JP5439313B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing system, information processing program, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that can be used only by a user who is permitted to log in, an information processing system including the information processing apparatus, an information processing program used for the information processing apparatus, and an image formation including the information processing apparatus It relates to the device.

  In recent years, only registered authorized users can use image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals in order to improve the security level of information by enabling only authorized persons to print and copy originals. . In this case, a user who has not acquired regular user identification information such as an ID and a password cannot use the image forming apparatus, which causes a problem of poor convenience. Therefore, in order to solve the problem, it has been proposed that even a user who does not have regular user identification information can use the image forming apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, legitimate user identification information is stored in a portable storage device such as a USB memory or a portable terminal that can be carried. When the authorized user identification information registered in advance in the management terminal or the like is stored in the portable storage device or the portable terminal, the login as the authorized user is permitted. On the other hand, even if not stored, login as a guest user is permitted. As a result, various users can use the image forming apparatus and the like.

JP 2008-171113 A

  However, since the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 permits login as a guest user, anyone can log in as a guest user, and there is a possibility that the meaning of registering regular user identification information is lost. . In addition, since login is simply permitted as a guest user, it is difficult to identify the guest user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and enables an information processing apparatus and an information processing apparatus that can be used even by a user whose regular user identification information is not registered and that can specify the used user. It is an object to provide a system, an information processing program, and an image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above problem, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus that can be used only by a user who is permitted to log in, and a storage unit that stores regular user identification information registered for each user An input unit that is operated by a user to input information, an identification processing unit that temporarily allows a user who is not stored in the storage unit to store the regular user identification information as a guest user, and the identification processing unit By prompting the user who is temporarily permitted to log in as a guest user to input information specific to the user through the input unit, and registering the entered information as guest identification information used to determine whether or not to allow login When the guest identification information is registered by the registration processing unit to be stored in the storage unit and the registration processing unit, And a guest processing unit to allow log in as a guest registered users strike identification information has been registered.

  According to this configuration, when a user whose regular user identification information is not stored in the storage unit is temporarily permitted to log in as a guest user, the user is prompted to input information unique to the user and is input. The registered information is registered as guest identification information used for determining whether or not login is permitted and stored in the storage unit. When the guest identification information is registered, login is permitted as a guest registered user in which the guest identification information is registered. In this way, even a user whose regular user identification information is not stored in the storage unit is permitted to log in as a guest registered user, so that the apparatus can be used and the usability of the apparatus can be improved. it can. In addition, login as a guest registered user is allowed after registering guest identification information rather than simply allowing login as a guest user, so based on the registered guest identification information, etc. It is possible to manage.

  In the information processing apparatus, the registration processing unit may delete the guest identification information from the storage unit when an elapsed time from the time when the guest identification information is registered exceeds a preset set time. Good. According to this configuration, since the guest identification information is erased from the storage unit when the elapsed time from the registration exceeds the set time, it is possible to avoid an unlimited increase in the amount of information stored in the storage unit. It is possible to appropriately manage authorized user identification information.

  In the information processing apparatus, the registration processing unit counts, for each user, the number of times that the guest processing unit is permitted to log in as the guest registered user, and the number of times exceeds a preset number of times. The set time may be shortened for the guest identification information. According to this configuration, for the guest identification information of a user who has been permitted to log in as a guest registered user more than the set number of times, the set time from registration to deletion is shortened. Will be reduced. Therefore, it is preferable for a frequently used user to register regular user identification information and store it in the storage unit.

  In the information processing apparatus, the registration processing unit may notify the guest registered user that the guest identification information is deleted from the storage unit when the set time has elapsed. According to this configuration, since the guest registration information is notified to the guest registration user that the guest identification information is erased from the storage unit when the set time elapses, the user registers the regular user identification information before the set time elapses. You will be prompted to store it in the storage.

  In the information processing apparatus, the guest processing unit counts, for each user, the number of times login is permitted as the guest registered user, and stores the number of times that exceeds the preset number of times to the storage unit. Registration of the regular user identification information may be prompted. According to this configuration, users who log in as guest registered users exceed the set number of times are encouraged to register regular user identification information and store it in the storage unit. Remember to register your identification information.

