JP2010093635A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can prevent leakage of a secret document even when a user forgets to log it out. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 50 includes: an operation panel 54 which has an operation part 58 for receiving operations with a finger of the user and a fingerprint reading part 60 for repeatedly reading a fingerprint image of the user while the user operates the operation part 58; a CPU 80 which responds to operation input by the user on the operation part 58 and executes processing according to the operation input; and a fingerprint collating section 86 which repeatedly authenticates the fingerprint image read by the fingerprint reading part 60 while the user operates the operation part 58. The CPU 80, in response to fact that the fingerprint collating section 86 fails in authentication, ends the execution of processing according to the operation input. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that performs authentication processing for a user and permits or disallows use according to an authentication result.

  In recent years, a network to which an image forming apparatus that functions as a printer or a digital multifunction peripheral is connected is used. A user can use the functions of the image forming apparatus using a computer connected to the network. For example, when a user transmits a print instruction from a computer to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus prints an image on a sheet.

  In general, the image forming apparatus is often located at a location away from a computer frequently used by a user. In such cases, the following problems arise. Consider a case where a user wants an image forming apparatus to print a confidential document stored in a computer. The user transmits a print instruction for printing the confidential document from the computer to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus receives this print instruction and prints the document. However, when the image forming apparatus is located away from the computer, a printed copy of the confidential document is not received until the user arrives at the image forming apparatus to take the printed material after sending the print instruction. It may be seen by others. As a result, important information may be leaked to others. Such a situation must be avoided.

  Therefore, various methods for preventing information leakage have been proposed when using an image forming apparatus connected to a network.

  As a method for preventing information leakage, a method for restricting users who use an image forming apparatus by inputting a password is well known. In this case, leakage of confidential information can be prevented as follows. A user transmits a print instruction from the computer to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus does not print immediately upon receiving this print instruction. After the user reaches the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus prints an image according to the print instruction on a sheet only after the password is entered into the image forming apparatus and authentication is successful. Since an image is not printed unless a password is entered, the risk of a confidential document being viewed by another person can be reduced.

  However, the password input method has the following problems. The first problem is that it is complicated for a user to input a password. Normally, it is desirable that a password has a large number of characters and that the combination of characters is complicated. It is troublesome for the user to set and input such a complicated password. The second problem is that when a complicated password is set, there are users who write down the password on paper. There is a possibility that the password will be leaked from the paper on which the password is written, and there is a greater risk that the confidential document will be leaked if the password is obtained by a person who is not obliged to keep it confidential. A third problem is that the user may forget the password. A user who forgets the password cannot use the image forming apparatus, and there is a risk of causing trouble in business.

  In order to solve such a problem, Patent Document 1 described later discloses a method of performing user authentication by fingerprint authentication. The configuration of the system described in Patent Document 1 is as follows. The system described in Patent Literature 1 includes a terminal including an IC (Integrated Circuit) card reader and a fingerprint reader, and an image forming apparatus including an IC card reader. The IC card stores an image of a legitimate user's fingerprint.

  When using the terminal, the user inserts the IC card into the IC card reader of the terminal, and further causes the fingerprint reader to read the fingerprint. The terminal performs fingerprint authentication by comparing the fingerprint image read by the fingerprint reading device with the fingerprint image stored in the IC card. Only when the fingerprint authentication is successful, the user can operate the terminal. An operation for requesting transmission of a print instruction to the image forming apparatus can be performed only when authentication is successful. When the fingerprint authentication is successful, the terminal transmits a print instruction and a fingerprint image used for collation to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus stores this print instruction therein.

  The user holds the IC card and moves from the terminal to the image forming apparatus. When the user reaches the image forming apparatus, the user inserts the IC card into the IC card reader of the image forming apparatus. When the IC card is mounted on the IC card reader, the image forming apparatus reads a fingerprint image from the IC card. The image forming apparatus further collates the fingerprint image read from the IC card with the fingerprint image received together with the print instruction. As a result of the collation, if it is determined that both fingerprints match, the image forming apparatus prints an image on a sheet in accordance with a print instruction. If it is determined that the fingerprints do not match as a result of the collation, the image forming apparatus does not execute the printing process.

In the configuration of the system described in Patent Document 1, it is not necessary to input a password, and it is possible to easily prevent leakage of a confidential document as compared with a method using a password input.
JP 2005-165434 A

  Generally, in an image forming apparatus or the like, authentication is performed as a valid user and the operation of the apparatus is made possible to log in, and login means that the operation of the apparatus cannot be performed after logging in. Say that. In Patent Document 1, the act of attaching an IC card to the card reader of the image forming apparatus is a log-in to the image forming apparatus, and the act of removing the IC card from the card reader of the image forming apparatus is a logout.

  In the system described in Patent Document 1, it is assumed that a user performs a logout operation immediately after completing an operation on the apparatus after logging in. However, there is always a possibility that the user forgets the logout operation and leaves the apparatus. If this happens, the following problems will occur. That is, with the technique described in Patent Document 1, even if the user of the image forming apparatus is switched after login and before logout, the image forming apparatus cannot detect it. Therefore, for example, when a legitimate user forgets to log out and leaves the image forming apparatus, there is a risk that a malicious user can continue to use the image forming apparatus. Some recent image forming apparatuses have a function of storing printed data. When a confidential document is stored as such, a malicious user prints the document on the image forming apparatus. It can be taken out to the outside. Such a situation should not be security.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing leakage of a confidential document even when a user forgets to log out.

  An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an operation input unit for accepting an operation with a user's finger and an image of the user's fingerprint while the user operates the operation input unit. In response to the user's operation input to the operation input means, the user operates the operation input means and the process execution means for executing processing corresponding to the operation input. And a repetitive authentication unit for repetitively authenticating the fingerprint image read by the fingerprint reading unit, and for disabling the process execution unit in response to the failure of the authentication by the repetitive authentication unit. Means.

  The operation input unit accepts an operation with a user's finger, and the fingerprint reading unit repeatedly reads an image of the user's fingerprint while the user operates the operation input unit. The process execution means executes a process according to the operation input in response to an operation input to the operation input means.

