JP4849677B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and a storage medium, and in particular, has a first operation mode for unspecified users and a second operation mode for specific users, and a plurality of users Relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and a storage medium.

  Office devices such as copiers, fax machines, and scanners can be easily shared by an unspecified number of users.

  Therefore, in order to ensure security in the office, a technique has been proposed in which user management is performed in the office device and user authentication is performed to identify the current operator of the office device.

In recent years, more and more security has been emphasized. For this reason, techniques for managing the operating environment settings of office equipment for each user who has succeeded in user authentication have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
JP 2001-306204 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-149061

  However, when updating the type of office equipment that has been common until now to the above-mentioned equipment with built-in security functions such as user management and user authentication, or to replace the office equipment with already built-in security functions. When purchased in the office and installed in the office, it is necessary for the administrator of the office device to make the necessary settings for many items with a lot of time and the burden on the administrator is heavy.

  Further, since the office device cannot be used until the setting performed by each user is completed, the user who shares the office device feels unusable. This is because the user generally prioritizes the ease of use over the high security, and even the time required for the setting feels useless.

  Furthermore, the poor usability described above has been a factor that hinders the introduction of new office equipment incorporating a security function into the office.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and a storage capable of improving usability even when the user has a function that needs to switch and manage setting data for each user, such as a security function. To provide a medium.

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus of the present invention has a first operation mode for unspecified users and a second operation mode for specific users, and is information that can be shared by a plurality of users. In the processing device, the first setting information dedicated to each specific user and the second setting having the same setting items as the first setting information and shared by at least some of the specific users Storage means for storing information and third setting information having the same setting items as the first setting information and shared by the unspecified user, and the second setting according to the operation mode Data switching means for switching setting data between the information and the third setting information is provided.

In order to achieve the above object, the information processing method of the present invention has a first operation mode for unspecified users and a second operation mode for specific users, and is information that can be shared by a plurality of users. An information processing method for a processing apparatus, wherein first setting information dedicated to each specific user and setting items identical to the first setting information and at least some of the specific users are specified A storage step for storing second setting information to be shared and third setting information having the same setting items as the first setting information and shared by the unspecified user, and according to the operation mode And a data switching step for switching setting data between the second setting information and the third setting information.

In order to achieve the above object, a program of the present invention has a first operation mode for an unspecified user and a second operation mode for a specific user, and an information processing apparatus that can be shared by a plurality of users A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the first setting information dedicated to each specific user has the same setting items as the first setting information and is at least a part of the specific user A storage module for storing second setting information shared by the specific user and third setting information having the same setting items as the first setting information and shared by the unspecified user; A data switching module that switches setting data between the second setting information and the third setting information according to a mode is provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, a storage medium of the present invention stores the above program.

According to the present invention, the setting data is switched between the second setting information shared by the specific user and the third setting information shared by the unspecified user according to the operation mode. In other words, depending on whether the operation mode of the information processing apparatus is the first operation mode for an unspecified user or the second operation mode for a specific user, the first to third are automatically performed. Among these setting information, at least the second and third setting information are flexibly operated. This eliminates the need for the user to perform both the setting relating to the first operation mode and the setting relating to the second operation mode of the information processing apparatus. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use information processing apparatus in which a data switching function related to switching of operation modes is newly added. For this reason, new introduction of office equipment into the office can be promoted.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance of a scanner as an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A scanner 10 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to perform a scanning operation for reading an image of a conveyed document, and is an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The scanner 10 as the information processing apparatus includes a sheet feed reading unit 11 that reads an image of a conveyed document and a touch screen 12 that functions as a GUI.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet feed reading unit 11 includes a document placing table 11a on which a document is placed, and a paper discharge unit 11b for discharging the document after reading an image. A motor (not shown) for conveying a document placed on the table 11a and an image reading sensor (not shown) for reading an image of the document and acquiring it as image data are included.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the scanner 10 of FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the scanner 10 includes a system bus 21 for transmitting information, a CPU 22 connected to the system bus 21, a flash memory 23 as a nonvolatile storage medium, and a RAM 24.

  The CPU 22 executes processing for instructing the sheet feed reading unit 11 to perform a scanning operation, user management mode switching processing in FIG.

