JP2016116170A - Function selection device and image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a function selection device which can efficiently restrict a function permitted for each user.SOLUTION: When a digital composite machine detects that a document is set, it displays a display screen which permits selection of a function on a touch panel S11. A user depresses a selection key. The touch panel detects depression of one of the selection key S12. When the selection key 48a is depressed by the touch panel, information of a fingerprint of the user X is read S13. The digital composite machine specifies which user is the user who depresses the selection key from the information of the fingerprint after the information of the fingerprint is read S14. It is determined whether the selected function is the permitted user or not S15. When it is determined that the user is permitted to use a copy function, an operation of the copy function by the digital composite machine is permitted S16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a function selection device and an image processing device.

  In an image processing apparatus typified by a digital multifunction peripheral or the like, after an image of a document is read by an image reading unit, light is irradiated to the photoconductor provided in the image forming unit based on the read image, and the photoconductor An electrostatic latent image is formed thereon. Thereafter, a developer such as charged toner is supplied onto the formed electrostatic latent image to form a visible image, and then transferred to a sheet, fixed, printed, and discharged outside the apparatus.

  In the image processing apparatus, various functions such as a copy function and a scan function can be selected and processed. Depending on the content of the function, it can only be used by authorized users. Here, there is a case where the user is authenticated as to whether or not the function is permitted. For example, a so-called login screen is displayed, and a user name and password are input. With respect to the input user name and password, if the user is successfully authenticated, it is permitted to use a predetermined function.

  Here, a technique related to an operation processing apparatus that authenticates whether or not the user is a logged-in user with respect to an operation on the touch panel is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-134638 (Patent Document 1). The operation processing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a fingerprint storage unit that stores fingerprint information, a reading unit that reads fingerprint information of a finger that has operated the operation surface from the operation surface, and a reading unit that reads the fingerprint information each time the reading unit reads the fingerprint information. And a match determining means for determining whether or not the fingerprint information read by the means matches the fingerprint information stored in the fingerprint storage means. The operation processing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to execute processing by the processing unit when it is determined that the match determination unit matches.

JP 2009-134638 A

  According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151867, every time a user operates by pressing a touch panel, information on the user's fingerprint is read. Then, the read fingerprint information and the stored fingerprint information are compared to determine whether or not the user is logged in. If it is determined that the user is not logged in based on the fingerprint information, the user is logged out.

  However, with such a configuration, when another user selects a predetermined function and performs processing, it is necessary to log in again. In other words, it is necessary to switch the logged-in user, and the user's work may become complicated. On the other hand, if a user is not specified when selecting a function, it is impossible to cope with a case where it is desired to limit a function permitted for each user.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a function selection device that can efficiently limit the functions permitted for each user and can reduce the risk of complicated user operations.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that can efficiently limit the functions permitted for each user and can reduce the risk of complicated user operations.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a function selection device includes a display unit, a selection unit, a pressing unit, a fingerprint information reading unit, a determination unit, and a control unit. The display unit displays a plurality of functions to be operated. The selection unit causes the user to select at least one of a plurality of functions displayed on the display unit. The pressing unit causes the user's finger to be pressed together with the selection of the function by the selection unit. The fingerprint information reading unit reads fingerprint information from the user's finger pressed by the pressing unit. The determination unit determines whether or not the user is permitted to perform the function operation from the fingerprint information read by the fingerprint information reading unit. When the determination unit determines that the user is permitted to perform the function operation, the control unit performs control to permit the operation of the function selected by the selection unit.

  In another aspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus includes an image processing unit, a display unit, a selection unit, a pressing unit, a fingerprint information reading unit, a determination unit, and a control unit. The image processing unit processes an image. The display unit displays a plurality of functions to be operated by the image processing unit. The selection unit causes the user to select at least one of a plurality of functions displayed on the display unit. The pressing unit causes the user's finger to be pressed together with the selection of the function by the selection unit. The fingerprint information reading unit reads fingerprint information from the user's finger pressed by the pressing unit. The determination unit determines whether the user is permitted to operate the function from the fingerprint information read by the fingerprint information reading unit. When the determination unit determines that the user is permitted to perform the function operation, the control unit performs control to permit the operation of the function selected by the selection unit.

