JP2009071843A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of quickly executing and terminating a plurality of processing requests. <P>SOLUTION: When a user is authenticated by an authentication control part 903, a login means 102a performs login processing. Thus, when the user inputs a plurality of different processing requests, a processing storage part 907 stores the plurality of processing requests in a volatile memory 913, a processing execution part 908 associates the respective stored processing requests to the respective corresponding execution parts. When all the processing requests are terminated, a log out processing means 102a performs log out processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that automatically logs out after executing a process selected by an authenticated user.

Conventionally, when a process is executed by a multifunction machine protected by a personal identification number, the user inputs his personal identification number to the multifunction peripheral. The multifunction device determines whether or not the input personal identification number has been registered, authenticates only a user who has been determined to have been registered, and logs in to permit execution of the process. The authenticated user activates the process. When the processing is completed, the multifunction peripheral displays an initial screen on the display means, and the user requests logout by a logout switch on the display. In addition, when a predetermined wait time has elapsed since the last panel operation, the multi-function peripheral determines logout and ends the process. Here, the wait time is a time during which the login state is maintained after a predetermined process is completed until the subsequent process starts.
JP 2004-249625 A

  However, in the above method, when the user leaves the place without logging out by himself after the end of the predetermined process designated by the user until the wait time elapses, other than the authenticated user. There remains a problem to be solved that a user can impersonate an authenticated user and start a subsequent process (request process of another user).

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for logging in a user by user authentication, the storage means storing in advance the identification information of the user as registered identification information, and the identification information for acquiring the identification information of the user who requests the authentication An acquisition unit, an authentication unit that determines whether or not the user authentication is possible based on a comparison between the acquired identification information to be authenticated and the registration identification information; and a user that the determination result of the authentication unit is user authentication Login means for logging in, input means for inputting the processing request of the logged-in user, a management table for managing the processing name and processing number of the processing request input from the input means, and the processing number The processing execution means for executing the processing request of the management table and the log in a state where all the processing requests associated with the processing number have been completed. Characterized in that it comprises a logout processing means for the out state.

  According to the present invention, since a single login and logout is made to correspond to a plurality of processing requests, the plurality of processing requests can be quickly executed and terminated.

  The image forming apparatus (multifunction machine) according to the present invention is configured as follows.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image forming apparatus (multifunction machine) according to the first embodiment.
As shown in the figure, an MFP 101 according to the first embodiment includes an operation panel unit 102, an authentication control unit 103, a password number comparison unit 104, a password number management unit 105, a nonvolatile memory 106, and a process storage unit. 107, a process execution unit 108, a print execution unit 109, a scan execution unit 110, a fax execution unit 111, a process setting unit 112, a volatile memory 113, a batch process selection unit 114, and a time measuring unit 115 Is provided.

  The operation panel unit 102 includes a log-in / log-out processing unit 102a therein, and accepts setting of each process and input of a personal identification number from the user, or displays predetermined information between the MFP 101 and the user. It is a part that shares the role of the man-machine interface and executes login or logout of processing. This part will be described in detail later again with reference to other drawings. The authentication control unit 103 controls the password comparison unit 104, the password management unit 105, and the nonvolatile memory 106 based on the password received from the user via the operation panel unit 102, and executes user authentication. Is a part for notifying the operation panel unit 102 of the above.

  The personal identification number comparison unit 104 is a part that determines whether or not the personal identification number received from the user matches the registered personal identification number read from the nonvolatile memory 106 via the personal identification number management unit 105. That is, it is a part for determining whether or not the password received from the user is included in the password management table (FIG. 4) of the nonvolatile memory 106. The personal identification number management unit 105 is a part that manages the personal identification number registered in the multifunction machine 101. This management includes new registration of the authentication number in the nonvolatile memory 106 and reading of the registration authentication number from the nonvolatile memory 106.

