JP2015205399A - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and image forming program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program capable of realizing energy saving while assuring quick operation of MFP even in a case of MFP equipped with an authentication device.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus which selectively operates one or more functions includes: detection means for detecting an execution request of a job from a user; user authentication requirement determination means which determines whether or not the job that is detected by the detection means requires user authentication; user sensing means for sensing a user of the image forming apparatus; and control means which, if a user authentication is determined to be required for executing the job that is detected with the detection means, operates a function required for executing the job after the user sensing means senses the user.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program.

  In recent years, there is an image forming apparatus that is required to save power in an image forming apparatus and transitions to an energy saving state in which some functions are turned off when the apparatus has not been operated for a certain period of time.

  In an image forming apparatus capable of transitioning to an energy saving state, when returning from the energy saving state, the activation order of functions installed in the image forming apparatus is preset, so that a waiting time until the function requested by the user becomes operable Occurs. In addition, since unnecessary functions may be activated, there is a problem that power consumption increases. As a technique for avoiding this, there is already known a technique in which the image forming apparatus changes a return procedure from an energy saving state by a function requested by a user.

  For example, a technique for determining whether or not the user directly operated the image forming apparatus and changing the function to be activated and the activation order according to the determination result is already known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

  The above-described conventional technology can save power consumption by selectively activating a function according to a requested job, and can operate the image forming apparatus quickly. However, when the image forming apparatus includes an authentication device, the conventional technology does not consider the processing time from the start of authentication to the completion of authentication. In this case, if functions such as the image forming apparatus are activated from the start of authentication, there is a problem that wasteful power is consumed. In addition, when the function is activated after the authentication is completed, there is a problem that a waiting time occurs for the user and the image forming apparatus cannot be operated quickly.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of such conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize energy saving while ensuring the rapid operation of the image forming apparatus even if the authentication apparatus is provided. An image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program are provided.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, for example, an image forming apparatus that selectively activates one or more functions, the detection unit detecting a job execution request from a user, and detected by the detection unit User authentication necessity determination means for determining whether or not the job requires user authentication, user detection means for detecting a user of the image forming apparatus, and execution of the job detected by the detection means When it is determined that user authentication is necessary, the user sensing means senses a user and then controls a function necessary for executing the job.

  In the present embodiment, even if an authentication device is provided, power consumption can be suppressed while ensuring a rapid operation of the image forming apparatus.

It is a figure which shows an example of the system configuration | structure in this embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP according to the present exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an MFP according to the present exemplary embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the information used when determining the necessity of user authentication in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the user data in this embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of state transition of an MFP according to the present exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure until an MFP executes a job in the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen display displayed when the user authentication in this embodiment fails. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of MFP in this modification. It is a figure which shows an example of a function structure of MFP in this modification. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the user data in this modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence which performs user authentication using the imaging device in this modification.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration in the present embodiment. In the system according to the present embodiment, an MFP (MultiFunction Peripheral) 1 and client terminals 2 a, 2 b, 2 c... (If not distinguished from each other, the client terminal 2) are connected via a network 3.

  The MFP 1 can be used as a printer, a facsimile (FAX), a scanner, and a copying machine by providing an image forming function, a communication function, and the like. In this embodiment, the MFP 1 receives an operation from the user. Alternatively, an operation request for a function such as printing received from the client terminal 2 connected via the network 3 is received and operated.

  The client terminal 2 is an information processing apparatus operated by a user, and is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet PC, or a smartphone. The client terminal 2 can send a print request or the like to the MFP 1 connected via the network 3.

  The network 3 is, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) or the Internet.

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP 1 in the present embodiment.

  The MFP 1 includes a controller 101, an operation device 114, a FAX 119, an auxiliary storage device 120, an image reading device 121, an image forming device 122, and an authentication device 123.

  The controller 101 is used to control functions such as printing and scanning of the MFP 1, and includes a memory device 102, a main CPU 104, a sub CPU 106, a network adapter 107, an auxiliary memory device 108, and the like.

  The memory device 102 calls a program according to a request from the main CPU 104 and stores it in the memory device 102. The memory device 102 is configured by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

  The main CPU circuit 103 is a circuit including the main CPU 104.

  The main CPU 104 is used to execute various functions provided in the controller 101 in accordance with a program stored in the memory device 102.

  The sub CPU circuit 105 is a circuit including a sub CPU 106, a network adapter 107, and an auxiliary memory device 108.

