JP2012243271A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve simplification of work for switching an authentication function and reduction in time required for switching the authentication function.SOLUTION: An image processor comprises: an image data processing part for executing job processing on the basis of image data; a recording part for recording identification information for an operator; an identification information reading part for reading the identification information from an authentication medium; and job processing restriction processing means for activating an authentication function and restricting the job processing on the basis of the identification information recorded in the recording part and the identification information transmitted from the identification information reading part. The image processor achieves simplification of work for switching the authentication function and reduction in time required for switching the authentication function since the authentication function is activated and the job processing is restricted on the basis of the identification information recorded in the recording part and the identification information transmitted from the identification information reading part.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus.

  Conventionally, when an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine, for example, a multifunction machine having an authentication function is printing on paper, an administrator may leave the multifunction machine. In that case, in order to prevent a third party from using the multifunction machine, an administrator can effectively switch authentication functions such as authentication and authorization using a password. Therefore, when the administrator selects a menu on the function selection screen formed on the display unit, a menu screen is formed on the display unit, and when an administrator menu is selected on the menu screen, an administrator menu screen is formed. . When the administrator inputs a password on the administrator menu screen and selects system setup, a system setup screen is formed. When an authentication mode is selected on the system setup screen, an authentication function switching screen is formed. Subsequently, the administrator can effectively switch the authentication function by selecting ON on the authentication function switching screen (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-338480 A

  However, in the conventional authentication function, not only is the work for the administrator to effectively switch the authentication function complicated, but also the time required for switching the authentication function becomes long.

  The present invention solves the problems of the conventional authentication function, simplifies the operation for switching the authentication function, and shortens the time required for switching the authentication function. The purpose is to provide.

  Therefore, in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, an image data processing unit that processes a job based on image data, a recording unit that records operator identification information, and reads the identification information from an authentication medium. An identification information reading unit; and job processing restriction processing means for validating an authentication function and restricting job processing based on the identification information recorded in the recording unit and the identification information transmitted from the identification information reading unit; Have

  According to the present invention, in the image processing apparatus, an image data processing unit that processes a job based on image data, a recording unit that records operator identification information, and the identification information is read from an authentication medium. An identification information reading unit; and job processing restriction processing means for validating an authentication function and restricting job processing based on the identification information recorded in the recording unit and the identification information transmitted from the identification information reading unit; Have

  In this case, since the authentication function is enabled and job processing is limited based on the identification information recorded in the recording unit and the identification information transmitted from the identification information reading unit, the authentication function is switched. Thus, the time required for switching the authentication function can be shortened.

It is a control block diagram of the image processing apparatus in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the PIN code management table in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the administrator password management table in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the data structure recorded on the IC card in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic of the operation panel in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the function selection screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the PIN code input screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the password input screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the authentication function effective switching message screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the authentication function invalid switching message screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the item selection screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the administrator menu screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the system setup screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the authentication function switching screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the PIN code incorrect input message screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the password incorrect input message screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the menu screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a first flowchart illustrating a second operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a second flowchart showing a second operation of the multifunction machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a 1st figure which shows the subroutine of the authentication function invalid switching process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd figure which shows the subroutine of the authentication function invalid switching process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a third operation of the multifunction machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a time chart illustrating an operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a control block of the image processing apparatus in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a first flowchart illustrating an operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows operation | movement of the multifunctional device in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the authentication function invalid switching process in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this case, an image processing apparatus in which a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus and an IC card reader as a medium reading apparatus are connected will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a personal identification number management table according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an administrator password management table in the first embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure recorded on an IC card in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, 10 is a multifunction peripheral, and 30 is an IC card reader serving as an identification information reading unit connected to the multifunction peripheral 10, and the IC card reader 30 records an IC card as an authentication medium (not shown). Information, for example, identification information such as a personal identification number as first identification information and a password as second identification information is read. The multi-function device 10 and the IC card reader 30 constitute an image processing apparatus (image processing system) for processing image data.