  According to such a function selection device, the user is allowed to select at least one of a plurality of functions to be operated, and the user's fingerprint information is read. Then, it is determined whether or not the operation of the selected function is permitted from the read fingerprint information of the user. If it is determined that the function is permitted, control is performed to operate the selected function. If it does so, when the function is selected, without performing the input by what is called a login screen, the function permitted for every user can be restrict | limited. In this case, since the user is identified based on the fingerprint information of the user, more reliable user authentication can be performed. Therefore, such a function selection device can efficiently limit the functions permitted for each user, and can reduce the possibility that the user's work becomes complicated.

  Further, according to such an image processing apparatus, the user is allowed to select at least one of a plurality of image processing functions to be operated, and the user's fingerprint information is read. Then, it is determined whether or not the operation of the selected function is permitted from the read fingerprint information of the user. If it is determined that the function is permitted, control is performed to operate the selected function. If it does so, when the function is selected, without performing the input by what is called a login screen, the function permitted for every user can be restrict | limited. In this case, since the user is identified based on the fingerprint information of the user, more reliable user authentication can be performed. Therefore, such an image processing apparatus can efficiently limit the functions permitted for each user, and can reduce the possibility that the user's work becomes complicated.

1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a digital multifunction peripheral when an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to the digital multifunction peripheral. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating a schematic configuration of an operation unit provided in the digital multifunction peripheral. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the content of the data stored in the hard disk with which a digital multifunction device is equipped. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when copying using a digital multi-function peripheral. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen displayed on the touch panel in the case of selecting a function. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen displayed on the touch panel in the case of setting the content of the permitted function. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen displayed on the touch panel when the function which is not permitted is selected. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen with which it was equipped with the digital multifunctional device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention, and was displayed on the touch panel when the permitted function is displayed. It is an external view which shows schematic structure of the operation part with which the digital multifunctional device which concerns on further another embodiment of this invention is equipped.

  Embodiments of the invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an external appearance of a digital multi-function peripheral when an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to the digital multi-function peripheral. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral when the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to the digital multifunction peripheral.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the digital multifunction peripheral 11 is a control section 12 that controls the entire digital multifunction peripheral 11, and a display section that displays information transmitted from the digital multifunction peripheral 11 side and user input contents. An operation unit 13 for inputting image forming conditions such as the number of copies to be printed and gradation and power on / off, and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) that automatically conveys a set document to a reading position. ) 22 and includes an image reading unit 14 that reads an image of a document or printed matter, and a developing device 23 that performs development using toner, and an image is read based on the read image or image data transmitted via the network 25. An image forming unit 15 to be formed, and a hard disk as a storage unit for storing transmitted image data, input image forming conditions, and the like. 16, a facsimile communication unit 17 that is connected to the public line 24 and performs facsimile transmission and reception, and a network interface unit 18 for connection to the network 25. The digital multi-function peripheral 11 includes a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for writing and reading image data, and the illustration and description thereof are omitted. In addition, arrows in FIG. 2 indicate the flow of data regarding control signals, control, and images.

  The digital multifunction machine 11 operates as a copying machine by forming an image in the image forming unit 15 using the original read by the image reading unit 14. Further, the digital multifunction peripheral 11 forms an image in the image forming unit 15 and prints it on a sheet using image data transmitted from the computers 26a, 26b, and 26c connected to the network 25 through the network interface unit 18. It works as a printer. That is, the image forming unit 15 operates as a printing unit that prints the requested image. Further, the digital multifunction peripheral 11 forms an image in the image forming unit 15 via the DRAM using the image data transmitted from the public line 24 through the facsimile communication unit 17, and also by the image reading unit 14. The image data of the read original is transmitted to the public line 24 through the facsimile communication unit 17, thereby operating as a facsimile apparatus. That is, the digital multi-function peripheral 11 has a plurality of functions related to image processing, such as a copying function, that is, a copying function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like. Further, each function has functions that can be set in detail.

  The image processing system 27 including the digital multifunction peripheral 11 includes the digital multifunction peripheral 11 having the above-described configuration and a plurality of computers 26 a, 26 b, and 26 c connected to the digital multifunction peripheral 11 via the network 25. In this embodiment, three computers 26a to 26c are shown. Each of the computers 26 a to 26 c can print by making a print request to the digital multi-function peripheral 11 via the network 25. The digital multi-function peripheral 11 and the computers 26a to 26c may be connected by wire using a LAN (Local Area Network) cable or the like, or may be connected wirelessly. A configuration in which a digital multifunction peripheral or a server is connected may be used.

