JP2004297259A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus for easily registering a fingerprint used for user authentication. <P>SOLUTION: A digital composite machine 1 is provided with a user authentication section 106 that permits the execution of a permission object function when a fingerprint read section 170 reads a fingerprint of a user stored in a fingerprint information storage section 182, and stores a fingerprint read by the fingerprint read section 170 and user information accepted by an operation panel section 190 to the fingerprint information storage section 182 in cross-reference with each other and permits the execution of the permission object function when the fingerprint read section 170 reads a fingerprint of a user not stored in the fingerprint information storage section 182 and a user information storage section 181 stores the user information accepted by the operation panel section 190. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile, a copier, a printer, and a multifunction peripheral in which the authentication is performed using a fingerprint.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for example, when a user copies a document or transmits a facsimile, the authentication of the user is performed, thereby limiting the number of copies for each user or for each department to which the user belongs, or restricting the transmission of a facsimile. 2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus that performs printing is known. As such an image forming apparatus, a fingerprint of a registered user is stored in advance, and a user's authentication is performed by detecting the user's fingerprint and collating the fingerprint with a previously stored fingerprint of the registered user. Is known (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 13-255795
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the user is authenticated by detecting the user's fingerprint and comparing it with the registered user's fingerprint as described above, it is necessary to register the user's fingerprint in advance. There is an inconvenience that it takes time to register.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which a fingerprint used for user authentication can be easily registered.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions for executing various processes using image data, wherein the user information storage unit stores user information for identifying a user. A fingerprint reading unit that reads a user's fingerprint, a fingerprint information storage unit that stores the fingerprint and the user information in association with each other, an operation unit that receives an operation input from the user, and a fingerprint read by the fingerprint reading unit. As a result of the fingerprint collation for collating the fingerprint stored in the fingerprint information storage unit, when no fingerprint match is detected, the user information received by the operation unit is associated with the fingerprint read by the fingerprint reader. And a fingerprint collation control unit for storing the data in the fingerprint information storage unit.
[0007]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a fingerprint of a user not stored in the fingerprint information storage unit is read by the fingerprint reading unit, the read fingerprint and the user information received by the operation unit are stored. Are stored in the fingerprint information storage unit in association with each other. As a result, the user information and the fingerprint of the user specified by the user information are stored in the fingerprint information storage unit in association with each other.
[0008]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the image forming apparatus further includes a display unit for performing a guide display for prompting a predetermined operation input to the operation unit. As a result of the matching, when a fingerprint match is detected, execution of a function to be permitted among the plurality of functions, which is a function to be allowed to be executed, is permitted. On the other hand, as a result of the fingerprint matching, a fingerprint match is detected. When not performed, a guide display for prompting input of the user information to the operation unit is displayed on the display unit, and the user information received by the operation unit and the user information stored in the user information storage unit When a match of user information is detected as a result of the user matching, the fingerprint read by the fingerprint reading unit and the user whose match is detected. Information is stored in the fingerprint information storage unit in association with information, and execution of the permission target function is permitted. However, as a result of the user comparison, when a match of user information is not detected, execution of the permission target function is not permitted. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
[0009]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the fingerprint of the user stored in the fingerprint information storage unit is read by the fingerprint reading unit, execution of the permission target function is permitted. On the other hand, when the fingerprint of the user not stored in the fingerprint information storage unit is read by the fingerprint reading unit and the user information received by the operation unit is stored in the user information storage unit, the fingerprint is read by the fingerprint reading unit. The obtained fingerprint and the user information received by the operation unit are stored in the fingerprint information storage unit in association with each other, and the execution of the permission target function is permitted. Further, when the fingerprint of the user not stored in the fingerprint information storage unit is read by the fingerprint reading unit and the user information received by the operation unit is not stored in the user information storage unit, the execution of the permission target function is performed. Not allowed.
[0010]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the user information storage unit stores a predetermined function of the plurality of functions in association with the user information, and controls the fingerprint collation control. The unit, as a result of the fingerprint collation, when detecting a match of the fingerprint, stored in the fingerprint information storage unit in association with the fingerprint, stored in the user information storage unit in association with the user information A predetermined function is set as the permission target function. On the other hand, when no fingerprint match is detected as a result of the fingerprint collation, the fingerprint information stored in the user information storage unit in association with the user information received by the operation unit. It is characterized in that a predetermined function is the permission target function.
