JP2010206654A - Information device, and control method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To limit use by an unspecified user, and to loosen a use restriction to a specific user without any user registration. <P>SOLUTION: The information device is provided with a license output means for outputting a license, by which temporary use is permitted to an unregistered user, according to an instruction issued by a previously registered user; a readout means for reading out a document and generating a document image; a discrimination means for discriminating whether the document image read out by the readout means is the license; and a control means for temporarily permitting the use of the information device to the unregistered user, when it is decided by the discriminating means that the document image is a license, or for not permitting the use of the information device to the unregistered user, when it is not decided by the discrimination means that the document image is a license. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information device and a method for controlling the information device.

  One type of business-use information device called OA (Office Automation) device is a multifunction device. A recent multifunction peripheral is known as a multifunction peripheral (MFP) that can be used for copying, printing, image input, facsimile communication, mail transmission / reception, data storage, and the like. The multi-function device is incorporated in a corporate network and operates in response to an operation input from an operation panel provided in the multi-function device or an access from a computer connected to the network.

  Many of such multifunction devices have a function of authenticating a user. In a typical authentication method, a user ID and password entered by a user when using the multifunction machine are checked against a user ID and password registered in advance. If they match, the user is authenticated. If the user is not authenticated, the use of the multifunction device by the user is completely or partially restricted.

  As a prior art related to the operation of the multifunction device, there is a method of reading instruction contents from a prepared sheet by an image scanner provided in the multifunction device, instead of a user operating the operation panel or a keyboard. For example, a check sheet for operation setting is prepared. The user enters a check mark in a desired check field and then reads the check sheet (Patent Document 1). In addition, it is possible to cause the MFP to perform user authentication by reading a plurality of sheets having different description contents in a predetermined order (Patent Document 2). In addition, the service person can read the dedicated sheet, and thereby the operation mode of the multifunction device can be shifted from the user mode used by the user to the mode for maintenance (Patent Document 3).

JP 2000-353171 A JP 2006-261832 A JP 2006-41906 A

  In order to use an information device that performs user authentication, user registration must be performed prior to use, even if the use is temporary rather than daily. For example, in an office where a plurality of employees share an information device, a situation may be assumed in which a business traveler who visits the office uses the information device for a short period of time from one day to several days. In this situation, it is necessary to perform user registration by assigning a user ID to a business traveler. This task is usually imposed on the manager of the information device. In addition, the administrator is also responsible for managing the registered information. The burden on the administrator is high when different business travelers frequently visit.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an information apparatus and an information processing system that restrict use to an unspecified user and relax use restrictions on a specific user without user registration. It is said.

  An information device that achieves the above object generates a document image by reading a document and a permission document output means for outputting a permission document that allows a non-registered user to temporarily use the device according to a user instruction registered in advance. A reading unit, a determination unit that determines whether or not the document image read by the reading unit is the permission document, and the determination unit that determines that the document image is the permission document. Temporarily permits the unregistered user to use the information device, and if it is not determined that the document image is the permission document, the unregistered user is notified of the information device. And a control means that does not permit use.

  The user of the information device can acquire the license output by the license output means. After the acquisition, when the user causes the reading means to read the permission form, the use of the information device is permitted by the determination means and the control means. As a result, the user can use the information device even if the user is not registered in advance.

  A non-registered user may have a registered user output a permit. On the other hand, a registered user only needs to perform an operation for requesting output, and it is not necessary to perform a user registration operation for an unregistered user.

  In a preferred embodiment, the information device further includes additional information reading means for reading user identification information from the document image, and user identification information storage means for storing the read user identification information.

  According to this aspect, the user identification information of the user who performed the permission instruction output operation is recorded. This has the effect of preventing unauthorized issuance of permits. Since it is known from the record who is the user who has issued the permission output instruction operation, there is no need to determine a full-time issuer. Therefore, for example, an increase in the work burden on the administrator, which may occur when the administrator is a full-time issuer, can be reduced.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the information apparatus which restrict | limits use with respect to an unspecified user and eases use restrictions with respect to a specific user even if there is no user registration is implement | achieved.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the information processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a multifunction machine. It is a figure which shows the procedure at the time of an unregistered user using a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a functional configuration and operation of a main part of a multifunction peripheral. It is a figure which shows an example of a permission document. 10 is a flowchart of a permit printing process executed in the multifunction machine. 5 is a flowchart of mode switching processing executed in the multifunction machine. It is the flowchart of the simplified mode switching process.

