JP5316941B2 - Information processing apparatus and control method thereof, image forming apparatus, information processing system, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that communicates with an external apparatus such as an information processing terminal connected via a network, a control method thereof, an image forming apparatus and an information processing system including the information processing apparatus, a program, and a recording medium.

  In an image forming apparatus provided with an information processing apparatus, for example, a printer connected to an information processing terminal such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) via a network, generally, a user operates the information processing terminal to output data and a print instruction. When the transmission is completed, the printing process is started upon completion of the reception, and the printed sheet is discharged to a discharge tray. Specifically, taking a printer shared in the office as an example, when a user prints on a specific printer, the user transfers data by specifying a print data file and an output destination printer using his / her PC or the like. To do. Upon receiving this print data, the printer internally executes print processing including image data generation, forms an image after image data generation is completed, and performs printing, paper discharge, and the like.

  Here, in such a printer, printing is not performed at a timing intended by the user and the printed material is not discharged, so that the printed material after the user moves to the printer can be seen by others or stolen. There is a danger of being struck. Therefore, conventionally, from the viewpoint of preventing theft of printed matter and improving security, data is received at any time, but the received data is not held and printing / discharge processing is not started until the user performs a predetermined authentication operation in front of the printer. A printer having a function of performing printing and paper discharge processing based on received data after authentication is used. Also, from the same point of view, a mechanism that discharges printed matter to the internal tray of the printer and prevents it from being taken out until user authentication is installed, and after user authentication, the printed matter is discharged to the external tray or the internal tray. There is also known a printer provided with a key mechanism that permits removal from the printer.

  However, in this user authentication, the user inputs identification (authentication) information such as an ID and a password by operating the operation screen of the printer, or an IC card held by the user is inserted in an IC card reader connected to the printer. In general, it is carried out by making it come into contact with reading. That is, in the conventional printer, the printing process is not started until the user moves to the printer and is authenticated by a predetermined operation or the like. Therefore, when frequently performing the printing process, the movement or the same operation is repeated each time printing or printing is performed. There is a problem that it is necessary to discharge the sheet, which is complicated and difficult to use, and that the waiting time for printing becomes long. In particular, in a thermal fixing type printer, the warm-up time until the start of printing is relatively long, and there is a tendency that the user is restrained in front of the printer for a long time until printing and paper discharge. In addition, the printer that discharges printed matter to the internal tray requires various dedicated mechanisms, and it is also necessary for each user to discharge and manage a separate tray. There is also a problem that the entire apparatus becomes large and the installation location is restricted.

  On the other hand, conventionally, when identification information is received by wireless communication from an IC card carried by the user, the user is identified from the identification information, a login name is automatically set, displayed on the operation panel, and a password is accepted. Thus, an image forming apparatus is known in which the user does not need to input a login name and the operation is simplified (see Patent Document 1).

  However, in this conventional image forming apparatus, since each operation such as printing is started after user authentication by inputting a user password, the time for the user to wait for printing / discharge in front of the image forming apparatus and the restraint time are almost shortened. And convenience cannot be improved sufficiently. Further, in this image forming apparatus, the contact / separation of the IC card is recognized from the change in electric field intensity (radio wave intensity) when the radio wave transmitted from the IC card side is received by the image forming apparatus side. When the strength is increased, the mutual distance is shortened, and when the strength is decreased, the relative distance is increased, and the approach and separation of the IC card are discriminated and recognized. However, the correlation between the electric field strength of the radio wave from the IC card and the relative distance between the radio wave transmitters and receivers is not constant due to factors such as fluctuations in the equipment on the IC card side, which is assumed to be portable. If a method of determining the contact / separation of an IC card by determining the relative distance based on a certain thing, it is difficult to obtain sufficient accuracy of the relative distance and accuracy of determination of contact / separation.

  In addition, in this conventional image forming apparatus, when there is no wireless communication response from the IC card for a certain period of time or when it can be determined that the IC card has left the vicinity of the image forming apparatus, the login screen displayed on the operation panel is turned off. Security is improved. However, in order to erase the login screen when the IC cards can be communicated with each other and the IC card is separated, a means for accurately detecting the distance to the IC card is required. It is difficult to accurately perform the security function of the device without having a proper detection means. In addition, the image forming apparatus simply performs control related to the display of the operation screen by wireless communication, and automatically shifts to or returns to the power saving mode for the purpose of reducing power based on the result of wireless communication or the data to be printed. With the detection of the approach of a user who does not have access rights to the user, there is no function to stop the printing operation or warn with a sound or a screen, and it is necessary to make further improvements from the viewpoint of energy saving and security.

  Therefore, for the purpose of correcting the change in electric field strength due to the fluctuation factor on the IC card side, the image forming apparatus and the IC card are arranged at a certain distance, and the measured value of the electric field strength on the image forming apparatus side at that time is used. It was considered to correct the correlation data between the electric field strength value and the relative distance. However, since an operation for obtaining the electric field strength value is periodically generated in a state where the IC card is arranged at a certain distance from the image forming apparatus, it is not always easy for the user to use.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an external apparatus, and an identification information transmitting apparatus that transmits identification information such as a user of the external apparatus by radio waves. Is calculated based on the measured value of the received radio wave intensity and the correlation data between the relative distance and the received radio wave intensity acquired in advance, and the operation of the information processing apparatus is controlled based on the calculation result. That is, it is unnecessary to correct the correlation data with respect to the fluctuation factor of the radio wave transmission level of the identification information transmitting apparatus.