  In the information processing apparatus, the identification processing unit may permit a user whose guest identification information is stored in the storage unit to log in as the guest registered user. According to this configuration, once the guest identification information is registered, login is permitted as a guest registered user without registering the guest identification information from the next time, so that the usability of the apparatus can be improved.

Further, the information processing system according to the present invention, the information processing apparatus is an information processing system including mutually connected via a plurality network, the registration processing unit, which has been stored in the storage unit The guest identification information is transmitted to at least some other information processing apparatuses connected to the network, and the guest identification information transmitted from the other information processing apparatuses is registered as the guest identification information in the storage unit. And memorize it.

  According to this configuration, if the guest identification information is registered in one information processing apparatus connected to the network, the guest registration can be performed without registering the guest identification information in another information processing apparatus connected to the network. Login as a user is allowed and available. Therefore, since the trouble of registering each information processing apparatus can be saved, the usability of the apparatus can be improved.

  In order to solve the above problem, an information processing program according to the present invention is an information processing program used for an information processing apparatus that can be used only by a user who is permitted to log in, and registers a computer for each user. A storage unit that stores the registered regular user identification information, an input unit that is operated by the user to input information, and logs in as a guest user to a user whose regular user identification information is not stored in the storage unit. Whether to allow the identification processing unit to be permitted and the user who is temporarily permitted to log in as a guest user by the identification processing unit to input information unique to the user by the input unit, and to permit the login of the input information. A registration processing unit for registering as guest identification information for use in determining whether or not to store in the storage unit; Wherein the guest identification information is registered by serial registration processing unit, the guest identification information function as a guest processor to allow to log in as a guest registered users are registered.

  According to this configuration, when a user whose regular user identification information is not stored in the storage unit is temporarily permitted to log in as a guest user, the user is prompted to input information unique to the user and is input. The registered information is registered as guest identification information used for determining whether or not login is permitted and stored in the storage unit. When the guest identification information is registered, login is permitted as a guest registered user in which the guest identification information is registered. In this way, even a user whose regular user identification information is not stored in the storage unit is permitted to log in as a guest registered user, so that the apparatus can be used and the usability of the apparatus can be improved. it can. In addition, login as a guest registered user is allowed after registering guest identification information rather than simply allowing login as a guest user, so based on the registered guest identification information, etc. It is possible to manage.

In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is a only users login is permitted image forming apparatus usable, and an information processing unit consisting of the information processing apparatus, the input image And an output unit for controlling the output unit.

According to this configuration, when a user whose regular user identification information is not stored in the storage unit is temporarily permitted to log in as a guest user, the user is prompted to input information unique to the user and is input. The registered information is registered as guest identification information used for determining whether or not login is permitted and stored in the storage unit. Then, following the registration of the guest identification information, the user is prompted to input the guest identification information, and it is determined whether or not the input information matches the guest identification information. Log in as a guest registered user with registered. In this way, even a user whose regular user identification information is not stored in the storage unit is permitted to log in as a guest registered user, so that the apparatus can be used and the usability of the apparatus can be improved. it can. In addition, login as a guest registered user is allowed after registering guest identification information rather than simply allowing login as a guest user, so based on the registered guest identification information, etc. It is possible to manage.
An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus that can be used only by a user who is permitted to log in, a storage unit that stores regular user identification information registered for each user, and information operated by a user. An input unit for inputting, an identification processing unit that temporarily allows a user who does not have the regular user identification information stored in the storage unit to log in as a guest user, and the identification processing unit temporarily logs in as a guest user. The input unit prompts an authorized user to input information unique to the user, and the input information is registered as guest identification information used to determine whether or not to permit login, and stored in the storage unit When the guest identification information is registered by the registration processing unit and the registration processing unit, the guest identification information is registered. A guest processing unit that permits login as a guest registered user, and a display unit, and the registration processing unit, when an elapsed time from the time of registering the guest identification information exceeds a preset set time, The guest identification information is erased from the storage unit, and the registration processing unit counts the number of times that the guest processing unit is allowed to log in as the guest registered user for each user, and the number of times is set in advance. The set time is shortened for the guest identification information of the user exceeding, and the remaining time until the guest identification information is erased from the storage unit is displayed on the display unit.
An information processing program according to the present invention is an information processing program used for an information processing apparatus that can be used only by a user who is permitted to log in, and stores a computer that stores regular user identification information registered for each user. An input unit for inputting information that is operated by a user, an identification processing unit that temporarily permits a user who is not stored in the storage unit to store the regular user identification information as a guest user, and the identification process As a guest identification information used to determine whether or not to permit login, the input unit prompts the user who is temporarily permitted to log in as a guest user by the input unit to input information unique to the user. A registration processing unit that registers and stores the information in the storage unit, and the guest processing information by the registration processing unit. When the information is registered, it functions as a guest processing unit that permits login as a guest registered user in which the guest identification information is registered, and the registration processing unit performs an elapsed time from the time of registering the guest identification information. When a preset set time is exceeded, the guest identification information is deleted from the storage unit, and the registration processing unit counts the number of times that the guest processing unit is permitted to log in as the guest registered user for each user. The setting time is shortened for the guest identification information of the user whose number exceeds the preset number of times, and the remaining time until the guest identification information is erased from the storage unit is displayed on the display unit To make it work.

