61
It is determined whether the currently set mode is the registration mode. If it is determined in step S21 that the mode is not the registration mode (if the mode is the normal authentication mode), the process ends.

In the registration mode, the serviceman or a predetermined administrator of the copying machine 21 can use, for example, the ten key 42.
Is set by inputting a predetermined password. Alternatively, the registration mode may be set when a key or the like prepared in advance is attached to a predetermined position of the copying machine 21.

If it is determined in step S21 that the registration mode has been set, in step S22, the CPU 61 captures a fingerprint image. At this time,
The CPU 61 controls the CCD 55 to photograph a fingerprint image of the user. The image data captured by the CCD 55 is amplified by the amplifier 63 and then amplified by the A / D converter 6.
4 is input. The A / D converter 64 performs A / D conversion on the input image data and supplies the data to the fingerprint matching ASIC 65.

In step S23, the fingerprint collation ASI
C65 extracts a fingerprint feature amount. That is, the fingerprint collation ASIC 65 performs a predetermined process on the image data of the user's fingerprint input from the A / D conversion unit 64 to extract a fingerprint feature amount necessary to identify each user,
2 to the CPU 61.

In step S24, the CPU 61
In step S23, the fingerprint feature of the user extracted by the fingerprint collation ASIC 65 is encrypted and compressed, and the registration data is added to the dictionary registration memory 66 via the internal bus 12.

When the cancellation of the registration mode is instructed from the operation panel 31, the CPU 61 proceeds to step S25.
Execute the registration mode release processing. Thus, the normal authentication mode is set, and the process ends.

As described above, the fingerprint features of each user who uses the copying machine 21 are registered in the dictionary registration memory 66 after being encrypted and compressed.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a database registered in the dictionary registration memory 66 in this way. In this example, the ID and registration date of each user are registered together with the fingerprint feature amount of each user.

As described above, the legitimate user registers the feature amount of his / her own fingerprint in the dictionary registration memory 66 in advance, and thereafter uses the copying machine 21 in the authentication mode to copy the original. Can be copied. The processing in this case will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

In steps S31 to S34, the same processing as in steps S1 to S4 in FIG. 3 is executed.

In step S35, the CPU 61
It is determined whether or not the decompressed and decrypted dictionary data exists in the memory 62. If it is determined in step S35 that dictionary data exists, the process proceeds to step S38.

If it is determined in step S35 that the dictionary data does not exist, in step S36,
The CPU 61 reads out the compressed and encrypted dictionary data stored in the dictionary registration memory 66, decompresses and decrypts it.

In step S37, the CPU 61
The decompressed and decrypted dictionary data is expanded in the memory 62 (that is, temporarily stored in the memory 62 and the fingerprint collation A
By the processing of the SIC 65, a state in which the matching can be performed at high speed is set.)

In step S38, the fingerprint collation ASI
The C65 determines whether or not the input of the fingerprint feature has been received based on the signal input from the A / D converter 64. If it is determined in step S38 that the input of the fingerprint feature has not been received, the process of step S38 is repeated until it is determined that the input of the fingerprint feature has been received.

If it is determined in step S 38 that the input of the fingerprint feature has been received, the fingerprint collation ASIC 65 executes the fingerprint collation processing under the control of the CPU 61 in step S 39.

In step S40, the fingerprint collation ASI
C65 is based on whether or not the fingerprint feature data matching the fingerprint feature input from the A / D conversion unit 64 exists in the memory 62. Is determined. If it is determined in step S40 that the input fingerprint feature is not registered, in step S41,
The fingerprint collation ASIC 65 determines whether the fingerprint collation processing executed in step S39 has been performed a predetermined number of times or more.

Here, in the case where the collation accuracy of the fingerprint collation processing is increased, for example, in order to prevent incorrect collation due to how to put a finger in spite of being a correct user, If the number of times is within a predetermined number, a retry of the collation processing is permitted. If it is determined in step S41 that the fingerprint matching process has been performed a predetermined number of times, the process proceeds to step S51.

If it is determined in step S41 that the fingerprint collation processing has not been performed a predetermined number of times,
In step S42, the fingerprint matching ASIC 65 generates a signal indicating that the fingerprint matching process has failed and the fingerprint matching process has not been performed a predetermined number of times, and outputs the signal to the CPU 61 via the internal bus 12. The CPU 61
A control signal for displaying a message requesting retry of the fingerprint collation processing is generated, output to the operation panel 31 via the internal bus 12, and displayed on the display unit 41 of the operation panel 31 for the user. A message requesting a retry of the matching process is displayed, and the process proceeds to step S3.
8 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

If it is determined in step S40 that the input fingerprint feature is a registered fingerprint feature, in step S43, the fingerprint collation ASIC 65 is determined.
Outputs a signal indicating that the fingerprint collation processing has succeeded to the CPU 61 via the internal bus 12. The CPU 61
For example, a control signal for displaying a message such as “Copy is possible” on the display unit 41 is generated, output to the operation panel 31 via the internal bus 12, expanded, and temporarily stored in the memory 62. Delete the stored dictionary data.

