JP2012004832A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus capable of securing security against an unauthorized use without registration of a user and of expanding a range of users permitted to use the apparatus, thereby improving convenience.SOLUTION: A multi-function apparatus permits use thereof on a condition that user information is input, thereby expanding a range of users to be permitted to use the apparatus and improving convenience. The apparatus further issues a warning indicating that the input user information is used for tracking the user, imposing a strong psychological suppression effect against an unauthorized use of the multi-function apparatus 10, restraining such use thereof by the user. The multi-function apparatus 10 further stores the input user information and the user's usage history and send them to an administrator's terminal so that the administrator can grasp details of an unauthorized use and identify and track the user who has unauthorizedly used the apparatus 10 even if the apparatus has been illegitimately used.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that performs control to permit use when predetermined information is input from a user.

  In an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine or a multifunction peripheral, a regular user who has been given authority to use the apparatus is registered in advance, and user authentication is performed by inputting / verifying authentication information, and only authorized users are allowed to use the apparatus. This prevents unauthorized use by third parties.

  In addition, there is a technology that uses user authentication based on input / verification of biometric information (biometric information) in order to prevent unauthorized use of digital contents such as music and images. Specifically, when the terminal device requests the data distribution server to download digital content such as music data or image data, the data distribution server requests the terminal device to input biometric information and notifies the input completion notification. Receive digital content. The terminal device adds and stores biometric information to the distributed digital content, and when playing back or displaying the digital content, the terminal device requests the user to input biometric information, When the information matches the biometric information added to the digital content, the reproduction / display is permitted (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-297555 A

  The conventional user authentication technique in the image processing apparatus requires prior registration and management of a regular user who has been given the authority to use the apparatus, and has a burden. Moreover, although high security can be ensured against unauthorized use by a person other than the authorized user, a person other than the authorized user cannot use the device at all, and there is a problem of poor flexibility.

  Similarly, the technology for preventing unauthorized use of digital content through user authentication using biometric information is also high for unauthorized use of digital content by a person other than an authorized user who has input biometric information and downloaded digital content. Although security can be ensured, a person other than the authorized user cannot use the digital content at all, and there is a problem of poor flexibility.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problems, and can ensure the security against unauthorized use without performing user registration, and can improve convenience by expanding the range of users permitted to use the image. An object is to provide a processing apparatus.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] An input unit that receives input of user information;
An image processing unit that processes image data based on a user operation received when the use of the image processing apparatus is permitted;
On condition that user information is input from the input unit, the input user information is stored in a storage unit, and a control unit that permits use of the image processing apparatus;
An image processing apparatus.

  In the above invention, since the image processing apparatus permits the use of the image processing apparatus on condition that user information is input, the range of users who are permitted to use is widened and convenience is enhanced. In addition, by requesting input of user information, the user can be recognized (warned) that he (user himself) can be identified later from the input user information. This psychological effect can prevent unauthorized use of the image processing apparatus (such as unauthorized leakage of used confidential information). Further, by storing the input user information, even if the image processing apparatus is used illegally (detection of illegal use), the user is identified and tracked based on the stored user information. It becomes easy. As a result, security against unauthorized use can be ensured without user registration.

[2] A user authentication function for performing user authentication by comparing input user authentication information with previously registered user authentication information, and permitting use of the image processing apparatus when the result of the verification is the same The image processing apparatus according to [1], further comprising:

  In the above invention, in the control (use control) for permitting the use of the image processing apparatus, the user information input and the user authentication can be used together or separately. In the case of combined use, it is convenient for a user who has registered user authentication information to use the image processing apparatus for both user information input and user authentication. Even a user for whom user authentication information is not registered can conveniently use the image processing apparatus by inputting user information.

[3] The function of the image processing apparatus permitted to be used by the input of the user information and the function of the image processing apparatus permitted to be used by the user authentication are defined in [2] The image processing apparatus described.

  In the above invention, in the use control of the image processing apparatus, the functions of the image processing apparatus that are permitted to be used can be made the same or different depending on the input of user information and user authentication. For example, if the function for permitting use by inputting user information is restricted as compared with the function for permitting use by user authentication, the security when permitting the use of the image processing apparatus by inputting user information can be enhanced.

