JP2010164663A - Image-forming device, method for controlling image-forming device, and program for controlling image-forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image-forming device which executes, through less procedures, both reading out user authentication information from a user's body and communicating with a device, which the user carries, by means of human body communication. <P>SOLUTION: A unit 101 is provided in the UI part of the image-forming device. The unit 101 has a human body communication unit 103 and a fingerprint sensor 105. When a finger 61 of a user touches the sensor face 101a of the unit 101, a CPU 201 performs human body communication with a device, which the user carries, by means of the human body communication unit 103. The human body communication enables the transmission and reception of data to/from the device carried by the user. A fingerprint is read out by the fingerprint sensor 105, and the user is authenticated by the CPU 201. By this, the convenience of the image-forming device is improved, and erroneous exchange of data is prevented to ensure high security. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus control method, and an image forming apparatus control program, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus capable of authenticating a user by an authentication apparatus, an image forming apparatus control method, and image formation. The present invention relates to a device control program.

  An electrophotographic image forming apparatus that can authenticate a user by an authentication apparatus (multifunction peripheral (MFP), a facsimile having a scanner function, a facsimile function, a copying function, a printer function, a data communication function, and a server function) Devices, copiers, printers, etc.).

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-228561 discloses an image forming apparatus provided with a user authentication device. This image forming apparatus reads biometric information such as user fingerprint information and finger vein information. Further, user authentication is performed by comparing the read biometric information with information stored in the apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus permits the operation of the apparatus and customizes the operation screen according to the user authentication result. Screen configuration data for customizing the operation screen for each user is stored in the apparatus. Since authentication is performed by reading the biometric information of the user, authentication can be performed easily. In addition, user authentication can be performed reliably.

  Patent Document 2 below discloses an image forming apparatus that, when user authentication is completed, transmits and receives data to and from a connected authentication key.

  The authentication key stores user authentication information and data. User authentication is performed by reading the user's fingerprint with a fingerprint sensor and collating it with authentication information stored in an authentication key. When the user authentication is completed, the image forming apparatus prints data in the authentication key. Further, the scan data in the image forming apparatus is stored in the authentication key.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a human body communication system that transmits audio data using a human body communication technique between a portable music player and headphones.

JP 2004-13682 A JP 2004-355244 A JP 2006-303736 A

  Incidentally, in the image forming apparatus as described above, an authentication unit that performs user authentication and an information communication unit that performs data communication are arranged differently. For this reason, when performing data communication according to a user authentication result, it is necessary to separately perform preparation for performing user authentication and preparation for performing data communication. That is, in this case, prior to user authentication, a communication path for data to be delivered after authentication must be secured, and then user authentication must be performed. When a user is authenticated by performing a plurality of procedures in this way, data communication can be executed using this as a trigger.

  For example, the case of performing user authentication and data communication will be described for Patent Document 2. It is assumed that a so-called USB memory (USB flash drive) is adopted as the authentication key. An authentication device such as fingerprint authentication is connected to the image forming apparatus. In this case, the USB memory is connected in advance to the USB port of the apparatus before user authentication. After connecting the USB memory, authentication is performed by reading the fingerprint with an authentication device. Only after the user authentication is completed, data in the USB memory can be transmitted or received.

  Even when data is read from a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) provided in the image forming apparatus, or when data communication is performed between the image forming apparatus and a server connected to the image forming apparatus via a network. It is the same. That is, before performing user authentication, it is necessary to secure a path for transmitting and receiving data by connecting the storage device to the image forming apparatus or connecting the image forming apparatus and the server to the network.

  In addition to the above problems, when data communication is executed according to the user authentication result, a security problem arises. That is, since user authentication and data transmission / reception are performed separately, data communication may be performed even if the user authenticated authenticator is different from the data owner.

  For example, regarding the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, when a USB memory is used as an authentication key, a user may forget to remove the USB memory from the image forming apparatus. In this case, if a user other than the owner of the connected USB memory performs authentication, data can be transmitted / received between the USB memory of another person and the image forming apparatus.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and can perform user authentication and data transmission / reception with a few steps, ensuring high convenience and higher security. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a method for controlling the image forming apparatus, and a control program for the image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes: a unit capable of reading user authentication information from a user's human body and performing human body communication via the user's human body; An authentication control unit that authenticates a user based on the read user authentication information, and a human body communication control unit for communicating with a device held by the user through human body communication.

