JP2016144086A - Image forming apparatus and control program for image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that can improve convenience, and a control program for the image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 100 comprises: a storage device 110 that holds information on a registered user who is a user permitted to use functions of the image forming apparatus 100; and an authentication part 108 that determines the authentication level of a using user who is a user using the image forming apparatus 100 without an active log-in operation by the using user. The authentication part 108 permits the using user to use the functions of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the authentication level by using the information on the registered user held in the storage device 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a control program for the image forming apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of improving convenience and a control program for the image forming apparatus.

  An MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) has a scanner function, a copying function, a function as a printer, a facsimile function, a data communication function, and a server function.

  With the development of the Internet and the like, opportunities to communicate with external devices using an image forming apparatus such as an MFP are increasing. In the image forming apparatus, in order to prevent information leakage to an external device, a login operation such as input of ID and password is requested to the user, and use of all functions of the image forming apparatus is restricted until authentication is completed. Has become commonplace.

  Prior art relating to authentication in information equipment is disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 below. Patent Document 1 below discloses a password authentication method used for personal authentication when using a digital device. In this method, when the input password does not match the password registered in the storage unit, it is determined whether or not the input password and the registered password are similar. If the determination results are similar, the execution of a part of the range that is permitted when the input password matches the registered password is permitted.

  Patent Document 2 below discloses an authentication method that performs overall authentication when using an information device and individual authentication when using the function of the information device. In this method, when an operation for starting the information device itself is accepted, the overall authentication is performed and the obtained authentication rate is regarded as a predetermined area of the storage unit and stored as an authentication rate. After that, when the operation for activating each function is accepted by gradually subtracting the deemed authentication rate with time, the value of the deemed authentication rate is compared with a threshold for individual authentication that is predetermined for each function to be activated, It is determined whether or not the deemed authentication rate is equal to or higher than a threshold for individual authentication. If it is less than the threshold, individual authentication is performed, and the authentication rate obtained at that time is stored as an updated deemed authentication rate. Thereafter, as the time elapses, the value of the previous authentication rate is gradually subtracted.

JP 2005-208763 A JP2013-167946A

  Among the functions of the image forming apparatus, there are functions having no risk of information leakage such as a function of displaying a website using a web browser of the image forming apparatus.

  However, the conventional image forming apparatus determines whether to permit the use of all the functions of the image forming apparatus with two options of authentication OK or authentication NG. For this reason, whenever the user starts to use the image forming apparatus, the user has to make the image forming apparatus authenticate himself / herself by a login operation.

  In addition, when the user forgets the password, the user cannot perform a correct login operation and cannot use all the functions of the image forming apparatus. As a result, the conventional image forming apparatus has a problem that the convenience is low.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of improving convenience and a control program for the image forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first holding unit that holds information of a registered user who is a user permitted to use the functions of the image forming apparatus, and a user who uses the image forming apparatus. The authentication level determined by the authentication level determination means using the authentication level determination means for determining the authentication level of the user in use and the registered user information held by the first holding means without the active login operation of the user And a permission unit for permitting the user to use the function of the image forming apparatus.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, the permitting unit increases the functions of the image forming apparatus that permit the user to use the higher the authentication level determined by the authentication level determining unit.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, after permitting the use of the function of the image forming apparatus by the permission unit, the authentication level re-determination is performed to determine a new authentication level of the user who uses the user without an active login operation. Means are further provided.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, when the new authentication level determined by the authentication level re-determination unit is higher than the authentication level determined by the authentication level determination unit, the image forming apparatus permitted to use the user is used. A re-permission means for increasing functions is further provided.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, a second holding unit that holds level-specific function information that is information indicating a relationship between a plurality of authentication levels and a function of the image forming apparatus permitted to be used at each of the plurality of authentication levels. The permission unit further determines a function of the image forming apparatus that is permitted to be used by the user based on the authentication level determined by the authentication level determination unit and the level-specific function information.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, the level-specific function information is a function of the image forming apparatus that is permitted to be used at each of the plurality of authentication levels, a function that does not leave confidential information in the image forming apparatus, and the confidential information is the image forming apparatus. The functions are classified into functions that do not leave the company, functions that do not release confidential information outside the company, and all functions.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, the function that does not leave confidential information in the image forming apparatus includes copying, web browsing using a web browser, and printing of a web screen using a web browser. The function that does not leave outside includes a scan-to-box, and the function that does not leave confidential information outside the company includes scan distribution addressed to the company and printing of data stored in a shared box in the image forming apparatus.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, the authentication level determination means includes an information acquisition means for acquiring information on the user used without an active login operation of the user, and information on the user used acquired by the information acquisition means, Determining means for determining the authentication level of the user in use based on the registered user information.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, the registered user information held by the first holding unit includes information for identifying the registered user's terminal, and the user information acquired by the information acquiring unit is the user's information. Including information identifying the user's terminal included in the radio waves emitted from the terminal, and the determining means determines whether the information identifying the registered user's terminal matches the information identifying the user's terminal. Based on this, the user authentication level is determined.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, the registered user information held by the first holding unit includes feature point information, and the user information acquired by the information acquiring unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus. The determination unit includes an image of the user using the camera, and the determining unit determines whether the feature point information is included in the image of the registered user captured by the camera mounted on the image forming apparatus. Determine the authentication level.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, the registered user information held by the first holding unit includes a voice print of the registered user, and the user information acquired by the information acquiring unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus. The determination unit includes the voice print of the user used obtained by the microphone, and the determination unit determines the authentication level of the user used based on the degree of coincidence between the voice print of the registered user and the voice print of the user used.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, the registered user information held by the first holding unit includes an image of the registered user's face, and the user information acquired by the information acquiring unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus. The determination unit determines the authentication level of the user to be used based on the degree of coincidence between the registered user's face image and the user's face image.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a presentation unit that presents a function of the image forming apparatus permitted to be used by the permission unit.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, the presenting unit includes a display unit that displays a function of the image forming apparatus, and the display unit is configured to allow the function of the image forming apparatus permitted to the user and the user to use. The functions of the image forming apparatus that are not permitted are displayed in different display modes.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, the display unit displays a key for executing a function permitted for use by the user without graying out, and a function not permitted for use by the user. The key to execute is grayed out and displayed.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a login receiving unit that accepts an active login operation of the user, and the permission unit is permitted to use the user when the login operation received by the login receiving unit is correct. The user is allowed to use all the functions of the image forming apparatus.