  The non-volatile memory 106 is a non-volatile memory that has a code number management table therein and stores a code number in advance in the multi-function peripheral 101 via the code number management unit 105. The contents of the personal identification number management table will be described later with reference to other figures. The processing storage unit 107 temporarily stores a plurality of processing requests (print processing, scanning processing, fax processing, etc.) by the user in the volatile memory 113 when the batch processing is selected by the user via the batch processing selection unit 114. It is a part to do.

  The process execution unit 108 is a part that causes various execution units described below to execute processes selected by the user (printing process, scanning process, fax process, etc.). Here, when the user selects batch processing by the batch processing selection unit 114 (described later), the process execution unit 108 is based on an execution processing management table (described later) that the volatile memory 113 has. Execute the process. If the user has not selected batch processing, the processing is executed in the order of acceptance.

  The print execution unit 109 is a part that executes print processing. The scan execution unit 110 is a part that executes scan processing. The fax execution unit 111 is a part that executes fax processing. The process setting unit 112 is a part that sends a process request received from the user via the operation panel unit 102 to the batch process selection unit 114. The batch processing selection unit 114 requests the user to select whether or not to batch process requests received from the user via the operation panel unit 102. When batch processing is performed, the batch processing selection unit 114 sends the processing request to the processing storage unit 107. This is a part to be sent to the process execution unit 108 when batch processing is not performed. The time measuring means 115 is a timer that measures an elapsed time since the last key operation performed by the user.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the operation panel unit.
As shown in the figure, the operation panel unit 102 has a button 201 for inputting “1”, a button 202 for inputting “2”, a button 203 for inputting “3”, and a button 204 for inputting “4”. A button 205 for inputting “5”, a button 206 for inputting “6”, a button 207 for inputting “7”, a button 208 for inputting “8”, and a button 209 for inputting “9”. A button 210 for inputting “*”, a button 211 for inputting “0”, a button 212 for inputting “#”, an up cursor key 213, a right cursor key 214, a down cursor key 215, and a left cursor. A key 216; an enter key 217 for inputting a decision; a display screen 218; a button 219 for canceling the job; and a button 220 for starting the job.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen of the operation panel unit according to the first embodiment.
This figure explains the contents of the screen displayed on the display screen 218 of FIG.
In the figure, a screen 301 is a personal identification number input screen. This screen appears after the device is turned on. This password input screen is displayed when a user who uses the multifunction machine 101 is authenticated. When the prompt “Please enter your PIN” is displayed and the user enters your PIN, “*” is displayed for each numeric entry. If the user login is successful, a screen 303 is displayed.

  A screen 302 is a logout request screen. Displayed when requesting logout request from authenticated user. If the user requests logout, “Yes” is selected, and if the user does not wish to logout, “No” is selected.

  A screen 303 is a copy standby screen. When the user wants to set or start copying, the user presses the down cursor key 215 (FIG. 2) on the screen 303 to display the screen 306. A screen 306 is a copy setting screen in which each copy setting can be performed. Here, as an example, the case where the user sets one copy number is shown.

  When the user wants to execute the copy process, the user presses the button 220 (FIG. 2) on the screen 306 to display the screen 309. On this screen, the user can select “execute” for executing the specified process and “add to cart” for executing a plurality of processes collectively. Here, when the user selects execution, a screen 310 is displayed. When the user selects “Add to cart”, the screen returns to the screen 303 (the screen 304 may be shifted), and a plurality of processes can be designated. This function is a function of the batch processing selection unit 114 (FIG. 1) (the same applies to the following description).

  The screen 310 is a processing execution confirmation screen, and it is possible to select “Yes” that actually executes the designated processing and “No” that is not executed. Here, when the user selects “Yes”, a screen 301 is displayed. If the user selects “No”, a screen 303 is displayed, and the print contents can be reset. When the right cursor key 214 (FIG. 2) is pressed on the screen 303, the screen 304 is displayed.

  A screen 304 is a scan standby screen. When the user wants to set or activate the scan, the user presses the down cursor key 215 (FIG. 2) on the screen 304 to display the screen 307. A screen 307 is a scan setting screen in which each setting for scanning can be performed. Here, as an example, the case where the user sets Email is shown.