  The flash memory 23 stores programs corresponding to processing executed by the CPU 22, various information, and the like. The RAM 24 temporarily stores acquired image data, various data, programs, and the like. Information stored in the flash memory 23 includes operation mode information for specifying whether the operation mode of the scanner 10 is a user management mode for a specific user or a user management mode for an unspecified user, There is reading setting (scan setting) information related to a scanning operation by the feed reading unit 11.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a sheet feed reading unit 11, a touch panel 25 and an LCD 26 constituting the touch screen 12 of FIG. 1, and an external communication I / F 27 are connected to the system bus 21. In the touch screen 12, the LCD 26 displays an operation screen using a GUI, and the transparent touch panel 25 receives a user operation input via the GUI. The external communication I / F 27 can transmit image data acquired by the image reading sensor to another personal computer (PC) or a server. In the present embodiment, the external communication I / F 27 is connected at least to an authentication server (not shown) that performs user authentication via a login screen 30 in FIG.

  The sheet feed reading unit 11 performs a scanning operation in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 22 and stores the acquired image data of the document in the RAM 24.

  Scan settings when the sheet feed reading unit 11 reads an image of a document are performed via an operation screen using a GUI shown in FIGS. Scan setting items include resolution, brightness, and contrast. The scan settings may be different for each user, and different scan settings for each user can be stored as data in the flash memory 23. Furthermore, the scan setting data stored in the flash memory 23 can be stored. Can also be transmitted as data unique to each user to the authentication server or the like via the external communication I / F 27.

  The scanner 10 holds data common to all users and data unique to each user, and as an operation mode, a mode without user management for an unspecified user that does not require user authentication and a specific user that requires user authentication. User management with mode.

  When the user management mode is set, user authentication is required, and only a specific user is set to be able to use the scanner 10, so that the use of a third party who is not permitted to use the scanner 10 is prevented. Yes, security is high. On the other hand, when the user management mode is not set, user authentication is not required, and it is set so that a large number of unspecified users can share data such as common destination information, so that the scanner 10 is easy to use.

  Therefore, the scanner 10 according to the present embodiment can be realized by selecting one of high security and ease of use with a single scanner, and can thereby promote new introduction into the office. is there. As will be described later, the convenience is enhanced by copying the shared address book when the user management mode is switched.

  Hereinafter, the scanning operation when the operation mode of the scanner 10 is the user management mode will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a login screen displayed on the touch screen 12 when the operation mode of the scanner 10 of FIG. 1 is the user management mode. This login screen is displayed, for example, immediately after the scanner 10 is turned on.

  The login screen 30 shown in FIG. 3 is configured so that a user name and password necessary for performing user authentication necessary in the user management mode can be input.

  Specifically, on the login screen 30, a title bar 36 indicating that the currently displayed screen is a login screen, an edit box 33 for inputting a user name, and an edit box 34 for inputting a password. In addition, an OK button 35 for confirming the characters input in the edit boxes 33 and 34 is arranged. On the login screen 30, on the left side of the edit boxes 33 and 34, for example, a text display field 31 for displaying a text “user name” indicating that the edit box 33 is an input field for a user name, and an edit box 34 are displayed. A text display field 32 for displaying a text “password” indicating a password input field is arranged.

  When inputting characters for a user name or a password, the user first selects one of the edit boxes 33 and 34 for inputting characters by tapping the surface of the touch panel 25, and then a keyboard (not shown). Use to enter the required characters. The keyboard may be a software keyboard that can be displayed on the LCD 26. In this case, the keyboard is preferably displayed after the tap.

  The authentication server is configured to perform user authentication with the user name and password input in both the edit boxes 33 and 34, and when the user succeeds in user authentication, the user can log in from the login screen 30. ing. Specifically, when the user authentication is successful, the login screen 30 transitions to the scan setting screen 40 shown in FIG. 4, thereby enabling the user to use the scanner 10.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a scan setting screen displayed on the touch screen 12 in FIG. This scan setting screen is displayed only when the user authentication is successful on the login screen 30 in the user management mode.