  Preferably, in the image forming apparatus, the permission unit permits the user to use a part of the functions of the image forming apparatus even when the authentication level determined by the authentication level determination unit is the lowest level. .

  An image forming apparatus control program according to another aspect of the present invention uses a first holding step for holding information of a registered user who is a user permitted to use a specific function of an image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus. Authentication level determination step for determining the authentication level of the user to be used without the active login operation of the user who is the user, and an authentication level determination step using the registered user information held in the first holding step The computer is caused to execute a permission step for permitting the user to use the function of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the authentication level determined in (1).

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can improve convenience and a control program for the image forming apparatus.

1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows typically the user information table in one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the function information table classified by level in one embodiment of this invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, a level management table and an operation screen SR displayed on a display unit of an operation panel in a case where an authentication level of a use user is a default level (level 0) are schematically shown. FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the operation | movement which the use user UR performs in the 1st example of one embodiment of this invention. In the first example of an embodiment of the present invention, a level management table and an operation screen SR displayed on the display unit of the operation panel when the authentication level of the user in use is level 1 are schematically shown. FIG. In the 2nd example of one embodiment of the invention, it is a figure showing typically the 1st operation which use user UR performs. In the 2nd example of one embodiment of the present invention, when a use user's authentication level is level 1, a level management table and operation screen SR displayed on a display part of an operation panel are shown typically. FIG. In the 2nd example of one embodiment of the invention, it is a figure showing typically the 2nd operation which use user UR performs. In the 2nd example of one embodiment of the present invention, when a use user's authentication level is level 2, a level management table and operation screen SR displayed on a display part of an operation panel are shown typically. FIG. In the 2nd example of 1 embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows typically the 3rd operation | movement which use user UR performs. In the 2nd example of one embodiment of the present invention, when a use user's authentication level is level 3, it shows typically a level management table and operation screen SR displayed on a display part of an operation panel. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the image forming apparatus 100 captures an image of the appearance of a user UR in a third example of an embodiment of the present invention. In the 3rd example of one embodiment of the present invention, when a use user's authentication level is level 2, a level management table and operation screen SR displayed on a display part of an operation panel are shown typically. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 17 is a subroutine of voiceprint recognition processing (S5) in FIG. 17 is a subroutine of face recognition processing and feature point recognition processing (S13) in FIG. It is a subroutine of the iBeacon reception process (S17) of FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing an operation screen SR displayed on a display unit of an operation panel when a user who tries to execute a function that is not permitted to be used in a modified example of the present invention.

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

  In the following embodiment, a case where the image forming apparatus is an MFP will be described. The image forming apparatus may be a printer, a copier, a facsimile, or the like in addition to the MFP. The terminal may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a PC (Personal Computer).

  First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an external view of the image forming apparatus 100 as viewed from the front.

  With reference to FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation panel 150, a camera 151, a microphone 152, an infrared irradiation unit 153, and an infrared reception unit 154. The operation panel 150 is attached to the upper front surface of the image forming apparatus 100, for example. The operation panel 150 includes a display unit, hardware keys, and the like. Each of camera 151 and microphone 152 is provided on the front surface of operation panel 150, for example. Each of the infrared irradiation unit 153 and the infrared reception unit 154 is provided on the front surface of the image forming apparatus 100, for example.

  The camera 151 captures an image in front of the image forming apparatus 100. The microphone 152 obtains sounds around the image forming apparatus 100.

  The infrared irradiation unit 153 irradiates the periphery (particularly the front) of the image forming apparatus 100 with infrared rays. The infrared receiving unit 154 receives infrared rays. When a person approaches the image forming apparatus 100, the infrared light irradiated from the infrared irradiation unit 153 is reflected by the human and is received by the infrared reception unit 154.

  The image forming apparatus 100 holds information of a user who is permitted to use the functions of the image forming apparatus 100 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a registered user). The image forming apparatus 100 determines the authentication level of the user who uses the image forming apparatus 100 without an active log-in operation of a user who uses the image forming apparatus 100 (hereinafter, referred to as “user”). Using the registered user information, the image forming apparatus 100 permits the user to use the functions of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the authentication level of the user.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 100 is arranged in a company. The image forming apparatus 100 can communicate with external devices (not shown) inside and outside the company through a network.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a system controller 101, an input image processing unit 103, an imaging unit 104, a mail transmission / reception unit 105, an operation display unit 106, a wireless communication control unit 107, and an authentication. Unit 108, facsimile transmission / reception unit 109, storage device 110, output image processing unit 111, printer engine 112, approach detection unit 113, network I / F 114, memory 115, voiceprint recognition unit 121, face A recognition unit 122, an iBeacon (registered trademark) reception unit 123, and a feature point detection unit 124 are provided. The system controller 101 includes an imaging unit 104, a mail transmission / reception unit 105, an operation display unit 106, a wireless communication control unit 107, an authentication unit 108, a facsimile transmission / reception unit 109, a storage device 110, an output image processing unit 111, a printer engine 112, and an approach detection. Unit 113, network I / F 114, and memory 115.

  A system controller 101 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. The system controller 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 that executes a control program of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The imaging unit 104 reads an image such as a document. The input image processing unit 103 is connected to each of the imaging unit 104 and the memory 115. The input image processing unit 103 processes the image read by the imaging unit 104 and stores it in the memory 115.

  The mail transmission / reception unit 105 transmits / receives an electronic mail to / from an external device.

  The operation display unit 106 displays various information on the operation panel 150. Further, the operation display unit 106 detects an input operation of the user using the operation panel 150. Furthermore, the operation display unit 106 detects a utterance related to an input operation by the user using the microphone 152.