  If the user wants to execute the scan process, the user presses the button 220 (FIG. 2) on the screen 307 to display the screen 309. On this screen, the user can select “execute” for executing the specified process and “add to cart” for executing a plurality of processes collectively. Here, when the user selects execution, a screen 310 is displayed. When the user selects to put in the cart, the screen returns to the screen 303 (the screen may be shifted to the screen 305), and a plurality of processes can be designated.

  A screen 305 is a fax standby screen. When the user wants to set or activate the fax, the user presses the down cursor key 215 on the screen 305 to display the screen 308. Screen 308. You can configure each fax setting on the fax settings screen. Here, a case where the user sets FaxNo is shown as an example.

  If it is desired to execute the fax process, the button 220 (FIG. 2) is pressed on the screen 308 to display the screen 309. A screen 309 is a process execution screen and is displayed when the process is executed. When the user selects execution on this screen, a screen 310 is displayed. When the user selects to add to cart, the screen returns to the screen 303 and a plurality of processes can be designated.

FIG. 4 is a code number management table according to the first embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the personal identification number is composed of 4 to 9 digits, and the number of registrations can be arbitrarily set by the user.

  The personal identification number is written into the nonvolatile memory 106 (FIG. 1) by the personal identification number management unit 105 (FIG. 1) when newly registered, or when the personal identification number comparison unit 104 (FIG. 1) confirms the personal identification number. Or read from the nonvolatile memory 106 (FIG. 1).

FIG. 5 is an execution process management table according to the first embodiment.
The execution process management table 501 is composed of process names and process settings. The execution process management table 501 is written with a process request designated by the user by the process storage unit 107 (FIG. 1) or read when the process is executed by the process execution unit 108. When the user selects batch processing via the batch processing selection unit 114 (FIG. 1), the contents and processing order of the parallel processing are determined based on the execution processing management table 501.

The multifunction machine of the first embodiment described above operates as follows.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication process using a password from the operation panel unit according to the first embodiment.
This flowchart represents an operation in which the authentication control unit 103 (FIG. 1) performs user authentication based on a password received from the user via the operation panel unit 102 (FIG. 1). The operation of the authentication control unit 103 (FIG. 1) will be described in order of steps from step S1-1 to step S1-5.

Step S1-1
The multifunction machine 101 (FIG. 1) is protected by a password, and a screen 301 (password input screen) is displayed on the display screen 218 (FIG. 3) of the operation panel unit 102 (FIG. 1).

Step S1-2
The user displays the button 201, button 202, button 203, button 204, button 205, button 206, button 207, button 208, button 209, and button 211 on the operation panel unit 102 (FIG. 2) on the screen 301 (FIG. 3). Enter the password using and enter with the Enter key 217. Steps S1-1 and S1-2 are repeated until the password has been entered, and when the password has been entered, the process proceeds to step S1-3.

Step S1-3
The authentication control unit 103 (FIG. 1) includes a password comparison unit 104 (FIG. 1), a password management unit 105 (FIG. 1), based on a password received from the user via the operation panel unit 102 (FIG. 1). The user authentication is executed by controlling the nonvolatile memory 106 (FIG. 1). That is, the password comparison unit 104 (FIG. 1) determines whether or not the password received from the user is included in the password management table (FIG. 4) of the nonvolatile memory 106. Advances to step S1-5, and if not included, advances to step S1-4.

Step S1-4
A message such as “The password is different” is displayed on the display screen 218 (FIG. 3) of the operation panel unit 102 (FIG. 1), and the screen 301 (again) is displayed on the display screen 218 of the operation panel unit 102 (FIG. 1). The password input screen is displayed, and the process returns to step S1-1.

Step S1-5
Based on the authentication notification of the authentication control unit 103 (FIG. 1), the login of the user is permitted, and the copy standby screen 303 (FIG. 3) is displayed on the display screen 218 (FIG. 3) of the operation panel unit 102 (FIG. 2). End the flow.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating execution of processing from the operation panel unit according to the first embodiment.
This flowchart is a flowchart showing an execution operation of a processing request input from the operation panel unit 102 by a user. The execution operation of the input processing request will be described in the order of steps from step S1-11 to step S1-18.