[4] The control unit may cause the image processing apparatus to transition to a state of accepting input of the user information when the result of the collation in the user authentication does not match. Image processing apparatus.

  In the above invention, when the result of collation in the user authentication does not match, the image processing apparatus transitions to a state of accepting input of user information and permits the use of the image processing apparatus on condition that the user information is input. . Note that the above “mismatch” means that the input user authentication information does not match the pre-registered user authentication information and the user authentication information corresponding to the input user authentication information is not registered and does not match Including cases. Thereby, even if the user authentication by the image processing apparatus fails, the user can input the user information and use the image processing apparatus.

[5] The image according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein a function of the image processing apparatus that permits use is determined according to the type of the input user information. Processing equipment.

  In the above invention, in the use control of the image processing apparatus, a function for permitting use can be set according to the type of the input user information. For example, by loosening restrictions on the functions that are allowed to be used for highly reliable user information (which is difficult to forge) and tightening restrictions on the functions that are allowed to be used for unreliable user information, According to the type (reliability) of user information, it is possible to achieve a balance between ensuring security and improving convenience.

[6] Upon receiving a function selection operation in the image processing apparatus, the control unit requests input of user information corresponding to the selected function, and on condition that the user information is input, The image processing apparatus according to [5], wherein the use of the selected function is permitted.

  In the above invention, when the user performs a function selection operation on the image processing apparatus, the user receives an input request for user information corresponding to the selected function from the image processing apparatus. By inputting the user information, the image processing apparatus and the selected function can be used.

[7] The control unit stores a use history of the image processing apparatus while the user information is input and permitted to be used in association with the user information in the storage unit [1] The image processing device according to any one of to [6].

  In the above-described invention, it is possible to grasp the use history of the image processing apparatus by the user who has input the user information and used the image processing apparatus. If unauthorized use of the image processing apparatus is performed, the details of unauthorized use can be grasped based on the use history.

[8] The image processing device according to [7], wherein the usage history includes image data processed based on the user operation.

  In the said invention, the image data processed based on operation by a user are contained in the usage history of the image processing apparatus memorize | stored. For example, when it can be determined that confidential information has been output from the image processing apparatus, the output confidential information can be specified from the stored image data.

[9] A communication unit that communicates with the administrator terminal is provided.
The image processing apparatus according to [7] or [8], wherein the control unit transmits the user information and the usage history to an administrator terminal through the communication unit.

  In the above invention, the administrator who uses the administrator terminal can easily identify and track the user who uses the image processing apparatus based on the user information and the use history transmitted from the image processing apparatus, and the details of the use contents It becomes possible to grasp. If the image processing apparatus is illegally used, the contents of the unauthorized use can be grasped and the user who has made the unauthorized use can be identified and tracked.

[10] The image processing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [9], including the storage unit.

  In the above invention, information (user information / usage history) is stored using the storage unit of the image processing apparatus.

[11] The image processing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [10], wherein the control unit warns that the input user information is used for tracking the user.

  In the above invention, by warning (notifying) that the input user information is used for tracking the user, the user who has permitted the use of the user information can be prevented from misuse or abuse of the image processing apparatus. Can be deterred.

[12] The user information is at least one of storage information stored in an information storage medium, user-signed sign information, and user biometric information. The image processing apparatus according to any one of [11].

  In the said invention, the memory information memorize | stored in the information storage medium, the sign information by a user's handwritten input, and a user's biometric information can be used as user information. A user who possesses an information storage medium can use the image processing apparatus by inputting storage information stored in the information storage medium. In addition, the image processing apparatus can be used by inputting a signature by handwriting or inputting biometric information.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to secure the security against unauthorized use without performing user registration and to enhance the convenience by expanding the range of users permitted to use.