  The scan setting screen 40 illustrated in FIG. 4 is configured to perform scan settings related to the scan operation by the sheet feed reading unit 11 and to select or input a transmission destination of image data acquired by the scan operation.

  Specifically, on the scan setting screen 40, a title bar 49 indicating that the currently displayed screen is the scan setting screen, a transmission destination list display area 41 for confirming the transmission destination of the image data, and List boxes 42, 43, and 44 for changing scan setting values, a detailed setting button 45, a user management button 46, a cancel button 47, and a start button 48 are arranged.

  In the transmission destination list display area 41, the transmission destination of the image data set using the transmission destination designation screens 50 and 60 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 to be described later includes the type and address (including FAX number). A list is displayed in a state of being associated with each other. Thereby, the user can easily confirm the transmission destination of the image data. When the user taps the transmission destination list display area 41, the scan setting screen 40 transitions to a transmission destination designation screen 50 shown in FIG.

  The list box 42 is used for designating a desired resolution for reading an image of a document from the list. The list box 43 indicates whether a surface (reading surface) on which an image of a document is to be read is single-sided or double-sided. The list box 44 is used to specify the size or type of paper used for the original from a list such as A4, B5, postcard, or business card as the paper size of the original. Is.

  The detailed setting button 45 is pressed when the scan setting screen 40 is changed to a detailed setting screen (not shown) in order to perform more detailed settings, for example, settings relating to image processing.

  The user management button 46 is pressed to display a user management screen 70 shown in FIG.

  The cancel button 47 is pressed when executing the scanning operation by the sheet feed reading unit 11 or canceling the scan setting change. The start button 48 is pressed when the sheet feed reading unit 11 starts executing the scan operation according to the scan setting currently set via the scan setting screen 40.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a transmission destination designation screen displayed on the touch screen 12 when the transmission destination list display area 41 in FIG. 4 is tapped.

  The transmission destination designation screen 50 shown in FIG. 5 is configured not only to allow the user to select a transmission destination of image data, but also to edit an address book for displaying a list of transmission destination data. It is configured to be able to.

  Specifically, on the transmission destination designation screen 50, a title bar 512 indicating that the currently displayed screen is the transmission destination designation screen, list boxes 501, 503, an address list display area 504, a new A create button 505, an edit button 506, a delete button 507, a cancel button 508, an OK button 509, and up and down buttons 510 and 511 are arranged. On the destination designation screen 50, for example, on the left side of the list box 503, a text display area for displaying a text “destination type” indicating that the list box 503 is a list box for selecting a type of destination. 502 is provided.

  The list box 501 is for selectively specifying a desired address book from a plurality of address books. In the address book, a user who has succeeded in user authentication, i.e., a specific user stores an address for transmitting image data and the like to a predetermined transmission destination and a personal address book dedicated to the specific user, and a shared address that can be used by all the specific users There is a shared address book. Note that there may be a plurality of personal address books and shared address books dedicated to specific users.

  A list box 503 is for selectively specifying a desired destination type from a list of destination types such as E-mail, FTP, PC, FAX, and printer.

  The display contents in the address list display area 504 change according to the address book and destination type selected in the list boxes 501 and 503, as will be described in detail later. When the shared address book is designated in the list box 501, the destination designation screen 50 transitions to a screen shown in FIG.

  The up / down buttons 510 and 511 are pressed when selecting a desired transmission destination from the address book, and each time the button is pressed, the display of the transmission destination selected in the address list display area 504 corresponds to one line at a time. Can be scrolled.

  A new creation button 505, an edit button 506, and a delete button 507 are pressed when the address book is edited. In editing the address book, it is possible to newly register a destination in the address book, edit information related to the destination selected from the address book, and delete the destination selected from the address book. More specifically, when the new creation button 505 or the edit button 506 is pressed, a transition is made to a transmission destination registration screen (not shown) for registering a name, address, etc. as information about the transmission destination. When the delete button 507 is pressed, a warning dialog (not shown) including a warning message “Do you really want to delete?” Is superimposed on the transmission destination designation screen 50.