  Preferably, the unit reads the user authentication information from the user's finger or hand, the unit performs human body communication via the user's finger or hand, and the user simply touches or holds the finger or hand to the unit. , Reading user authentication information, and performing human body communication through the user's finger or hand.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus executes, in parallel, a user authentication operation by the authentication control unit and at least one of data transmission and reception between the user's own device by the human body communication control unit.

  Preferably, when the user authentication by the authentication control unit is established, the image forming apparatus performs at least one of data transmission and reception with the device held by the user by the human body communication control unit.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus performs the user authentication operation by the authentication control unit after the human body communication control unit performs at least one of data transmission and reception with the device held by the user.

  Preferably, at least one of the data transmitted by the human body communication control unit and the received data is discarded when the authentication of the user is not established by the determination of the authentication control unit.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes image forming means for receiving image data stored in an apparatus held by the user by the human body communication control unit and forming an image based on the image data.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus receives customization information on at least one of operation specification setting and operation restriction setting stored in the apparatus held by the user by the human body communication control unit, and customizes the image forming apparatus based on the customization information Further, customization means for performing is provided.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus receives a facsimile transmission destination list stored in the apparatus owned by the user by the display selection unit for displaying the facsimile transmission destination list so that the user can select the facsimile transmission destination, and transmits the facsimile. Display means for displaying the destination list on the display selection unit is further provided.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus receives an original as image data, a scanner unit that receives the transmission destination information stored in the apparatus held by the user by the human body communication control unit, and the transmission unit information is read by the scanner unit. And setting means as a data transmission destination.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a scanner unit that reads a document as image data, and a transmission unit that transmits image data read by the human body communication control unit to the device held by the user.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a unit capable of reading user authentication information from a user's human body and performing human body communication via the user's human body is read by the unit. An authentication step for authenticating the user with the received user authentication information, and a human body communication step for communicating with a device held by the user through human body communication.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a control program for an image forming apparatus including a unit capable of reading user authentication information from a user's human body and performing human body communication via the user's human body is performed by the unit. The computer executes an authentication step for authenticating the user based on the read user authentication information and a human body communication step for communicating with a device held by the user through human body communication.

  According to these inventions, reading of user authentication information from the user's human body and communication with the device held by the user through human body communication can be performed with few procedures. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a control program for the image forming apparatus that are highly convenient and can ensure higher security.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of an image forming apparatus and a portable terminal. It is a top view which shows a human body communication sensor unit. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a human body communication sensor unit. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The image forming apparatus is an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) having a scanner function, a copying function, a function as a printer, a facsimile function, a data communication function, and a server function. In the scanner function, an image of a set original is read and stored in an HDD or the like. In the copying function, it is further printed (printed) on paper or the like. In the function as a printer, when a print instruction is received from an external terminal such as a PC, printing is performed on a sheet based on the instruction. In the facsimile function, facsimile data is received from an external facsimile machine or the like and stored in an HDD or the like. In the data communication function, data is transmitted / received to / from a connected external device. In the server function, a plurality of users can share data stored in the HDD or the like.

  When an image forming apparatus is operated by a user who has a portable terminal (apparatus) having a human body communication function, the image forming apparatus operates in conjunction with the portable terminal. The mobile terminal is, for example, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), but is not limited thereto, and may be a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a wristwatch, a camera, or the like.

  [First Embodiment]

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to the drawing, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a paper feed cassette 11, a paper discharge tray 13, a UI (user interface) unit (operation panel) 100, and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) unit 303.

  The paper feed cassette 11 contains paper for forming an image. The presence or absence of paper is detected by a sensor. When the paper is not set or when the paper runs out during printing, the sensor detects the situation and notifies the user via the UI unit 100 or the like.

  The paper discharge tray 13 is disposed on the side of the image forming apparatus 1. The printed matter printed in the image forming apparatus 1 is discharged from the inside of the image forming apparatus 1 to the discharge tray 13.

  The UI unit 100 is disposed on the upper front side of the image forming apparatus 1. The user can instruct the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 via the UI unit 100. The UI unit 100 includes a human body communication sensor unit (hereinafter referred to as a unit) 101, a touch panel display 107, and an operation setting button 109, which will be described later.

  The ADF unit 303 is disposed on the upper part of the image forming apparatus 1. The ADF unit 303 is a part of the scanner unit 300 described later. The ADF unit 303 sequentially conveys a plurality of documents for reading by the scanner unit 300. The document is conveyed to a document table (not shown) arranged below the ADF unit 303, read, and then discharged upward.

