JP2020047052A - Information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

To configure settings securely from a mobile terminal to a target information processing device.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses and a mobile terminal which wirelessly communicates with each of the information processing apparatuses. The mobile terminal includes: an acquisition unit which acquires identification information of one information processing apparatus out of the above information processing apparatuses; a first transmission unit which transmits the identification information to a server; a first receiving unit which receives an access key corresponding to the identification information from the server; and a second transmission unit which transmits the access key to the one information processing apparatus. Each of the information processing apparatuses includes: a second receiving unit which receives the access key from the mobile terminal; an authentication unit which authenticates the access key; and a start unit which starts an operation mode for receiving settings of the information processing apparatuses when the authentication of the access key is successful.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system.

  Some information processing apparatuses have a special operation mode for setting the apparatus in addition to a normal operation mode. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes an electric device that activates a special mode using a dedicated remote controller. In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for detecting the approach of a wireless LAN access point using radio wave intensity, although the technique is not related to a special operation mode.

JP-A-6-139648 JP 2002-297254 A

  The present invention provides a technique for performing secure settings from a mobile terminal to a target information processing apparatus in a situation where settings are made for a plurality of information processing apparatuses.

The information processing system according to claim 1, comprising: a plurality of information processing apparatuses; and a mobile terminal that wirelessly communicates with each of the plurality of information processing apparatuses, wherein the mobile terminal is a target among the plurality of information processing apparatuses. An acquisition unit that acquires identification information of one information processing apparatus to be a first transmission unit that transmits the identification information to a server; and a first reception unit that receives an access key corresponding to the identification information from the server. A second transmitting unit that transmits the access key to the one information processing device, wherein each of the plurality of information processing devices receives the access key from the mobile terminal; An authentication unit that authenticates an access key, and a start unit that starts an operation mode for receiving a setting of the information processing device when authentication of the access key is successful.
3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the second transmission unit transmits setting information corresponding to the access key to the one information processing device.
The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the first receiving unit receives setting information corresponding to the access key together with the access key, and the second transmitting unit receives the setting information received together with the access key. The information is transmitted to the one information processing device.
5. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of information processing apparatuses has a display unit that displays information indicating the identification information outside the apparatus, and the acquisition unit displays the information indicating the identification information. The identification information is obtained by reading.
6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein, in the display unit, a medium on which a code image is formed as information indicating the identification information is attached to a housing.
7. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein the display unit displays a code image as information indicating the identification information.
8. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of information processing apparatuses has an output unit that outputs a beacon signal indicating the identification information, and the acquisition unit receives the beacon signal to receive the beacon signal. Get identification information.

According to the information processing system according to the first aspect, the setting can be performed more securely than when the access key corresponding to the identification information of the information processing apparatus is not used.
According to the information processing system of the second aspect, it is possible to receive the setting information corresponding to the identification information of the information processing device.
According to the information processing system according to the third aspect, the setting information corresponding to the target information processing apparatus can be obtained more easily as compared with the case where the setting information is received separately from the access key.
According to the information processing system of the fourth aspect, the identification information can be obtained more easily as compared with the case where the identification information is not displayed.
According to the information processing system according to the fifth aspect, the identification information can be obtained by reading the code image from the medium attached to the housing.
According to the information processing system of the sixth aspect, the identification information can be obtained by reading the code image displayed on the display unit.
According to the information processing system of the seventh aspect, identification information can be obtained using a beacon signal output from the information processing device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing system 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 10. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 20. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a server 30. 4 is a sequence chart illustrating an operation of the information processing system 1.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes a plurality (three in FIG. 1) of information processing apparatuses 10, a mobile terminal 20, and a server 30. In one example, the information processing device 10 is a device (so-called multifunction device) that also has functions as a printer, a copier, a facsimile transceiver, and a scanner. The information processing apparatus 10 incorporates various additional functions (so-called optional functions) in addition to the above four main functions, and which of the plurality of additional functions is effective is determined by, for example, information It is determined by a contract or the like between the provider of the processing apparatus 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as “provider”) and the user. The information processing apparatus 10 is shipped in a state where all the additional functions are incorporated, and is installed at a place of use. After that, the initial setting is performed to determine which function of the plurality of additional functions is valid (usable) and which function is invalid (unusable). Hereinafter, this setting is referred to as “special setting”. The special setting is a setting in which the change by the end user is restricted by a contract with the provider or the like, and the change is permitted to the provider or a person entrusted by the provider.