  The multi-function device 10 includes a non-volatile memory 11 as a first recording unit including a ROM, HDD, FLASH memory, etc. (not shown), and an IC card as a data receiving unit that receives a password transmitted from the IC card reader 30 Data receiving unit 12, authentication control unit 13 as a first control unit that controls the authentication function, job control unit 14 as a second control unit that controls various jobs, the password, password, etc. An operation panel 15 as an operation / display unit for inputting an image or starting a job, an operation panel control unit 16 as a third control unit for controlling operations on the operation panel 15, a flat bed, an ADF A scanner 17 as a reading unit for reading an image of a document set on a document support unit (not shown), a RAM, and the like. A volatile memory 18 as a second recording unit for recording image data of a document read by the scanner 17 and a fourth control unit as a fourth control unit that performs job processing by controlling the scanner 17. As a print control unit as a scan control unit 19 as a reading control unit and as a first image data processing unit, and as a fifth control unit for processing a job by performing printing based on image data A third image as a print control unit 20 serving as a second image data processing unit, and a sixth control unit that performs job processing by transmitting and receiving image data. A fax control unit 21 as a data processing unit is provided. The volatile memory 18 records the image data in association with a password, a password, and the like.

  When the multifunction device 10 functions as a copying machine with a document set on the scanner 17, the scanner 17 reads an image of the document, generates image data, and records it in the volatile memory 18. The job control unit 14 transmits the image data recorded in the volatile memory 18 to the scan control unit 19.

  By the way, when the authentication function is invalid, the authentication function may be switched to valid.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the password management table shown in FIG. 2, the administrator password management table shown in FIG. 3, and the like are formed in the nonvolatile memory 11.

  In the password management table, the password of the general user as the first operator and the password of the administrator as the second operator are classified into “general” (user) and “manager” types. It is classified and recorded. The password and type are recorded in the nonvolatile memory 11 when registering the password, and are read from the nonvolatile memory 11 when referring to the password.

  In the administrator password management table, an administrator password composed of an arbitrary character string is recorded as an administrator password. The administrator password is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 11 when the password is registered or changed, and is read from the nonvolatile memory 11 when referring to the password.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the IC card includes a “password”, “name”, “role”, “company name”, “department name”, “team name”, etc. of the user or administrator. Keys and data are recorded in descending order.

  When a user or an administrator holds the IC card over the IC card reader 30, information reading processing means (not shown) of the IC card reader 30 performs information reading processing, reads the personal identification number recorded on the IC card, and combines To the machine 10.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the operation panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the operation panel 15 includes a display unit ds for displaying various screens, and buttons as operation elements for a user or an administrator to input character information of alphanumeric characters and symbols. k1 to k12, an upper cursor key k21, a right cursor key k22, a lower cursor key k23 and a left cursor key k24 as operation elements for moving a cursor (not shown) in the display unit ds, for confirming input contents. An operation unit including a determination (Enter) key k25 as an operation element, a cancel button k31 as an operation element for canceling a job, and a start button k32 as an operation element for starting a job. Prepare.

  In the present embodiment, the right cursor key k22 can also function as an operation element for confirming the input content.

  Next, the screen formed on the display part ds will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a function selection screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a personal identification number input screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a password input screen in the first embodiment, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an authentication function valid switching message screen in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an item selection screen in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the item selection screen in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a system setup screen in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is an authentication function switching in the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 shows an example of the screen. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a wrong password input message screen in the first embodiment, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a wrong password message screen in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the menu screen in 1st Embodiment. For the functions, items, etc. selected in FIGS.

  The function selection screen ds1 shown in FIG. 6 is a screen for selecting a predetermined function among copy, scan, fax, and menu, and the user or administrator can select the upper part on the operation panel 15 (FIG. 5). A function can be selected by pressing the cursor key k21 or the down cursor key k23 to move the cursor on the function selection screen ds1 to the function to be selected and pressing the right cursor key k22 or the decision key k25. .

  A password input screen ds2 shown in FIG. 7 is a screen for inputting a password, and the user or administrator presses the buttons k1 to k9 and k11 on the operation panel 15 to input the password. When the constituent alphanumeric characters are entered and the enter key k25 is pressed, the personal identification number can be entered.

  A password input screen ds3 shown in FIG. 8 is a screen for inputting a password when logging in to the multifunction machine 10, and the user or administrator presses the buttons k1 to k9 and k11 to enter the password. When the constituent alphanumeric characters are entered and the enter key k25 is pressed, the password can be entered.