  The wireless communication control unit 107 controls wireless communication between the image forming apparatus 100 and an external device (such as a terminal). In particular, the wireless communication control unit 107 receives radio waves transmitted from a terminal installed with iBeacon.

  The authentication unit 108 is connected to each of the voiceprint recognition unit 121, the face recognition unit 122, the iBeacon reception unit 123, and the feature point detection unit 124.

  The voiceprint recognition unit 121 outputs the degree of coincidence between the registered user's voiceprint recorded in the user information table and the voiceprint of the user's voice obtained by the microphone 152 to the authentication unit 108 as a recognition result.

  The face recognition unit 122 outputs the degree of coincidence between the registered user's face image recorded in the user information table and the user's face image captured by the camera 151 to the authentication unit 108 as a recognition result.

  The iBeacon receiving unit 123 is connected to the wireless communication control unit 107. The iBeacon receiving unit 123 includes a terminal ID (Identifier) that is information for identifying a registered user's terminal recorded in the user information table, and a terminal of a using user (iBeacon application is installed on this terminal) Whether or not the terminal ID of the user in use included in the iBeacon radio wave emitted from the terminal is matched (whether or not the terminal ID of the registered user has been received) is output to the authentication unit 108 as a recognition result. . The iBeacon receiving unit 123 is preferably in a state where it can always receive iBeacon radio waves.

  The feature point detection unit 124 determines whether or not the feature point information recorded in the user information table is included in the user image captured by the camera 151 (whether or not feature points are detected) as an authentication unit. To 108.

  The authentication unit 108 determines (determines) the authentication level of the user to be used based on the recognition results of the voiceprint recognition unit 121, the face recognition unit 122, the iBeacon reception unit 123, and the feature point detection unit 124. The authentication unit 108 determines the functions of the image forming apparatus 100 that are permitted to be used by the user, based on the determined authentication level and the level-specific function information.

  Note that the authentication unit 108 only needs to be able to determine the authentication level of the used user without the user's active login operation. The authentication unit 108 determines a user authentication level based on the recognition result of at least one of the voiceprint recognition unit 121, the face recognition unit 122, the iBeacon reception unit 123, and the feature point detection unit 124. Also good.

  The active user's log-in operation indicates an operation that is actively performed in order for the user to log in to the image forming apparatus 100 (in order to cause the image forming apparatus 100 to authenticate himself / herself). For the active login operation of the user, for example, an operation of inputting a user ID and a password through the operation panel 150 of the image forming apparatus 100, an operation of touching the ID card to the image forming apparatus 100, an operation from the image forming apparatus 100 An operation of turning a face to the camera in response to a login request, an operation of uttering in response to a login request from the image forming apparatus 100, or an operation of uttering a user ID and password necessary for login are included.

  Further, the authentication unit 108 also accepts an active user's login operation. The authentication unit 108 authenticates the user in use based on the accepted login operation.

  A facsimile transmission / reception unit 109 performs facsimile transmission / reception with an external device.

  The storage device 110 is a large-capacity device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and holds various types of information. In particular, the storage device 110 holds a user information table (FIG. 3), a level-specific function information table (FIG. 3), a level management table (FIG. 5A, etc.), and the like. Further, the storage device 110 has a box area that is an area in which a registered user stores arbitrary data.

  The output image processing unit 111 is connected to each of the storage device 110, the printer engine 112, and the memory 115. The output image processing unit 111 processes image data stored in the storage device 110 and the memory 115 to create print data, and transmits the print data to the printer engine 112.

  The printer engine 112 prints print data on paper. When the image forming apparatus 100 operates as a copying machine, the printer engine 112 prints an image read by the imaging unit 104. The printer engine 112 is roughly composed of a toner image forming unit, a fixing device, a paper transport unit, and the like. The printer engine 112 forms an image on a sheet by, for example, electrophotography. The toner image forming unit combines four color images by a so-called tandem method, and forms a color image on a sheet (recording medium). The toner image forming unit includes a photoconductor provided for each color of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), and an intermediate in which a toner image is transferred (primary transfer) from the photoconductor. The image forming apparatus includes a transfer belt and a transfer unit that transfers an image from the intermediate transfer belt to a sheet (secondary transfer). The fixing device has a heating roller and a pressure roller. The fixing device conveys the sheet on which the toner image is formed between the heating roller and the pressure roller while heating and pressurizing the sheet. As a result, the fixing device melts the toner adhering to the paper and fixes it on the paper to form an image on the paper. The paper transport unit includes a paper feed roller, a transport roller, and a motor that drives them. The paper transport unit feeds paper from the paper feed cassette and transports the paper inside the housing of the image forming apparatus 100. Further, the paper transport unit discharges the paper on which the image is formed from the housing of the image forming apparatus 100 to a paper discharge tray or the like.

  The approach detection unit 113 detects human approach to the image forming apparatus 100 based on the intensity of the infrared light received by the infrared receiving unit. The approach detection unit 113 turns on each of the camera 151 and the microphone 152 when detecting the approach of a human to the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, the camera 151 starts shooting and the microphone 152 starts to obtain sound. Note that each of the camera 151 and the microphone 152 may be always turned on regardless of whether or not a human approaches the image forming apparatus 100.

  The network I / F 114 controls communication with an external device through the network 300. The network 300 is, for example, a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The network 300 connects various devices using a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) protocol. Devices connected to the network 300 can exchange various data with each other.

  The memory 115 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM stores a control program executed by the CPU 102 and the like. A RAM is a working memory for the CPU 102 and temporarily stores data relating to various jobs.

  Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may have a function of holding and managing a workflow. The workflow means a flow for processing a job set in advance between a plurality of devices connected to the network. The workflow is stored in the storage device 110. By holding the workflow in the storage device 110, the workflow can be reused later.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a user information table according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the voiceprint information and the face information are indicated by *.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the user information table is a table including registered user information. The user information table includes user IDs, voiceprint information, face information, terminal IDs, passwords, and functions that are restricted in use (use restrictions) related to registered users.

