JP2008263396A - Image data processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an apparatus which is usable when log-in processing by user authentication is performed from being illegally used when a user forgets to perform log-out processing. <P>SOLUTION: The image data processing apparatus 100 includes a log-in processing unit 102 which performs log-in processing for the user, a job execution unit 104 which executes a job designated by the user in a log-in state, a long-job monitoring unit 106 which monitors and detects whether the job executed by the job execution unit 104 is a long job requiring a predetermined time or longer, and an automatic log-out processing unit 110 which automatically performs log-out processing for the user during the execution of the job or at the end of the job when the long-job monitoring unit 106 detects that the job is the long job. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image data processing apparatus that performs reading, transmission / reception, or printing of image data as a job.

In order to prevent unauthorized use of image data processing apparatuses such as facsimile machines, copiers, and scanners, a technique has been developed in which user authentication is performed at the time of use and can be used only when authenticated. In Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-153981), user identification information is input in a copier, a login process is executed using the user identification information, and a wireless tag of a recording sheet on which an image is recorded by a printing process is recorded on a user. A technique is described in which data corresponding to the identification information is written, it is determined whether or not communication with the wireless tag of the recording paper is possible, and when it is determined that communication with the wireless tag of the recording paper is impossible, logout processing is executed. As a result, when the user removes the recording paper from the paper discharge tray and exits the communicable range, logout processing is performed, and copying cannot be performed.
JP 2006-153981 A

  However, when copying, printing out, scanning, etc. a large amount of data, it takes time, so there is a risk that the user may leave the device in the middle of the process and forget to log out. .

  The present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for preventing unauthorized use due to forgetting to perform logout processing in an apparatus that can be used when login processing is performed by user authentication.

According to the present invention,
An image data processing apparatus that performs reading, transmission / reception, or printing of image data as a job,
A login processing unit that receives login information including user identification information and authentication information from a user, and performs login processing of the user by authenticating the login information;
A job execution unit that executes a job instructed by the user while logged in;
A long job monitoring unit that monitors and detects whether the job by the job execution unit is a long job that takes a predetermined time or more;
When the long job monitoring unit detects that the job is a long job, an automatic logout processing unit that automatically performs logout processing of the user during execution of the job or simultaneously with the end of the job;
An image data processing apparatus is provided.

  In the present invention, in the case of a long job, the image data processing apparatus performs logout for each job. Thus, when a long job is executed in the image data processing apparatus, even if the user is not near the apparatus, it is possible to prevent other users from performing unauthorized use. In addition, since the automatic logout process is not performed when the job is not a long job, it is possible to save the trouble of performing the log-in process again when the user continuously instructs other jobs.

  In the image data processing apparatus of the present invention, the long job monitoring unit is necessary to end the job based on the type and content of the job for which the job execution unit has received an instruction and the processing capability of the device. The time is calculated, and when the time is longer than the predetermined time, it can be detected that the job is a long job.

  In the image data processing apparatus of the present invention, the long job monitoring unit can detect that the job is a long job when the predetermined time has elapsed since the job execution unit started the job.

  The image data processing apparatus of the present invention, when an automatic logout process is performed by the automatic logout processing unit during execution of the job, additional information indicating that the automatic logout process has been performed, A login status storage unit that stores the identification information in association with each other; and a suspension monitoring unit that monitors and detects whether or not the job executed by the job execution unit is interrupted and detects a restart instruction. After the automatic logout processing by the automatic logout processing unit, if the interruption monitoring unit detects the interruption of the job before the job is finished, and if there is an instruction to resume the job, the login processing unit If the additional information is attached with reference to the state storage unit, the user is automatically logged in and the job is executed. But it is possible to resume the job.

  In this way, even if an interruption occurs after automatic logout, the automatic login process is performed, so that the convenience of the user can be improved while improving security.

