JP2011113528A - System and management server for forming images - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and a management server for forming images, which may automatically provide authorized information to an image forming device in accordance with an actual state for entering into and leaving from user's area by individual user for enhancing the availability for the image forming device and for relieving a work load for a manager. <P>SOLUTION: The system for forming the images includes an identifying information acquisition unit for identifying the users, an image forming unit with a memory unit, which stores information to authorize a usage right through comparison with the identifying information and the authorization information, a server memory unit, which connects a device used for entering into and leaving from the user's area and memorizes each user's authorization information and the information of entering into and leaving from the user's the area, through recording historical data of the users, and a server control unit for deciding whether the user can be allowed to use the image forming device based on the historical data of the user for entering and leaving the area. The system also includes the management server for sending the authorized information of the user being decided as eligible for using the image forming device, to this image forming device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system including an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral, a copier, a printer, and a FAX apparatus having an authentication function, and a management server that performs entrance / exit management.

  For example, image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals, copiers, printers, and fax machines are installed in each department or floor, and generally one image forming apparatus is used by a plurality of people. However, if anyone can use the image forming apparatus, it may be abused. Therefore, there is an image forming apparatus that accepts various operations and executes a job only when an individual is authenticated by reading an IC card or the like, and is authenticated as having the right to use. For example, at the time of installation, the administrator inputs and registers authentication information such as the ID and name of a person who is permitted to use the image forming apparatus.

  However, when it is necessary to manage a plurality of image forming apparatuses, the operation is very troublesome if the administrator inputs authentication information or registers a change for each image forming apparatus. Therefore, from the viewpoint of reducing the workload of the administrator, etc., as described in Patent Document 1, authentication information is stored in the server, authentication is performed on the server, and can be used depending on whether authentication is successful on the server. There is an image forming apparatus that determines whether or not. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, an authentication information input device, an authentication server device that performs authentication based on acquired authentication information, and an image forming device are connected via a network. It has a transmission means which transmits the authentication success / failure information related to success / failure together with the user information of the user specified from the authentication information to one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and the image forming apparatus receives the authentication success / failure information and the user from the authentication server apparatus. An authentication system is described that includes receiving means for receiving information, and device control means for switching from an unusable state to a usable state in accordance with the received authentication success / failure information and user information. With this configuration, it is easy to cope with various different authentication methods (see Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraph [0028], etc.).

JP2009-037349

  For example, an administrator may manage a plurality of image forming apparatuses such as a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network. If authentication information is input and registered for each image forming apparatus, there is a problem that time and effort are required and the work load is large. For example, the greater the number of image forming apparatuses to be managed, the greater the workload on the administrator. Even if there is only one image forming apparatus to be managed, the greater the number of registrations in the image forming apparatus, the greater the workload on the administrator.

  Here, referring to the description of Patent Document 1, the image forming apparatus is connected to the authentication server apparatus, and the authentication server apparatus performs authentication processing. For example, when managing a plurality of image forming apparatuses, At most, it is easy to manage centrally, reducing the burden on the administrator. However, there is a problem that the image forming apparatus cannot be used at all due to a network down or a failure of the authentication server apparatus.

  Even when an authentication server apparatus is used, it is necessary to determine and register who can use which image forming apparatus. This operation becomes more complicated as the number of image forming apparatuses to be managed increases and the number of users to be managed increases. Further, even if the administrator defines an image forming apparatus that gives the authority to use each user, correction work is required if it does not match the actual situation. Therefore, there is a problem that the burden on the administrator should be reduced in terms of granting the authority to use the image forming apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and automatically gives and holds authentication information in the image forming apparatus in accordance with the actual situation of each user entering or leaving the area. Accordingly, it is an object to increase the availability of the image forming apparatus and reduce the work load on the administrator.

  In order to solve the above problem, an image forming system according to claim 1 stores an identification information acquisition unit for identifying a user and authentication information for authenticating whether or not the user has authority to use the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus that compares the identification information with the authentication information and authenticates whether the user has authority to use, and is connected to the image forming apparatus via a network so as to be communicable. Based on the entry / exit history information of each user, the server storage unit that stores the entry / exit history information that is the history of entry / exit of each user in each area that is connected and managed, and the authentication information of each user, And a management server having a server control unit that transmits authentication information of a user who has been determined to be allowed to use the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus.

  According to this configuration, the management server transmits the user authentication information determined to be usable based on the entry / exit history information of each user to the image forming apparatus, so that the image forming apparatus can be used. It is automatically determined whether it is good, and authentication information of each user is automatically registered in the image forming apparatus. Thereby, the work burden of the manager can be reduced. Also, since the authentication information is stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is used even when the communication system such as the network is down, unlike when the authentication server performs authentication (service). be able to.

  An image forming system according to claim 2 includes an identification information acquisition unit for identifying a user, and a storage unit for storing authentication information for performing authentication to determine whether the user has authority to use the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus that compares the identification information with the authentication information and authenticates whether or not the user has the right to use, and a data server that is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus via a network and stores authentication information of each user The network is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus and the data server, and is connected to an entry / exit management apparatus to store entry / exit history information that is a history of each user's entry / exit in each area to be managed. A server storage unit that performs the authentication, and the user's authentication information determined to be allowed to be used is determined based on the entry / exit history information of each user. A management server having a server control unit to transmit from over server to the image forming apparatus, it was decided to include a.