  Further, the user information table includes feature point information. The feature point information is, for example, appearance information common to a plurality of registered users. Here, the feature point information is an image of the appearance of a person in the company, such as a company employee ID, uniform, or employee ID. As a result, when the image forming apparatus 100 detects a feature point through the camera 151, the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the user is likely to be a person who is permitted to use the image forming apparatus 100, and the Allow the use of the function.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the level-specific function information table according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the level-specific function information table is a table including information indicating a relationship between a plurality of authentication levels and functions of image forming apparatus 100 permitted to be used at each of the plurality of authentication levels. In the level-specific function information table, the authentication level is divided into four levels of level 0, level 1, level 2, and level 3.

  The image forming apparatus 100 uses the level-specific function information based on the recognition results acquired from each of the voiceprint recognition unit 121, the face recognition unit 122, the iBeacon reception unit 123, and the feature point detection unit 124. To decide.

  Specifically, the recognition result of voiceprint recognition is less than 30%, the recognition result of face recognition is less than 30%, the terminal ID of the registered user is not received, and the feature points are If not detected, the image forming apparatus 100 determines the authentication level of the user to be level 0.

  Level 0 is the default authentication level. Level 0 is an authentication level that permits the use of a function that does not leave confidential information in the image forming apparatus 100 (releases the function). Even in the case of level 0, which is the lowest authentication level of the user, the user is permitted to use copying, web browsing using a web browser, and printing of a web screen using a web browser.

  When the recognition result of voiceprint recognition is 30% or more and less than 60% coincidence, when the face recognition recognition result is coincidence of 30% or more and less than 60%, when the registered user's terminal ID is received, or characteristics When the point is detected, the image forming apparatus 100 determines the authentication level of the user to be used as level 1.

  Level 1 is an authentication level that permits the use of a function that does not allow confidential information to leave the image forming apparatus 100. When the user authentication level is level 1, in addition to the functions permitted at level 0, scan-to-box is permitted.

  When the recognition result of voiceprint recognition has a degree of coincidence of 60% or more and less than 100%, when the recognition result of face recognition has a degree of coincidence of 60% or more and less than 100%, or the above for determining the authentication level to level 1 If two of the four conditions are satisfied, the image forming apparatus 100 determines the authentication level of the user in use as level 2.

  Level 2 is an authentication level that permits the use of a function that does not release confidential information outside the company. When the user authentication level is level 2, in addition to the functions permitted at levels 0 and 1, scanning distribution to the company and printing of data stored in the public box in the image forming apparatus are permitted. Is done.

  Furthermore, when the recognition result of voiceprint recognition is 100% coincidence, when the recognition result of face recognition is 100% coincidence, or when authentication by the user ID and password input from the user is successful ( When the login operation accepted by the image forming apparatus 100 is correct), the image forming apparatus 100 determines the authentication level of the user to be level 3.

  Level 3 is an authentication level that permits the use of all functions. However, even if the user authentication level is level 3, use is not permitted for functions for which the user himself / herself is not authorized to use by the administrator of the image forming apparatus 100 or the like.

  In this way, the image forming apparatus 100 increases the functions of the image forming apparatus 100 that permit the user to use the higher the user authentication level.

  Subsequently, an operation example of the image forming apparatus will be described.

  (First example)

  In this example, an example in which the authentication level is updated by receiving an iBeacon radio wave will be described.

  FIG. 5 shows a level management table and an operation screen SR displayed on the display unit of the operation panel when the user authentication level is the default level (level 0) in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure shown typically. 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13, (a) shows the level management table. (B) shows the operation screen SR.

  Referring to FIG. 5A, the level management table is a table showing the recognition results of the voiceprint recognition unit 121, the face recognition unit 122, the iBeacon reception unit 123, and the feature point detection unit 124.

  When the authentication level of the use user UR is level 0, the level management table indicates that the recognition results of the voiceprint recognition unit 121, the face recognition unit 122, the iBeacon reception unit 123, and the feature point detection unit 124 are all level 0 conditions. It is to satisfy. That is, the degree of coincidence of the recognition result of the voiceprint recognition unit 121 is less than 30% (the degree of coincidence satisfying the level 0 condition), and the degree of coincidence of the recognition result of the face recognition unit 122 is less than 30% (the condition of level 0 is satisfied). The recognition result of the iBeacon receiving unit 123 indicates that the terminal ID of the registered user is not received (recognition result satisfying the level 0 condition), and the recognition result of the feature point detection unit 124 is This indicates that no feature point is detected (recognition result satisfying level 0 condition). As long as this state continues, the image forming apparatus 100 maintains the use user authentication level at level 0 and continues to display the operation screen SR shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 5B, the operation screen SR includes a plurality of keys (icons). Each of the plurality of keys is a key for executing each corresponding function of the image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, the key KY1 is a key for executing copying. The key KY2 is a key for executing printing. The key KY3 is a key for transmitting an e-mail. The key KY4 is a key for accessing the box area. A key KY5 is a key for performing transmission / reception of a facsimile. A key KY6 is a key for transmitting and receiving files. The key KY7 is a key for performing scanning. The key KY8 is a key for browsing a website using a web browser.

  The image forming apparatus 100 presents the functions of the image forming apparatus 100 permitted to be used. For example, when the image forming apparatus 100 displays functions that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus function 100 that is permitted for the user and the image formation that is not permitted for the user. The functions of the device 100 are displayed in different display modes.

  In the first to third examples, the image forming apparatus 100 displays a function key that is permitted for use by the user without graying out the function key that is not permitted for use by the user. The key is grayed out. The image forming apparatus 100 does not accept pressing of a grayed out key.

  When the user authentication level is level 0, the image forming apparatus 100 permits only copying, web browsing using a web browser, and printing of a web screen using a web browser. The image forming apparatus 100 displays the keys KY1 and KY8 without graying out, and displays the other keys grayed out. The key KY8 is a key related to web browsing using a permitted web browser and printing of a web screen using a web browser.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an operation performed by the user UR in the first example of the embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 6, the user UR possesses the terminal 200. The user UR approaches the image forming apparatus 100 in order to use the image forming apparatus 100 with the terminal 200 on which the iBeacon application is installed. This operation is an operation for using the image forming apparatus 100 and does not correspond to an active login operation.