  The touch panel display 107 is disposed near the center of the UI unit 100. The touch panel display 107 is, for example, a dot matrix liquid crystal panel capable of displaying arbitrary characters and images. The touch panel display 107 can display an image indicating an operation state of the image forming apparatus 1 generated by the controller unit 200 described later. Under the control of the controller unit 200, the character language, character size, display layout, and the like displayed on the touch panel display 107 can be arbitrarily changed. The touch panel display 107 displays an operation screen including a button image and the like, and can accept a pressing operation by the user. When the touch panel display 107 is operated by the user, the touch panel display 107 transmits a signal corresponding to the operation to the controller unit 200 described later.

  The operation setting button 109 is arranged on the side of the touch panel display 107. The operation setting button 109 includes, for example, a numeric keypad 111, a function selection button 113, a start button 115, a cancel button 117, and the like. The numeric keypad 111 is used for setting the number of copies and setting a facsimile transmission number. The function selection button 113 is used to select various functions such as a copy mode, a facsimile transmission mode, and a scan mode of the image forming apparatus 1. The start button 115 is used for instructing reading or copying start. The cancel button 117 is used for stopping an operation performed in the image forming apparatus 1.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 and the portable terminal (PDA) 50.

  First, the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a controller unit 200, a scanner unit 300, and an engine unit 400 in addition to the UI unit 100.

  In the UI unit 100, the unit 101 includes a human body communication unit 103 and a fingerprint sensor 105. As will be described later, the human body communication unit 103 is for performing human body communication with an external device. The fingerprint sensor 105 can read the user's fingerprint.

  The scanner unit 300 includes an image reading unit 301 that reads a document and an ADF unit 303. The image reading unit 301 includes a contact image sensor (not shown). For example, the image reading unit 301 scans a document placed on a document table and reads it as image data. Further, the image reading unit 301 reads a plurality of documents set on the document tray as image data while sequentially taking them in by the ADF unit 303.

  The engine unit 400 includes a laser scanning system (not shown), an image forming unit 401 including an electrophotographic process, and a paper feeding / conveying unit 403 that conveys paper. A paper feeding / conveying unit 403 feeds paper from the paper feeding cassette 11 and conveys it inside the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming unit 401 forms an image on the transported paper by an electrophotographic method. The paper on which the image is formed is discharged to the paper discharge tray 13 by the paper feeding / conveying unit 403. The image forming unit 401 can form a color image on a sheet. Note that the image forming unit 401 may be configured to form only a monochrome image on a sheet.

  The controller unit 200 includes a CPU 201, a data storage area 203, an image processing unit 205, and an external interface 207. The controller unit 200 controls the UI unit 100, the scanner unit 300, and the engine unit 400 in an integrated manner, and executes various tasks.

  The CPU 201 controls various operations of the image forming apparatus 1 by executing a control program stored in the data storage area 203 or the like. For example, when an operation signal is transmitted from the UI unit 100 or an operation command is transmitted from the external PC 85 or the like, the CPU 201 executes a predetermined control program in response thereto. Thus, a predetermined operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is performed in response to an operation performed on the UI unit 100 or an instruction from the PC 85 or the like.

  The data storage area 203 is, for example, an HDD or a memory. The data storage area 203 stores a print job (JOB) transmitted via the external interface 207 or the like and data read by the scanner unit 300, for example. The data storage area 203 stores information for performing user authentication, setting information for the image forming apparatus 1, control programs for performing various operations of the image forming apparatus 1, and the like, as will be described later.

  The image processing unit 205 performs image processing. The image processing unit 205 reads image data sent from a network or an external device via the external interface 207. The image processing unit 205 reads image data read by the scanner unit 300. The reading of the image data is performed according to a task set by the user in the UI unit 100, for example. The read image data is subjected to various processes such as enlargement, reduction, and rotation in the image processing unit 205. Thereafter, the image data is transferred to the engine unit 400 to form an image on a sheet.

  The external interface 207 includes a USB IF (USB interface) 209 and a network IF 211.

  The USBIF 209 is provided for connecting an external device and the image forming apparatus 1 via a USB cable. The CPU 201 can print an image stored in a connected external device, for example.

  The network IF 211 is connected to an external network via, for example, a LAN cable. For example, an external server 80 or a PC 85 is connected to the external network. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 can communicate with the external server 80 and the PC 85.

  Next, the mobile terminal 50 will be described.

  The mobile terminal 50 owned by the user includes a data storage area 51, a fingerprint sensor 53, a human body communication unit 55, and a CPU 57.

