JP2006163934A - Image processing device and password reception program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify an input operation of a password which is set in a file. <P>SOLUTION: A multi function peripheral (MFP) comprises a user certification part for certificating a user; and a password reception means for receiving an input of the password (step S20 or step S30) in response to an access instruction to data with the password set thereto (YES, in step S11), and changes the method for receiving the password between the cases where the user has been certificated by the user certification part (YES, in step S12) and the other cases (NO, in step S12). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a password reception program, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus and a password reception program for setting a password in data and storing it.

  In recent years, a multi-function type image forming apparatus such as a so-called MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) in which a printing apparatus, a scanner apparatus, and a facsimile apparatus are combined has been used to store data read by the scanner apparatus or other image forming apparatuses. It is used such as sending to. In this MFP, there is a case where received print data, facsimile data, and the like are stored as electronic data (hereinafter also referred to as “file”) without being printed out immediately. In such a case, the electronic data is stored in a classification storage unit that stores information classified for each individual or for each predetermined department.

  Usually, such a classification storage unit is called a box or the like, and a box name or the like as additional information is added to the box. A box with such a box name is stored in the MFP by performing a predetermined registration operation in the MFP.

  The file stored in the box is stored with a password set to a highly confidential file. Access to the file is permitted on condition that the same password as the password set in the file is input. Access to the file includes reading, changing, and deleting the file.

  Since the password is set for each file, the user must memorize all of the plurality of passwords when different passwords are attached to the plurality of files. In some cases, the user forgets the set password and cannot access the file.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-266814 describes an image forming system that stores a plurality of passwords in a storage device based on a predetermined classification when a password for print data is recognized. In this image forming system, when outputting print data stored in the HDD, a password can be input from the operation unit arbitrarily based on a predetermined classification, and a plurality of passwords can be provided for each predetermined classification. This increases the confidentiality of the confidential document when the confidential document is printed out. In this technique, the classification of the first hierarchy is the password for each user, the classification of the second hierarchy is the password for each classification of the print document, and the classification of the third hierarchy is the password for each print document.

However, in the image forming system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-266814, passwords are set for each of the user unit, the print document classification unit, and the print document unit. You must remember it. Further, it is necessary to input a plurality of passwords, and there is a problem that the operation becomes complicated.
JP 2003-266814 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that simplifies the operation of inputting a password set in data, and is executed by the image processing apparatus. Is to provide a password acceptance program.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, according to an aspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus inputs an password in response to an authentication unit for authenticating a user and an access instruction to data in which a password is set. A password accepting unit that accepts the password, and the method of accepting the password is changed depending on whether the user is authenticated by the authentication unit or not.

  According to the present invention, the method of accepting the password is changed depending on whether the user is authenticated or not. Therefore, when the user is authenticated, the password is compared with the case where the user is not authenticated. Can be simplified. As a result, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus that simplifies the input operation of the password set in the data.

  Preferably, a selection unit that selects a candidate password to be a candidate from passwords set in the data, and a candidate output unit that outputs the selected candidate password when the authentication unit authenticates the user Prepare.

  According to the present invention, when the user is authenticated, the candidate password selected from among the passwords set in the data is output, so that only the operation for selecting from the output candidate passwords is required. , You don't have to enter the whole password.

  Preferably, the selection unit selects a password associated with the user authenticated by the authentication unit.

  According to the present invention, since the password associated with the authenticated user is output, the password is not known to others.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further comprises storage means for associating and storing user identification information for identifying the user and data, and the candidate output means extracts data associated with the user identification information of the user authenticated by the authentication means. Extracting means for selecting, and the selecting means selects all passwords of the extracted data.

  According to the present invention, all passwords of data related to the authenticated user are output.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further comprises storage means for associating and storing user identification information for identifying the user and data, and the candidate output means extracts data associated with the user identification information of the user authenticated by the authentication means. Extracting means for selecting, and the selecting means selects a password including at least characters accepted by the password receiving means.