  The terminal 200 includes a CPU 201, a radio wave generator 202, and a memory 203. The CPU 201 controls the operation of the terminal 200 as a whole. The memory 203 holds various information such as a program of the application 204 that is an iBeacon application. The radio wave generation unit 202 generates a radio wave EW including the terminal ID of the terminal 200 when the application is activated.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 receives the radio wave EW, the image forming apparatus 100 recognizes that the user is nearby. The image forming apparatus 100 receives the terminal ID of the registered user (whether the terminal ID of the registered user is registered in the radio wave EW). The iBeacon receiving unit 123 recognizes whether or not information is included.

  FIG. 7 shows the level management table and the operation screen SR displayed on the display unit of the operation panel when the authentication level of the user used is level 1 in the first example of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure shown typically.

  Referring to FIG. 7A, when the recognition result of iBeacon reception unit 123 indicates that the terminal ID of the registered user has been received (when the recognition result satisfies the condition of level 1), image forming apparatus 100 The recognition result of the iBeacon receiving unit 123 in the level management table is raised to level 1. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 raises the user authentication level to level 1. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 can estimate that the use user is a registered user and release the level 1 function in advance as the use user approaches. The functions available to the user will increase.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 performs recognition by the voiceprint recognition unit 121, the face recognition unit 122, and the feature point detection unit 124 in parallel with the recognition by the iBeacon reception unit 123. In this example, for convenience of explanation, the recognition results by the voiceprint recognition unit 121, the face recognition unit 122, and the feature point detection unit 124 are all not satisfying the level 1 condition (only the level 0 condition is satisfied). Shall continue.

  Referring to FIG. 7B, when the authentication level of the user used rises to level 1, the image forming apparatus 100 newly permits the use of the scan to box.

  The image forming apparatus 100 updates the display mode of the permitted function according to the change in the authentication level. The image forming apparatus 100 displays the keys KY4 and KY7 in addition to the keys KY1 and KY8 without graying out, and displays the other keys grayed out. Keys KY4 and KY7 are keys related to the newly permitted scan to box.

  Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may include a message on the operation screen SR indicating that only the scan-to-box can be used among the functions executable by the keys KY4 and KY7.

  Thereafter, each of the voiceprint recognition unit 121, the face recognition unit 122, the iBeacon reception unit 123, and the feature point detection unit 124 repeats the recognition of the user. In the image forming apparatus 100, the recognition results of the voiceprint recognition unit 121, the face recognition unit 122, the iBeacon reception unit 123, and the feature point detection unit 124 satisfy an authentication level condition higher than the authentication level at that time. First, raise the authentication level of the user UR used.

  (Second example)

  In this example, an example in which the authentication level is gradually increased by voiceprint authentication and the function of the image forming apparatus 100 is released will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a first operation performed by the user UR in the second example of the embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 8, the use user UR approaches the image forming apparatus 100 in order to execute a scan in the image forming apparatus 100. When the image forming apparatus 100 detects the approach of the user UR, the image forming apparatus 100 turns on each of the cameras 151 and 152.

  The user UR sets a document on the image forming apparatus 100. The user UR instructs the image forming apparatus 100 to execute scanning by, for example, saying “I want to scan” to the image forming apparatus 100. This operation is an operation for setting or executing a job, and does not correspond to an active login operation. The image forming apparatus 100 obtains the voice of the user UR with the microphone 152.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 obtains the voice of the user UR (first voice) with the microphone 152, the registered user voice print recorded in the user information table (when there are a plurality of registered user voice prints in the user information table, The degree of coincidence between the voiceprint of the registered user that is closest to the voiceprint of the user UR obtained by the microphone 152 and the voiceprint of the voice of the user UR obtained by the microphone 152 is obtained as a recognition result of the voiceprint recognition unit 121.

  Note that the image forming apparatus 100 performs recognition by the face recognition unit 122, the iBeacon reception unit 123, and the feature point detection unit 124 in parallel with the recognition by the voiceprint recognition unit 121. In this example, for the convenience of explanation, the recognition results by the face recognition unit 122, the iBeacon reception unit 123, and the feature point detection unit 124 are all not satisfying the level 1 condition (only the level 0 condition is satisfied). Shall continue.

  FIG. 9 shows a level management table and an operation screen SR displayed on the display unit of the operation panel when the use user authentication level is level 1 in the second example of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure shown typically.

  With reference to FIG. 9A, here, it is assumed that the recognition result of the voiceprint recognition unit 121 has a degree of coincidence (a degree of coincidence satisfying the level 1 condition) of 30% or more and less than 60%. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 raises the recognition result of the voiceprint recognition unit 121 in the level management table to level 1. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 raises the user authentication level to level 1.

  Referring to FIG. 9B, when the authentication level of the user used rises to level 1, the image forming apparatus 100 newly permits the use of the scan to box. As a result, the functions available to the user are increased. The image forming apparatus 100 updates the display mode of the permitted function according to the change in the authentication level.

  The image forming apparatus 100 displays the keys KY4 and KY7 in addition to the keys KY1 and KY8 without graying out, and displays the other keys grayed out.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a second operation performed by the use user UR in the second example of the embodiment of the invention.

  Referring to FIG. 10, subsequently, the user UR sets a scanning condition for the image forming apparatus 100 by, for example, saying “read setting change” to the image forming apparatus 100. This operation is a job setting operation and does not correspond to an aggressive login operation. The image forming apparatus 100 acquires the voice of the user UR (second voice) with the microphone 152.

  After allowing the user UR to use the function corresponding to level 1, the image forming apparatus 100 obtains the voice of the user UR with the microphone 152. The image forming apparatus 100 matches the registered user's voice print recorded in the user information table (the previously used registered user's voice print) with the first and second voice prints of the user UR obtained by the microphone 152. The degree is obtained as a recognition result of the voiceprint recognition unit 121.

