JP2020048218A - Information processing device and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and an information processing method that can ensure the security of communication while making operation in a communication device simple.SOLUTION: An information processing device that includes a communication unit for communicatively connecting with an external device by radio communication and a display unit, and transmits and receives image data to and from the external device with the communication unit includes: means for receiving selection of any operation mode of a print output function and a reading function; and means for switching between first communication disconnection control and second communication disconnection control by the selection of the operation mode. In the first communication disconnection control, after communication connection with the one external device, communication is disconnected after completion of receiving image data from the one external device and before nullifying the radio communication function. In the second communication disconnection control, after communication connection with the one external device, scan is performed, image data obtained by scan is transmitted to the one external device, and communication is disconnected after transmission.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system in which a communication device and an information processing device transmit and receive information by wireless communication. In particular, the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method capable of simplifying an operation in a communication device and securing connection security.

  A portable communication terminal device called a so-called smartphone is widely used. Such a communication terminal device is highly convenient because various applications can be added to various functions in addition to functions such as a camera, a game, and a media player.

  In recent years, a technology in which a communication terminal device is connected by wireless communication to a network to which a print output device (printer) having a wireless communication function is connected, and the communication terminal device transmits and receives information to and from the print output device has become widespread. doing. Above all, image data is transmitted from a communication terminal device having a camera function to a print output device in a network by wireless communication, and directly sent to the print output device without passing through a storage medium, a USB cable, a personal computer, or the like. A system capable of printing out is realized.

  As described above, since a system capable of directly transmitting image data to a print output device by wireless communication from a communication terminal device and performing print output has been realized, a print output device such as a multifunction peripheral is not specified. There is a service that prints out an image taken by a communication terminal device having a camera function, which is installed in a public place so that the user can use it. In such a service, there is a method in which a communication terminal device and a print output device are connected only by a network name (SSID: Service Set Identifier) without a password.

  Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology related to security of connection between a wireless communication device (slave device) and an access point (master device). In Patent Literature 1, a one-time password for setting is generated on the access point side, a user inputs the generated one-time password to the wireless communication device, and the one-time password is generated on both the wireless communication device and the access point. A setting SSID and a password are generated based on the connection, and a connection for the setting is made by using the generated SSID and a password. An SSID and a password for data communication are exchanged during the connection for the setting, and thereafter, a connection for data communication is automatically performed. A method has been proposed.

JP 2006-191403 A

  In a service where a print output device is installed in a public place and image data of an image captured by a communication terminal device having a camera function is transmitted by wireless communication and printed out, data communication is performed to prevent eavesdropping from other devices. Requires encryption. Further, there is a security problem in a configuration in which one communication terminal device can communicate with the print output device while the other communication terminal device can connect to the print output device.

In the method disclosed in Patent Literature 1, although security is taken into consideration, an operation of inputting the generated one-time password to the slave unit by the user when connecting for setting is required. Further, setting and communication can be performed only between communication devices having a function of generating an SSID and a password for connection for setting. In Patent Literature 1, communication settings between specific communication devices that are fixedly installed are considered, and there is no problem since the user only has to operate once. When applied to communication between an unspecified communication terminal device and a print output device, in a configuration in which the communication terminal device and the print output device store an SSID and a password for data communication and thereafter automatically communicate, Each time the communication terminal device approaches the used print output device, a situation occurs in which the communication terminal device communicates with the print output device, which is a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing method capable of ensuring communication security while simplifying operation in a communication apparatus.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a communication unit and a display unit that are connected to and communicates with an external device by wireless communication. The information processing apparatus transmits and receives image data to and from an external device using the communication unit. Means for receiving selection of any one of the operation modes of the reading function, means for displaying an SSID and a password corresponding to the SSID on the display unit, and one external device and the communication unit using the password and the SSID. Means for communication connection, and means for switching between the first communication disconnection control and the second communication disconnection control by selecting the operation mode, wherein in the first communication disconnection control, after the communication connection with the one external device, Disconnecting the communication after the completion of the reception of the image data from the one external device and before disabling the wireless communication function, and in the second communication disconnection control, Serial after communication connection with one external apparatus, performs a scan, and transmits the image data obtained by scanning to the one external apparatus, it disconnects the communication after transmission.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention, in the second communication disconnection control, invalidates wireless communication by the communication unit after the transmission of the image data to the one external device is completed.

  The information processing device according to the present invention, in the first communication disconnection control, invalidates wireless communication by the communication unit after the reception of the image data from the one external device is completed.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention, when the communication with the one external device is disconnected by the first communication disconnection control and the second communication disconnection control, invalidates the password and displays the different new password. Display on the section.

  The information processing method according to the present invention is the information processing method, wherein the information processing apparatus including a communication unit and a display unit for communication connection with an external device by wireless communication transmits and receives image data to and from the external device by the communication unit. The device accepts the selection of one of the operation modes of the print output function and the reading function, displays an SSID and a password corresponding to the SSID on the display unit, and uses the password and the SSID to connect one external device to the external device. The first communication disconnection control and the second communication disconnection control are switched according to the selection of the operation mode, and the first communication disconnection control is performed after the communication connection with the one external device and the one external communication device. Disconnecting the communication after the completion of the reception of the image data from the device and before disabling the wireless communication function, the second communication disconnection control includes After unit and the communications connection, performs a scan, and transmits the image data obtained by scanning to the one external apparatus, disconnects the communication after transmission.

  In the present invention, communication disconnection control is switched by selecting an operation mode in the information processing device. In the first communication disconnection control, regarding the printout, the communication is disconnected after the reception of the image data is completed and before the wireless communication is invalidated. In the second communication disconnection control, the communication is disconnected after transmitting the image data obtained by the scan.