Step S1-11
For example, if the user wants to execute copying on the multifunction peripheral 101 (FIG. 1), when the down cursor key 215 (FIG. 2) is pressed on the screen 303 (copy standby screen) in FIG. 3, a screen 306 (copy setting screen) is displayed. Is done. When the user sets copy on the screen 306 (FIG. 3), the process is set by the process setting unit 112 (FIG. 1).

Step S1-12
When the user presses the button 220 (FIG. 2) after setting the process in the process setting unit 112 (FIG. 1), a screen 309 (process execution screen) is displayed. If the user selects “add to cart” (stores the processing request in the volatile memory 113) on the screen 309 (FIG. 3), the process proceeds to step S1-13. If “execute” is selected, the process proceeds to step S1-13. Proceed to S1-14.

Step S1-13
The process storage unit 107 (FIG. 1) temporarily stores the process request in the volatile memory 113 (FIG. 1) and returns to step S1-11. This is to wait for the input of the subsequent processing (screen 303 (FIG. 3 is displayed again)).

Step S1-14
A screen 310 (processing execution confirmation screen) is displayed. If the user selects “No” on the screen 310, the screen 303 (copy standby screen) is displayed again, and the process returns to step S1-11. If the user selects “Yes” on the screen 310 (process execution confirmation screen), the process proceeds to step S1-15.

Step S1-15
The process execution unit 108 (FIG. 1) checks whether or not a plurality of processes are stored in the volatile memory 113 (FIG. 1). If a plurality of processes are not stored in the volatile memory 113, the process proceeds to step S1-16, and if a plurality of processes are stored, the process proceeds to step S1-17.

Step S1-16
The process execution unit 108 (FIG. 1) controls the print execution unit 109 (FIG. 1), scan execution unit 110 (FIG. 1), or fax execution unit 111 (FIG. 1) corresponding to the process designated by the user. Is executed.

Step S1-17
The process execution unit 108 (FIG. 1) controls the print execution unit 109 (FIG. 1), the scan execution unit 110 (FIG. 1), or the fax execution unit 111 (FIG. 1) corresponding to the process designated by the user, and A plurality of processes in the volatile memory 113 are processed in parallel based on the settings stored in the execution process management table 501. After the processing is completed, the processing contents are discarded from the execution processing management table 501.

Step S1-18
After the process is executed, the login / logout processing unit 102a (FIG. 1) automatically logs out the user from the multifunction machine 101 and ends the flow.
In addition, when the user designates execution, it is recognized that the registration of the process has been completed, and the user logs out and starts the process (the process may be terminated after the process is completed).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to execute a plurality of processes all at once, and an effect that the processing time can be shortened is obtained. In addition, since the user is automatically logged out after executing the process, there is an effect that after the process is completed, other users than the authenticated user cannot impersonate the authenticated user and use the multifunction device.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an image forming apparatus (multifunction machine) according to the second embodiment.
As shown in the figure, an MFP 200 according to the second embodiment includes an operation panel unit 102, an authentication control unit 903, a password comparison unit 904, a password management unit 905, a nonvolatile memory 906, and a process storage unit. 907, a process execution unit 908, a print execution unit 109, a scan execution unit 110, a fax execution unit 111, a process setting unit 112, a volatile memory 913, a collective process selection unit 114, and a timing unit 115. Prepare. Only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described below. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The authentication control unit 903 is a unit that controls the password comparison unit 904, the password management unit 905, and the non-volatile memory 906 based on the password received from the user via the operation panel unit 102, and executes user authentication. .

  The personal identification number comparison unit 904 is a part that determines whether the personal identification number received from the user matches with the registered personal identification number read from the nonvolatile memory 906 via the personal identification number management unit 905. That is, it is a part for determining whether or not the password received from the user is included in the password management table (FIG. 4) of the nonvolatile memory 906. The personal identification number management unit 905 is a part that manages the personal identification number registered in the multifunction device 200. This management includes new registration of the authentication number in the nonvolatile memory 906 and reading of the registered authentication number from the nonvolatile memory 906.