  The repeated authentication means repeatedly authenticates the fingerprint image read by the fingerprint reading unit while the operation input means is operated by the user. The repeated authentication means always performs the fingerprint authentication process while the operation input means is operated by the user. Therefore, even if a legitimate user forgets to log out of the image forming apparatus and leaves the image forming apparatus, and a malicious user may continue to use the image forming apparatus, the repeated authentication means User replacement can be detected by the authentication process.

  The means for disabling disables the process execution means in response to the failure of the authentication by the repeated authentication means. Accordingly, even if a confidential document is stored in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent the confidential document from being taken out by a malicious user. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing leakage of confidential documents even when the user forgets to log out.

  Preferably, the iterative authentication unit operates in the background in parallel with the process execution unit.

  Therefore, the user can use the image forming apparatus without being aware that the repetitive authentication unit performs fingerprint authentication, so that the operability for the image forming apparatus by the user is improved.

  More preferably, the fingerprint reading unit and the repeated authentication unit repeatedly execute reading and authentication of the user's fingerprint image at predetermined time intervals while the user operates the operation input unit. Means for.

  The fingerprint reading unit and the repeated authentication unit repeatedly perform reading and authentication of the fingerprint image at predetermined time intervals while the user operates the operation input unit. Therefore, even if a legitimate user forgets to log out of the image forming apparatus and leaves the image forming apparatus, and a malicious user may continue to use the image forming apparatus, the fingerprint reading means and the repeated authentication The change of the user can be detected by the operation of the means.

  More preferably, the fingerprint reading means and the repeated authentication means include means for executing reading and authentication of the user's fingerprint each time the user operates the operation input means.

  The fingerprint reading unit and the repeated authentication unit repeatedly perform reading and authentication of the fingerprint image each time the user operates the operation input unit. Therefore, even if a legitimate user forgets to log out of the image forming apparatus and leaves the image forming apparatus, and a malicious user may continue to use the image forming apparatus, the fingerprint reading means and the repeated authentication The change of the user can be detected by the operation of the means.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes storage means for storing the current setting contents of the image forming apparatus in response to the failure of the authentication by the repeated authentication means.

  The storage unit stores the current setting content of the image forming apparatus in response to the failure of the authentication by the repeated authentication unit. Even if a legitimate user forgets to log out of the image forming apparatus and leaves the image forming apparatus, and a malicious user may continue to use the image forming apparatus, the legitimate user is stored by the storage means. The latest setting content set by is stored in the storage means. Therefore, when the authorized user logs in again and uses the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus can reflect the setting contents stored in the storage unit on the image forming apparatus. As a result, the operability for the legitimate user when logging in again is improved.

  More preferably, the process execution means includes: a first operation mode execution means that executes a first operation mode that requires authentication; and a second mode execution means that executes a second operation mode that does not require authentication. Including. The image forming apparatus further includes an initial authentication unit for executing a predetermined initial authentication process for the user in response to the user selecting the first operation mode via the operation input unit, and an initial authentication. Means for enabling or disabling the first mode execution means according to whether the processing is successful. The repetitive authentication unit is activated in response to the success of the initial authentication by the initial authentication unit.

  The first operation mode execution means and the second operation mode execution means respectively execute a first operation mode that requires authentication and a second operation mode that does not require authentication. The initial authentication means executes a predetermined initial authentication process for the user in response to the user operating the operation input means to select the first operation mode. The means for disabling enables or disables the first mode execution means according to whether or not the initial authentication process is successful. The repetitive authentication unit is activated in response to the success of the initial authentication by the initial authentication unit.

  The first operation mode is a mode that requires authentication. Therefore, even if a malicious user tries to start using the image forming apparatus in the first operation mode, the means for disabling the authentication by the initial authentication process and disabling the first mode execution means Disable. As a result, a malicious user cannot use the image forming apparatus at the time of the initial authentication process.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes means for terminating the authentication by the repeated authentication means in response to an instruction to end the processing in the first operation mode via the operation input means.

  The means for ending terminates the authentication by the repetitive authentication means in response to an instruction to end the process in the first operation mode via the operation input means. Therefore, unnecessary authentication processing is not executed by the repeated authentication means in an operation mode other than the first operation mode that requires authentication.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a notification unit for notifying the predetermined notification destination of the authentication failure in response to the failure of the authentication by the repeated authentication unit.

  The means for notifying notifies the predetermined notification destination of the failure of the authentication in response to the failure of the authentication by the repeated authentication means. Therefore, the person who has received the notification can immediately take appropriate action against the unauthorized user.

  More preferably, in response to the failure of the authentication by the repeated authentication unit, the notification unit further transmits an image of the fingerprint that has failed the authentication by the repeated authentication unit to a predetermined notification destination.

  In response to the failure of the authentication by the repeated authentication means, the notification means transmits an image of the fingerprint that has failed authentication to a predetermined notification destination. Therefore, the person who has received the notification can specify the unauthorized user from the fingerprint image transmitted by the notification means. As a result, the person who has received the notification can take an appropriate action against the unauthorized user.

  More preferably, the operation input means includes a touch panel integrated display device. The touch panel integrated display device is provided inside the touch panel, and has a scanner function that outputs an intensity distribution of light incident from the surface to the inside as an image signal.

  The operation input means is a touch panel integrated display device. At present, an image forming apparatus having a touch panel integrated display device is widespread, and an increasing number of users are accustomed to operating the touch panel. Therefore, many users can easily operate the image forming apparatus by using such an image forming apparatus. The touch panel integrated display device has a scanner function that is provided inside and outputs an intensity distribution of light incident on the inside from the surface as an image signal. Therefore, while the touch panel integrated display device having the scanner function accepts an operation with a user's finger, the fingerprint image of the user's finger can be read.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even if a legitimate user forgets to log out and leaves the image forming apparatus, even if a malicious user continues to use the image forming apparatus, image formation is possible. The device can detect a user change. Therefore, even if a confidential document is stored in the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus can prevent a malicious user from taking out the confidential document. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing leakage of confidential documents even when the user forgets to log out.