  According to the present invention, in the second communication disconnection control, the wireless communication is invalidated after the transmission of the image data is completed.

  In the present invention, in the first communication disconnection control, the wireless communication is invalidated after the reception of the image data is completed.

  In the present invention, when communication is disconnected, the password is invalidated and a new password is displayed.

  According to the present invention, the appropriate communication disconnection control is automatically executed by the function, so that the security of communication can be ensured while simplifying the operation. As a result, even when the information processing device is installed in a public place, it is possible to prevent automatic connection from a plurality of external devices (communication devices), thereby ensuring security. It becomes possible.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a print service system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print service system according to a first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when executing a print service in the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen displayed on a display unit of the multifunction peripheral. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a storage medium selection screen. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of connection information displayed on a display unit of the multifunction peripheral. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when using a print service in the communication terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a list of wireless communication devices displayed on a display unit in the communication terminal device. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a password input screen displayed on a display unit in the communication terminal device. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when executing a print service in the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when an image transmission service is executed by a multifunction peripheral according to Embodiment 3. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when using a scan transmission service in a communication terminal device in Embodiment 3. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print service system according to a fourth embodiment. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when a print service is executed by a multifunction peripheral according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of connection information displayed on a display unit of a multifunction peripheral according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a transmission password displayed on a display unit of a multifunction peripheral according to Embodiment 4. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when using a print service in a communication terminal device according to Embodiment 4. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a password input screen displayed on a display unit in a communication terminal device according to Embodiment 4. FIG.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
In the first embodiment, the present invention relates to a communication terminal device having a camera function and a function of transmitting captured image data by wireless communication, and a multifunction peripheral that receives image data transmitted from the communication terminal device and prints out the image data. An example in which the present invention is applied to a print service system comprising:

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of the print service system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the print service system according to the first embodiment. The print service system includes a multifunction peripheral 1 installed in a place where an unspecified user can use such as a store such as a convenience store or a public facility such as a library, and a communication terminal device 2 owned by an unspecified user. Including. The multifunction device 1 can be communicatively connected to a communication terminal device 2 existing in an effective area of wireless communication. With such a system, the user transmits image data captured by the camera function of the communication terminal device 2 to the multifunction device 1 by wireless communication, and prints out the multifunction device 1. In a store or a public facility, accounting for print output processing is managed to implement a print service.

  In the present invention, the security of the multifunction device 1 is ensured when a plurality of unspecified users each carry the communication terminal device 2 and enter the effective area of the wireless communication of the multifunction device 1.

  The multifunction device 1 is an information processing device that has a print output function (printer), a reading function (scanner), a facsimile function, and performs processing on image data. The multifunction device 1 communicates with a control unit 10 that controls each component, an input / output unit 11 using a touch panel and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a storage unit 12 that stores various information, and communication with the communication terminal device 2. , A password generating unit 14 for generating a password, and an image forming unit 15 for realizing a printout function. The multifunction peripheral 1 further includes components for realizing a number of functions, such as an image reading unit for realizing a reading function, and a facsimile communication unit for performing facsimile communication via a telephone network. Here, illustration and detailed description are omitted.

  The control unit 10 uses a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to control each component based on a control program stored in a built-in ROM (Read Only Memory).

  The input / output unit 11 includes a display unit 11a that outputs information using an LCD, and an operation unit 11b that acquires information input by a user operation using a touch panel provided on the LCD. The operation unit 11b may use not only a touch panel but also hardware keys provided adjacent to the display unit 11a. The operation unit 11b detects the position on the touch panel touched by the user with respect to the display unit 11a displaying various icons or buttons, and the position information touched by the user and the icon or button displayed on the display unit 11a. The control unit 10 can specify which icon or button has been touched based on the position information. Further, the control unit 10 can specify which hardware key has been pressed based on information notified from the operation unit 11b.

  The storage unit 12 uses a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 12 stores the SSID of the MFP 1 and can be read from the control unit 10. The storage unit 12 may store image data received from the communication terminal device 2.

  The communication unit 13 implements a wireless communication function. The communication unit 13 can transmit and receive data to and from the communication terminal device 2 by wireless communication. The communication unit 13 has a function of an access point, that is, a function of a parent device in a wireless LAN, and performs an authentication process using a password described later. Note that the communication unit 13 may be connected to one communication terminal device 2 in the ad hoc mode, and may not be able to perform communication connection with a plurality of communication terminal devices 2 at the same time. Alternatively, a method of connecting via a local network access point provided in the facility may be used.

  The password generation unit 14 generates a one-time password for wireless connection based on an instruction from the control unit 10. The method by which the password generation unit 14 generates the one-time password is, for example, a method of generating five-digit alphanumeric characters based on random numbers generated randomly. The method of generating the one-time password is not limited to this method, and can be realized by various methods including a known method.

  The image forming unit 15 uses a printer unit. The printer unit is arranged inside the main body of the multifunction device 1 and below the scanner unit. The printer unit generates a toner image based on the image data provided from the control unit 10, and forms an image by transferring the toner image onto paper.

  The communication terminal device 2 is a mobile phone called a so-called smartphone. The communication terminal device 2 may be a tablet PC (personal computer). The communication terminal device 2 includes a control unit 20 that controls each component, an input / output unit 21 using a touch panel, a storage unit 22 that stores various information, and a communication unit 23 that realizes communication with the multifunction peripheral 1. Prepare.

  The control unit 20 uses a CPU to control each component based on a control program stored in a built-in ROM.