  The non-volatile memory 906 is a non-volatile memory that has a code number management table different from that in the first embodiment and stores the code number in advance in the multi-function device 200 via the code number management unit 905. The contents of the personal identification number management table will be described later with reference to other figures. The process storage unit 907 includes an unexecuted process addition unit 907a therein, and when a batch process is selected by the user via the batch process selection unit 114, a user process request (print process, scan process, fax) And the like are temporarily stored in the volatile memory 913. Further, the previously unexecuted processing is read from the PIN management table of the nonvolatile memory 906 and additionally stored.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen of the operation panel unit according to the second embodiment.
The screens 1001 to 1010 correspond to the screens 301 to 310 in FIG. 3, and since these are the same functions as the functions in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  A screen 1011 is a non-executed process restoration screen, and is displayed when an authenticated user logs out without executing the process specified at the previous login. “Yes” for restoring the unexecuted process at the previous login and “No” for not restoring the unexecuted process can be selected.

FIG. 10 is a code number management table according to the second embodiment.
The personal identification number is composed of 4 to 9 digits, and the number of registrations can be arbitrarily set by the user. The password management unit 905 writes the password into the nonvolatile memory when registering it, or reads the password from the nonvolatile memory when confirming the password with the password comparison unit 904. In addition, when the user indicated by the personal identification number logs out without executing the designated process, the unexecuted process No. in the execution process management table 1201 is displayed. Is added to the PIN. If a plurality of processes are requested but the user selects “stop” during the process, the remaining processes are stored in the nonvolatile memory and logged out.

FIG. 11 is an execution process management table according to the second embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the execution process management table 1201 according to the second embodiment includes process numbers, process names, and process settings. The process storage unit 907 writes an unexecuted process designated by the user into the nonvolatile memory or reads it from the nonvolatile memory when the user logs in.

The multifunction machine of the second embodiment described above operates as follows.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication process using a password from the operation panel unit according to the second embodiment.
This flowchart represents an operation in which the authentication control unit 903 (FIG. 8) executes user authentication based on a password received from the user via the operation panel unit 102 (FIG. 8). The operation of the authentication control unit 903 (FIG. 8) will be described in the order of steps from step S2-1 to step S2-7.

Step S2-1
The multifunction device 200 (FIG. 8) is protected by a personal identification number, and the authentication control unit 903 (FIG. 8) displays a screen 1001 (personal number input screen on the display screen 218 (FIG. 9) of the operation panel unit 102 (FIG. 8). ) Is displayed.

Step S2-2
The user displays the button 201, button 202, button 203, button 204, button 205, button 206, button 207, button 208, button 209, and button 211 of the operation panel unit 102 (FIG. 2) on the screen 1001 (FIG. 9). Enter the password using and enter with the Enter key 217. Steps S2-1 and S2-2 are repeated until the password has been input, and when the password has been input, the process proceeds to step S2-3.

Step S2-3
The authentication control unit 903 (FIG. 8) includes a password comparison unit 904 (FIG. 8), a password management unit 905 (FIG. 8), based on the password received from the user via the operation panel unit 102 (FIG. 8). The user authentication is executed by controlling the nonvolatile memory 906 (FIG. 8). That is, the password comparison unit 904 (FIG. 8) determines whether or not the password received from the user is included in the password management table (FIG. 10) of the nonvolatile memory 906. Advances to step S2-5, and if not included, advances to step S2-4.

Step S2-4
The authentication control unit 903 (FIG. 8) displays a message such as “The password is different” on the display screen 218 (FIG. 9) of the operation panel unit 102 (FIG. 2), and the operation panel unit 102 (FIG. 9) again. Is displayed on the display screen 218, and the process returns to step S2-1.

