JP2023054007A - Information processing device and system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing device, a system, an information processing method and a program capable of flexibly performing processing for associating setting information and authentication information about a function with identification information read from a medium to store them in a storage part.

SOLUTION: Setting information related to various setting to undergo short cut registration is associated with the card number of an IC card 5 and a short cut name, and is stored in a nonvolatile memory 22. When an instruction to associate the card number with a user name and with a password to store them in the nonvolatile memory 22 is received in a state with the setting information stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the card number and the short cut name, the card number is associated with the user name and with the password to be stored in the nonvolatile memory 22.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus such as an image processing apparatus, a system, an information processing method executed by the information processing apparatus, and a program installed in a computer of the information processing apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some image processing apparatuses such as scanners, printers, multi-function peripherals (MFPs) have a shortcut function. In an image processing apparatus having a shortcut function, settings related to various functions such as scanning are registered in advance, and the registered settings are called when the function is executed.

A technique using a card storing identification information as a medium for calling this setting has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In that technology, settings related to functions are registered in association with identification information, that is, stored in the memory of the image processing device. The associated setting is called and the function is executed according to that setting.

JP 2016-10059 A

By the way, in an image processing apparatus equipped with a card reader, when the identification information is read from the card by the card reader, if the authentication information corresponding to the identification information is registered, the function can be performed within the scope of the authority given to the user. Some allow execution.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus, system, and apparatus capable of flexibly performing processing for storing identification information read from a medium in a storage unit in association with function-related setting information and authentication information. It is to provide an information processing method and program.

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a reading unit, a function execution unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit provides the reading unit with the above When a reading process for reading the identification information from a medium and an instruction to register setting information related to a function to be executed by the function execution unit are received, the setting information and the identification information read by the reading unit are associated with each other. a first storage process for storing in a storage unit; and when an instruction to register authentication information for login is accepted, the authentication information and the setting information are associated with the identification information stored in the storage unit. and a second storage process of attaching and storing the data in the storage unit.

According to this configuration, in a state in which the setting information and the identification information are stored in association with each other in the storage unit, the authentication information and the identification information can be stored in association with each other. That is, each piece of information can be flexibly stored in association with the identification information.

The present invention can be implemented not only in the form of an information processing apparatus, but also in the form of a system including an information processing apparatus, an information processing method in an information processing apparatus, and a program installed in a computer of the information processing apparatus. can also

According to the present invention, it is possible to flexibly perform a process of associating setting information and authentication information regarding a function with identification information read from a medium and storing them in a storage unit.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of setting information registered as a shortcut; It is a figure which shows an example of an information management table. 10 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the flow of registration processing; 10 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the flow of registration processing; 10 is a flowchart (part 3) showing the flow of registration processing; It is a figure which shows an example of a non-login screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a user menu screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a user switching screen; It is a figure which shows an example of a password input screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a login screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a function lock screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a shortcut selection screen. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a shortcut screen; It is a figure which shows an example of a 1st content selection screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a 2nd content selection screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a setting content change screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a setting content confirmation screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the shortcut selection screen (with two shortcut keys); It is a figure which shows an example of a card registration screen. It is a figure which shows an example of an already-used notification screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the already-registration notification screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a login registration confirmation screen.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Below, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<System configuration>
A system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an MFP 2 (an example of an image processing device), an external device 4 such as a PC (Personal Computer) communicably connected to the MFP 2 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 3, and an NFC (Near (an example of a medium) includes an IC card 5 having a wireless communication function by Field Communication.

The MFP 2 has multiple basic functions. The multiple basic functions are broadly classified into print functions, scan functions and fax functions. The print function is a basic function for forming an image related to image data on a sheet. The scan function is a basic function of reading a document and generating image data. The facsimile function is a basic function of transmitting and receiving image data of an image formed on a sheet to and from an external device.

The MFP 2 has an image forming section 11 (an example of a function executing section, an image forming engine), an image reading section, and so on, in order to be able to execute various functions (hereinafter referred to as "detailed functions") using the basic functions. 12 (function execution unit, an example of a scan engine), a LAN interface 13 , a FAX (fax) interface 14 and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface 15 .

The image forming unit 11 is a mechanism (engine) that forms a color image or a monochrome image on a sheet that is conveyed along a conveying path inside a housing that forms the outer shell of the MFP 2 . As an image forming method by the image forming unit 11, an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, a thermal method, or the like is adopted.

An electrophotographic image forming engine includes a photoreceptor, an exposure device that exposes the photoreceptor to form an electrostatic latent image, a developing device that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor for development, and a developing device. It has a transfer device and the like for transferring the image on the photoreceptor onto a sheet.

2. Description of the Related Art An inkjet type image forming engine has an ink head or the like that ejects ink.

A thermal image forming engine has a thermal head or the like for heating a heat-sensitive sheet.

The image reading unit 12 is a mechanism (engine) that reads a document on the contact glass supported by the housing with an image sensor and generates color or monochrome image data of the document. The image reading method by the image reading unit 12 may be a method of reading a document passing over the contact glass, or a method of reading a document stationary on the contact glass. The image reading unit 12 has CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices), CISs (Contact Image Sensors), and the like.