The present invention transmits / receives radio waves to / from an identification information transmitting apparatus for wirelessly transmitting means for communicating with an external device, identification information of the user of the external device or identification information of the external device, and field strength information of a received radio wave. Correlation data between the relative distance between the means and the identification information transmission device, the transmission electric field strength of the transmission radio wave to the identification information transmission device, and the reception electric field strength of the transmission radio wave at the identification information transmission device. Correlation data storage means for storing, transmission electric field intensity of the radio wave transmitted to the identification information transmitting device, received electric field strength information of the radio wave transmitted from the identification information transmitting device that received the radio wave, and the correlation data based on the correlation data stored in the storage means, a distance calculation means for calculating the relative distance, means for identifying a user from the identification information of the user received, for each user Access right setting means for setting access level or access permission / prohibition conditions, means for displaying an operation screen used for operation by the user, calculation result of the relative distance and user identification result, and the condition Based on the condition set for the user who has detected the approach, the display content of the operation screen is changed based on the detection of the approach of the user who does not have the authority to operate or access the currently displayed operation screen. And an operation screen changing means .
The present invention also provides an image forming apparatus including the information processing apparatus .
Further, the present invention includes an image forming apparatus this, in the image forming apparatus, identification information or the user identification information of the external device of the external device, and a radio wave reception electric field intensity information transmitted from the image forming apparatus An information processing system comprising: an identification information transmitting device that wirelessly transmits by radio waves.
Furthermore, the present invention provides a means for communicating with an external device, and transmitting radio waves to an identification information transmitting device that wirelessly transmits user identification information of the external device or identification information of the external device and field strength information of received radio waves. A method for controlling the information processing apparatus, comprising: a step of measuring a transmission electric field strength of a transmission radio wave from the information processing apparatus; and a transmission method transmitted from the identification information transmission apparatus that has received the transmission radio wave. In addition, the step of receiving the reception field strength information of the transmission radio wave, the measured transmission field strength, the received reception field strength information, correlation data acquired in advance, and between the identification information transmission device Based on the relative distance, the transmission electric field strength of the transmission radio wave to the identification information transmitting device, and the correlation data of the transmission electric field strength of the transmission radio wave at the identification information transmitting device. Calculating a, and identifying a user from the identification information of the user received, and displaying the operation screen to be used for operation by a user, the relative distance calculation results and user identification result of, and the user in advance Based on the access level or access permission / prohibition conditions set for each operation, when the approach of a user who does not have the authority to operate or access to the displayed operation screen is detected, the display content of the operation screen is displayed. And an operation screen changing step of changing according to the condition set by the user who has detected the error .
The present invention is a program and a computer-readable recording medium storing the program for executing the respective steps in a computer of the control method of this information processing apparatus.

According to the present invention, the relative distance between an information processing apparatus that can communicate with an external apparatus and an identification information transmitting apparatus that transmits identification information of a user of the external apparatus by radio wave, a measured value of received radio wave intensity, Correlation data for fluctuation factors of the radio wave transmission level of the identification information transmission device when calculating based on the acquired correlation data between the relative distance and the received radio wave intensity and controlling the operation of the information processing device based on the calculation result Correction can be made unnecessary.
In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a user whose access right is restricted from stealing an inaccessible operation screen or data, so that security can be improved while allowing the current user to recognize the surrounding situation. .

It is a mimetic diagram showing a schematic structure of an information processing system of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information processing system of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the table which shows the correlation with a transmission radio wave intensity | strength and reception radio wave intensity | strength, and relative distance. It is a flowchart which shows the printing procedure by the information processing system of the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with an information processing system as an example with reference to the drawings. The information processing system includes an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus that communicates with an external apparatus such as an external information processing terminal or a network apparatus used by the user, and the user of the external apparatus, and identifies the user or the like And an identification information transmitting apparatus that wirelessly transmits identification information for transmission to the image forming apparatus using radio waves.

  However, in each of the following embodiments, as an image forming apparatus, a digital multifunction machine called a multi function peripheral (MFP) having a plurality of functions such as a copy, a printer, a facsimile, and a scanner is taken as an example, and image formation is performed. Each process of the information processing apparatus will be described. Also, an example will be described in which a PC connected to a digital multi-function peripheral via a LAN (Local Area Network) is used as an external device, and the digital multi-function peripheral executes printing or copy processing (operation) by a user operation. .

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the present embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the information processing system 1 includes a digital multifunction device 2, at least one PC 3 connected to the digital multifunction device 2 (only one is shown here), and an identification that can be carried by a user Y of the PC 3. An information transmission device 4.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 2 has communication means (not shown) for communicating with the PC 3 and transmits / receives various data such as print data and control signals via the network cable N. The digital multi-function device 2 also includes a wireless communication module 29 for wireless communication with the identification information transmitting device 4 or is externally connected, and also functions as a wireless master device that transmits / receives predetermined data to / from each other. As a result, the digital multi-function peripheral 2 wirelessly transmits its own identification information such as a preset device ID to the outside periodically by radio waves, and the radio waves wirelessly transmitted from the external identification information transmitting device 4 or the like. Receive.

  The identification information transmission device 4 is not a passive wireless communication means such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) but an active external wireless communication device (wireless slave) that is driven by a built-in power source such as a battery to transmit and receive radio waves. Yes, identification information used for identification of the user Y such as the ID of the user apparatus or the user Y is transmitted. Here, for example, the identification information transmitting device 4 includes a low-power wireless data communication unit such as a specific low-power wireless unit that consumes less power than the interface of the communication unit via the network of the digital multi-function peripheral 2. Wireless communication can be performed with each other even in a state relatively distant from the wireless communication module 29 of the machine 2. Further, the identification information transmitting device 4 is possessed for each of the plurality of users Y who use each PC 3, and transmits the respective identification information periodically or in response to reception of the identification information from the digital multifunction peripheral 2, When the user Y approaches a distance that allows wireless communication with the wireless communication module 29 of the digital multi-function peripheral 2, predetermined wireless communication is performed.