  FIG. 11 shows a level management table and an operation screen SR displayed on the display unit of the operation panel when the user authentication level is level 2 in the second example of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure shown typically.

  Referring to FIG. 11A, the information amount of the user's voiceprint that can be used by the voiceprint recognition unit 121 to output the degree of coincidence is the first time (the degree of coincidence is output based on the utterance in FIG. 8). Increase the amount of information). Therefore, the degree of coincidence output by the voiceprint recognition unit 121 is usually higher than the degree of coincidence output by the voiceprint recognition unit 121 for the first time (the degree of coincidence based on the utterance in FIG. 8).

  Here, it is assumed that the recognition result of the voiceprint recognition unit 121 has a degree of coincidence (a degree of coincidence satisfying the level 2 condition) of 60% or more and less than 100%. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 raises the recognition result of the voiceprint recognition unit 121 in the level management table to level 2. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 raises the user authentication level to level 2.

  Referring to FIG. 11B, when the authentication level of the user used rises to level 2, the image forming apparatus 100 scans and distributes data within the company, and data stored in a shared box in the image forming apparatus. Allow new use of prints. As a result, the functions of the image forming apparatus 100 that can be used by the user are increased.

  The image forming apparatus 100 updates the display mode of the permitted function according to the change in the authentication level. The image forming apparatus 100 adds a message MG1 indicating that it is addressed to the company to the operation screen SR. The display form of the message MG1 is arbitrary. For example, the message MG1 is displayed at a position overlapping each of the grayed out keys KY2, KY3, KY5, and KY6.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating a third operation performed by the user UR in the second example of the embodiment of the invention.

  Referring to FIG. 12, subsequently, the user UR sets a scanning condition for the image forming apparatus 100 by, for example, saying “original setting change” to the image forming apparatus 100. This operation is a job setting operation and does not correspond to an aggressive login operation. The image forming apparatus 100 obtains the voice (third voice) of the user UR using the microphone 152.

  The image forming apparatus 100 obtains the voice of the user UR with the microphone 152 after allowing the user UR to use the function corresponding to the level 2. The image forming apparatus 100 uses the first, second, and third voices of the registered user voice print recorded in the user information table (the previously used registered user voice print) and the user UR obtained by the microphone 152. The degree of coincidence with the voiceprint is obtained as a recognition result of the voiceprint recognition unit 121.

  FIG. 13 shows a level management table and an operation screen SR displayed on the display unit of the operation panel when the use user authentication level is level 3 in the second example of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure shown typically.

  Referring to FIG. 13A, here, it is assumed that the recognition result of the voiceprint recognition unit 121 is 100% coincidence (coincidence satisfying the level 3 condition). In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 raises the recognition result of the voiceprint recognition unit 121 in the level management table to level 3. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 raises the user authentication level to level 3.

  With reference to FIG. 13B, when the authentication level of the user used rises to level 3, the image forming apparatus 100 permits the use of all functions of the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, the functions available to the user are increased.

  The image forming apparatus 100 updates the display mode of the permitted function according to the change in the authentication level. The image forming apparatus 100 displays all the keys KY1, KY2, KY3, KY4, KY5, KY6, KY7, and KY8 without being grayed out, and deletes the message MG1 from the operation screen SR.

  Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may accept job setting and execution instructions from the user using a method other than voice (for example, a method such as an input from the operation panel 150).

  (Third example)

  In this example, an example in which a total authentication level is determined by combining authentication results will be described.

  In this example, the user instructes the image forming apparatus 100 to perform scanning by, for example, saying “I want to scan” toward the image forming apparatus 100 (FIG. 8), and the image forming apparatus 100 recognizes the voice print. Assuming that the authentication level of the user to be used is determined to be level 1 based on the recognition result of the unit 121 (a degree of coincidence of 30% or more and less than 60%) and the operation screen SR shown in FIG. 9B is displayed. To do.

  In parallel with the recognition by the voiceprint recognition unit 121, the image forming apparatus 100 also performs recognition by the face recognition unit 122, the iBeacon reception unit 123, and the feature point detection unit 124. In this example, for the convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the recognition results by the iBeacon receiving unit 123 and the feature point detecting unit 124 continue to be in a state where the level 1 condition is not satisfied (only the level 0 condition is satisfied).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating how the image forming apparatus 100 captures an image of the appearance of the user UR in the third example of the embodiment of the invention.

  Referring to FIG. 14, after permitting the user UR to use the function corresponding to level 1, the image forming apparatus 100 displays an image of the appearance of the user UR as indicated by an arrow AR1. Get it at The user UR is only standing in front of the image forming apparatus 100, and the operation of the user UR does not correspond to an active login operation. The image forming apparatus 100 obtains, as a recognition result of the face recognition unit 122, the degree of coincidence between the registered user's face image recorded in the user information table and the registered user's face image included in the acquired image. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 obtains as a recognition result of the feature point detection unit 124 whether or not the feature point information recorded in the user information table is included in the obtained image.

  FIG. 15 shows the level management table and the operation screen SR displayed on the display unit of the operation panel when the use user authentication level is level 2 in the third example of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure shown typically.

  Referring to FIG. 15A, here, the recognition result of the face recognition unit 122 is a degree of coincidence (a degree of coincidence satisfying the level 1 condition) of 30% or more and less than 60%, and the feature point detection unit 124 It is assumed that the recognition result indicates that no feature point is detected. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 raises the recognition result of the face recognition unit 122 in the level management table to level 1. As a result, the recognition results of the voiceprint recognition unit 121 and the face recognition unit 122 satisfy the level 1 condition. The image forming apparatus 100 determines that the use user satisfies two of the four conditions (FIG. 4) for determining the authentication level to level 1, and raises the authentication level of the use user to level 2.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the recognition results obtained by a plurality of different recognition methods, thereby recognizing the use user to an authentication level higher than the authentication level when only the recognition results obtained by the single recognition method are used. A level may be set.