  The image data processing apparatus of the present invention, when an automatic logout process is performed by the automatic logout processing unit during execution of the job, additional information indicating that the automatic logout process has been performed, Corresponding to the user identification information of the user, the login status storage unit stored in association with the identification information, the interruption monitoring unit for monitoring and detecting the interruption of the job executed by the job execution unit and the restart instruction After the automatic logout process by the automatic logout processing unit and the notification information storage unit that stores the transmission destination of the notification message to the user, the interruption monitoring unit interrupts the job before the job ends. Is detected, the notification information storage unit is referred to, the interruption of the job has occurred at the transmission destination of the corresponding user, and the interruption solution is detected. After transmits a notice including the it is necessary reply to restart the job without performing again login process, a notifying unit for receiving a response to the notification, it may further include a. Here, when the notification unit receives the reply, the notification unit can store the information as the additional information in the login state storage unit, and after the automatic logout processing unit performs automatic logout processing, When the interruption monitoring unit detects the interruption of the job and the job is instructed to be resumed before completion, the login processing unit refers to the login state storage unit and receives the reply to the additional information. If this information is stored, the user can automatically log in, and the job execution unit can restart the job.

  In this way, even if an interruption occurs after automatic logout, the automatic login process is performed, so that the convenience of the user can be improved while improving security.

  It should be noted that any combination of the above-described constituent elements and a conversion of the expression of the present invention between a method, an apparatus, a system, a recording medium, a computer program, etc. are also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use due to forgetting to perform logout processing in an apparatus that can be used when login processing by user authentication is performed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image data processing apparatus 100 in the present embodiment. The image data processing apparatus 100 can be, for example, a network facsimile apparatus having a scanner function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, a printer function, or the like, or an MFP (Multi Functional Peripheral). The image data processing apparatus 100 performs reading, transmission / reception, or printing of image data as a job.

  The image data processing apparatus 100 includes a login processing unit 102, a job execution unit 104, a long job monitoring unit 106, an automatic logout processing unit 110, a login state storage unit 112, a job storage unit 114, a setting storage unit 116, and an authentication information storage unit. 118 is included.

  The authentication information storage unit 118 stores information for authenticating a user who is set in advance and permitted to use the image data processing apparatus 100. The login processing unit 102 receives input of login information including user identification information and authentication information from the user, and authenticates the login information with reference to the authentication information storage unit 118 based on the input user identification information and authentication information. By doing so, the login process of the user is performed. Here, the authentication information can be a password, for example. The login processing unit 102 stores the user identification information of the logged-in user, the time when the login process was performed, and the like in the login state storage unit 112. FIG. 5A shows the internal configuration of the login state storage unit 112 when the user having the user identification information “abc” is logged in at 9:00.

  When there is a job execution instruction from the user, the job execution unit 104 refers to the login state storage unit 112 to determine whether or not the user is logged in. If the user is logged in, the job execution unit 104 is instructed by the user. Run the job. Here, the job is, for example, reading, transmission / reception, or printing of image data. The job execution unit 104 stores the progress status of the job instructed by the user in the job storage unit 114 at least until the job ends.

  The long job monitoring unit 106 monitors and detects whether the job executed by the job execution unit 104 is a long job. Here, a job that takes a predetermined time or more for a single job is called a long job. The setting storage unit 116 stores settings such as whether to perform long job automatic logout in the image data processing apparatus 100 and a reference time for detecting whether or not a long job is performed.

  For example, the long job monitoring unit 106 calculates the time required to finish the job based on the type and content of the job for which the job execution unit 104 has received an instruction and the processing capability of the image data processing apparatus 100. When the time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, it can be detected that the job is a long job. For example, when the processing speed at which the image data processing apparatus 100 performs copying is 20 ppm (printing minutes) and there is an instruction to copy 60 originals, the processing time is 3 minutes. If the setting storage unit 116 is set to detect a job that takes 3 minutes or more of processing time as a long job, the long job monitoring unit 106 detects that the job is a long job. This setting can be appropriately set by an administrator or user of the image data processing apparatus 100.

  The number of documents can be detected, for example, by providing document number detection means such as weight detection means on the ADF document tray. In addition, when a tag such as an RFID is attached to the document, the number of documents can be detected by providing a means for reading the tag. As another example, the long job monitoring unit 106 monitors whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the job execution unit 104 started execution of the job, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the job is a long job. It can also be detected that there is.