  The sub CPU 106 operates in accordance with a program stored in the auxiliary memory device 108 in the energy saving mode. The sub CPU 106 can be used for executing functions in the energy saving mode such as detection of an execution request from the client terminal 2 received via the network adapter 107 and detection of a user by the human sensor 113. Further, the sub CPU 106 can perform a communication response, a timer, and the like when the main CPU 104 is off.

  The network adapter 107 is connected to the network 3 and is used for controlling communication with other devices.

  The auxiliary memory device 108 is used for storing a program in accordance with a request from the sub CPU 106. The auxiliary memory device 108 is, for example, a RAM.

  The eco switch 109 is used to manually shift the MFP 1 to the energy saving mode and switch the return to the normal mode.

  The main power switch 110 can be used to switch on / off the power supply to the entire MFP 1. The main power switch 110 can be turned off to stop power supply even when the MFP 1 is in the energy saving mode.

  The AC / DC power supply 111 is used to convert an alternating current input from the outlet to the MFP 1 into a direct current suitable for the MFP 1.

  The centralized power switch 112 is used to control power supply to each device in accordance with an instruction from the sub CPU 106.

  The human sensor 113 is used to detect a user at a position where the operation device 114 of the MFP 1 can be operated. The human sensor 113 detects the user by, for example, infrared rays or ultrasonic waves.

  The operation device 114 includes an operation device CPU 115, an operation device memory 116, a display device 117, and an input device 118, and is used to operate the MFP 1.

  The operation device CPU 115 is used to execute a function of the operation device 114 according to the operation device memory.

  The operation device memory 116 is used to store a program for operating the operation device CPU 115 in the operation device memory 116.

  The display device 117 is used, for example, to display various information related to the MFP 1. The display device 117 is a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

  The input device 118 is used, for example, to input various signals to the MFP 1. The input device 118 is, for example, a touch panel or a hard switch.

  The FAX 119 is used for transmitting and receiving image information via a telephone line or the like. Since the FAX 119 constantly monitors the reception of image information, it is desirable to supply power even in the energy saving mode.

  The auxiliary storage device 120 is used to store various data such as received document data and read image data handled by the MFP 1 and includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive). Further, the auxiliary storage device 120 manages these various data by a predetermined file system or DB (Data Base).

  The image reading device 121 optically reads a document placed on the reading surface and generates image data.

  For example, the image forming apparatus 122 prints an image on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic process method in accordance with an instruction from the controller 101.

  The authentication device 123 is used for user authentication. For example, the authentication device 123 reads the user data when the user holds the IC card holding the user data over the authentication device 123. User authentication is performed according to the read user data.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the MFP 1 in the present embodiment. The MFP 1 includes a detection unit 11, a user detection unit 12, a user authentication necessity determination unit 13, a function control unit 14, a user authentication unit 15, a user data storage unit 16, and the like. Each functional unit is realized by the CPU executing a memory program.

  The detection unit 11 is a functional unit that detects a job execution request that causes a return from the energy saving mode. The job execution request detected by the detection unit 11 includes a print request from the client terminal 2 connected via the network 3, a FAX reception request, and a main body operation of the MFP 1 by the user.

  The user detection unit 12 is a functional unit that detects a user at a position where the MFP 1 can be operated by the human sensor 113. When detecting the user, the user detection unit 12 notifies the function control unit 14 that the user has been detected, and requests the function control unit 14 to change the operation state from the energy saving mode to the operation state in which the function can be executed. . In the present embodiment, the user detection unit 12 is also operating in the energy saving mode.

  The user authentication necessity determination unit 13 determines whether user authentication is necessary for the execution of the job detected by the detection unit 11. Whether or not user authentication is necessary is determined according to information indicating whether or not user authentication is required for each function, as shown in FIG. FIG. 4 shows that monochrome printing is a function that does not require user authentication when the function is executed, and color printing is a function that requires user authentication when the function is executed. Information indicating whether or not user authentication is necessary is held in the auxiliary memory device 108 or the like. Further, the user authentication necessity determination unit 13 may determine whether the authentication device 123 is installed in the MFP 1. Whether or not the authentication device 123 is installed in the MFP 1 is determined at a predetermined timing such as a timing when the main power supply of the MFP 1 is turned on. When the user authentication necessity determination unit 13 determines that the authentication device 123 is not installed, the user authentication necessity determination unit 13 performs the same processing as that performed when the function control unit 14 determines that user authentication is unnecessary. Instruct to run.