  According to the present invention, when guest identification information is input, login is permitted as a guest registered user, so that even a user whose regular user identification information is not stored in the storage unit can use the apparatus. It becomes possible, and the usability of the apparatus can be improved. In addition, since the login as a guest registered user is permitted after the guest identification information is registered, the usage history of the guest registered user can be managed based on the registered guest identification information.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the other operation example of information processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an information processing system. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the other operation example of information processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the other operation example of information processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the other operation example of information processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the other operation example of information processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of an image forming apparatus. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the information processing system.

  An embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing apparatus 1 is connected to the image forming apparatus 2 and controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 2, and is composed of a personal computer, for example. The information processing apparatus 1 includes an input unit 11, a display unit 12, a storage unit 13, an identification processing unit 14, a registration processing unit 15, and a guest processing unit 16. Further, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a printing unit 21 and a control unit 22. The printing unit 21 prints an input image, and the control unit 22 receives a control signal from the information processing apparatus 1 and controls the operation of the printing unit 21.

  The input unit 11 is operated by a user to input information and the like. For example, when the login screen is displayed on the display unit 12, regular user identification information, guest identification information, and the like described later are input by the user using the input unit 11. The display unit 12 includes an LCD or the like, and displays a guest registration screen, a login screen, and the like to prompt the user to perform an operation, and displays a message or the like to notify the user of information.

  The storage unit 13 includes, for example, a hard disk or an EEPROM, and includes a regular user information storage unit 131 for storing regular user identification information and a guest user information storage unit 132 for storing guest identification information. The regular user identification information and the guest identification information are composed of, for example, a user name and a password.

  The identification processing unit 14 displays a login screen on the display unit 12 when the power is turned on, and prompts input of authorized user identification information. And the identification process part 14 discriminate | determines whether the information input using the input part 11 by the user with respect to a login screen corresponds with the regular user identification information registered in the memory | storage part 13, and if it corresponds, When the determination is made, the user is permitted to log in as a regular user, and the control unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 2 is notified of the fact. In addition, the identification processing unit 14 is configured such that when the information input by the user using the input unit 11 on the login screen does not match the regular user identification information registered in the storage unit 13, and on the login screen by the user. If no information is entered, the user is temporarily allowed to log in as a guest user.

  The registration processing unit 15 displays a guest registration screen on the display unit 12 when the identification processing unit 14 is temporarily permitted to log in as a guest user, and uses the input unit 11 to identify the user to a specific identification for the user. For example, the user is prompted to enter a user name and password. As the user name, for example, when the information processing apparatus 1 is installed in a company and the user is a business traveler from another department in the company, an employee number or the like can be used. When the user name and password are input using the input unit 11, the registration processing unit 15 registers the information as guest identification information and stores it in the guest user information storage unit 132 of the storage unit 13.