  Assume an information processing system 1 having a multifunction machine 2 and a plurality of personal computers 3 and 4 as shown in FIG. The information processing system 1 is a LAN (Local Area Network) provided in a company or a similar organization, and is connected to the public line 7 via the multifunction device 2 and to the Internet 8 via the router 6. The multifunction device 2 is an information device called an MFP, and can be used for copying, printing, image input, facsimile communication, mail transmission / reception, data storage, and the like. The multifunction machine 2 and the personal computers 3 and 4 can communicate with each other via the switching hub 5.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction device 2 includes an operation panel 20, an image scanner 21, a printer 22, a paper stocker 23, a power supply circuit 24, a control circuit 25, an image processing circuit 27, a facsimile communication modem 27, an external connection interface 28, and a storage. 29. An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 201 is disposed on the operation panel 20. The image scanner 21 can read a color original. The printer 22 includes a unit for double-sided printing, and prints a monochrome or color image on one or both sides of the paper supplied from the multi-stage paper stocker 23. The power supply circuit 24 supplies electric power required everywhere in the multifunction machine 2. The control circuit 25 includes a ROM 251 that stores a control program, a CPU 252 that executes the control program, and a RAM 253 that is used as a work area for executing the program. The image processing circuit 26 performs various processes including bitmap development in copying and printing. The facsimile communication modem 27 is used for communication via the public line 7. The external connection interface 28 is used for connection with a LAN cable. The storage 29 is a mass storage device such as a hard disk drive. The storage 29 is provided with a so-called box that is a memory area for storing various document files as well as a memory area for storing data related to the control of the multifunction machine 2.

  The multifunction device 2 can be used only by a user registered in advance with respect to the information processing system 1 and a user who has acquired a permission document described later. The registered user can use the multifunction device 2 by performing a predetermined authentication operation such as inputting an ID and a password using the operation panel 20 or a keyboard attached to the personal computers 3 and 4. An unregistered user can use the multifunction device 2 by obtaining a permit and causing the multifunction device 2 to read it. The permission form is created by the multifunction device 2.

  An outline of the procedure when an unregistered user uses the multifunction machine 2 is shown in FIG.

  As an example of the situation, there is a case where a business traveler who temporarily stays in the workplace where the multifunction device 2 is installed uses the multifunction device 2. Here, it is assumed that this business traveler is an unregistered user, and a person who routinely works in the workplace is a registered user (hereinafter referred to as a registered user).

  An unregistered user requests a registered user to print a permit. The registered user may or may not be an administrator of the multifunction device 2. Upon receiving the request, the registered user performs a permission instruction print instruction operation on the multifunction device 2 (# 1). In response to the print instruction, the multifunction device 2 prints a permit. At this time, user information for identifying a registered user who has performed a print instruction operation (hereinafter referred to as a printer) is incorporated into the permit (# 2). When the printed permit is taken out from the paper discharge tray of the multifunction device 2 and reaches an unregistered user, the unregistered user enters a name and other predetermined items in the entry column of the acquired permit (# 3). Thereafter, an unregistered user sets the permit on the document tray of the image reader 21 and reads the image of the permit (# 4). The multifunction device 2 stores the user information of the printer as usage history information (# 5). Then, the multifunction device 2 accepts an operation input from the operation panel 20 by an unregistered user, and operates according to the operation input (# 6). An unregistered user can use the multi-function device 2 until a predetermined end instruction operation is performed or until a predetermined time elapses after reading the permit.

  For example, an unregistered user can make a copy or print a document in a box. A document can be read and stored in a box, or sent to a personal computer 3 or 4 or another device (not shown).