  Further, the authentication function valid switching message screen ds4 shown in FIG. 9 is a screen for notifying the user or the administrator that the authentication function (authentication mode) is valid, and the authentication function invalidity shown in FIG. The switching message screen ds5 is a screen for notifying the user or administrator that the authentication function has been disabled.

  The item selection screen ds6 shown in FIG. 11 is formed when the user or administrator selects a menu function on the function selection screen ds1, and is selected from the copy menu, scan menu, fax menu, and administrator menu. The user or administrator presses the upper cursor key k21 or the lower cursor key k23 to move the cursor, and according to the item to be selected, the right cursor key k22 or the decision key k25. When is pressed, an item can be selected.

  The administrator menu screen ds7 shown in FIG. 12 is formed when the administrator selects the administrator menu on the item selection screen ds6. The administrator menu screen ds7 is a predetermined one of system setup, printer setup, scanner setup, and fax setup. This is a screen for selecting an item, and the administrator moves the cursor by pressing the up cursor key k21 or the down cursor key k23, and presses the right cursor key k22 or the decision key k25 according to the item to be selected. The item can be selected.

  The system setup screen ds8 shown in FIG. 13 is formed when the administrator selects system setup on the administrator menu screen ds7. The system setup screen ds8 is a predetermined one of the authentication mode, power save time, standby time, and initial screen. This is a screen for selecting an item, and the administrator moves the cursor by pressing the up cursor key k21 or the down cursor key k23, and presses the right cursor key k22 or the decision key k25 according to the item to be selected. The item can be selected.

  The authentication function switching screen ds9 shown in FIG. 14 is formed when the administrator selects the authentication mode on the system setup screen ds8, and is a screen for turning the authentication function on (ON) or off (OFF). When the administrator depresses the up cursor key k21 or the down cursor key k23 to move the cursor, sets it to on or off, and depresses the right cursor key k22 or the decision key k25, the authentication function is turned on or off. Can be. At this time, if the administrator selects ON, the authentication function is enabled, and if OFF is selected, the authentication function is disabled.

  The password incorrect input message screen ds10 shown in FIG. 15 is formed when the password entered by the user or the administrator on the password input screen ds2 is incorrect, and “the password is incorrect”. Is a screen for notifying that the password is not correct, and the password incorrect input message screen ds11 shown in FIG. 16 is input by the user or the administrator on the password input screen ds3. This is a screen for notifying that the password is incorrect by displaying a message such as “Password is incorrect” formed when the password is incorrect.

  A menu screen ds12 shown in FIG. 17 is formed when a user or an administrator inputs a password on the password input screen ds3, logs in to the multifunction machine 10, and selects a menu on the function selection screen ds1. This is a screen for the user or administrator to select a predetermined item from the copy menu, the scan menu, and the fax menu, and moves the cursor by pressing the up cursor key k21 or the down cursor key k23. When the right cursor key k22 or the enter key k25 is pressed according to the item to be selected, the item can be selected.

  Next, the operation of the multi-function device 10 when the authentication function is switched over when the authentication function is invalid will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a first operation of the multifunction machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, an authentication function determination processing unit (not shown) of the authentication control unit 13 performs an authentication function determination process to determine whether the authentication function is valid. When the authentication function is valid, the operation panel control unit 16 is illustrated. The display processing means that is not performed performs a display process, forms a personal identification number input screen ds2 (FIG. 7) on the display unit ds, and displays a message for prompting the input of the personal identification number on the personal identification number input screen ds2.

  When the authentication function is not valid (invalid), the display processing unit forms a function selection screen ds1 (FIG. 6) on the display unit ds, and a list of selectable functions on the function selection screen ds1. indicate.

  When the user or administrator holds the IC card over the IC card reader 30, the information reading processing means of the IC card reader 30 reads the code number recorded on the IC card and transmits it to the multifunction device 10.

  Next, when the IC card data receiving unit 12 receives the password transmitted from the IC card reader 30, the registration determination processing unit as the first identification information determination processing unit (not shown) of the authentication control unit 13 A registration judgment process as an identification information judgment process is performed, the personal identification number is read, the personal identification number management table (FIG. 2) is referred to, and the personal identification number transmitted from the IC card reader 30 and the personal identification number recorded in the personal identification number management table And whether they match (the PIN is registered).