  According to the present invention, an operation for inputting a part of the password is sufficient, and it is not necessary to input the entire password.

  Preferably, the selection unit selects a password including at least the character string received so far, every time one character is received by the password reception unit.

  According to the present invention, a password including at least the input character string is output. Therefore, when there are many passwords, the number of output passwords can be reduced.

  Preferably, storage means for storing the data and the number of times the data has been accessed in association with each other is further provided, and the candidate output means outputs the candidate passwords in the order according to the number of accesses.

  According to the present invention, passwords are output in the order of data having the highest number of accesses.

  Preferably, the candidate output means includes display means for displaying a one-touch key for accepting designation of a candidate password.

  According to this invention, the user can input a password only by designating a one-touch key.

  Preferably, it further includes one-touch key generation means for generating a one-touch key for accepting designation of a candidate password.

  Preferably, the candidate output means includes display means for displaying the candidate password, and display cancellation means for canceling the display of the candidate password when the password selected after the elapse of a predetermined time is displayed.

  According to the present invention, since the password does not continue to be displayed indefinitely, even if the password is displayed and the user leaves the apparatus, it is possible to prevent the password from being known to others as much as possible.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes input means for inputting data, and password extraction means for extracting a password from the input data in response to data being input by the input means, and the storage means is extracted A table composed of related data in which a password, user identification information, and data identification information for identifying input data are associated with each other is stored, and the selection unit searches the table stored in the storage unit to search for candidates. Select a password.

  According to the present invention, the processing speed for selecting candidate passwords can be improved.

  Preferably, the storage means further includes table data deletion means for deleting related data related to data deleted from the table in response to the data being deleted.

  Preferably, a password that is never used can be prevented from being stored indefinitely.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a password receiving program includes a step for authenticating a user, a step for selecting a candidate password to be a candidate from among passwords set in data, and user authentication. A step of outputting the selected candidate password according to an instruction to access the data for which the password is set, and a step of accepting the input of the designated candidate password according to the designation of the output candidate password And let the computer run.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a password reception program that simplifies the input operation of a password set in data.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of a file system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a file system 10 includes a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as “MFP”) 1 connected to a network 6 and user computers 2, 2A, 2B.

  An MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 1 includes a scanner for reading a document, a network controller for communicating with other devices connected to a network, and an image for forming an image on a recording medium such as paper based on image data. It includes a forming apparatus, a facsimile, and a hard disk, and has an image reading function, an e-mail transmission / reception function, a file transfer function, a copying function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, a data printing function, and a file storage function.

  Note that the number of user computers 2, 2A, 2B and MFP 1 is not limited to the number shown in FIG.

  A detachable flash ROM 9 is attached to the MFP 1. The file management program stored in the flash ROM 9 is executed by a central processing unit (CPU) provided in the MFP 1. The program may be stored in an EEPROM (electrically erasable / programmable read only memory) instead of being read from the flash ROM 9. The MFP 1 executes a program stored in the EEPROM by the CPU. In addition, since this EEPROM can rewrite or add to the memory content, another computer connected to the network 6 rewrites the program stored in the EEPROM of the MFP 1 or adds a new program. Or write it. Further, the MFP 1 may download a program from the user computers 2, 2 </ b> A, 2 </ b> B connected to the network 6 and store the program in the EEPROM.

  The network 6 is a local area network (LAN). The network may be the Internet or a general public line, and may be wired or wireless.

  The program executed by the MFP 1 is shown as an example of being stored in the flash ROM 9 and distributed, but other recording media such as a flexible disk, a cassette tape, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a hard disk, Optical disks (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), IC cards (including memory cards), optical cards, semiconductor memories such as mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, etc. It may be a medium carrying a program. Furthermore, the program may be downloaded from another device via the network 6.