The LAN interface 13 includes a circuit for network communication via the LAN3. The LAN 3 may be composed of a wired LAN or a wireless LAN, or may be composed of both a wired LAN and a wireless LAN. LAN3 may or may not be connected to the Internet, but in this embodiment it is connected to the Internet.

A FAX interface 14 is an interface for connection with a public telephone line used for the FAX function, and includes a modem and the like.

The USB interface 15 is an interface for data communication with a USB device such as a USB memory, and includes a USB connector to which a USB cable is connected, a USB controller that controls USB connection with the USB device, and the like.

The MFP 2 also includes an operation panel 16 (an example of a user interface) and an NFC interface 17 (an example of a reader).

The operation panel 16 is a touch panel, and is arranged facing the outside of the housing so that it can be operated and visually recognized by the user. Various information and images such as buttons are displayed on the operation panel 16 . When the user presses a button displayed on the operation panel 16 , the operation is accepted by the operation panel 16 and a signal corresponding to the operation is output from the operation panel 16 .

The NFC interface 17 is an interface for wireless communication using NFC. NFC is a wireless communication technology compatible with international standards such as ISO/IEC14443 and ISO/IEC18092, and uses a communication frequency of 13.56 MHz. The NFC interface 17 has a touch unit arranged facing the outside of the housing. When the touch portion of the IC card 5 is touched, NFC communication is established between the IC card 5 and the NFC interface 17, enabling data communication. Touching the IC card 5 is an act of bringing the IC card 5 close to or in contact with the touch portion, and can be rephrased as an act of holding the IC card 5 over the touch portion.

The MFP 2 includes a control unit 21, a rewritable nonvolatile memory 22 (an example of a storage unit) such as flash memory or E2PROM, and a volatile memory 23 such as SDRAM. Image forming unit 11 , image reading unit 12 , LAN interface 13 , FAX interface 14 , USB interface 15 , operation panel 16 , NFC interface 17 , control unit 21 , nonvolatile memory 22 and volatile memory 23 are connected via bus 24 . , are connected for data communication.

The control unit 21 incorporates a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 21 executes programs for various processes based on signals input to the control unit 21, thereby controlling the image forming unit 11, the image reading unit 12, the LAN interface 13, the FAX interface 14, the USB It controls each unit such as the interface 15 , the operation panel 16 and the NFC interface 17 .

The control unit 21 has a dedicated engine interface circuit, an image processing circuit, etc., in addition to the CPU. The CPU controls the image forming engine and the scan engine through the engine interface circuit based on the setting information. Also, the CPU controls the image processing circuit based on the setting information. The image processing circuit includes a circuit that generates a circuit for output to image forming section 11 . The image processing circuit includes a circuit that processes image data input from the image reading section 12 .

The nonvolatile memory 22 stores programs executed by the control unit 21 and various data.

The volatile memory 23 is used as a work area when the control unit 21 executes programs.

<Shortcut registration>
The MFP 2 is capable of registering various settings related to detailed functions (hereinafter referred to as "shortcut registration"), and can call shortcut-registered settings when executing the detailed functions.

Setting information related to various settings registered as shortcuts is stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 5 and the shortcut name, as shown in FIG. The card number is a number unique to the IC card 5 and identification information of the IC card 5 . The shortcut name is the name of the shortcut key 42 (see FIG. 11) displayed on the operation panel 16. FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, in association with the card number "1001" and the shortcut name "ScanToUSB", the operation content of the detailed function "Save scanned image data to USB" and the setting content are stored in the non-volatile memory 22 as the setting information. stored in The operation content “USB save of scanned image data” indicates content of reading a document by the scanning function and saving the read image data in a USB device via the USB interface 15 . The setting contents include settings for file format, double-sided reading, resolution, and color/monochrome reading. "PDF multi-page" is set as the file format of the image data. Double-sided scanning for scanning both sides of a document is set to "OFF" indicating non-execution of double-sided scanning. "200 dpi" is set for the reading resolution. "Color" representing execution of color reading is set as to which of color reading for reading the document in color and monochrome reading for reading the document in monochrome is to be performed.

The non-volatile memory 22 stores the operation content “copy” and the setting content of the detailed function as the setting information in association with the card number “1002” and the shortcut name “Copy”. The operation content "copy" indicates the content of reading a document with the scan function and forming an image on a sheet based on the read image data with the print function. The setting contents include settings for double-sided scanning, double-sided printing, resolution, and color/monochrome copying. For double-sided scanning, "on" is set to indicate execution of double-sided scanning. Also, double-sided printing for forming images related to image data on both sides of a sheet is set to "on" indicating execution of double-sided printing. "300 dpi" is set for the reading and image forming resolution. "Color", which indicates the execution of color copying, is set for whether to execute a color copy that scans a document in color and forms a color image on a sheet, or a monochrome copy that scans a document in black and white and forms a monochrome image on a sheet. It is

In association with the card number "1003" and the shortcut name "ScanToEmail", the non-volatile memory 22 stores the operation content "Send scanned image data by email" and the setting content of the detailed function as setting information. The operation content "E-mail transmission of scanned image data" indicates that the original is read by the scanning function and the read image data is transmitted by e-mail. The setting contents include settings for file format, double-sided reading, resolution, color/monochrome reading, and mail destination. "TIFF" is set as the file format of the image data. For double-sided scanning, "on" is set to indicate execution of double-sided scanning. "300 dpi" is set for the reading resolution. As to which of color reading and monochrome reading is to be performed, "monochrome" is set to indicate execution of monochrome reading. Also, "aaa@bbb.co.jp" is set as the destination of the e-mail.