  Next, the configuration of the operation unit 13 described above will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of the operation unit 13. Referring to FIG. 3, the operation unit 13 includes a numeric keypad 31 for inputting numbers from 0 to 9 for inputting the number of copies to be printed, and symbols of “*” and “#”, and start of printing and facsimile transmission. A start key 32 for instructing the start of the digital multifunction device 11, a power key 33 for inputting power on / off of the digital multifunction device 11, a menu key 34 for instructing selection of a printer function, a copy function, etc. of the digital multifunction device 11, It includes a registration key 35 for instructing various image forming conditions and user registration, a reset key 36 for canceling the contents of an instruction input by the user using the numeric keypad 31 and the like, and the touch panel 21 described above.

  The touch panel 21 has a liquid crystal touch panel function. In other words, by pressing the user's finger or the like, it is possible to input image forming conditions and the like from the touch panel 21 and to select a function by touching a region corresponding to a plurality of displayed functions. Here, the touch panel 21 includes a selection unit 28 that selects at least one of the displayed functions.

  The touch panel 21 can read the information of the user's fingerprint in the area touched by the user's finger. The touch panel 21 reads fingerprint information in the pressed area. Here, the touch panel 21 and the like operate as the pressing unit 29 that presses the user's finger and the fingerprint information reading unit 19 that reads the fingerprint information from the pressed user's finger along with the selection of the function by the selection unit 28. The fingerprint information includes, for example, a fingerprint pattern.

  Next, the contents of data stored in the hard disk 16 provided in the digital multi-function peripheral 11 will be described. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the contents of data stored in the hard disk 16 provided in the digital multi-function peripheral 11.

  Referring to FIG. 4, a storage area 41 a for storing user fingerprint information and a storage area 41 b for storing user authority information are allocated to hard disk 16. In the storage area 41a, fingerprint information 42a of user X, fingerprint information 42b of user Y, and fingerprint information of other users are stored.

  In the storage area 41b, information 43a, 43b of functions permitted for each user is stored. Specifically, the information that the user X is permitted to use the “copy” and “facsimile transmission” functions in the digital multifunction peripheral 11 but is not permitted to use the “scan” function. 43a. Further, the user Y is information 43b that the user is permitted to use the “scan” and “facsimile transmission” functions in the digital multi-function peripheral 11 but is not permitted to use the “copy” function. . Information 43a, 43b is stored in the storage area 41b in the form of a table, but the information 43a, 43b may be stored by other methods. Of course, the contents of the information 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b stored in the storage areas 41a, 41b can be changed, added, or deleted.

  Next, a case where the user X makes a copy using the digital multifunction peripheral 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when copying using the digital multi-function peripheral 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 5, first, user X sets a document to be read in ADF 22 for copying. When the digital multifunction peripheral 11 detects that a document is set, the digital multifunction peripheral 11 displays a display screen for allowing the user X to select a function on the touch panel 21 (in FIG. 5, step S11, hereinafter “step” is omitted).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the touch panel 21 when the user X selects a function. Referring to FIG. 6, the touch panel 21 is displayed with a display 46 indicating “Select function screen”, a message 47 “Select a function to be used”, and “Copy”. A selection key 48a for selecting a copy function is expressed as “scan”, and when pressed, a selection key 48b for selecting a scan, that is, an image reading function by the image reading unit 14, and “facsimile transmission” are expressed. A selection key 48c for selecting a facsimile transmission function in the facsimile communication unit 17 when pressed and a screen for selecting a function other than "copy", "scan", and "facsimile transmission" when "other" is written. A selection key 48d to be displayed and a selection key 49 to be displayed as “return” and to display the previous screen when pressed are displayed. It has been. The touch panel 21 displays a plurality of functions in different areas.

  In response to the request, the user X presses the selection keys 48a to 48d corresponding to the function to be used. The touch panel 21 of the operation unit 13 detects pressing of any of the selection keys 48a to 48d, 49 (S12). In this case, it is assumed that the user selects the “copy” selection key 48a.

  The touch panel 21 reads the fingerprint information of the user by the fingerprint information reading unit when the selection keys 48a to 48d for selecting each function are pressed by the user (S13). Here, when the selection key 48a is pressed by the touch panel 21, the information on the fingerprint of the user X is read together with the detection of the pressing of the selection key 48a.