  A cancel button 508 is pressed when discarding all editing results related to the address book and returning to the scan setting screen 40, while an OK button 509 saves the editing results related to the address book and is selected from the address book. This button is pressed when returning to the scan setting screen 40 in a state where the transmission destination is reflected in the transmission destination list display area 41.

  Hereinafter, the address list display area 504 will be described in detail.

  In the address list display area 504, among the transmission destinations registered in the address book designated in the list box 501, the transmission destinations corresponding to the transmission destination type designated in the list box 503 are displayed in a list form. In the example shown in FIG. 5, “E-mail” is designated as the destination type, so that only the E-mail address extracted from the address book is displayed in the address list display area 504. If the destination type is changed to FTP, FAX, or the like using the list box 503, an address book in which only the address and FAX number corresponding to the changed destination type are extracted is the address list display area. Is displayed at 504.

  In the address list display area 504, the name of the transmission destination of image data, the address, and check information indicating whether transmission of image data to the address is in a selected state are associated with each other.

  Specifically, in the address list display area 504, a check box column for displaying check information as “◯” and “×” is arranged as the first column, and transmission is performed as the second column. A name display column for displaying the destination name is arranged, and an address display column for displaying the destination address is arranged as the third column. In the first row of the address list display area 504, the headings “Send”, “Name”, and “Address” of each column are displayed, and the second to sixth rows have a predetermined order. A part or all of the destinations arranged in the above are displayed.

  In the row corresponding to the location tapped by the user in the address list display area 504, for example, the fourth row, the display color changes as shown in FIG. 5, so that the transmission destination displayed in the row is changed. Selected state. When the edit button 506 or the delete button 507 is pressed in the selected state, the destination address in the selected state can be edited or deleted. Further, when the user taps the display part of the transmission destination in the selected state again, it is set as the transmission destination of the image data, whereby the display content of the first check box column is changed from “×” to “O”. To change. If the destination is already set, the setting can be canceled. For example, the display content of the first check box column for the destination in the second row is “◯”. Sometimes, when the user taps the display portion in the second row again, the display content of the cell in the first column can be changed to “x”.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a transmission destination designation screen displayed on the touch screen 12 when a shared address is designated in the list box 501 in FIG. This destination designation screen is displayed, for example, when a shared address book is designated in the list box 501 in FIG. This transmission destination designation screen may be displayed instead of the transmission destination designation screen 50 in FIG. 5 when the user taps the transmission destination list display area 41 in FIG.

  The transmission destination designation screen 60 shown in FIG. 6 is configured in the same manner as the transmission destination designation screen 50 shown in FIG. 5 except that the address book designated in the list box 601 is a “shared address book”. The address list display area 604 is arranged in place of the address list display area 504. In the address list display area 604, a shared address book shared by all users who have logged in from the login screen 30 in FIG. 3 is displayed.

  5 and 6, the user can easily select and set the transmission destination of the image data from the address list display areas 504 and 604. When the OK buttons 509 and 609 are pressed after this selection setting, the transmission destination designation screens 50 and 60 in FIGS. 5 and 6 return to the scan setting screen 40 in FIG. 4, and the transmission destination list display in FIG. 4 is displayed. In the area 41, only the address of the destination for which “◯” is displayed in the check box column in the address list display areas 504 and 604 of FIGS. 5 and 6 is displayed.

  In the description of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the transmission destination is selectively set by the list boxes 501, 601, and 503 and the tap by the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may be comprised so that a transmission destination can be set or changed using the apparatus on the network connected via I / F27.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a user management screen displayed on the touch screen 12 in FIG. This user management screen is displayed when the user management button 46 on the scan setting screen 40 in FIG. 4 is pressed.

  The user management screen 70 shown in FIG. 7 allows, for example, the administrator of the scanner 10 to edit user information such as the user name of a user (registered user) who can log in from the login screen 30 of FIG. In addition to being configured, it is configured to be able to make settings related to the authentication server.

  Specifically, on the user management screen 70, a title bar 79 indicating that the currently displayed screen is the user management screen, a user name list display area 71, a new creation button 72, and an edit button 73. A delete button 74, a cancel button 75, an OK button 76, an authentication server setting button 77, and a check box 78 are arranged. On the user management screen 70, for example, on the right side of the check box 78, text “Use authentication server” indicating that the check box 78 is a list box for specifying whether or not to perform user management on the authentication server is text. It is displayed.