  Referring to FIG. 15B, when the authentication level of the user used rises to level 2, the image forming apparatus 100 scans data delivered to the company, and data stored in the shared box in the image forming apparatus. Allow new use of prints. As a result, the functions available to the user are increased.

  The image forming apparatus 100 updates the display mode of the permitted function according to the change in the authentication level. The image forming apparatus 100 adds a message MG1 indicating that it is addressed to the company to the operation screen SR.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 16, when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on, the CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus 100 sets the user authentication level to level 0 (S1). Next, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the voice is obtained with the microphone 152 (S3).

  If it is determined in step S3 that the microphone 152 has obtained voice (YES in S3), the CPU 102 performs voiceprint recognition processing (S5), and proceeds to processing in step S7.

  If it is determined in step S3 that no sound is acquired by the microphone 152 (NO in S3), the CPU 102 determines whether or not there is a change in the image captured by the camera 151 (S11).

  If it is determined in step S11 that the image captured by the camera 151 has changed (YES in S11), the CPU 102 performs face recognition processing and feature point recognition processing (S13), and proceeds to processing in step S7 (S7). .

  If it is determined in step S11 that there is no change in the image captured by the camera 151 (NO in S11), the CPU 102 determines whether iBeacon radio waves have been received (S15).

  If it is determined in step S15 that an iBeacon radio wave has been received (YES in S15), the CPU 101 performs an iBeacon reception process (S17), and proceeds to a process in step S7.

  If it is determined in step S15 that the iBeacon radio wave is not received (NO in S15), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process in step S7.

  In step S7, the CPU 102 accepts an operation related to the job (S7). Next, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the job has been executed (S9).

  If it is determined in step S9 that the job has been executed (YES in S9), the CPU 102 ends the process.

  If it is determined in step S9 that the job execution is not completed (NO in S9), the CPU 102 proceeds to the process in step S3.

  FIG. 17 is a subroutine of the voiceprint recognition process (S5) of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 17, in the voiceprint recognition process, CPU 102 obtains the degree of coincidence between the registered user's voiceprint recorded in the user information table and the voiceprint of the user's voice obtained by microphone 152 (S101). Subsequently, the CPU 102 updates the voice print recognition item in the level management table based on the acquired degree of coincidence (S103). Next, the CPU 102 determines the authentication level of the user in use based on the updated level management table (S105). Next, the CPU 102 determines whether the determined authentication level is level 0 to level 3 (S107).

  If it is determined in step S107 that the determined authentication level is level 0 (“level 0” in S107), the CPU 102 permits the use of the function of level 0 (S109), and proceeds to the process of step S117.

  If it is determined in step S107 that the determined authentication level is level 1 (“level 1” in S107), the CPU 102 permits the use of functions below level 1 (S111), and proceeds to the process of step S117.

  If it is determined in step S107 that the determined authentication level is level 2 ("level 2" in S107), the CPU 102 permits the use of functions below level 2 (S113), and proceeds to the process of step S117.

  When it is determined in step S107 that the determined authentication level is level 3 (“level 3” in S115), the CPU 102 permits the use of all functions (S115), and proceeds to the process of step S117.

  In step S117, the CPU 102 reflects the function permitted to be used on the display of the operation screen (S117), and returns.

  FIG. 18 is a subroutine of the face recognition process and the feature point recognition process (S13) of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 18, in the face recognition process and the feature point recognition process, CPU 102 obtains the degree of coincidence between the registered user's face image recorded in the user information table and the user's face image obtained by camera 151. (S201). Next, the CPU 102 acquires the presence / absence of feature point detection based on the appearance image of the user in use obtained by the camera 151 (S202). Subsequently, the CPU 102 updates the items of face recognition and feature point recognition in the level management table based on the acquired degree of coincidence and presence / absence of feature points (S203). Next, the CPU 102 proceeds to the process of step S205.

  Since each of the processing after step S205 in this subroutine is the same as each of the processing after step S105 in the subroutine of voiceprint recognition processing shown in FIG. 17, the description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 19 is a subroutine of the iBeacon reception process (S17) of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 19, in the iBeacon reception process, CPU 102 obtains information as to whether or not the received radio wave includes the registered user's terminal ID recorded in the user information table (S301). Subsequently, the CPU 102 updates the item of iBeacon in the level management table based on the acquired information (S303). Next, the CPU 102 proceeds to the process of step S305.

  Since each of the processing after step S305 in this subroutine is the same as each of the processing after step S105 in the voiceprint recognition processing subroutine shown in FIG. 17, the description thereof will not be repeated.

  [Effect of the embodiment]

  According to the above-described embodiment, since the user does not need to perform an active login operation, the user can operate a desired function even when the password is forgotten, and the convenience is improved. To do. In addition, functions that may be permitted to be used without completely identifying the user in use are permitted regardless of the authentication result, thereby improving convenience. In addition, the image forming apparatus updates the authentication level by automatically repeating the authentication, and permits the use of the function according to the authentication level. Therefore, the user who uses the image forming apparatus continuously operates the image forming apparatus by himself / herself. The authentication level can be raised and desired functions can be used. Furthermore, since the functions of the image forming apparatus that are permitted to be used are presented, the user can easily understand the functions that the user can use.

  [Others]

  FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing an operation screen SR displayed on the display unit of the operation panel when the user who intends to execute a function that is not permitted to be used is used in the modification of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 20, image forming apparatus 100 may present the functions of image forming apparatus 100 permitted to be used by the following method. The image forming apparatus 100 displays all functions included in the operation screen SR without being grayed out regardless of the authentication level of the user who uses the image forming apparatus 100. For example, when the authentication level is level 0, the user in use tries to execute the facsimile function by pressing the key KY5. The facsimile function corresponding to the pressed key KY5 is a function that the use user is not permitted to use.

  The image forming apparatus 100 displays a message MG2 notifying that the pressed function cannot be used, for example, “the function cannot be used” when the user who tries to execute the function that is not permitted to use is displayed. To do.