  The program referred to here includes not only a program that can be directly executed by the CPU but also a source program type program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the MFP according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 1 controls CPU 101 for controlling MFP 1 as a whole, bus bridge 103 connected to CPU 101 via CPU bus 102, ROM 105 and RAM 107 connected to bus bridge 103, bus An image control unit 110, an operation panel interface (IF) 121, and a network interface (IF) 123 connected to the bridge 103 via the general-purpose bus 104 are included. The operation panel IF 121 is connected to the operation panel 122, and the network IF 123 is connected to the network 6.

  An image memory 113, a scanner interface (IF) 115, a printer interface (IF) 117, and a hard disk unit 119 are connected to the image control unit 110 via an image bus 111. The scanner IF 115 is connected to a scanner 116 that reads a document and outputs image data, and the printer IF 117 is connected to a printer 118 that visualizes the image data on a recording medium such as paper.

  The scanner 116 includes a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), optically reads a document, and outputs electronic data as image data. Image data output from the scanner 116 is compressed by the image control unit 110 and stored in the hard disk unit 119. At this time, when the user ID and password are input to the operation panel 122, the image data is stored in a box corresponding to the user ID.

  The network IF 123 is connected to the network 6 and connects the MFP 1 to the network 6. The network IF 123 sends the data input from the CPU 101 to the network 6 and outputs the data received from the network 6 to the CPU 101. Data input from the CPU 101 includes electronic mail, image data, and compressed image data (compressed data), and these data are transmitted to the user computers 2, 2 </ b> A, and 2 </ b> B. The data received from the network 6 includes electronic mail and compressed data, which are received from the user computers 2, 2A, 2B and the like.

  The image control unit 110 executes a compression process for compressing image data and an image correction process for correcting an image. The image data to be processed by the image control unit 110 includes image data output by reading a document with the scanner 116 or image data transmitted from another computer via the network IF 123. Compression schemes include PDF, JPEG and JBIG. Which of the plurality of compression methods is selected is accepted by the user inputting an instruction to select a compression method on the selection screen displayed on the operation panel 122. Compressed data generated by compressing image data using these compression methods is stored in a predetermined area of the hard disk unit 119.

  Operation panel 122 includes an input unit for receiving an input of an operation by a user and a display unit for displaying information.

  The hard disk unit 119 stores data input to the MFP 1 such as image data read by a scanner and image data received from another computer via the network IF 123. The hard disk unit 119 stores user authentication data and a password table. The user authentication data is data in which a user ID for identifying a user is associated with a password. The user authentication data is added when the administrator of the MFP 1 operates the MFP 1 to input the user ID and password assigned to the user who uses the MFP 1 to the MFP 1. The password table will be described in detail later.

  In this embodiment, an example in which image data is stored in the hard disk unit 119 will be described. However, the image data may be compressed data. Further, regardless of the image data, it may be data generated by an application program executed by a computer or print data for printing by the printer 118.

  The printer 118 visualizes image data read by the scanner 116, data received from another computer via the network IF 123, and data stored in the hard disk unit 119 on a recording medium such as paper.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view of the operation panel. Referring to FIG. 3, operation panel 122 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 150, a numeric keypad 151, a clear key 152 for returning a set numerical value to an initial value, and an interrupt key 153 for executing an interrupt copy. A start button 154 for instructing the start of image reading is provided. The liquid crystal touch panel 150 is formed by loading a touch panel made of a transparent member on a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal display device corresponds to a display unit. The touch panel, ten key 151, clear key 152, interrupt key 153, and start button 154 correspond to the input unit. By displaying an instruction button on the liquid crystal display device and detecting the instruction of the button on the touch panel, various operations can be input.