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the multifunction peripheral 2 related to the printing and reading of the permit will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the MFP 2 includes a permission document issuing unit 31, a document editing unit 32, a determination unit 33, a mode control unit 34, an operation control unit 35, an information extraction unit 36, and a history management unit 37. These are functional elements realized by the CPU 252 of the control circuit 25 and the program. Further, the multi-function device 2 has a first memory area 41 for storing document data (form) D50 representing a permit, a second memory area 42 for history management for storing a use history of the multi-function device 2 based on a permit, And a third memory area 43 for storing user information of single or plural registered users. These memory areas 41 to 43 are part of the memory area of the storage 29. However, in order to increase the efficiency of the process, a permission form or user information may be loaded from the storage 29 to the RAM 253. The license issuing unit 31, the document editing unit 32, and the printer 22 constitute a license output unit.

  The license issuing unit 31 responds to the license print request 10 from any of the personal computers 3 and 4, and the document data D50 read from the first memory area 41 and the print read from the third memory area 43. The identification information D10 of the person is handed over to the document editing unit 32. This is an instruction for the printer 22 to print the permit 50. In order to give the permit print request 10 to the multifunction device 2, the registered user who is a printer performs a predetermined print instruction operation on the personal computer in the login state in which the multifunction device 2 can be accessed by the authentication operation.

  In response to the instruction from the license issuing unit 31, the document editing unit 32 edits the document data D50 to create an image of the license 50 incorporating the identification information D10. This image is sent to the printer 22, and the permit 50 is printed using, for example, A4 size paper. An example of the permit 50 is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, an identification pattern 52, an entry field 501, a message field 502, and a check field 503 are arranged on the first surface (front surface) of the permit 50. The exemplary identification pattern 52 is a two-dimensional code, and includes information indicating that it is a permit, and identification information of a printer incorporated by the document editing unit 32 described above. However, the identification information of the printer and the identification pattern 52 may be separately arranged as separate identification patterns. In the entry column 501, item names (for example, employee numbers, e-mail addresses, signatures) of items to be entered by unregistered users who intend to use the multifunction device 2 are printed. A message field 502 indicates functions that can be used by unregistered users. In the check column 503, it is asked whether or not an operation guidance display for each function is necessary for an unregistered user. An unregistered user enters a check mark at a check position of a desired guidance display as necessary.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, on the second surface (back surface) of the permit 50, a simple description of how to use the multifunction device 2 may be printed. That is, one side of the permit 50 is used for convenience for users who are unfamiliar with the operation.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the determination unit 33 determines the document image read by the image scanner 21 in a standby state in which the operation of the operation panel 20 is awaited. The operation mode of the MFP 2 in the standby state is a first operation mode (non-authentication mode) in which operation input via the operation panel 20 is restricted. The determination performed by the determination unit 33 is to determine whether or not the identification pattern 52 of the document image includes a code indicating that it is a permit, and to add additional information 54 at a predesignated position in the page of the document image. Is whether or not is entered. The position designated in advance is a position corresponding to the entry field 501. The determination result is sent to the mode control unit 34.

  The mode control unit 34 gives an instruction to the operation control unit 35 according to the determination result received from the determination unit. If the identification pattern 52 of the document image read by the image scanner 21 includes a code indicating that it is a permit, and has additional information 54 written at a predetermined position, the mode control unit 34 The operation mode is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode (authentication mode) in which the restriction is released. That is, if the document read by the image scanner 21 is a permission document 50b with an additional entry in the entry field 501, the operation mode is switched. On the other hand, when the identification pattern 52 of the document image does not include a code indicating that it is a permit, or does not have the additional information 54, the mode control unit 34 holds the first operation mode. To do. The operation mode switched or held by the mode control unit 34 is notified to the operation control unit 35.

  The operation control unit 35 controls display contents on the operation panel 20 according to the notified operation mode and responds to an operation input. When the mode is switched to the second operation mode, it is displayed that use is permitted. In the second operation mode, an operation input is accepted, and in the first operation mode, no operation input is substantially accepted.

  The information extraction unit 36 extracts the printer identification information D10 from the document image identification pattern 52 read by the image scanner 21, and delivers it to the history management unit 37. In addition, the information extraction unit 36 extracts a part corresponding to the entry field 501 in the document image and delivers it to the history management unit 37.