  In order to make this setting, it is necessary to change the operation mode of the information processing device 10 to an operation mode that accepts special settings. Hereinafter, this operation mode is referred to as a “special mode” in the sense that it is an operation mode used in a special situation such as initial setting after installation.

  If the special mode is activated without the permission of the provider, there is a possibility that settings contrary to the contract may be performed or settings that may hinder the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 may be performed. Is inconvenient for both. In order to prevent the user from activating the special mode, for example, a technology in which the special mode is activated when a button operation not described in the instruction manual is performed can be considered. However, according to this technique, there is a disadvantage that the special mode is activated unintentionally if the user accidentally operates the button by accident. Also, the special mode is started at the time of initial setting, but at the time of initial setting, a plurality of information processing apparatuses 10 are installed at a certain installation location (for example, one floor of an office) and are set one by one in order. There are many situations that go. In such a situation, it is required to easily activate the special mode in a secure environment. The present embodiment addresses this problem.

  In the information processing system 1, the activation of the special mode is performed via the mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 20 is carried by a worker who performs initial setting according to an instruction or a commission from a provider. The operator sequentially performs the initial setting for each of the plurality of information processing apparatuses 10 installed at the installation location one by one.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing system 1. The mobile terminal 20 includes an acquisition unit 21, a transmission unit 22, a reception unit 23, an output unit 24, a control unit 25, and a storage unit 26. The acquisition unit 21 acquires the identification information 19T of one target information processing apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as “target information processing apparatus 10T”) among the plurality of information processing apparatuses 10. The identification information 19T includes, for example, the model number and the serial number of the information processing device 10. A specific method of acquiring the identification information 19T from the target information processing device 10T will be described later. The transmitting unit 22 transmits a request for transmitting an access key to the server 30. This transmission request includes the identification information 19T.

  The server 30 is a device that provides an access key corresponding to the identification information. Here, the access key refers to information indicating the validity of the device and software that have accessed the information processing device 10. The server 30 includes a storage unit 31, a reception unit 32, a control unit 33, and a transmission unit. The storage unit 31 stores a set of identification information and an access key for each of the information processing apparatuses 10. The receiving unit 32 receives the identification information 19T from the mobile terminal 20. The control unit 33 performs various controls. In this example, the control unit 33 extracts an access key 311T corresponding to the identification information 19T (that is, paired with the identification information 19T) from the data stored in the storage unit 31. The transmitting unit 34 transmits the access key 311T to the portable terminal 20, which is the transmission source of the identification information 19T.

  In the portable terminal 20, the receiving unit 23 receives the access key 311T from the server 30 as a response to the transmission request of the access key. The output unit 24 outputs the access key 311T to the target information processing device 10T. The control unit 25 controls other functional elements in the mobile terminal 20. The storage unit 26 stores various data.

  The information processing device 10 includes a storage unit 11, a control unit 12, a reception unit 13, an authentication unit 14, and an activation unit 15. The storage unit 11 stores various data. The control unit 12 controls other elements of the information processing device 10. The control performed by the control unit 12 includes changing a special setting. The receiving unit 13 receives an access key from the mobile terminal 20. The authentication unit 14 authenticates the access key. If the authentication of the access key succeeds, the activation unit 15 activates the special mode.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 10. In this example, the information processing apparatus 10 is an apparatus including a processor 101, a memory 102, a storage 103, a communication IF 104, an image reading unit 105, an image forming unit 106, and a UI panel 107. These hardware elements are housed in a housing (not shown). The processor 101 performs processing according to a program. The memory 102 is a main storage device that functions as a work area when the processor 101 executes a process, and includes, for example, a RAM. The storage 103 is an auxiliary storage device that stores various programs and data, and includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The communication IF 104 is an interface that performs communication according to a predetermined standard, and includes, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) that performs communication according to the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. The image reading unit 105 is a device (so-called scanner) that optically reads a document, and outputs the read document as image data. The image forming unit 106 is a device that forms an image on a medium (for example, paper), and is a device that forms an image by electrophotography, for example. The UI panel 107 is a device that provides a man-machine interface to the user of the information processing device 10, and includes, for example, a touch screen and physical buttons.