  If the transmitted password and the password recorded in the password management table match, the registration determination processing means reads the password number type and determines whether the password number is an administrator. If it is determined that the type of the personal identification number is an administrator, the authentication function valid switching processing means as the first authentication function switching processing means (not shown) of the authentication control unit 13 is the authentication function as the first authentication function switching processing. An effective switching process is performed, the authentication function is switched and enabled, and the operation panel control unit 16 is notified that it has been enabled. Then, the display processing means forms an authentication function valid switching message screen ds4 (FIG. 9) on the display unit ds, and displays a message indicating that the authentication function is valid on the authentication function valid switching message screen ds4. .

  Subsequently, the display processing means forms a personal identification number input screen ds2 on the display unit ds, and displays a message for prompting the input of the personal identification number on the personal identification number input screen ds2. The authentication function valid switching processing means also functions as a job processing restriction processing means for restricting job processing.

  In addition, when the transmitted password and the password recorded in the password management table do not match (the password is not registered), and when the password is not the administrator (general), The registration determination processing means ends the process.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S1: It is determined whether or not the authentication function is valid. If the authentication function is valid, the process proceeds to step S7. If the authentication function is not valid, the process proceeds to step S2.
Step S2: A function selection screen ds1 is formed.
Step S3 Wait for the IC card to be held over the IC card reader 30. If the IC card is held over, the process proceeds to Step S4.
Step S4: It is determined whether or not a password is registered. If the password is registered, the process proceeds to step S5, and if not registered, the process is terminated.
Step S5: It is determined whether or not the type of the personal identification number is an administrator. If the type of the password is an administrator, the process proceeds to step S6, and if not, the process ends.
Step S6: The authentication function is enabled, the authentication function enable switching message screen ds4 is formed, and the process returns to step S1.
Step S7: The personal identification number input screen ds2 is formed, and the process is terminated.

  Next, an operation of the multifunction device 10 when a user or an administrator logs in to the multifunction device 10 will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a first flowchart showing a second operation of the multifunction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a second flowchart showing a second operation of the multifunction device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  First, the authentication function determination processing means determines whether or not the authentication function is valid. If the authentication function is valid, the display processing means displays a password input screen ds2 (FIG. 7) on the display unit ds. And a message for prompting the input of the password is displayed on the password input screen ds2.

  When the user or administrator holds the IC card over the IC card reader 30, the information reading processing means of the IC card reader 30 reads the code number recorded on the IC card and transmits it to the multifunction device 10.

  Next, when the IC card data receiving unit 12 receives the password transmitted from the IC card reader 30, the registration determination processing means reads the password and refers to the password management table (FIG. 2) to determine the IC card. It is determined whether the personal identification number transmitted from the reader 30 matches the personal identification number recorded in the personal identification number management table.

  Then, if the transmitted personal identification number and the personal identification number recorded in the personal identification number management table do not match, the registration determination processing means informs the operation panel control section 16 that the authentication has failed, and the display processing means Then, a password incorrect input message screen ds10 (FIG. 15) is formed on the display unit ds, and a message indicating that the password is incorrect is displayed on the password incorrect input message screen ds10. Subsequently, the display processing means forms a personal identification number input screen ds2 on the display unit ds, and displays a message for prompting the input of the personal identification number on the personal identification number input screen ds2.

  Further, when the transmitted password and the password recorded in the password management table match, the registration determination processing means reads the password number type and determines whether the password number is an administrator. If it is determined that the password type is an administrator, the operation panel control unit 16 is informed that the password type is an administrator, and the display processing unit displays the password input screen ds3 (FIG. 8) on the display unit ds. ) And a message prompting the input of the password is displayed on the password input screen ds3.

  When the administrator inputs a password on the password input screen ds3, an authentication determination processing unit as a second identification information determination processing unit (not shown) of the authentication control unit 13 performs authentication as a second identification information determination process. Judgment processing is performed, the input password is read, the administrator password management table (FIG. 3) is referred, and the input password matches the password recorded in the administrator password management table (the password is registered). Judgment)

  If the input password matches the password recorded in the administrator password management table, the authentication judgment processing means informs the operation panel control section 16 that the authentication has been successful, and the display processing means A function selection screen ds1 is formed on ds, and selectable functions are displayed in a list on the function selection screen ds1.