  In the following description and drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and names. Their functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an image forming apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 50 is a so-called digital multifunction machine. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 50.

  Since the image forming apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment is a digital multi-function peripheral, it can operate in a plurality of operation modes. In other words, the image forming apparatus 50 uses a printer mode in which an image received from a computer via a network is printed on a recording sheet, reads an image of a document using a document reading device, transmits the image to another facsimile device, or transmits an image of the document. Facsimile mode for receiving from a facsimile transmission network and printing on recording paper, copy mode for reading a document image using a document reading device and printing on the recording paper, and reading a document image using a document reading device It can operate in any mode, such as a scan mode for converting to electronic data, and a document filing mode (hereinafter referred to as DF mode) that allows a user to file electronic data of a plurality of images.

  In the present embodiment, these operation modes are divided into an authentication required mode that requires user authentication and an authentication unnecessary mode that does not require user authentication. That is, in the present embodiment, the printer mode, the facsimile mode, and the DF mode belong to the authentication required mode, and the copy mode and the scan mode belong to the authentication unnecessary mode.

  In the printer mode, when the image transmitted from the computer is a confidential document, user authentication is required at the time of printing. In the facsimile mode, there is a possibility that a confidential document is faxed to a person who is not a legitimate recipient, and it is necessary to restrict the use to only legitimate users. In the DF mode, confidential documents may be filed. Therefore, these operation modes are set as authentication required modes.

  On the other hand, in the copy mode and the scan mode, user authentication is often unnecessary. Therefore, these are set to the authentication unnecessary mode.

  Whether the operation mode is classified into the authentication required mode or the authentication unnecessary mode is a matter to be determined by the user according to the intended use. However, in this embodiment, each operation mode is classified as described above.

  1 and 2, an image forming apparatus 50 reads an original image and outputs an RGB (R: Red, G: Green, B: Blue) analog image signal, and an image. An image output unit 62 that is installed below the reading unit 52 and forms an image on a recording sheet, and an operation panel 54 that is installed in front of the image reading unit 52 are included.

  The operation panel 54 includes a display unit 56 for providing a GUI (Graphical User Interface), and a touch panel stacked on the display unit 56 and operated by a user to output a signal corresponding to the operation content. An operation unit 58 having a scanner function, and a fingerprint reading unit 60 that reads an image of a user's fingerprint touching the operation unit 58 when the user operates the operation unit 58 using the scanner function of the operation unit 58. .

  Referring to FIG. 2, image forming apparatus 50 further uses an image processing unit 82 for converting an image signal read by image reading unit 52 into a digital signal, and various programs and image forming apparatus 50. A memory unit 84 for storing various information such as a fingerprint image of a user who is permitted to perform, a fingerprint image read by the fingerprint reading unit 60 and a fingerprint stored in the memory unit 84 A fingerprint collation unit 86 for recognizing a user who is using this image forming apparatus by collating with an image and a network (not shown) connected to an external computer connected to the network for reception. Print the image on the paper according to the print instruction, or send the image data received from the external computer to another computer by e-mail And a data communication unit 88 for realizing the potential.

  The image forming apparatus 50 further includes a bus 90 connected to the image reading unit 52, the image output unit 62, the operation panel 54, the image processing unit 82, the memory unit 84, the fingerprint collation unit 86, and the data communication unit 88. And a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 80 for realizing general functions as an image forming apparatus.

  The CPU 80 controls the entire image forming apparatus 50. The image reading unit 52, the image output unit 62, the operation panel 54, the image processing unit 82, the memory unit 84, the fingerprint collation unit 86, and the data communication unit 88 are controlled by the CPU 80 executing a predetermined program. It is.

  The memory unit 84 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) for storing a program executed by the CPU 80, a RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown) for providing a storage area for a program executed by the CPU 80, and the like. The HDD (Hard Disk Drive) (not shown) for storing the fingerprint image of the user who is permitted to use the authentication required mode, the image data read by the image reading unit 52, and the image processing unit 82 are output. And an image memory (not shown) for storing the image data and the like. The fingerprint image stored in the HDD is transferred and stored in the RAM at the time of verification.

  The fingerprint collation unit 86 executes a process of collating the fingerprint image read by the fingerprint reading unit 60 with the fingerprint image stored in the RAM of the memory unit 84.

  Hereinafter, the operation unit 58 operates in the same manner as a normal touch panel except that it has a scanner function. That is, the CPU 80 displays various software keys on the display unit 56 according to the state. When the user touches the software key, the operation unit 58 transmits coordinates indicating the touched position to the CPU 80. The CPU 80 determines what the operation of the operator is based on the position of the software key displayed on the display unit 56 and the input coordinates. When the operator operates a hardware key (not shown), a specific key code is transmitted to the CPU 80 from the hardware key. The CPU 80 determines the operation of the operator according to the key code.

  On the other hand, the fingerprint reading unit 60 reads a fingerprint image as follows. As already described, the operation unit 58 has a scanner function. This scanner function is realized by embedding an optical sensor composed of a photodiode in each pixel on the display unit 56. The display unit 56 has a backlight, and the backlight emits light when the image forming apparatus 50 is in operation. If there is nothing on the operation unit 58, this light proceeds to the outside as it is. However, if there is an object (for example, a finger) in the operation unit 58, the light is reflected there and returned to the optical sensor of each pixel. The optical sensor receives the reflected light and converts it into an electrical signal. The reflected light from the peak portion of the fingerprint is strong, and the reflected light from the groove portion is weak. Furthermore, there is no reflected light from parts other than the finger. Therefore, the image of the fingerprint on the operation unit 58 can be obtained by converting the output from the optical sensor of each pixel into an electric signal and examining the strength.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display unit 56 of the operation panel 54. Referring to FIG. 3A, various software keys for using the functions of image forming apparatus 50 are displayed on display unit 56. Assume that the user presses the area 100 on the operation panel 54. If it does so, the optical sensor arrange | positioned at the area | region 100 will receive the reflected light from a user's finger | toe. The fingerprint reading unit 60 A / D converts the reflected light. The fingerprint reading unit 60 reads this digital value as a fingerprint image. When the user presses down the operation panel 54, the reflected light is strong at the portion where the finger is in contact with the surface of the operation panel 54 (the convex portion of the fingerprint), and the reflected light is slightly weaker at the groove portion of the fingerprint. There is almost no reflected light in parts other than the finger. Therefore, it can be considered that the portion of the distribution of A / D converted values where the reflected light is above a certain threshold value represents a fingerprint image.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of a fingerprint image read by the fingerprint reading unit 60. Referring to FIG. 3B, when the user presses area 100 shown in FIG. 3A on the surface of operation panel 54, fingerprint reading unit 60 displays fingerprint image 112 on area 100. Read and output.