  The PC 3 is connected to the digital multi-function peripheral 2 via a network cable N that constitutes a LAN (Local Area Network), and receives image data to the digital multi-function peripheral 2 in response to an operation of a user Y possessing each identification information transmitting device 4. And print instructions.

  In the information processing system 1 configured as described above, each user Y has the identification information transmitting device 4 in which different identification information associated with each user Y is set, and each user Y wears it. The PC 3 is operated or possessed after the operation and moved toward the digital multifunction device 2 to cause the digital multifunction device 2 to execute a printing process or the like. As described above, the identification information transmitting device 4 is in a state of sharing the location with each user Y at least when approaching the digital multi-function device 2 (including a state in the vicinity position). Along with the reception, the digital multi-function peripheral 2 executes a predetermined operation to be described later according to a preset condition or the like. At this time, in the information processing system 1, the digital multi-function peripheral 2 calculates a relative distance from each identification information transmitting device 4 that is moving or away, and performs operation control based on the calculation result. It has become. Hereinafter, each configuration of the information processing system 1 will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information processing system 1, and schematically shows functions and the like for each part of the system connected to each other.

  As shown in the figure, the PC 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 30 that performs various data processing and operations, and controls the entire PC 3, and a RAM (temporarily storing data necessary for the operation and processing of the CPU 30). Random Access Memory) 31 and a display unit 32 made up of a liquid crystal display or the like, which are connected to each other via a chipset N33. The PC 3 also includes a chip set S34 connected to the chip set N33. The chip set S34 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 35 that stores a program to be executed by the CPU 30, a keyboard and a mouse that receive input from the user Y, and the like. An input unit 36, a network I / F (interface) 37, and a HDD (hard disk drive) 38, which are communication means for connecting and communicating with a network, are connected.

  Therefore, the CPU 30 accesses each part of the PC 3 through these chip sets 33 and 34, reads, for example, a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) program from the ROM 35 at any time, decodes and executes it, and displays the display part 32 and the input part. 36 etc. are controlled. Similarly, the CPU 30 reads and executes an OS (Operating System) program 38A and various application programs 38B stored in the HDD 38 as needed, and stores data to be stored in a predetermined area (data 38C) of the HDD 38. As described above, the CPU 30 accesses and controls various I / Os (input / output) inside and outside the PC 3 and also communicates with the digital multifunction peripheral 2 via the network I / F 37.

  The digital MFP 2 includes a CPU 10 that controls the entire digital MFP 2, a ROM 11 that stores programs, a RAM 12 that temporarily stores processing data of the CPU 10, and an information display screen (here, , For example, a display means having an operation screen such as a touch panel) and an operation panel 13 including a numeric keypad. The digital multi-function peripheral 2 also controls the scanner unit 14, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 15 that converts the scanner signal, a video writing processing circuit 16, and an LD (laser diode) 17 that controls the LD. A control unit 18, an engine control circuit 19, an engine unit 20 and a power supply control unit 21 connected to the control unit 18 are provided. Further, the digital multifunction peripheral 2 will be described with reference to the HDD 22 that stores various data, the ASIC 23 that controls communication with the outside, the network I / F 24 that constitutes the network communication means connected to the ASIC 23, and FIG. The above-described wireless communication module 29 is connected to each other through the system bus B or the like.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 2 reads out each program necessary for control and operation from the ROM 11 at any time by the CPU 10 and decodes and executes it. Data necessary for the operation (here, electric field strength data described later) and image data are stored. The data is temporarily stored in the RAM 12. Therefore, the CPU 10 and the like constitute a part of an information processing apparatus provided in the digital multi-function peripheral 2 and each means for controlling and executing each operation described later. On the other hand, in the HDD 22, in addition to the print data file 22A and the copy data file 22B, various setting data files 22C set via the operation panel 13 and the like, and data and management data necessary for the control described below. Is stored and read by the CPU 10 as needed.

  In addition, the digital multi-function peripheral 2 performs copying, printing, and the like by linking the respective units in the same manner as in the conventional apparatus. For example, during the copying operation, the image data read by the scanner 14 is subjected to various correction processes by the ASIC 15. , Temporarily stored in the RAM 12. On the other hand, when a plurality of copies are printed, the copy data of the image is temporarily stored in the HDD 22 (copy data file 22B). When printing on paper using this, first, the image data is video-written. The data is transmitted from the processing circuit 16 to the LD control unit 18. Next, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a photosensitive drum (not shown) by controlling the LD control unit 18 to blink the LD 17, and the engine unit 19 controls the timing while controlling the engine control circuit 19. In conjunction with the printer 20, normal copying operations such as electrostatic latent image development, transfer to paper, and fixing are executed.

  Further, in the digital multifunction peripheral 2, the network I / F 24 is connected to the network I / F 37 of the PC 3 by the network cable N, and communicates with the PC 3 via these to transmit / receive print data and the like. Accordingly, the digital multi-function peripheral 2 and the PC 3 are connected to each other by a network and can communicate based on a network protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) or UDP (User Datagram Protocol). However, the digital multi-function peripheral 2 and the PC 3 may communicate with each other using a dedicated interface, communication means using other protocols, or a wireless interface configured separately from the wireless communication module 29.

  In addition, in the digital multi-function peripheral 2, the wireless communication module 29 constitutes a receiving (wireless communication) means for receiving radio waves of identification information transmitted from the above-described identification information transmitting device 4, and corresponds to this. The same wireless communication module 40 is also provided in the identification information transmitting device 4 of each user Y. While these two wireless communication modules 29 and 40 are located within a predetermined range (distance), the identification information (ID information in this case) set with each other is transmitted and received by radio waves and notified.