  The history management unit 37 writes the identification information D10 received from the information extraction unit 36 and the image of the additional information 54 entered in the entry field 501 in the second memory area 42 for history management. That is, the history management unit 37 records who is the printer and who is the unregistered user who has signed the permission form 50b. Further, a character string extracted using OCR or the like may be recorded.

  In the MFP 2 having such a configuration, the CPU 252 executes the permit printing process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 and the mode switching process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  In the license printing process shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 252 creates license image data to which the user information of the printer is added in response to the input of the license printing request 10 (# 11, # 12). The permit 50 is printed (# 13). The processing of these steps # 11 to 13 corresponds to the function of the permit issuing unit 31 described above, and the processing of step # 12 of these steps # 11 to 13 corresponds to the function of the document editing unit 32.

  In the mode switching process of FIG. 7, the CPU 252 waits for reading of paper by the image scanner 21 (# 21). When the paper is read, the CPU 252 checks whether the read paper is a permit and whether or not there is an entry in the entry field 501 (# 22, # 23). The processes in steps # 22 to # 23 correspond to the function of the determination unit 33.

  If the form is not a permit or a permit, but there is no additional entry in the entry field 501, a message indicating that the sheet cannot be used is displayed on the LCD 201 of the operation panel 20 (# 32). If the form is a permit and the entry field 501 is filled in, steps # 24-31 are executed.

  In steps # 24 and # 25, the user information of the printer and the image in the entry field 501 are extracted from the information read by the image scanner 21. The processes in steps # 24 to # 25 correspond to the function of the information extraction unit 36.

  In steps # 26 and # 27, the user information of the printer and the image in the entry field 501 are recorded. The processing of steps # 26 to # 27 corresponds to the function of the history management unit 37.

  In step # 28, the CPU 252 switches the operation mode to release the operation input restriction. The process of step # 28 corresponds to the function of the mode control unit 34.

  In step # 29, a message indicating that the use of the multifunction device 2 is permitted is displayed using the LCD 201. Thereafter, it is checked whether or not there is an entry in the check column 503 of the read permission form 50b (# 30), and when there is an entry in the check column 503, an operation guidance display corresponding to the entry position is performed (#). 31). The processing of steps # 29 to # 31 corresponds to the function of the operation control unit 35.

  In the above embodiment, a permit 50 that is not filled in the entry field 501 is invalid, but a system operation in which an unregistered user validates a permit 50 that has been printed without additional writing is conceivable. In an information device suitable for such system operation, the mode switching process can be simplified as shown in FIG. 7 as shown in FIG. In the mode switching process of FIG. 8, steps # 23, # 25, # 27, # 30 and # 31 in the mode switching process of FIG. 7 are omitted.

  According to the above-described embodiment, any registered user can be a printer who gives an instruction to print the permit 50, so there is no need to determine a dedicated printer in the operation of the information processing system 1. That is, flexible system operation is possible. Since the user information of the printer is recorded, and the person who is the printer can be known from the record, unauthorized or unnecessary issuance of the permit 50 is suppressed without determining a dedicated printer.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the additional information 54 including the signature entered in the entry field 501 of the permit 50b is recorded as a history, so that the usage record of the multifunction device 2 by the permit 50b can be managed. In the case of a system operation that prohibits the use of the multifunction machine 2 using the license 50b by the printing user who is the registered user, such use is suppressed.

  There are the following modifications in the above-described embodiment.

  The multi-function device 2 can be used until a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the user has read the permit 50b, and cannot be used if the user leaves the multi-function device 2 more than a certain distance even before the elapse of a predetermined time. You may make it return to a state. In this case, a known detection technique using an optical sensor or linking with an entry / exit management system may be applied.

  An expiration date from issuance can be set in the permit 50, and the term information can be incorporated into the permit 50 in a form that can be recognized by the multifunction device 2. In this case, the determination unit 33 determines whether the permit 50b is valid based on the time limit information.

