JP2014174622A - Image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and image forming system provided with a code input system by which high security can be ensured with simple input operation.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 201 includes: an image forming unit 1 that forms images; an operation panel 9 that has a function to receive key input from a touch panel 8, and a function to receive key input from hardware; and a control unit 10 that acquires an authentication code input with keys from the operation panel according to the type of the key input on the operation panel, as one character as is the input data or by converting into a character string with a large number of digits, and authenticates the authentication code if the character string acquired on the basis of the key input coincides with a predetermined character string.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system.

  As one form of an image forming apparatus, an apparatus called an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) is known. The MFP is a digital multi-function peripheral having a plurality of functions such as a scanner function, a FAX function, and an image data storage function in addition to a copying function.

  Conventionally, an MFP has a user authentication function from the viewpoint of security measures and as a means for user management. The user inputs a user ID and password from the operation panel of the MFP. The MFP determines that the authentication has been successful when the input user ID and password match a predetermined value. The user can log in to the MFP after authentication and use a desired function.

  The MFP can also log in by a PIN (Personal Identification Number) authentication function in order to meet the need for user authentication more easily. PIN authentication is an authentication method in which user authentication is performed using a user ID and a PIN code (a character string such as numerals and letters) instead of a password.

JP 2010-186328 A

  However, when operating the above-described authentication method, the user performs input operations using the hard keys provided on the operation panel, and thus limited codes such as alphanumeric characters are often used, which is presumed. There is a problem that it is easy.

  By the way, an authentication code such as a password used for authentication can secure higher security as the code is longer, but the user input becomes more complicated. Therefore, a code input method that can ensure high security with a simple input operation is desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system having a code input method capable of ensuring high security with a simple input operation. To do.

  According to an embodiment for solving the above problems, an image forming unit that forms an image, an operation panel having a key input function from a touch panel and a hardware key input function, and key input from the operation panel An authentication code is obtained by converting the input data as a single character or converting it into a character string having a large number of digits according to the type of key input on the operation panel, and the character string acquired based on the key input is An image forming apparatus including a control unit that authenticates the authentication code by matching a predetermined character string is provided.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic shape of an MFP according to a first embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an input configuration of an operation panel of the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication code processing procedure of the MFP according to the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating contents of a correspondence table of the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating contents of a user information management table of the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for updating an authentication code of the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for updating a correspondence table of the MFP according to the first embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system including an MFP according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication code processing procedure of the MFP according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for updating a correspondence table in the image forming system according to the second embodiment.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic shape of the MFP 201 according to the first embodiment.

The MFP 201 includes a print unit 1, a paper tray 3, a scan unit 5, an auto feed unit 7, and an operation panel 9.
The print unit 1 outputs image information as an output image called hard copy or printout, for example. The paper tray 3 supplies an output medium, which is paper of an arbitrary size used for image output, to the printing unit 1. The scan unit 5 captures image information as image data from a document. The auto-feed unit 7 sends the document that has been read from the reading position to the discharge position, and guides the next document to the reading position. The operation panel 9 is an instruction input unit for instructing operations of the MFP 201 such as start of image formation in the print unit 1 and start of reading of image information of a document by the scan unit 5. The operation panel 9 is provided with a touch panel 8 for inputting instructions and displaying information to the operator.

  Further, the MFP 201 can be connected to a network or communication line (not shown) and receive image data by FAX, Email, or the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the MFP 201 according to the first embodiment.
The MFP 201 includes a control unit 10, a ROM 11, a RAM 12, a network control unit 18, and an internal storage device (HDD) 19, in addition to the above-described print unit 1, paper tray 3, scan unit 5, touch panel 8 and operation panel 9. . These units are connected via a system bus.

The control unit 10 controls the above-described hardware units connected via the system bus. The ROM 11 stores various control programs necessary for the MFP 201 to operate. The RAM 12 is a buffer memory that temporarily stores data generated when the control program is executed.
The network control unit 18 is an interface for exchanging information via a network such as the Internet. The HDD 19 is a non-volatile storage medium installed inside the MFP 201.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an input configuration of the operation panel 9 of the MFP 201 according to the first embodiment.

The operation panel 9 is provided with a touch panel 8 and an operation unit 17. The touch panel 8 includes an operation display area 8a, a cancel button 8b, an OK button 8c, and a keyboard screen 8d.
In the operation display area 8, an input status such as an authentication code is displayed. The cancel button 8b is a button for resetting the input operation. The OK button 8c is a button for confirming the input operation. The keyboard screen 8d displays keys (alphanumeric characters, special characters, etc.) for inputting an authentication code or the like. The keys displayed on the keyboard screen 8d are called soft keys with respect to hard keys configured by hardware described later.