  After reading the fingerprint information, the digital multi-function peripheral 11 identifies the user who pressed the copy function selection key 48a from the read fingerprint information (S14). In this case, the fingerprint information read by the fingerprint information reading unit is compared with the fingerprint information of a plurality of users stored in the storage area 41a of the hard disk 16, and the fingerprint information read by the fingerprint information reading unit; The determination is made based on whether or not the fingerprint information of a plurality of users stored in the storage area 41a of the hard disk 16 matches. Then, after confirming that the read fingerprint information of the user is stored in the storage area 41a and collated with the fingerprint information of the user X, it is determined that the user who pressed the selection key 48a is the user X.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the user X who has pressed the selection key 48a is a user who is permitted the selected function (S15). Here, the control unit 12 or the like operates as a determination unit. In this case, the control unit 12 and the like determine whether or not the user X is permitted to select a copy function. Specifically, it is determined from the information stored in the storage area 41b that the user X is permitted to use the copy function (YES in S15).

  Then, the operation of the “copy” function by the digital multifunction peripheral 11 is permitted (S16). In other words, the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 13 shifts to a display screen for making more detailed copy settings.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the touch panel 21 in this case. Referring to FIG. 7, display 51 of “Copy setting”, message 52 of “Can copy”, “Monochrome”, and monochrome image formation are set on touch panel 21. A setting 53a indicating a state, a setting 53b indicating “100%” and a state in which image formation is set to a size of 100% without enlarging or reducing the read image; A setting 53c indicating that the paper used for image formation is set as plain paper and a setting 53d indicating “1” and indicating the number of image formations set are displayed. Yes. On the touch panel 21, “color selection” is described. When performing image formation, a selection key 54 a for selecting whether or not to select a color, and “magnification”, which indicates the magnification of an image to be formed. A selection key 54b to be set, written as “paper selection”, a selection key 54c to select a paper on which an image is to be formed, and a document type written as “original type” and whether the original to be read is a photographic image or a character image A selection key 54d for selecting the image, "finishing", a selection key 54e for setting the finishing state of the image to be formed, and "double-sided" for selecting whether to print the image to be formed on both sides A selection key 54f for selecting the density of the image to be formed, and a selection key 54h for selecting the other settings. It is displayed.

  The user X performs various detailed selections and detailed settings of the copy function when performing a copy via the touch panel 21 shown in FIG. Then, the start key 32 is pressed. The digital multi-function peripheral 11 detects the press of the start key 32 and conveys the original set on the image reading unit 14 by the ADF 22. Then, based on the image read by the image reading unit 14, the image forming unit 15 performs copying. Then, the process ends.

  Next, a case where the user X presses the “scan” selection key 48b will be described. Referring to FIG. 5 again, the user X sets the document on the ADF 22. Then, when the digital multi-function peripheral 11 detects a set of documents, the digital multi-function peripheral 11 displays a touch panel 21 shown in FIG.

  The user X presses the selection key 48b to select the “scan” function. Then, the digital multifunction peripheral 11 detects pressing of the selection key 48b (S12), and reads the fingerprint of the user X from the touch panel 21 (S13).

  Thereafter, the fingerprint information of the user X stored in the storage area 41a is referred to from the read fingerprint information, and it is determined that the selection key 48b is pressed by the user X. That is, the user X who pressed the selection key 48b is specified (S14).

  Next, referring to the storage area 41b, it is determined whether or not the user X is permitted the “scan” function (S15).

  Here, according to the information stored in the storage area 41b, the user X is permitted the “copy” and “facsimile transmission” functions, but not the “scan” function. Therefore, it is determined that the use of the “scan” function by user X is not permitted (NO in S15).

  Thereafter, the digital multi-function peripheral 11 notifies that the selected function is not permitted. In this case, it is displayed on the touch panel 21 that the selected function is not permitted (S17). FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the touch panel 21 in this case.

  Referring to FIG. 8, touch panel 21 has a display 56 indicating that “the selected function is not permitted”, and a selection key that displays “Previous” and displays the previous screen when pressed. 57 is displayed. User X looks at this display screen and knows that the “scan” function is not permitted. Then, returning to the previous screen, another function is selected and processing is performed.