  In MFP 1, in order to specify a user who has instructed a process to be executed by MFP 1, a user login process is executed at a stage before receiving the instruction. In the login process of the user, a login screen is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 150 of the operation panel 122, and the user inputs a user ID and a password according to the login screen using the numeric keypad 151 or the like. Thereby, user authentication is performed. The processing to be executed by the MFP 1 can be made different between the user authenticated by the user and the user not authenticated by the user. When the MFP 1 is remotely controlled by the user computer 2, 2 A, 2 B, the MFP 1 functions as a Web server, a login screen is transmitted as a Web page, and a user ID and password are received via the network 6. The

  In MFP 1 in the present embodiment, data stored in hard disk unit 119 is stored in association with each user. More specifically, the data is stored in association with the user ID. For this association, an area called a box that is pre-assigned to the hard disk unit 119 for each user is used. As described above, since the login process is executed before the process is executed in the MFP 1, the user ID of the user who has input an instruction to store data in the hard disk unit 119 is acquired. Therefore, when an instruction to store data in the hard disk unit 119 and data are input, the MFP 1 stores the data in a box associated with the user ID.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the functions of the CPU of MFP 1 in the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, CPU 201 includes a user authentication unit 231, a password management unit 233, and a data management unit 235.

  The user ID and password input by the user from the operation panel 122 or the user ID and password transmitted from the PC 2 via the network IF 123 are input to the user authentication unit 231. The user authentication unit 231 compares the input user ID and password with user authentication data stored in the hard disk unit 119. If there is a user ID and password that match the user authentication data as a result of the comparison, the user is determined to be a true user, and if they do not match, it is not determined to be a true user. The result of user authentication by the user authentication unit 231 is output to the password management unit 233. When the user authentication unit 231 determines that the user is a true user, the user authentication unit 231 outputs the input user ID to the data management unit 235, and when the user authentication unit 231 determines that the user is not a true user, the user authentication unit 231 is provided to any user. The ID (public ID) is output to the data management unit 235.

  The result determined by the user authentication unit 231 to be a true user is valid until a logout instruction is input. Until a logout instruction is input from the PC 2 via the operation panel 122 or the network IF 123, it is recognized that the instruction input to the MFP 1 is instructed by the user authenticated by the user. For example, when an instruction for storing image data is input, the image data is stored in a box associated with a user ID that is validated by user authentication.

  The data management unit 235 manages the boxes assigned to the hard disk unit 119 and the data stored in the boxes. As described above, the hard disk unit 119 has a storage area divided into boxes for each user. The data management unit 235 stores data in a box. As described above, the user ID is assigned to the box. Therefore, the data stored in the box of the hard disk unit 119 is associated with the user ID and the data.

  The data management unit 235 receives an access instruction input by the user from the operation panel 122 or an access instruction transmitted from the PC 2 via the network IF 123. The access instruction includes an instruction for accessing the box and an instruction for accessing the data stored in the box. The instruction for accessing the box includes a box name for specifying the box and a command for instructing to change or delete the box. The instruction for accessing the data includes a file name for specifying the data and a command for instructing to read, edit, and delete the data. When a password is set in the box and data, the access instruction is validated on condition that the password is input, and execution of a command included in the access instruction is permitted. The instruction to access the box includes, for example, displaying a list of file names of data stored in the box, changing the box name, and the like. Data access instructions include, for example, reading, changing, deleting, and printing out data. In order to determine whether or not the access instruction is valid, the data management unit 235 reads the password set in the box or data from the box or image data 239, and determines the password input by the user and the read password. Determine whether they match.

  The data management unit 235 outputs the box name or file name included in the access information to the password management unit 233 and receives the password input by the user from the password management unit 233 in order to acquire the password input by the user. . Here, the box name and the file name are collectively referred to as a document name.

  The password management unit 233 executes password table generation processing for generating image data or related data related to the box and adding it to the password table 241 and password selection processing for selecting a password.

<Password table generation processing>
The password generation process will be described. This password table generation process is executed whenever a box is added each time image data is stored in the hard disk unit 119. The password management unit 233 receives the user ID that is currently authenticated by the user authentication unit 231.