  Also with this configuration, as in the first aspect of the invention, it is automatically determined whether or not the image forming apparatus can be used, and the authentication information of each user is automatically registered in the image forming apparatus. Is done. Thereby, the work burden of the manager can be reduced. In addition, since the authentication information is stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus, unlike the case where the authentication server performs authentication (service), even if a communication system such as a network goes down or a data server fails. An image forming apparatus can be used.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the server storage unit includes, as the entry / exit history information, at least the number of times each user has entered the area and the staying time in a certain period. The server control unit stores whether the number of times each user enters the area where the image forming apparatus is installed exceeds a predetermined reference number and / or a staying time exceeds a predetermined reference time. The user who can use the image forming apparatus is determined depending on whether or not the image forming apparatus is used.

  According to this configuration, whether or not the image forming apparatus can be used automatically is determined according to the actual condition of each user, such as a high frequency of visiting the area and a long time in the area. As a result, the user is automatically given the right to use the image forming apparatus in an area that exceeds the standard and has a high necessity to give the right to use. Therefore, convenience can be improved.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the management server includes an input unit, and the input unit receives an input for changing the setting of the reference count and the reference time. did.

  According to this configuration, the input unit accepts an input for changing the setting of the reference count and the staying time, so that it is possible to change the reference as to whether to give the use authority. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the use authority from being given to an unnecessary user by adjusting whether or not to give the use authority according to the policy of the administrator or the company.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the management server includes a display unit that displays a list of users who are allowed to use the image forming apparatus, and the input unit includes: An input for removing a user listed in the list from the list is received, and only the user authentication information left in the list after the change is received by the image forming apparatus.

  According to this configuration, since only the user authentication information remaining in the changed list is received by the image forming apparatus, it is possible to make detailed settings as to whether or not to grant the use authority. Also, the administrator's work is only to delete the object from the list, and no troublesome work is required.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects of the invention, the identification information acquisition unit acquires the identification information from a storage medium carried by each user. By reading the storage medium, the identification information is acquired, and it is determined whether or not to put the user into the area.

  According to this configuration, since the same storage medium can be used in the identification information acquisition unit and the entry / exit management device, the required number of storage media can be reduced. As a result, the management of the image forming system is facilitated, and the cost required for the image forming system can be reduced.

  The management server according to claim 7 is connected to the image forming apparatus that performs authentication based on the authentication information so as to be communicable with the network, connected to the entrance / exit management apparatus, and managed in each area. The image forming apparatus may be used on the basis of the server storage unit that stores the entry / exit history information that is the entry / exit history of each user and the authentication information of each user, and the entry / exit history information of each user. A server control unit is provided that allows the image forming apparatus to transmit authentication information of a user who is determined to be allowed to use the user.

  In this configuration, the management server in the image forming system according to claim 1 is regarded as an invention, and an effect equivalent to that of the invention according to claim 1 can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the administrator or the like is registered in the image forming apparatus by automatically giving the authentication information to the image forming apparatus in accordance with each user's entry / exit status. There is no need to individually select the users to be registered, and it is not necessary to register the user in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the work burden on the administrator is reduced. Further, since the image forming apparatus holds the received authentication information, authentication can be performed even if the network is down, and the availability of the image forming apparatus is high.

It is a floor figure for demonstrating an example of entrance / exit management which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure for entrance / exit management which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. 1 is a schematic front sectional view illustrating an example of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the entrance / exit log | history information in the image forming system which concerns on 1st Embodiment, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the reference | standard setting screen which gives the use authority of a multifunction device FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the data of the list | wrist produced | generated with the image forming system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control in automatic use authority assignment in the image forming system according to the first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the image forming system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  The image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in this embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Entrance / exit management)
First, an example of entrance / exit management related to the image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a floor diagram for explaining an example of entrance / exit management according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration for entrance / exit management according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 shows an example in which one floor of a building is divided into a plurality of areas. This floor is largely divided into four areas (shown as room, area 1, area 2, area 3, and area 4 in FIG. 1), and one local network is formed by these four floors (details will be described later). . For example, in the case of a company, departments such as a sales department and an accounting department are arranged in the area.

  And the entrance / exit management apparatus 1 is provided in the entrance part for entering into common areas, such as a corridor etc. which connect each area from the front of an elevator hall, and the door part of the entrance of each area, for example. The entrance / exit management device 1 is a device for allowing only authorized persons to enter, and for grasping movement and exit of the user's area.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the entrance / exit management device 1 includes a controller 11, a memory 12, a locking mechanism 13, a card reader 14, and the like. The controller 11 controls communication and operation in the entrance / exit management device 1. The memory 12 stores a program and data for controlling the entrance / exit management device 1. The locking mechanism 13 is a mechanism including a door and a key for locking the door and opening the door when it is permitted to enter each area or common area. The card reader 14 wirelessly reads an IC card 15 (corresponding to a storage medium) possessed by each user of the image forming system 100 in order to confirm whether the user has authority to enter an area or a common area. The IC card 15 has a built-in memory that stores identification information such as the name, ID, department, password, etc. of the person (user) who owns the IC card 15.

  Each entry / exit management device 1 is connected to a management server 2 that performs entry / exit management via a network. In FIG. 2, only one entry / exit management device 1 is shown for convenience. The management server 2 includes, for example, a server control unit 21, a server storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, a communication unit 25, and the like.

  The server control unit 21 includes, for example, a CPU and a chip, and controls the management server 2 by performing various calculations and processes such as data processing and program execution in the management server 2. The server storage unit 22 stores programs and data required for control and processing in the management server 2. For example, the server control unit 21 includes a volatile and non-volatile storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, an HDD, and a flash ROM.

  The display unit 23 is, for example, a display device that displays a screen of an application related to the server (for example, a liquid crystal display). Various information related to the management server 2 can be displayed on the display unit 23. The input unit 24 is a device for making various inputs to the management server 2. For example, a keyboard or a mouse can be used for the input unit 24. The communication unit 25 is a network interface for connecting the management server 2 to the network. Thereby, data can be exchanged with each entry / exit management device 1.