[0011]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, when a fingerprint match is detected as a result of the fingerprint matching by the fingerprint matching control unit, the fingerprint matching is performed in association with the fingerprint and the user information stored in the fingerprint information storage unit. The execution of a predetermined function stored in the user information storage unit is permitted as a permission target function. On the other hand, when a fingerprint match is not detected as a result of the fingerprint matching by the fingerprint matching control unit, the predetermined function stored in the user information storage unit in association with the user information accepted by the operation unit is set as the permission target function. Its execution is allowed.
[0012]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second or third aspect, the fingerprint matching control unit can select the permitted function on the display unit when permitting execution of the permitted function. Is displayed.
[0013]
According to the fourth aspect, when the execution of the permission target function is permitted, the fingerprint verification control unit displays the permission target function on the display unit so that the user can select the permission target function. As a result, execution of the permitted function is permitted.
[0014]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, when the fingerprint collation control unit does not permit the execution of the permission target function, the fingerprint collation control unit displays the operation on the display unit. The function specified by the user information received by the unit and executable by the user is displayed in a selectable manner.
[0015]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 5, when the execution of the function to be permitted is not permitted, a function that can be executed by the user specified by the user information received by the operation unit by the fingerprint matching control unit is displayed on the display unit. Since the display is selectable, execution of a function executable by the user is permitted.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The digital multifunction peripheral 1 as an example of the image forming apparatus has functions such as a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and a scanner function.
[0017]
The digital multifunction peripheral 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a control unit 100 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus. The control unit 100 includes a scanner unit 120 including an exposure lamp and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) capable of reading a document image, a sheet transport unit 131, an image forming unit 132, a transfer unit 133, a fixing unit 134, and the like. Recording unit 130 is connected.
[0018]
The control unit 100 includes an image memory 140 for storing document data read by the scanner unit 120, a fingerprint reading unit 170 for reading a user's fingerprint, a user information storage unit 181 for storing user information, and a user's fingerprint. And an operation panel unit 190 for receiving an operation input from a user.
[0019]
Further, the control unit 100 is connected to a telephone line via a facsimile communication unit 150. Further, the control unit 100 can transmit and receive data to and from a personal computer connected to the outside via the network I / F unit 160.
[0020]
The paper transport unit 131 includes a transport roller (not shown) that transports the recording paper. The paper transport unit 131 feeds out the recording paper one by one from a paper cassette (not shown) that stores the recording paper, and transports the recording paper to the image forming unit 132 to perform image formation. The recording paper on which the image is formed by the unit 132 is discharged to a discharge tray (not shown).
[0021]
The image forming unit 132 forms an image on a recording sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying unit 131 using image data stored in the image memory 140, and includes, for example, a photoconductor (not shown) having a charged surface. On the surface of the drum, a laser beam is output based on the image data stored in the image memory 140 to expose the photosensitive drum, and a toner image is formed on the exposed photosensitive drum.
[0022]
The transfer unit 133 transfers the toner image formed by the image forming unit 132 to recording paper. The fixing unit 134 forms an image on a recording sheet by heating the recording sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer unit 133 and fixing the toner image on the recording sheet.
[0023]
The operation panel unit 190 is used by a user to input various instructions necessary for operating the digital multi-function peripheral 1. The operation panel unit 190 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display and the like, and includes a display unit 191 on which various operation guide displays necessary for operating the digital multi-function peripheral 1 are displayed, a password for performing printout execution instructions and user authentication, and the like. And an operation key unit 192 including a mode switching key for switching functions, and the like. Note that the display unit 191 preferably has a touch panel function, and has a configuration in which a user can input a necessary instruction by touching the touch panel.