It is a system configuration figure showing the composition of the system concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral as an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the difference on the structure and use of a user authentication function and a user information input function. It is a figure which shows the table in which the correspondence of the kind of user information and a use permission function was memorize | stored. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of use control of the multifunction machine. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of step S107 in FIG. It is a figure which shows a login screen. It is a figure which shows a user information input selection screen. It is a figure which shows a warning screen. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of use control of the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows a use function selection screen. It is a figure which shows a user information input confirmation screen.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This system is configured by connecting a multifunction machine 10 as an image processing apparatus, a user terminal 30, and an administrator terminal 35 to a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) provided in an office or the like.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the multifunction machine 10. The multifunction device 10 optically reads an image of a document, prints a duplicate image on a recording sheet, and outputs it. The multifunction device 10 stores the image data of the read document as a file or transmits it to the user terminal 30. A scanning function, a printer function for printing an image based on print data received from the user terminal 30 and an image based on image data stored in the multifunction machine 10 on a recording sheet, and a facsimile function are provided.

  The multifunction machine 10 also has a use control function for performing control to permit use when predetermined information is input from the user. Specifically, user authentication is performed by comparing the input user authentication information with previously registered user authentication information, and control is performed to permit use of the multifunction device 10 when the verification results match. On the condition that the user authentication function (user authentication / use control function) and user information are input (without collating the input user information), the user information is stored and the use of the multifunction machine 10 A user information input function (user information input / use control function). In this embodiment, the user authentication information is a user ID (IDentification) and a password. The user information is card information (user ID) stored in an ID card for identification, signature information by user's handwriting input, and user's biometric information (fingerprint, vein, etc.).

  The multifunction machine 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 serving as a control unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14, a nonvolatile memory 15, and a hard disk device 16 via a bus 12. A display unit 17, an operation unit 18, a facsimile communication unit 19, a network communication unit 20, a scanner unit 21, an image processing unit 22, a printer unit 23, and a user information input unit 24. Is done.

  The CPU 11 controls the operation of the multifunction machine 10 according to a program stored in the ROM 13. The CPU 11 performs control for permitting / disabling the use of the multifunction machine 10 in the above-described user authentication function and user information input function.

  The ROM 13 stores various programs executed by the CPU 11 and various fixed data. The RAM 14 is used as a work memory that temporarily stores various data when the CPU 11 executes a program, and is also used as an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The nonvolatile memory 15 is a rewritable memory that retains memory even when the power is turned off. The nonvolatile memory 15 stores device-specific information, various setting information, user authentication information, and the like. The hard disk device 16 stores various types of stored data, and also stores various types of input image data.

  The display unit 17 is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays various screens such as a standby screen, an operation screen, and a setting screen. The operation unit 18 includes various buttons such as a start button, a stop button, and a numeric keypad, and a touch panel that is provided on the surface of the liquid crystal display and detects a pressed coordinate position. Accepts various operations to be performed.

  The facsimile communication unit 19 transmits / receives image data to / from an external apparatus having a facsimile function through a public line. The network communication unit 20 communicates with the user terminal 30 and the administrator terminal 35 through the network 2.

  The scanner unit 21 optically reads an image of a document and acquires image data. The scanner unit 21 sequentially moves, for example, a light source that irradiates light on a document, a line image sensor that receives the reflected light for one line in the width direction, and a reading position in units of lines in the length direction of the document. An optical system composed of a lens, a mirror, and the like for guiding the reflected light from the document to the line image sensor to form an image, a conversion unit for converting the analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data, etc. It is configured with.

  The image processing unit 22 performs various kinds of image processing such as image correction, rotation, enlargement / reduction, compression / expansion on the image data.

  The printer unit 23 forms and outputs an image based on the image data on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic process. The printer unit 23 includes, for example, a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an LD (Laser Diode) that is controlled to be turned on according to input image data, and laser light emitted from the LD. It is configured as a so-called laser printer having a scanning unit that scans on a photosensitive drum, a developing device, a transfer separating device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device. Instead of an LED printer that irradiates a photosensitive drum with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) instead of a laser beam, other types of printers may be used.

  The user information input unit 24 receives input of user information. The user information input unit 24 includes, for example, a card reader that reads card information (user ID) from an ID card, an electronic signature input tablet that receives input of handwritten signature information, an information reader that reads user biometric information, and the like. Composed

  FIG. 3 shows differences in configuration and use between the user authentication function and the user information input function. In this figure, the user authentication function is expressed as “authentication”, and the user information input function is expressed as “input”.