  The input / output unit 21 includes a display unit 21a that outputs information using an LCD, and an operation unit 21b that obtains information input by a user operation using a touch panel and hardware keys provided on the LCD. . The operation unit 21b detects the position on the touch panel touched by the user with respect to the display unit 21a displaying various icons or buttons, and notifies the control unit 20 of the position information touched by the user. The control unit 20 can specify which icon or button has been touched based on the position information of the icon or button displayed on the display unit 21a. When a hardware key is pressed, the operation unit 21b notifies the control unit 20 together with information specifying which key is pressed.

  The storage unit 22 uses a random access memory (RAM) and a flash memory. An application program (hereinafter, referred to as a print application) used to print out image data in the MFP 1 is stored. The control unit 20 reads out and executes the print application stored in the storage unit 22, thereby realizing communication with the MFP 1 described later and transmission of image data to the MFP 1.

  The flash memory of the storage unit 22 stores image data of an image captured by a camera function (not shown). The control unit 20 temporarily stores information input by the operation unit 22b in the RAM of the storage unit 22 as described later, or stores the information in a flash memory for storage.

  The communication unit 23 implements a wireless communication function. The communication unit 23 connects to the communication unit 13 of the MFP 1 based on an instruction from the control unit 20. The control unit 20 can transmit and receive data to and from the multifunction device 1 by the communication unit 23.

  In the image processing system configured as described above, a flowchart and an example of an operation screen will be described with respect to a procedure when the communication terminal device 2 connects to the multifunction device 1, transmits image data, and prints out the multifunction device 1. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when executing the print service in the multifunction peripheral 1 according to the first embodiment. The processing procedure shown below corresponds to the processing procedure in the communication terminal device 2 shown in the flowchart of FIG. The multifunction device 1 displays the initial screen on the display unit 11a and executes the following processing in a state where the wireless communication function of the communication unit 13 is enabled and the apparatus is on standby.

  The control unit 10 determines whether a photo print service is selected on the operation unit 11b on the initial screen displayed on the display unit 11a and whether a mobile phone is selected on the image data storage medium selection screen. That is, it is determined whether the start of the wireless print service is instructed (step S101). A photo print service for image data from a mobile phone is hereinafter referred to as a wireless print service.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of an initial screen displayed on the display unit 11a of the MFP 1, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a storage medium selection screen. As shown in FIG. 4, an icon 110 for executing the photo print service is displayed on the initial screen, and the user can instruct the start of the photo print service by touching the icon. The initial screen also displays an icon 111 for starting copying, an icon 112 for starting image transmission including facsimile, and the like. When the user touches the touch panel on the photo print service start icon 110 in FIG. 4, the storage medium selection screen in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 11a. As shown in FIG. 5, icons 120 to 131 for selecting the type of a storage medium in which image data to be printed is stored are displayed. The user selects the type of the storage medium by touching each of them. Among them, the icon 130 is an icon for targeting an image from a mobile phone having a wireless communication function. By touching the icon 130, the user can instruct the start of the wireless print service.

  If the control unit 10 determines that the start of the wireless print service has not been instructed (S101: NO), the process returns to step S101, and waits until the operation unit 11b determines that the start of the wireless print service has been instructed.

  The control unit 10 detects that the user touches the touch panel on the icon 110 in FIG. 4 and further touches the touch panel on the icon 130 in FIG. 5 with the operation unit 11b, and that the start of the wireless print service is instructed. If it is determined (S101: YES), it instructs the password generation unit 14 to generate a one-time password (step S102). The control unit 10 acquires the password generated by the password generation unit 14 (Step S103), and reads out its own SSID from the storage unit 12 (Step S104). Then, the control unit 10 outputs and displays the connection information (SSID and one-time password) for connecting to the MFP 1 on the display unit 11a (step S105).

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the connection information displayed on the display unit 11a of the MFP 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the connection information display area 113 displays, for example, "vwxyz" for the SSID, "12345" for the one-time password, and five-digit alphanumeric characters under the control of the control unit 10. By visually recognizing the connection information display area 113, the user can recognize such information. The SSID and the one-time password in FIG. 6 are examples, and it goes without saying that other alphanumeric characters or symbols may be used.

Returning to FIG. 3, the description will be continued.
Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a connection has been made from the communication terminal device 2 by the communication unit 13 (step S106). When the control unit 10 determines that the connection has not been made (S106: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S106, and waits until it is determined that the connection has been made.

  In step S106, if a certain period has elapsed from the password generation timing (S102) without connection, the process is terminated, and the connection using the password generated in step S102 is invalidated. Is also good. At this time, the display returns to the state where the storage medium selection screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 11a.

  If the control unit 10 determines in step S106 that a connection has been made from the communication terminal device 2 (S106: YES), the control unit 10 executes an authentication process based on the SSID and password transmitted at the time of connection, that is, with a valid password. It is determined whether or not there is (step S107). As a result of the authentication processing, when the control unit 10 authenticates that the password is valid and valid (S107: PASS), the control unit 10 determines whether image data has been received (step S108). If it is determined (S108: NO), the process returns to step S108, and waits until it is determined that it has been received. When the control unit 10 determines that the password is invalid and invalid (S107: FAIL) as a result of the authentication process in step S107, the control unit 10 outputs the result of the authentication process to the display unit 11a (step S109). Then, control unit 10 disconnects the communication connection (step S110), and ends the process. At this time, the display returns to the state where the storage medium selection screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 11a. In this case, the password generated in step S102 may be invalidated when the processing is completed, or may be configured to accept the authentication processing again. When accepting the authentication process again, it is desirable to set a limit on the time and the number of trials.

  In step S107, the control unit 10 does not simultaneously authenticate connections from a plurality of communication terminal devices 2. When there are a plurality of communication terminal devices 2 connected to each other using the same password, the control unit 10 determines that only the communication terminal device 2 connected first is valid.