  The data storage area 51 is a flash memory, for example. The CPU 57 can access the data storage area 51 in the portable terminal 50 and read / write data. The CPU 57 controls the operation of the mobile terminal 50.

  The fingerprint sensor 53 can read a user's fingerprint. The CPU 57 authenticates the user based on the user's fingerprint information read by the fingerprint sensor 53. When the fingerprint information is read by the fingerprint sensor 53, the CPU 57 stores the fingerprint information in, for example, the data storage area 51. Further, the CPU 57 compares the fingerprint information with the authentication information stored in the data storage area 51 in advance. If the fingerprint information matches the authentication information, the user is authenticated. Note that the mobile terminal 50 may not include the fingerprint sensor 53.

  The human body communication unit 55 is for performing human body communication with an external device. Similar to the unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 1, the human body communication unit 55 can perform human body communication by transmitting and receiving a weak current.

  Here, human body communication will be described. Human body communication is a communication method using the human body 60 as a lead wire. When the human body communication units 55 and 103 are on the surface of the human body 60 or in the vicinity of the human body 60, human body communication can be performed. The human body communication units 55 and 103 perform human body communication by sending a weak current to the finger 61 and the skin 63 of the human body 60 and detecting the current. Human body communication can be basically performed regardless of where (or in proximity to) human body communication unit 55 or 103 is in contact with human body 60.

  That is, when the user holds the portable terminal 50, the portable terminal 50 can perform human body communication with the unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 1. In order to perform human body communication, the user holds the portable terminal 50. In this state, the user may touch the unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 1 with a finger 61 or the like as will be described later. At this time, the human body communication is performed through the skin 63 close to the mobile terminal 50 and the finger 61 touching the unit 101 in the human body 60 of the user. The CPU 57 can transmit information including data in the data storage area 51 to a communication destination by human body communication by the human body communication unit 55.

  In general, when performing wireless communication, there is a problem in that interference occurs when there are a plurality of communicators in the vicinity. On the other hand, when human body communication is performed in this way, no interference occurs, and the image forming apparatus 1 and the portable terminal 50 can specify a user who performs communication reliably.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The unit 101 has a sensor surface (sensor contact) 101a on the upper surface. Since the sensor surface 101a is made of a conductive material, it functions as a weak current contact for human body communication. The sensor surface 101a is used to read the fingerprint of the finger 61 that is in contact (or close). That is, the user can cause the fingerprint sensor 105 to read a fingerprint by placing (or holding) the finger 61 on the sensor surface 101a.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the unit 101. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the finger 61 touches the sensor surface 101a and fingerprint recognition and human body communication are simultaneously performed.

  The unit 101 is used for user authentication and human body communication as described above.

  When the fingerprint sensor 105 obtains the fingerprint information from the sensor surface 101a, the fingerprint sensor 105 transmits the fingerprint information to the CPU 201. The CPU 201 authenticates the user by comparing the transmitted fingerprint information with a record in the fingerprint information database. The fingerprint information database is stored in advance in the data storage area 203, for example. When the CPU 201 authenticates the user, the CPU 201 sets an information access level, a task execution level, and the like according to the security level of the user. As a result, the user is permitted to issue an operation instruction for the image forming apparatus 1. Information regarding the security level of each user is stored in, for example, the data storage area 203.

  By the user authentication, the following operation can be restricted according to the security level. For example, an operation of extracting confidential information stored in the data storage area 203, an operation of extracting confidential data on the network such as the external server 80, and the like. In addition, various functions of the image forming apparatus 1 can be restricted depending on the security level. Depending on the security level, it is possible to set an upper limit on the number of color prints that can be used for each user, and to limit printing and copying functions.

  As described above, when authentication is performed using biometric information of a user such as a fingerprint, higher security can be ensured than when authentication is performed using a password or the like.

  The fingerprint information database and information on the security level of each user are acquired from an external server 80 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network IF 211, an external device connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the USB IF 209, and the like. It may be possible.

  On the other hand, the human body communication unit 103 performs human body communication through the user's finger 61 touched by the sensor surface 101a. That is, a weak current is received via the finger 61 from the portable terminal 50 owned by the user. When the weak current is received, the human body communication unit 103 performs decoding processing such as serial / parallel conversion and transmits information to the CPU 201. In contrast, the human body communication unit 103 performs encoding processing such as parallel-serial conversion on the data transmitted from the CPU 201. Thereafter, the human body communication unit 103 transmits the data to the portable terminal 50 via the user's finger 61 touching the sensor surface 101a.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. When the user's finger 61 touches the sensor surface 101a, the image forming apparatus 1 performs user authentication by fingerprint reading and human body communication with the portable terminal 50 owned by the user in parallel.