[0024]
The fingerprint reading unit 170 is a known fingerprint sensor including, for example, an electrostatic sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, and the user touches a reading panel (not shown) provided in the fingerprint reading unit 170 with a finger. Is to read the fingerprint of
[0025]
The user information storage unit 181 is configured using a storage device such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive (HDD). For example, the user information storage unit 181 stores user information such as a user management number, a password, or a department code for identifying a department. The data is stored in association with data indicating a predetermined function to be permitted to be executed by a user or a department specified by the user information.
[0026]
The fingerprint information storage unit 182 is configured using a storage device such as a semiconductor memory or an HDD, and stores fingerprint data indicating a fingerprint read by the fingerprint reading unit 170 and user information in association with each other.
[0027]
The control unit 100 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing a control program of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for storing data. By reading and executing the control program from the ROM, the scanner controller 101, the facsimile controller 102, the printer controller 103, the copy controller 104, the network controller 105, and the user authentication unit 106 that control each function executable by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 Function as
[0028]
The scanner controller 101 controls the operation of each unit necessary for the scanner operation. Then, when an operation instruction requesting a scanner function is received from the user by the operation panel unit 190, the scanner controller 101 outputs a control signal to the scanner unit 120 to execute reading of the original, and outputs the document from the scanner unit 120. The image data to be written is written into the image memory 140.
[0029]
The facsimile controller 102 controls the operation of each unit necessary for the facsimile operation. The facsimile controller 102 outputs a control signal to the scanner unit 120 and connects the image data of the read original via the facsimile communication unit 150 and the telephone line. The image data received from the external facsimile via the telephone line and the facsimile communication unit 150 is output to the recording unit 130 and printed out.
[0030]
The printer controller 103 controls the operation of each unit necessary for the operation of the printer. The printer controller 103 sends printout target data transmitted from a personal computer externally connected via the network I / F unit 160 to the recording unit 130. Output and print out.
[0031]
The copy controller 104 controls the operation of each unit necessary for a copy operation. The copy controller 104 outputs a control signal to the scanner unit 120 to execute reading of an original, and transmits image data output from the scanner unit 120 to the recording unit 130. Output and print out.
[0032]
The network controller 105 controls data transmission and reception performed with a personal computer externally connected via the network I / F unit 160.
[0033]
The user authentication unit 106 determines whether or not to execute the permission target function according to the result of the fingerprint matching that matches the fingerprint of the user read by the fingerprint reading unit 170 with the fingerprint stored in the fingerprint information storage unit 182. Or the user's fingerprint is stored in the fingerprint information storage unit 182.
[0034]
Next, the operation of the digital MFP 1 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the user authentication operation by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 shown in FIG.
[0035]
First, the control unit 100 confirms, for example, whether there is a setting for restricting the function of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 for each user or for each department to which the user belongs (step S1). For example, when the copy function or the printer function is used, the number of copies or the number of prints is limited to a predetermined number or less for each department, the department for which color image formation is permitted is limited, or The control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a setting for permitting only the user whose user information such as the user information and the department code is stored in the user information storage unit 181 to use the predetermined function of the digital MFP 1. It is confirmed.
[0036]
When there is no setting for restricting the functions of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (NO in step S1), the process proceeds to step S9 to accept an operation instruction from the user, while restricting the functions of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. If there is a setting (YES in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2 to execute user authentication.
[0037]
Next, in step S2, the user authentication unit 106 displays a guide display for guiding the user's operation such as “Please touch the fingerprint sensor with a finger” on the display unit 191. When the user touches the finger with the fingerprint reading unit 170, the fingerprint reading unit 170 reads the user's fingerprint and outputs fingerprint data representing the fingerprint to the user authentication unit 106.
[0038]
Next, in step S3, as a result of fingerprint collation by the user authentication unit 106 to collate the fingerprint data received from the fingerprint reading unit 170 with the fingerprint data stored in the fingerprint information storage unit 182, the fingerprint match is determined. When it is detected (YES in step S4), the process proceeds to step S9 to accept an operation instruction from the user, and when no fingerprint match is detected (NO in step S4), the process proceeds to step S5 to accept input of user information. Transition.