  Thereafter, when the authentication function is switched to invalid, the authentication function invalid switching processing means as the second authentication function switching processing means (not shown) of the authentication control unit 13 performs the authentication function invalid switching processing as the second authentication function switching processing. And switch the authentication function to disable. The authentication function invalid switching processing means also functions as a job processing restriction release processing means for releasing the restriction of job processing.

  If the entered password does not match the password recorded in the administrator password management table (no password is registered), the authentication determination processing means informs the operation panel control unit 16 that the authentication has failed. Accordingly, the display processing means forms an incorrect password input message screen ds11 (FIG. 16) on the display unit ds, and displays a message indicating that the password is incorrect on the incorrect password input message screen ds11. Subsequently, the display processing means forms a personal identification number input screen ds2 on the display unit ds, and displays a message for prompting the input of the personal identification number on the personal identification number input screen ds2.

  When the authentication function is not valid and the type of the personal identification number is not an administrator, the display processing unit forms a function selection screen ds1 on the display unit ds, and displays selectable functions on the function selection screen ds1. Display as a list and end processing.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S11: It is determined whether the authentication function is valid. If the authentication function is valid, the process proceeds to step S12. If the authentication function is not valid, the process proceeds to step S23.
Step S12: A password input screen ds2 is formed.
Step S13 Wait for the IC card to be held over the IC card reader 30. If the IC card is held over, the process proceeds to step S14.
Step S14: It is determined whether or not a password is registered. If the password has been registered, the process proceeds to step S16, and if not, the process proceeds to step S15.
Step S15: A password incorrect input message screen ds10 is formed, and the process returns to Step S12.
Step S16: It is determined whether or not the type of the personal identification number is an administrator. If the type of the password is an administrator, the process proceeds to step S17, and if not, the process proceeds to step S23.
Step S17: The password input screen ds3 is formed.
Step S18 Wait for the password to be entered, and if a password is entered, proceed to Step S19.
Step S19: It is determined whether or not a password is registered. If the password is registered, the process proceeds to step S21. If the password is not registered, the process proceeds to step S20.
Step S20: The password error input message screen ds11 is formed, and the process returns to Step S12.
Step S21: A function selection screen ds1 is formed.
Step S22 An authentication function invalid switching process is performed and the process is terminated.
Step S23: The function selection screen ds1 is formed, and the process ends.

  Next, the operation of the multifunction machine 10 when the authentication function is switched to invalid by the authentication function invalid switching processing means when the authentication function is valid will be described.

  FIG. 21 is a first diagram showing a subroutine of authentication function invalid switching processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a first diagram showing a subroutine of authentication function invalid switching processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  First, the operation determination processing means of the authentication function invalid switching processing means performs an operation determination process to determine whether the user or administrator has selected a menu on the function selection screen ds1 (FIG. 6). When the user or the administrator selects a menu on the function selection screen ds1, the registration determination processing unit of the authentication function invalid switching processing unit performs a registration determination process and refers to the personal identification number management table (FIG. 2). When the authentication function is validated, the type of the code number that has been successfully authenticated is read, and it is determined whether or not the type of the code number is an administrator.

  If the type of the personal identification number is not an administrator, the registration determination processing unit informs the operation panel control unit 16 that the personal identification number is a user, and the display processing unit of the authentication function invalid switching processing unit includes: Display processing is performed, a menu screen ds12 (FIG. 17) is formed on the display unit ds, and selectable items are displayed in a list on the menu screen ds12.

  When the type of the personal identification number is an administrator, the registration determination processing unit notifies the operation panel control unit 16 that the personal identification number is an administrator, and the display processing unit displays an item on the display unit ds. A selection screen ds6 (FIG. 11) is formed, and selectable items are displayed in a list on the item selection screen ds6.

  Subsequently, the operation determination processing unit determines whether or not the administrator has selected the administrator menu on the item selection screen ds6. When the administrator selects the administrator menu, the display processing unit displays the display unit ds. An administrator menu screen ds7 (FIG. 12) is formed, and selectable items are displayed in a list on the administrator menu screen ds7.

  Then, the operation determination processing unit determines whether or not the administrator has selected system setup on the administrator menu screen ds7. When the administrator selects system setup, the display processing unit displays the system on the display unit ds. A setup screen ds8 (FIG. 13) is formed, and selectable items are displayed in a list on the system setup screen ds8.