  The password management unit 233 generates a password table 241 and stores it in the hard disk unit 119. The password table 241 stores data in which a document name, a user ID, and a password are associated for each box or image data. The document name includes a box name and a file name attached to the image data. Each time image data is stored in the hard disk unit 119, the password management unit 233 adds a set of related data including at least a user ID, a document name, and a password to the password table 241 each time a box is added. The related data stored in the password table 241 may be data including the number of accesses.

  The image data is stored in the hard disk unit 119 includes a case where the document is read by the scanner 116 and the image data is output, and a case where the image data is received from the PC 2 connected via the network IF 123. When the document is read by the scanner 116 and the image data is output, the data management unit 235 automatically assigns a file name to the image data. A password is input from the operation panel 122. The file name may be input from the operation panel 122. When image data is received from the PC 2 connected via the network IF 123, a file name, a password, and image data are input from the PC 2.

  The image data and the file name are output to the data management unit 235 and stored in a predetermined area of the hard disk unit 119 in the data management unit 235. The predetermined area may be a box designated by the user, or may be a box related to the user ID that is valid at that time.

  The password management unit 233 generates a set of related data including the input file name, the password, and the user ID that is valid at that time, and adds it to the password table 241.

  When a box is added to the hard disk unit 119, a box name, a user ID, and a password are input from the PC 2 connected via the operation panel 122 or the network IF 123. The box name and the user ID are output to the data management unit 235, and the data management unit 235 assigns a predetermined area of the hard disk unit 119 to a box related to the user ID. The password management unit 233 generates a set of related data including the input box name, password, and user ID, and adds them to the password table 241.

  When the image data or the box is changed, the password management unit 233 changes the password table 241 along with the change. For example, the image data stored in the box related to the user ID “A” is stored in the box related to the user ID “B”, or the password is changed. Further, when image data is deleted, related data corresponding to the image data deleted from the password table 241 is deleted. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a password that is never used from being stored in the password table 241 indefinitely.

<Password selection process>
As described above, when the access information is input, the data management unit 235 outputs the document name to the password management unit 233. The password selection process is a process executed when a document name is input from the data management unit 235.

  When the document name is input from the data management unit 235, the password management unit 233 extracts the password related to the user ID input from the user authentication unit 231 from the password table 241 and displays it on the operation panel 122, or The data is transmitted to the PC 2 connected via the network IF 123. As a result, the password set in the box or image data in the past by itself is displayed on the display of the operation panel 122 or the PC 2.

  The password related to the user ID may include a password related to the common ID.

  The password display may display all of the passwords associated with the user, or the user may select and display a password that matches the first few characters entered by the user entering the first few characters. It may be. Further, when there are a plurality of passwords to be displayed, they may be displayed in the order of the number of accesses. In addition, when there are a plurality of the same passwords, they may be displayed together as one.

  For this reason, even if the number of boxes or image data increases and the number of passwords set in the past increases, the set password is displayed, making it easy to input the password. In addition, even if you forget the password set in the past, you can remember it by looking at the displayed password. Furthermore, since the corresponding password is always included in the displayed password, the box or the image data can be accessed even if the password is forgotten. Furthermore, since a plurality of passwords are displayed in the order of the most accesses, the selection becomes easy. This is because a password with a large number of accesses is likely to be used in the future.

  When the user inputs an instruction to select one of the passwords displayed on the operation panel 122 or the display of the PC 2, the selection instruction is input to the password management unit 233. The password management unit 233 outputs the selected password to the data management unit 235.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of password table generation processing executed by the MFP in the present embodiment. If the user authentication process is executed by the user authentication unit 231 before the password table generation process is executed, the user ID of the user authenticated by the user authentication unit 231 is acquired. Further, when the user authentication process is not performed, or when the user authentication process is not executed, the common ID is set as an initial value.

  Referring to FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not an instruction to store image data in hard disk unit 119 has been input (step S01). If there is such an instruction, the process proceeds to step S02, and if not, the process proceeds to step S05. The instruction here includes a case where the document is read by the scanner 116 and image data is output, and a case where the image data is received from the PC 2 connected via the network IF 123.