  Here, an example of authentication as to whether the user has authority to enter each area will be described. For example, when the user wishes to enter any of the areas, the card reader 14 of the entrance / exit management device 1 provided at the entrance of each area is caused to read the IC card 15. The identification information in the IC card 15 read by the card reader 14 is transmitted to the management server 2, for example. The server storage unit 22 of the management server 2 stores authentication information for all users. For example, the authentication information includes data indicating the user name, ID, department, password, and the like. In addition, for example, the server storage unit 22 stores data that defines an area that can be entered for each user. The authentication information may include information that defines an area where the user can enter the room.

  Then, the server control unit 21 compares the transmitted identification information with the authentication information, confirms whether there is data matching the identification information in the authentication information, and determines the IC card 15 possessed by a valid one. Check whether it has been read (authenticate). Also, check if the user has the authority to enter the area.

  If the user has authority to enter the room, the server control unit 21 transmits data indicating permission to enter the area to the entrance / exit management device 1 that has transmitted the identification information from the communication unit 25. When receiving data indicating permission to enter the area, the controller 11 controls the locking mechanism 13 to unlock the door at the area entrance. And the management server 2 memorize | stores and preserve | saves the log | history which user entered into the server memory | storage part 22 for every user as entrance / exit log | history information. On the other hand, if the user does not have entry authority or is not recognized as a legitimate user, the server control unit 21 accesses the area (entrance into the room) toward the entry / exit management device 1 that transmitted the identification information from the communication unit 25. ) Is sent. The entry / exit management device 1 keeps the door for entering the area locked by the locking mechanism 13 unless it receives data to permit entry into the area.

  The authentication information may be stored in the memory 12 of each entry / exit management device 1 in a nonvolatile manner. Thereby, each entrance / exit management device 1 can determine whether it can enter the area without communicating with the management server 2. In this case, data specifying the person who entered the area (for example, a user name) is transmitted to the management server 2, and the management server 2 receives the data specifying the person who entered the area and updates the entry / exit history information. To do.

  In the above description, the case of entering each area has been described. However, the IC card 15 may be read when leaving the area. Thereby, the exit from each area can be grasped by the management server 2 for each user, and entry / exit history information can also be left for the exit. In addition, the IC card 15 can be taken out from each area without being read (for example, the locking mechanism 13 is not locked in the withdrawal direction), and the user stays first when entering the area. It may be recorded in the entry / exit history information that the user has left the area.

(Example of network)
Next, an example of the image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, a plurality of areas are provided in the floor. In addition to the entrance / exit management device 1 provided at the entrance, each floor has a plurality of computers 3 (for example, personal computers) and multifunction devices as necessary, as indicated by broken lines in FIG. 4 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) is provided. Each computer 3, multifunction device 4, and entrance / exit management device 1 are connected via a local network. A plurality of networks may be configured, such as a communication network for the entrance / exit management device 1 and a communication network for each computer 3 or multifunction device 4.

  The multifunction machine 4 has a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a scan function, a printer function, and a FAX function (details will be described later). For example, the multifunction device 4 can be used as a printer by transmitting printer job data including image data and setting data from the computer 3 to the multifunction device 4 (printer function). Instead of the multifunction device 4, an image forming apparatus such as a printer may be connected to the network.

(Outline of image forming apparatus)
Next, an outline of the multifunction machine 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic front sectional view showing an example of the multifunction machine 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the multifunction device 4 of the present embodiment has a document transport device 41 at the top, and the multifunction device 4 main body includes an operation panel 5, an image reading unit 42, a paper feed unit 6A, a transport path. 6B, an image forming unit 7A, a fixing unit 7B, a reader / writer 8, and the like are provided.

  First, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 4, the operation panel 5 is provided above the front surface of the multifunction device 4. The operation panel 5 includes a liquid crystal display unit 51 that displays the state of the multifunction machine 4 and various messages. The liquid crystal display unit 51 can display one or a plurality of keys for performing function selection, setting, character input, and the like. In addition, a transparent touch panel 52 (for example, a resistive film type) is provided on the upper surface of the liquid crystal display unit 51. The touch panel 52 is for detecting the position and coordinates of the part pressed on the liquid crystal display unit 51. The operation panel 5 is also provided with various hard keys such as a start key 53 for instructing start of execution of various functions such as copying.

  When copying a document, the document transport device 41 automatically and continuously feeds the documents stacked on the document placing tray 41A one by one toward the reading position (feed reading contact glass 42A) of the image reading unit 42. Transport. The image reading unit 42 reads a document and forms image data of the document. On the upper surface of the image reading unit 42, a feed reading contact glass 42A and a placement reading contact glass 42B are provided. In the image reading section 42, an optical system member (not shown) such as an exposure lamp, a mirror, a lens, and an image sensor (for example, CCD) is provided.

  The optical system member is used to irradiate light on a document transported by the document transport device 41 or a document placed on the placement reading contact glass 42B, and receive each reflected light of the document. The pixel output value is A / D converted to generate image data. The multifunction device 4 can perform printing based on the image data obtained by reading (copying function). Note that the document conveying device 41 is provided with a fulcrum on the back side of the sheet of FIG. 4 and can be lifted, and the document conveying device 41 can hold the document.

  The sheet feeding unit 6A accommodates a plurality of sheets (for example, various sheets such as copy sheets, plain sheets, recycled sheets, thick sheets, and OHP sheets) and sends them one by one to the conveyance path 6B. The paper feeding unit 6A includes a cassette 61 on which stored paper is placed (in FIG. 1, the upper one is denoted by 61A and the lower one is denoted by 61B). In addition, a sheet feeding roller 62 that is rotationally driven to feed out from the cassette 61 to the conveyance path 6B is provided (in FIG. 1, the upper one is denoted by 62A and the lower one is denoted by 62B). For example, at the time of printing, the paper feed roller 62 is driven to rotate, and the sheets necessary for image formation are sent out one by one to the conveyance path 6B.