  The digital multifunction peripheral 2 refers to the user information stored in the HDD 22 in advance or acquired from an external server (not shown) via the network from the identification information of the user Y received in this manner, and the identification information of the transmission source The transmitter 4 is discriminated, and the user Y is identified and specified and authenticated. Therefore, here, as the user information file 22E in the HDD 22, identification information such as an ID number set in the identification information transmitting device 4, and identification information such as a user name for identifying the owner (user Y) Are set and stored in advance, and are read out by the CPU 10 and used for identification of the user Y, authentication processing, and the like.

  The digital multifunction peripheral 2 of the information processing system 1 transmits a radio wave toward the identification information transmitting device 4, measures the electric field strength of the transmitted radio wave, and stores it in the RAM 12. The identification information transmitting device 4 receives the radio wave transmitted from the digital multi-function peripheral 2, and uses the internal electric field strength measurement circuit (not shown) to measure the received electric field strength value together with the identification information to the digital multi-function peripheral 2. Send. The digital multifunction device 2 receives the received electric field strength data of the self-transmitted radio wave received from the identification information transmitting device 4, and stores the field strength value of the transmitted radio wave stored at the time of self-transmission and the correlation data acquired in advance. Based on the above, the relative distance between the transmission source identification information transmission device 4 (between the wireless communication modules 29 and 40) is calculated. For this reason, the HDD 22 of the digital multi-function peripheral 2 stores correlation (correspondence) data (here, a conversion table 22D between them) indicating the correspondence between the relative distance to the identification information transmitting device 4 and the electric field strength of the received radio wave. ) Is preset and stored.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a conversion table 22D for transmission field strength, reception field strength, and relative distance. As shown in the figure, the conversion table 22D includes a transmission electric field strength of 125 dBμV to 129 dBμV, a relative distance of 1.0 m when the reception electric field strength is 105 ± 5 dBμV, 2.0 m when 50 ± 5 dBμV, etc. When the transmission field strength is in the range of 120 dBμV to 124 dBμV, the relative distance is 1.0 m when the reception field strength is 98 ± 5 dBμV, 2.0 m when the reception field strength is 44 ± 5 dBμV, and the transmission field strength (left column in the figure) and the reception field strength. A plurality of (center column in the figure) and relative distance (right column in the figure) are acquired and set in advance by actual measurement or the like.

  Based on the stored correlation data (conversion table 22D), the digital multifunction peripheral 2 performs arithmetic processing by the CPU 10, and receives the electric field intensity value of the self-transmitted radio wave and the received electric field on the identification information transmitting device 4 side of the transmitted radio wave. From the intensity value, the relative distance to the identification information transmitting device 4 is calculated. Further, the digital multi-function peripheral 2 compares the calculated relative distance with a predetermined distance set in advance, whether or not the identification information transmitting device 4 is closer than the predetermined distance, or within a predetermined distance (for example, 1 m or 3 m). Whether or not it has moved to As described above, the digital multifunction device 2 determines, for example, the distance to the identification information transmitting device 4 and the positional relationship with each other, or the approach / separation based on the calculation result of the relative distance, and the result or the preset value is set in advance. Depending on the conditions, the CPU 10 controls the operation to execute a predetermined operation.

  Here, as in the conventional system, when the radio wave transmitted from the identification information transmission device side is received on the image forming device side, the relative distance to the identification information transmission device is obtained based on the electric field strength. The correlation between the electric field strength and the relative distance is based on the radio wave state, the power state of each device, particularly the mounting state of the identification information transmitting device 4 (whether it can be worn on the chest like an employee ID card, or incorporated in a mobile phone), and Because of individual differences, it may not be constant. Therefore, in order to accurately calculate the relative distance and use it for operation control, it is necessary to correct the correlation data for each identification information transmitting device 4. However, this requires time and effort to determine the electric field strength value with the distance fixed.

  Here, the correction is necessary because the power supply state and mounting state on the identification information transmitting apparatus side fluctuate, and it suffices if the fluctuation factors can be eliminated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the self-transmission level is measured by the wireless communication module 29 of the image forming apparatus 2, the reception electric field strength of the transmission radio wave from the image forming apparatus 2 is measured by the wireless communication module 40 on the identification information apparatus side, The identification information device 4 transmits the received electric field strength data together with the identification information to the image forming device 2 as it is, thereby realizing a distance measuring means that is not affected by the transmission level fluctuation factor on the identification information device 4 side.

  Specifically, the digital multifunction device 2 stores the field strength value of the transmission radio wave on the RAM 12 when transmitting the ID information to the identification information transmitting device 4. The identification information transmission device 4 measures the field strength value of the received radio wave when receiving the ID information from the digital multi-function peripheral 4, and transmits the value by adding the value when transmitting the identification information. The digital multifunction peripheral 4 receives the identification information and the electric field strength value from the identification information device 4 and performs control based on the received identification information. The received electric field strength value and the transmission time stored in the RAM 12 are transmitted. The CPU 10 compares and calculates the electric field strength value, calculates the relative distance by referring to the conversion table 22D in the HDD 22, and changes the control content based on the distance data.

  At this time, in the digital multi-function peripheral 2, when the user Y moves with the identification information transmitting device 4, a predetermined distance (for example, one or a plurality of distances such as 1, 3, 5 m, etc.) is calculated from the calculation result of the relative distance. It is possible to discriminate and recognize the approach and separation of the user Y with reference to. Similarly, it is possible to calculate the moving speed of the user Y approaching and moving away from the change in the calculation result of the relative distance, and from the result, whether the user Y is approaching with the intention of using the digital multifunction device 2, or You can also determine whether you are just passing by. In this way, the digital multifunction peripheral 2 determines, for example, the state of the user Y by the CPU 10 in comparison with a predetermined condition, enables or disables a specific function according to the approach of the user Y, and does not react when leaving or passing. The operation is controlled based on at least the calculation result of the relative distance, and a predetermined operation is executed.

