JP2009277169A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the operability when a user using an image forming device performs user authentication, and to secure high security in the image forming device. <P>SOLUTION: An operation panel 5 is disposed on the front side of the image forming device 1, and the operation panel 5 includes an execution key 52a operated by the user in order to command the execution of a job. The front edge 5a of the operation panel 5 includes a biological information reading device 7 for reading biological information from a finger of a user's hand. The image forming device 1 obtains biological information from the biological information reading device 7 at a timing when the execution key 52a is operated, performs user authentication, and, when the user is specified, permits the execution of the job. The execution key 52a is disposed at a position operable by the fingertip of the same finger, in the state where the biological information reading device 7 reads biological information from the finger of the user's hand. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a function of authenticating a user using biometric information.

  2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses called multifunction peripherals and MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) have recently been used in a network environment. For example, image data obtained when a document is read by an image forming apparatus can be transferred to another image via a network. It is possible to output to a computer, or an image forming apparatus can access a computer on a network and read and output image data stored therein. Therefore, in order to prevent the outflow or disappearance of information due to the use of the image forming apparatus, in recent years, a high security function has been required when using the image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, as a technique for improving the security of an image forming apparatus, for example, a technique for performing user authentication by reading biometric information such as a user's fingerprint and permitting use of various functions in the image forming apparatus according to the authentication result is known. (For example, Patent Document 1). According to such a conventional technique, the user can use various functions of the image forming apparatus by performing fingerprint authentication and logging in to the image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 16 is also known. The image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an operation panel 110 on the front side of the apparatus main body 100a. The operation panel 110 has an authentication key 112 operated for user authentication and a job for the image forming apparatus 100. An execution key 113 for instructing execution is provided. A biological information reader 130 that reads biological information from the finger of the user's hand is provided separately from the operation panel 110 and is installed on a working table 120 attached to the side surface of the apparatus main body 100a. Therefore, when the user uses the image forming apparatus 100, various types of authentication are performed by performing user authentication with the finger placed on the biological information reading apparatus 130 installed on the working table 120 and logging in to the image forming apparatus. The function can be used.

JP 2005-123699 A

  However, in the case of the above-described conventional technology, the operation when performing user authentication for the user to log in to the image forming apparatus becomes complicated. For example, in the case of Patent Document 1, the user needs to operate the execution key and the authentication key with another finger with the fingertip of the authentication finger placed on the fingerprint reading device provided on the operation panel, and performs user authentication. For this purpose, it is necessary to perform two actions (actions), that is, the action of placing the authentication finger on the fingerprint reading device and the action of operating the execution key and the authentication key. The same applies to the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 16, and the user puts the authentication finger of one hand on the biometric information reading device 130 installed on the working table 120 and further uses the finger of the other hand. It is necessary to operate the execution key 113 and the authentication key 112 of the operation panel 110, and it is necessary to perform two operations in order to perform user authentication.

  By the way, the conventional image forming apparatus is based on the premise that the logged-in user surely performs the logout operation. For example, the countermeasure for the case where the logged-in user forgets to perform the logout operation is not sufficient. For this reason, there is a possibility that the image forming apparatus is illegally used in an office environment where users are frequently replaced.

  As a method for preventing this, for example, there is a method of automatically performing logout processing when a predetermined time elapses when the operation panel is not operated. In the case of this method, by setting the predetermined time short, it is possible to prevent a user who has replaced the logged-in user from using the image forming apparatus illegally.

  However, on the other hand, it is necessary for the user to continuously operate the operation panel at a short interval after logging in to the image forming apparatus and operating the execution key for instructing execution of the job. When a predetermined time elapses, logout processing is automatically executed. In this case, in order for the user to use the image forming apparatus continuously, it is necessary to log in to the image forming apparatus again by performing the above-described complicated operation for user authentication, and the operability of the image forming apparatus is improved. It drops significantly.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above-described conventional problems, and while improving the operability when performing user authentication, ensuring high security and further improving the operability of the entire apparatus. And an image forming apparatus improved.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus, which is operable to instruct execution of a job by an image processing unit that executes a job related to image processing, and the image processing unit A job is executed when the user can be identified by performing user authentication based on the biometric information obtained from the biometric information reading means and the biometric information reading means for reading the biometric information from the user's finger. And the execution key is positioned at a position where the biometric information reading means can be operated with the fingertip of the same finger in a state where the biometric information reading means can read the biometric information from the finger of the user's hand. It is characterized by being provided.

  According to such a configuration, the user performs an operation for enabling the biometric information reading unit to read the biometric information from the finger of the hand and an operation of operating the execution key with the fingertip of the same finger as a series of operations. Therefore, the operability when performing user authentication is improved.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the control means performs user authentication at a timing when the execution key is operated.

  According to this configuration, user authentication is performed each time the execution key is operated by the user.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the control unit performs user authentication at a timing when the execution key is operated in an initial state to identify a user. If it is possible, it accepts a setting input operation relating to image processing, and after that, when the execution key is further operated, user authentication is performed again and the same user can be identified to reflect the input setting information. And causing the image processing unit to execute a job.

  According to such a configuration, the job is executed when the same user can be specified by the second user authentication, and the job is not executed when the same user cannot be specified. The security of the image forming apparatus is improved.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the image forming apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores the setting information, and the control unit selects the same user when the user authentication is performed again. If the information cannot be specified, the setting information is stored in the storage unit.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to retain the setting information related to the image processing set and input by the user without losing the setting information.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, when the control unit can identify the user by performing user authentication, the setting information input by the identified user is When stored in the storage means, the setting information is read and reflected.

