JP2006085451A - User management device and user management method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a user management device and a user management method, allowing a user to easily execute a procedure of user registration or identification. <P>SOLUTION: By reading an ID of a wireless tag loaded in an object possessed by the user and registering it as a user ID, the user registration is performed. By reading the ID of the wireless tag loaded in the object possessed by the user and inquiring about the registered user ID and the read ID, an approval is given to the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a user management apparatus and a user management method, and more particularly to a user management apparatus and a user management method capable of managing information according to a user.

  Some copiers and multifunction peripherals have a customizing function for customizing a UI (user interface) according to a user (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

This customization function registers a customized UI after user registration such as acquisition of an identifier (user ID) for identifying a user and issuance of a membership card, and then inputs the user ID and the membership card as a card. When authentication such as reading by a reader is performed, a customized UI is called and displayed.
JP 2003-216722 A

  However, since it is troublesome to perform such procedures as user registration and authentication, there are few users who use the customization function.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a user management apparatus and a user management method that facilitate procedures such as user registration and authentication by a user.

  The user management apparatus according to the present invention includes a wireless tag reader that reads information on a wireless tag, an ID information acquisition unit that acquires an identifier that can identify the wireless tag from the wireless tag information, and a user ID that identifies a user And an information processing unit that registers the identifier of the wireless tag as the user ID in the information registration unit.

  Further, the information processing apparatus further includes an ID inquiry unit that performs authentication by inquiring an identifier acquired from the wireless tag and a user ID registered in the information registration unit.

  In addition, the user management device according to the present invention identifies a wireless tag reader that reads information on a wireless tag, an ID information acquisition unit that acquires an identifier capable of identifying the wireless tag from the wireless tag information, and a user An information registration unit that stores a user ID, and an ID inquiry unit that inquires and authenticates an identifier acquired from the wireless tag and a user ID registered in the information registration unit.

  The wireless tag reader further includes a user detection unit that detects a user, and reads the information of the wireless tag when the user detection unit detects the user.

  The wireless tag reader further includes an operation unit that receives an operation by a user, and the wireless tag reader reads information on the wireless tag when an operation for instructing user registration is performed on the operation unit.

  The wireless tag reader reads information from a plurality of wireless tags, and the registration processing unit registers the identifiers of the plurality of wireless tags as the user IDs in the information registration unit.

  The registration processing unit further includes a display unit that displays a list of the wireless tags whose identifiers have been acquired by the ID information acquisition unit, and an operation unit that receives selection of the wireless tag displayed on the display unit. Registers the identifier acquired from the wireless tag selected by the operation unit in the information registration unit as a user ID.

  In addition, a UI creation unit for creating a UI is further provided, the information registration unit stores user information, and the UI creation unit creates a UI based on the user information of the user when the user is approved. To do.

  Next, in the user management method of the present invention, the wireless tag reader reads the information of the wireless tag, acquires an identifier capable of identifying the wireless tag from the information of the wireless tag by the ID information acquisition unit, and the wireless tag The user ID is registered in the information registration unit as a user ID.

  Further, the ID inquiry unit inquires the identifier acquired from the wireless tag and the user ID registered in the information registration unit for authentication.

  In the user management method of the present invention, the wireless tag reader reads the information of the wireless tag, acquires an identifier capable of identifying the wireless tag from the information of the wireless tag, and acquires the identifier from the wireless tag. The ID inquiry unit inquires the acquired identifier and the user ID registered in the information registration unit for authentication.

  The user detection unit detects the user, and when the user is detected, the wireless tag reader reads the information of the wireless tag.

  The wireless tag reader further includes an operation unit that receives an operation by a user, and when the operation for instructing user registration is performed by the operation unit, the wireless tag reader reads information on the wireless tag.

  In addition, information is read from the plurality of wireless tags by the wireless tag reader, and identifiers of the plurality of wireless tags are registered in the information registration unit as the user IDs.

  In addition, a list of the wireless tags whose identifiers have been acquired by the ID information acquisition unit is displayed on a display unit, selection of the wireless tag displayed on the display unit is received by an operation unit, and the selection of the wireless tag is performed by the operation unit The identifier acquired from the wireless tag is registered in the information registration unit as a user ID.