<Information management table>
An information management table is also stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 .

In the information management table, as shown in FIG. 3, user names that identify users are associated with passwords that the users use to log in to the MFP 2 . Further, when the IC card 5 owned by the user is registered in the MFP 2 for login to be used for login, in the information management table, the card number of the IC card 5 is the user name and password, which are examples of the user's authentication information. be associated.

For example, in the information management table shown in FIG. 3, the user name "USERA" and the password "1234" are associated, and the card number "1001" is associated therewith. Also, the user name "USERB" and the password "5678" are associated, and the card number "1002" is further associated with them. User name "USERC" and password "2345" are associated, but no card number is associated with them.

<Registration process>
In MFP 2, registration processing shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C is executed by control unit 21 for shortcut registration and card number registration.

In the registration process, the control unit 21 first determines whether or not the user has performed a login operation using the IC card 5 (hereinafter, this operation will be referred to as a "card login operation") (S11). In the card login operation, the user's IC card 5 touches the touch portion of the NFC interface 17 . If the control unit 21 determines that the card login operation has not been performed (S11: NO), then a login operation using the operation panel 16 (hereinafter, this operation is referred to as a "panel login operation") is performed. (S12).

Note that the order of these determinations may be reversed. That is, the control unit 21 first determines whether or not the panel login operation has been performed, and if it determines that the panel login operation has not been performed, determines whether or not the card login operation has been performed. good.

Before starting the login operation, the operation panel 16 displays a non-login screen. On the non-login screen, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of function keys 31 corresponding to various detailed functions are displayed side by side. Specifically, on the non-login screen shown in FIG. 5, three function keys 31 are displayed in a horizontal row. The function key 31 on the left corresponds to the function of reading an original using the scanning function and uploading the read image data to a server on the Internet. The central function key 31 corresponds to a function of reading a document by a scanning function and transmitting the read image data to a PC connected to the USB interface 15 . The function key 31 on the right corresponds to the function of reading a document by the scanning function and transmitting the read image data to a PC connected to the LAN interface 13 via the LAN3. Also, a user name display box 32 is displayed at the top of the non-login screen. User name display box 32 displays the name of the user logged in to MFP 2 . When the user has not logged in, for example, the characters "Public" are displayed. Furthermore, a shortcut selection screen display key 33 is displayed at the lower left corner of the non-login screen.

In the panel login operation, the user name display box 32 is pressed on the non-login screen. In response to this pressing operation, the control unit 21 switches the display screen of the operation panel 16 from the non-login screen to the user menu screen. On the user menu screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, a user switching key 34 is displayed.

When the user switching key 34 is pressed on the user menu screen, the control unit 21 switches the display screen of the operation panel 16 from the user menu screen to the user switching screen. On the user switching screen, as shown in FIG. 7, three user name keys 35 are arranged vertically and displayed. User name "USERA" of user A is displayed on the user name key 35 at the top. User B's user name "USERB" is displayed on the user name key 35 in the center. The user name key 35 at the bottom displays the user name "USERC" of the user C. FIG.

When one of the user name keys 35 is pressed on the user switching screen, the control unit 21 switches the display screen of the operation panel 16 from the user switching screen to the password (PIN) input screen. On the password entry screen, as shown in FIG. 8, a password entry box 36 is displayed above it. A numeric keypad 37 is displayed below the password input box 36 . A backspace key 38 is displayed on the right side of the password input box 36 . Also, an OK key 39 is displayed at the lower right corner of the password input screen. When the numeric keypad 37 is pressed, the numbers forming the password are entered in the password entry box 36 . By pressing the backspace key 38, the last input number is erased.

When the OK key 39 is pressed after the password is entered in the password input box 36, the panel login operation ends.

When determining that the panel login operation has been performed (S12: YES), the control unit 21 executes login processing according to the panel login operation (S13). In this login process, the control unit 21 refers to the information management table to determine whether the combination of the user name of the user corresponding to the user name key 35 pressed on the user switching screen and the password entered on the password input screen is Determine whether or not it is included in the information management table. Then, if the combination of the user name and password is included in the user management table, the control unit 21 puts the user in a login state, and if the combination of the user name and password is not included in the user management table, the user is not brought into a login state, and a screen for notifying that the login has failed is displayed on the operation panel 16.例文帳に追加

When the user is logged in, the control unit 21 switches the display of the operation panel 16 from the password input screen to the login screen. The configuration of the login screen is the same as that of the non-login screen, as shown in FIG. If there is, its username "USERA" is displayed.