  According to this configuration, when the user logs in, if the setting information that was interrupted during the previous session is saved, the setting information is reflected, and it is possible to continue operation from the state that was interrupted during the operation. Improves.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the biometric information reading unit reads a vein pattern of a portion excluding a fingertip of a finger of a user's hand. It is said.

  According to such a configuration, user authentication with higher security can be performed as compared with fingerprint authentication or face authentication.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the biological information reading unit includes a reading unit that reads biological information from a finger of a user's hand, and the reading unit. And a supporting portion that supports the reading portion so that the reading portion can swing.

  According to such a configuration, when the user performs user authentication through a series of operations, the reading unit of the biometric information reading unit swings according to the posture of the finger of the user's hand, so that the operability is further improved.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects further includes an operation panel operable by a user, and the execution key is provided on the operation panel. The biometric information reading means is arranged in front of the execution key.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the execution key is provided in a part of the biological information reading unit. According to such a configuration, the biometric information reading unit with excellent operability can be provided in any part of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when a user performs user authentication, an operation for enabling the biometric information reading unit to read the biometric information from the finger of the hand and the same fingertip are performed. Since the operation of operating the keys can be performed as a series of operations, it is not necessary to perform two operations, the operability is remarkably improved, and high security can be ensured in the image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the member which is mutually common in some embodiment demonstrated below, and the description which repeats about them is abbreviate | omitted.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 1 shows an XYZ coordinate system orthogonal to each other. The front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus 1 corresponds to the X-axis direction, the up-down direction corresponds to the Y-axis direction, and the left-right direction corresponds to the Z-axis (note that The same applies to the case where the XYZ coordinate system is shown in other drawings).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is a so-called multifunction machine or MFP, and has a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a FAX function, a printer function, and a scanner function. It is possible to connect to a communication network such as a telephone line. Such an image forming apparatus 1 outputs image data read from a document to another computer via a network, or accesses a computer on the network to acquire image data stored therein and prints it out. And data such as FAX data can be transmitted / received via a communication network. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit 2 provided in the upper part of the apparatus main body 1a, and an image forming unit 3 provided almost in the center of the apparatus main body 1a. The forming unit 3 constitutes an image processing unit 4 that executes a job related to image processing designated by the user.

  The image reading unit 2 is an image reading unit that reads a document and generates image data, and operates when, for example, the copy function, the FAX function, or the scanner function of the image forming apparatus 1 is used. The image reading unit 2 reads a document placed on the reading glass 2a and generates image data. For example, when execution of a job related to a copy function is instructed in the image forming apparatus 1, the image reading unit 2 reads an original to generate image data, and outputs the image data to the image forming unit 3. When the execution of a job related to the FAX function or the scanner function is instructed, the image reading unit 2 reads an original to generate image data, and outputs the image data to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. A lid member 2b that rotates so as to be able to contact with and separate from the reading glass 2a is provided on the upper portion of the reading glass 2a. An automatic document feeder (so-called ADF) that automatically feeds the image reading unit 2 one by one may be provided.

  The image forming unit 3 is an image forming unit that forms an image based on input image data, and operates when, for example, the copy function, the FAX function, or the printer function of the image forming apparatus 1 is used. The image forming unit 3 forms an image on a sheet or the like as an image forming medium based on input image data, and performs print output. For example, when execution of a job related to a copy function is instructed in the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming unit 3 forms an image on a sheet based on image data input from the image reading unit 2 and outputs the sheet. When the execution of a job related to the FAX function or the printer function is instructed, the image forming unit 3 forms an image on a sheet based on image data input from the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 and outputs it.

  An operation panel 5 is provided on the front side of the apparatus main body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 as an operation input unit that is operated to instruct various settings and job execution when the user uses the image forming apparatus 1. . The operation panel 5 includes a touch panel type display unit 51 provided for displaying various types of information to the user. A plurality of operation buttons 52 that can be operated by the user are provided around the display unit 51, and the user operates the operation buttons 52 to instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to execute a job. An execution key 52a is included. In the present embodiment, the execution key 52 a is configured not only to detect the start of job execution, but also to detect a trigger for user authentication in the image forming apparatus 1. The execution key 52a is provided in the vicinity of the front edge 5a of the operation panel 7 as shown in FIG.

  A biological information reader 7 is attached to the front edge 5a of the operation panel 5 in correspondence with the position of the execution key 52a. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the operation panel 5 and the biological information reading device 7, FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of the operation panel 5, and FIG. 2B is an operation of the positional relationship between the execution key 52a and the biological information reading device 7. It is the figure seen from the upper part of the panel 5. FIG. As shown in FIG. 2A, the biological information reading device 7 is attached at substantially the same position as the execution key 52 in the left-right direction of the operation panel 5. The biological information reader 7 is fixed to the front edge 5a of the operation panel 5 with a main body 7a provided with a reading unit 70 for reading biological information from the finger of the user's hand and the bottom of the main body 7a. And a support portion 7b. A groove portion 7c having a substantially semicircular cross section in which a finger of a user's hand can be placed is formed in the upper part of the main body portion 7a along the front-rear direction. The groove portion 7c constitutes the reading unit 70. .