  The HDD of the memory unit 84 stores default settings for the image forming apparatus 50. The RAM of the memory unit 84 stores settings for the last use of the image forming apparatus 50 for each user. The setting of the image forming apparatus 50 includes, for example, the name of the operation mode last used by the user, the reading accuracy when the user last used the facsimile mode, the magnification when the read image is transmitted, and the memory The file name when the image data file was last transmitted from the unit 84 is included. The setting further includes the size of the printing paper when the user last used the printer mode. These settings are stored for each user in the other operation modes in addition to the facsimile mode and the printer mode.

  In the present embodiment, when the user uses the image forming apparatus 50 again, the setting of the image forming apparatus 50 is changed to the setting when the user last used. As a result, each time the user uses the image forming apparatus 50, it is not necessary to re-input the settings that he / she has been using since the day, and the usability is improved.

(Software configuration)
4 to 6 are flowcharts showing a control structure of a program for realizing the fingerprint authentication function, which is executed in the image forming apparatus 50. In the following flowchart, for the sake of clarity, only the part related to the fingerprint authentication function is shown, and the program part that realizes other general functions is not shown.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a program executed by the CPU 80 when the image forming apparatus 50 is activated. Referring to FIG. 4, this program waits until one of the operation modes is selected by the user after activation of image forming apparatus 50, and in step 130, the user selects one of the operation modes. Is selected, it is determined whether or not the selected operation mode is an authentication-required mode, and it is determined in step 132 that the control flow is branched according to the determination result, and in step 132 the authentication-unnecessary mode is selected. In some cases, the process includes the step 134 of executing the process according to the selected operation mode and returning the control to the step 130. In step 134, processing related to fingerprint authentication is not executed, and various operations in the authentication unnecessary mode are executed.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step 132 that the authentication-required mode has been selected, and is executed after step 136 for executing an initial authentication process for the user to log in to the image forming apparatus 50, and after step 136. In step 136, it is determined whether or not the authentication is successful, and the control flow is branched according to the determination result. In step 138, the process is executed when it is determined that the authentication is successful in step 138. In addition to executing the process of the operation mode selected by the step, the user performs the fingerprint authentication repeatedly while the user uses the image forming apparatus 50, and the control is performed when the user is logged out or fails in the fingerprint authentication. And a step 140 of performing an inter-operation authentication process that returns to 130. In step 138, when it is determined in step 136 that the authentication has failed, control returns to step 130.

  FIG. 5 is a detailed flow of a program routine for realizing the initial authentication process executed in step 136 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 5, in this routine, step 170 for displaying a fingerprint authentication screen for notifying the user to press operation panel 54 on display unit 56, and after step 170, the user operates operation panel 54. Step 172 that waits until the user touches, Step 174 that, when the user touches the operation panel 54 in Step 172, reads the fingerprint image of the user using the fingerprint reading unit 60 (see FIG. 2), After step 174, the fingerprint image read in step 174 is compared with the fingerprint image stored in the RAM of the memory unit 84, and a result indicating whether the fingerprint authentication is successful or not is returned. Step 176 which terminates this routine as a value.

  In step 170, operation guidance such as “Perform fingerprint authentication. Touch the operation panel” is displayed on the display unit 56 together with the image.

  FIG. 6 is a detailed flow of a program routine for realizing the inter-operation authentication process executed in step 140 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 6, this routine includes step 200 for executing login processing of the user authenticated by the authentication in step 176 (see FIG. 5), and setting corresponding to this user after step 200. In step 202 for determining whether or not it is stored in the memory unit 84 and branching the control flow according to the determination result, and in step 202, the setting corresponding to this user is stored in the memory unit 84. Step 204 is executed when it is determined, reads the setting stored in the memory unit 84, changes the operation parameter of the image forming apparatus 50 according to the setting, and reflects the setting on the display content of the display unit 56; Including.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step 202 that the setting related to the user is not stored, or when the execution of step 204 is completed, and waiting until the user touches the operation panel 54. Step 208 is executed in response to the user touching the operation panel 54 in Step 206 and reads the image of the user's fingerprint using the fingerprint reading unit 60 (see FIG. 2). The fingerprint image read later and read in step 208 is collated with the registered user fingerprint image stored in the RAM of the memory unit 84, so that the user can register the registered user ( And a step 210 of outputting a determination result indicating whether (authentication success) or not (authentication failure).

  This routine is further executed after step 210 when step 212 determines that the authentication has been successful, and step 212 branches the control flow depending on whether or not the authentication is successful in step 210. Whether the operation content at 206 is an operation other than logout or not is determined based on the output of the operation unit 58, and the flow of control branches according to the determination result. This is executed when it is determined that processing other than logout has been executed, performs an operation in accordance with the operation content in step 206, and returns the control to step 206. In step 216 and step 214, the user executes logout processing. This is executed when it is determined that the user has been logged out. And a step 220 to end the routine.

  This routine is further executed in step 212 when it is determined that the authentication has failed, and the display 56 displays that the fingerprint does not match the legitimate user's fingerprint. And step 222 in which the setting designated by the user in the operation mode is stored in the RAM of the memory unit 84 in association with the current user and the control is transferred to step 220.