After the login process, the control unit 21 determines whether or not a certain period of time has passed since the login process ended, that is, when the user entered the login state (S14). When the user name display box 32 is pressed on the login screen, the function lock screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. When the controller 21 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S14: NO), it determines whether the card information edit key 41 has been pressed on the function lock screen (S15). On the function lock screen, in addition to the card information edit key 41, selection keys 42 such as a user switching key are displayed vertically.

When the control unit 21 determines that the card information edit key 41 has not been pressed (S15: NO), the shortcut selection screen display key 33 is pressed on the login screen, and the operation panel is displayed in response to the pressing operation. It is determined whether or not the shortcut key 42 has been pressed on the shortcut selection screen displayed in 16 (S16). On the shortcut selection screen, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of shortcut allocation keys 43 are displayed in a matrix. Specifically, on the shortcut selection screen shown in FIG. 11, six shortcut allocation keys 43 are displayed in a matrix of 2 rows×3 columns. A “+” symbol is displayed on the shortcut assignment key 43 . By assigning the shortcut registration to the shortcut assignment key 43 , the shortcut assignment key 43 is changed to the shortcut key 42 , and the shortcut name of the assigned shortcut registration is displayed on the shortcut key 42 . On the shortcut selection screen shown in FIG. 11, the shortcut allocation key 43 on the upper left is changed to the shortcut key 42, and the shortcut name "ScanToUSB" is displayed on the shortcut key 42. FIG.

When determining that the shortcut key 42 has been pressed (S16: YES), the control unit 21 displays the shortcut screen on the operation panel 16 (S17). On the shortcut screen, as shown in FIG. 12, various settings registered as shortcuts are displayed. On the shortcut screen shown in FIG. 12, the shortcut registration setting contents of the shortcut name "ScanToUSB", the image data file format is set to "PDF multi-page", double-sided scanning is set to "OFF", and the scanning resolution is set to "OFF". It is displayed that "200 dpi" is set and "color" indicating execution of color reading is set. At the bottom of the shortcut screen, an option key 44, a card registration key 45 and a start key 46 are displayed side by side.

On the other hand, when the controller 21 determines that the shortcut key 42 has not been pressed on the shortcut selection screen (S16: NO), it determines whether the shortcut allocation key 43 has been pressed (S18). When the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut allocation key 43 has not been pressed (S18: NO), it determines again whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed since the user entered the login state (S14). ).

If the controller 21 determines that the shortcut allocation key 43 has been pressed (S18: YES), it registers a new shortcut (S19).

In the processing related to shortcut registration, the control unit 21 first causes the operation panel 16 to display the first content selection screen. On the first content selection screen, as shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of first content selection keys 51 are displayed vertically. The first content selection key 51 is a key for the user to select and set the basic part of the operation content of the detailed function, that is, the basic operation. The first content selection key 51 displays operation names such as "Scan" corresponding to a scanning operation and "Fax" corresponding to a facsimile operation.

When any one of the first content selection keys 51 is pressed, the control section 21 switches the display of the operation panel 16 from the first content selection screen to the second content selection screen. On the second content selection screen, as shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of second content selection keys 52 are displayed vertically. The second content selection key 52 is a key for the user to select and set an action associated with the basic action set by pressing the first content selection key 51 on the first content selection screen. By setting the basic operation and the operation associated with the basic operation, the operation contents of the detailed function are determined. The second content selection screen shown in FIG. 14 is a screen displayed when the first content selection key 51 related to the scanning operation is pressed on the first content selection screen. Through the operation, the destination of the image data read by the scanning operation can be selected and set.

When any one of the second content selection keys 52 is pressed, the control unit 21 switches the display of the operation panel 16 from the second content selection screen to the setting content change screen. On the setting content change screen, as shown in FIG. 15, the basic action set by pressing the first content selection key 51 and the action set by pressing the second content selection key 52 are combined. The shortcut name corresponding to the operation content is displayed at the top, and the standard setting content corresponding to the operation content is also displayed. On the setting content change screen shown in FIG. 15, the file format of the image data is set to "PDF multi-page", "OFF" indicating non-execution of double-sided reading is set, and the reading resolution is set to "200 dpi". , and that "color" representing execution of color reading is set is displayed as a standard setting content. At the bottom of the setting content change screen, an option key 53 and a shortcut save key 54 are displayed side by side. When the option key 53 is pressed, the control unit 21 causes the operation panel 16 to display a screen (not shown) that allows the user to change the settings. After the setting content is changed on the screen, when an instruction to reflect the change is input from the operation panel 16, the control part 21 displays the setting content change screen on which the setting content is changed on the operation panel 16.例文帳に追加

When the shortcut save key 54 is pressed on the setting content change screen, the control unit 21 switches the display of the operation panel 16 from the setting content change screen to the setting content confirmation screen. On the setting content confirmation screen, as shown in FIG. 16, the setting content to be registered as a shortcut, that is, the setting content displayed when the shortcut save key 54 is pressed on the setting content change screen is displayed in the setting content display window 55. to be displayed. Also, an OK key 56 is displayed at the lower right corner of the setting content confirmation screen.