When determining that image data has been received in step S108 (S108: YES), the control unit 10 outputs and displays a print setting screen on the display unit 11a (step S111), and accepts print settings (step S112). . Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the start button for instructing the start of print output has been pressed (step S113). When it is determined that the button has not been pressed (S113: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to S113 and waits until the button is pressed. When detecting that the control unit 10 has been pressed (S113: YES), the control unit 10 disconnects the communication connection with the communication terminal device 2 before starting the next print output process (Step S114), and accepts the received connection in Step S112. The print setting and the image data received in step S108 are provided to the image forming unit 15, and the printout is executed (step S115), and the process ends. At this time, the display returns to the state where the storage medium selection screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 11a. The password generated in step S102 is invalidated when the processing ends.

  Note that the processing in step S114 does not need to disconnect the communication connection, but only before starting the printout processing in step S115, enables the connection with the communication terminal device 2 and rejects the connection even if the connection is made again. What should I do? Further, the communication connection is disconnected from the MFP 1 immediately after the completion of the print output as well as the start of the print output, or the password generated in step S102 from the communication terminal device 2 is used after the print output is completed. The connection may be rejected. That is, the connection is valid only during the period until the transmission and reception of the image data with the communication terminal device 2 is completed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when using the print service in the communication terminal device 2 according to the first embodiment. When the control unit 20 reads and executes the print application by a user operation, the communication terminal device 2 executes the following processing.

  The control unit 20 activates the communication unit 23 to enable wireless communication (step S201). The communication unit 23 searches for a target device for wireless communication (step S202), and outputs a list of the SSID stored in the storage unit 22 and the SSID of the target device obtained by the search (step S203). The control unit 20 receives a selection of a device to be connected from the output list (step S204). In step S203, the input of the SSID from the user may be received.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a list of wireless communication devices displayed on the display unit 21a in the communication terminal device 2. As shown in FIG. 8, the SSIDs of the multifunction peripheral 1 and the other multifunction peripherals 3 and whether or not communication with each of the multifunction peripherals is possible are displayed. In addition, each communication device displays a button 210, an “OK” icon 211, and a “CANCEL” icon 212 for selecting as a connection target device. The user can instruct connection to the MFP 1 by touching the touch panel on the button 210 of the MFP 1 to be connected and touching the touch panel on the “OK” icon 211. In this case, the control unit 20 detects that the MFP 1 has been selected on the operation unit 21b and that the touch panel on the “OK” icon 211 has been touched, and attempts to connect to the MFP 1.

Assume that the user has selected the MFP 1 from the list of wireless communication devices shown in FIG. 8, returning to the flowchart of FIG. 7, and continuing the description.
The control unit 20 outputs a password input screen for connecting to the selected MFP 1 to the display unit 21a to be displayed (step S205), and displays the password input by the user on the password input screen on the operation unit 21b. (Step S206).

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a password input screen displayed on the display unit 21a in the communication terminal device 2. In the example of FIG. 9, the SSID of the MFP 1 to be connected is displayed, and the accepting unit 213 that accepts the input of the password output to the display unit 11a in step S105 in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is displayed. I have. The user visually recognizes the one-time password displayed on the display unit 11 a of the multifunction device 1, inputs the password to the reception unit 213, and touches the touch panel on the “OK” icon 214. Thereby, the communication terminal device 2 can obtain the password.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the description will be continued.
The control unit 20 attempts to connect to the multifunction device 1 through the communication unit 23 based on the password acquired in step S206 (step S207). The control unit 20 determines whether or not the connection is successful (step S208). If the authentication is determined to be invalid and fails (S208: NO), the process ends. When the control unit 20 determines that the connection has been successful (S208: YES), the control unit 20 reads the image data to be printed stored in the flash memory of the storage unit 22 (step S209), and outputs a list to the display unit 21a. Is displayed (step S210).

  The control unit 20 receives selection of one or a plurality of image data from the displayed list of image data (Step S211), and transmits the received image data to the connected multifunction device 1 by the communication unit 23 (Step S212). , And the process ends.

  After step S212, the connection is disconnected by the multifunction device 1, and the communication terminal device 2 cannot transmit and receive image data to and from the multifunction device 1.

  The security of the connection to the MFP 1 is ensured by the processing procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. The password generated in step S102 is a one-time password. In step S112, the connection is restricted by, for example, disconnecting the communication connection before and after the printout. Even if an attempt is made to connect using the same password, the control unit 10 of the MFP 1 does not authenticate as valid in the authentication process (S107). Thus, security is ensured even in a configuration in which an unspecified communication terminal device 2 is connected to print out. The user performs an operation for generating a password on the multifunction device 1, inputs the password generated on the communication terminal device 2, and selects image data to be printed. It is possible to implement.

  It should be noted that the screen examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, 8 and 9 are merely examples, and it is a matter of course that other screen configurations may be used. For example, in the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, the configuration may be such that the start of the wireless print service can be instructed directly from the initial screen, or the start of the wireless print service can be instructed via another screen. May be. The MFP 1 may be configured to automatically recognize the mobile phone and display a screen displaying only a wireless print service start instruction button.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the communication unit 13 of the multifunction device 1 can always perform wireless communication. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the period of the wireless communication function by the communication unit 13 of the MFP 1 is limited.