  The user name list display area 71 displays a list of user names of registered users. For example, when the number of registered users exceeds 5, for example, registered user names that can be displayed in the user name list display area 71 are displayed below the user name list display area 71 on the user management screen 70. It is preferable to display an up / down button for scrolling one line at a time in the direction.

  A new creation button 72, an edit button 73, and a delete button 74 are pressed when editing user information of a registered user. In editing user information, new registration of a user name of a new user in the user name list display area 71, editing of user information of a registered user selected from the user name list display area 71, and user name list display area The user information of the registered user selected from 71 can be deleted.

  More specifically, when the new creation button 72 or the edit button 73 is pressed, a transition is made to a user registration screen (not shown) for registering a user name, password, etc. as user information. When a new user is registered on this user registration screen, the shared address book is automatically added to the personal address book before the new user edits a new personal address book unique to the registered user. Is preferably copied, and more preferably, this copying is performed when a new user is newly registered. As a result, a new user can create a personal address book simply by editing the same contents as the shared address book, so that troubles such as keyboard input of the address can be greatly reduced, and the convenience of the scanner 10 can be reduced. Can be improved.

  When the delete button 74 is pressed, a warning dialog (not shown) including a warning message “Do you really want to delete?” Is superimposed on the user management screen 70. When an acknowledgment to the warning message is input via the warning dialog, the user name of the registered user selected from the user name list display area 71 is deleted from the user name list 71, and the address book, user User information such as the name and password is deleted from the flash memory 23.

  The cancel button 75 is pressed when discarding all editing results related to user registration and returning to the scan setting screen 40, while the OK button 76 saves editing results related to user registration and returns to the scan setting screen 40. Pressed when doing.

  The authentication server setting button 77 is pressed when displaying an authentication server setting screen (not shown) for setting an address on the network of the authentication server that performs user management. The authentication server may be a directory server (such as Active Directory) provided on the network. By using the directory server, user management of a plurality of scanners 10 and the like can be comprehensively performed with one authentication server. Further, a user management server (not shown) separate from the authentication server may be prepared, and user information of registered users may be stored in this user management server. In this case, a scanner is used for editing user information and the like. 10 to access the user management server via the network.

  The check box 78 is turned on when performing user management with the authentication server set on the authentication server setting screen, and is turned off when not performing the user management. As a result, the user can easily perform settings related to the authentication server. The check box 78 is used when the authentication server is not set on the authentication server setting screen, when the setting of the authentication server is not valid, or when the authentication server cannot be connected even if the setting of the authentication server is valid. , Grayed out so that it cannot be checked.

  In the present embodiment, when the authentication server setting on the authentication server setting screen is valid and the check box 78 is checked, a new creation button 72, an edit button 73, and a delete button 74 are displayed. Is grayed out so that it cannot be pressed. This prevents new registration of users and editing of user information of registered users in the scanner 10. When the user management server is prepared, the new creation button 72, the edit button 73, and the delete button 74 need not be grayed out.

  After the user management button 46 shown in FIG. 4 is pressed, the login screen 30 shown in FIG. 3 is used to check whether the user is the administrator of the scanner 10 before displaying the user management screen 70 shown in FIG. It is preferable to display a login screen similar to the above. On this login screen, the administrator's username and password are entered. Instead of such a login screen, for example, a password input screen created by hiding the edit box 33 and the text display field 31 on the login screen 30 of FIG. 3 may be displayed. As a result, the administrator only has to input the password, and the input of the user name can be omitted.

  Next, the scanning operation when the operation mode of the scanner 10 is the user management-less mode will be described focusing on the difference from when the scanner 10 is in the user management mode.

  When the operation mode of the scanner 10 is the no user management mode, the scan setting screen 40 of FIG. 4 is displayed immediately after the power is turned on. Therefore, the login screen 30 of FIG. 3 is not displayed and user authentication is not performed.