  When guest identification information is registered by the registration processing unit 15 in a state where the guest registration screen is displayed on the display unit 12, the guest processing unit 16 displays a login screen on the display unit 12 and inputs to the user. The unit 11 is used to prompt input of guest identification information. Then, the guest processing unit 16 determines whether or not the input information matches the guest identification information. If the input information matches, the guest processing unit 16 permits login as a guest registered user and notifies the control unit of the image forming apparatus 2 to that effect. 22 is notified.

  When the control unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 2 is notified that the login is permitted from the identification processing unit 14 or the guest processing unit 16, the control unit 22 enables the operation of the printing unit 21, but is not notified that the login is permitted. In this case, the operation of the printing unit 21 is prohibited.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. First, when the power is turned on, the login screen is displayed on the display unit 12 by the identification processing unit 14, and the user is prompted to input regular user identification information (step S1).

  Next, it is determined by the identification processing unit 14 whether or not the input information matches the regular user identification information stored in the regular user information storage unit 131 of the storage unit 13 (step S2), and the regular user information storage unit If it matches the regular user identification information stored in 131 (YES in step S2), login as a regular user is permitted and the normal operation mode is entered. On the other hand, when it does not match the regular user identification information or when the information is not input (NO in step S2), login as a guest user is temporarily permitted, and the registration processing unit 15 displays the guest registration screen on the display unit 12. (Step S3), the user is prompted to input identification information unique to the user, such as a user name and a password.

  Next, it waits for information to be input (NO in step S4). When the information is input (YES in step S4), the input information is registered as guest identification information, and guest user information in the storage unit 13 is registered. It preserve | saves in the storage part 132 (step S5). Next, the guest processing unit 16 displays a login screen on the display unit 12 (step S6), prompts the user to input guest identification information, and waits for input of guest identification information (NO in step S7).

  When the guest identification information is input (YES in step S7), the guest processing unit 16 permits login as a guest registered user and notifies the control unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 2 to that effect. As a result, the operation of the printing unit 21 becomes possible, and a desired image forming operation is executed (step S8). When the operation is completed, the user is logged out (step S9), and this routine is ended. In Steps S4 and S7, if no information is input even after a preset time has elapsed, this routine may be terminated.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, a user whose regular user identification information is not registered in the storage unit 13 is temporarily permitted to log in as a guest user, and is then prompted to register the guest identification information. When the information is registered, login is permitted as a guest registered user. Therefore, even a guest user can identify a user based on guest identification information, so that the guest user can be managed. In addition, since the user is allowed to log in as a guest registered user, there is no need to wait while the administrator performs regular user registration work, and the usability of the apparatus can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the login screen is displayed on the display unit 12 following the guest registration screen, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when guest identification information is registered by the registration processing unit 15 in a state where the guest registration screen is displayed on the display unit 12, the guest processing unit 16 displays a login screen on the display unit 12 as a guest registered user. Login may be permitted. That is, in FIG. 2, steps S6 and S7 may be omitted.

  In the above embodiment, after the guest user login is temporarily permitted, the guest registration screen is displayed on the display unit 12 every time, and the guest identification information is registered by prompting the user to input unique information. However, it is not limited to this. For example, after the guest identification information is registered by the registration processing unit 15, the identification processing unit 14 is configured such that the guest identification information is stored in the guest user information storage unit 132 of the storage unit 13 while the login screen is displayed on the display unit 12. When guest identification information is input by a user stored in the server, login as a guest registered user may be permitted. The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating another operation example of the information processing apparatus 1. The configuration of this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, steps S11 to S12 are the same as steps S1 to S2 of FIG. When the information input in step S12 does not match the regular user identification information (NO in step S12), the input information matches the guest identification information stored in the guest user information storage unit 132 of the storage unit 13. (Step S13), and if it matches the guest identification information stored in the guest user information storage unit 132 (YES in step S13), login as a guest registered user is permitted, and that is the effect of the image forming apparatus. 2 is sent to step S19. On the other hand, when the input information does not match the guest identification information or when the information is not input (NO in step S13), login as a guest user is temporarily permitted, and the process proceeds to step S14. Steps S14 to S20 are the same as steps S3 to S9 in FIG.