  The configuration of the print service system according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration according to the first embodiment except for a detailed processing procedure in the multifunction peripheral 1 described later. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, the wireless communication function of the communication unit 13 of the multifunction device 1 can be enabled / disabled by the control unit 10. Basically, the wireless communication function of the communication unit 13 is disabled, and when the user starts using the multifunction device 1 and instructs the start of the wireless print service using the operation unit 11b, the print output starts. The wireless communication function is enabled only until the communication is completed, that is, until the transmission and reception of the image data with the communication terminal device 2 is completed.
Since the processing in the communication terminal device 2 is the same, a detailed description is omitted.
Hereinafter, the processing procedure in the second embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when executing a print service in the multifunction peripheral 1 according to the second embodiment. Among the processing procedures described below, the processing steps common to the processing procedures shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description will be omitted. The multifunction device 1 according to the second embodiment displays the initial screen on the display unit 11a, executes the following processing in a state where the wireless communication function of the communication unit 13 is disabled and the apparatus is on standby.

  In the second embodiment, when the control unit 10 determines that the start of the wireless print service has been instructed by an operation on the initial screen and the storage medium selection screen displayed on the display unit 11a (S101: YES), the communication is performed. The wireless communication function of the unit 13 is enabled (step S301), and the password generation unit 14 is instructed to generate a one-time password (S102). Note that the control unit 10 may enable the wireless communication function after performing the processing of steps S102 to S104.

  In the second embodiment, when the control unit 10 receives the print setting (S112) and detects that the print output start button is pressed before starting the next print output process (S113: YES), After disconnecting the communication connection with the communication terminal device 2 (S114), the wireless communication function of the communication unit 13 is invalidated (step S302). After disabling the wireless communication function, the print setting received in step S112 and the image data received in step S108 are provided to the image forming unit 15 to perform print output (S115), and the process ends.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, by limiting the validity period of the wireless communication function in the communication unit 13, connection opportunities from other wireless communication devices are limited, and the communication security of the multifunction device 1 is further improved. It is possible to increase.

(Embodiment 3)
The present invention is applied not only to a service of printing out image data held in the communication terminal device 2 from the multifunction device 1 but also to a service of transmitting image data obtained by scanning a document by the multifunction device 1 to the communication terminal device 2. it can. In this case, the print application of the communication terminal device 2 realizes communication with the MFP 1 and reception of image data from the MFP 1.

  The image data transmission system according to the third embodiment has the same hardware configuration as the first and second embodiments except for the processing procedure between the multifunction device 1 and the communication terminal device 2. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The image data transmission is started when the user touches the touch panel on the icon 112 for starting image transmission including facsimile on the initial screen shown in FIG. When the touch panel on the icon 112 is touched, the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 displays a screen for selecting an image transmission destination on the display unit 11a. As the image transmission destination, for example, a facsimile communication destination or a mobile phone by wireless communication can be selected. When the mobile phone is selected as the image transmission destination, the following processing is executed in the multifunction peripheral 1.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when an image transmission service is executed in the multifunction peripheral 1 according to the third embodiment.

  The control unit 10 determines whether image transmission has been selected on the operation unit 11b on the initial screen displayed on the display unit 11a, and whether a mobile phone has been selected on the image destination selection screen. It is determined whether the start of the wireless scan service has been instructed (step S401). An image transmission service of scanned image data to a mobile phone is hereinafter referred to as a wireless scan service.

  When determining that the start of the wireless scan service has not been instructed (S401: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S401, and waits until it is determined that the start of the wireless scan service has been instructed by the operation unit 11b.

  When determining that the start of the wireless scan service has been instructed (S401: YES), the control unit 10 instructs the password generation unit 14 to generate a one-time password (step S402). The control unit 10 acquires the password generated by the password generation unit 14 (Step S403), and reads out its own SSID from the storage unit 12 (Step S404). Then, the control unit 10 outputs and displays the connection information (SSID and one-time password) for connecting to the MFP 1 on the display unit 11a (step S405).

  The control unit 10 determines whether or not a connection has been made from the communication terminal device 2 by the communication unit 13 (Step 406). If the control unit 10 determines that the connection has not been made (S406: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S406, and waits until it is determined that the connection has been made.

  In step S406, if a certain period has elapsed from the password generation timing (S402) with no connection, the process ends, and the connection using the password generated in step S402 is invalidated. Is also good. At this time, the display returns to the state where the image transmission destination selection screen is displayed on the display unit 11a.

  If the control unit 10 determines in step S406 that a connection has been made from the communication terminal device 2 (S406: YES), the control unit 10 executes an authentication process based on the SSID and password transmitted at the time of the connection, that is, with a valid password. It is determined whether or not there is (step S407).

  If the control unit 10 verifies that the password is valid and valid as a result of the authentication processing (S407: PASS), the control unit 10 outputs and displays a scan setting screen on the display unit 11a (step S408), and sets the scan setting. Accept (Step S409). Then, control unit 10 determines whether or not the start button for instructing the start of scanning has been pressed (step S410). If the control unit 10 determines that the button has not been pressed (S410: NO), the process returns to step S410 and waits until the button is pressed.

  When detecting that the start button has been pressed (S410: YES), control unit 10 scans the document based on the scan settings received in step S409 (step S411). The control unit 10 transmits the image data obtained by the scan to the communication terminal device 2 (step S412), disconnects the communication connection with the communication terminal device 2 (step S413), and ends the processing. At this time, the display returns to the state where the image transmission destination selection screen is displayed on the display unit 11a. The password generated in step S402 is invalidated when the processing ends.

  When the control unit 10 determines that the password is invalid and invalid as a result of the authentication processing in step S407 (S407: FAIL), the control unit 10 outputs the result of the authentication processing to the display unit 11a (step S414). The control unit 10 disconnects the communication connection (step S415), and ends the processing. At this time, the display returns to the state where the image transmission destination selection screen is displayed. In this case, the password generated in step S402 may be invalidated when the processing is completed, or may be configured to accept the authentication processing again. When accepting the authentication process again, it is desirable to set a limit on the time and the number of trials.