  Subsequently, the operation determination processing unit determines whether or not the administrator has selected the authentication mode on the system setup screen ds8. When the administrator selects the authentication mode, the display processing unit authenticates the display unit ds. A function switching screen ds9 (FIG. 14) is formed, and ON and OFF are displayed on the authentication function switching screen ds9.

  Then, the operation determination processing means determines whether or not the administrator has selected OFF on the authentication function switching screen ds9. When the administrator selects OFF, the function switching processing means of the authentication function invalid switching processing means is Then, a function switching process is performed, the authentication function is switched to be invalidated, and the invalidation is informed to the operation panel control unit 16. The display processing means forms an authentication function invalid switching message screen ds5 (FIG. 10) on the display unit ds, and displays a message indicating that the authentication function is invalidated on the authentication function invalid switching message screen ds5. . Subsequently, the display processing unit forms a function selection screen ds1 on the display unit ds, and displays a list of selectable functions on the function selection screen ds1.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S22-1 It waits for the menu to be selected on the function selection screen ds1, and proceeds to Step S22-2 when the menu is selected.
Step S22-2: It is determined whether or not the type of the personal identification number is an administrator. If the type of the password is an administrator, the process proceeds to step S22-3, and if not, the process proceeds to step S22-13.
Step S22-3 The item selection screen ds6 is formed.
Step S22-4 Wait until the administrator menu is selected on the item selection screen ds6. If the administrator menu is selected, the process proceeds to step S22-5.
Step S22-5: The administrator menu screen ds7 is formed.
Step S22-6 The system waits for the system setup to be selected on the administrator menu screen ds7. If the system setup is selected, the process proceeds to step S22-7.
Step S22-7: A system setup screen ds8 is formed.
Step S22-8 Wait until the authentication mode is selected on the system setup screen ds8, and if the authentication mode is selected, proceed to Step S22-9.
Step S22-9: The authentication function switching screen ds9 is formed.
Step S22-10 It waits until OFF is selected on the authentication function switching screen ds9, and when OFF is selected, it proceeds to step S22-11.
Step S22-11: The authentication function is invalidated, and an authentication function invalid switching message screen ds5 is formed.
Step S22-12: The function selection screen ds1 is formed, and the process ends.
Step S22-13: The menu screen ds12 is formed, and the process is terminated.

  Next, the operation of the multifunction machine 10 when starting copy (copying) will be described.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a third operation of the multifunction machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the operation determination processing unit of the operation panel control unit 16 determines whether or not the user has selected copy on the function selection screen ds1 (FIG. 6), and when the user selects copy on the function selection screen ds1, The determination processing means waits for a document to be set on the scanner 17 (FIG. 1), settings relating to the job to be changed, and then the start button k32 (FIG. 5) to be pressed. When the user presses the start button k32, a copy processing unit (not shown) of the scan control unit 19 performs a copy process and starts copying.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S31 It waits for a copy to be selected on the function selection screen ds1, and proceeds to Step S32 if a copy is selected.
Step S32 Wait for the document to be set on the scanner 17 and the start button k32 to be pressed. If a document is set on the scanner 17 and the start button k32 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S33.
Step S33: Copying is started and the process is terminated.

  Next, the relationship between the authentication function, IC card reading, and job processing will be described.

  FIG. 24 is a time chart showing the operation of the multifunction machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, the authentication function is enabled / disabled, whether the IC card of the administrator is read by the IC card reader 30 (during reading or not reading), and whether the job is being processed (during execution or not). Is running).

  In this case, since the authentication function is disabled between the timings t1 and t2, the job processing is not limited, that is, the user does not input a personal identification number, a password, or the like.

  When the administrator holds the IC card over the IC card reader 30 at the timing t2 and the authentication function is enabled, job processing is restricted. As a result, job processing is performed when the password, password, and the like match.

  When the administrator holds the IC card over the IC card reader 30 at timing t3 and the authentication function is disabled, job processing is performed without restriction.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the authentication function is invalid, the administrator can switch the authentication function and enable it by simply holding the IC card over the IC card reader 30. Can be simplified, and the time required for switching the authentication function can be shortened.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is provided and the effect of the same embodiment is used about the effect of the invention by having the same structure.