  In step S05, it is determined whether there is an instruction to add a box. If there is such an instruction, the process proceeds to step S06, and if not, the process ends. The instruction to add a box includes a box name, a user ID associated with the box, and a password.

  That is, the password table generation process is a process executed when an instruction to store image data is input or when an instruction to add a box is received.

  In step S02, it is determined whether or not a user authentication process has been executed and a user ID has been acquired. It is determined whether or not the currently valid user ID is a common ID. If it is a common ID, it is determined that the user authentication process is not being executed, and the process proceeds to step S05. If it is not a common ID, it is determined that the user authentication process is being executed, and the process proceeds to step S03.

  In step S03, the currently valid user ID and the file name and password acquired in step S01 are acquired. Then, a set of data including the acquired user ID, file name, and password is stored in the password table 241 (step S04).

  In the next step S05, it is determined whether or not an instruction to add a box has been input. The instruction to add a box includes a box name and a password user ID. If such an instruction is input, the process proceeds to step S06, and if not, the process ends.

  In step S06, a set of data including a user ID, a box name, and a password included in the instruction is stored in the password table 241.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a password table. Referring to FIG. 6, the password table is composed of data that associates a password, a user ID, and the number of accesses for each document name. For example, two document names “A-a” and “A-b” are associated with the user ID “A”. Here, document names “A-a” and “A-b” indicate file names. The document name “A-a” is associated with the password “Abc” and the access count “10”. Further, the password “Def” and the access count “2” are associated with the document name “A-b”.

  In the password table shown in the figure, the document name “confidential BOX” is associated with the user ID “common ID”. This document name “confidential BOX” is a box name. Here, the box with the box name “confidential BOX” is a box accessible to all users. The password “001” is associated with the box name “confidential BOX”.

  The number of accesses indicates the number of times the image data has been accessed. The access count is updated by the data management unit 235, and is incremented by 1 every time the image data is accessed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of password selection processing executed by the MFP in the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not a document operation has been performed (step S11). The presence / absence of a document operation is determined by whether or not access information is input. If the access information is input, the process proceeds to step S12, and if not, the process ends. That is, the password selection process is a process executed when a box name or a file name is input from the operation panel 122 or the PC 2 connected via the network IF 123.

  In step S12, it is determined whether or not a user authentication process has been executed and a user ID has been acquired. It is determined whether or not the currently valid user ID is a common ID. If it is a common ID, it is determined that the user authentication process is not being executed, and the process proceeds to step S31. If it is not a common ID, it is determined that the user authentication process is being executed, and the process proceeds to step S13. That is, the processes after step S13 are executed on condition that the user authentication process is executed and the user ID is acquired.

  In step S13, the password table 241 is searched, and related data having the same user ID acquired by executing the user authentication process is extracted. Then, the password associated with the user ID is determined as a candidate password in the extracted related data (step S14).

  In step S15, it is determined whether or not the display mode is a list display mode. In the case of the list display mode, the process proceeds to step S16, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S22. The display mode is preset in MFP 1 before the password selection process is executed by the administrator or the user. The display mode includes a list display mode and a mode other than the list display mode.

  In step S16, a one-touch key for displaying a candidate password is generated. The one-touch key corresponds to each candidate password, and is associated with a command for outputting the candidate password to the data management unit 235 when the one-touch key is instructed. One-touch keys are generated as many as the number of candidate passwords.

In step S17, the number of accesses associated with the candidate password is acquired from the password table 241, and the output order is determined by rearranging the candidate passwords in order based on the number of accesses. The order of rearrangement may be output first in descending order of the number of accesses, or may be output in ascending order. In the case of outputting first from those with the highest number of accesses, since the password that is frequently input is output first, the password can be selected quickly and the password input operation can be facilitated. When the passwords that are accessed less frequently are output first, it is easy to forget the password that is less frequently input, so the password that the user can easily forget can be output first. The order in which the passwords are rearranged based on the number of accesses may be switched according to a user instruction.