  According to such a digital multifunction machine 11, the user is allowed to select an image processing function to be operated, and the user's fingerprint information is read. Then, it is determined whether or not the operation of the selected function is permitted from the read fingerprint information of the user. If it is determined that the function is permitted, control is performed to operate the selected function. If it does so, when the function is selected, without performing the input by what is called a login screen, the function permitted for every user can be restrict | limited. In this case, since the user is identified based on the fingerprint information of the user, more reliable user authentication can be performed. Therefore, such a digital multifunction machine 11 can efficiently limit the functions permitted for each user, and can reduce the possibility that the user's work becomes complicated.

  In this case, if it is determined that the user is not permitted to operate the function, the fact that the user is not permitted to select the function is displayed on the touch panel 21, so that it is visually recognized that the function is not permitted. be able to.

  In this case, since the touch panel 21 displays a plurality of functions divided into different areas, the functions can be selected more easily.

  In the above embodiment, the user's fingerprint information is stored in the hard disk 16, and the function is permitted depending on whether the read fingerprint information matches the fingerprint information stored in the hard disk 16. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be determined whether or not they match using fingerprint information stored in another storage medium.

  In the above-described embodiment, the touch panel 21 indicates that it is not permitted. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to notify the user of the disapproval by sound or the like. Good. Moreover, you may decide to alert | report by an audio | voice with the display to the effect of disapproval. Furthermore, if it is determined that the function is not permitted, the touch panel 21 may notify other permitted functions.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the touch panel 21 in this case. Referring to FIG. 9, on the display screen displayed on touch panel 21, a display 56 “Selected function is not permitted” and “Return” shown in FIG. Along with the display of the selection key 57 for displaying the previous screen when pressed, the message 58 “The function permitted to be selected is as follows” and the function permitted to be selected are described as “copy”. A selection key 59a for selecting an image reading function by the image reading unit 14 and "facsimile transmission", a selection key 59b for selecting a facsimile transmission function in the facsimile communication unit 17 when pressed, and "other" And a selection key 59c for displaying a screen for selecting a function other than “copy”, “scan”, and “facsimile transmission” is displayed.The user X can recognize the functions that the user X is permitted by displaying the selection keys 59a to 59c. When the user X wants to use the displayed permitted function, the user can operate the selected function by pressing the selection keys 59a to 59c.

  In the above embodiment, the fingerprint information is read on the touch panel. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fingerprint information may be read on a portion other than the touch panel.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation unit 37 in this case. Referring to FIG. 10, the operation unit 37 includes a numeric keypad 31, a start key 32, a power key 33, a menu key 34, a registration key 35, a reset key 36, and the touch panel 21 as shown in FIG. 3 described above. The operation unit 37 includes a fingerprint information reading unit 38 that is disposed between the start key 32 and the power key 33 and can read the fingerprint information of the user. The fingerprint information reading unit 38 can read the fingerprint information of the user when the user's finger is placed on the fingerprint information reading unit 38. The fingerprint reading area in the fingerprint information reading unit 38 is indicated by hatching in FIG.

  After the user selects a function to be operated on the touch panel 21, the user places a finger on the fingerprint information reading unit 38 and reads the fingerprint information. The digital multifunction peripheral 11 reads the fingerprint information by the fingerprint information reading unit 38. Then, it is determined whether or not the user specified by the read fingerprint information is permitted the selected function. If the user is an authorized user, the operation of the selected function is permitted. If the user is not an authorized user, the operation is terminated without allowing the operation of the selected function. You may comprise in this way.

  In the above-described embodiment, it is determined that the function is not permitted, that is, that the selected function is not permitted. For example, the selected function is permitted together with this notification. The user's name and the like may be notified. For example, in the above case, when the user X selects the “scan” function, the name of the user Y who is permitted the “scan” function may be displayed on the display screen of the touch panel.

  In the above embodiment, a plurality of functions are displayed separately in different areas. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of functions are displayed in the same area at intervals. May be.

  In the above embodiment, the case of selecting a function in an image processing apparatus as a digital multifunction peripheral has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in a function selection apparatus such as a smartphone or a terminal device such as a tablet terminal. The above configuration may be provided.