  In addition, here, the digital multi-function peripheral 2 uses a plurality of power modes with different power consumption, for example, a normal power mode in which a normal image forming operation can be performed, power supply to some components is stopped, and the like. It is possible to switch to one or a plurality of power saving modes in which the operation is partially reduced and the operation is partially limited. The digital multifunction device 2 has means for switching the power mode between a plurality of power modes with different power consumption based on the calculation result of the relative distance, and the power saving mode with less power consumption as the predetermined operation described above. Perform transition to or return to.

  Specifically, the digital multifunction peripheral 2 identifies and identifies the registered identification information transmission device 4 (user Y) from the received identification information, for example, and print data from the user Y is stored in the HDD 22 or the like, Alternatively, if the same data is being received from the PC 3, the power mode is changed and the state is shifted to the print preparation state. At that time, if it is in the power saving mode, an instruction signal is transmitted to the power supply control unit 21 via the engine control circuit 19 to restart the power supply to the fixing unit (not shown) and the CPU 10 performs printing. Start the processing program and enter the print standby state. On the other hand, when the identification information transmission device 4 is separated in the same state and the reception level (electric field strength level) of the identification information radio wave is lowered and the calculated relative distance is recognized to be equal to or greater than the predetermined distance, the printing process by the CPU 10 is performed. The start of the program is finished, and the power supply control unit 21 is instructed to stop the power supply to the fixing unit and shift to the power saving mode.

  As described above, the digital multifunction peripheral 2 performs the power mode switching control using the calculation result of the relative distance, and saves power according to the detection of the approach of the identification information transmitting device 4 or the entry into the predetermined distance. Returning from the mode to the standby mode, automatic transition to a state in which the printing operation is possible, and the like are executed. On the contrary, in response to the detection of the separation of the identification information transmission device 4 or the movement outside the predetermined distance, the mode is shifted to the power saving mode, and the printing operation or the like is enabled only at the time of use, thereby reducing the overall power consumption. Reduced.

  Further, in the digital multi-function peripheral 2, the display content (display screen) of the operation screen of the operation panel 13 that is a display means can be set for each user Y, and the calculation result of the relative distance and the above-described identification information are included. Based on the identification result of the user Y based on it, control which changes the display screen is also performed. That is, in this digital multi-function peripheral 2, a dedicated screen consisting of items displayed on the operation screen, operation contents, etc. can be set and changed in advance for each user Y as required. If the corresponding user Y is specified and screen setting information dedicated to that user is registered in the HDD 22, the information is read out. Further, when the approach of the user Y or the entry into the predetermined distance is detected from the calculation result of the relative distance, the operation screen is automatically switched to the specified screen dedicated to the user Y. As described above, the digital multifunction peripheral 2 performs an operation of displaying the dedicated screen (image) of the user Y on the operation panel 13 in accordance with the user Y of the identified identification information transmitting device 4 as the predetermined operation. Run.

  Next, information processing procedures, operations, control methods, and the like by the information processing system 1 described above will be described by taking a case where printing is performed by the digital multi-function peripheral 2 as an example.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a printing procedure by the information processing system 1, and shows the flow of processing for each of the digital multifunction peripheral 2, the PC 3, and the identification information transmitting apparatus 4 possessed by the user Y.

  First, when the user Y operates the PC 3 to perform data editing or the like, print data including image data and a print instruction is created (S101), and the printing process starts. As a result, the PC 3 is connected to the digital multifunction peripheral 2 via the network and communicates with each other, adds user information such as identification information of the user Y to the print data, and the digital multifunction peripheral via the network I / F 37. 2 to the network I / F 24 (S102). Upon receiving this print data (S201), the digital multi-function peripheral 2 temporarily stores the print data in the RAM 12 via the ASIC 23, performs data compression, etc., and then stores it as a print data file 22A in the HDD 22 (S202). At the same time, the digital multifunction peripheral 2 searches for the identification information transmitting device 4 (wireless communication module 40) that can communicate via the wireless communication module 29 under the control of the CPU 10.

  At that time, the digital multi-function peripheral 2 wirelessly transmits the identification information by radio waves at regular time intervals and stores the transmission electric field strength in the RAM 12 (S203), and the user Y who operates the PC 3 receives the identification information transmission device 4. And the identification information transmitting device 4 receives the radio wave including the identification information from the digital multifunction device 2 (S301). The identification information transmitting device 4 receives the radio wave from the digital multi-function peripheral 2, measures the electric field strength (S302), and wirelessly transmits the measurement data to the digital multi-function peripheral 2 together with the user Y identification information (S303). .

  The digital multi-function peripheral 2 receives the identification information and reception field strength data of the user Y transmitted from the identification information transmitting device 4 (S204). Then, the identification information transmission device 4 of the transmission source is identified from the identification information, the user Y is identified, and the radio wave transmitted from the digital multifunction device 2 is received by the identification information transmission device 4 from the received electric field strength data. Obtain field strength data. Further, the conversion table 22D (see FIG. 3) described above is read from the HDD 22 and referred to (S205), and the transmission electric field strength stored in the RAM 12, the reception electric field strength acquired from the identification information transmitting device 4, and the conversion table 22D are written. The relative distance between the digital multifunction device 2 and the identification information transmitting device 4 is calculated based on the correlation data.

  Based on the calculation result of the relative distance, the operation of the digital multifunction device 2 is controlled as described above, and executes a predetermined operation according to the set condition. Here, the digital multi-function peripheral 2 determines whether or not the identification information transmitting device 4 is within a preset specified distance (S206), and while it is outside the specified distance (S206: NO), the identification information and The reception of the electric field strength data and the calculation of the relative distance are repeated (S204 → S205). As a result, on the condition that the identification information transmitting device 4 has come within the specified distance (S206: YES), a predetermined operation (process) is executed, such as switching the power mode between a plurality of power modes with different power consumption. (S207). Alternatively, when a display screen for each user Y is set on the operation panel 13 in advance, the digital multifunction peripheral 2 changes the display screen of the operation panel 13 based on the calculation result of the relative distance and the identification result of the user Y. Change according to user Y.