  The function control unit 14 is a function unit that controls functions provided in the MFP 1. The function control unit 14 sets the function to be activated and the activation timing for each function according to the determination result of the user authentication necessity determination unit 13. Specifically, for a job for which user authentication is determined to be necessary, the function control unit 14 first activates the authentication device 123 and the operation device 115, and then the timing when the user is detected by the user detection unit 12. Then, a function necessary for job execution such as the image forming apparatus 122 is activated. In addition, for a job for which it is determined that user authentication is not necessary, the function control unit 14 notifies the operation device 115 and job execution after notifying the user authentication necessity determination unit 13 that user authentication is not required. Activate the function.

  Further, the function control unit 14 returns the MFP 1 from the energy saving mode when the user detection unit 12 detects a user while the detection unit 11 has not detected a job execution request. Thereafter, the function control unit 14 activates the operation device 114, the authentication device 123, and the like so that the user can operate the MFP 1.

  The user authentication unit 15 is a functional unit that performs user authentication. When the user authentication necessity determination unit 13 determines that user authentication is necessary, the user authentication unit 15 authenticates the user who has requested the execution of the function or the user who can operate the MFP 1. User authentication is performed by the user authentication unit 15 collating user data input to the MFP 1 with user data stored in the user data storage unit 16. The input device 118 may accept input of user data. Further, the user authentication unit 13 may accept the user data when the user holds the IC card storing the user data over the authentication device 123. In addition, the user authentication necessity determination unit 13 can display the user authentication result on the display device 117 or the like. In addition, when the user authentication necessity determination unit 13 determines that the authentication device 123 is not installed, the user authentication unit 15 does not perform user authentication.

  The user data storage unit 16 is a functional unit that stores user data used during user authentication. The user data stored in the user data storage unit 16 is not limited to the list format, and may be a file format.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of user data stored in the user data storage unit 16. The user data includes information such as the user name and the function execution availability.

  The user name is user identification information uniquely set for each user. The user name may be unique and may be a number, a letter, a symbol, or a combination thereof.

  The function execution availability is information indicating whether the functions included in the MFP 1 can be executed for each user. In FIG. 5, the user A can use monochrome printing and scanning, but has no authority to use color printing and FAX.

  The user authentication unit 15 and the user data storage unit 16 may be provided in a device such as a server connected via the network 3. In that case, the MFP 1 accepts input of user data from the user, and requests the user authentication unit 15 and the user data storage unit 16 for user authentication.

  Since the MFP 1 has the above functions, the user authentication necessity determination unit 13 determines whether or not the job detected by the detection unit 11 requires user authentication, and the function control unit 14 activates the function according to the determination result. Can be controlled. That is, in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, the function activation can be controlled in consideration of the time until the user authentication is completed. Thereby, energy saving can be realized while ensuring the quick operation of the MFP 1.

<Processing operation>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of state transition of the MFP in the present embodiment. The MFP 1 has a plurality of states corresponding to the function to be executed in addition to the state of the energy saving mode. The MFP 1 transitions to an adapted state depending on the type of job to be executed, and executes the job. The MFP 1 has states such as a shutdown mode, an energy saving mode, a welcome mode, a FAX transmission / scan mode, a copy mode, a print / FAX print mode, and a FAX reception mode.

  The shutdown mode is a state in which the main power switch 110 of the MFP 1 is turned off and all the functions of the MFP 1 are stopped.

  When the main power switch 110 of the MFP 1 is turned on in step S1, the MFP 1 is activated and shifts to the energy saving mode. The energy saving mode is a low power consumption state in which the functions of the MFP 1 are limited. In the energy saving mode, for example, functions such as the operation device 114, the auxiliary storage device 120, the image reading device 121, the image forming device 122, and the main CPU 104 are turned off.

  When the main power switch 110 is turned off in step S2, the MFP 1 transitions from the energy saving mode to the shutdown mode.

  When a FAX reception request is received via the network adapter 107 in step S3, the state transits to the FAX reception mode. In the FAX reception mode, FAX 119 is activated and FAX reception is possible.

  When the FAX reception is completed in step S4, the MFP 1 shifts to the energy saving mode.

  In step S5, the MFP 1 receives a print request that does not require user authentication or a FAX print request, and transitions to the printer / FAX print mode. In the printer / FAX print mode, the image forming apparatus 122 is activated in response to a print request or a FAX print request, and is in a state of executing print processing.

  In step S6, after the printing process is completed, the MFP 1 shifts to the energy saving mode.