  When the long job monitoring unit 106 detects that the job is a long job, the automatic logout processing unit 110 automatically performs logout processing of the user during execution of the job or at the end of the job. The setting storage unit 116 can also store a setting at which point the logout process is performed by the automatic logout processing unit 110. The automatic logout processing unit 110 deletes information indicating the logged-in state stored in the login state storage unit 112 or adds information indicating that the user has logged out to the login state storage unit 112. Process. When a new job is instructed after entering such a state, the job execution unit 104 refers to the login state storage unit 112 to determine that the user is not logged in, and performs a new login process. Do not execute the job until

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image data processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
For example, when there is a job execution instruction from the user via the operation unit (not shown) (YES in S100), the job execution unit 104 refers to the login state storage unit 112 to determine whether or not the user is logged in. (S102). If not logged in (NO in S102), the login processing unit 102 prompts the user to input login information including user identification information and authentication information, and performs authentication processing with reference to the authentication information storage unit 118. If authenticated (YES in S104), the login processing unit 102 performs login processing (S106). On the other hand, if the user cannot be authenticated in step S104 (NO in S104), the login processing unit 102 performs error notification or the like.

  If it is already logged in at step S102 (YES at S102) or if login processing is performed at step S06, the job execution unit 104 starts executing the job (YES at S108). If the operation in step S100 is not a job execution instruction, the job execution unit 104 waits until there is a job execution instruction in step S108, and starts the job when there is a job execution instruction (YES in S108). To do. Next, the long job monitoring unit 106 refers to the setting storage unit 116 and determines whether or not the long job automatic logout setting is on (S110).

  When the long job automatic logout setting is ON (YES in S110), the long job monitoring unit 106 refers to the setting storage unit 116 and monitors whether the job executed by the job execution unit 104 is a long job. (S112). When the long job monitoring unit 106 detects that the job being executed by the job execution unit 104 is a long job (YES in S112), the automatic logout processing unit 110 refers to the setting storage unit 116 to execute the job Automatic logout is performed during execution or at the same time as the end of the job (S114).

  If the long job automatic logout setting is not turned on in step S110 (NO in S110) or not a long job (NO in S112), normal processing is performed (S116). Here, the normal process is, for example, logging out based on a user instruction. Further, in the image data processing apparatus 100, when the logout is not performed even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the job is completed, the process is performed according to the setting.

  In this way, when a long job is performed in the image data processing apparatus 100, the automatic logout process is performed during the execution of the job or at the latest at the end of the job, even if the user does not perform the logout process. can do. Thereby, when a long job is executed in the image data processing apparatus 100, even if the user is not near the apparatus, it is possible to prevent other users from performing unauthorized use.

(Second Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the image data processing apparatus 100 further includes an interruption monitoring unit 108, a notification unit 120, and a notification information storage unit 124 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG.

  For example, while the job execution unit 104 is executing a job, the job may be interrupted due to a jam error or the like. In such a case, the job execution unit 104 resumes job execution when the cause of the error is removed and a user resumes an instruction via the operation unit (not shown). However, as described in the first embodiment, when the job executed by the job execution unit 104 is detected as a long job and the automatic logout process is performed during the execution of the job, the job is resumed after the automatic logout. If there is an instruction, login processing must be performed again. In this embodiment, in such a case, the user does not need to input login information for login again.

  In the present embodiment, when the long job monitoring unit 106 detects that the job is a long job and the setting storage unit 116 is set to perform automatic logout during job execution, automatic logout processing is performed. The unit 110 did not completely erase the information indicating the logged-in state stored in the login state storage unit 112 during the automatic logout process, but performed the automatic logout process during execution of the user identification information and the job. Is stored.