  First, the flow of the user authentication operation will be described.

  In step S101, when the user's finger 61 touches the sensor surface 101a of the unit 101, the process is started. The fingerprint sensor 105 reads fingerprint information (user authentication information) from the user's finger 61.

  In step S103, the CPU 201 performs authentication by comparing the fingerprint information read by the user with the fingerprint information stored in advance. The authentication determination is performed by determining the degree of matching between the features of both fingerprint information.

  If user authentication is established in step S103, the CPU 201 sets a security level for the user in step S105. Thereby, the restriction on access to each function of the image forming apparatus 1 is released for the user. When the authentication is completed in this way, the user can use the permitted function.

  On the other hand, if the user authentication is not established in step S103, the CPU 201 performs an authentication failure establishment process in step S107. For example, the CPU 201 displays the reason why the authentication could not be performed on the touch panel display (display unit) 107 as the authentication failure process. Further, the CPU 201 determines that the user is a person who is not permitted to operate. The CPU 201 continues or implements restriction of access to each function of the image forming apparatus 1.

  In step S <b> 109, the CPU 201 discards the received data if there is received data by human body communication, which will be described later, after performing the authentication failure process. This ensures security for the received data. In addition, when there is transmission data by human body communication, the CPU 201 may be configured to transmit a control command or the like to the portable terminal 50 and discard the transmission data.

  If the user authentication is not established, the CPU 201 does not need to display the fact on the touch panel display 107. Moreover, it is not necessary to discard the reception data and transmission data by human body communication.

  Next, the flow of human body communication operation will be described.

  In step S111, when the user's finger 61 touches the sensor surface 101a, the process is started. The CPU 201 starts connection confirmation for human body communication through the human body communication unit 103.

  In step S113, the CPU 201 determines whether or not human body communication is possible. Whether or not human body communication is possible is determined based on whether or not a response to communication from the image forming apparatus 1 is established. If there is a correct response, the user correctly holds the portable terminal 50 compatible with human body communication and can communicate. Further, if the response is not made correctly or there is no response itself, communication is impossible because the user does not have the portable terminal 50 corresponding to human body communication correctly.

  When it is determined in step S113 that human body communication is possible, in step S115, the CPU 201 performs human body communication via the human body communication unit 103. That is, the CPU 201 transmits and receives desired data and the like between the portable terminal 50 and the image forming apparatus 1. When the data is received from the portable terminal 50, the CPU 201 stores the data in a predetermined data folder in the data storage area 203. At this time, for example, the CPU 201 may create a data folder (directory) corresponding to the read fingerprint information and store the downloaded data in the folder. Thereby, data can be stored in a state of being organized for each user.

  In step S117, the CPU 201 continues the human body communication operation until transmission / reception of necessary data is completed.

  When the communication is completed in step S117, in step S119, the CPU 201 performs an operation of reflecting the transmitted / received data and completes the human body communication operation. At this time, the data reflection operation is performed after the user authentication is established and the access restriction of the image forming apparatus 1 is released as described above. Alternatively, the data may be reflected before the access restriction is released, and the reflection may be canceled when authentication is not established.

  Note that data received through human body communication may be continuously stored in the image forming apparatus 1. Alternatively, the CPU 201 may discard the received data triggered by elapse of a predetermined time or pressing of a reset button. The received data may be discarded when the user's finger 61 is separated from the sensor surface 101a as a trigger. Thereby, the security of the image forming apparatus 1 and the received data can be ensured. In addition, it is possible to prevent an influence on another user who performs the next operation.

  When it is determined in step S113 that human body communication is impossible, in step S121, the CPU 201 performs human body communication failure processing. At this time, the CPU 201 displays a message on the touch panel display 107 that human body communication has not been established, and urges the user to pay attention. Further, the CPU 201 does not perform an operation based on the human body communication operation on the assumption that there is no data by human body communication. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 continues normal operations such as a copy function, a facsimile function, and a scan function.

  Note that when the human body communication is impossible, the CPU 201 does not need to display the fact on the touch panel display 107.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the user's authentication operation and human body communication operation can be executed simply by touching the finger 61 to the sensor surface 101a. Therefore, user authentication and data transmission / reception can be performed with one action, and the convenience of the image forming apparatus 1 is enhanced. In addition, since establishment and communication of the communication path between the image forming apparatus 1 and the portable terminal 50 are performed only when the user touches the sensor surface 101a, higher security is ensured.