  User information is registered in the information registration unit, and when the user is approved, a UI is created by the UI creation unit based on the user information of the user.

  In the present invention, it is possible to simplify user operations in procedures such as user registration and authentication.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a best mode for carrying out a user management apparatus and a user management method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user management apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the user management apparatus 10 according to the present invention includes a wireless tag reader 20 and an information processing unit 30. In addition, a display unit 40, a user detection unit 50, and an operation unit 60 are provided.

  The wireless tag reader 20 is a reader that reads information recorded on a wireless tag such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

  The information processing unit 30 includes an ID information acquisition unit 31, an information registration unit 32, an ID inquiry unit 33, a UI creation unit 34, and a registration processing unit 35, and processes such as user registration and authentication To do.

  Here, the ID information acquisition unit 31 acquires information (ID) that can identify the tag from the tag information read by the wireless tag reader 31.

  The information registration unit 32 is a storage device such as a hard disk, and registers the ID of the wireless tag acquired by the ID information acquisition unit 31 as a user ID. Also, user information for customizing the UI is registered in association with the user ID.

  The ID inquiry unit 33 makes an inquiry between the ID acquired by the ID information acquisition unit 31 and the ID registered in the information registration unit 32, and detects the user ID including all the IDs acquired by the ID information acquisition unit 31. It authenticates that it is the user of user ID. Depending on the setting of the authentication method, it can be recognized that the user is a part of the ID.

  The UI creation unit 34 creates a UI to be displayed on the display unit. When a user is authenticated, user information registered in association with the user ID of the user is acquired from the information registration unit 32, and a UI is created based on the user information.

  The registration processing unit 35 registers the ID acquired by the ID information acquisition unit 31 in the information registration unit 32 as a user ID. Further, the user information is registered in the information registration unit 32 in association with the user ID.

  The display unit 40 is a display terminal such as a display, and displays the UI created by the UI creation unit 34.

  The user detection unit 50 is a detector such as an interpersonal sensor, and detects whether or not a person (user) is present in a predetermined area such as in front of the display unit 40.

  The operation unit 60 is an operation terminal such as a touch panel or a key to which a specific function is assigned, and receives an operation or an instruction from a user.

  Note that the ID acquisition unit 31, the ID inquiry unit 33, and the registration processing unit 35 in FIG. 1 are realized by software or the like.

  Using the above configuration, the user management apparatus according to the present embodiment allows the user to possess (wear), for example, glasses or a watch, when the user enters a predetermined area such as in front of the display unit. The ID is obtained by reading the information of the wireless tag mounted on the uniform, employee ID card, etc., and the user is authenticated.

  Further, when a non-authenticated user performs a specific operation, information on a wireless tag mounted on an object possessed by the user is read to obtain an ID, and user registration is performed.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when performing user authentication in this embodiment.

  First, when a user is detected (step 100), information on the wireless tag is read (step 101), and the ID of the wireless tag is acquired (step 102).

  Then, the registered user ID and the ID acquired from the wireless tag are inquired (step 103). When a user ID including all the IDs acquired from the wireless tag is detected, the user ID is authenticated as a user of the user ID ( In step 103, a customized UI is created based on user information registered in association with the user ID (step 104), and the UI is displayed on the display unit (step 105). Depending on the setting of the authentication method, it can be recognized that the user is a part of the ID.

  On the other hand, if the ID acquired from the wireless tag is not detected and the user cannot be authenticated (NO in step 103), a default UI is created (step 106), and the UI is displayed on the display unit (step 105).

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow when performing user registration in the present embodiment.

  First, setting input for using the service, such as selection of the magnification in the copier, selection of the service in the multifunction machine, selection of the resolution in the scan service and input of the telephone number in the facsimile service, is started without the user's approval. (Step 200), it is detected as a registration instruction (step 201), the information of the wireless tag existing within a predetermined range is read (step 202), and the ID of the wireless tag is acquired (step 203). The acquired ID is registered as a user ID (step 204).