  The conveyance path 6 </ b> B is a path through which the sheet is conveyed from the sheet feeding unit 6 </ b> A to the discharge tray 63. An image forming unit 7A, a fixing unit 7B, and the like are arranged on the sheet conveyance path. In the conveyance path 6B, the guide 64 for guiding the paper, the conveyance roller pair 65 that is rotationally driven during the conveyance of the sheet, and the conveyed sheet are made to wait in front of the image forming unit 7A, and the toner image A registration roller pair 66 and the like for feeding paper at the same timing of formation are provided.

  The image forming unit 7A forms a toner image based on the image data, and transfers the toner image onto the conveyed paper. Therefore, the image forming unit 7A includes a photosensitive drum 71 supported so as to be rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 1, a charging device 72 disposed around the photosensitive drum 71, a laser scanning unit 73, and the like. A developing device 74, a transfer roller 75, a cleaning device 76, and the like are provided.

  The toner image formation and transfer process will be described. A photosensitive drum 71 that is provided substantially at the center of the image forming portion 7A and is driven to rotate in a predetermined direction is a charging device that is provided obliquely above and to the right of the photosensitive drum 71 in FIG. 72 is charged to a predetermined potential. In FIG. 4, the laser scanning unit 73 is provided on the right side of the charging device 72, outputs laser light L based on the image data, scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 71, and electrostatics corresponding to the image data. A latent image is formed. As the image data, image data obtained by the image reading unit 42, image data transmitted from the external computer 3 or the partner FAX apparatus 200 (see FIG. 5) connected via a network, or the like is used.

  In FIG. 1, a developing device 74 provided diagonally to the right of the photosensitive drum 71 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 71 and develops it. The transfer roller 75 provided on the left side of the photosensitive drum 71 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 71 to form a nip. The sheet enters the nip while being timed according to the toner image. When the paper enters, a predetermined voltage is applied to the transfer roller 75, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 71 is transferred to the paper. The cleaning device 76 removes the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 71 after the transfer.

  The fixing unit 7B fixes the toner image transferred to the paper. The fixing unit 7B in the present embodiment is mainly composed of a heating roller 77 and a pressure roller 78 that incorporate a heating element. The heating roller 77 and the pressure roller 78 are in pressure contact to form a nip. Then, as the sheet passes through the nip, the toner on the sheet surface is melted and heated, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet. The paper after the toner is fixed is received by the discharge tray 63. In this way, image formation (printing) is performed when the copying function and the printer function are used.

  As will be described in detail later, a reader / writer 8 (identification information acquisition) that acquires identification information from an IC card 15 that stores identification information for specifying a user is located above the right side surface of the multifunction machine 4 in the present embodiment. Equivalent to the part). The reader / writer 8 communicates with the IC card 15 wirelessly to acquire identification information. If the IC card 15 is a magnetic card, the reader / writer 8 acquires identification information using a magnetic head or the like.

  The identification information stored in the IC card 15 is data for identifying and specifying a person who owns the IC card 15 and intends to use the multifunction device 4. The identification information includes, for example, data indicating a user name, ID, department to which the user belongs, usage authority, and the like. In the multifunction device 4 according to the present embodiment, in addition to specifying the user of the multifunction device 4 based on the acquired identification information, it is authenticated whether the owner of the IC card 15 is eligible for the multifunction device 4. (Details will be described later).

(Hardware configuration of MFP 4)
Then, based on FIG. 5, an example of the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described next. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the multifunction machine 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  A control unit 9 is provided in the multi-function device 4, and the control unit 9 controls the operation of the multi-function device 4 and includes, for example, a CPU 91 and an image processing unit 92. The control unit 9 is divided into a plurality of functions, such as a main control unit that performs overall control and image processing, and an engine control unit that controls ON / OFF of a motor that rotates an image forming and various rotating bodies. Seeds may be provided.

  The CPU 91 is a central processing unit, and controls each unit of the multifunction machine 4 based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 93 and developed. The image processing unit 92 performs various types of image processing on image data to be printed and image data transmitted to the external computer 3 or the counterpart FAX apparatus 200. The storage unit 93 is configured by combining nonvolatile and volatile storage devices such as ROM, RAM, HDD, and flash ROM. The storage unit 93 can store various programs and data for controlling the multifunction machine 4, various data such as setting data and image data.

  The control unit 9 includes the operation panel 5, the document conveyance device 41, the image reading unit 42, the paper feeding unit 6A, the conveyance path 6B, the image forming unit 7A, the fixing unit 7B, the authentication device 94, and the signal lines and the like. Connected and controls each unit and each device to control the operation of the multifunction device 4. The authentication device 94 is provided as hardware, but may be realized as software by the CPU 91 of the control unit 9, the storage unit 93, a program, and the like.

  Further, the control unit 9 is connected to a communication unit 95 (interface unit) including various connectors, sockets, a communication control chip, and the like. The communication unit 95 is connected to a plurality of external computers 3 and a counterpart FAX apparatus 200 via a network, a public line, or the like. For example, data including image data is transmitted to the external computer 3 or the counterpart FAX apparatus 200 (Internet FAX may be used). (Scanner function, FAX function). It is also possible to perform printing based on image data from the external computer 3 or the counterpart FAX apparatus 200 (printer function, FAX function). As described above, the multifunction machine 4 includes a plurality of functions among a copying function, a printer function, a scanning function, and a FAX function.