  In addition, since the user authentication operation and the human body communication operation are executed in parallel, both operations can be completed in a short time.

  In the following, data transmitted and received by the human body communication operation and reflection operation for the data will be exemplified in the present embodiment.

  For example, assume that image data to be printed by the image forming apparatus 1 is stored in the portable terminal 50. In this case, image data to be a print job is transferred to the image forming apparatus 1 by human body communication. After the transfer is completed, the CPU 201 transmits image data to the engine unit 400. As a result, the engine unit 400 performs image formation based on the image data received through human body communication. The user can easily print the image data with one action.

  Further, for example, it is assumed that user customization information (customization information related to operation specification setting) of the touch panel display 107 is stored in the mobile terminal 50. In this case, user customization information is transferred to the image forming apparatus 1 by human body communication. The CPU 201 performs various customizations based on the received user customization information. As customization of the touch panel display 107, a display language can be changed, a character size, a color, and a display layout can be changed, and a screen that can be displayed for each of various functions can be set. Thereby, the touch panel display 107 can be customized for each user who operates the image forming apparatus 1. There is no need to register user customization information in the image forming apparatus 1 or the external server 80 in advance, and convenience can be improved.

  Further, for example, it is assumed that customization information related to the operation restriction setting of the image forming apparatus 1 is stored in the portable terminal 50. In this case, the customization information is transferred to the image forming apparatus 1 by human body communication. Based on the received customization information, the CPU 201 performs operation restriction settings for a user performing human body communication, that is, an authenticated user. According to the operation restriction setting, for example, it is possible to restrict the number of prints for each user, restrict color printing, restrict facsimile transmission to the outside, and the like. When this operation restriction setting is performed, the operation restriction on the user is temporarily changed. Thereby, the operation restriction setting can be performed for each user who operates the image forming apparatus 1. For example, even if the information related to the access restriction of the image forming apparatus 1 is not set in detail in the image forming apparatus 1 or the external server 80, detailed operation restriction setting can be performed for each user.

  Further, for example, it is assumed that a facsimile transmission destination list (phone book) is stored in the portable terminal 50. In this case, the facsimile transmission destination list is transferred to the image forming apparatus 1 by human body communication. The CPU 201 displays the received facsimile destination list information on the touch panel display 107. The facsimile transmission destination list is displayed so that the user can select a transmission destination. Thus, the user can easily designate the facsimile transmission destination by operating the touch panel display 107. Further, it is not necessary to store the facsimile transmission destination list in the image forming apparatus 1 or the external server 80 for each user. Therefore, the convenience of the image forming apparatus 1 is improved, and security can be ensured for the facsimile transmission destination list for each user.

  For example, it is assumed that E-mail mail address data (transmission destination information) is stored in the portable terminal 50. In this case, mail address data is transferred to the image forming apparatus 1 by human body communication. The CPU 201 displays a mail address on the touch panel display 107 based on the received mail address data. The displayed mail address is displayed so as to be selectable as a transmission destination of the scanned image. Accordingly, the user can easily designate the transmission destination of the scan image by operating the touch panel display 107. Further, it is not necessary to store mail address data as a transmission destination in the image forming apparatus 1 or the external server 80 for each user. Therefore, the convenience of the image forming apparatus 1 is improved, and security can be ensured for a destination mail address that can be set for each user. Note that the destination information is not limited to mail address data. For example, the CPU 201 may receive IP address data and set the IP address as a transmission destination.

  For example, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 1 has image data read by the scanner unit 300. In this case, the CPU 201 transfers the image data from the image forming apparatus 1 to the portable terminal 50 by human body communication. Thereby, the user can store the image data in the portable terminal 50 at hand and carry it with an easy operation. Therefore, the convenience of the image forming apparatus 1 is improved. Note that the CPU 201 may transfer not only the image data read by the scanner unit 300 but also, for example, predetermined data stored in the data storage area 203, such as billing information, to the portable terminal 50.

  [Second Embodiment]

  Since the basic configuration of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated here. An example of data transmitted and received by the human body communication operation and an example of a reflection operation for the data are also the same as those in the first embodiment. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a human body communication operation is performed after user authentication is established.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment.

  In the figure, steps S201 to S205 are the same as steps S101 to S105 in the first embodiment. That is, when the user's finger 61 touches the sensor surface 101a, fingerprint information is read (S201). The CPU 201 performs authentication by comparing the fingerprint information read from the user with the fingerprint information stored in advance (S203). When the user authentication is established, the CPU 201 sets the security level, and the access restriction of the image forming apparatus 1 is released (S205). Thereafter, the human body communication operation is started.