  The biometric information reader 7 is a biometric information reader that reads biometric information from the finger of the user's hand to perform user authentication. In this embodiment, the biometric information reader 7 reads the vein blood vessel pattern from the portion excluding the fingertip of the user's hand. It is configured as a vein pattern reading device. Therefore, the groove portion 7c is formed from the front end portion to the rear end portion of the main body portion 7a so that the user can place the middle portion of the finger or the root portion along the groove portion 7c. It has become. As shown in FIG. 2B, the biological information reader 7 is attached so that the execution key 52a is positioned on the axis L that extends the groove 7c toward the operation panel 5. The distance D between the end of the biometric information reader 7 and the execution key 52a is a distance that allows the user to operate the execution key 52a with the fingertip of the same finger in a state where the finger is placed in the groove 7c. Is set.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the user places an authentication finger F such as an index finger on the groove portion 7 c and keeps the authentication finger F in a state in which the biometric information reader 7 can read the biometric information from the authentication finger F. The execution key 52a of the operation panel 5 can be operated with the fingertip of F.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the apparatus body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a CPU 10, a memory 11, and a data communication unit 13 in addition to the image reading unit 2 and the image forming unit 3 described above. As described above, the image reading unit 2 and the image forming unit 3 constitute the image processing unit 4 in the image forming apparatus 1, and the image processing unit 4 performs various images in the copy function, FAX function, printer function, and scanner function. Processing is performed. The data communication unit 13 includes a communication interface therein, and is connected to a network or a communication network to transmit / receive data to / from an external apparatus (for example, a computer or a FAX apparatus).

  The biological information reader 7 includes a light projecting unit 71 disposed on the side surface of the groove 7c and an imaging unit 72 disposed on the bottom surface of the groove 7c. The light projecting unit 71 is disposed along the groove 7c. Infrared light is irradiated to the side surface of the user's authentication finger, and the imaging unit 72 receives light directed to the bottom surface of the groove portion 7c through the inside of the authentication finger and reads the vein pattern. Yes. For example, when the biometric information reader 7 receives a read command from the CPU 10, it reads the vein pattern in response to it and outputs the biometric information to the CPU 10. The biometric information is image data obtained by capturing a vein pattern.

  The memory 11 is a storage unit that stores various information, programs, and the like, and stores user management data 12 in this embodiment. The user management data 12 is data for managing users who can use the image forming apparatus 1 in order to improve the security of the image forming apparatus 1. In the user management data 12, biometric information registration data 12a is registered in advance for each user who is permitted to use the image forming apparatus 1. The biometric information registration data 12a is data in which biometric information read by the biometric information reading device 7 at the time of user registration is registered in advance.

  The CPU 10 is a control unit that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 by executing a predetermined program. The CPU 10 inputs the user's biometric information (vein pattern) from the biometric information reader 7 and authenticates the user. If the user can be identified as a result of the authentication, the CPU 10 forms an image for the user. The use of various functions of the device 1 is permitted, and the user can use these functions. For example, each time the execution key 52 a of the operation panel 5 is operated by the user, the CPU 10 sends a reading command to the biological information reading device 7 and the user placed in the groove 7 c of the biological information reading device 7. The biometric information read from the finger is acquired and user authentication is performed. At this time, the user can perform the operation of placing the authentication finger in the groove 7c of the biometric information reading device 7 and the operation of operating the execution key 52a with the fingertip of the authentication finger as a series of operations. The operability when performing is improved.

  In the present embodiment, in the user authentication, vein authentication is performed to determine whether or not the vein pattern read by the biometric information reader 7 matches the user's vein pattern registered in advance in the biometric information registration data 12a of the memory 11. Is called. Since vein authentication uses a biometric feature called a vein pattern to authenticate a user, it can be compared with the case of reading and authenticating features that appear in the user's appearance, such as fingerprint authentication and face authentication. There is little psychological resistance given to the user, and it has the advantage that counterfeiting is extremely difficult. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is easy to use and can perform user authentication at a high security level.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the CPU 10 of the image forming apparatus 1. In the initial state of the image forming apparatus 1, the CPU 10 displays an initial screen on the display unit 51 of the operation panel 5 (step S10). In this initial state, various functions of the image forming apparatus 1 are in a locked state, and the display unit 51 of the operation panel 5 has an authentication finger attached to the groove 7c of the biological information reader 7 as an initial screen. When the execution key 52a is operated, a display indicating that various functions of the image forming apparatus 1 can be used is displayed. In this initial screen, not only the explanation by text but also the guidance display of the mode in which the execution key 52a is operated in a state where the authentication finger is attached to the groove portion 7c by a pattern or an animation video, the operability is improved. Further improvement.