(Operation)
1 to 6, image forming apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration operates as follows.

  When the power is turned on, the image forming apparatus 50 copies an image of a registered user's fingerprint stored in the HDD of the memory unit 84 to the RAM of the memory unit 84, although not shown in FIG. To do. The image forming apparatus 50 starts executing the program shown in FIG. 4 and waits until one of the operation modes is selected by the user (step 130 shown in FIG. 4). This state is referred to as an idle state of the image forming apparatus 50. At this time, the display unit 56 displays a screen for selecting an operation mode.

  Assume that the user touches the operation unit 58 in order to select one of the operation modes provided by the image forming apparatus 50. The determination result in step 130 shown in FIG. 4 is YES. The CPU 80 of the image forming apparatus 50 checks from the output of the operation unit 58 which coordinate of the operation unit 58 is touched by the user, and compares it with the operation mode software key displayed on the display unit 56. Determine the selected operating mode. The operation mode selected here is either the authentication unnecessary mode or the authentication required mode. The CPU 80 determines which mode is the selected operation mode (step 132), and performs different operations depending on the result.

  First, it is assumed that the user has selected one of the authentication unnecessary modes. The image forming apparatus 50 operates in the selected operation mode (FIG. 4, step 134), and returns to the idle state (step 130) when the processing is completed.

  Next, it is assumed that the user has selected one of the authentication required modes. The image forming apparatus 50 executes the initial authentication process in step 136 of FIG. Specifically, the CPU 80 of the image forming apparatus 50 performs the following processing.

  The CPU 80 displays an initial authentication screen for causing the user to press the operation unit 58 on the display unit 56 of the operation panel 54 (step 170 shown in FIG. 5) until the user touches the operation unit 58. Wait (step 172). When the user touches the operation panel 54, the CPU 80 reads the fingerprint image of the touched portion (step 174), and compares the read fingerprint image with the fingerprint image stored in the RAM of the memory unit 84. Then, it is determined whether or not the read image matches any fingerprint image of the registered user. If there is a matching user, a return value indicating that the authentication is successful, and if not, the authentication failure is set in a predetermined variable, and this routine is terminated (step 176).

  If the current user is not a valid user, authentication fails in step 138 of FIG. 4, and control returns to step 130. That is, the image forming apparatus 50 returns to the idle state. Thereafter, each time the user operates the image forming apparatus 50 using the operation unit 58 to select the authentication required mode, the initial authentication process of step 136 is executed. If the user is not a valid user, the authentication fails due to the initial authentication process, and the authentication required mode cannot be used. As a result, an unauthorized user can use only the authentication unnecessary mode.

  If the current user is a valid user, the authentication is successful in step 138 of FIG. 4, and the image forming apparatus 50 executes a login process using the authenticated user information (see FIG. 6). Step 200). The image forming apparatus 50 checks whether or not the setting corresponding to the logged-in user is stored in the RAM of the memory unit 84 (step 202). If the setting is not stored, the default setting is used. If the setting is stored, the setting is read, and the image forming apparatus 50 is set according to the setting content.

  Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 50 stands by until the user touches the operation panel 54 (step 206). When the user touches operation panel 54, image forming apparatus 50 reads the fingerprint image of the touched portion (step 208), and reads the fingerprint image and the fingerprint image stored in RAM of memory unit 84. Are compared (step 210). If the current user is a valid user, the determination result in step 212 is YES. At this time, if the operation is an operation other than logout (YES in step 214), image forming apparatus 50 operates in accordance with the content of the operation (step 216). In this way, the image forming apparatus 50 repeats the processing of steps 206 to 216 every time the same authorized user operates the operation panel 54 and if the operation is an operation other than logout.

  If a legitimate user performs an operation for logout, the determination result in step 214 is NO, and the image forming apparatus 50 executes logout processing (step 220) and returns to the idle state.

  It is assumed that an authorized user leaves the image forming apparatus 50 without performing a logout operation, and an unauthorized user starts operating the image forming apparatus 50 during that time. The user touches the operation unit 58 for operation (YES in step 206 in FIG. 6). In this case, the fingerprint image read in step 208 in FIG. 6 is for an unauthorized user. At step 210, authentication fails and control proceeds to step 218. The image forming apparatus 50 displays on the display unit 56 that the fingerprint does not match the legitimate user's fingerprint (step 218), and stores the current setting contents in the RAM of the memory unit 84 (step 222). Further, the image forming apparatus 50 executes logout processing (step 220) and returns to the idle state (step 130 in FIG. 4).

  Thereafter, when an unauthorized user touches the operation unit 58 to execute the authentication required mode in the image forming apparatus 50, an initial authentication process (step 136 in FIG. 4) is executed. Therefore, an unauthorized user cannot operate the image forming apparatus 50 in the authentication required mode.

(Effect of this embodiment)
As is apparent from the above description, in the image forming apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment, even when a valid user forgets to log out and leaves the image forming apparatus 50 in the authentication required mode, an unauthorized user If an attempt is made to continue using the forming apparatus 50, a logout process is forcibly performed. Thereafter, even if an unauthorized user tries to continue using the image forming apparatus 50, the user cannot use the image forming apparatus 50 in the authentication required mode. As a result, an unauthorized user can use the image forming apparatus 50 only in the authentication unnecessary mode. Therefore, it is possible to prevent leakage of information such as documents whose contents cannot be viewed unless they are processed in the authentication required mode.

  When the logout process is forcibly executed in the authentication required mode, the image forming apparatus 50 stores the current setting contents. When a legitimate user starts using the image forming apparatus 50 again, the image forming apparatus 50 can be used with the setting contents when the user is logged out. Therefore, usability is improved when a legitimate user uses it again.

[Second Embodiment]
The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention has substantially the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment. However, if an authentication failure result is output while operating in the authentication required mode, nobody will notify the administrator of the image forming apparatus and the recovery work by the administrator will be completed. This image forming apparatus is different from the image forming apparatus 50 of the first embodiment in that it provides a function of shifting to a locked state where the image forming apparatus cannot be used.