  The operation unit 17 includes a function key 17a and a numeric keypad 17b, which are hardware keys configured by hardware for operating the image forming apparatus 1.

  The function key 17a is provided with a “copy button”, “filing box button”, “scan button”, “print button”, “fax button”, and the like. The numeric keypad 17b has input keys such as numbers and special characters.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication code processing procedure of the MFP 201 according to the first embodiment.

  When the MFP 201 is turned on after the power is turned on or when a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the operation of the MFP 201, in Act 01, the control unit 10 transitions to an authentication mode and displays an authentication screen on the touch panel 8. That is, the control unit 10 displays an operation display area 8a, a cancel button 8b, an OK button 8c, and a keyboard screen 8d on the touch panel 8, and further displays an input field in the operation display area 8a.

  Here, the input fields displayed in the operation display area 8a are a user ID input field and a password input field in one aspect. In another aspect, it is a PIN code entry field.

  The user operates the software keys on the touch panel 8, the numeric keys 17b, and further the function keys 17a to input data in the input field displayed in the operation display area 8a. In MFP 201 of the first embodiment, function key 17a can also be used for data input.

  In Act 02, the control unit 10 checks whether or not the input character is input from the touch panel 8. When input from the touch panel 8 (YES in Act 02), in Act 03, the control unit 10 stores the input one character in the RAM 12, and additionally displays one hidden character (for example, *) in the input field. .

  When input is made from the function key 17a or the numeric keypad 17b (NO in Act 02), in Act 04, the control unit 10 converts the input character into a character string based on the correspondence table.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the contents of the correspondence table of the MFP 201 according to the first embodiment.
The correspondence table 20 defines the function keys 17a and the numeric keys 17b, which are hard keys, and character strings to be converted corresponding to the keys. For example, when the “copy key” is pressed, processing is performed assuming that the character string “1q2w3e4r5t” is input. When “1” is pressed, it is processed as if the character string “2wsxcde” was input.

  Note that the length of the character string to be converted need not be fixed, and may be an arbitrary length. The length of the authentication code in the MFP 201 is limited by the performance unique to the MFP 201, for example, a maximum of 64 × n digits. However, if the conditions satisfy the limitation, the length of the character string to be converted is set. A different value can be set for each character.

  In Act 05 of FIG. 4, the control unit 10 stores the converted character string in the RAM 12 and additionally displays one hidden character (for example, *) in the input field.

  In Act 06, the control unit 10 checks whether or not the OK button 8c is pressed. When the OK button 8c is not pressed (NO in Act 06), the process returns to Act 02 and waits for character input. When the OK button 8c is pressed (YES in Act 06), in Act 07, the character string stored in the RAM 12 matches the character string described in the user authentication database (user information management table). Find out if.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the contents of the user information management table 21 of the MFP 201 according to the first embodiment.
The user information management table 21 stores a user ID, a password, a PIN code, and a conversion code in association with each user. The user ID, password, and PIN code are original codes, that is, character strings operated by the user on the operation panel 9. The conversion code is, for example, a character string obtained by converting a PIN code, and is a code for collation inside the MFP 201.

  Each character of the user ID, password, and PIN code is associated with information that can identify which type of key (touch panel 8, function key 17a, numeric keypad 17b) on the operation panel 9 is used for input. .

  4, the control unit checks whether the character string stored in the RAM 12 matches the character string described in the conversion code of the user information management table 21.

  If they match (YES in Act 08), control unit 10 ends the authentication mode and displays an operation screen for using each function of MFP 201. If they do not match (NO in Act 08), the control unit 10 displays an error in Act 10, returns to Act 02, and waits for the input of the authentication code.

  In the authentication code processing shown in FIG. 4, the code input from the touch panel 8 is used as it is, and the code input from the function key 17a or the numeric keypad 17b is converted based on the correspondence table 20. It is not limited to form. That is, the type of key to be converted based on the correspondence table 20 can be determined as appropriate.

Next, processing for changing the contents described in the correspondence table 20 will be described.
As described above, high security can be ensured by using a long code inside the MFP 201. Then, security can be further improved by appropriately changing the code.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for updating the authentication code of the MFP 201 according to the first embodiment.

In Act 15, the control unit 10 checks whether a predetermined condition is satisfied. As the predetermined condition, for example, the following various conditions can be used alone or in combination.
(1) When a predetermined time (for example, one month, one week, one day, etc.) has elapsed since the last correspondence table 20 was changed.
(2) When the administrator of the MFP 201 gives an instruction to update the correspondence table 20 from the operation panel 9.
(3) When the MFP 201 is activated after the power is turned on.