  In such an initial state, the CPU 10 monitors whether or not the execution key 52a has been operated (step S11). Then, when the user looks at the initial screen and operates the execution key 52a of the operation panel 5, the CPU 10 detects that the execution key 52a is turned on (YES in step S11), and the biometric information reading device 7 is notified at that timing. A reading command is sent to read biometric information (step S12). When the biometric information is input from the biometric information reader 7, the CPU 10 reads the biometric information registration data 12 a from the memory 11, and compares the biometric information input from the biometric information reader 7 with the biometric information registration data 12 a. A user is specified (step S13). If the user who operates the execution key 52a can be identified as a pre-registered user (YES in step S14), the CPU 10 releases the lock state of the image forming apparatus 1 to enter the login state by the specific user, Execution of various functions is permitted (step S15). As a result, the user can use various functions of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The CPU 10 displays an operation menu screen regarding various unlocked functions on the display unit 51 of the operation panel 5 (step S16), and accepts a setting operation by the user (step S17). Accordingly, the user can perform setting operations related to various functions before instructing the image forming apparatus 1 to execute the job. At this time, the CPU 10 monitors whether or not the execution key 52a has been operated (step S18), and accepts a setting operation until the user operates the execution key 52a. When it is detected that the user has operated the execution key 52a (YES in step S18), the CPU 10 sends a reading command to the biological information reader 7 again at that timing, and reads the biological information (step S19). When the biometric information is input from the biometric information reader 7, the CPU 10 reads the biometric information registration data 12 a from the memory 11, and compares the biometric information input from the biometric information reader 7 with the biometric information registration data 12 a. A user is specified (step S20). If the user who operates the execution key 52a can be identified as a pre-registered user (YES in step S20), the CPU 10 reflects the setting information input via the operation panel 5 and the image reading unit 2 Alternatively, the execution of the job in the image processing unit 4 is controlled by instructing the image forming unit 3 to execute the job (step S22).

  When the execution of the job is completed, the process of this flowchart is completed and the process returns to the initial state (step S10) again. If it is determined in steps S14 and S21 that the user who has operated the execution key 52a is not a registered user, the process proceeds to step S23, and the CPU 10 displays a warning screen on the display unit 51 of the operation panel 5. This warning screen includes, for example, a display indicating that the user is not registered, and a display indicating that the user can operate if user registration is performed. When the warning display is finished, the process of this flowchart is finished, and the process returns to step S10 again to be in the initial state.

  According to the processing procedure as described above, every time the user operates the execution key 52a of the operation panel 5, the CPU 10 reads the biometric information of the user's authentication finger from the biometric information reading device 7 at that timing and performs user authentication. It is configured as follows. Therefore, even when an unregistered user different from the logged-in user operates the execution key 52a to cause the image forming apparatus 1 to execute the job, the job is not executed, and the unregistered user uses the image forming apparatus 1 illegally. Therefore, a high security device is realized.

  Further, the operation performed by the user to perform user authentication is a series of operations including an operation of placing an authentication finger in the groove portion 7c of the biometric information reader 7 and an operation of operating the execution key 52a with the fingertip of the same authentication finger. Therefore, the operability when logging into the image forming apparatus 1 or causing the image forming apparatus 1 to execute a job is significantly improved.

  In the case of the present embodiment, when the user performs a setting operation regarding various functions in step S17 described above, the logout process is automatically performed even when the operation panel 5 is not operated for a relatively long time. Therefore, the user does not have to repeat the login operation frequently, and the operability of the entire apparatus is improved.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, an image forming apparatus will be described in which functions that can be used only by a logged-in user can be used by registering in advance functions that can be used by registered users. Further, in the present embodiment, even if the user who operates the operation panel is replaced with another user while the logged-in user is performing the setting operation of the permitted function via the operation panel, the original user is again An image forming apparatus that can be operated continuously from the previous setting state after logging in will be described. Also in this embodiment, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 and the configuration in which the biological information reading device 7 is attached to the operation panel 5 are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. 6 differs from the first embodiment (FIG. 4) in that the user management data 12 stored in the memory 11 includes the function registration data 12b in addition to the above-described biometric information registration data 12a. There are two points: the included point and the setting information storage area 13 in the memory 11.

  In the user management data 12, biometric information registration data 12a and function registration data 12b are registered in association with each other for each user who is permitted to use the image forming apparatus 1. The function registration data 12b is data in which functions of the image forming apparatus 1 that can be used by registered users are registered in advance. For example, one user can use only the copy function of the image forming apparatus 1, while another user can use the copy function and the scanner function, and another user can use all the functions of the image forming apparatus 1. In the function registration data 12b, functions that are permitted to be used for each registered user are registered.

  The setting information storage area 13 is used when a user who logs in to the image forming apparatus 1 is performing a setting operation for a permitted function via the operation panel and the user who operates the operation panel is switched to another user. The CPU 10 is provided as a storage means for temporarily storing the setting information input so far, and the CPU 10 performs the writing of the setting information to the setting information storage area 13 and the reading of the setting information from the setting information storage area 13. Is called.

  The CPU 10 reads the user's biometric information (vein pattern) from the biometric information reader 7 at the timing when the execution key 52a is operated by the user. The biometric information obtained from the biometric information reader 7 is verified by comparing the biometric information obtained from the biometric information reader 7 with the biometric information registration data 12a in the memory 11 to authenticate the biometric information, that is, the user. If any one of the biometric information of a plurality of users included in the biometric information registration data 12a is matched, the user is authenticated as a registered user of the matched biometric information. When it is specified that the user who operates the execution key 52a is a registered user, the CPU 10 shifts the functions permitted in advance to the specified user among various functions in the image forming apparatus 1 to a usable state. . Specifically, the function registration data 12b is read from the memory 11, one or more functions registered in the function registration data 12b are specified for the specified user, and those functions are specified in the image forming apparatus 1. An execution-permitted state that can be executed is set. Therefore, when a registered user logs in to the image forming apparatus 1, only functions permitted for the registered user can be used.