  The work for recovery for the administrator is, for example, that the administrator inputs a user ID and a password to the image forming apparatus. When in the locked state, the image forming apparatus displays a screen prompting the user ID and password to be input on the display unit 56. When the user ID and password are input, the image forming apparatus determines whether or not the input user ID and password match the user ID and password of the administrator of the image forming apparatus registered in advance. To do. Depending on the determination result, the image forming apparatus shifts from the locked state to a normal state in which the functions of the image forming apparatus can be used.

  The work for recovery for the administrator is not limited to the input of the user ID and password, and any other method may be used.

(Software configuration)
7 and 8 are flowcharts showing a control structure of a program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a program executed by the CPU 80 when the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is activated. Referring to FIG. 7, this program differs from the program shown in FIG. 4 in that it is executed when the determination result in step 138 is YES instead of step 140 in FIG. Fingerprint authentication is repeatedly performed while using the forming apparatus. If the authentication fails, the lock state is entered until the recovery operation is executed by the administrator or until a predetermined time elapses. This includes a step 250 for executing the inter-operation authentication process to be maintained. When the administrator releases the lock state in step 250 or when a predetermined time elapses, the image forming apparatus forcibly executes logout processing for the logged-in user and enters the idle state (step 130 in FIG. 7). Return.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program routine for realizing the inter-operation authentication process of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, which is executed in step 250 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 8, this routine differs from the routine for inter-operation authentication processing shown in FIG. 6 in that authentication failed in inter-operation authentication processing after step 218 instead of step 222 in FIG. A notification regarding this and the image of the fingerprint of the user considered to be invalid read in step 208 to the e-mail account of the administrator of the image forming apparatus by e-mail, and after step 280, After the step 282 for shifting the image forming apparatus to a locked state in which only the process for the recovery work by the administrator is accepted, and after the step 282, the recovery work by the administrator has been performed, or a predetermined time (for example, And a step 284 of moving the control to step 220 after waiting until one day).

(Operation)
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration operates as follows.

  The operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as the operation of the image forming apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment. However, the operation after authentication fails during the inter-operation authentication process is different.

  It is assumed that an unauthorized user starts using the image forming apparatus while the image forming apparatus is performing the inter-operation authentication process in the authentication required mode. The image forming apparatus displays a screen indicating that the authentication has failed in Step 218 of FIG. 8 on the display unit 56, and displays the message indicating that the authentication has failed and the read fingerprint image of the administrator's e-mail account. (Step 280). The image forming apparatus enters a locked state in which only the restoration work by the administrator is accepted (step 282), and waits until the restoration work by the administrator is completed or a predetermined time (one day) elapses. (Step 284). When the administrator finishes the work for restoration or when a predetermined time (one day) has elapsed (YES in step 284), the image forming apparatus is a legitimate user who has been used immediately before the locked state. Is forcibly logged out (step 220 shown in FIG. 8). Other operations are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment.

(Effect of this embodiment)
As is clear from the above description, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, in the authentication required mode, an unauthorized user forms an image while the authorized user forgets the logout process and leaves the image forming apparatus. When the apparatus starts to operate, the image forming apparatus is locked and cannot operate. At the same time, the computer of the image forming apparatus administrator is notified that an authentication failure has occurred in the authentication required mode. Further, along with the notification, an image of the fingerprint of the user who is considered not valid is also transmitted to the administrator. Therefore, the administrator who has received the notification can identify who is an unauthorized user. As a result, unauthorized use of the image forming apparatus by an unauthorized user can be suppressed. Furthermore, the administrator can grasp the usage status of the image forming apparatus, and it becomes easier to manage. As a result, the security of information management related to the image forming apparatus is improved.

[Third Embodiment]
The image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention differs from the image forming apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment in a predetermined time interval while operating in the authentication required mode. The point is that a periodic fingerprint authentication process for performing fingerprint authentication and an operation reflection process for reflecting the operation content of the user to the operation unit 58 on the display unit 56 are executed in parallel.

  The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The control structure of the program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as the structure of the program executed by the image forming apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment, but using a timer. However, the above-described periodic fingerprint authentication process is different.

  The memory unit 84 according to the present embodiment includes a latest fingerprint storage unit for storing the latest fingerprint image data of the user and a logout by the user while the image forming apparatus is operating in the authentication required mode. A logout instruction storage unit for storing a signal indicating whether or not an operation has been performed.

  The logout instruction storage unit stores either NULL or “logout instruction”. If NULL is stored in the logout instruction storage unit, it means that the user has not performed an operation for logout.

  Data stored in the latest fingerprint storage unit and the logout instruction storage unit varies depending on the operation reflection processing described above. The data stored in the latest fingerprint storage unit is updated to the latest fingerprint image every time the user touches the operation panel 54 in the operation reflection process. When the user performs an operation for logout instruction during execution of the operation reflection process, the value in the logout instruction storage unit is updated to “logout instruction”. Details of the processing will be described later.

(Software configuration)
9 to 11 are flowcharts showing a control structure of a program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a program executed by the CPU 80 when the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is activated. Referring to FIG. 9, this program is substantially the same as the program shown in FIG. 4, but instead of step 140, if the determination result in step 138 is YES, image forming apparatus 50 until the user logs out. While using, there is a difference in that it includes the step 290 of executing the above-described periodic fingerprint authentication process for performing fingerprint authentication at a predetermined time interval and returning the control to the step 130.

  FIG. 10 is a detailed flow of the periodic fingerprint authentication process executed in step 290 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 10, this routine executes login processing and stores NULL in the logout instruction storage unit. After step 300, the setting corresponding to the current user is stored in the RAM of memory unit 84. Step 302 for branching the control flow according to the determination result, and if the determination result in Step 302 is YES, the setting of the image forming apparatus is set with the setting stored in the RAM. Changing step 304.