[0039]
Next, in step S5, a guide display for prompting input of user information is displayed on the display unit 191 by the user authentication unit 106. FIG. 3 is a screen diagram illustrating an example of a guide display for prompting input of user information. The digital multifunction peripheral 1 shown in FIG. 1 is set so that, for example, a facsimile function is selected in an initial state, and a user information input screen 193 shown in FIG. 3 displays a guide display when the facsimile function is selected. An example is shown. When a mode switching instruction from the user via the operation key unit 192, for example, an instruction to switch to the copy function is received by the control unit 100, the user authentication unit 106 causes the user information input screen 193 to display the copy function. May be switched to a display screen corresponding to.
[0040]
Next, in step S6, the user authentication unit 106 receives user information, such as a department code and a password, input by the user via the operation key unit 192. Then, the user authentication unit 106 executes a user verification for verifying the user information and the user information stored in the user information storage unit 181. As a result of the user verification, when a match of the user information is detected. (YES in step S6), the process proceeds to step S8 to register the fingerprint, while if no match of the user information is detected (NO in step S6), the process proceeds to step S7.
[0041]
Next, in step S7, after the user authentication unit 106 displays a display screen 194 for unregistered users (see FIG. 4) in which the user information is not stored in the user information storage unit 181, the display unit 191 displays the information. Move to. On the display screen 194 for unregistered users, for example, operation keys for receiving an operation instruction for causing the digital multi-function peripheral 1 to perform a facsimile transmission / reception result, a communication result report output, and the like are displayed.
[0042]
In this case, for example, a facsimile transmission / reception result function, a communication result report output function, and the like are stored in the user information storage unit 181 as a function for an unregistered user. Operation keys corresponding to the functions are displayed on the display unit 191.
[0043]
On the other hand, when a match of the user information is detected as a result of the user verification by the user authentication unit 106, in step S8, fingerprint data representing the fingerprint read by the fingerprint reading unit 170 in step S2, and in step S6, the user authentication unit 106 Is stored in the fingerprint information storage unit 182 in association with the user information accepted by the user authentication unit 106.
[0044]
Next, in step S9, the user authentication unit 106 reads out the data indicating the permission target function stored in the user information storage unit 181 in association with the user information received by the user authentication unit 106 in step S6, An operation key for enabling selection of the permission target function indicated by the data is displayed on the display unit 191.
[0045]
Specifically, for example, fax transmission can be performed by pressing a button displaying a fax transmission function or a destination name in the user information storage unit 181 in association with the user information received by the user authentication unit 106 in step S6. One-touch dial function, applied functions such as binding margin creation mode for creating a margin (margin) at the edge of the recording paper, registration function for registering the destination of one-touch dial, etc., and output of facsimile transmission / reception results When the report output function for performing the registration is stored, the display screen 195 for the registered user shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 191 by the user authentication unit 106.
[0046]
On the registered user display screen 195, a basic function key 196 for receiving an operation instruction for executing a fax transmission function and a one-touch dial function by the user authentication unit 106, and an application function key for receiving an operation instruction for executing an applied function 197, a registration function key 198 for receiving an operation instruction for executing the registration function, and a report output function key 199 for receiving an operation instruction for executing the report output function are selectably displayed.
[0047]
As a result, the user authentication unit 106 provides the registered user whose user information is stored in the user information storage unit 181 with a predetermined function stored in the user information storage unit 181 in association with the user information. While execution is permitted, unregistered users are permitted to execute functions for unregistered users.
[0048]
When permitting the execution of the function to be permitted, the user authentication unit 106 permits the execution of the function to be permitted by displaying only the function to be permitted on the display unit 191 so as to be selectable. The execution of the function may not be permitted.
[0049]
Next, in step S10, when the facsimile controller 102 accepts that the operation key displayed on the display unit 191 has been pressed, the function corresponding to the pressed operation key is selected and executed. .
[0050]
As described above, the user authentication operation by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is executed by the processing of steps S1 to S10, and the function according to the authentication result is executed.
[0051]
Although the example in which the facsimile function is selected has been described, other functions such as a copy function, a printer function, and a scanner function may be selected. In such a case, a function corresponding to the selected function is performed. May be displayed on the display unit 191 in a selectable manner.