  In this example, the storage 103 stores a program for causing a computer device to function as the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment. When the processor 101 executes this program, the function of FIG. 2 is implemented in the computer device. When the processor 101 is executing this program, at least one of the memory 102 and the storage 103 is an example of the storage unit 11. The processor 101 is an example of the control unit 12, the authentication unit 14, and the activation unit 15. The communication IF 104 is an example of the receiving unit 13.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 20. In this example, the mobile terminal 20 is a computer device having a processor 201, a memory 202, a storage 203, a wireless communication unit 204, a touch screen 205, and a camera 206, for example, a smartphone. The processor 201, the memory 202, and the storage 203 are the same as the processor 101, the memory 102, and the storage 203, and a description thereof will not be repeated. The wireless communication unit 204 performs wireless communication according to a predetermined standard. The communication performed by the wireless communication unit 204 includes, for example, so-called mobile communication (3G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), etc.), and WiFi (registered trademark: IEEE 802.11 standard). The touch screen 205 is a device having both functions as a display device for displaying information and an input device for receiving an instruction input. The camera 206 is a photographing device that photographs an image.

  In this example, the storage 203 stores a program for causing a computer device to function as the mobile terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. The functions of FIG. 2 are implemented in the computer device by the processor 201 executing this program. The camera 206 is an example of the acquisition unit 21 when the processor 201 is executing this program. The wireless communication unit 204 is an example of the transmission unit 22, the reception unit 23, and the output unit 24. The processor 201 is an example of the control unit 25. At least one of the memory 202 and the storage 203 is an example of the storage unit 26.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the server 30. In this example, the server 30 is a computer device having a processor 301, a memory 302, a storage 303, and a communication IF 304. These hardware elements are the same as the processor 101, the memory 102, the storage 103, and the communication IF 104, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

  In this example, the storage 303 stores a program for causing a computer device to function as the server 30 according to the present embodiment. When the processor 301 executes the program, the functions of FIG. 2 are implemented in the computer device. While the processor 301 is executing this program, at least one of the memory 302 and the storage 303 is an example of the storage unit 31. The communication IF 304 is an example of the receiving unit 32 and the transmitting unit 34. The processor 301 is an example of the control unit 33.

2. Operation FIG. 6 is a sequence chart illustrating an operation of the information processing system 1. Before the start of the processing in FIG. 6, the power of the information processing apparatus 10 and the mobile terminal 20 is turned on, and the server 30 is operating. Further, it is assumed that a plurality of information processing apparatuses 10 are already installed in a certain office, and a worker entrusted by a provider sets the plurality of information processing apparatuses 10. In the following, a functional element such as the acquisition unit 21 may be described as a subject of processing. However, the hardware element such as the processor 201 executes various programs so that other hardware may be used as necessary. It means to execute processing in cooperation with the element.

  In step S101, the acquisition unit 21 of the mobile terminal 20 acquires the identification information 19T from the target information processing device 10T. The identification information 19T is information for specifying the target information processing device 10T from the plurality of information processing devices 10. In one example, a medium (for example, a sheet or plate made of paper or resin) on which a code image (for example, a QR code (registered trademark) image) indicating identification information is formed in a part of the housing of the target information processing apparatus 10. (A portion where the medium is attached is an example of a “display unit”). The acquisition unit 21 of the portable terminal 20 acquires the identification information 19T by decoding the code image captured by the camera 206.

  In another example, instead of or in addition to attaching the medium of the code image to the housing, the code image may be displayed on the UI panel 107 and read by the camera 206 of the mobile terminal 20. In still another example, the information processing apparatus 10 includes a device that transmits the identification information 19T as an electric signal (for example, a beacon transmitter using Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy). May be decoded to obtain the identification information 19T. In still another example, the information processing apparatus 10 has a wireless IC tag that stores the identification information 19T as data, and the portable terminal 20 (in this case, has a reader that reads data from the wireless IC tag in a contactless manner) The identification information 19T may be read from the wireless IC tag.

  After reading the identification information 19T, the transmitting unit 22 of the mobile terminal 20 transmits a request for transmitting an access key to the server 30 (Step S102). This transmission request includes the identification information 19T. Upon receiving the access key transmission request from the mobile terminal 20, the control unit 33 of the server 30 extracts the access key and the setting information corresponding to the identification information 19T from the database stored in the storage unit 31 (Step S103). This database stores the identification information of the information processing device 10, the access key of the information processing device 10, and the setting information in association with the setting information of the information processing device 10. The access key is data for activating the special mode in the corresponding information processing device 10. The setting information refers to a software key for changing the setting of the corresponding information processing apparatus 10 (for example, enabling / disabling an optional function). The transmitting unit 34 transmits the extracted access key and setting information as a response to the transmission request received earlier (step S104).