  In step S18, the one touch key generated in step S16 is displayed according to the output order determined in step S17. This output may be displayed in a list with the one-touch keys arranged according to the output order, or may be displayed one by one according to the output order. If the access information is input from the PC 2 connected via the network IF 123 in step S11, one-touch keys are transmitted to the PC 2 according to the output order.

  In step S19, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the one touch key was output in step S18. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S21, and if not, the process proceeds to step S20. In step S21, the display of the one touch key output in step S18 is reset, and the process ends. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the displayed one-touch key from being left for a long time. The predetermined time is preferably shorter than the normal display reset time. Preferably, it is several seconds.

  In step S20, it is determined whether or not a one-touch key has been designated. If so, the process proceeds to step S32. If not, the process returns to step S17.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S15 that the display mode is not list display, “0” is set to the variable i in step S22. The variable i indicates the rank from the beginning in the character string C [i]. Character C [1] indicates the first character of the character string.

  In step S <b> 23, it is determined whether or not a character is input on operation panel 122. If a character has been input, the process proceeds to step S26, and if not, the process proceeds to step S24. In step S26, "1" is added to the variable i, and the character input in step S23 is set in the character string C [i] (step S27). When the variable i is “1”, the character input in step S23 is set to the first character C [1]. When the variable i is “2”, the character input in step S23 is set to the second character C [2].

  A candidate password that matches forward with the character string C [i] is selected (step S28). In this case, the character string C [i] is determined by the variable i. If the variable i is “1”, a candidate password that matches the first character C [1] is selected. When the variable i is “2”, a candidate password that matches the two-character string consisting of the first character C [1] and the second character C [2] is selected. Alternatively, all candidate passwords may be selected by inputting special characters such as “*”. In this case, the order may be determined by rearranging in the order of the first character.

  Then, the selected candidate password is output (step S29). In this output, candidate passwords may be displayed in a list or displayed one by one. If the access information is input from the PC 2 connected via the network IF 123 in step S11, the selected candidate password is transmitted to the PC 2.

  In step S30, it is determined whether a candidate password has been designated. If it has been designated, the process proceeds to step S32. If not, the process returns to step S23, and a candidate password in which several characters are forwardly matched from the beginning is output by inputting the next character.

  If no character is input in step S23, it is determined in step S24 whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the candidate password was output in step S29. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S25, and if not, the process returns to step S23. In step S25, the display of the candidate password output in step S29 is reset and the process ends. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the displayed candidate password from being left for a long time. The predetermined time is preferably shorter than the normal display reset time. Preferably, it is several seconds.

  On the other hand, if the user authentication is not executed in step S12, the input of the full password is accepted in step S31, and the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, the password specified in step S20 or step S30 or the password input in step S31 matches the password set in the image data or box specified by the access information input in step S11. It is determined whether or not. If they match, the process proceeds to step S33, and if they do not match, the process ends. In step S33, access to the document (image data or box) specified by the access information input in step S11 is permitted.

  In the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, an example in which a box is assigned for each user has been described. However, image data may be stored in the hard disk unit 119 without assigning a box.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel 122 of the MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8A is an example of a screen displayed in step S11 of FIG. FIG. 8A shows a box selection screen for accepting an instruction to select a box. Box names of four boxes are displayed. The box name is displayed as a one-touch button, and when the one-touch button is designated, the screen changes to a password input screen. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of the password input screen displayed in step S23 of FIG. At the time when the password input screen shown in FIG. 8B is displayed, the candidate password is not displayed. FIG. 8C is a password input screen displayed in step S29 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a state where one character “1” is entered in the password input field. As a result, three candidate passwords starting with “1” as the first character are displayed. When the user designates one of the candidate passwords, the password is input.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of a screen displayed on the operation panel of the MFP in the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a password input screen displayed in step S18 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 9, one touch keys each including six passwords are displayed. By indicating any one-touch key, the password included in the display is input.