[0052]
The above embodiment is merely an example, and the schematic configuration of the digital MFP 1 and the processing performed by the digital MFP 1 can be changed as appropriate.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a fingerprint of a user not stored in the fingerprint information storage unit is read by the fingerprint reading unit, the user information and the fingerprint of the user specified by the user information are compared. Since the fingerprints are stored in the fingerprint information storage unit in association with each other, registration of a fingerprint used for user authentication is facilitated.
[0054]
According to the invention described in claim 2, when the fingerprint of the user whose user information is stored in the user information storage unit is not stored in the fingerprint information storage unit, the user uses the operation unit to read the user information. Input allows the image forming apparatus to execute the function to be permitted, and allows the fingerprint of the user to be stored in the fingerprint information storage unit, thereby facilitating registration of the fingerprint used for user authentication. Become.
[0055]
According to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to permit execution of a predetermined function stored in the user information storage unit in association with the user information as a permission target function.
[0056]
According to the invention described in claim 4, the user can select the function to be permitted.
[0057]
According to the invention described in claim 5, the user can select a function executable by the user when the execution of the function to be permitted is not permitted.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a screen diagram showing an example of a guide display screen according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a screen diagram showing an example of an unregistered user display screen according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a screen diagram showing an example of a registered user display screen according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Digital MFP 100 Control unit 101 Scanner controller 102 Facsimile controller 103 Printer controller 104 Copy controller 105 Network controller 106 User authentication unit (fingerprint collation control unit)
120 Scanner section 130 Recording section 140 Image memory 150 Facsimile communication section 160 Network I / F section 170 Fingerprint reading section 181 User information storage section 182 Fingerprint information storage section 190 Operation panel section (operation section)
191 Display section 192 Operation key section 193 User information input screen 194 Unregistered user display screen 195 Registered user display screen 196 Basic function key 197 Application function key 198 Registration function key 199 Report output function key

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions for performing various processes using image data,
A user information storage unit that stores user information for identifying the user,
A fingerprint reading unit that reads a user's fingerprint,
A fingerprint information storage unit that stores the fingerprint and the user information in association with each other;
An operation unit that receives an operation input from a user;
As a result of the fingerprint matching for comparing the fingerprint read by the fingerprint reading unit with the fingerprint stored in the fingerprint information storage unit, when no fingerprint match is detected, the user information received by the operation unit and the fingerprint An image forming apparatus comprising: a fingerprint collation control unit that associates a fingerprint read by a reading unit with the fingerprint information storage unit and stores the fingerprint information in the fingerprint information storage unit. A display unit that performs a guide display for prompting a predetermined operation input to the operation unit,
The fingerprint collation control unit, as a result of the fingerprint collation, when execution of a fingerprint match is detected, permits execution of a function to be permitted among the plurality of functions, which is a function to be permitted to be executed. As a result of the collation, when a fingerprint match is not detected, a guide display for prompting input of the user information to the operation unit is displayed on the display unit, and the user information received by the operation unit and the user information are displayed. A user collation for collating with the user information stored in the storage unit is executed. As a result of the user collation, when a match of the user information is detected, the fingerprint read by the fingerprint reading unit and the match are detected. The user information is stored in the fingerprint information storage unit in association with the user information, and execution of the permission target function is permitted. When 致 is not detected, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it does not permit execution of the authorization object function. The user information storage unit stores a predetermined function of the plurality of functions in association with the user information,
The fingerprint matching control unit, when the fingerprint matching is detected as a result of the fingerprint matching, is stored in the fingerprint information storage unit in association with the fingerprint and stored in the user information storage unit in association with the user information. The predetermined function is set as the permission target function. On the other hand, when no fingerprint match is detected as a result of the fingerprint matching, the predetermined function is stored in the user information storage unit in association with the user information received by the operation unit. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined function is set as the permission target function. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the fingerprint matching control unit, when permitting the execution of the permission target function, causes the display unit to display the permission target function in a selectable manner. 5. The fingerprint matching control unit, when not permitting the execution of the permission target function, causes the display unit to selectively display a function executable by a user specified by the user information received by the operation unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:

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