  Further, every time the execution key 52 a of the operation panel 5 is operated, the CPU 10 sends a reading command to the biological information reading device 7, and the living body read from the user's finger placed in the groove portion 7 c of the biological information reading device 7. Obtain information and perform user authentication. The operation performed by the user at this time is the same as that in the first embodiment, and includes an operation of placing an authentication finger in the groove 7c of the biometric information reader 7 and an operation of operating the execution key 52a with the fingertip of the authentication finger. Since it can be performed as one series of operations, the operability when performing user authentication is improved.

  The CPU 10 performs user authentication even when the execution key 52a is operated while a registered user is logged in. If a user different from the logged-in user is specified by this user authentication, The setting information input by operating the operation panel 5 by the logged-in user is stored and saved in the setting information storage area 13 of the memory 11, and the function permitted to the newly logged-in user is set to the execution-permitted state. Change the display content of. Thereafter, when the user who has previously logged in logs into the image forming apparatus 1 again, the CPU 10 reads the setting information stored in the setting information storage area 13 of the memory 11 and reflects it in the display content of the operation panel 5. As a result, the user can continue to operate from the previous setting state.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing procedure as described above, and show processing executed by the CPU 10 of the image forming apparatus 1. Also in the present embodiment, in the initial state of the image forming apparatus 1, the CPU 10 displays an initial screen on the display unit 51 of the operation panel 5 (step S30). This initial state is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and various functions of the image forming apparatus 1 are locked. In the initial state, the CPU 10 monitors whether or not the execution key 52a has been operated (step S31), detects when the user operates the execution key 52a (YES in step S31), and biometric information at that timing. A reading command is sent to the reading device 7 to read biometric information from the user's authentication finger (step S32). When the biometric information is acquired from the biometric information reader 7, the CPU 10 reads the biometric information registration data 12 a from the memory 11 and collates the biometric information input from the biometric information reader 7 with the biometric information registration data 12 a. A user is specified (step S33). If the user can be identified as a pre-registered user (YES in step S34), the CPU 10 releases the lock state of the image forming apparatus 1 to enter the login state, and stores the function registration data 12b from the memory 11. (Step S35), a function permitted to the identified user is identified and execution of only that function is permitted (step S36). As a result, the user can use at least one function of the image forming apparatus 1 permitted for the user.

  And CPU10 displays the operation menu screen regarding the function permitted with respect to the user on the display part 51 of the operation panel 5 (step S37), and receives setting operation by a user (step S38). Accordingly, the user can perform a setting operation regarding usable functions before instructing the image forming apparatus 1 to execute a job. At this time, the CPU 10 monitors whether or not the execution key 52a has been operated (step S39), and accepts a setting operation until the user operates the execution key 52a. When it is detected that the user has operated the execution key 52a (YES in step S39), the CPU 10 sends a reading command to the biometric information reader 7 again at that timing, and reads biometric information from the user's authentication finger ( Step S40). When biometric information is input from the biometric information reading device 7, biometric information registration data 12a is read from the memory 11, and the biometric information input from the biometric information reading device 7 is collated with the biometric information registration data 12a. Identification is performed (step S41). If the user who operated the execution key 52a can be identified as a pre-registered user (YES in step S41), the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. 8, and the user identified in step S42 is identified in step S34. It is determined whether or not the same user (step S45).

  If it is determined in step S45 that they are not the same user, the CPU 10 recognizes that the user has been switched (step S50), and the setting information input through the operation panel 5 by the user who has logged in until then is set in the memory 11. The information is stored in the information storage area 13 (step S51).

  Then, the CPU 10 shifts to the state where the user specified in step S42 is logged in, and reads the function registration data 12b related to the user from the memory 11 (step S52), specifies the function permitted to the user, and determines the function. Only execution is permitted (step S53). The CPU 10 checks whether or not the setting information of the replaced user (the user specified in step S42) is stored in the setting information storage area 13 of the memory 11 (step S54), and the setting information is stored (YES in step S55), the setting information is read (step S56), and the setting is reflected in the image forming apparatus 1 (step S57). Then, the process returns to step S37 in FIG. 7, and the operation menu screen is displayed on the display unit 51 of the operation panel 5 while reflecting the setting state interrupted during the setting when the previous login was performed (step S37). Therefore, in the subsequent processing, the setting operation can be performed subsequently from the state when the user logged in last time.

  If the user change is detected again in step S45, the above process is repeated. If there is setting information in the middle of the operation by the user before the change, the setting is stored in the setting information storage area 13 of the memory 11. When the information is saved and the previous setting information of the newly logged-in user is saved in the setting information storage area 13, the setting information is read and the setting interrupted in the middle of the setting when the previous login was made The state will be reflected.

  If it is confirmed in step S45 that the user who has operated the execution key 52a is the same user as the currently logged-in user, the process proceeds from step S45 to step S46, and the CPU 10 is input via the operation panel 5. The execution of the job in the image processing unit 4 is controlled by instructing the image reading unit 2 or the image forming unit 3 to execute the job by reflecting the set information (step S46). When the execution of the job is completed, if the setting information corresponding to the user is stored in the setting information storage area 13 of the memory 11, the setting information storage area 13 is cleared by deleting it (step S47). The process is terminated.

  If it is determined in steps S34 and S42 that the user who has operated the execution key 52a is not a registered user, the process proceeds to step S44, and the CPU 10 displays a warning screen on the display unit 51 of the operation panel 5. This process is the same as step S23 in FIG. Thus, the processing of this flowchart is completed, and the processing described above is repeated after returning to the initial state (step S30 in FIG. 7) again.