  Of the functions of the multi-function device 2, a function that can be used by the permit 50 b may be arbitrarily designated by the printer of the permit 50 when performing a print instruction operation. In addition, functions that can be used may be automatically designated according to the authority given to the printer.

  The identification pattern 52 of the permit 50 is not limited to a two-dimensional code, but may be a bar code, a background pattern, or other marks. The identification pattern 52 may be effective only for one multifunction device 2 that prints the permission document 50, or may be effective for both the multifunction device 2 and the same type of multifunction device, or the multifunction device 2. May be effective for all information devices having a function of recognizing the permit 50.

  The size, character color, design, and description of the permit 50 are design matters. Single-sided printing may be used instead of double-sided printing. The functions of the MFP 2 may be listed in the message field 502 of the permission form 50, and the functions that the user wants to use may be specified by entering a check mark, for example. In this case, the multifunction device 2 accepts only an operation input related to the function designated by the user using the permission document.

  Not only the form in which the personal computer 3 or 4 requests the printing of the permit 50, but a form in which the printer instructs the printing by operating the operation panel 20 may be used. The printer performs a predetermined authentication operation prior to the print instruction so that the print instruction can be accepted.

  The system configuration of the information processing system 1 is not limited to an example. The number of the multifunction machine 2 and the personal computers 3 and 4 is arbitrary. You may have apparatuses, such as an FTP server and a mail server, and may be connected to an intranet.

  In the embodiment described above, the information device including the image scanner 21 and the printer 22 is the multifunction device 2, but is not limited thereto. There is a facsimile apparatus as another apparatus in which the image scanner 21 and the printer 22 are assembled together.

  Further, the present invention can be applied to an information processing system including an image scanner, a printer separate from the image scanner, and an information processing apparatus connected to the image scanner and the printer.

2 MFPs (information equipment)
21 Image scanner (reading means)
22 Printer 52 Identification pattern (identification pattern)
50, 50b License 252 CPU
31 Permit issuance department (permit means output means)
33 Discrimination part (discrimination means)
34 Mode controller (control means)
36 Information extraction unit (user identification information reading means, additional information reading means)
42 Second memory area (user identification information storage means, additional information storage means)

Claims (9)

Information equipment,
A license output means for outputting a license permitting temporary use to a non-registered user according to an instruction of a user registered in advance;
Reading means for reading a document and generating a document image;
Determining means for determining whether or not the document image read by the reading means is the permission document;
If the determination means determines that the document image is the permission document, the unregistered user is temporarily permitted to use the information device, and the document image is the permission document. If it is not determined, control means that does not allow the unregistered user to use the information device,
An information device comprising:   The information device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not it is the permit by reading an identification pattern printed on a document.   The information device according to claim 2, wherein the identification pattern includes identification information of a user who has instructed the output of the permission document. The determination means further determines whether or not the document image has additional information written in a predesignated position,
4. The information device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit permits use of the information device only when the document image has the identification pattern and the additional information.   The information device according to claim 4, further comprising display means for displaying the operation guide of the information device based on whether or not the operation guide displayed in the additional information is necessary. User identification information reading means for reading the user identification information from the identification pattern;
The information apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising user identification information storage means for storing the read user identification information. From the document image, additional information reading means for reading the additional information,
The information device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising additional information storage means for storing the read additional information. A control method for information equipment,
Read a document to generate a document image,
Determine whether or not the generated document image is a license that allows a non-registered user to use it temporarily,
If it is determined that the document image is the permission document, the unregistered user is temporarily permitted to use the information device, and the document image is not determined to be the permission document. In this case, the information device control method is characterized in that the unregistered user is not permitted to use the information device. A computer program for a computer used in information equipment,
When executed by the computer,
A permission output means for outputting a permission permitting temporary use to an unregistered user according to an instruction of a user registered in advance;
Reading means for reading a document and generating a document image;
Determining means for determining whether or not the document image read by the reading means is the permit;
If the determination means determines that the document image is the permission document, the unregistered user is temporarily permitted to use the information device, and the document image is the permission document. And a control unit that does not permit the unregistered user to use the information device if it is not determined.

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