  When the predetermined condition is not satisfied (NO in Act 15), the process waits until the predetermined condition is satisfied. When the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in Act 15), in Act 16, the control unit 10 changes the correspondence table 20 using a random number.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for updating the correspondence table 20 shown in Act 16 of the MFP 201 according to the first embodiment.

  In Act 21, the control unit 10 determines the type of key for converting the value input from the operation panel 9 using a random number. That is, in addition to the function key 17a, the type of key for converting the input value among the touch panel 8 and the numeric keypad 17b is determined again in this update process.

  In Act 22, the control unit 10 creates a converted value for each key using a random number for the type of key for converting the input value. At this time, the number of digits to be converted may be determined using a random number. As described above, the number of digits to be converted can be arbitrarily set.

  In Act 23, it is checked whether or not conversion values have been created for all the target keys. When conversion values have been created for all the target keys (YES in Act 23), in Act 24, the control unit 10 Updates the correspondence table 20 with the created conversion values.

  In Act 25, the control unit 10 updates the conversion code of the user information management table 21. That is, predetermined information of “user ID”, “password”, and “PIN code” described in the user information management table 21 is converted using the correspondence table 20 and described in the “conversion code”. .

  In Act 22 described above, the type of key for converting the input value can be changed. However, the type of key for converting the input value can be determined in advance and not changed.

  Next, the effect of the authentication code process according to the first embodiment will be described.

(1) The authentication code input from the touch panel 8 is converted into another code having an increased number of digits in the MFP 201. The number of converted digits (number of characters) per character is not fixed. However, the maximum number of digits of the entire authentication code can be specified. As a result, security can be improved.

(2) The code to be converted is used only inside the MFP 201 and does not need to be known by the user. Since the user uses only the original code, the input operation can be prevented from becoming complicated.

(3) The touch panel 8, the function key 17a, and the numeric keypad 17b can be used as key types for inputting the authentication code. The type of key for converting the input code can be the function key 17a alone or any combination of the function key 17a and another key. Therefore, the security can be further improved.

(4) It is possible to arbitrarily determine which of the user ID, password, and PIN code is to be converted and which is not to be converted. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly cope with various authentication code input methods.

[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the MFP performs an authentication code process by exchanging information with the authentication server. Parts that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system including the MFP 201 according to the second embodiment.
The image forming system includes a plurality of MFPs 201, an authentication server 202, and a communication line 203. The MFP 201 is provided with a control unit 10 and a correspondence table 20. The authentication server 202 includes a processing unit 30, a correspondence table 20, and a user information management table 21.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the second embodiment, the correspondence table 20 is provided in the MFP 201 and the authentication server 202, and the user information management table 21 is provided in the authentication server 202. The correspondence table 20 has the same contents in the MFP 201 and the authentication server 202. One user information management table 21 is provided in common with the MFP 201. Since the contents of the correspondence table 20 and the user information management table 21 are the same as those in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication code processing procedure of the MFP 201 according to the second embodiment.

  When the MFP 201 is turned on after the power is turned on, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the operation of the MFP 201, in Act 31, the control unit 10 transitions to an authentication mode and displays an authentication screen on the touch panel 8. That is, the control unit 10 displays an operation display area 8a, a cancel button 8b, an OK button 8c, and a keyboard screen 8d on the touch panel 8, and further displays an input field in the operation display area 8a.

  The user operates the software keys on the touch panel 8, the numeric keys 17b, and further the function keys 17a to input data in the input field displayed in the operation display area 8a.

  In Act 32, the control unit 10 checks whether or not the input character is input from the touch panel 8. When input from the touch panel 8 (YES in Act 32), in Act 33, the control unit 10 stores the input one character in the RAM 12, and additionally displays one hidden character (for example, *) in the input field. .

  When input is made from the function key 17a or the numeric keypad 17b (NO in Act 32), in Act 44, the control unit 10 converts the input character into a character string based on the correspondence table.

  In Act 35, the control unit 10 stores the converted character string in the RAM 12, and additionally displays one face-down character (for example, *) in the input field.

  In Act 36, the control unit 10 checks whether the OK button 8c is pressed. When the OK button 8c is not pressed (NO in Act 36), the process returns to Act 32 and waits for character input. When the OK button 8c is pressed (YES in Act 36), the input character string stored in the RAM 12 is transmitted to the authentication server 202 in Act 37. Then, it waits until an authentication result is received from the authentication server 202.