  As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the transmission radio wave on the identification information transmission device 4 side with respect to the correlation data between the relative distance between the digital multifunction peripheral 2 and the identification information transmission device 4 and the electric field strength. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the correction according to the level variation factor of the other, so that it is possible to calculate an accurate relative distance by dealing with the influence of the difference between the individual apparatuses, the variation factor, and the like. In particular, the electric field strength of the transmission radio wave of the identification information transmission device 4 assuming battery driving changes depending on the respective power supply state, secular change, etc., but this function substantially reduces the correspondence accuracy of the correlation data between the electric field strength and the relative distance. The relative distance can be calculated with high accuracy over a long period of time. In addition, it is possible to control the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral 2 based on the calculation result of the relative distance, to enable / disable a predetermined function only under an intended condition, or to execute a predetermined operation. The convenience of the user Y can be improved, and the accuracy of control based on the relative distance can also be improved.

  Furthermore, in order to change the power mode of the digital multi-function peripheral 2 based on the relative distance to the identification information transmitting device 4, the power mode is automatically switched according to the separation of the user Y, and the mode is shifted to the power saving mode. For example, the power consumption can be reduced by reducing the standby power. In addition, before moving directly to the front of the digital multifunction device 2 and directly operating it, it is possible to return from the power saving mode according to the approach of the user Y to some extent, reducing the waiting time for printing, etc. It can improve more and can make it compatible with reduction of power consumption.

  In addition, the digital multi-function peripheral 2 can change the display screen of the operation panel 13 in accordance with the approach of the specific identification information transmitting device 4 and the like, and can display the dedicated display screen of the user Y without any operation. It is possible to improve the operability and convenience by supporting the operation. As a result, for example, a visually impaired person can move to the digital multi-function peripheral 2 to display a dedicated screen he / she is used to and can suppress operation mistakes. In recent years, screen customization services for the digital multi-function peripheral 2 and the like have been widely used, and can also be applied to a wide range of applications.

  At that time, the user Y is identified from the identification information, and another identification information transmitting device 4 possessed by the user Y is identified and specified, and display screen change control may be performed from a plurality of pieces of information. . Specifically, for example, a user Y who has authority to perform maintenance and system management, in addition to the identification information transmission device 4 that identifies the user Y, has an identification information transmission device in which specific identification information serving as a management key is set. By holding 4 and approaching the digital multifunction device 2, the digital multifunction device 2 receives both pieces of identification information. In this way, it is possible to switch to a screen that is not normally accessible, such as displaying a screen on which the administrator menu is displayed on the operation panel 13 only when both devices 4 have entered within a predetermined distance, improving security. In addition, the complexity associated with the operation of the operation panel 13 can be avoided.

  Therefore, according to the information processing system 1, the relative distance between the identification information transmitting device 4 that wirelessly transmits the identification information of the user Y is corrected with respect to the variation data of the radio wave transmission level of the identification information transmitting device 4. Therefore, it is possible to accurately calculate the relative distance and to improve the accuracy of the relative distance and the accuracy of the contact / separation determination. Further, by controlling the operation based on the calculation result of the relative distance, the convenience and security of the user Y can be improved, or the power consumption can be reduced.

  Here, the identification information of the user Y is wirelessly transmitted from the identification information transmitting device 4, but instead, the identification information for use in identifying the external device (here, the PC 3) is transmitted, The identification result and the calculation result of the relative distance may be used in association with the data from the PC 3, or other identification information may be set and transmitted. In this way, the identification information transmitting apparatus 4 wirelessly transmits at least the user Y of the external apparatus or the identification information of the external apparatus. In the first embodiment, as the predetermined operation based on the calculation result of the relative distance, the operation of the digital multifunction device 2 is controlled to switch the power mode or change the display screen. Depending on the function and the like of each digital multi-function peripheral 2, other operations and processes may be executed.

  Next, the information processing system 1 according to another embodiment that executes different predetermined operations in this manner will be described in order. Since they are basically configured in the same manner as the information processing system 1 described above, only the configuration different from the above of the digital multi-function peripheral 2 will be described below.

[Second Embodiment]
In the information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the digital multifunction peripheral 2 calculates the relative distance between the identification information transmission device 4 and the identification of the user Y of the transmission source identification information transmission device 4. Based on the result, the process for the received data from the PC 3 of the user Y is executed, or the process for stopping the process is performed.

  That is, when the digital multi-function apparatus 2 detects the approach from the relative distance from the identification information transmitting device 4 calculated from the electric field strength, the identification information is received from the received identification information by the user authentication function as described above. The transmitter 4 (user Y) is identified and specified. Further, the user information added to the print data received from the PC 3 is searched, and if the print data from the specified user Y is received, it is detected that the identification information transmitting device 4 has approached a predetermined distance. Then, the printing operation of the data is started, the printing process is executed, and output as printing paper or the like. On the other hand, when it is detected from the calculation result of the relative distance that the identification information transmission device 4 is separated by a predetermined distance or more, the identification information transmission device 4 (user Y) is specified from the identification information, and the print data of the user Y is printed. When it is in the middle, the printing process is stopped and the operation is stopped.