When the OK key 56 is pressed on the setting content confirmation screen, the control unit 21 stores the setting content displayed in the setting content display window 55 in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the shortcut name. This completes registration of a new shortcut in response to pressing of the shortcut allocation key 43 on the shortcut selection screen. In response to this, the control unit 21 switches the setting content confirmation screen to the shortcut selection screen. On the shortcut selection screen shown in FIG. 17, the shortcut allocation key 43 pressed on the shortcut selection screen before shortcut registration is changed to the shortcut key 42 and the shortcut name is displayed on the shortcut key 42 . In the example shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the shortcut name "ScanToUSB" is normally displayed. In the example, the shortcut name "Shortcut2" is displayed.

After the new shortcut is registered in this way, or without the new shortcut being registered, the shortcut selection screen is displayed on the operation panel 16, and the shortcut key 42 is pressed on the shortcut selection screen. When the shortcut screen is displayed on the operation panel 16, the controller 21 determines whether or not the card registration key 45 has been pressed (S20). When the control unit 21 determines that the card registration key 45 has not been pressed (S20: NO), the control unit 21 determines again whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed since the user entered the login state (S14). ).

When determining that the card registration key 45 has been pressed (S20: YES), the control section 21 displays a card registration screen on the operation panel 16 (S21). On the card registration screen, an OK key 61 is displayed as shown in FIG. Above the OK key 61 , a user name of the logged-in user and a message instructing the user to touch the IC card 5 and press the OK key 61 are displayed.

After that, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the IC card 5 touches the touch portion of the NFC interface 17 (S22 in FIG. 4B). If the control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 has not been touched (S22: NO), it determines whether a certain period of time has elapsed since the card registration screen was displayed (S23). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (S23: NO), the control unit 21 determines again whether the IC card 5 has been touched on the touch portion of the NFC interface 17 (S22). If the control unit 21 determines that a certain period of time has elapsed since the card registration screen was displayed (S23: YES), it executes logout processing (S24), cancels the user's login state, and operates the non-login screen. displayed on the panel 16. In this case, the registration process returns to the beginning.

If the IC card 5 is touched on the touch portion of the NFC interface 17 within a certain period of time from the display of the card registration screen (S22: YES), the control unit 21 controls the touched IC card 5 to It is determined whether or not it has been registered for user login (S25). Whether or not the IC card 5 has already been registered for another user's login is determined by the information management table in which the card number of the IC card 5 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 22, which is different from the user name of the logged-in user. It can be determined by whether or not it is associated with the user name.

If the control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 has already been registered for another user's login (S25: YES), it causes the operation panel 16 to display an already-used notification screen (S26). As shown in FIG. 19, the already-used notification screen displays the message "The card is being used by another user and cannot be registered." After displaying the used notification screen, the control unit 21 determines again whether or not the IC card 5 has touched the touch portion of the NFC interface 17 (S22).

If the control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 has not been registered for another user's login (S25: NO), the control unit 21 determines whether a shortcut has not been registered in the IC card 5 (S27). When the card number of the IC card 5 is not associated with the shortcut registration, that is, when the card number of the IC card 5 is not stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in correspondence with the setting information and the shortcut name for which the shortcut is registered, Control unit 21 determines that the shortcut is not registered in IC card 5 . On the other hand, if the card number of the IC card 5 has already been associated with shortcut registration, that is, the card number of the IC card 5 is associated with the shortcut registered setting information and the shortcut name and stored in the nonvolatile memory 22. If there is, the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut is not unregistered in the IC card 5 .

If the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut is not unregistered in the IC card 5 (S27: NO), it causes the operation panel 16 to display a registration notification screen (S28). On the already registered notification screen, as shown in FIG. 20, a Yes key 62 and a No key 63 are displayed side by side, and above them, "A shortcut has already been registered on this card. Overwrite." Is it?" message is displayed.

After displaying the already-registered notification screen, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to overwrite and register the shortcut in the IC card 5 (S29). When the Yes key 62 is pressed on the registration notification screen, the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut is overwritten and registered in the IC card 5 . On the other hand, when the No key 63 is pressed on the registration notification screen, the control unit 21 determines not to overwrite and register the shortcut in the IC card 5 . If the control unit 21 determines not to overwrite and register the shortcut in the IC card 5 (S29: NO), the control unit 21 determines again whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed since the user entered the login state (see FIG. 4A). S14).

If the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut is overwritten and registered in the IC card 5 (S29: YES), or if it determines that the shortcut is not registered in the IC card 5 (S27: YES), the IC card 5 A shortcut is registered (S30). That is, the control unit 21 associates the card number of the IC card 5 with the setting information and the shortcut name corresponding to the shortcut screen displayed on the operation panel 16 before the card registration screen, and stores it in the nonvolatile memory 22 ( S30).