  According to the processing procedure as described above, when a registered user logs in to the image forming apparatus 1 and another registered user operates the execution key 52a, processing similar to the so-called interrupt function is performed. Thus, another registered user who has newly logged in can use the image forming apparatus 1. When the original registered user logs in again even when the registered user who has logged in first is performing a setting operation of the permitted function via the operation panel 5 and is switched to another registered user. Is configured so that it can be operated continuously from the previous setting state, so that the operability of the image forming apparatus 1 is further improved.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment registers functions that can be used by registered users in advance for each user, and can use only functions permitted for the user when the user logs in. As a result, a higher level of security is ensured.

  In this embodiment, the operation performed by the user when performing user authentication is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the same authentication finger as the operation of placing the authentication finger in the groove 7c of the biological information reading device 7 is used. Since the operation of operating the execution key 52a with the fingertip is a series of operations, the operability when logging into the image forming apparatus 1 or when causing the image forming apparatus 1 to execute a job is improved.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the manner in which the biological information reading device 7 is attached to the operation panel 5 is further improved to further improve the operability when logging in to the image forming apparatus 1 or causing the image forming apparatus 1 to execute a job. The possible forms will be described. In this embodiment, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a part of the operation panel 5 (part to which the biological information reading device 7 is attached) in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. Also in this embodiment, the biological information reading device 7 includes a main body portion 7a and a support portion 7b that supports the main body portion 7a, and the support portion 7b is fixed to the front edge portion 5a of the operation panel 5. And the main-body part 7a of the biometric information reader 7 is supported by the support part 7b so that rotation around the left-right direction axis | shaft L1 parallel to a Z-axis is possible. Therefore, when the user tries to operate the execution key 52a of the operation panel 5 with the fingertip of the same authentication finger with the authentication finger attached to the groove 7c of the biometric information reading device 7, the main body portion 7a of the biometric information reading device 7 is used. Oscillates in the front-rear direction, making it easier to operate the execution key 52a.

  In particular, users who use the image forming apparatus 1 have various physique differences such as height differences, and it is difficult to determine the mounting posture of the main body portion 7a of the biological information reading device 7 that is optimal for all users. Therefore, if the main body portion 7a is attached to the support portion 7b in a fixed posture, the user may operate the execution key 52a with the authentication finger attached to the groove portion 7c of the biological information reading device 7. If the user tries to do so, the root of the authentication finger or the like may be lifted from the groove 7c, and the reading unit 70 may not be able to accurately read the biometric information. As a result, there is a risk of incompatibility. Therefore, as described above, by providing a mechanism in which the main body portion 7a of the biological information reader 7 swings in the front-rear direction, the same authentication can be performed in a state where the user puts an authentication finger on the groove portion 7c of the biological information reader 7. When trying to operate the execution key 52a of the operation panel 5 with the fingertip of the finger, the body portion 7a changes its posture according to the user's physique and the like, so that the user's authentication finger can be prevented from being lifted and the biometric information can be stabilized. It can be read accurately.

  10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing an example of the swing mechanism of the main body 7a in the biological information reader 7, wherein FIG. 10A is a vertical cross section parallel to the Z axis, and FIG. 10B is a vertical cross section parallel to the X axis. Is shown. Note that the electrical configurations of the light projecting unit 71 and the imaging unit 72 of the biological information reading device 7 are not shown. As shown in FIG. 10, the lower part of the body portion 7a of the biological information reader 7 is fitted into the support portion 7b, and on the left and right side surfaces of the fitted portion, the rotation shaft 7d coaxial with the axis L1. Is provided protruding. On the other hand, the support portion 7b includes a bottom member 75 and a cover member 76 that covers the bottom member 75 from above, and the bottom member 75 has a pair of pivots protruding from the left and right side surfaces of the main body portion 7a. A pair of left and right holding portions 75a for holding the shaft 7d in a rotatable manner is provided. By covering the cover member 76 from above with these holding portions 75a holding the rotating shaft 7d, the upper peripheral portion 76a of the cover member 76 surrounds the main body portion 7a, and the peripheral portion 76a is the rotating shaft 7d. Hold the top of the. Accordingly, the rotation shaft 7d is prevented from being detached from the holding portion 75a, and the main body portion 7a is supported so as to be rotatable around the axis L1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10B, the main body portion 7a can swing in the front-rear direction indicated by the arrow R1. In the case of the present embodiment, the amount of rotation of the main body 7a is regulated by the fact that the end surface or the bottom surface of the main body 7a hits the inner surface of the support 7b, but the main body 7a is located inside the support 7b. A restricting means for restricting the amount of rotation may be separately provided.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in the biological information reading device 7 disposed on the front side of the operation panel 5, the support portion 7b includes the main body portion 7a including the reading unit 70 that reads the biological information from the finger of the user's hand. Since it supports so that it can rock | fluctuate to the front-back direction, when the user of various physiques puts an authentication finger in the groove part 7c of the biometric information reader 7, the main-body part 7a is changed according to the angle by which the authentication finger was put. The posture can be changed, and when the user operates the execution key 52a, the main body 7a is inclined forward with the movement of the authentication finger. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operability when performing user authentication is further improved, and accurate user authentication can be stably performed in the image forming apparatus 1.