  The user authentication function is realized by input and verification of user authentication information, and the user information input function is realized only by input of user information. As a structural difference, the user authentication function includes an input unit that receives input of authentication information, a storage unit that stores verification information, and input information and stored information. Comparison means for comparison is necessary. On the other hand, the user information input function requires input means for receiving input of information, but does not require storage means for storing verification information and comparison means. Note that storage means for storing the input information is necessary.

  As a difference in use, the user authentication function can be used only by an authorized user (authenticated user) to which use authority is given, and unauthorized use by a person other than the authorized user is impossible (high security). However, a person other than the authorized user cannot use the device at all, and the convenience is low. On the other hand, the user information input function can be used by a user who has input user information regardless of whether or not the user is an authorized user. In this way, by requesting the input of user information, the user can recognize (warn) that he (user himself) can be identified later from the input user information, and this psychological effect allows unauthorized use of the device. Can be suppressed. In addition, the range of users permitted to use is expanded, and convenience is enhanced.

  Examples of unauthorized use of the device include abuse of outputting confidential information to the outside and abuse of outputting a large amount of copies (monochrome / color).

  FIG. 4 shows a table 40 in which the correspondence relationship between the type of user information and the use permission function is stored. The table 40 is stored in the non-volatile memory 15 or the hard disk device 16 of the multifunction machine 10.

  The types of user information are the card information, signature information, and biometric information described above. The use permission function is various functions for processing image data based on an operation received from the user by the multifunction machine 10. Specifically, the above-described copying, scanning, printing, facsimile, and the like are included. The scan includes a box save (box save) in which image data of the read original is converted into a file and saved in a box (box) in the hard disk device 16, and a file transfer for transferring the file to the user terminal 30 or the server. . Printing includes box printing (Box-Print) in which a file stored in a box is printed on recording paper and output.

  In this embodiment, it is difficult to forge in the order of card information, signature information, and biometric information, and the reliability of the information is increased. In this order, restrictions on functions that are permitted to be used from the viewpoint of information leakage are relaxed. Yes. Specifically, for card information that is considered to have low information reliability, the function of outputting image data (including output to paper media and output as electronic data) is limited, and image data is not output. Allow box saving.

  For sign information that is considered to have higher information reliability than card information, the function of outputting image data as electronic data is limited, copy (Copy) and box print for outputting image data to a paper medium, Allow box saving without outputting image data.

  For biological information that is considered to have higher information reliability than sign information, the use of all functions is permitted without limiting the functions. Here, in addition to the above-described copying, box printing, and box saving, use of file transfer or facsimile that outputs image data as electronic data is also permitted.

  The combination of the user information and the use permission function described here is an example, and other combinations may be used. In addition, the correspondence relationship between the user information and the use permission function may be an initial setting, or may be arbitrarily set by the administrator. When set by the administrator, information indicating the correspondence between the set user information and the use permission function is stored in the table 40.

  Next, the operation of the multifunction machine 10 will be described.

  FIG. 5 shows a flow of operation for use control of the multifunction machine 10. FIG. 6 shows the flow of the subroutine of step S107 in FIG. 7 to 9 show screens displayed on the display unit 17 of the multifunction machine 10 by the operation of FIG. Here, the operation of the multifunction machine 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The CPU 11 of the multifunction machine 10 displays a login screen on the display unit 17 in the logoff state. FIG. 7 shows an example of the login screen 50 displayed on the display unit 17. The user presses the guest button 51 on the screen when using the multifunction machine 10 as a guest regardless of user authentication. When the user authentication is used, the multifunction machine 10 reads and inputs the user ID in the ID card possessed by the user, and also inputs the password through the operation unit 18, and the OK button 52 on the screen. Press.

  In FIG. 5, when the guest button on the login screen is pressed and use (request) in the guest is started (step S101; Yes), the CPU 11 displays a user information input selection screen on the display unit 17 (step S102). . FIG. 8 shows an example of the user information input selection screen 60 displayed on the display unit 17.