  As described above, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the identification processing unit 14 is stored in the guest user information storage unit 132 of the storage unit 13 with the login screen displayed on the display unit 12. When guest identification information is input by a user, login is permitted as a guest registered user. Therefore, since the user only needs to register the guest identification information once, the usability of the apparatus can be improved.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, an information processing system may be configured by connecting a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 shown in FIG. 1 to each other via a network. This embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the same components as those in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, an information processing system 4 is configured by connecting a plurality of (three in FIG. 4) information processing apparatuses 1 shown in FIG. The registration processing unit 15 transmits the guest identification information registered in the guest user information storage unit 132 of the storage unit 13 to another information processing apparatus 1 connected to the network 3. In addition, the registration processing unit 15 registers and stores guest identification information transmitted from the other information processing apparatus 1 as guest identification information in the guest user information storage unit 132 of the storage unit 13.

  In FIG. 5, steps S21 to S26 are the same as steps S11 to S16 shown in FIG. In subsequent step S <b> 27, the registered guest identification information is transmitted to the other information processing apparatus 1 via the network 3 by the registration processing unit 15. Then, the received information is registered as guest identification information by the registration processing unit 15 of the transmission destination and stored in the guest user information storage unit 132 of the storage unit 13. Subsequent steps S28 to S31 are the same as steps S17 to S20 shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the registration processing unit 15 transmits the registered guest identification information to another information processing apparatus 1 connected to the network 3, and transmits it. The previous registration processing unit 15 registers it as guest identification information and stores it in the guest user information storage unit 132 of the storage unit 13. Therefore, the trouble of registering guest identification information for each information processing apparatus 1 can be saved, and the usability of the apparatus can be improved.

  In this embodiment, the registered guest identification information is transmitted to all the other information processing apparatuses 1 connected to the network 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other guest information connected to the network 3 is also transmitted. You may make it transmit only to some information processing apparatuses 1. FIG. The regular user identification information is managed by the individual information processing apparatus 1, and the guest user's guest identification information is collectively managed by a server (not shown) connected to the network 3 or any one of the information processing apparatuses 1. May be performed.

  In each of the above embodiments, for example, the registration processing unit 15 counts the elapsed time from the time when the guest identification information is registered, and erases the registered guest identification information from the storage unit 13 when the predetermined time T1 has elapsed. You may do it. The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another operation example of the information processing apparatus 1. The configuration of this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 6, it is first determined whether or not guest identification information has been registered (step S41). The process waits until guest identification information is registered (NO in step S41), and when guest identification information is registered (step S41). In step S41, the registration processing unit 15 starts counting elapsed time (step S42). Next, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time T1 set in advance has elapsed (step S43), and the system waits until the predetermined time T1 elapses (NO in step S43), and when the predetermined time T1 elapses (in step S43). (YES), the guest identification information stored in the guest user information storage unit 132 of the storage unit 13 is deleted by the registration processing unit 15 (step S44), and this routine ends.

  As described above, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the registration processing unit 15 erases the guest identification information stored in the storage unit 13 when the predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the registration of the guest identification information. I am doing so. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the guest identification information stored in the storage unit 13 from increasing without limitation. As a result, the capacity of the storage unit 13 does not become insufficient, and it becomes possible to suitably manage authorized users in which authorized user identification information is registered. The predetermined time T1 can be set to 24 hours when the guest user is a business traveler from another department in the company, for example.

  In FIG. 6, the registration processing unit 15 counts the elapsed time from the time when the guest identification information is registered, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the registration processing unit 15 stores the guest identification information in the guest user information storage unit 132 of the storage unit 13, the registration processing unit 15 also stores the registration date and time at the same time. For example, when the apparatus is turned on, the guest user information storage unit 132 is stored. It is also possible to confirm the registration date and time of each guest identification information stored in and delete the guest identification information that exceeds the predetermined time T1.