  Also in this embodiment, by applying the processing procedure described in the first and second embodiments, the image forming apparatus 1 with high security and excellent operability can be realized. Become.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a further improvement of the third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a part of the operation panel 5 (part to which the biological information reading device 7 is attached) in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. Also in this embodiment, the biological information reading device 7 includes a main body portion 7a and a support portion 7b that supports the main body portion 7a, and the support portion 7b is fixed to the front edge portion 5a of the operation panel 5. In the present embodiment, the body portion 7a of the biological information reader 7 is supported by the support portion 7b so as to be rotatable about the left and right axis L1 parallel to the Z axis, and also around the front and rear axis L2. It is rotatably supported. Therefore, when the user tries to operate the execution key 52a of the operation panel 5 with the fingertip of the same authentication finger with the authentication finger attached to the groove 7c of the biometric information reading device 7, the main body portion 7a of the biometric information reading device 7 is used. Swings in the front-rear direction (in the direction of arrow R1 in the figure) and also swings in the left-right direction (in the direction of arrow R2 in the figure). Since the degree of adhesion between the finger and the groove portion 7c can be increased, the operation of the execution key 52a becomes easier.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a swinging mechanism (posture changing mechanism) of the main body 7a in the biological information reader 7, wherein (A) is a longitudinal section parallel to the Z axis, and (B) is an X axis. Shows a longitudinal section parallel to. Note that the electrical configurations of the light projecting unit 71 and the imaging unit 72 of the biological information reading device 7 are not shown. As shown in FIG. 12, the lower part of the main body part 7 a of the biological information reader 7 is fitted in a case member 77 constituting the support part 7 b, and on the left and right side surfaces of the part fitted in the case member 77, A regulating member 7e for regulating the posture fluctuation of the main body 7a is provided so as to protrude. On the other hand, the case member 77 of the support portion 7b is formed wide so that the left and right side surface portions can accommodate the regulating member 7e inside thereof, and the bottom surface has concave portions at positions corresponding to the four corners of the bottom portion of the main body portion 7a. A spring member 7f is provided as an urging means for urging the main body 7a upward in each of the recesses. The upper peripheral portion of the case member 77 surrounds the main body portion 7a, and the inside of the peripheral portion engages with the restriction member 7e to restrict the floating of the main body portion 7a. The urging force by each spring member 7f is smaller than the pressing force of the finger of the user's hand. When the user lightly presses the main body 7a with the authentication finger placed on the groove 7c, the main body 7a is accordingly pressed. However, the posture of the spring member 7f is changed against the spring member 7f.

  13 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example different from FIG. 12, in which (A) shows a vertical cross section parallel to the Z axis, and (B) shows a vertical cross section parallel to the X axis. In this figure, the electrical configurations of the light projecting unit 71 and the imaging unit 72 of the biological information reader 7 are not shown. The configuration of FIG. 13 differs from the configuration of FIG. 12 in that a flexible material such as a foam material or a rubber material is provided between the bottom portion of the main body portion 7a and the inner bottom surface of the case member 77 instead of the spring member. The elastic member 7g having a high elasticity is provided. The elastic member 7g urges the main body portion 7a upward in an unloaded state, and easily contracts when receiving a pressing force from the authentication finger. Therefore, even in the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 13, when the user lightly presses the main body 7 a with the authentication finger placed in the groove 7 c, the main body 7 a resists the elastic member 7 g accordingly. It comes to fluctuate.

  If the biometric information reading device 7 has the configuration shown in FIG. 12 or 13, if the user twists the authentication finger in the left-right direction with the authentication finger placed in the groove 7c of the main body portion 7a, the main body portion accordingly 7a swings in the left-right direction (arrow R2 direction). If the user tries to operate the execution key 52a with the authentication finger placed in the groove 7c of the main body 7a, the main body 7a swings in the front-rear direction (arrow R1 direction) accordingly. By combining the swinging motions in these two directions, the main body 7a can perform various posture changes, and the direction in which the user puts out the authentication finger is slightly inclined in order to perform user authentication. Even if it exists, it becomes possible to make the main-body part 7a follow the authentication finger | toe.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in the biological information reading device 7 disposed on the front side of the operation panel 5, the support portion 7b includes the main body portion 7a including the reading unit 70 that reads the biological information from the finger of the user's hand. Since the body portion 7a is supported so as to be able to swing in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, the posture of the main body portion 7a can be varied. Therefore, the main body 7a not only can take a posture according to the user's physique, but also changes the posture according to the direction in which the user puts out the authentication finger, etc., so the user operates the execution key 52a. Sometimes it is easier to operate. The operability when performing user authentication is further improved, and accurate user authentication can be stably performed in the image forming apparatus 1.

  Also in this embodiment, by applying the processing procedure described in the first and second embodiments, the image forming apparatus 1 with high security and excellent operability can be realized. Become.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the case where the biological information reading device 7 is attached to the front edge portion 5 a of the operation panel 5 in the image forming apparatus 1 is exemplified. In the present embodiment, a configuration example when the biological information reader 7 is installed in a place separate from the operation panel 5 will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a working table 9 attached to the side surface of the apparatus main body 1 a in a shelf shape at a position different from the operation panel 5. The working table 9 functions as a work area for temporarily placing a document or the like when the user uses the image forming apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, a part of the working table 9 includes a biological information reading device. 7 is installed.