  On the screen, using the information in the table 40 shown in FIG. 4, a correspondence table 61 showing the correspondence between the user information to be input and the usable functions (usage permission functions) is displayed. The user looks at the correspondence table 61, grasps the type of user information input in order to use a desired function, and presses an information selection button corresponding to the user information. Specifically, when inputting card information, the card information selection button 62 on the screen is pressed. When inputting sign information, the sign information selection button 63 on the screen is pressed. When inputting biometric information, the biometric information selection button 64 on the screen is pressed.

  In FIG. 5, when the information selection button on the user information input selection screen is pressed, the CPU 11 monitors whether or not the selected user information is input from the user information input unit 24 (step S103; No). . When the selected user information is input from the user information input unit 24 (step S103; Yes), the CPU 11 displays a warning screen on the display unit 17 (step S104). FIG. 9 shows an example of the warning screen 70 displayed on the display unit 17.

  A warning message for the user is displayed on the screen. The warning message stores input user information, operation information and image information (operated image data) when the multifunction device 10 is used, and can be tracked by the user when unauthorized use is detected. A warning and a message requesting input of user information when the warning is accepted.

  In FIG. 5, when the user information is not input (step S105; No), the CPU 11 disables the use of the multifunction machine 10 (step S106 / End). When the user information is input (step S105; Yes), the CPU 11 permits the use of the multifunction machine 10 and executes the subroutine shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 6, the CPU 11 permits the use of functions defined for the type of input user information. Specifically, when card information is input (step S201; card information), the use of the function A (box storage or the like) corresponding to the card information in the table 40 is permitted (step S202 / Return). When sign information is input (step S201; sign information), use of function B (copy, box print, box save, etc.) corresponding to the sign information in the table 40 is permitted (step S203 / Return). When the biometric information is input (step S201; biometric information), the use of the function C (all functions, etc.) corresponding to the biometric information in the table 40 is permitted (step S204 / Return).

  In FIG. 5, the CPU 11 records the input user information. In association with this user information, operation information indicating an operation history of the multifunction device 10 while the use of the multifunction device 10 is permitted is recorded. Further, image information (image data) processed based on the user operation is recorded in association with the user information. These pieces of information (usage history) are recorded using the nonvolatile memory 15 or the hard disk device 16.

  When the CPU 11 receives a log-off operation from the user or when the non-operation state continues for a predetermined time, the CPU 11 sets the MFP 10 in a log-off state in which the multifunction device 10 cannot be used. Then, the recorded information (user information, operation information, image information) is transmitted to the administrator terminal 35 (step S109 / End). The information transmitted to the administrator terminal 35 may be deleted after transmission.

  On the other hand, when the user ID and password are input while the login screen is displayed (step S101; No to step S110), the CPU 11 stores the input user ID and password and the user ID stored in the nonvolatile memory 15. The password is verified (step S111). When the collation results match (step S112; Yes), the CPU 11 permits the use of the multifunction machine 10 (step S113 / End). When the result of collation does not match (step S112; No), the process proceeds to step S102, the user information input selection screen 60 is displayed, and a transition is made to a state of accepting user information input. Then, step S102 and subsequent steps are performed in the same manner.

  It should be noted that the case where the input user ID and password (user authentication information) do not match the pre-registered user ID and password (user authentication information) in “when the result of collation does not match” in step S112. The case where the user ID (and password) corresponding to the input user ID (and password) is not registered and does not match is included.

  Here, for example, even when the user forgets the password and the collation result is inconsistent and the multifunction device 10 cannot be used for user authentication, the multifunction device 10 can be used by inputting user information.

  As described above, the multifunction machine 10 according to the present embodiment permits use of the multifunction machine 10 on condition that user information is input. Therefore, the range of users permitted to use is widened and convenience is enhanced. It is done. In addition, by warning that the input user information will be used for tracking the user, a strong psychological deterrent effect can be provided against unauthorized use (abuse, abuse, etc.) of the multifunction machine 10, Unauthorized use of the multifunction machine 10 by the user can be suppressed.