  In step S7, when the human sensor 113 detects that the user is approaching the MFP 1, or when the MFP 1 receives an execution request for a function requiring user authentication via the network adapter 107, the MFP 1 transits to the welcome mode. . The welcome mode is a state in which the operation device 114 and the authentication device 123 are activated and user operations and user authentication can be executed. In the welcome mode, the MFP 1 can accept an operation from the user and perform user authentication, and can transition to each operation mode. In addition, when a job that requires user authentication is detected and a transition is made from the energy saving mode to the welcome mode, the welcome mode activates a function necessary for executing the job when the human sensor 113 detects the user.

  In step S8, the MFP 1 transitions to the energy saving mode when there is no operation from the user for a certain period of time or when the function is not executed.

  In step S9, the MFP 1 receives a print request and a FAX print request that require user authentication in the energy saving mode, and transitions to the printer / FAX printer mode after completing the user authentication in the welcome mode. After the printing process is completed, the state transitions to the energy saving mode.

  In step S10, after completing the user authentication in the welcome mode, the MFP 1 shifts to the copy mode when receiving a copy execution operation from the user. Further, when the welcome mode is off, it is possible to make a transition from the energy saving mode to the direct copy mode. The copy mode is a state in which the image reading device 121 and the image forming device 122 are activated and copying can be executed.

  In step S11, after the copy is completed, the MFP 1 shifts to the welcome mode.

  In step S12, after completing the user authentication in the welcome mode, the MFP 1 transitions to the scan / fax transmission mode when receiving a scan execution operation or a FAX transmission operation from the user. When the welcome mode is off, the state can be changed from the energy saving mode to the direct scan / fax transmission mode. In the scan / fax transmission mode, the image reading apparatus 121 is activated and a document or the like can be scanned and fax transmission is possible.

  In step S13, a transition is made to the FAX transmission mode. After scanning and FAX transmission are completed, the state transitions to the welcome mode.

  By having a plurality of different states for each function to be executed as described above, the function requested by the user is activated and the requested process can be executed. Thereby, the power consumption of the MFP 1 is suppressed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure related to return from the energy saving state according to the present embodiment. In step S20, the processing procedure is executed in a state where the MFP 1 has transitioned to the energy saving mode.

  In step S21, the detection unit 11 detects a job execution request. The job execution request is not limited to the job execution request from the user, but may be a job execution request from a user other than the user such as FAX reception. When detecting a job execution request, the function control unit 14 activates the operation device 114 and the like.

  In step S <b> 22, the user authentication necessity determination unit 13 determines whether user authentication is necessary when executing the requested job. If the determination result is YES, that is, if user authentication is required for job execution, the process proceeds to step S23. If the determination result is NO, that is, if user authentication is not required when executing the job, the process proceeds to step S28. When it is determined that the authentication device is not installed in the MFP 1, the user authentication necessity determination is not performed.

  In step S23, the function control unit 14 changes the state from the energy saving mode to the welcome mode, and waits until the user detection unit 12 detects the user.

  In step S24, it is determined whether or not the user has approached a position where the MFP 1 can be operated. If the determination result is YES, that is, if it is detected that the user has approached the position where the user can operate the MFP 1, the process proceeds to step S25. If the determination result is NO, that is, if it is not possible to detect that the user has approached the position where the MFP 1 can be operated, the process returns to step S23.

  In step S <b> 25, the function control unit 14 starts operation of a function necessary for executing the requested job.

  In step S <b> 26, after starting a function activation process necessary for job execution, the user authentication unit 15 starts user authentication. At this time, in the case of a function that takes time to complete the activation, the authentication process and the function activation process are performed in parallel. The authentication executed by the user authentication unit 15 is performed based on user data input from the user.

  In step S27, the user authentication unit 15 determines whether the user authentication is successful. If the determination result is YES, that is, if the user authentication is successful, the process proceeds to step S28. If the determination result is NO, that is, if user authentication has failed, the process proceeds to step S29.

  In step S28, the function control unit 14 activates activation necessary for execution of the job and executes the requested job. Then, it progresses to step 30 and the said process is complete | finished.

  In step S29, the user authentication unit 15 notifies the user that the user authentication has failed on the display device 117, for example. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display displayed when user authentication fails in the present embodiment. The user authentication unit 15 displays a warning screen as shown in FIG. Then, it progresses to step S30 and the said process is complete | finished.

  If the detection unit 11 does not detect a job execution request and the user detection unit 12 detects a user, the device that can operate the MFP 1 such as the operation device 114 and the authentication device 123 is activated with priority. , Make the user operable.

  From here, the modification of the said embodiment is demonstrated.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP 1 in the present modification. In FIG. 9, the imaging device 124 is added to the hardware configuration shown in FIG.