  When the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is applied to the information processing system 4 shown in FIG. 4, the guest identification information stored in the storage unit 13 is stored in the storage unit 13 in the predetermined time T1 even in the other information processing apparatus 1 connected to the network 3. Is erased from the storage unit 13 when elapses. Therefore, in other information processing apparatuses 1 connected to the network 3, it is possible to prevent the guest identification information stored in the storage unit 13 from continuously increasing indefinitely.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the registration processing unit 15 may notify the user that the guest identification information will be deleted from the storage unit 13 when the predetermined time T1 has elapsed. For example, when the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is applied to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the guest registration screen displayed in step S3 or the login screen displayed in step S6 in FIG. You may display that guest identification information is erase | eliminated from the memory | storage part 13 when time T1 passes. For example, when the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is applied to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a predetermined time is displayed on the guest registration screen displayed in step S14 or the login screen displayed in step S17 in FIG. You may display that guest identification information is erase | eliminated from the memory | storage part 13 when T1 passes. Further, for example, when the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is applied to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the guest registration screen displayed in step S24 in FIG. 5 or the login screen displayed in step S28 is displayed. In addition, it may be displayed that the guest identification information is deleted from the storage unit 13 when the predetermined time T1 has elapsed. As a result, if the user wants to use the user beyond the predetermined time T1, the user is guided to register the regular user identification information and become a regular user.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, for example, the registration processing unit 15 counts, for each user, the number of times that the guest processing unit 16 is permitted to log in as a guest registered user, and the number of times is set in advance by a predetermined number N1. The above-mentioned predetermined time T1 may be shortened for the guest identification information of users exceeding. In this case, the registration processing unit 15 preferably notifies the user of the remaining time until the guest identification information is deleted from the storage unit 13 when the predetermined time T1 is shortened. The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another operation example of the information processing apparatus 1. The configuration of this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, steps S51 to S58 are the same as steps S11 to S18 of FIG. In step S53, if it matches the guest identification information (YES in step S53), the count value indicating the number of times login is permitted by the guest identification information is incremented by 1 (step S59), and the count value is set to the predetermined number N1. It is determined whether or not it has been exceeded (step S60). If the count value is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number N1 (NO in step S60), the process proceeds directly to step S63. On the other hand, if the count value exceeds the predetermined number N1 (YES in step S60), the registration processing unit 15 The predetermined time T1 is shortened (step S61), and the remaining time until the guest identification information is deleted from the storage unit 13 is displayed on the display unit 12 by the registration processing unit 15 (step S62). Proceed to S63. Subsequent steps S63 and S64 are the same as steps S19 and S20 in FIG.

  As described above, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the registration processing unit 15 deletes the guest identification information from the storage unit 13 when the number of logins permitted by the guest identification information exceeds the predetermined number N1. The predetermined time T <b> 1 is shortened and the remaining time until the guest identification information is erased from the storage unit 13 is displayed on the display unit 12. Therefore, the user who is frequently used is prompted to register the identification information as a regular user before the remaining time elapses. For example, when the predetermined time T1 is 24 hours, the predetermined time T1 may be shortened to 12 hours.

  In each of the above embodiments, for example, the guest processing unit 16 counts the number of times login is permitted as a guest registered user for each user, and when the number exceeds a predetermined number N2 set in advance, regular user identification is performed. The user may be prompted to register information. The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another operation example of the information processing apparatus 1. The configuration of this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 8, steps S71 to S78 are the same as steps S11 to S18 of FIG. In step S73, if it matches the guest identification information (YES in step S73), the count value indicating the number of times login is permitted by the guest identification information is incremented by 1 (step S79), and the count value is set to the predetermined number N2. It is determined whether or not it has been exceeded (step S80). If the count value is equal to or less than the predetermined number of times N2 (NO in step S80), the process proceeds directly to step S82, while if the count value exceeds the predetermined number of times N2 (YES in step S80), the guest processing unit 16 A message prompting the user to register the authorized user identification information is displayed on the display unit 12 (step S81), and the process proceeds to step S82. Subsequent steps S82 and S83 are the same as steps S19 and S20 in FIG.