  In addition, the digital multi-function peripheral 2 receives, for example, print data from a plurality of users (Y1 to Y4) and stores the print data in the HDD 22, and the predetermined user Y2 moves together with the identification information transmitting device 4 to a specified distance ( For example, when approaching 1 m or less, the user Y2 is recognized from the identification information, and the print data of the user Y2 is printed. At that time, if it is possible to communicate with any of the identification information transmitting devices 4 of the plurality of users Y1 to Y4, the print data of the user Y determined to be the closest is printed, or the relative distances are sequentially reduced, The print data of the user Y determined to gradually approach and become within a specific distance (for example, 3 m) is printed.

  On the other hand, in the digital multi-function peripheral 2, when the predetermined user Y2 is in the proximity position and the printing process is in progress, the identification information transmitting device 4 moves far and the specific distance (for example, 2 m) is calculated from the calculation result of the relative distance. If it is determined that the distance has been exceeded, the current print processing or processing for stopping the operation is executed. In addition, by switching the display screen dedicated to the user Y2 displayed on the operation panel 13 to another screen or hiding the screen, information leakage of the user Y2 can be prevented and the user Y2 can be re-entered. , The printing process is restarted (or continued when stopped) and executed.

  As described above, the digital multi-function peripheral 2 causes the digital multi-function peripheral 2 to execute image forming processing on the image data received from the PC 3 of the user Y based on the calculation result of the relative distance and the identification result of the user Y. Have means. As a result, if the print data of the user Y is received, the print data is printed and output. Further, the digital multifunction device 2 has means for stopping the image forming process by the digital multifunction device 2 on the image data received from the PC 3 of the user Y based on the calculation result of the relative distance and the identification result of the user Y. As a result, if the print data of the user Y is being printed, the printing process and output are stopped.

  Therefore, according to the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment, for example, printing by the digital multifunction peripheral 2 can be started in response to the approach of the user Y who has instructed printing, and if the printing instruction is issued in advance, the PC 3 Other processing can be executed, or the PC 3 can be turned off. Further, when the user Y wants to receive a printed material, if the user Y approaches the digital multi-function peripheral 2, printing is started and the printed material is obtained. Therefore, the waiting time for printing or the like can be shortened while improving convenience. At the same time, since printing is not performed until then, it is possible to prevent other people from seeing or taking away the printed matter, thereby effectively increasing security. Furthermore, when the user Y leaves during printing, the printing process is temporarily stopped, so that theft of the printed material by another person can be similarly prevented, and the printing process can be resumed when the user Y approaches again. Its convenience can be maintained.

[Third Embodiment]
In the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the digital multifunction peripheral 2 accesses the operation screen of the operation panel 13 and the access (operation) level for the data for each user Y of the identification information transmitting device 4. (Accessible range) or access right setting means for setting permission / prohibition of access. In addition, the digital multi-function peripheral 2 can set the access level or the access permission / prohibition for each user Y (identification information transmitting device 4) in advance, and the image state such as the display image can be changed based on the setting data. The user Y of the changeable operation panel 13 changes the operation screen used for the operation. Alternatively, a warning is generated by sound or light by a warning means for a user including a sounding warning means, a light emission warning means, etc. provided at a predetermined position.

  Specifically, the digital multi-function peripheral 2 has a management unit that manages the access right of the user Y, and based on the identification result based on the identification information, the user Y ′ who has no access or the predetermined access is prohibited, etc. When the approach is detected, the display content (display screen) of the operation screen is changed according to a preset condition. As a result, while the current user Y is operating the operation screen, a warning screen is displayed on the operation panel 13 or scrambled on the operation screen by detecting another user Y ′ whose operation or data access is prohibited. The user Y is made to recognize the approach of the other user Y ′. At the same time, it is possible to prevent a screen including a password, a set value, or an image thumbnail displayed on the operation screen from being read. On the contrary, when the approach of the user Y having a predetermined access right is detected, the operation screen is switched from the operation screen in which the operation content is restricted to the operation screen corresponding to the content of each access right.

  When the warning means is provided, the digital multi-function peripheral 2 activates the warning means in combination with or instead of the warning due to the change of the display screen based on the detection of the access prohibited user Y ′. Alerts to This warning is performed by a method that can be recognized by the user Y, such as a warning sound output by a sound generation warning means such as a buzzer or a speaker, or a light blinking operation by a light emission warning means such as an LED (light emitting diode).

  Here, the digital multifunction peripheral 2 also receives access level information added to the user information transmitted from the PC 3 together with the print data, and identifies the user Y based on the identification information received from the identification information transmitting device 4. Along with authentication and authentication, the access level information is also verified. Accordingly, for example, the access level of the user Y, which is set to be accessible to all data at level 1, for example, to be accessible only to some data at level 2, is grasped. As a result, when the user Y of level 1 detects the approach of the user Y ′ (identification information transmitting device 4) of level 2 during the printing process in front of the digital multifunction peripheral 2, the operation panel 13 currently displayed is detected. The operation screen is switched to a warning display, or a warning is given by another warning means to notify the user Y of the approach of another user Y ′ having a low access level. Further, when the other user Y 'moves away, the digital multifunction peripheral 2 stops the warning by the warning means and switches to the display of the operation screen permitted by the current user Y again.

  As described above, the digital multi-functional peripheral 2 includes an access right setting unit that sets an access level or permission / prohibition of access for each user Y, and an operation screen used for an operation by the user Y. Each access right for data and data is set. In addition, on the basis of the calculation result of the relative distance and the identification result of the user Y, there is means for changing the operation screen according to the access level of the user Y or the setting of permission / prohibition of access. Change control is performed to display the screen according to the set access right, such as changing the screen state according to the approach of the user Y ′ whose level is restricted or access is prohibited. On the other hand, when the digital multifunction peripheral 2 has a warning means for the user Y, the warning means is set according to the setting of the access level of the user Y ′ based on the calculation result of the relative distance and the identification result of the user Y. For example, control is performed so as to warn in response to the approach of the user Y ′ whose access level is restricted or access is prohibited.