  Subsequently, when the user taps the transmission destination list display area 41 on the scan setting screen 40, the scan setting screen 40 changes to the transmission destination designation screen 60 of FIG. At this time, the shared address book in the list box 601 of the transmission destination designation screen 60 is grayed out, and no other personal address book can be designated in the list box 601. Thereby, since the personal address book for exclusive use of other specific users cannot be browsed, the security of the scanner 10 can be improved. When there are a plurality of shared address books, each shared address book can be specified in the list box 601.

  7 is preferably configured so that only the administrator of the scanner 10 can view it. However, the user management screen 70 in FIG. 7 may be configured so that a registered user different from the administrator can view, and in this case, a registered user different from the administrator can use the user via the user management screen 70. It is preferable that the information is not editable.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the user management mode switching process executed in the scanner 10 of FIG. This process is executed by the CPU 22 using the flash memory 23, the RAM 24, the touch panel 25, the LCD 26, and the like. Further, this processing is performed after the user management screen 70 shown in FIG. 7 has been edited such as new registration of a user or deletion of user information of a registered user, that is, after the number of registered users has changed, the OK button 76. This is started at the timing when is pressed or when the ON / OFF check of the check box 78 is switched.

  In FIG. 8, first, in step S801, it is determined whether or not an authentication server is used. Specifically, the CPU 22 determines that the authentication server is used when the check box 78 provided on the user management screen 70 illustrated in FIG. 7 is ON.

  When the check box 78 is ON and the authentication server is used (YES in step S801), it is determined whether or not the operation mode information stored in the flash memory 23 is a user management no mode (step S803). .

  As a result of the determination in step S803, when the operation mode information is the mode without user management, the operation mode of the scanner 10 is changed to the mode with user management (step S804).

  In the user management mode, setting information such as transmission destination designation as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 and scan setting as described with reference to FIG. 4 can be managed for each user. Furthermore, as setting information to be managed, information necessary for setting a destination PC, a mail server, and an FTP server may be included.

  Subsequently, in step S805, shared data (third setting information) such as setting information for the mode without user management currently stored in the flash memory 23 in accordance with the change of the operation mode of the scanner 10 is managed by the user management. Data switching for setting shared data (second setting information) such as setting information for the presence mode is performed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a shared address book that can be used by an unspecified user in an operation mode that does not require user authentication (non-user management mode) can be used in a mode that requires user authentication (user management mode). Data is switched to make a shared address book that can be shared and used by a specific user (registered user) who has logged in after authentication. In this embodiment, as data switching, a process is performed for making a shared address book usable only by registered users by copying a shared address book usable by unspecified users. Further, when a personal address book different from the shared address book is stored in the flash memory 23, the personal address book (for example, for the registered users A and B shown in FIG. 9) is selected only when the registered user selects it. The setting of the transmission destination designation screen 50 and the like is changed so that the personal address book 94, 95) can be used.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S803, when the operation mode information is not in the user management no mode but in the user management mode, it is not necessary to change the operation mode of the scanner 10, so the processing in steps S804 and S805 is skipped. To end this process.

  As a result of the determination in step S801, when the check box 78 is OFF and the authentication server is not used, it is determined whether or not the number of registered users is “0” (step S802). If the number of registered users is not “0” as a result of the determination, the process proceeds to step S803 to operate the scanner 10 in the user management mode. On the other hand, if the number of registered users is “0”, the scanner 10 is In order to operate in the no user management mode, the process proceeds to step S806.

  In a succeeding step S806, it is determined whether or not the operation mode information stored in the flash memory 23 is the user management mode.

  As a result of the determination in step S806, when the operation mode information is the user management mode, the operation mode of the scanner 10 is changed to the user management mode (step S807).

  In this non-user management mode, it is not necessary to manage, for each user, setting information necessary for destination specification as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 and scan settings as described with reference to FIG. .