  The program is further executed after step 304 when the determination result of step 302 is YES, or after step 302 when the determination result of step 302 is NO, respectively. After step 306, waiting until the timer reaches a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) or more. In step 308, when the timer reaches the predetermined time or more, the latest fingerprint storage is performed. The fingerprint image stored in the memory unit and the fingerprint image stored in the RAM of the memory unit 84 are collated, and the result of either the authentication success or the authentication failure is output. Step 310 is included.

  This routine further determines after step 310 whether or not the authentication of step 310 has succeeded, and branches the flow of control according to the determination result, and if the determination result of step 312 is YES, And step 314 for determining whether or not the value stored in the logout instruction storage unit is a “logout instruction” and branching the flow of control according to the determination result. If the determination result in step 314 is NO, the control returns to step 306.

  This routine further includes a step 316 for displaying that the authentication has failed on the display unit 56 when the determination result in step 312 is NO, and a setting specified by the user in the current operation mode after step 316. Is stored in the RAM of the memory unit 84 in association with the currently logged-in user, and is executed after step 318 or when the determination result in step 314 is YES. And step 320 of ending this routine.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a program for an operation reflection process executed in parallel with the periodic fingerprint authentication process by the CPU 80 according to the present embodiment after the process of step 300 shown in FIG. 10 is completed. Referring to FIG. 11, this program waits until the user touches operation panel 54 after being started, and when the user touches operation panel 54 in step 350, the program prints the fingerprint of the user. Step 352 causing the fingerprint reading unit 60 to execute an image reading process, and Step 354 after step 352 storing the fingerprint image read by the fingerprint reading unit 60 in Step 352 in the latest fingerprint storage unit.

  This program further determines whether or not the operation content in step 350 is an operation other than logout, and branches the flow of control according to the determination result, and the determination result in step 356 is YES In addition, when the operation according to the operation content in step 350 is performed and the control returns to step 350 and the determination result in step 356 is NO, the logout instruction storage unit stores a “logout instruction”, And step 360 for ending this routine.

(Operation)
Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration operates as follows.

  The operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as that of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, but the operation after successful authentication in the initial authentication process is different.

  In the initial authentication process, after successful authentication, the image forming apparatus executes a periodical fingerprint authentication process (step 290 shown in FIG. 9). The image forming apparatus performs a login process and initializes a logout instruction storage unit (assigns NULL. Step 300 shown in FIG. 10). The image forming apparatus executes the periodical fingerprint authentication process and the operation reflection process in parallel.

  The operation reflection process will be described.

  When the operation reflecting process is started, the image forming apparatus waits until the user touches the operation panel 54 (step 350 shown in FIG. 11). When the user touches operation panel 54, the image forming apparatus reads the fingerprint image of the touched portion (step 352 shown in FIG. 11), and stores the read fingerprint image in the latest fingerprint storage unit (FIG. 11). Step 354).

  If the user performs an operation other than logout, the image forming apparatus performs an operation corresponding to the operation content (step 358 shown in FIG. 11). Each time the user operates the operation panel 54, the image forming apparatus repeats the processing of steps 350 to 358.

  If the user performs an operation for logout, the image forming apparatus stores a “logout instruction” in the logout instruction storage unit, and ends the operation reflection process (step 360 shown in FIG. 11).

  Returning to the operation of the periodic fingerprint authentication process.

  After step 300 shown in FIG. 10, if the current user setting is stored in the RAM, the image forming apparatus performs a process of changing the setting of the image forming apparatus with the setting. The image forming apparatus resets the timer (step 306 shown in FIG. 10), and waits until the time counted by the timer reaches a predetermined time (0.5 seconds) or more (step 308 shown in FIG. 10). . When the time counted by the timer becomes a predetermined time or more, the image forming apparatus collates the fingerprint image stored in the latest fingerprint storage unit with the fingerprint image stored in the RAM. . While being used by a legitimate user (the determination result of step 312 shown in FIG. 10 is YES) and while no operation for logout is performed (the “logout instruction” is not stored in the logout instruction storage unit) 10 is NO), the image forming apparatus repeats the processing from step 306 to step 314 shown in FIG.

  When the user performs an operation for logout, a “logout instruction” is stored in the logout instruction storage unit. In this case, the determination result in step 314 is YES, and the image forming apparatus executes logout processing and returns to the idle state.

  While the image forming apparatus is executing the periodical fingerprint authentication process and the operation reflection process in parallel, a legitimate user moves away from the image forming apparatus and an unauthorized user starts using the image forming apparatus. Shall be. In that case, the image forming apparatus fails to authenticate in the periodic fingerprint authentication process. The image forming apparatus displays a screen indicating that the authentication has failed on the display unit 56 (step 316 shown in FIG. 10), and stores the current setting in the RAM in association with the currently logged-in user (FIG. 10). Step 318) shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus executes logout processing and returns to the idle state.

(Effect of this embodiment)
As is apparent from the above description, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the periodic fingerprint authentication process and the operation reflection process are executed in parallel while the image forming apparatus is operating in the authentication required mode. Therefore, the user can easily use the image forming apparatus without being aware that the image forming apparatus is performing fingerprint authentication processing.

[Fourth Embodiment]
The image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention differs from the image forming apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment in that the user operates the operation unit 58 while operating in the authentication required mode. A program that realizes a normal operation for executing a process according to the above operation and a background authentication process for executing a fingerprint authentication process every time the user touches the operation unit 58 are executed in parallel. Since the background authentication process is executed in the background, there is an effect that the user does not need to be aware that the fingerprint authentication is performed.

  The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The control structure of the program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is almost the same as the structure of the program executed by the image forming apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment, but the initial authentication was successful. It differs in that the background authentication process is started at that point.

(Software configuration)
12 and 13 are flowcharts showing a control structure of a program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a program executed by the CPU 80 when the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is turned on. Referring to FIG. 12, this program is almost the same as the program shown in FIG. 4, but is executed when it is determined in step 138 that the initial authentication is successful, instead of step 140, and is described in the background described later. Step 400 for starting the authentication process, Step 402 executed after Step 400 and the user operating the operation panel 54 to execute the process specified by the user, and the user specifying in Step 402 Whether or not a forced logout message has been sent from the background authentication process, and if it is necessary to log out, log out and return to step 130. The case differs in that it includes step 404 in which control is returned to step 402.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program routine for realizing the background authentication process activated in step 400 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 13, this routine is executed after the activation until step 420 in which the user touches operation panel 54, and when the user touches operation panel 54 in step 420, an image of the user's fingerprint is obtained. Is read by the fingerprint reading unit 60, and step 424 is executed after step 422, and a fingerprint authentication process is performed on the fingerprint image read in step 422.