  If the user authentication is not established in step S203, the CPU 201 performs an authentication failure establishment process in step S207. The authentication failure process is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. If the user authentication is not established, the human body communication operation is not started and the operation is terminated.

  When the user authentication is completed, a human body communication operation is performed. In the figure, the operation from step S209 to step S213 is the same as the operation from step S113 to step S117 in the first embodiment. That is, the CPU 201 determines whether or not human body communication is possible (S209). If human body communication is possible, the CPU 201 transmits and receives desired data and the like between the portable terminal 50 and the image forming apparatus 1 by human body communication (S211). The CPU 201 continues the human body communication operation until transmission / reception of necessary data is completed (S213).

  When the communication is completed in step S213, in step S215, the CPU 201 performs an operation of reflecting the transmitted / received data and completes the human body communication operation. In the second embodiment, since the user authentication is established when the human body communication operation is completed, the data reflection operation can be performed immediately.

  If it is determined in step S209 that human body communication is not possible, in step S217, the CPU 201 performs human body communication failure processing. The human body communication failure establishment process is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. If human body communication is impossible, the operation is terminated thereafter.

  Thus, also in the second embodiment, both the user authentication operation and the human body communication operation are completed while the finger is touching the sensor. Therefore, the user can easily execute both operations with one action, as in the first embodiment. Further, since the user authentication operation is completed prior to the human body communication operation, the security of the image forming apparatus 1 can be ensured more reliably.

  [Third Embodiment]

  Since the basic configuration of the image forming apparatus in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated here. An example of data transmitted and received by the human body communication operation and an example of a reflection operation for the data are also the same as those in the first embodiment. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the user authentication operation is performed after the human body communication operation is completed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment.

  In the figure, steps S301 to S305 are the same as the operations from step S113 to step S117 in the first embodiment. That is, the CPU 201 determines whether human body communication is possible (S301). If human body communication is possible, the CPU 201 transmits / receives desired data and the like through human body communication (S303). The CPU 201 continues the human body communication operation until reception of necessary data is completed (S305). When the data transmission / reception is completed, the human body communication operation ends. At this time, the reflection of data is not yet performed because the user authentication has not been established. Thereafter, the user authentication operation is started.

  If it is determined in step S301 that human body communication is not possible, in step S307, the CPU 201 performs human body communication failure processing. The human body communication failure establishment process is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. If the human body communication is impossible, the human body communication operation is terminated and the user authentication operation is started.

  When the human body communication operation is completed, a user authentication operation is performed. In the figure, the operations from step S309 to step S313 are the same as those from step S101 to step S105 in the first embodiment. That is, when the user's finger 61 touches the sensor surface 101a, fingerprint information is read (S309). The CPU 201 performs authentication by comparing the fingerprint information read from the user with the fingerprint information stored in advance (S311). When the user authentication is established, the CPU 201 sets the security level, and the access restriction of the image forming apparatus 1 is released (S313).

  When the user authentication is established and the access restriction is released, in step S315, the CPU 201 performs an operation of reflecting the data transmitted / received by the human body communication. Thereby, the data reflection operation is performed in a state where security is ensured. When data is transmitted to the portable terminal 50, the data transmission is confirmed by this reflection operation.

  If user authentication is not established in step S311, the CPU 201 performs authentication failure establishment processing in step S317. The authentication failure process is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  If the user authentication is not established, in step S319, the CPU 201 discards data transmitted / received by human body communication. Thereby, the security of the transmitted / received data is ensured together with the security of the image forming apparatus 1. Note that the CPU 201 may reflect the data after the data communication is completed in step S305, and cancel the reflection when authentication is not established.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, both the user authentication operation and the human body communication operation are completed while the finger is touching the sensor, as described above. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the user can easily perform both operations with one action. In addition, since data transmission / reception by the human body communication operation is completed before the user authentication operation, even when the amount of data to be transmitted / received is large or the human body communication is unstable, the data can be reliably transmitted / received. it can.