Step S2-5
The authentication control unit 903 (FIG. 8) checks with the process storage unit 907 (FIG. 8) whether the authenticated user has the non-executed process at the previous login in the nonvolatile memory 906. If the non-executed process at the previous login is in the nonvolatile memory 906 (FIG. 8), the process proceeds to step S2-6, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2-7.

Step S2-6
The process storage unit 907 (FIG. 8) stores the unexecuted process at the previous login in the volatile memory 913 and discards it from the nonvolatile memory 906.

Step S2-7
Based on the authentication notification of the authentication control unit 903 (FIG. 8), the login of the user is permitted, the copy standby screen 1003 is displayed on the display screen 218 (FIG. 9) of the operation panel unit 102 (FIG. 8), and the flow ends. .

  The flow showing the execution of the process from the operation panel unit of the second embodiment is the same as the flow (FIG. 7) showing the execution of the process from the operation panel unit of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when a plurality of processing requests designated by an authenticated user is not executed, it is possible to restore at the next login, and an error occurs without executing the processing. The user can expect to be able to continue processing even if the user logs out or automatically logs out after a predetermined time-out period when the processing is not executed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the description has been made only when the present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. That is, the present invention can also be applied to a printing apparatus such as a copier or a printer. In the above embodiment, the personal authentication is performed by the password input from the user identification information input means. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. In other words, personal authentication may be performed using personal identification information obtained from at least one of fingerprint data, aperture data, face contour data, vein data, and voiceprint data. Alternatively, the security can be further improved by using the plurality of personal identification information in combination.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus (multifunction machine) according to a first exemplary embodiment. It is an external view of an operation panel part. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen of the operation panel unit according to the first embodiment. 3 is a code number management table according to the first embodiment. 3 is an execution process management table according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication process using a password from an operation panel unit according to the first exemplary embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating execution of processing from an operation panel unit according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration block diagram of an image forming apparatus (multifunction machine) according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen of an operation panel unit according to the second embodiment. 10 is a code number management table according to the second embodiment. 10 is an execution process management table according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication process using a password from an operation panel unit according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 MFP 102 Operation panel part 102a Login / logout processing means 103 Authentication control part 104 Security code comparison part 105 Security code management part 106 Non-volatile memory 107 Process storage part 108 Process execution part 109 Print execution part 110 Scan execution part 111 Fax execution Unit 112 Processing setting unit 113 Volatile memory 114 Batch processing selection unit 115 Timekeeping means

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus for logging in a user by user authentication,
Storage means for preliminarily storing the user identification information as registered identification information;
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring authentication identification information of a user who seeks the authentication;
Authentication means for determining whether or not the user authentication is possible based on a comparison between the acquired identification information and the registered identification information;
A log-in means for logging in the user when the result of the determination by the authentication means is user authentication;
Input means for inputting a processing request of the logged-in user;
A management table for associating and managing the process name and process number of the process request input from the input means;
Processing execution means for executing a processing request of the management table by the processing number;
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a logout processing unit configured to log out after all processing requests associated with the processing number have been completed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing number is a numerical value given after authentication is completed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the process number is assigned to an unexecuted process.   A process number associated with the process name of the process request when a process stop request is received before the process requested by the user is completed and all the processes requested by the user have not been completed by the process execution unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a stop unit that stores the information in association with the identification information and performs the logout.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing number and the processing setting of the processing request are stored in association with each other. A volatile memory for storing the management table;
Having a non-volatile memory for storing the processing number and the identification information associated by the stopping means;
The login means stores the authenticated user identification information stored in the nonvolatile memory in the management table of the volatile memory and discards the processing stored in the nonvolatile memory when authentication is possible. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 or 5.   The log-in means stores the authenticated user identification information stored in the nonvolatile memory in the management table of the volatile memory before receiving a new processing request from the input means when authentication is possible. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.   The login means stores or discards the authenticated user identification information stored in the nonvolatile memory in the management table of the volatile memory before receiving a new processing request from the input means when authentication is possible. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the user is prompted to select one of them.

Images