(Authentication in MFP 4)
Next, an example of authentication in the multifunction machine 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. First, the control unit 9 basically puts the multifunction machine 4 in an unusable state (logout state). Further, the operation panel 5 does not accept setting of various functions such as copying or a job start instruction. For example, in an unusable state, even if an operation / input for performing a copy or FAX transmission is performed on the operation panel 5, the operation panel 5 is ignored, and the control unit 9 ignores the operation instruction input. Even if image data is transmitted from the external computer 3, printing is not performed, and the control unit 9 accepts transmission of image data and temporarily stores it in the storage unit 93 or the like, but does not perform printing.

  On the other hand, when authentication with a usable person is obtained, a login state is entered, and the control unit 9 puts the multifunction machine 4 into a usable state. The operation panel 5 accepts setting of various functions such as copying and a job start instruction. In the multi-function device 4 of the present embodiment, the reader / writer 8 is made to read the IC card 15 possessed and the authentication is performed. That is, the identification information acquisition unit (reader / writer 8) acquires identification information from a storage medium (for example, the IC card 15) carried by each user, and the entrance / exit management device 1 reads the storage medium and acquires the identification information. Acquire and decide whether to put the user into the area.

  For example, information (identification information) for identifying the user, such as a user name and a login password, is stored in advance in the IC card 15 (for example, written in the IC card 15 by the reader / writer 8). As shown in FIG. 4, the authentication device 94 stores a controller 941 that performs data communication, data processing, and the like, and authentication information of all users who have authority to use the multifunction device 4 in advance. A memory 942 (corresponding to a storage unit) is provided.

  When the stored content of the IC card 15 is read by the reader / writer 8, the data is input from the reader / writer 8 to the authentication device 94. The controller 941 compares the identification information in the data input to the authentication device 94 and the authentication information in the memory 942 to confirm whether there is a match. If they match, the controller 941 transmits data indicating that the control unit 9 may use the multifunction device 4 and information (for example, a user name) specifying the user. The control unit 9 transmits data indicating that the multifunction device 4 may be used by the operation panel 5 and information (for example, a user name) specifying the user. As a result, the multifunction device 4 enters a login state.

  Further, for example, the authentication may be performed using the control unit 9 or the storage unit 93. In this case, authentication information for all persons having authority to use the multifunction device 4 is stored in the storage unit 93 in advance (there is no need to provide an authentication device 94). The identification information of the IC card 15 read by the reader / writer 8 is sent to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 compares the authentication information in the storage unit 93 with the received identification information, and confirms whether there is a match. If they match, the control unit 9 puts the multifunction device 4 in the login state, as described above.

  As described above, in the multi-function device 4 of the present embodiment, an authentication unit that performs authentication processing on a plurality of parts in the multi-function device 4, such as the control unit 9 and the storage unit 93, and the controller 941 and the memory 942 of the authentication device 94. Can function as.

  Note that the authentication may be performed based on an input to the operation panel 5 (corresponding to the identification information acquisition unit). For example, in the logout state, the operation panel 5 displays a login screen for inputting a user name (may be a user ID) and a login password as information (identification information) for identifying the user. Then, the user name entered by pressing the liquid crystal display unit 51 (touch panel 52) of the operation panel 5 is used as identification information, and authentication work is performed. For example, data indicating the input user name or the like is sent from the operation panel 5 to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 compares the authentication information in the storage unit 93 with the received identification information and confirms whether they match. If they match, the control unit 9 places the multifunction device 4 in the login state.

(Acquisition of authentication information of MFP 4)
Next, the acquisition of authentication information of the multifunction machine 4 in the image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Each multi-function device 4 in the image forming system 100 stores authentication information for all the persons who have authority to use. Each multifunction device 4 acquires authentication information from the management server 2. In other words, the management server 2 stores authentication information for all users in the server storage unit 22. Then, the management server 2 transmits authentication information of a person who has authority to use for each multifunction device 4.

  For example, when the multifunction device 4 is newly installed for the multifunction device 4, the management server 2 has a preset cycle (for example, any cycle such as one week, one day, several days), or, for example, Authentication information is sent when an administrator's instruction is given by input by the input unit 24 or the like. Thereby, the management server 2 can manage the authentication information for all users in an integrated manner. For example, even if the password or user name of a person who has authority to use a plurality of multifunction devices 4 is changed, it is not necessary to input authentication information to each multifunction device 4 and change authentication information.

  Further, since the authentication information is stored in a nonvolatile manner in the storage unit 93 or the memory 942 of the multi-function device 4, each multi-function device 4 can be operated even if the network goes down or the communication unit 95 of the multi-function device 4 fails. Authentication can be performed. Therefore, the availability of the multifunction device 4 is ensured.

(Sending authentication information based on entry / exit history information)
Next, an example of transmission of authentication information to the multifunction device 4 based on the entry / exit history information in the image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of entry / exit history information in the image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting screen D1.

  As described above, the entry / exit history information of each user is left in the server storage unit 22 regarding the entry / exit of the person having the IC card 15. FIG. 6A illustrates, for example, each user's movement (for 10 weeks) of 10/10 to 10/17 (for one week) obtained based on the entry / exit history information (processing the entry / exit history information). It is an example of an aggregation table showing entry / exit history information. This summary table can be displayed on the display unit 23 of the management server 2. In addition, the unit for counting the entry / exit history information can be arbitrarily determined not only for one week but also for one month, one year, etc. The server control unit 21 performs totaling according to the totaling unit. The result is displayed on the display unit 23. Regarding time, “XX: XX: XX” means “hour: minute: second”.