  As described above, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the guest processing unit 16 prompts to register regular user identification information when the number of logins permitted by the guest identification information exceeds the predetermined number N2. A message is displayed on the display unit 12. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the user who uses frequently to register the regular user identification information.

  In each of the above embodiments, for example, the guest processing unit 16 determines the security level of a document to be printed, and in the case of a guest registered user, only a document having a security level equal to or lower than a predetermined level can be printed. It may be. In this case, the user may input the security level of the document to be printed with the input unit 11. The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another operation example of the information processing apparatus 1. The configuration of this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 9, steps S91 to S97 are the same as steps S1 to S7 of FIG. Subsequent to step S97, a document to be printed by the user is selected using, for example, the data stored in the storage unit 13 using the input unit 11, and the security level of the document is determined using the input unit 11. (Step S98). Then, it is determined whether or not the security level is equal to or lower than a predetermined level (step S99). If the security level of the document is equal to or lower than the predetermined level (YES in step S99), the process proceeds to step S100 while the security level of the document is predetermined. If the level is exceeded (NO in step S99), a message that the guest user is restricted from printing this document, for example, “Security level that cannot be printed by the guest user” is displayed on the display unit 12. (Step S102), the process proceeds to Step S101. Steps S100 to S101 are the same as steps S8 to S9 in FIG.

  As described above, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the guest processing unit 16 determines the security level of a document to be printed, and in the case of a guest registered user, the document whose security level is a predetermined level or less. Only allows printing. Therefore, it is possible to protect information security. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the user is allowed to input the security level of the document. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the security level may be stored in the storage unit 13 in association with the document, and the guest processing unit 16 may read and determine the security level. Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 described above, the restriction of the security level of the document is provided for the guest registered user, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a restriction may be provided for other functions. For example, the functions that can be used by guest registered users may be limited as compared to regular users, such as the number of printable sheets and the document size.

  In FIGS. 1 and 4, the information processing apparatus 1 and the image forming apparatus 2 are separately configured. However, the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 10 includes the blocks of the information processing apparatus 1 and the image forming apparatus 2 shown in FIG. Also in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the same operation as each of the above embodiments can be performed, and the same function and effect can be obtained.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, an image forming system may be configured by connecting a plurality (three in FIG. 11) of image forming apparatuses 20 shown in FIG. 10 to the network 3. Also in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the same operation as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 can be performed, and the same effect can be obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 12, one information processing apparatus 1 is connected to the network 3, and the other information processing apparatuses 5 (two in FIG. 12) connected to the network 3 are information processing apparatuses. The image forming apparatus 2 connected to 1 may be shared. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the information processing apparatus 5 includes an input unit 11, a display unit 12, and a communication unit 17. The communication unit 17 of the information processing device 5 transmits and receives data to and from the information processing device 1. Information input to the input unit 11 is transferred to the input unit 11 of the information processing device 1 via the network 3. Send.

  In addition, the identification processing unit 14, the registration processing unit 15, and the guest processing unit 16 of the information processing device 1 perform processing based on information transmitted from the information processing device 5, and the processing result is transmitted to the communication unit of the information processing device 5. 17 to permit the information processing apparatus 5 to log in. For example, the identification processing unit 14, the registration processing unit 15, and the guest processing unit 16 of the information processing device 1 are connected to the login screen or the guest registration screen on the display unit 12 of the information processing device 5 via the communication unit 17 of the information processing device 5. Control the display.

  As described above, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, regular user identification information and guest identification information are collectively managed by one information processing apparatus 1 connected to the network 3. Also in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the same operation as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 can be performed, and the same effect can be obtained.

  In each of the above embodiments, the guest identification information is made up of, for example, a user name made up of an employee number and a password, but is not limited thereto. For example, an e-mail address may be used instead of the user name, and after temporary registration, a secret word described in a message sent to the e-mail address may be registered as guest identification information.

  In the system shown in FIGS. 4 and 11, the registration processing unit 15 transmits guest identification information to all other devices connected to the network 3. The guest identification information may be transmitted only to some other connected devices.