  FIG. 25 is a control block diagram of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, the multifunction device 10 is provided with an IC card data determination unit 22 as a medium information determination processing unit connected to an IC card data reception unit 12 as a data reception unit. The IC card data determination unit 22 performs medium information determination processing, is transmitted from an IC card reader 30 as an identification information reading unit connected to the multifunction machine 10, and is received by the IC card data reception unit 12. It is determined whether or not the data is a password and information for invalidating the authentication function, that is, authentication function invalid switching information. The first authentication function change information is constituted by the password, and the second authentication function change information is constituted by the authentication function invalid switching information.

  Next, the operation of the MFP 10 having the above-described configuration will be described. In this case, an operation when a user or an administrator logs in to the multifunction machine 10 will be described.

  FIG. 26 is a first flowchart showing the operation of the multifunction device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 27 is a second flowchart showing the operation of the multifunction device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the authentication function determination processing means of the authentication control unit 13 as the first control unit determines whether or not the authentication function is valid, and if the authentication function is valid, the operation as the third control unit The display processing means of the panel control unit 16 forms a personal identification number input screen ds2 (FIG. 7) on the display unit ds, and displays a message for prompting input of the personal identification number on the personal identification number input screen ds2.

  If the authentication function is not valid, the display processing means forms a function selection screen ds1 (FIG. 6) on the display unit ds, displays a list of selectable functions on the function selection screen ds1, and performs processing. finish.

  When the user or administrator holds the IC card over the IC card reader 30, the information reading processing unit reads data (such as a code number and authentication function invalid switching information) recorded on the IC card, and sends it to the multifunction device 10. Send.

  Next, when the IC card data receiving unit 12 receives the data transmitted from the IC card reader 30, the IC card data determining unit 22 determines whether the data received from the IC card reader 30 is a personal identification number.

  When the data is a personal identification number, the registration determination processing unit as the first identification information determination processing unit of the authentication control unit 13 reads the personal identification number and refers to the personal identification number management table (FIG. 2). It is determined whether the personal identification number transmitted from the IC card reader 30 matches the personal identification number recorded in the personal identification number management table (the personal identification number is registered).

  If the transmitted password and the password recorded in the password management table do not match, the registration determination processing means informs the operation panel control section 16 that the authentication has failed, and the display processing means Then, a password incorrect input message screen ds10 (FIG. 15) is formed on the display unit ds, and a message indicating that the password is incorrect is displayed on the password incorrect input message screen ds10. Subsequently, the display processing means forms a personal identification number input screen ds2 on the display unit ds, and displays a message for prompting the input of the personal identification number on the personal identification number input screen ds2.

  If the transmitted password and the password recorded in the password management table match, the registration determination processing means reads the password number type and determines whether the password number is an administrator. If it is determined that the password type is an administrator, the operation panel control unit 16 is informed that the password type is an administrator, and the display processing unit displays the password input screen ds3 (FIG. 8) on the display unit ds. ) And a message prompting the input of the password is displayed on the password input screen ds3.

  Subsequently, when the administrator inputs the password on the password input screen ds3, the authentication determination processing unit as the second identification information determination processing unit of the authentication control unit 13 reads the password, and the administrator password management table (FIG. With reference to 3), it is determined whether or not the input password matches the password recorded in the administrator password management table (password is registered).

  If the input password matches the password recorded in the administrator password management table, the authentication judgment processing means informs the operation panel control section 16 that the authentication has been successful, and the display processing means A function selection screen ds1 is formed on ds, and selectable functions are displayed in a list on the function selection screen ds1.

  Thereafter, when the authentication function is switched to invalid, the authentication function invalid switching processing means as the second authentication function switching processing means (not shown) of the authentication control unit 13 switches the authentication function to invalidate it. The authentication function invalid switching processing means also functions as a job processing restriction release processing means for releasing the restriction of job processing.

  If the input password and the password recorded in the administrator password management table do not match, the authentication determination processing means informs the operation panel control section 16 that the authentication has failed, and the display processing means An incorrect password input message screen ds11 (FIG. 16) is formed in the part ds, and a message indicating that the password is incorrect is displayed on the incorrect password input message screen ds11. Subsequently, the display processing means forms a personal identification number input screen ds2 on the display unit ds, and displays a message for prompting the input of the personal identification number on the personal identification number input screen ds2.