  That is, the function selection device includes a display unit, a selection unit, a pressing unit, a fingerprint information reading unit, a determination unit, and a control unit. The display unit displays a plurality of functions to be operated. The selection unit causes the user to select at least one of a plurality of functions displayed on the display unit. The pressing unit causes the user's finger to be pressed together with the selection of the function by the selection unit. The fingerprint information reading unit reads fingerprint information from the user's finger pressed by the pressing unit. The determination unit determines whether or not the user is permitted to perform the function operation from the fingerprint information read by the fingerprint information reading unit. When the determination unit determines that the user is permitted to perform the function operation, the control unit performs control to permit the operation of the function selected by the selection unit.

  According to such a function selection device, the user is allowed to select a function to be operated, and the user's fingerprint information is read. Then, it is determined whether or not the operation of the selected function is permitted from the read fingerprint information of the user. If it is determined that the function is permitted, control is performed to operate the selected function. If it does so, when the function is selected, without performing the input by what is called a login screen, the function permitted for every user can be restrict | limited. In this case, since the user is identified based on the fingerprint information of the user, more reliable user authentication can be performed. Therefore, such a function selection device can efficiently limit the functions permitted for each user, and can reduce the possibility that the user's work becomes complicated.

  That is, for example, in the case of a smartphone, the operation of a function such as a call or e-mail is set so that the use of the function is not permitted for a user such as an infant or a child together with registration of fingerprint information. And about the browsing function of a moving image, and a game function, it sets so that use of a function may be permitted. Then, when an infant accidentally presses the call or e-mail function selection key, the user is recognized and the function selection is disallowed, thereby avoiding annoying calls or erroneous e-mail transmission. Can do. In this case, when handing over to an infant and using the game function to play, work such as user switching does not occur, which is convenient for a user having a smartphone.

  It should be understood that the embodiments and examples disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive in any respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

  The function selection device and the image processing device according to the present invention can efficiently limit the functions permitted for each user and reduce the possibility that the user's work becomes complicated. , Especially useful.

  11 Digital MFP, 12 Control Unit, 13, 37 Operation Unit, 14 Image Reading Unit, 15 Image Forming Unit, 16 Hard Disk, 17 Facsimile Communication Unit, 18 Network Interface Unit, 19, 38 Fingerprint Information Reading Unit, 21 Touch Panel, 22 ADF, 23 Development device, 24 Public line, 25 Network, 26a, 26b, 26c Computer, 27 Image processing system, 28 Selection section, 29 Press section, 31 Numeric keypad, 32 Start key, 33 Power key, 34 Menu key, 35 Registration Key, 36 reset key, 41a, 41b storage area, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b information, 46, 51, 56 display, 47, 52, 57, 58 message, 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, 49, 54a, 54b 54c 54d, 54e, 54f, 54g, 54h, 59a, 59b, 59c selection keys, 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d set.

Claims (6)

A display unit for displaying a plurality of functions to be operated;
A selection unit that allows a user to select at least one of the plurality of functions displayed on the display unit;
With the selection of the function by the selection unit, a pressing unit that presses the user's finger;
A fingerprint information reading unit for reading fingerprint information from the finger of the user pressed by the pressing unit;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the user is permitted to operate the function from the fingerprint information read by the fingerprint information reading unit;
A function selection device comprising: a control unit that controls to permit the operation of the function selected by the selection unit when the determination unit determines that the user is permitted to operate the function. A storage unit for storing the user's fingerprint information;
The determination unit determines whether the function is permitted or not based on whether the fingerprint information read by the fingerprint information reading unit matches the fingerprint information stored in the storage unit. The function selection device according to claim 1. The display unit includes a touch panel for selecting the function by touching a region corresponding to the displayed function,
The function selection device according to claim 1, wherein the touch panel includes the selection unit, the pressing unit, and the fingerprint information reading unit. The function selection device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a plurality of the functions divided into different areas. The function selection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user if the determination unit determines that the user is not permitted to operate the function. An image processing unit for processing an image;
A display unit for displaying a plurality of functions to be operated by the image processing unit;
A selection unit that allows a user to select at least one of the plurality of functions displayed on the display unit;
With the selection of the function by the selection unit, a pressing unit that presses the user's finger;
A fingerprint information reading unit for reading fingerprint information from the finger of the user pressed by the pressing unit;
A determination unit that determines whether the user is permitted to operate the function from the fingerprint information read by the fingerprint information reading unit;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to control to permit the operation of the function selected by the selection unit when the determination unit determines that the user is permitted to perform the function operation.

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