  For example, the user A shown as an example in FIG. 6A is recognized as belonging to the department in the area 1 because the number of times of entering the area 1 and the staying time are large. And the user A visits the area 4 as needed (for example, communication, a meeting, etc.). In addition, the area to which the symbol “−” shown in FIG. 6A is attached is an area where entry is not permitted. For example, the user A is not authorized to enter the areas 2 and 3. Further, for example, the user C enters the area 1 and the area 3 approximately the same number of times during one week, and stays for approximately the same time. Accordingly, it is recognized that the user C is concurrently serving as a department belonging to the area 1 and the area 3.

  Thus, the user tends to enter and stay in the area where the department to which the user belongs rather than the area of the other department. Then, it is necessary for each user to be able to use at least the multifunction device 4 provided in the area where the user belongs. Further, for an area that is frequently visited by the user, if the multifunction device 4 in that area can be used, the convenience is enhanced. Therefore, in the image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment, the management server 2 determines and determines the MFP 4 that can be used for each user based on the entry / exit history information. Then, the management server 2 transmits user authentication information determined to be usable to each multifunction device 4. Each multifunction device 4 enters a login state when reading the user's IC card 15 corresponding to the received authentication information.

  For example, the management server 2 may determine the multifunction device 4 that grants the use authority for each user based on a predetermined standard for the stay time and the number of times of entering the room. If the standard can be set by the administrator or the like, the authentication information can be transmitted to each multi-function device 4 in accordance with the actual situation (human movement) of the company or the like that employs the image forming system 100. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 6B, for example, the management server 2 can set the reference.

  For example, FIG. 6B is an example of the reference setting screen D1 displayed on the display unit 23 of the management server 2. An administrator or the like can use the input unit 24 of the management server 2 to set a reference or the like of the multifunction machine 4 to which the use authority is given. Below the reference setting screen D1, an OK key K1 and a cancel key K2 are provided. Then, when the OK key K1 is selected by the administrator's mouse operation or the like, data of a list of users to whom the use authority is given is generated for each area and each multifunction device 4 under the set criteria. If the cancel key K2 is selected, the set reference is not changed.

  In the upper part of the reference setting screen D1, a reference setting area F1 for inputting a reference related to the number of times of entering the room and the staying time is provided. First, regarding the standard regarding the number of times of entering the room, a number input field B1 (input a single digit or a plurality of digits) and a pull-down menu PM1 for determining a unit are arranged. When the pull-down menu PM1 is operated, selectable units are displayed, and the administrator selects (for example, “day”, “hour”, “week”, “month”, “year”, etc.).

  And the server control part 21 totals the entry / exit log | history information of each user back to the range set from now. On the right side of the pull-down menu PM1, a reference number input field B2 for determining a reference number is provided. The server control unit 21 compares the tabulation result with the value input in the reference number input field B2, and lists, for example, a user who exceeds the value input in the reference number input field B2 for each multifunction device 4. (Generate list data) The multifunction devices 4 arranged in each area are determined in advance. Therefore, for example, users may be listed for each area. For example, the administrator inputs data to the management server 2, and stores each area where each multifunction device 4 is installed in the server storage unit 22 in association with the network address, name, etc. of each multifunction device 4. The multi-function device 4 existing in FIG.

  In addition, regarding the reference time related to the stay time, a numeric input field B3 (input a single digit or a plurality of digits) and a pull-down menu PM2 for determining a unit are arranged. When the pull-down menu PM2 is operated, selectable units are displayed, and the administrator selects (for example, “day”, “hour”, “week”, “month”, “year”, etc.). And the server control part 21 totals the entry / exit log | history information of each user back to the range set from now. On the right side of the pull-down menu PM2, a reference time input field B4 for determining a reference time is provided. The server control unit 21 compares the total result with the value input in the reference time input field B4. For example, the user who exceeds the value input in the reference time input field B4 for each floor or each multifunction device 4 To list. As described above, the management server 2 includes the input unit 24, and the input unit 24 receives an input for changing the setting of the reference count and the reference time.

  Note that it is not necessary to enter a number in one of the reference number input field B2 and the reference time input field B4. Further, when a number is entered in either the reference number input field B2 or the reference time input field B4, for example, the server control unit 21 lists users for each area or for each MFP 4 based on each reference. . Then, for example, the server control unit 21 calculates the logical sum or logical product of the list based on the number of times of entering the room and the list based on the staying time, and gives the use authority for each area or each multifunction device 4 (authentication). Generate one list of users (to send information). And this list is memorized by server storage part 22, for example.

  In addition, on the reference setting screen D1, a condition setting area F2 for providing conditions regarding the use authority of the multifunction device 4 to the user is also provided. For example, a plurality of check boxes CB1 are provided in the condition setting area F2, and conditions are written on the right side of the check boxes CB1. For example, the conditions are “grant authority to use the device in the area to which the user belongs”, “grant authority to use the device in the area with the highest number of times of entry”, and “use authority to use the device in the area with the longest stay time”. "Giving" is provided, but further conditions may be added.

  For example, by giving the condition “grant authority to use devices in the area to which the user belongs”, even a user who has no entry / exit history, such as a cold or a business trip, is allowed to use the multifunction device 4. If the area or department to which the user belongs is included in the authentication information, the server control unit 21 can grasp the area or department to which the user belongs by referring to the authentication information. The conditions of “grant authority to use equipment in the area where the number of times of entry is the most” and “grant authority to use equipment in the area that has the longest stay time” are based on the actual movement of the user. The authority to use the multifunction device 4 is given in an area where the probability of staying is high.

  Then, by turning on the check box CB1, the above condition is turned on. If the data is missing from the list data generated for each area (each MFP 4) even though the conditions are satisfied, the user who satisfies the conditions is added to the list data.