  In step S105, the output unit 24 of the mobile terminal 20 outputs a special mode activation request to the target information processing device 10T. In one example, the output unit 24 transmits a start request to the target information processing apparatus 10T via communication according to a predetermined communication standard. This standard is different from (or may be the same as) the standard when the acquisition unit 21 acquires the identification information. This activation request includes the access key received from server 30.

  Upon receiving the special mode activation request, the authentication unit 14 of the target information processing apparatus 10T extracts the access key included in the activation request and authenticates whether the access key is valid (step S106). If the access key is not authenticated, the target information processing device 10T displays an error message. Alternatively, an error message is transmitted to the portable terminal 20. When the access key is authenticated, the activation unit 15 activates the special mode (Step S107). When the special mode is activated, the control unit 12 notifies the portable terminal 20 of the activation completion (Step S108).

  Upon receiving the notification of the completion of the activation of the special mode from the target information processing apparatus 10T, the output unit 24 of the mobile terminal 20 transmits the setting information to the target information processing apparatus 10T (Step S109). The control unit 12 of the target information processing device 10T updates the setting using the setting information (Step S110). When the setting update is completed, the control unit 12 notifies the portable terminal 20 of the completion of the setting (Step S111). Thus, the setting for one information processing device 10 is completed. The operator can make settings for the next information processing apparatus 10.

3. Modifications The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made. Hereinafter, some modified examples will be described. Two or more of the following modifications may be used in combination.

  The specific method by which the mobile terminal 20 acquires the identification information from the target information processing device 10T is not limited to the method exemplified in the embodiment. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 has a function as an access point of a wireless LAN, and causes the SSID to include the model number and the serial number of its own device. When the mobile terminal 20 searches for a wireless LAN access point, the SSIDs of the plurality of information processing apparatuses 10 can be acquired as communicable access points. The mobile terminal 20 selects only the SSID of the information processing apparatus 10 from the SSIDs thus obtained (pure wireless LAN access points are also searched. For example, if the character string included in the SSID does not include the model number, except). The mobile terminal 20 transmits an access key transmission request to the server 30 for the plurality of information processing apparatuses 10 thus obtained. The server 30 transmits the access keys of the plurality of information processing apparatuses 10 to the mobile terminal 20 in a lump. The mobile terminal 20 sequentially connects to the plurality of information processing apparatuses 10 using the access key obtained in this way and performs setting.

  The order in which the access key and the setting information are transmitted is not limited to those illustrated in the embodiment. For example, the mobile terminal 20 may transmit the access key and the setting information (software key) to the information processing device 10 simultaneously (together). The information processing apparatus 10 receiving these, for example, spontaneously restarts in the special mode and performs the setting.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing system, 10 ... Information processing apparatus, 11 ... Storage part, 12 ... Control part, 13 ... Receiving part, 14 ... Authentication part, 15 ... Activation part, 19T ... Identification information, 20 ... Portable terminal, 21 ... Acquisition Unit, 22: transmission unit, 23: reception unit, 24: output unit, 25: control unit, 26: storage unit, 30: server, 31: storage unit, 32: reception unit, 33: control unit, 34: transmission unit 101, processor, 102, memory, 103, storage, 105, image reading unit, 106, image forming unit, 107, UI panel, 201, processor, 202, memory, 203, storage, 204, wireless communication unit, 205, Camera, 205: Touch screen, 206: Camera, 301: Processor, 302: Memory, 303: Storage

Claims (7)

A plurality of information processing devices;
A mobile terminal that wirelessly communicates with each of the plurality of information processing devices;
An acquisition unit configured to acquire identification information of a target information processing device among the plurality of information processing devices,
A first transmission unit that transmits the identification information to a server;
A first receiving unit that receives an access key corresponding to the identification information from the server;
A second transmission unit that transmits the access key to the one information processing device,
Each of the plurality of information processing devices,
A second receiving unit that receives the access key from the mobile terminal;
An authentication unit for authenticating the access key;
An activation unit that activates an operation mode for accepting a setting of the information processing device when the authentication of the access key is successful. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second transmission unit transmits setting information corresponding to the access key to the one information processing device. The first receiving unit, together with the access key, receives setting information corresponding to the access key,
The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the second transmission unit transmits the setting information received together with the access key to the one information processing device. In each of the plurality of information processing devices, a display unit that displays information indicating the identification information outside the device,
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the identification information by reading information indicating the identification information. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein a medium on which a code image is formed as information indicating the identification information is attached to a housing in the display unit. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the display unit displays a code image as information indicating the identification information. Each of the plurality of information processing devices,
An output unit that outputs a beacon signal indicating the identification information,
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the identification information by receiving the beacon signal.

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