  [Effects of the embodiment]

  In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the user authentication operation and the human body communication operation are performed only by the user touching the unit with the finger. That is, the finger is a common medium between authentication and human body communication. Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the operations of a plurality of procedures that have been necessary for performing both operations so far as one action, and the convenience of the image forming apparatus 1 is enhanced. Further, since data is transmitted and received at the same time as the establishment of user authentication, the authenticator authenticated by the user and the owner of the data transmitted and received are surely the same. As a result, there is no mistake in the data to be transmitted / received and the data of others. Therefore, high security is ensured for information transmitted and received between the image forming apparatus 1 and the portable terminal. In addition, since the unit for reading the fingerprint and the human body communication is configured as an integral piece of hardware, the risk of failure can be reduced.

  In particular, since user authentication is performed based on user biometric information, human body communication operations are performed with high security.

  [Others]

  Instead of the fingerprint sensor, a vein authentication sensor that reads vein information of a finger or palm as biometric information may be used. In addition, another authentication sensor that determines other characteristics of the human body may be used. In these cases, the human body communication unit may be configured to perform human body communication when a finger, palm, or the like is close to or in contact with the authentication sensor to such an extent that biometric information is read. Similarly, the user can perform the user authentication operation and the human body communication operation with a single action of simply touching or holding the finger or palm to the authentication sensor.

  The image forming apparatus may be any one of a monochrome / color copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a complex machine (MFP) thereof.

  Further, the device capable of performing human body communication with the image forming apparatus is not limited to the above-described portable terminal such as a PDA. The image forming apparatus can communicate with an apparatus capable of transmitting or receiving data using a human body communication function, such as a television broadcast receiver or another image forming apparatus having a similar configuration.

  The processing in the above-described embodiment may be performed by software or may be performed using a hardware circuit.

  In addition, a program for executing the processing in the above-described embodiment can be provided, and the program is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card and provided to the user. You may decide to do it. The program may be downloaded to the apparatus via a communication line such as the Internet.

  In addition, it should be thought that the said embodiment is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 Image forming device 50 Mobile terminal (device owned by user)
60 Human body 61 Finger 63 Skin 101 Human body communication sensor unit 103 Human body communication unit 105 Fingerprint sensor 107 Touch panel display (display selection unit)
200 Controller unit 201 CPU
300 Scanner section

Claims (13)

A unit capable of reading user authentication information from a user's human body and performing human body communication via the user's human body;
An authentication control unit for authenticating the user by the user authentication information read by the unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a human body communication control unit for communicating with an apparatus held by the user through the human body communication. The unit reads user authentication information from the user's finger or hand,
The unit performs human body communication via the user's finger or hand,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user performs reading of user authentication information and human body communication via the user's finger or hand with a single action of touching or holding the finger or hand to the unit. .   The authentication operation of the user by the authentication control unit and at least one of transmission and reception of data to and from the device held by the user by the human body communication control unit are executed in parallel. The image forming apparatus described.   3. The image according to claim 1, wherein when authentication of the user by the authentication control unit is established, the human body communication control unit performs at least one of data transmission and reception with a device held by the user. Forming equipment.   The authentication operation of the user by the authentication control unit is performed after at least one of data transmission and reception with the device owned by the user by the human body communication control unit. Image forming apparatus.   6. The data according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the data transmitted by the human body communication control unit and the received data is discarded when the authentication of the user is not established by the determination of the authentication control unit. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image forming unit that receives image data stored in an apparatus held by the user by the human body communication control unit and forms an image based on the image data. Image forming apparatus.   Customization means for receiving customization information related to at least one of operation specification setting and operation restriction setting stored in the device held by the user by the human body communication control unit, and customizing the image forming apparatus based on the customization information The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A display selection unit for displaying a facsimile destination list selectable by the user;
The apparatus further comprises display means for receiving a facsimile transmission destination list stored in an apparatus owned by the user by the human body communication control unit, and displaying the facsimile transmission destination list on the display selection unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 8. A scanner unit for reading a document as image data;
Setting means for receiving transmission destination information stored in the device held by the user by the human body communication control unit and using the transmission destination information as a transmission destination of image data read by the scanner unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A scanner unit for reading a document as image data;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit image data read by the scanner unit by the human body communication control unit to an apparatus held by the user. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a unit capable of reading user authentication information from a user's human body and performing human body communication via the user's human body,
An authentication step of authenticating the user with user authentication information read by the unit;
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a human body communication step for communicating with an apparatus held by the user through the human body communication. A control program for an image forming apparatus including a unit capable of reading user authentication information from a user's human body and performing human body communication via the user's human body,
An authentication step of authenticating the user with user authentication information read by the unit;
A control program for an image forming apparatus, which causes a computer to execute a human body communication step for communicating with an apparatus held by the user through the human body communication.

Images