  Further, the multifunction machine 10 stores the input user information and the use history (operation information and image information) by the user, and transmits them to the administrator terminal 35. As a result, the administrator who uses the administrator terminal 35 can easily identify and track the user who uses the multifunction device 10 based on the user information and the use history transmitted from the multifunction device 10, and the details of the usage contents can be obtained. It becomes possible to grasp. Even if the multifunction device 10 is illegally used (discovery of unauthorized use), the content of the unauthorized use can be grasped and the user who has made the unauthorized use can be identified and tracked. As a result, security against unauthorized use can be ensured without user registration.

  In addition, since the multifunction machine 10 according to the present embodiment also has a user authentication function, the user information input function and the user authentication function can be used together or used separately in the use control of the multifunction machine 10. In the case of combined use, it is convenient for a user (regular user) in which user authentication information is registered to use the multi-function device 10 for both the user information input function and the user authentication function. Even for a user (non-regular user) whose user authentication information is not registered, it is convenient that the multifunction device 10 can be used with the user information input function. Further, for example, in a high security situation (use environment) where only the person concerned is in the installation space of the multifunction machine 10, the user information input function is set to be effective with or without the user authentication function, and the non-participant However, in a low security situation, only user authentication can be set to be valid, for example, it can be used in combination with different security levels.

  If the result of the verification in the user authentication function does not match, the multi-function device 10 transitions to a state for accepting input of user information (display of the user information input selection screen 60), on condition that user information has been input. The use of the multifunction device 10 is permitted. Thereby, even if the user cannot log in by user authentication by the multifunction device 10, the user can input the user information and use the multifunction device 10.

  In the present embodiment, the function of the multifunction machine 10 that is permitted to be used is determined according to the type of input user information. As described above, for example, the restriction on the function that permits the use of highly reliable user information (such as biometric information) is relaxed, and the use is permitted for the unreliable user information (such as card information) By restricting restrictions on the functions to be performed, it is possible to achieve a balance between ensuring security and improving convenience according to the type (reliability) of user information.

[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, a case where the input method of user information is different from that of the first embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, before accepting input of user information, selection of a desired function in the multifunction machine 10 is accepted, input of user information corresponding to the selected function is requested, and that user information has been entered. The condition allows the use of the selected function.

  FIG. 10 shows a flow of operation for use control of the multifunction machine 10 according to the second embodiment. 11 and 12 show screens displayed on the display unit 17 of the multifunction machine 10 by the operation of FIG. Here, the operation of the multifunction peripheral 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that steps S310 to S315 in FIG. 10 have the same contents as steps S108 to S113 in FIG. 5 described in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  The CPU 11 of the multifunction machine 10 displays a login screen on the display unit 17 in the logoff state (see FIG. 7). When the guest button on the login screen is pressed and use (request) in the guest is started (step S301; Yes), the CPU 11 displays a used function selection screen on the display unit 17 (step S302). FIG. 11 shows an example of the used function selection screen 80 displayed on the display unit 17.

  On the screen, using the information of the table 40 shown in FIG. 4, a correspondence table showing in detail the correspondence between the user information to be input and the usable functions (usage permission functions) is displayed. The user looks at this screen, grasps the type of user information input in order to use the desired function, and selects the desired function through the operation unit 18.

  In FIG. 10, the CPU 11 monitors whether or not the function of the multifunction machine 10 is selected (step S303; No). When the function is selected (step S303; Yes), the CPU 11 displays a user information input confirmation screen on the display unit 17 (step S304). FIG. 12 shows an example of a user information input confirmation screen 90 displayed on the display unit 17.

  On the screen, a message indicating user information that needs to be input in order to use the selected function and an OK button 91 are displayed. FIG. 12 shows a screen when copy or box print is selected.

  In FIG. 10, the CPU 11 monitors whether or not user information to be input is selected and the OK button 91 on the user information input confirmation screen 90 is pressed (step S305; No). When this operation is accepted (step S305; Yes), the CPU 11 displays a warning screen (see FIG. 9) on the display unit 17 (step S306).