  In this embodiment, when the setting for using the service is started, user registration is performed on the assumption that a registration instruction has been issued. For example, an instruction to start reading a document is given by a copier or a multifunction peripheral. Other normal operations such as pressing down the start button or selecting a service in the MFP may be detected as a registration instruction. A key for instructing user registration is provided on the default UI, etc. You may receive directly from the user.

  When a user is authenticated, user information is detected and a customized UI is displayed. Depending on the user, such as charging for each user or setting a usable / unusable function You may comprise so that a process and a setting may be performed.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the user appears in a predetermined area, the user detection unit such as a sensor detects the user and starts authentication. For example, the user is detected by touching the operation terminal, An authentication procedure may be started.

  In addition, the number of wireless tags that register IDs as user IDs may be one, but it is preferable to register IDs of a plurality of wireless tags.

  As described above, in this embodiment, authentication is performed by a normal operation (operation) such as the user standing in front of the multifunction peripheral, so that the authentication procedure by the user can be simplified.

  Further, since authentication is performed by a normal operation (operation) such as setting when using the service, the user registration procedure by the user can be simplified.

  In addition, by registering the IDs of a plurality of wireless tags, user authentication accuracy can be improved and security strength can be increased.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, user registration is performed when the user performs some operation. However, user registration may be performed as it is when the user is not authenticated, and will be described in detail using the second embodiment. To do.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when performing user registration and authentication in this embodiment.

  First, when a user is detected (step 300), information on the wireless tag is read (step 301), and the ID of the wireless tag is acquired (step 302).

  Then, the registered user ID and the ID acquired from the wireless tag are inquired (step 303). When a user ID including all the IDs acquired from the wireless tag is detected, the user ID is authenticated as a user ( In step 303, a customized UI is created based on the user information registered in association with the user ID (step 304), and the UI is displayed on the display unit (step 305). Depending on the setting of the authentication method, it can be recognized that the user is a part of the ID.

  On the other hand, if the ID acquired from the wireless tag is not detected and the user cannot be authenticated (NO in step 303), the ID acquired from the wireless tag as a new user is registered as the user ID (step 306).

  Then, a default UI is created (step 307), and the UI is displayed on the display unit (step 305).

  In this embodiment, when a user appears in a predetermined area, a user detection unit such as a sensor detects the user and starts authentication. For example, the user is detected by touching an operation terminal, An authentication procedure may be started.

  In this way, in this embodiment, authentication is performed by the user standing in front of the multifunction device, etc., and the UI is customized and displayed. If the user cannot be authenticated, user registration is performed. Can be simplified.

  In the first and second embodiments, the ID of the wireless tag read by the wireless tag reader is directly used as the user ID. However, the user may select a wireless tag to be registered as the user ID. explain.

  In the user management apparatus according to the present embodiment, the registration processing unit 35 instructs the UI creation unit 34 to create a UI for displaying a list of wireless tags, and the ID of the wireless tag selected by the user is used as the user ID. Except for the point of registration, it is the same as the user management apparatus shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when performing user registration in the present embodiment.

  First, when setting input for using the service is started (step 400), it is detected as a registration instruction (step 401), and information on a wireless tag existing within a predetermined range is read (step 402). An ID is acquired (step 403).

  Then, a UI for displaying a list of wireless tags from which IDs have been acquired is created and displayed (step 404). When a wireless tag to be registered as a user ID is selected (YES in step 405), the ID of the selected wireless tag Is registered as a user ID (step 406).

  On the other hand, if registration is instructed without selecting a wireless tag to be registered as a user ID (for example, a “Register” button on the UI is pressed) (NO in step 405), IDs of all wireless tags displayed in a list are displayed. Is registered as a user ID (step 407).

  The wireless tag list display is displayed in a format that allows the user to easily recognize what the wireless tag is mounted on, such as “article name, brand name, product name”. Is preferred.

  In addition, after displaying the list of wireless tags, the user ID may be registered without accepting selection by the user.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the wireless tag registered as the user ID can be confirmed, it is possible to prevent the rejection of approval due to a change in clothes and personal belongings.