In step S407, the control unit 10 does not simultaneously authenticate connections from a plurality of communication terminal devices 2. When there are a plurality of communication terminal devices 2 connected to each other using the same password, the control unit 10 determines that only the communication terminal device 2 connected first is valid.

  Next, processing on the communication terminal device 2 side used by the user will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when using the scan transmission service in the communication terminal device 2 according to the third embodiment. When the control unit 20 reads out the print application by the user's operation and the reception of the scan data is selected, the communication terminal device 2 executes the following processing.

  The control unit 20 activates the communication unit 23 to enable wireless communication (step S501). The communication unit 23 searches for a target device for wireless communication (Step S502), and outputs a list of the SSID stored in the storage unit 22 and the SSID of the target effect obtained by the search (Step S503). The example of the screen on which the list is output is the same as the example shown in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment.

  The control unit 20 accepts the selection of the device (multifunction device 1) to be connected from the output list (step S504). In step S503, an input of the SSID from the user may be received.

  The control unit 20 outputs a password input screen for connecting to the selected multifunction device 1 to the display unit 21a and causes the display unit 21a to display the password input screen (step S505). (Step S506). The password input screen is the same as the example shown in FIG. 9 of the first embodiment.

  The control unit 20 attempts to connect to the multifunction device 1 through the communication unit 23 based on the password acquired in step S506 (step S507). The control unit 20 determines whether or not the connection is successful (step S508). If the authentication is determined to be invalid and fails (S508: NO), the process ends.

  If the control unit 20 determines that the connection has been successful (S508: YES), the control unit 20 determines whether reception of the image data transmitted from the MFP 1 has started (step S509). When the control unit 20 determines that the reception has not been started (S509: NO), the process returns to step S509 and waits until the reception of the image data is started. At this time, the control unit 20 may set a scan setting on the display unit 11a and display a message to start the scan.

  When the control unit 20 determines that the reception of the image data has been started (S509: YES), the control unit 20 sequentially stores the received image data temporarily in the RAM of the storage unit 22 (step S510). The control unit 20 determines whether or not the reception of the image data has been completed (step S511). If it is determined that the reception has not been completed (S511: NO), the process returns to step S510 to receive the next data. Performs processing on image data. Until it is determined in step S511 that the reception is completed, the control unit 20 may display an image indicating that the reception is being performed, a message, or the like on the display unit 11a.

  If the control unit 20 determines that the reception has been completed in step S511 (S511: YES), the image data temporarily stored sequentially is stored in the flash memory of the storage unit 22 (step S512), and the processing is performed. finish.

  After the processing is completed, the connection is disconnected by the multifunction device 1, and the communication terminal device 2 cannot transmit and receive image data to and from the multifunction device 1.

  The security of the connection to the MFP 1 is ensured by the processing procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. Thus, security is ensured even in a configuration in which scan image data is transmitted by connecting to an unspecified communication terminal device 2. The user performs an operation for generating a password on the multifunction device 1, inputs the password generated on the communication terminal device 2, and executes the scan to perform the image transmission service safely by a simple operation. It is possible.

  In the first to third embodiments, the one-time password is generated by the multifunction device 1 and is input by the user of the communication terminal device 2 through the operation unit 21b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another method such as a configuration in which a one-time password is obtained from a common server may be used. Further, the power supply to the communication unit 13 of the multifunction device 1 may be turned on / off at the timing of enabling / disabling the wireless communication function. Thereby, power saving can be achieved.

(Embodiment 4)
In the first to third embodiments, the one-time password generated by the password generation unit 14 is used as connection information for connecting the communication terminal device 2 to the multifunction device 1. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the password of the connection information for connection is unique information and fixed information for each MFP, and the one-time password is used for authentication as to whether image data can be transmitted and received.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print service system according to the fourth embodiment. The print service system according to the fourth embodiment includes a multifunction peripheral 1c and a communication terminal device 2. The configuration of the print service according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the configuration of the storage unit 12c and the password generation unit 14c in the multifunction peripheral 1c, and the detailed processing procedure between the multifunction peripheral 1c and the communication terminal device 2. The configuration is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The multifunction peripheral 1c according to the fourth embodiment includes a control unit 10, an input / output unit 11, a storage unit 12c, a communication unit 13, a password generation unit 14c, and an image forming unit 15.

  The storage unit 12c uses an HDD or an SSD. The storage unit 12c stores the SSID of the multifunction peripheral 1c and a predetermined password (for example, eight-digit English characters) for communication connection to the multifunction peripheral 1c. The SSID and the predetermined password in the storage unit 12c can be read from the control unit 10. The storage unit 12c may store the image data received from the communication terminal device 2.

  The password generation unit 14c generates a one-time password for receiving image data based on an instruction from the control unit 10. The method by which the password generation unit 14c generates a one-time password is, for example, a method of generating a four-digit number based on a randomly generated random number. The method of generating the one-time password is not limited to this method, and can be realized by various methods including a known method.

  In the image processing system according to the fourth embodiment configured as described above, a flowchart and an operation will be described regarding a procedure when image data is transmitted from the communication terminal device 2 to the multifunction peripheral 1c and printed out by the multifunction peripheral 1c. This will be described with reference to screen examples.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when executing a print service in the multifunction peripheral 1c according to the fourth embodiment. The following processing procedure corresponds to the processing procedure in the communication terminal device 2 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17 described later. The multifunction peripheral 1c displays the initial screen on the display unit 11a, executes the following processing in a state where the wireless communication function of the communication unit 13 is enabled and the MFP 1c is on standby.