After that, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the IC card 5 has been registered for login by the logged-in user (S31). Whether or not the IC card 5 has been registered for login by the logged-in user is determined by associating the card number of the IC card 5 with the user name of the logged-in user in the information management table stored in the nonvolatile memory 22. It can be determined by whether or not the

If the control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 has been registered for the login of the logged-in user (S31: YES), it determines again whether or not a certain period of time has passed since the user entered the logged-in state. (S14 in FIG. 4A).

If the control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 has not been registered for login by the logged-in user (S31: NO), the control unit 21 causes the operation panel 16 to display a login registration confirmation screen, and allows the IC card 5 to be placed in the logged-in state. It is determined whether or not to register for user login (S32). On the login registration confirmation screen, as shown in FIG. 21, a Yes key 64 and a No key 65 are displayed side by side, and a message "Do you want to use this card for login?" is displayed.

When the Yes key 64 is pressed on the login registration confirmation screen, the control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 is to be registered for login by the logged-in user (S32: YES), and registers the IC card 5 as the logged-in user. is registered for login (S33). That is, the control unit 21 adds the card number of the IC card 5 to the information management table stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the user name of the logged-in user. After that, the control unit 21 determines again whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed since the user entered the login state (S14 in FIG. 4A).

When the No key 65 is pressed on the login registration screen, the control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 is not to be registered for the login of the logged-in user (S33: YES), and the IC card 5 is registered to the logged-in user. It is determined again whether or not a certain period of time has passed since the user entered the login state without registering the user for login (S14 in FIG. 4A).

On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines that the card information edit key 41 has been pressed on the login screen (S15 in FIG. 4A: YES), it determines whether the IC card 5 of the logged-in user is registered for login. (S34 in FIG. 4C). If the information management table stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 does not contain the card number associated with the user name of the logged-in user, the control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 of the logged-in user is used for login. It is determined that the user is not registered (S34: NO), and it is determined again whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed since the user entered the login state (S14 in FIG. 4A).

If the information management table stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 contains a card number associated with the user name of the logged-in user, the control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 of the logged-in user is used for login. It is determined that it is registered (S34: YES). In this case, the control unit 21 determines whether or not a shortcut is registered in the IC card 5 of the logged-in user (S35). When the card number of the IC card 5 is stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the setting information and the shortcut name in which the shortcut is registered, the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut is registered in the IC card 5. . On the other hand, if the card number of the IC card 5 is not stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the setting information and the shortcut name in which the shortcut is registered, the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut is not registered in the IC card 5. to decide.

If the control unit 21 determines that a shortcut has been registered in the IC card 5 of the logged-in user (S35: YES), the operation panel 16 displays a shortcut registration deletion confirmation screen for confirming the deletion of registration of the shortcut with the user. is displayed (S36). On the shortcut registration deletion confirmation screen, although not shown as a diagram, for example, a Yes key and a No key are displayed side by side, and a message "Are you sure you want to delete the shortcut registration?" is displayed above them. be done.

After that, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to delete the registration of the shortcut (S37). When the Yes key is pressed on the shortcut registration deletion confirmation screen, the control unit 21 determines deletion of the shortcut registration (S37: YES), and deletes the shortcut for the IC card 5 of the logged-in user in the nonvolatile memory 22. Delete the registration (S38). Specifically, from the state in which the setting information and the shortcut name are stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 5 of the logged-in user, the association is canceled and the setting information and the shortcut name are stored. The card number of the IC card 5 cut off from the name is erased from the nonvolatile memory 22.例文帳に追加Then, the control unit 21 causes the operation panel 16 to display a login registration deletion confirmation screen (S39). On the other hand, when the No key is pressed on the shortcut registration deletion confirmation screen, the control unit 21 determines not to delete the shortcut registration (S37: NO), and does not delete the shortcut registration, and confirms the login registration deletion. The screen is displayed on the operation panel 16 (S39). If the control unit 21 determines that no shortcut is registered in the IC card 5 of the logged-in user (S35: NO), the control unit 21 displays a login registration deletion confirmation screen on the operation panel 16 (S39).

On the login registration deletion confirmation screen, although not shown in the figure, for example, a Yes key and a No key are displayed side by side, and above them, "Are you sure you want to delete the registration of the card for login?" message is displayed. When the Yes key is pressed on the login registration deletion confirmation screen, the control unit 21 determines deletion of the login registration of the IC card 5 of the logged-in user (S40: YES). In this case, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the shortcut is valid even when the registration of the IC card 5 for login is deleted (S41). When the registration of the IC card 5 for login is deleted, the shortcut associated with the card number, which is the identification information of the IC card 5, becomes a shortcut that any user does not have the authority to use, that is, the shortcut that has the specific authority. If the shortcut can be used only by the assigned user, the shortcut becomes invalid. Conversely, if the shortcut associated with the card number of the IC card 5 is a shortcut that any user has the authority to use, even if the registration of the IC card 5 for login is deleted, the shortcut remains valid. be. For example, if a user (Public) without specific authority cannot use the scan function, and User A, who has the authority to use the scan function, has registered a shortcut with the shortcut name "ScanToUSB", user A's When the registration of the IC card 5 for login is deleted, the shortcut becomes invalid.