  If the type of the personal identification number is not an administrator, the display processing means forms a function selection screen ds1 on the display unit ds, displays a list of selectable functions on the function selection screen ds1, and ends the processing. To do.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S41: It is determined whether the authentication function is valid. If the authentication function is valid, the process proceeds to step S42. If the authentication function is not valid, the process proceeds to step S54.
Step S42: A password input screen ds2 is formed.
Step S43 The system waits for the IC card to be held over the IC card reader 30. If the IC card is held over, the process proceeds to step S44.
Step S44: It is determined whether the received data is a password. If the received data is a password, the process proceeds to step S45, and if not, the process returns to step S42.
Step S45: It is determined whether or not a password is registered. If the password is registered, the process proceeds to step S47, and if not, the process proceeds to step S46.
Step S46: A password incorrect input message screen ds10 is formed, and the process returns to Step S42.
Step S47: It is determined whether or not the type of the personal identification number is an administrator. If the type of the personal identification number is an administrator, the process proceeds to step S48, and if not, the process proceeds to step S54.
Step S48: The password input screen ds3 is formed.
Step S49 The system waits for the password to be entered, and proceeds to step S50 if the password is entered.
Step S50: It is determined whether a password is registered. If the password is registered, the process proceeds to step S52. If the password is not registered, the process proceeds to step S51.
Step S51: The password error input message screen ds11 is formed, and the process returns to Step S42.
Step S52: The function selection screen ds1 is formed.
Step S53 An authentication function invalid switching process is performed and the process is terminated.
Step S54: The function selection screen ds1 is formed, and the process is terminated.

  Next, the operation of the multifunction machine 10 when the authentication function is invalidated in the authentication function invalid switching process when the authentication function is valid will be described.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a subroutine of authentication function invalid switching processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, when the administrator holds the IC card over the IC card reader 30, the information reading processing unit reads the data recorded on the IC card and transmits it to the multifunction device 10.

  Next, when the IC card data receiving unit 12 receives the data transmitted from the IC card reader 30, the IC card data determining unit 22 determines whether the data received from the IC card reader 30 is authentication function invalid switching information. to decide.

  When the data is authentication function invalid switching information, the authentication function invalid switching processing means as the second authentication function switching processing means of the authentication control unit 13 switches the authentication function to invalid and switches to invalid. This is transmitted to the operation panel control unit 16 (FIG. 25). The display processing means forms an authentication function invalid switching message screen ds5 (FIG. 10) on the display unit ds, and displays a message indicating that the authentication function is invalidated on the authentication function invalid switching message screen ds5. . Subsequently, the display processing unit forms a function selection screen ds1 (FIG. 6) on the display unit ds, and displays a list of selectable functions on the function selection screen ds1.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S53-1 Waiting for the IC card to be held over the IC card reader 30, and when the IC card is held over the IC card reader 30, the process proceeds to step S53-2.
Step S53-2: It is determined whether or not the received data is authentication function invalid switching information. If the received data is authentication function invalid switching information, the process proceeds to step S53-3. If the received data is not authentication function invalid switching information, the process ends.
Step S53-3: The authentication function is invalidated and an authentication function invalid switching message screen ds5 is formed.
Step S53-4: The function selection screen ds1 is formed, and the process is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the authentication function is valid, the administrator can switch the authentication function and invalidate it by simply holding the IC card over the IC card reader 30. The work for switching can be simplified, and the time required for switching the authentication function can be shortened.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile, or the like.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made based on the gist of the present invention, and they are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

10 MFP 11 Nonvolatile Memory 13 Authentication Control Unit 19 Scan Control Unit 30 IC Card Reader

Claims (4)

(A) an image data processing unit for processing a job based on image data;
(B) a recording unit for recording operator identification information;
(C) an identification information reading unit that reads the identification information from an authentication medium;
(D) having job processing restriction processing means for enabling the authentication function and restricting job processing based on the identification information recorded in the recording unit and the identification information transmitted from the identification information reading unit. An image processing apparatus.   The job processing is performed when the identification information recorded in the recording unit and the identification information transmitted from the identification information reading unit match when job processing is restricted. The image processing apparatus described.   The job processing is performed regardless of whether or not the identification information recorded in the recording unit and the identification information transmitted from the identification information reading unit match when job processing is not restricted. The image processing apparatus according to 1.   The job processing restriction release processing unit for canceling the restriction of the processing of the job by invalidating the authentication function based on the authentication function change information transmitted from the identification information reading unit. The image processing apparatus according to item.

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