  The control unit 10 determines whether the start of the wireless print service is instructed (step S601). In step S101, the control unit 10 can determine that the start of the wireless print service has been instructed in the same procedure as in the first embodiment. That is, the user touches the touch panel on the icon 110 of “photo print service” on the initial screen as shown in the example of FIG. 4, and furthermore, the “mobile phone having a wireless communication function” on the storage medium selection screen as in the example of FIG. When the user touches the touch panel on icon 130 for selecting "telephone", control unit 10 determines that the start of the wireless print service has been instructed.

  If the control unit 10 determines that the start of the wireless print service is not instructed (S601: NO), the process returns to step S601.

  When the control unit 10 determines that the start of the wireless print service has been instructed (S601: YES), the control unit 10 reads the SSID and the predetermined password stored in the storage unit 12c (step S602), and displays the read SSID on the display unit 11a. And a predetermined password is output as connection information (step S603).

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of connection information displayed on the display unit 11a of the multifunction peripheral 1c according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, for example, the SSID “ABCDEFGH” and the alphabet of the predetermined password are “ABCDEFGH” in the same manner as the SSID in the connection information display area 113 under the control of the control unit 10. By visually recognizing the connection information display area 113, the user can recognize such information. The SSID and the password in FIG. 15 are examples, and it goes without saying that other alphanumeric characters or symbols may be used.

Returning to FIG. 14, the description will be continued.
Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a connection has been made from the communication terminal device 2 (step S604). When the control unit 10 determines that the connection has not been made (S604: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S604, and waits until it is determined that the connection has been made.

  When determining in step S604 that connection has been established from communication terminal device 2 (S604: YES), control unit 10 instructs password generation unit 14c to generate a one-time password (step S605). The control unit 10 acquires the password generated by the password generation unit 14c (step S606), and outputs a transmission password for receiving the image data to the display unit 11a, that is, transmitting the image data from the communication terminal device 2. Is displayed (step S607).

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a transmission password displayed on the display unit 11a of the multifunction peripheral 1c according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, for example, “2012” and a four-digit number are displayed under the control of the control unit 10. The user can recognize the transmission password by visually recognizing the display unit 11a. The transmission password in FIG. 16 is an example, and it goes without saying that other alphanumeric characters or symbols may be used.

Returning to FIG. 14, the description will be continued.
The control unit 10 determines whether a transmission password has been received from the communication terminal device 2 (Step S608). When determining that the transmission password has not been received (S608: NO), control unit 10 returns the process to step S608 and waits until it determines that the transmission password has been received.

If the transmission password is output in step S608 and a certain period (for example, 2 minutes) has elapsed without receiving the transmission password, the process ends, and the image data is generated based on the password generated in step S605. The transmission may not be authenticated thereafter. At this time, as in the first embodiment, the state returns to the state where the storage medium selection screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 11a.

  When determining in step S608 that the transmission password has been received (S608: YES), control unit 10 executes authentication processing and determines whether the transmission password is valid (step S609). When the control unit 10 verifies that the transmission password is valid and valid as a result of the authentication processing (S609: PASS), the control unit 10 determines whether or not the image data has been received (step S610). When determining that image data has not been received (S610: NO), control unit 10 returns the process to step S610 and waits until it determines that image data has been received. When the control unit 10 determines that the transmission password is invalid and invalid as a result of the authentication processing in step S609 (S609: FAIL), the control unit 10 transmits the result of the authentication processing to the communication terminal device 2 (step S611). The communication connection is disconnected (step S612), and the process ends. At this time, as in the first embodiment, the state returns to the state where the storage medium selection screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 11a. In this case, the password generated in step S605 may be invalidated when the processing is completed, or may be configured to accept the authentication processing again. When accepting the authentication process again, it is desirable to set a limit on the time and the number of trials.

  When determining that image data has been received in step S610 (S610: YES), control unit 10 outputs and displays a print setting screen on display unit 11a (step S613), and accepts print settings (step S614). . Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the start button for instructing the start of print output has been pressed (step S615). If the control unit 10 determines that the button has not been pressed (S615: NO), the process returns to step S615 and waits until the button is pressed. If the controller 10 determines that the button has been pressed (S615: YES), it disconnects the communication connection with the communication terminal device 2 before starting the next print output process (step S616), and the print setting received in step S614. , And the image data received in step S610 is provided to the image forming unit 15, and a printout is executed (step S617), and the process ends.

  Note that the process in step S616 enables the connection with the communication terminal device 2 to be valid only before starting the print output process in step S617 without disconnecting the communication connection, and rejects the connection even if the connection is made again. What should I do? Further, the communication connection is disconnected from the multifunction peripheral 1c immediately after the completion of the printout as well as the start of the printout, or the password generated in step S605 from the communication terminal device 2 is used after the completion of the printout. The reception of the image data may be rejected. That is, the generated transmission password is valid only during a period until transmission and reception of image data with the communication terminal device 2 are completed.

  Further, the processing of steps S613 to S615 may be omitted, and the printout may be automatically started based on the setting transmitted together with the image data.

  Next, processing in the communication terminal device 2 corresponding to the flowchart in FIG. 14 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when using the print service in the communication terminal device 2 according to the fourth embodiment. When the control unit 20 reads and executes the print application by a user operation, the communication terminal device 2 executes the following processing.

The control unit 20 activates the communication unit 23 and activates wireless communication (step S701). The communication unit 23 searches for a target device for wireless communication (step S702), and outputs a list of the SSID stored in the storage unit 22 and the SSID of the target device obtained by the search (step S703). The control unit 20 accepts selection of a device to be connected from the output list (
Step S704). In step S703, an input of the SSID from the user may be received.