(Removal from list)
Next, an example of processing of a list generated by the image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of list data generated by the image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  For example, FIG. 7 shows an example of data of a use authority list for each MFP 4. This list can be displayed on the display unit 23, for example, and can be visually recognized by an administrator or the like. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, for each multifunction device 4, there is a user who recognizes the use authority. As described with reference to FIG. 6, the authority to use the multifunction device 4 is automatically determined based on the entry / exit history information under a certain standard. However, even if there is a standard, there is a case where the use authority is granted to a user who does not intend and does not need to grant the use authority.

  Therefore, for example, the administrator causes the list as shown in FIG. 7 to be displayed on the display unit 23 of the management server 2, and for example, the check box CB2 is removed by unchecking the check box CB2 provided at the left end of the list. It is possible to prevent the authentication information relating to the user being sent from being transmitted to the corresponding multifunction device 4. That is, the management server 2 includes a display unit 23 that displays a list of users who are allowed to use the image forming apparatus (for example, the multifunction device 4), and the input unit 24 displays the users listed. An input to be removed from the list is accepted, and only the user authentication information remaining in the changed list is received by the image forming apparatus. In addition, the server storage unit 22 may take over that the check box CB2 is removed when a new list is generated. This eliminates the need for the administrator to remove the check box CB2 each time a list is generated.

(Control for automatic usage authorization)
Next, based on FIG. 8, an example of control by automatic use authority grant in the image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of control in automatic use authority assignment in the image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the start in FIG. 8 is a point in time when automatic setting and registration of a person who can use the multifunction machine 4 is performed. This automatic setting can be performed at any time. For example, when setting a user that can be used in a newly installed multifunction device 4, when authentication information about the user is changed, periodically updating authentication information in each multifunction device 4, and managing When the person instructs the management server 2 to update the authentication information in each multifunction machine 4, the person who can use the multifunction machine 4 is automatically set.

  First, the server control unit 21 calls the entry / exit history information stored in the server storage unit 22 and totals the entry / exit history information within a set period (step # 1). Next, the server control unit 21 determines a user who can use the multi-function device 4 to transmit the authentication information based on certain criteria and conditions such as the reference count and the reference time (step # 2). That is, the server storage unit 22 stores at least the number of times each user has entered the area and the staying time in a certain period as the entry / exit history information, and the server control unit 21 stores the image forming apparatus (for example, the multifunction device 4). ) In the area where the image forming apparatus (e.g., a multi-function peripheral) depends on whether or not the number of times each user enters the room exceeds a predetermined reference number and / or whether the staying time exceeds a predetermined reference time. 4) Determine the user who can use.

  Then, the server control unit 21 transmits authentication information of all users who have determined that the multifunction device 4 can be used to the multifunction device 4 (step # 3). That is, the image forming system 100 authenticates whether there is an authority to use an identification information acquisition unit (reader / writer 8, operation panel 5, etc.) for identifying a user and an image forming apparatus (for example, the multifunction device 4). An image forming apparatus that includes a storage unit 93 and a memory 942 for storing authentication information for performing authentication, compares the identification information with the authentication information, and authenticates whether the user has a use authority, and communicates with the image forming apparatus via a network A server storage unit 22 that is connected to the entrance / exit management device 1 and stores entry / exit history information that is a history of entry / exit of each user in each area to be managed and authentication information of each user; A server control unit 21 that determines the users who can use the image forming apparatus based on the entry / exit history information of each user, and transmits the authentication information of the users determined to be used to the image forming apparatus. Tube with It includes a server 2, a. The multi-function device 4 stores the received authentication information in the storage unit 93, the memory 942, etc. (step # 4 → end).

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the management server 2 uses the image forming apparatus (for example, the user authentication information that is determined to be used based on the entry / exit history information of each user). Since it is transmitted to the multifunction machine 4), it is automatically determined whether or not the image forming apparatus can be used, and authentication information of each user is automatically registered in the image forming apparatus. Thereby, the work burden of the manager can be reduced. In addition, since the authentication information is stored in the storage unit 93 or the memory 942 of the image forming apparatus, the image formation can be performed even when the communication system such as the network is down unlike the case where the data server 10 performs authentication (service). The device can be used.

  Further, whether the image forming apparatus (for example, the multifunction machine 4) can be used automatically is determined according to the actual condition of each user, such as the frequency of visiting the area is high and the time in the area is long. As a result, the user is automatically given the right to use the image forming apparatus in an area that exceeds the standard and has a high necessity to give the right to use. Therefore, convenience can be improved. Moreover, since the input part 24 receives the input which changes the setting of reference frequency | count and stay time, it can change the reference | standard of whether to give a use authority. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the use authority from being given to an unnecessary user by adjusting whether or not to give the use authority according to the policy of the administrator or the company. Further, since only the user authentication information left in the list after the change is received by the image forming apparatus, it is possible to make detailed settings as to whether or not to give the use authority. Also, the administrator's work is only to delete the object from the list, and no troublesome work is required. Moreover, since the same storage medium can be used in the identification information acquisition unit and the entrance / exit management device 1, the necessary number of storage media (for example, the IC card 15) can be reduced. Thereby, management of the image forming system 100 is facilitated, and the cost required for the image forming system 100 can be reduced.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an example of the image forming system 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of an image forming system 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment is different in that the authentication information to be given to the multifunction machine 4 is stored not in the management server 2 but in the data server 10. The data server 10 includes a data server storage unit 101 for storing authentication information, various programs, and data. The data server 10 is connected to a network and can communicate with the management server 2, each computer 3, and each multifunction device 4. Other points of the image forming system 100 may be the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Specifically, the management server 2 automatically determines a user who is authorized to use the multifunction device 4 based on the entry / exit history information. Then, a list for each MFP 4 of the user who gives the use authority is transmitted to the data server 10. Then, the data server 10 transmits the authentication information to the multifunction device 4 according to the list. As a result, even if the authentication information is stored other than the management server 2, the authentication information is given to the multifunction device 4.