  Subsequently, in step S808, along with the change of the operation mode of the scanner 10, the setting information data (second setting information) for the mode with user management currently stored in the flash memory 23 is used for the mode without user management. The data is switched to obtain the setting information data (third setting information). For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a shared address book shared and used by a specific user (registered user) who has logged in after user authentication can be used by an unspecified user in an operation mode that does not require user authentication. Let it be a shared address book. Further, even when a personal address book different from the shared address book is stored in the flash memory 23, the user management-less mode is an operation mode in which user authentication is not performed. The display of the transmission destination designation screen 50 is prohibited or the display setting of the transmission destination designation screen 60 is changed so that the registered user A and B personal address books 94 and 95) shown in FIG. The personal address book can be used by changing the operation mode of the scanner 10 to the mode with user management.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S806, when the operation mode information is not the user management mode but the user management mode, it is not necessary to change the operation mode of the scanner 10, and thus the processing of steps S807 and S808 is skipped. To end this process.

  According to the process of FIG. 8, for example, when the scanner 10 is newly installed in the office, if the use of the authentication server is not selected and the number of registered users is “0” (NO in step S801). , YES in step S802), the operation mode of the scanner 10 is automatically set to the no user management mode (step S807).

  In addition, shared data such as a shared address book previously set in the mode with user management is a shared address that can be automatically used by all users when the operation mode of the scanner 10 is changed to a mode without user management. It becomes shared data such as a book (step S808). Thereby, the usability of the scanner 10 can be improved.

  The same effect can be achieved not only when the scanner 10 is newly introduced but also when the number of registered users becomes “0” due to deletion of registered users.

  As described above, since the usability is improved, the introduction of the scanner 10 as an office device into the office can be promoted.

  When a check box for designating whether or not to perform user management is arranged on the user management screen 70 in FIG. 7 instead of the processing in steps S801 to S802 in FIG. 8, and this check box is ON. 8 may be changed to proceed to step S806 when the check box is OFF. Further, the process of step S802 may be omitted. In this case, when the determination result of step S801 is NO, the process proceeds to step S806.

  In addition, switching of shared data executed in step S805 or step S808 of FIG. 8 may be omitted as necessary.

  Furthermore, in the process of FIG. 8, when the number of registered users increases, for example, when a user C is newly registered, the shared address book data 93 (second setting information) is stored in the personal address book dedicated to the user C (first The setting information) may be added as a copy process. Thereby, the user C can edit a personal address book easily, and can improve usability further.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing address book data switching executed in steps S805 and S808 of FIG.

  The address book data is stored in the flash memory 23 as described above. In addition, you may store in RAM24 as needed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the address book data is stored separately in a data storage area 91 for the user management mode and a data storage area 92 for the user management mode.

  The data storage area 91 for the user management mode is specified by the shared address book data 93 that can be viewed and edited only by the registered user when operating in the user management mode and the user name “user A”. Personal address book data 94 specific to the user to be stored, personal address book data 95 specific to the user specified by the user name “user B”, and the like are stored.

  The data storage area 92 for the no user management mode stores shared address book data 96 that can be shared by unspecified users when operating in the no user management mode.

  Here, in the process of step S 805 in FIG. 8 described above, the shared address book data 96 in the data storage area 92 is copied as the shared address book data 93 into the data storage area 91. On the other hand, in the process of step S808, the shared address book data 93 in the data storage area 91 is copied into the data storage area 92 as the shared address book data 96.

  Although FIG. 9 shows an example in which the address book data is stored separately according to the operation mode of the scanner 10, information regarding the scan setting in FIG. 4 or a combination of the scan setting information and the destination information is shown. Similarly, information regarding (job) may be stored separately according to the operation mode of the scanner 10.

  Further, in the present embodiment, copy is taken as an example of data switching processing, but the present invention is not limited to copying. For example, the data storage area may not be distinguished, so that the data to be stored may be one, and the readable data may be distinguished according to the operation mode of the scanner 10. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the redundant storage of data and to effectively use the data storage area.

  In the above-described embodiment, all registered users are permitted to edit and view shared data such as the shared address book data 93. However, editing and viewing of shared data may be restricted for each user.

  In the above embodiment, the user management mode for realizing the security function of the scanner 10 is taken as an example of the operation mode of the scanner 10, but the present invention is not limited to the security function, and the setting data is switched for each user. The present invention can be applied to any operation mode that realizes a function that needs to be managed.

  In the above embodiment, the scanner 10 has a GUI such as the touch panel 25 and the LCD 26 and has a communication function such as an E-mail or FAX transmission function. Instead, an image reading apparatus such as the scanner 10 is provided. May be connected to a host computer such as a PC having a GUI and a communication function.