  The control unit 20 outputs a password input screen for connecting to the device selected in step S704 to the display unit 21a for display (step S705). When there is a history of connection to the selected device, the control unit 20 may store the password corresponding to the SSID of the device in the storage unit 22 in some cases. At this time, the control unit 20 may initially display the stored password on the password input screen in advance. The control unit 20 acquires a password input by the user on the password input screen or a known password that has been input (step S706).

  The control unit 20 attempts to connect to the multifunction peripheral 1c by the communication unit 23 based on the SSID and the password acquired in step S706 (step S707). The control unit 20 determines whether or not the connection has been successful (step S708), and when determining that the connection has failed (S708: NO), ends the processing. If the control unit 20 determines that the connection has been successful in step S708 (S708: YES), the control unit 20 reads the image data to be printed stored in the flash memory of the storage unit 22 (step S709), and displays the list on the display unit 21a. To be displayed (step S710). The control unit 20 accepts selection of one or a plurality of image data from the displayed list of image data (Step S711).

  Next, the control unit 20 outputs a transmission password input screen for transmitting the selected image data to the display unit 21a and causes the display unit 21a to display the screen (step S712), and displays the transmission password input by the user on the password input screen. Is acquired by the operation unit 21b (step S713).

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a password input screen displayed on the display unit 21a in the communication terminal device 2 according to Embodiment 4. In the example of FIG. 18, a receiving unit 215 that receives a password input is displayed. The user visually recognizes the one-time password output to the display unit 11a at step S607 in the flowchart of FIG. 14 using the multifunction peripheral 1c, inputs the password into the reception unit 215, and touches the touch panel on the “OK” icon 216. Touch Thereby, the communication terminal device 2 can acquire the transmission password.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 17, the description will be continued.
The control unit 20 transmits the transmission password acquired in step S713 to the connected MFP 1c by the communication unit 23 (step S714), receives an authentication result based on the transmitted transmission password, and determines that the received authentication result is valid. It is determined whether or not there is (step S715). If the control unit 20 determines that the authentication result is invalid (S715: FAIL), the process returns to step S712 to accept re-input of valid transmission data.

  If the control unit 20 determines that the authentication result is valid (S715: PASS), the control unit 20 transmits the image data whose selection has been accepted in step S711 to the connected multifunction peripheral 1c by the communication unit 23 (step S716). ), And terminate the process.

  After step S716, the connection has been disconnected by the multifunction device 1c, and the communication terminal device 2 cannot transmit and receive image data to and from the multifunction device 1c, and must newly acquire a transmission password. Image data cannot be transmitted.

By the processing procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 and 17, security for transmitting image data to the multifunction peripheral 1c is ensured. The password generated in step S607 is a one-time password. In step S616, the connection is restricted by cutting off the communication connection before and after the printout, so that the communication terminal 2 Even if the image data is transmitted using the same transmission password, the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1c does not receive the image data. Thus, security is ensured even in a configuration in which an unspecified communication terminal device 2 is connected to print out. Once connected to the multifunction peripheral 1c, it is possible to easily reconnect to the multifunction peripheral 1c based on the SSID and the password stored in the storage unit 22, while the image is transmitted using the transmission password which is a one-time password. Data security is ensured. With a simple operation of selecting image data to be printed and inputting a transmission password, it is possible to safely execute a print service.

  The screen examples shown in FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and FIG. 18 are merely examples, and it is needless to say that other screen configurations may be used.

  The disclosed embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative 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.

1,1c MFP (information processing device)
Reference Signs List 10 control unit 12, 12c storage unit 13 communication unit 14, 14c password generation unit 2 communication terminal device (communication device)
22 storage unit 23 communication unit

Claims (5)

An information processing apparatus comprising a communication unit and a display unit that are communicatively connected to an external device by wireless communication, and that transmits and receives image data to and from the external device by the communication unit.
Means for receiving selection of one of the operation modes of the printout function and the reading function;
Means for displaying an SSID and a password corresponding to the SSID on the display unit;
Means for communication connection by the communication unit with one external device using the password and the SSID,
Means for switching between the first communication disconnection control and the second communication disconnection control by selecting the operation mode,
In the first communication disconnection control, after the communication connection with the one external device, after the completion of reception of image data from the one external device and before disabling the wireless communication function, disconnect the communication,
In the second communication disconnection control, after performing communication connection with the one external device, a scan is executed, image data obtained by the scan is transmitted to the one external device, and communication is disconnected after transmission. Information processing device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in the second communication disconnection control, after the transmission of the image data to the one external device is completed, wireless communication by the communication unit is invalidated. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the first communication disconnection control, after the reception of the image data from the one external device is completed, wireless communication by the communication unit is invalidated. When the communication with the one external device is disconnected by the first communication disconnection control and the second communication disconnection control, the password is invalidated,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a different new password is displayed on the display unit. An information processing apparatus including a communication unit and a display unit that communicate and connect to an external device by wireless communication, in an information processing method of transmitting and receiving image data to and from the external device by the communication unit,
The information processing device,
Accepts the selection of one of the operation modes of the printout function and the reading function,
Displaying an SSID and a password corresponding to the SSID on the display unit;
Using the password and the SSID, communicate with one external device by the communication unit,
Switching the first communication disconnection control and the second communication disconnection control by selecting the operation mode,
In the first communication disconnection control, after the communication connection with the one external device, after the completion of reception of image data from the one external device and before disabling the wireless communication function, disconnect the communication,
In the second communication disconnection control, after performing communication connection with the one external device, a scan is executed, image data obtained by the scan is transmitted to the one external device, and communication is disconnected after transmission. Information processing method.

Images