Then, if the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut is valid even when the registration of the IC card 5 for login is deleted (S41: YES), the information management table stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 By deleting the card number associated with the user name of the logged-in user, the registration for login is deleted (S42). After that, the control unit 21 determines again whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed since the user entered the login state (S14 in FIG. 4A).

When the controller 21 determines that the shortcut is invalidated when the registration of the IC card 5 for login is deleted (S41: NO), the shortcut is invalidated by deleting the registration of the IC card 5 for login. A warning to that effect is displayed on the operation panel 16 (S43). After that, the control unit 21 determines again whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed since the user entered the login state (S14 in FIG. 4A).

When the control unit 21 determines that the user has performed a card login operation (S11: YES), the control unit 21 executes login processing according to the card login operation (S44 in FIG. 4A). In this login process, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the card number read from the IC card 5 touched on the touch portion of the NFC interface 17 is included in the information management table. Then, if the card number is included in the user management table, the control unit 21 puts the user in the login state, and if the card number is not included in the user management table, the control unit 21 does not put the user in the login state, and the login fails. The operation panel 16 is caused to display a screen for notifying that the operation has been performed.

After executing the login process, the control unit 21 determines whether or not a shortcut is registered in the IC card 5 used for the card login operation (S45). When the card number of the IC card 5 is stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the setting information and the shortcut name in which the shortcut is registered, the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut is registered in the IC card 5. (S45: YES). In this case, the control unit 21 controls the image forming unit 11, the image reading unit 12, etc., and executes the detailed functions according to the setting information associated with the card number of the IC card 5 (S46: shortcut execution). After that, the control unit 21 determines whether or not a certain period of time has passed since the user entered the login state (S14).

If the card number of the IC card 5 is not stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the setting information and the shortcut name in which the shortcut is registered, the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut is not registered in the IC card 5. (S45: NO), it is determined whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed since the user entered the login state (S14).

If the control unit 21 determines that a certain period of time has passed since the user entered the logged-in state (S14: YES), the control unit 21 executes logout processing (S47), cancels the logged-in state of the user, and cancels the logged-in state of the user. A screen is displayed on the operation panel 16 . In this case, the registration process returns to the beginning.

<Effect>
As described above, in a state in which the setting information registered as a shortcut and the card number of the IC card 5 are stored in association with each other in the non-volatile memory 22, the card number, user name and password are associated with each other and stored. be able to. That is, it is possible to flexibly store the setting information and the user name and password information, which are the authentication information, in association with the card number.

The setting information registered as a shortcut and the card number of the IC card 5 are stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with each other, and the user name and password are stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number. , in response to an instruction to cancel the registration of the IC card 5 for login, that is, in response to an instruction to delete the card number associated with the user name, without canceling the association between the setting information and the card number. , the association between the user name and password and the card number is released. As a result, the setting information registered as a shortcut can be left in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the card number.

When the user selects to register the IC card 5 for login on the login registration confirmation screen when the user is in the login state by the panel login operation, the user name entered by the panel login operation is the card number of the IC card 5. and stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the password. Therefore, in order to register the IC card 5 for login, the user does not need to input the user name and password again. Therefore, the trouble required for registering the IC card 5 for login is reduced.

Further, when registering the IC card 5 for login, if the IC card 5 has already been registered for another user's login, the registration of the IC card 5 for login is not permitted. As a result, it is possible to prevent another user's IC card 5 from being overwritten and registered for login by a logged-in user.

<Modification>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can also be implemented in other forms.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, information such as shortcut registered setting information and an information management table is stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 of the MFP 2 . However, such information may be stored in a server communicatively connected to MFP2.

In the above-described embodiment, an example of the external medium is the IC card 5, and an example of the reader is the NFC interface 17 that reads the card number from the IC card 5 by NFC communication. However, an example of the external medium may be a magnetic card, and an example of the reading unit may be a magnetic card reader. An example of the external medium may be a medium having a one-dimensional barcode, and an example of the reading unit may be a barcode reader. An example of the external medium may be a medium having a QR code (registered trademark), and an example of the reading unit may be a QR code reader. Further, an example of the external medium is a communication terminal capable of wireless communication by Bluetooth (registered trademark), and an example of the reading unit is an interface capable of wireless communication by Bluetooth (registered trademark). may An example of the external medium is a communication terminal capable of wireless communication by Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and an example of the reading unit is an interface capable of wireless communication by Wi-Fi (registered trademark). There may be.

Furthermore, as indicated by the dashed line in FIG. It may be transmitted to MFP2.