  As described above, in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, when the user is authenticated, since the password associated with the user ID of the authenticated user is selected and displayed, the user is displayed. If you only select the password, you don't have to enter it all. For this reason, when the user is authenticated, the method of accepting the password can be simplified compared to the case where the user is not authenticated.

  Moreover, since the password displayed is only the password associated with the authenticated user, the password is not known to others.

  In addition, since the password that matches the input character string is selected and displayed, the number of displayed candidates can be reduced and the selection can be facilitated. Further, it is only necessary to input a part of the password and select it, and it is not necessary to input the entire password.

  Further, since the one-touch key associated with the command for specifying the password is displayed, the user can input the password only by specifying the one-touch key, and the input operation can be simplified.

  In addition, since the displayed password is not displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed since it was displayed, the time for which the password is displayed can be shortened and the password can be known to others as much as possible. Can be prevented.

  Although the MFP 1 has been described in the present embodiment, it goes without saying that the invention can be understood as a program for causing a computer to execute the processes shown in FIGS. 5 and 7.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a figure showing the whole file system outline in one of the embodiments of the invention. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. It is a top view of an operation panel. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an outline of functions of a CPU of an MFP according to the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of password table generation processing executed in the MFP in the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a password table. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of password selection processing executed in the MFP in the present embodiment. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel of the MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a screen displayed on the operation panel of the MFP in the present embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  1 MFP, 2, 2A, 2B User computer, 6 network, 10 file system, 102 CPU bus, 103 bus bridge, 104 general-purpose bus, 110 image control unit, 111 image bus, 113 image memory, 116 scanner, 118 printer, 119 Hard disk unit, 122 operation panel, 231 user authentication unit, 233 password management unit, 235 data management unit, 239 image data, 241 password table.

Claims (13)

An authentication means for authenticating the user;
In response to an instruction to access data for which a password has been set, password receiving means for receiving password input is provided.
An image processing apparatus that changes a method of accepting a password depending on whether or not user authentication is performed by the authentication unit. A selection means for selecting a candidate password to be a candidate from among the passwords set in the data;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising candidate output means for outputting the selected candidate password when user authentication is performed by the authentication means.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the selection unit selects a password associated with the user authenticated by the authentication unit. Storage means for storing user identification information and data for identifying the user in association with each other;
The candidate output means further includes extraction means for extracting data associated with user identification information of the user authenticated by the authentication means,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the selection unit selects all passwords set in the extracted data. Storage means for storing user identification information and data for identifying the user in association with each other;
The candidate output means further includes extraction means for extracting data associated with user identification information of the user authenticated by the authentication means,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the selection unit selects a password including at least characters accepted by the password reception unit.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the selection unit selects a password including at least a character string received so far every time one character is received by the password reception unit. Storage means for associating and storing the data and the number of times the data has been accessed;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the candidate output unit outputs the candidate passwords in an order according to the number of accesses.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the candidate output unit includes a display unit that displays a one-touch key for accepting designation of the candidate password.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising one-touch key generation means for generating a one-touch key for accepting designation of the candidate password. The candidate output means includes display means for displaying the candidate password,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a display canceling unit that cancels the display of the candidate password when the selected password is displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the display. An input means for inputting data;
Password extraction means for extracting a password from the input data in response to data being input by the input means;
The storage means stores a table composed of related data in which the extracted password, the user identification information, and data identification information for identifying the input data are associated with each other,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the selection unit searches the table stored in the storage unit and selects the candidate password.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the storage unit further includes a table data deleting unit that deletes related data related to the deleted data from the table in response to data being deleted. Steps to authenticate the user;
Selecting a candidate password to be a candidate from among the passwords set in the data;
Outputting the selected candidate password in response to an instruction to access data for which a password has been set when the user is authenticated;
A password acceptance program that causes a computer to execute an input of the designated candidate password in response to designation of the outputted candidate password.

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