  The imaging device 124 is used to capture an image of a user who comes in front of the MFP 1 and is, for example, a camera unit. In such a hardware configuration of the MFP 1, the functional configuration is as follows.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the MFP 1 in the present modification. In FIG. 10, the imaging unit 17 is added from the functional configuration of the MFP 1 shown in FIG.

  When the user detection unit 12 detects a user, the imaging unit 17 captures a user at a position where the MFP 1 can be operated, and creates image data. The imaging unit 17 transmits the created image data to the user authentication unit 15. User data shown in FIG. 11 is stored in the user data storage unit 16. The user authentication unit 15 performs user authentication by comparing a user image such as “user A.jpg” stored in the user data storage unit 16 with the image data captured by the imaging unit 17. After the user authentication is completed, the function control unit 14 activates a function executable by the authenticated user and displays an operation screen.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for performing user authentication using the imaging device 124 according to this modification.

  The MFP 1 starts the processing in the energy saving mode.

  In step S40, the user detection unit 12 detects a user.

  In step S41, the imaging device 124 is activated, and the imaging unit 17 captures an image of a user in front of the MFP 1 and creates image data.

  In step S42, the user authentication unit 15 performs user authentication based on the image data.

  In step S43, it is determined whether the user authentication is successful. If the determination result is YES, that is, if the user authentication is successful, the process proceeds to S44. If the determination result is NO, that is, if user authentication fails, the process proceeds to S45.

  In step S <b> 44, the function control unit 14 activates a function usable by the user and an operation screen according to the user data held in the user data storage unit 16. At this time, a user-specific operation screen may be displayed on the operation screen. After starting the operation screen, the process proceeds to step S46, and the process ends.

  In step S <b> 45, the user authentication unit 15 outputs that the authentication has failed to the display device 117. The screen to be output may be the same screen as in FIG. After displaying the user authentication failure screen, the process proceeds to step S46, and the process ends.

  All or part of the above-described embodiments can be implemented by a program. This program can be stored in a portable recording medium. A portable recording medium refers to a non-transitory storage medium. Examples of the portable recording medium include a magnetic recording medium, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, and a nonvolatile memory. All or a part of the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by reading a program stored in a portable recording medium and executing it by a processor.

<Summary>
The forms described in the preferred embodiments of the present invention do not limit the scope of the present invention, and do not depart from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention defined in the claims. Obviously, various modifications and changes may be made to these examples. In other words, the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the details of the specific examples and the accompanying drawings.

1 MFP
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Detection part 12 User detection part 13 User authentication necessity judgment part 14 Function control part 15 User authentication part 16 User data storage part 17 Imaging part 101 Controller 102 Memory device 103 Main CPU circuit 104 Main CPU
105 Sub CPU circuit 106 Sub CPU
107 Network Adapter 108 Auxiliary Memory Device 109 Eco Switch 110 Main Power Switch 111 AC / DC Power Supply 112 Centralized Power Switch 113 Human Sensor 114 Operating Device 115 CPU for Operating Device
116 Operation Device Memory 117 Display Device 118 Input Device 119 FAX
120 Auxiliary storage device 121 Image reading device 122 Image forming device 123 Authentication device 124 Imaging device 2 Client terminal 3 Network

JP 2013-34072 A

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus that selectively activates one or more functions,
Detection means for detecting a job execution request from a user;
User authentication necessity determination means for determining whether the job detected by the detection means requires user authentication;
User sensing means for sensing a user of the image forming apparatus;
Control means for operating a function necessary for execution of the job after the user detection means detects a user when it is determined that user authentication is necessary for execution of the job detected by the detection means; An image forming apparatus characterized by that. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The control means includes
An image forming apparatus, wherein an operation function is activated when the user detection unit detects a user in a state where the detection unit does not detect a job from the user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
An image forming apparatus comprising authentication means for authenticating a user from an image obtained by imaging the user. An image forming method for selectively activating one or more functions, comprising:
Detecting a job execution request from a user;
Determining whether the detected job requires user authentication;
Sensing a user of the image forming apparatus;
And a step of operating a function necessary for executing the job after detecting the user when it is determined that user authentication is necessary for executing the detected job. An image forming program for selectively activating one or more functions,
On the computer,
Procedure for detecting job execution requests from users,
A procedure for determining whether the detected job requires user authentication;
A procedure for detecting a user of an image forming apparatus;
An image forming program for executing a procedure for operating a function necessary for execution of the job after detecting the user when it is determined that user authentication is necessary for execution of the detected job.

Images