  Further, by selecting a wireless tag, it is possible to prevent a wireless tag of an object that is not always held, such as not including a wireless tag of clothes, being a user ID.

Functional block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a user management apparatus according to the present invention The flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of authenticating the user in Example 1. The flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a process at the time of performing user registration in Example 1. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process at the time of performing user registration and authentication in Example 2. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of performing user registration in Example 3.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... User management apparatus 20 ... Wireless tag reader 30 ... Information processing part 31 ... ID information acquisition part 32 ... Information registration part 33 ... ID inquiry part 34 ... UI creation part 35 ... Registration process part 40 ... Display part 50 ... User detection part 60 ... Operation part

Claims (16)

A wireless tag reader for reading wireless tag information;
An ID information acquisition unit for acquiring an identifier capable of identifying the wireless tag from the information of the wireless tag;
An information registration unit for storing a user ID for identifying the user;
A user management apparatus comprising: a registration processing unit that registers an identifier of the wireless tag as the user ID in the information registration unit. The user management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an ID reference unit that performs authentication by referring to an identifier acquired from the wireless tag and a user ID registered in the information registration unit. A wireless tag reader for reading wireless tag information;
An ID information acquisition unit for acquiring an identifier capable of identifying the wireless tag from the information of the wireless tag;
An information registration unit for storing a user ID for identifying the user;
A user management apparatus comprising: an ID inquiry unit that performs authentication by referring to an identifier acquired from the wireless tag and a user ID registered in the information registration unit. A user detection unit for detecting a user;
4. The user management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless tag reader reads information on a wireless tag when the user detection unit detects a user. It further includes an operation unit that receives an operation by the user,
4. The user management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless tag reader reads information on a wireless tag when an operation for instructing user registration is performed on the operation unit. The wireless tag reader reads information from a plurality of wireless tags,
6. The user management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the registration processing unit registers, in the information registration unit, identifiers of a plurality of wireless tags as the user ID. A display unit for displaying a list of the wireless tags whose identifiers have been acquired by the ID information acquisition unit;
An operation unit for receiving selection of the wireless tag displayed on the display unit,
7. The user management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the registration processing unit registers, as a user ID, an identifier acquired from the wireless tag selected by the operation unit in the information registration unit. A UI creation unit for creating a UI;
The information registration unit stores user information,
The user management device according to claim 2, wherein the UI creation unit creates a UI based on the user information of the user when the user is approved. Read wireless tag information with a wireless tag reader,
An identifier capable of identifying the wireless tag from the information of the wireless tag is acquired by an ID information acquisition unit,
A user management method, wherein user registration is performed by registering an identifier of the wireless tag as a user ID in an information registration unit. 10. The user management method according to claim 9, wherein authentication is performed by inquiring an identifier obtained from the wireless tag and a user ID registered in an information registration unit with an ID inquiry unit. Read wireless tag information with a wireless tag reader,
An identifier capable of identifying the wireless tag from the information of the wireless tag is acquired by an ID information acquisition unit,
A user management method characterized in that authentication is performed by inquiring an identifier obtained from the wireless tag and a user ID registered in an information registration unit with an ID inquiry unit. The user detection unit detects the user,
12. The user management method according to claim 9, wherein when a user is detected, information of a wireless tag is read by the wireless tag reader. It further includes an operation unit that receives an operation by the user,
12. The user management method according to claim 9, wherein when an operation for instructing user registration is performed by the operation unit, information of a wireless tag is read by the wireless tag reader. Reading information from a plurality of wireless tags with the wireless tag reader,
14. The user management method according to claim 9, wherein identifiers of a plurality of wireless tags are registered in the information registration unit as the user ID. Display a list of the wireless tags whose identifiers have been acquired by the ID information acquisition unit on a display unit,
The operation unit accepts the selection of the wireless tag displayed on the display unit,
15. The user management method according to claim 9, wherein an identifier acquired from the wireless tag selected by the operation unit is registered in the information registration unit as a user ID. Register user information in the information registration unit,
16. The user management method according to claim 10, wherein when the user is approved, the UI creation unit creates a UI based on the user information of the user.

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