  FIG. 15 is an enlarged view showing the biological information reading device 7 installed on the working table 9. The biometric information reading device 7 includes a main body 7 a including a reading unit 70 that reads biometric information from a finger of a user's hand. The main body 7 a is installed on the working table 9. A groove portion 7c having a substantially semicircular cross section in which a finger of a user's hand can be placed is formed along the front-rear direction on the upper portion of the main body portion 7a of the biological information reader 7, and the front side of the groove portion 7c. The reading unit 70 is provided (on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1), and further, on the rear side of the groove 7c (the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1), the user places the authentication finger in the groove 7c. A push button type operation member 79 that can be operated with the fingertip of the authentication finger is provided.

  The operation member 79 has the same function as the execution key 52 a provided on the operation panel 5. When the user operates the operation member 79, user authentication is performed in the image forming apparatus 1 and a job is performed. Is executed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the execution key 52a is not only the operation panel 5 but also a part of the biological information reading device 7, and the biological information reading device 7 can read the biological information from the user's authentication finger. It is also provided at a position where the user can operate with the fingertip of the same authentication finger.

  Thus, by providing the operation member 79 having the same function as the execution key 52a of the operation panel 5 in a part of the biological information reader 7, the biological information reader 7 is located at a position different from the operation panel 5. Even when the user is authenticated, the operation performed by the user when performing user authentication is the operation of placing the authentication finger in the groove 7c of the biometric information reader 7, and the operation member 79 (that is, the execution key 52a) at the fingertip of the authentication finger. Can be performed as a series of operations, so that the operability can be improved.

  And by providing the operation member 79 having the same function as the execution key 52a in a part of the biometric information reader 7 as in the present embodiment, the biometric information reader 7 having excellent operability at the time of user authentication is used as one unit. Since it can be configured, it is not limited to the case of being installed on the working table 9 and can be independently attached to any part of the image forming apparatus 1.

  In order to reduce the movement of the arm between the biological information reader 7 and the operation panel 5, the biological information reader 7 is installed as close to the operation panel 5 as possible in this embodiment. Is preferred.

  In the present embodiment, the processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 1 performed in response to the operation of the operation member 79 (execution key 52a) of the biological information reading apparatus 7 is the first embodiment or the second embodiment. This is the same as that described in.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described in the third and fourth embodiments, the reading unit 70 may be configured to be swingable in the front-rear direction or both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. good.

(Modification)
As mentioned above, although several embodiment regarding this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the thing of the content mentioned above.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a FAX function, a printer function, and a scanner function is exemplified. It is not necessary to have at least one of a plurality of functions.

  In addition, it goes without saying that various modifications can be applied to the above-described embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an operation panel and a biometric information reader. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation mode by the authentication finger | toe of a user at the time of performing user authentication. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the CPU of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the CPU of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the CPU of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment. It is the figure which expanded a part (part to which the biometric information reader was attached) of the operation panel in 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the rocking | fluctuation mechanism of the main-body part provided in the biometric information reader in 3rd Embodiment. It is the figure which expanded a part (part to which the biometric information reader was attached) of the operation panel in 4th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the rocking | fluctuation mechanism (posture variation mechanism) of the main-body part provided in the biometric information reader in 4th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the rocking | fluctuation mechanism (posture variation mechanism) of the main-body part provided in the biometric information reader in 4th Embodiment, and is a figure which shows the example different from FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the image forming apparatus in 5th Embodiment. It is an enlarged view which shows the biometric information reader in 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the conventional image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Image reading part 3 Image forming part 4 Image processing unit 5 Operation panel 7 Biological information reading apparatus (biological information reading means)
7a body part 7b support part 7c groove part 10 CPU (control means)
11 Memory (memory means)
52a execution key 70 reading unit 79 operation member (execution key)

Claims (9)

An image processing unit for executing a job related to image processing;
An execution key operable to instruct execution of a job by the image processing unit;
Biometric information reading means for reading biometric information from the finger of the user's hand;
Control means for performing user authentication based on biometric information obtained from the biometric information reading means and permitting execution of a job when a user can be specified;
With
The image forming apparatus, wherein the execution key is provided at a position where the biometric information reading unit can be operated with a fingertip of the same finger in a state in which the biometric information can be read from a finger of a user's hand.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs user authentication at a timing when the execution key is operated.   The control means performs user authentication at a timing when the execution key is operated in an initial state, and accepts a setting input operation related to image processing when the user can be specified, and then the execution key is further operated. 3. The job according to claim 1, wherein when the user authentication is performed again at the timing and the same user can be identified, the setting information input is reflected and the image processing unit is caused to execute the job. Image forming apparatus. A storage means for storing the setting information;
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit stores the setting information in the storage unit when the same user cannot be specified when the user authentication is performed again. .   When the setting information input by the specified user is stored in the storage means when the user can be identified by performing user authentication, the control means reads and reflects the setting information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the biometric information reading unit reads a vein pattern of a portion excluding a fingertip of a finger of a user's hand. The biological information reading means includes
A reading unit that reads biometric information from a finger of a user's hand;
A support unit for supporting the reading unit;
With
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support unit supports the reading unit in a swingable manner.   An operation panel operable by a user is further provided, the execution key is provided on the operation panel, and the biological information reading unit is disposed in front of the execution key. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 7.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the execution key is provided in a part of the biological information reading unit.

Images