  That is, the image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment has an authority to use an identification information acquisition unit (reader / writer 8, operation panel 5, etc.) for identifying a user and an image forming apparatus (for example, the multifunction device 4). A storage unit 93 for storing authentication information for performing authentication, comparing the identification information with the authentication information, and performing authentication to determine whether the user has authority to use, and an image forming apparatus ( For example, the data server 10 is communicably connected to the multifunction peripheral 4) and stores authentication information of each user. The data server 10 is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus and the data server 10 via a network. And a server storage unit 22 for storing entry / exit history information, which is a history of entry / exit of each user in each area to be managed, and an image forming apparatus based on each user's entry / exit history information It established a good user by, including a management server 2 having the server control section 21 to transmit the authentication information of the user is determined to be allowed to use the data server 10 to the image forming apparatus. In this way, the same effects and operations as in the first embodiment can also be obtained by the configuration of the present embodiment.

  Next, another embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the IC card 15 storing the identification information is used for authentication has been described. However, a card other than the IC card 15 may be used. For example, a magnetic card storing identification information (in this case, a reader / writer 8 that uses a magnetic card) may be used. In addition, not only a card but also a portable semiconductor memory may be used (in this case, the reader / writer 8 is compatible with a semiconductor memory).

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where a storage medium that stores identification information is used for authentication has been described. However, authentication may be performed by reading biometric information such as a fingerprint. In this case, the authentication information is data related to the biometric information, and the card reader 14 and the reader / writer 8 serving as the identification information acquisition unit are replaced with a scanning device that reads the biometric information.

  In the above embodiment, the entry / exit history information has been described by taking the time of entering each area and the staying time as examples, but other items may be stored as the entry / exit history information.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image forming system 100 has been described. However, based on the authentication information, the image forming apparatus that authenticates whether the user has authority to use is connected to be able to communicate with the network, and connected to the entrance / exit management apparatus 1. The server storage unit 22 that stores the entry / exit history information that is the history of each user in each area to be managed and the authentication information of each user, and image formation based on the entry / exit history information of each user As an invention of the management server 2 having a server control unit 21 that determines the user who can use the apparatus and transmits the authentication information of the user who is determined to use the apparatus to the image forming apparatus (for example, the multifunction device 4). Can also be captured.

  Moreover, although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Industrial applicability

  The present invention can be used for an image forming apparatus including an authentication function and an image forming system including a management server.

1 Entrance / exit management device 15 IC card (storage medium)
2 Management Server 21 Server Control Unit 22 Server Storage Unit 23 Display Unit 24 Input Unit 4 Multifunction Device (Image Forming Apparatus)
5 Operation panel (identification information acquisition unit) 8 Reader / writer (identification information acquisition unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 Control part 93 Memory | storage part 942 Memory (memory | storage part) 10 Data server 100 Image forming system

Claims (7)

An identification information acquisition unit for identifying a user and a storage unit for storing authentication information for authenticating whether the user has authority to use the image forming apparatus, and comparing the identification information with the authentication information An image forming apparatus that authenticates whether the user has the right to use, and
The network is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus, and is connected to an entry / exit management apparatus, and the entry / exit history information that is the history of each user's entry / exit in each area to be managed and the authentication information of each user Based on the server storage unit to be stored and the entry / exit history information of each user, the user who can use the image forming apparatus is determined, and the authentication information of the user who is determined to be allowed to use the image forming information An image forming system comprising: a management server having a server control unit to be transmitted to the apparatus. An identification information acquisition unit for identifying a user and a storage unit for storing authentication information for authenticating whether the user has authority to use the image forming apparatus, and comparing the identification information with the authentication information An image forming apparatus that authenticates whether the user has the right to use, and
A data server that is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus via a network and stores authentication information of each user;
A server that is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus and the data server via a network, and that is connected to an entry / exit management apparatus and stores entry / exit history information that is a history of each user's entry / exit in each area to be managed Based on the entry / exit history information of each user, a user who can use the image forming apparatus is determined, and user authentication information that is determined to be used is sent from the data server to the image server. An image forming system comprising: a management server having a server control unit to be transmitted to the forming apparatus. The server storage unit stores, as the entry / exit history information, at least the number of times that each user enters each area in a certain period, the staying time,
The server control unit determines whether the number of times each user enters the area in which the image forming apparatus is installed is a predetermined reference number and / or whether the stay time exceeds a predetermined reference time. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein a user who can use the image forming apparatus is determined. The management server has an input unit,
The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the input unit receives an input for changing the setting of the reference count and the reference time.   The management server includes a display unit that displays, as a list, users who are allowed to use the image forming apparatus, and the input unit receives an input for removing the users listed in the list from the list, 5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus receives only the user authentication information left in the list after the change. The identification information acquisition unit acquires the identification information from a storage medium carried by each user,
The said entrance / exit management apparatus acquires the said identification information by reading the said storage medium, and determines whether a user is put in an area, The one of Claims 1 thru | or 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. Image forming system. Based on the authentication information, it is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus that authenticates whether it is authorized to use, and is connected to the network.
A server storage unit that stores entry / exit history information that is a history of each user's entry / exit in each area that is connected to the entry / exit management device, and authentication information of each user, and the entry / exit history of each user And a server control unit that determines a user who can use the image forming apparatus based on the information and transmits authentication information of the user who is determined to use the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus. server.

Images