  This program further determines whether or not the fingerprint authentication process is successful in step 424, and branches the control flow according to the determination result, and when the fingerprint authentication process fails in step 426, the program is sent to the CPU 80. And a step 428 for terminating the execution of the program after generating an interrupt indicating that the fingerprint authentication has failed and forcibly logging out the user. If it is determined in step 426 that the fingerprint authentication is successful, control returns to step 420 and waits until the user operates the touch panel again.

(Operation)
12 and 13, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration operates as follows.

  The operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as the operation of the image forming apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment, but after it is determined in step 138 that the initial authentication process has been successful. The operation is different.

  When the initial authentication is successful, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment starts background authentication processing (step 400). When the image forming apparatus starts the background authentication process, the user operates the operation panel 54 to execute the process designated by the user. The image forming apparatus repeats the process designated by the user until the user executes the logout process in step 402.

  On the other hand, when the background authentication process is started in step 400, the process waits until the user operates the touch panel of the operation unit 58 (step 420), and reads the fingerprint every time the touch panel is operated (step 422). Fingerprint authentication is performed (step 424). If the fingerprint authentication is successful (YES in step 426), the control returns to step 420 and waits until the next operation is performed. On the other hand, if the fingerprint authentication fails (NO in step 426), a forced logout interrupt accompanying the fingerprint authentication failure is generated for the CPU 80 in step 428, and then the background authentication process is terminated.

  If an interruption of forced logout occurs from the background authentication process while executing step 402 in FIG. 12, the CPU 80 stops executing the process in step 402 and immediately returns control to step 130. As a result, the image forming apparatus returns to the idle state.

(Effect of this embodiment)
As is clear from the above description, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, while the image forming apparatus is operating in the authentication required mode, the background authentication process and the process for the normal operation are executed in parallel. The Therefore, the user can use the image forming apparatus without being aware that the image forming apparatus is performing fingerprint authentication processing.

[Modification]
The image forming apparatus according to the above-described embodiment forcibly logs out once authentication fails in the authentication required mode. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. If the authentication accuracy is poor, the user may be forced to log out when the authentication fails continuously for a predetermined number of times (for example, three times). Also, simply log out for three consecutive times when authentication is not so important, such as various setting screens, and once for important operations such as copy start operation, fax transmission start operation, or scan start operation. A configuration in which forced logout is performed immediately upon authentication failure is also conceivable. Also, operations that are not so important, such as various setting screens, may be excluded from fingerprint authentication targets. In that case, it may be determined whether or not to perform fingerprint authentication after determining what the operation on the touch panel was.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim in the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are included. Including.

1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an image forming apparatus 50 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 50 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the operation panel 54 shown in FIG. 1 and an image stored when a user operates the operation panel 54. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the computer program which implement | achieves the function of CPU80 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the detailed flow of step 136 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the detailed flow of step 140 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the computer program which implement | achieves the function of CPU which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the detailed flow of step 250 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the computer program which implement | achieves the function of CPU which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the detailed flow of step 290 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the computer program which implement | achieves the function of CPU which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the computer program which implement | achieves the function of CPU which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program which implement | achieves the background authentication process started by step 400 shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Image forming apparatus 52 Image reading part 54 Operation panel 56 Display part 58 Operation part 60 Fingerprint reading part 62 Image output part 80 CPU
82 Image processing unit 84 Memory unit 86 Fingerprint verification unit 88 Data communication unit

Claims (10)

An operation input means for accepting an operation with a user's finger;
Fingerprint reading means for repeatedly reading the image of the user's fingerprint while the user is operating the operation input means;
In response to a user operation input to the operation input means, a process execution means for executing a process according to the operation input;
While the user is operating the operation input means, iterative authentication means for repeatedly authenticating a fingerprint image read by the fingerprint reading means;
An image forming apparatus including: means for disabling the processing execution means in response to the failure of the authentication by the repetitive authentication means.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the repetitive authentication unit operates in the background in parallel with the processing execution unit.   The fingerprint reading unit and the repeated authentication unit repeatedly perform reading and authentication of the user's fingerprint image at predetermined time intervals while the user operates the operation input unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   2. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the fingerprint reading unit and the repetitive authentication unit include a unit for reading and authenticating a user's fingerprint each time the user operates the operation input unit. apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit configured to store a current setting content of the image forming apparatus in response to the failure of the authentication by the repetitive authentication unit. . The process execution means includes a first operation mode execution means that executes a first operation mode that requires authentication, and a second mode execution means that executes a second operation mode that does not require authentication,
The image forming apparatus further includes:
In response to the user selecting the first operation mode via the operation input means, an initial authentication means for executing a predetermined initial authentication process for the user;
Means for enabling or disabling the first mode execution means according to whether the initial authentication process is successful,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the repetitive authentication unit is activated in response to successful initial authentication by the initial authentication unit.   The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising means for ending authentication by the repetitive authentication means in response to an instruction to end the processing in the first operation mode via the operation input means. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify a predetermined notification destination of the authentication failure in response to the failure of the authentication by the repetitive authentication unit.   9. The notification unit according to claim 8, wherein the notification unit further transmits, to the predetermined notification destination, an image of a fingerprint for which the authentication by the iterative authentication unit has failed in response to the failure of the authentication by the iterative authentication unit. Image forming apparatus. The operation input means includes a touch panel integrated display device,
10. The image according to claim 1, wherein the touch panel integrated display device is provided inside the touch panel, and has a scanner function that outputs an intensity distribution of light incident from the surface to the inside as an image signal. Forming equipment.

Images