  In the above embodiment, the scanner 10 includes the sheet feed reading unit 11. However, instead of this, the scanner 10 may include a flat bed reading unit. The information processing apparatus according to the above embodiment may be any image processing apparatus. Instead of the image reading apparatus such as the scanner 10 described above, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile machine may be used. It may be a device or the like.

  The object of the present invention is achieved by executing the following processing. That is, a storage medium recording software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus is stored in the storage medium. This is a process of reading the program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  Moreover, the following can be used as a storage medium for supplying the program code. For example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW and other optical disks, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM Etc. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, the present invention includes a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by executing the program code read by the computer. In addition, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Cases are also included.

  Furthermore, the present invention includes a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by the following processing. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, based on an instruction of the program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing an external appearance of a scanner as an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the scanner in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a login screen displayed on the touch screen when the operation mode of the scanner of FIG. 1 is a user management mode. It is a figure which illustrates the scan setting screen displayed on the touch screen in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a transmission destination designation screen displayed on the touch screen when a transmission destination list display area in FIG. 4 is tapped. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a transmission destination designation screen displayed on the touch screen when a shared address is designated in the list box in FIG. 5. It is a figure which illustrates the user management screen displayed on the touch screen in FIG. 3 is a flowchart of user management mode switching processing executed in the scanner of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows typically the data switch of the address book performed in step S805 of FIG. 8, and S808.

Explanation of symbols

10 Scanner 11 Sheet Feed Reading Unit 12 Touch Screen 22 CPU
23 Flash memory 25 Touch panel 26 LCD
27 External communication I / F
30 login screen 40 scan setting screen 46 user management buttons 50, 60 destination designation screens 501, 601 list box 70 user management screen 71 user name list display area 77 authentication server setting button 78 check boxes 93, 96 shared address book data 94 , 95 Personal address book data

Claims (11)

In an information processing apparatus that has a first operation mode for unspecified users and a second operation mode for specific users, and that can be shared by a plurality of users,
First setting information dedicated to each specific user; second setting information having the same setting items as the first setting information and shared by at least some of the specific users; Storage means for storing third setting information that has the same setting items as the first setting information and is shared by the unspecified user;
An information processing apparatus comprising: data switching means for switching setting data between the second setting information and the third setting information according to the operation mode.   The data switching means switches the setting data using the third setting information as the second setting information in the second operation mode, and the second setting information in the first operation mode. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the setting data is switched using the third setting information as a third setting information.   The first setting information, the second setting information, and the third setting information include, as the setting items, information on a transmission destination of data processed by the information processing apparatus, and information processing apparatus that stores data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of setting information for processing. Registration means for registering a new user as the specific user;
When the new user is registered, the second setting information is used as first setting information dedicated to the new user, and other data switching means for switching the setting data is provided. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. An authentication means for performing an authentication process for specifying the specific user;
5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mode switching unit configured to switch to the second operation mode when the authentication process by the authentication unit is performed.   6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the mode switching means switches to the first operation mode when the number of the specific users is “0”.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data switching unit switches shared data of setting information as the setting data. Said data switching means, the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the switching of the shared address book data as the configuration data. An information processing method for an information processing apparatus having a first operation mode for an unspecified user and a second operation mode for a specific user, which can be shared by a plurality of users,
First setting information dedicated to each specific user; second setting information having the same setting items as the first setting information and shared by at least some of the specific users; A storage step for storing third setting information that has the same setting items as the first setting information and is shared by the unspecified user;
An information processing method comprising: a data switching step of switching setting data between the second setting information and the third setting information according to the operation mode. A program that causes a computer to execute an information processing method of an information processing apparatus that has a first operation mode for an unspecified user and a second operation mode for a specific user and that can be shared by a plurality of users,
First setting information dedicated to each specific user; second setting information having the same setting items as the first setting information and shared by at least some of the specific users; A storage module for storing third setting information that has the same setting items as the first setting information and is shared by the unspecified user;
A program comprising: a data switching module for switching setting data between the second setting information and the third setting information according to the operation mode.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 10.

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