In step S44, the same processing as in step S5 in FIG. 3 is executed. If it is determined in step S44 that the copy button 43 has not been pressed, the process of step S44 is repeated until it is determined that the copy button 43 has been pressed.

In step S44, copy button 4
If it is determined that No. 3 has been pressed, the same processing as in steps S6 and S7 of FIG. 3 is performed in steps S45 and S46.

In steps S47 and S48, the same processing as in steps S36 and S37 is executed. That is, after the copying process is executed in step S46, the memory 62 is in a state where data is not stored again, so that the CPU 61 decodes and decompresses the dictionary data in preparation for the input of the next fingerprint feature amount. And expand it.

In step S49, step S38
Is performed. In step S49,
When it is determined that the input of the fingerprint feature has been received, the processing is:
Returning to step S39, the subsequent processing is repeated.

When it is determined in step S49 that the input of the fingerprint feature has not been received, in step S50, the CPU 61 determines that a predetermined time for shifting to the power save mode has elapsed since the last operation. It is determined whether or not it has been done. If it is determined in step S50 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S49, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

If it is determined in step S41 that the fingerprint collation processing has been performed a predetermined number of times, the process proceeds to step S51.
In, the CPU 61 generates a control signal for causing the display unit 41 to display a message indicating that login is not permitted, and outputs the control signal to the operation panel 31 via the internal bus 12.
The display unit 41 displays a message indicating that login is not permitted.

At the step S52, the CPU 61
The dictionary data developed in the memory 62 is deleted.

In step S50, when it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the last operation, or after the processing in step S52 is completed, step S5 is executed.
In 3, the same processing as that in step S9 of FIG. 3 is performed, and the processing ends.

By executing the processing described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, during the setup period before the copying operation starts or after the copying operation is completed, the fingerprint registered in the fingerprint registration memory 66 is registered. Decodes and decompresses the feature data, and stores the data in a memory 6 not used for image processing
2, the collation processing is executed, and after the collation processing is completed, the data in the memory 62 is erased so that the data can be used for image processing. There is no need to provide a new memory for performing the processing. Further, the fingerprint collation processing can be executed without making the user aware of the time required for data decoding and decompression.

In the above description, the case where the matching process is performed by using the fingerprint of the user to specify the individual has been described. However, the present invention obtains, for example, palm prints or image data of the user's face using a CCD or the like. Thus, the present invention can be applied to the case where the matching process is performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the fingerprint collation processing is performed in order to manage the user of the copying machine 21 has been described. However, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile, or a scanner. It is possible to adapt to That is, during setup operation of a printer, facsimile or scanner,
After the image processing is completed and predetermined image data is output, the dictionary data for personal authentication stored in advance is decompressed, decrypted, and expanded in a memory for storing those images, so that a new one is obtained. The fingerprint collation processing can be executed without providing a simple memory and without making the user aware of the time required for decoding and decompressing data.

[0082]

According to the control device of the present invention, the encrypted or compressed registration data is transmitted at a predetermined timing.
Decrypted or decompressed, converted to a state used for authentication processing, temporarily stored converted data, and authenticated the user's personal authentication data, so without providing a new memory, The personal authentication process can be executed without making the user aware of the time required to decrypt and decompress the data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an external configuration of a conventional copier.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a conventional copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an external configuration of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a more detailed external configuration of the operation panel 31 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the fingerprint sensor of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the copying machine shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a registration process.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing registered fingerprint feature amounts;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the copying machine.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the copying machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 5 Human Body Detection Unit 21 Copier 31 Operation Panel 41 Display 44 Fingerprint Sensor 55 CCD 61 CPU 62 Memory 65 Fingerprint Collation ASIC 66 Dictionary Registration Memory

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C087 AA03 AA09 AC08 BA14 BD12 BD40 DA01 DA07 DA13 2C187 AC07 AD03 GD01 2H027 DA29 DA50 EE08 EF06 EF16 EJ03 EJ04 FD08 ZA07 5C062 AA05 AB42 AC25 AC58 AF12

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A control device for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a plurality of encrypted or compressed personal authentication data;
A storage unit for storing as registration data, a conversion unit for decoding or decompressing the registration data stored by the storage unit at a predetermined timing, and converting the registration data into a state used for authentication processing; Storing means for temporarily storing the converted registration data; obtaining means for obtaining personal authentication data of a user; and the obtaining means obtained by the obtaining means based on the registration data temporarily stored by the storing means. A control unit for authenticating the personal authentication data of the user. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is a memory for image processing of the image forming apparatus. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a detecting unit configured to detect that the user has approached the image forming apparatus, wherein the converting unit detects that the user has approached the image forming apparatus. 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the registration data stored by the storage unit is converted during a setup period of the image forming apparatus. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conversion unit converts the registration data stored in the storage unit after the image forming process of the image forming apparatus is completed.
Or the control device according to 3.