  The image forming apparatus 100 may display a message (for example, “Please perform login operation”) requesting an active login operation for the user in use together with the message MG2 or instead of the message MG2.

  In the first to third examples, the image forming apparatus 100 sets the authentication level of the user UR to be used when the operation input is not received for a certain period of time or when the user UR is no longer detected by the approach detection unit 113. You may return to level 0. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus 100 from operating due to an operation input by a third party other than the user UR.

  The operation of each part in the above-described embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

  The processing in the above-described embodiment may be performed by software or by using a hardware circuit. It is also possible to provide a program for executing the processing in the above-described embodiment, and record the program on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, or a memory card and provide it to the user. You may decide to do it. The program is executed by a computer such as a CPU. The program may be downloaded to the apparatus via a communication line such as the Internet.

  The above-described embodiment is to be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

100 Image forming apparatus 101 System controller 102, 201 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 103 Input image processing part 104 Imaging part 105 Mail transmission / reception part 106 Operation display part 107 Wireless communication control part 108 Authentication part 109 Facsimile transmission / reception part 110 Storage device 111 Output image processing part 112 Printer engine 113 Approach detection part 114 Network I / F
115, 203 Memory 121 Voiceprint recognition unit 122 Face recognition unit 123 iBeacon reception unit 124 Feature point detection unit 150 Operation panel 151 Camera 152 Microphone 153 Infrared irradiation unit 154 Infrared reception unit 200 Terminal 202 Radio wave generation unit 204 iBeacon application 300 Network AR1 Arrow EW Radio wave KY1, KY2, KY3, KY4, KY5, KY6, KY7, KY8 Key MG1, MG2 Message SR Operation screen UR User

Claims (18)

First holding means for holding information of a registered user who is a user permitted to use the function of the image forming apparatus;
Authentication level determination means for determining the authentication level of the user without using the user who is the user of the image forming apparatus without active login operation;
Using the registered user information held by the first holding unit, the use user is permitted to use the function of the image forming apparatus according to the authentication level determined by the authentication level determining unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: permission means.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the permission unit increases a function of the image forming apparatus that permits the user to use the higher the authentication level determined by the authentication level determination unit.   An authentication level re-determination unit that determines a new authentication level of the user without an active login operation of the user after the permission unit permits the use of the function of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   When the new authentication level determined by the authentication level re-determination unit is higher than the authentication level determined by the authentication level determination unit, the function of the image forming apparatus that allows the user to use is increased. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising permission means. Second holding means for holding level-specific function information that is information indicating a relationship between a plurality of authentication levels and the function of the image forming apparatus permitted to be used in each of the plurality of authentication levels;
The permission unit determines a function of the image forming apparatus that is permitted to be used by the user based on the authentication level determined by the authentication level determination unit and the function information classified by level. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 4 above.   The level-specific function information includes a function of the image forming apparatus that permits use at each of the plurality of authentication levels, a function that does not leave confidential information in the image forming apparatus, and secret information that is out of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus is divided into a function that does not output, a function that does not release the confidential information outside the company, and all functions. Functions that do not leave confidential information in the image forming apparatus include copying, web browsing using a web browser, and printing of a web screen using a web browser,
The function of not letting out the confidential information from the image forming apparatus includes a scan-to-box,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the function of not releasing the confidential information outside the company includes scan distribution addressed to the company and printing of data stored in a common box in the image forming apparatus. The authentication level determination means includes
Information acquisition means for acquiring information of the user without using the user's active login operation;
8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: a determination unit that determines an authentication level of the use user based on the information on the use user acquired by the information acquisition unit and the information on the registered user. Image forming apparatus. The registered user information held by the first holding means includes information for identifying the terminal of the registered user,
The user information acquired by the information acquisition means includes information for identifying the user user terminal included in the radio wave emitted from the user user terminal,
9. The determination unit according to claim 8, wherein the determination unit determines an authentication level of the use user based on whether information for specifying the terminal of the registered user matches information for specifying the terminal of the use user. The image forming apparatus described. The registered user information held by the first holding means includes feature point information,
The user information acquired by the information acquisition means includes the user image captured by a camera mounted on the image forming apparatus,
The determining means determines the authentication level of the user in use based on whether or not the information of the feature points is included in the image of the registered user captured by a camera mounted on the image forming apparatus; The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 or 9. The registered user information held by the first holding means includes a voice print of the registered user,
The user information acquired by the information acquisition means includes the voice print of the user used obtained with a microphone mounted on the image forming apparatus,
11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the determination unit determines an authentication level of the use user based on a degree of coincidence between the voice print of the registered user and the voice print of the use user. The registered user information held by the first holding means includes an image of the registered user's face,
The user information acquired by the information acquisition means includes an image of the user's face taken by a camera mounted on the image forming apparatus,
The image according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the determining unit determines an authentication level of the use user based on a degree of coincidence between the face image of the registered user and the face image of the use user. Forming equipment.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a presentation unit that presents a function of the image forming apparatus permitted to be used by the permission unit. The presenting means includes display means for displaying functions of the image forming apparatus,
The display means displays the functions of the image forming apparatus that are permitted for the user and the functions of the image forming apparatus that are not permitted for the user in different display modes. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13.   The display means displays without graying out a key for executing a function permitted for use by the user, and for executing a function not permitted for use by the user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the key is displayed in gray out. Further comprising login accepting means for accepting an active login operation of the user,
The permission means permits the user to use all functions of the image forming apparatus that the user is permitted to use when the login operation received by the login reception means is correct; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The permission unit permits the user to use a part of the functions of the image forming apparatus even when the authentication level determined by the authentication level determination unit is the lowest level. The image forming apparatus according to any one of -16. A first holding step for holding information of a registered user who is a user permitted to use a specific function of the image forming apparatus;
An authentication level determination step of determining an authentication level of the user without using an active login operation of the user who is the user of the image forming apparatus;
Using the registered user information held in the first holding step, the use user is permitted to use the functions of the image forming apparatus according to the authentication level determined in the authentication level determining step. A control program for an image forming apparatus, which causes a computer to execute a permission step to perform.