  Here, when the selected user information is not input (step S307; No), the CPU 11 disables the use of the multifunction machine 10 (step S308 / End). When the selected user information is input (step S307; Yes), the CPU 11 permits the use of the multi-function device 10 and permits the use of the selected function when using the device (step S309). Step S310 and subsequent steps are performed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when a user (a user who logs in as a guest) performs a function selection operation on the multifunction device 10, the user receives an input request for user information corresponding to the selected function from the multifunction device 10. By inputting the user information, the multifunction device 10 and the selected function can be used.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and the present invention can be changed or added without departing from the scope of the present invention. Included in the invention.

  The user information may be information that is input without receiving an input operation, in addition to information that is input when the MFP 10 receives an input operation from the user. For example, the multifunction device 10 is provided with a photographing unit (an input unit that accepts input of user information) such as a camera for photographing a still image or a moving image, and user photographing data (face information, etc.) photographed and input by this photographing unit is provided. It may be used as user information.

  The usage history of the MFP 10 stored while the user information is input and permitted to be used is the operation history (job information) in addition to the operation history (operation information) and image data (image information) described in the embodiment. (History) etc. may be included.

  The user information input to the multifunction device 10 and the usage history of the multifunction device 10 may be transmitted to and stored in an external device (such as an administrator terminal or a management server) without being stored in the multifunction device 10. However, it is also possible to store only inside without transmitting to the external device.

  The timing for displaying the warning screen is not limited to the timing at which user information is input or the timing at which user information to be input is selected, as described in the embodiment. For example, the warning screen may be displayed while the standby screen is being displayed, before user information is input or selected, or when a job is set (while the setting screen is being displayed). Further, a warning that the input user information is used for tracking the user may be issued by voice output in addition to the screen display.

  In addition, the function of the multi-function device 10 that is permitted to be used by inputting user information and the function of the multi-function device 10 that is permitted to be used for user authentication may be determined separately. In this case, for example, by restricting the function for permitting use by inputting user information to the function for permitting use by user authentication, security when permitting the use of the multifunction machine 10 by inputting user information is increased. Can be increased.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the multi-function apparatus described in the embodiment, and can also be a copying machine, a facsimile machine, or the like.

2 ... Network 10 ... Multifunction machine 11 ... CPU
12 ... Bus 13 ... ROM
14 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... Non-volatile memory 16 ... Hard disk device 17 ... Display part 18 ... Operation part 19 ... Facsimile communication part 20 ... Network communication part 21 ... Scanner part 22 ... Image processing part 23 ... Printer part 24 ... User information input part 30 ... User terminal 35 ... Administrator terminal 40 ... Table 50 ... Login screen 51 ... Guest button 52 ... OK button 60 ... User information input selection screen 61 ... Correspondence table 62 ... Card information selection button 63 ... Signal information selection button 64 ... Biometric information selection button 70 ... Warning screen 80 ... Use function selection screen 90 ... User information input confirmation screen 91 ... OK button

Claims (12)

An input unit for receiving input of user information;
An image processing unit that processes image data based on a user operation received when the use of the image processing apparatus is permitted;
On condition that user information is input from the input unit, the input user information is stored in a storage unit, and a control unit that permits use of the image processing apparatus;
An image processing apparatus. A user authentication function is provided that performs user authentication by comparing input user authentication information with previously registered user authentication information, and permits the use of the image processing apparatus when the result of the verification matches. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 3. The image according to claim 2, wherein a function of the image processing apparatus that permits use by inputting the user information and a function of the image processing apparatus that permits use by the user authentication are defined. Processing equipment. 4. The image processing according to claim 2, wherein the control unit shifts the image processing apparatus to a state of accepting an input of the user information when the result of the collation in the user authentication does not match. 5. apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a function of the image processing apparatus that permits use is determined according to a type of the input user information. When the control unit receives a function selection operation in the image processing apparatus, the control unit requests input of user information corresponding to the selected function, and is selected on the condition that the user information is input. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein use of the function is permitted. 7. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the use history of the image processing apparatus while the user information is input and the use is permitted, in association with the user information. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the usage history includes image data processed based on the user operation. It has a communication unit that communicates with the administrator terminal,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit transmits the user information and the usage history to an administrator terminal through the communication unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: the storage unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit warns that the input user information is used for tracking the user. The user information is at least one of storage information stored in an information storage medium, sign information by a user's handwriting input, and user's biometric information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

Images