In addition, various design changes can be made to the above configuration within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

1: System 2: MFP
5: IC card 11: Image forming unit 12: Image reading unit 16: Operation panel 17, 101: NFC interface 21: Control unit 22: Non-volatile memory

The information processing apparatus and system exemplified in the mode for carrying out the invention flexibly perform a process of associating setting information and authentication information regarding functions with identification information read from a medium and storing them in a storage unit. The purpose is to enable

To achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus exemplified in the embodiments of the invention includes a reading unit, a function execution unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit comprises the reading unit reading the identification information from the medium, and when receiving an instruction to register setting information related to a function to be executed by the function executing unit, associate the setting information with the identification information read by the reading unit. a first storage process for storing the authentication information in the storage unit after receiving an instruction to register the authentication information for login; and the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the authentication information and the setting information. and a second storage process of associating and storing in the storage unit.

In addition, the configuration for achieving the above object can be realized not only in the form of an information processing device, but also, for example, a system including the information processing device, an information processing method in the information processing device, and a computer of the information processing device. It can also be realized in the form of a program.

According to the configuration exemplified in the mode for carrying out the invention , it is possible to flexibly perform the process of associating the setting information and the authentication information regarding the function with the identification information read from the medium and storing them in the storage unit. .

Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Modification>
As mentioned above , although one embodiment was described , it can also implement in another form.

Claims (11)

a reading unit;
a function execution unit;
a storage unit;
a control unit;
The control unit
a reading process for causing the reading unit to read identification information from a medium;
a first storage process of associating the setting information with the identification information read by the reading unit and storing the setting information in the storage unit when an instruction to register setting information related to a function to be executed by the function execution unit is received;
A second storage for storing in the storage unit in association with the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the authentication information when an instruction to register authentication information for login is received. perform the processing and
An information processing device characterized by: The information processing device according to claim 1,
The control unit
In a state in which the setting information and the identification information are associated and stored in the storage unit and the authentication information and the identification information are associated and stored in the storage unit, a deregistration instruction for the authentication information is provided. is received, executing a cancellation process for canceling the association between the authentication information and the identification information without canceling the association between the setting information and the identification information;
An information processing device characterized by: The information processing device according to claim 2,
a first judgment for judging whether or not the setting information stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information is valid in a state where the association between the authentication information and the identification information is cancelled; processing;
If a negative determination is made in the first determination process, a first restriction process for restricting execution of the release process is performed;
An information processing device characterized by: The information processing device according to claim 2,
a first judgment for judging whether or not the setting information stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information is valid in a state where the association between the authentication information and the identification information is cancelled; processing;
a first notification process for notifying that the setting information becomes invalid when the association between the authentication information and the identification information is canceled if a negative determination is made in the first determination process;
An information processing device characterized by: The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
further comprising a user interface,
The control unit
In the second memory processing, when the authentication information is received from the user interface and the user is logged in and an instruction to register the authentication information is received, the authentication information received from the user interface corresponds to the identification information. attached and stored in the storage unit;
An information processing device characterized by: The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The control unit
a second determination process for determining whether the authentication information and the identification information are stored in association with each other in the storage unit;
When affirmative determination is made in the second determination process, the authentication information different from the authentication information stored in the storage unit and the identification information stored in the storage unit are restricted from being stored in association with each other. and performing a second restriction process to
An information processing device characterized by: The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
the function execution unit includes a scan engine that reads an image from a document;
The setting information includes information specifying at least one of the resolution, layout, scaling conditions, aggregation conditions, color/monochrome conditions, file format, and output destination of the image read by the scan engine.
An information processing device characterized by: The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
the function execution unit includes an image forming engine that forms an image on a sheet;
The setting information includes information specifying at least one of resolution, layout, scaling conditions, aggregation conditions, color/monochrome conditions, and number of copies of images formed by the image forming engine.
An information processing device characterized by: a reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium;
a storage unit;
a control unit;
A system comprising an information processing device comprising a function execution unit,
The control unit
a reading process for causing the reading unit to read the identification information from the medium;
a first storage process of associating the setting information with the identification information read by the reading unit and storing the setting information in the storage unit when an instruction to register setting information related to a function to be executed by the function execution unit is received;
A second storage for storing the authentication information in association with the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the setting information when an instruction to register authentication information for login is received. perform the processing and
A system characterized by: a reading unit;
a function execution unit;
An information processing method in an information processing device comprising a storage unit,
a reading process for causing the reading unit to read identification information from a medium;
a first storage process of associating the setting information with the identification information read by the reading unit and storing the setting information in the storage unit when an instruction to register setting information related to a function to be executed by the function execution unit is received;
A second storage for storing in the storage unit in association with the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the authentication information when an instruction to register authentication information for login is received. processing, including
An information processing method characterized by: a reading unit;
a function execution unit;
A program installed in a computer of an information processing device comprising a storage unit,
to the computer;
a reading process for causing the reading unit to read identification information from a medium;
a first storage process of associating the setting information with the identification information read by the reading unit and storing the setting information in the storage unit when an instruction to register setting information related to a function to be executed by the function execution unit is received;
A second storage for storing in the storage unit in association with the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the authentication information when an instruction to register authentication information for login is received. to perform a process and
A program characterized by:

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