  Therefore, according to the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent a user Y ′ whose access right is restricted from stealing an inaccessible operation screen or data, or to prevent such a user Y ′ from approaching. Since a warning or the like can be performed, security can be improved while allowing the current user Y to recognize the surrounding situation. In addition, when the user Y does not have his / her own identification information transmission device 4, it is possible to improve security for data access, such as prohibiting access to print data and preventing execution of printing.

  The information processing system 1 including the digital multi-function peripheral 2 and the identification information transmitting device 4 has been described above as an example. However, the present invention similarly describes communication means for communicating with an external device, and the external device. The present invention can also be realized as an information processing device including means for transmitting / receiving radio waves to / from an identification information transmitting device that wirelessly transmits identification information of the user Y and the like and electric field strength information of received radio waves. In this case, the information processing apparatus has the function of calculating the relative distance based on the electric field strength values of the transmission and reception data and the correlation data table, similar to the digital multifunction machine 2 described above, and receives the reception data from the external apparatus. While processing, the operation is controlled based on the calculation result of the relative distance to the identification information transmission device 4 and the specific operation is executed. In addition, this information processing apparatus is controlled to execute the same processes as the processes of the information processing system 1 (digital multifunction peripheral 2) described above. Therefore, the present invention can also be used as a method for controlling the information processing apparatus. Can be realized.

  Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by describing each step (procedure) of the control method of the information processing apparatus in a general-purpose program language as a program to be executed by a computer. In addition, the program can be easily implemented by recording the program on an arbitrary computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or MO, and causing the computer to read the program.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing system, 2 ... Digital compound machine, 3 ... PC, 4 ... Identification information transmission apparatus, 10 ... CPU, 11 ... ROM, 12 ... RAM, 13 ... Operation panel, 14 ... Scanner section, 15 ... ASIC, 16 ... Video writing processing circuit, 17 ... LD, 18 ... LD control section, 19 ... Engine control circuit , 20 ... Engine unit, 21 ... Power supply control unit, 22 ... HDD, 23 ... ASIC, 24 ... Network I / F, 29 ... Wireless communication module, 30 ... CPU 31 ... RAM, 32 ... display unit, 33 ... chip set N, 34 ... chip set S, 35 ... ROM, 36 ... input unit, 37 ... network I / F, 38 ... HDD, 40 ... wireless communication module, ... network cable, Y ··· user.

JP 2007-122384 A

Claims (10)

Means for communicating with an external device;
Means for transmitting / receiving radio waves to / from the identification information transmitting apparatus for wirelessly transmitting the identification information of the user of the external apparatus or the identification information of the external apparatus, and the electric field strength information of the received radio wave;
Correlation for storing correlation data of a relative distance between the identification information transmission device, a transmission electric field strength of a transmission radio wave to the identification information transmission device, and a reception electric field strength of the transmission radio wave at the identification information transmission device Data storage means;
The transmission electric field strength of the radio wave transmitted to the identification information transmitting device, the received electric field strength information of the radio wave transmitted from the identification information transmitting device that received the radio wave, and the correlation stored in the correlation data storage means Distance calculating means for calculating the relative distance based on the data;
Means for identifying the user from the received user identification information;
Access right setting means for setting access level or access permission / prohibition conditions for each user;
Means for displaying an operation screen used for user operation;
Based on the calculation result of the relative distance, the identification result of the user, and the condition, when detecting the approach of a user who does not have the authority to operate or access the displayed operation screen, the display content of the operation screen is An operation screen changing means for changing according to the condition set for the user whose approach is detected;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
Based on the relative distance calculation result of the information processing apparatus characterized by having a means for switching between the power mode power consumption different power modes. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
Based on the calculation result of the relative distance and the user identification result, means for executing processing for receiving data from an external device of the user, or information processing which is characterized in that it comprises means for stopping the processing for the received data apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
An information processing apparatus comprising means for warning a user when an approach of a user who does not have an operation authority or access authority to a displayed operation screen is detected . An image forming apparatus comprising the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 .
Means for executing the processing for the received data, or means for stopping the processing for the received data, means for executing an image forming process by the image forming apparatus to the received image data, or, by the image forming apparatus to the received image data An image forming apparatus characterized by being means for stopping image forming processing. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 , the identification information of the external apparatus or the identification information of the user of the external apparatus, and the received electric field strength information of the radio wave transmitted from the image forming apparatus. An information processing system comprising: an identification information transmitting device that wirelessly transmits a radio wave using radio waves. Means for communicating with an external device; and means for transmitting / receiving radio waves to / from an identification information transmitting device for wirelessly transmitting identification information of a user of the external device or identification information of the external device and field strength information of a received radio wave. A control method of an information processing apparatus provided,
Measuring a transmission electric field strength of a transmission radio wave from the information processing device;
Receiving the received electric field strength information of the transmission radio wave transmitted from the identification information transmitting apparatus that has received the transmission radio wave;
The measured transmission field strength, the received reception field strength information, correlation data acquired in advance, and a relative distance between the identification information transmission device and transmission of a transmission radio wave to the identification information transmission device Calculating the relative distance based on the correlation between the electric field strength and the received electric field strength of the transmitted radio wave at the identification information transmitting device;
Identifying the user from the received user identification information;
Displaying an operation screen used for user operation;
Based on the calculation result of the relative distance and the identification result of the user, and the access level or access permission / prohibition condition set in advance for each user, the authority of the operation on the displayed operation screen or the user who does not have the authority to access is displayed. When an approach is detected, an operation screen changing step for changing the display content of the operation screen according to the condition set for the user who has detected the approach;
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus, comprising: A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method for the information processing apparatus according to claim 8 . A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 9 is recorded.

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