  The suspension monitoring unit 108 monitors and detects whether or not a job executed by the job execution unit 104 is suspended. The notification information storage unit 124 stores the transmission destination of the notification message to the user in association with the user identification information of the user. When the automatic logout processing by the automatic logout processing unit 110 is performed during execution of the job by the job execution unit 104 and the interruption monitoring unit 108 detects a job interruption before the job is completed, the notification unit 120 Referring to 120, the user's transmission destination is notified. At this time, the notification unit 120 includes, in the notification, a message that prompts the user to reply to the notification when the job is to be restarted without performing login processing by the user after canceling the interruption. The notification unit 120 transmits a notification to the user via the network 150 such as a LAN, and receives a reply from the user. Detection of interruption by the interruption monitoring unit 108, transmission of a notification by the notification unit 120, reception of a reply, and the like are also stored in the login state storage unit 112.

  FIG. 5B shows an internal configuration of the login state storage unit 112 when the user of the user identification information “abc” is automatically logged out at 9:10 and the job is interrupted at 9:11. In this case, the login state storage unit 112 further includes a notification column and a reply column. Here, an example in which the notification unit 120 transmits a notification to the user at 9:12 and a reply is received from the user at 9:14 is shown.

  When the cause of the interruption is canceled, there is a job resumption instruction, and there is a reply from the user to the notification, the login processing unit 102 performs an automatic login process. The suspension monitoring unit 108 can also monitor and detect whether or not the cause of the suspension is canceled and whether or not there is an instruction to resume the job. Specifically, when the cause of interruption is canceled and a job resumption instruction is given, the interruption monitoring unit 108 instructs the job execution unit 104 to resume the job. The job execution unit 104 refers to the login state storage unit 112 and instructs the login processing unit 102 to perform an automatic login process when a reply is stored in the reply column. Based on this, the login processing unit 102 stores information indicating that the user is logged in in the login state storage unit 112. Thereafter, the job execution unit 104 resumes job execution.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image data processing apparatus 100 in the present embodiment. Since the processing from step S100 to step S112 is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  If it is detected in step S112 that the job is a long job (YES in S112), the automatic logout processing unit 110 refers to the setting storage unit 116 and determines whether the setting is for automatic logout during job execution (S120). ). In the case of a setting for automatic logout during job execution (YES in S120), the automatic logout processing unit 110 performed automatic logout processing during login of the login status storage unit 112 during execution of the job. Additional information indicating this is stored (S122).

  Thereafter, the interruption monitoring unit 108 monitors and detects whether the job execution unit 104 has interrupted the job (S124). When the suspension monitoring unit 108 detects a job suspension (YES in S124), the notification unit 120 refers to the notification information storage unit 124 and the login state storage unit 112 based on an instruction from the automatic logout processing unit 110, and automatically logs out. If the job is interrupted and you want to resume the job without performing login processing by the user after canceling the suspension, a notification including a message prompting you to reply to the notification is sent to the destination of the processed user (S128). When the user replies to the notification, the notification unit 120 stores the fact in the login state storage unit 112. Thereafter, when the error causing the interruption is canceled and a restart instruction is given (YES in S130), the job execution unit 104 refers to the login state storage unit 112 and stores that there is a reply in the reply column. If so (YES in S132), the login processing unit 102 is instructed to perform automatic login processing. Based on this, the login processing unit 102 stores information indicating the logged-in state in the login state storage unit 112 (S134). Thereafter, the process returns to step S <b> 108, and the job execution unit 104 refers to the job storage unit 114 and resumes job execution. On the other hand, if it is not stored in step S132 that there is a reply in the reply column (NO in S132), the job execution unit 104 instructs the login processing unit 102 to perform normal login processing. In this case, the process returns to step S104, and normal login processing by the login processing unit 102 is performed.

  Also in this embodiment, the same merit as the first embodiment is obtained. Further, in order to prevent unauthorized use of the image data processing apparatus 100, it is preferable to automatically log out even during job execution. However, if automatic logout is performed during job execution, it becomes necessary to perform login processing again when the job is interrupted, which is troublesome. In the present embodiment, even when an interruption occurs after automatic logout, the automatic login process is performed, so that the convenience of the user can be improved while improving security.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, each component of the image data processing apparatus 100 is a CPU, a memory of an arbitrary computer, a program that realizes the components of this figure loaded in the memory, its It is realized by an arbitrary combination of hardware and software, mainly a storage unit such as a hard disk for storing a program and a network connection interface. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that there are various modifications to the implementation method and apparatus. Each drawing described in the embodiment shows a block of functional units, not a configuration of hardware units. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the configuration of parts not related to the essence of the present invention is omitted.