  Next, an authentication operation in the authentication server 202 will be described.

  In Act 50 in FIG. 10, the processing unit 30 of the authentication server 202 receives a character string from the MFP 201.

  In Act 51, the processing unit 30 checks whether or not the transmitted character string matches the character string described in the conversion code of the user information management table 21.

  If they match (YES in Act 51), in Act 52, the processing unit 30 transmits authentication OK information to the MFP 201. If they do not match (NO in Act 51), in Act 53, the processing unit 30 transmits authentication error information to the MFP 201.

  Next, an authentication operation in the MFP 201 will be described.

  In Act 41, the control unit 10 of the MFP 201 receives the authentication result from the authentication server 202. In Act 42, the control unit 10 checks whether authentication OK has been received. When the authentication OK is received (YES in Act 42), the authentication mode is ended and an operation screen for using each function of the MFP 201 is displayed. If they do not match (NO in Act 42), the control unit 10 displays an error in Act 44, returns to Act 32, and waits for the input of the authentication code.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for updating the correspondence table 20 in the image forming system according to the second embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the authentication server 202 updates the correspondence table 20.

  In Act 61, the processing unit 30 of the authentication server 202 checks whether or not there is an instruction to update the correspondence table 20 from the administrator of the authentication server 202. If there is no update instruction (NO in Act 61), the process waits until there is an update instruction. If there is an update instruction (YES in Act 61), in Act 62, the processing unit 30 changes the correspondence table 20 using a random number. Since the process of Act 62 is the same as the process shown in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In Act 63, the processing unit 30 updates the conversion code of the user information management table 21. That is, predetermined information among “user ID”, “password”, “PIN code”, and the like described in the user information management table 21 is converted using the correspondence table 20 and described in “conversion code”. To do.

  In Act 64, the processing unit 30 transmits the updated correspondence table 20 to the plurality of MFPs 201 to update the correspondence table 20 of the MFP 201.

  According to the second embodiment, an effect similar to that of the first embodiment can be obtained for an image forming system that includes an authentication server outside the MFP and is authenticated by the authentication server. be able to.

  As described above, according to each embodiment, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus and an image forming system provided with a code input method capable of ensuring high security with a simple input operation.

  Each function described in the above embodiment may be configured using hardware, or may be realized by reading a program describing each function into a computer using software. Each function may be configured by appropriately selecting either software or hardware.

  Furthermore, each function can be realized by causing a computer to read a program stored in a recording medium (not shown). Here, as long as the recording medium in the present embodiment can record a program and can be read by a computer, the recording format may be any form.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage.
Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, you may combine suitably the component covering different embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image formation part, 8 ... Touch panel, 8a ... Operation display area, 8b ... Cancel button, 8c ... OK button, 8d ... Keyboard screen, 8 ... Operation display area, 9 ... Operation panel, 10 ... Control part, 17 ... Operation , 17a ... function key, 17b ... numeric keypad, 18 ... network controller, 20 ... correspondence table, 21 ... user information management table, 201 ... image forming apparatus, 202 ... authentication server, 203 ... communication line.

Claims (5)

An image forming unit for forming an image;
An operation panel having a key input function from a touch panel and a hardware key input function;
An authentication code that is key-input from the operation panel is acquired by converting the input data as a single character or a character string with a large number of digits according to the type of key input on the operation panel, and the key input An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that authenticates the authentication code when a character string acquired based on the above matches a predetermined character string. The types of key input include function keys and character keys,
The control unit converts the data input from the function key into a character string having a large number of digits and acquires the data.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The control unit updates the predetermined character string when a predetermined condition is satisfied,
The predetermined condition is:
(1) When a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous update of the predetermined condition (2) When the operation panel is instructed to update the predetermined condition (3) When the image forming apparatus is activated by turning on the power That at least one is true,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. In an image forming system having an image forming apparatus and an authentication server,
The image forming apparatus includes:
An image forming unit for forming an image;
An operation panel having a key input function from a touch panel and a hardware key input function;
An authentication code key-input from the operation panel is obtained by converting the input data as a single character or according to the correspondence table into a character string having a large number of digits, according to the key input type of the operation panel, A control unit that transmits a character string acquired based on the key input to the authentication server,
The authentication server is
An image forming system comprising: a processing unit that authenticates the authentication code when the correspondence table and the transmitted character string match a predetermined character string, and transmits an authentication result to the image forming apparatus.   The processing unit updates the predetermined character string and the correspondence table based on an instruction, transmits the updated result to the image forming apparatus, and uses the correspondence table of the image forming apparatus as a correspondence of the authentication server. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the image forming system matches a table.

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