  The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. The embodiments are exemplifications, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to combinations of the respective constituent elements and processing processes, and such modifications are within the scope of the present invention. .

  Note that when the long job monitoring unit 106 detects that the long job monitoring unit 106 is a long job, the image data processing apparatus 100 can make an inquiry to the user as to whether or not to automatically log out. In this case, automatic logout may not be performed when the user gives an instruction that logout is not possible within a predetermined time. If there is no instruction from the user within a predetermined time, automatic logout may be performed after the predetermined time has elapsed.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image data processing apparatus in embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the image data processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the other example of a structure of the image data processing apparatus in embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of the image data processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of an internal structure of a login state memory | storage part.

Explanation of symbols

100 image data processing apparatus 102 login processing unit 104 job execution unit 106 long job monitoring unit 108 interruption monitoring unit 110 automatic logout processing unit 112 login state storage unit 114 job storage unit 116 setting storage unit 118 authentication information storage unit 120 notification unit 124 notification Information storage unit 150 network

Claims (5)

An image data processing apparatus that performs reading, transmission / reception, or printing of image data as a job,
A login processing unit that receives login information including user identification information and authentication information from a user, and performs login processing of the user by authenticating the login information;
A job execution unit that executes a job instructed by the user while logged in;
A long job monitoring unit that monitors and detects whether the job by the job execution unit is a long job that takes a predetermined time or more;
When the long job monitoring unit detects that the job is a long job, an automatic logout processing unit that automatically performs logout processing of the user during execution of the job or simultaneously with the end of the job;
An image data processing apparatus. The image data processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The long job monitoring unit calculates a time required to finish the job based on the type and content of the job for which the job execution unit has received an instruction and the processing capability of the device, An image data processing apparatus that detects that the job is a long job when it takes longer than the predetermined time. The image data processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The long job monitoring unit is an image data processing device that detects that the job is a long job when the predetermined time has elapsed since the job execution unit started the job. The image data processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When automatic logout processing by the automatic logout processing unit is performed during execution of the job, additional information indicating that the automatic logout processing has been performed is stored in association with the user identification information of the user. A login state storage unit;
An interruption monitoring unit that monitors and detects whether the job executed by the job execution unit is interrupted and a restart instruction;
Further including
After the automatic logout processing by the automatic logout processing unit, if the interruption monitoring unit detects the interruption of the job before the job ends, and if there is an instruction to resume the job, the login processing unit An image data processing apparatus that performs an automatic login process for the user when the additional information is attached with reference to a login state storage unit, and the job execution unit resumes the job. The image data processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When automatic logout processing by the automatic logout processing unit is performed during execution of the job, additional information indicating that the automatic logout processing has been performed is stored in association with the user identification information of the user. A login state storage unit;
An interruption monitoring unit that monitors and detects whether the job executed by the job execution unit is interrupted and a restart instruction;
A notification information storage unit that stores a transmission destination of a notification message to the user in association with the user identification information of the user;
After the automatic logout processing by the automatic logout processing unit, when the interruption monitoring unit detects the interruption of the job before the job is completed, the user information is transmitted by referring to the notification information storage unit First, a notification including that the job has been interrupted and that a reply is required to resume the job without performing another login process after canceling the suspension is sent and a reply to the notification A notification unit for receiving,
Further including
When the notification unit receives the reply, the notification unit stores the information as the additional information in the login state storage unit,
After the automatic logout processing by the automatic logout processing unit, if the interruption monitoring unit detects the interruption of the job before the job ends, and if there is an instruction to resume the job, the login processing unit An image data processing apparatus that refers to a login state storage unit and performs automatic login processing for the user when the additional information stores that the reply has been received, and the job execution unit resumes the job .

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