  In the above embodiments, each block of the identification processing unit 14, the registration processing unit 15, and the guest processing unit 16 may be realized by hardware logic or may be realized by software using a computer. When implemented by software, each of the above blocks includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and the like. Each block stores a program read from the ROM by the CPU on the RAM. It is realized by developing with. That is, the same effects as those of the above embodiments can be obtained by a program that causes a computer to function as the identification processing unit 14, the registration processing unit 15, and the guest processing unit 16.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the image forming apparatuses 2 and 20 are apparatuses that output the original document stored in the storage unit 13 as a printed matter by the printing unit 21, but are not limited thereto. For example, a copying machine that outputs a document image read by the reading unit as a copy may be used. Further, for example, it may be a facsimile apparatus that transmits and outputs a document image read by the reading unit to the outside.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing apparatus 2 and 20 Image forming apparatus 3 Network 4 Information processing system 11 Input part 13 Storage part 14 Identification process part 15 Registration process part 16 Guest process part 21 Printing part 22 Control part

Claims (8)

An information processing device that can be used only by users who are permitted to log in,
A storage unit for storing regular user identification information registered for each user;
An input unit that is operated by a user to input information;
An identification processing unit that temporarily permits login as a guest user for a user whose regular user identification information is not stored in the storage unit;
Guest used to determine whether or not to allow login by allowing the input unit to input information specific to the user who is temporarily permitted to log in as a guest user by the identification processing unit. A registration processing unit that registers as identification information and stores it in the storage unit;
When the guest identification information is registered by the registration processing unit , a guest processing unit that permits login as a guest registered user in which the guest identification information is registered , and
Comprising a <br/> a display unit,
If the elapsed time from the time when the guest identification information is registered exceeds a preset set time, the registration processing unit deletes the guest identification information from the storage unit,
The registration processing unit counts, for each user, the number of times login is permitted as the guest registered user by the guest processing unit, and the setting for the guest identification information of a user whose number exceeds a preset number of times. An information processing apparatus that shortens the time and displays the remaining time until the guest identification information is deleted from the storage unit on the display unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the registration processing unit notifies the guest registration user that the guest identification information is deleted from the storage unit when the set time has elapsed. The guest processing unit counts, for each user, the number of times login is permitted as the guest registered user, and registers the regular user identification information in the storage unit for a user whose number exceeds a preset number of times. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the identification processing unit permits a user whose guest identification information is stored in the storage unit to log in as the guest registered user. An information processing system comprising a plurality of information processing devices according to claim 4 connected to each other via a network,
The registration processing unit transmits the guest identification information stored in the storage unit to at least some other information processing devices connected to the network, and transmitted from another information processing device. An information processing system for registering and storing guest identification information as the guest identification information in the storage unit. An information processing program used for an information processing apparatus that can be used only by a user who is permitted to log in,
Computer
A storage unit for storing regular user identification information registered for each user;
An input unit that is operated by a user to input information;
An identification processing unit that temporarily permits login as a guest user for a user whose regular user identification information is not stored in the storage unit;
Guest used to determine whether or not to allow login by allowing the input unit to input information specific to the user who is temporarily permitted to log in as a guest user by the identification processing unit. A registration processing unit that registers as identification information and stores it in the storage unit;
When the guest identification information is registered by the registration processing unit, it functions as a guest processing unit that permits login as a guest registered user in which the guest identification information is registered ,
If the elapsed time from the time when the guest identification information is registered exceeds a preset set time, the registration processing unit deletes the guest identification information from the storage unit,
The registration processing unit counts, for each user, the number of times login is permitted as the guest registered user by the guest processing unit, and the setting for the guest identification information of a user whose number exceeds a preset number of times. Speeds time, the guest identification information function is not Ru information processing program to cause a display section to display the remaining time until erased from the storage unit. An image forming device that can be used only by users who are permitted to log in,
An information processing unit comprising the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
An output unit for outputting an input image;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the output unit. When the guest processing unit is permitted to log in as the guest registered user, if the security level of the document to be printed is equal to or lower than a predetermined level, the guest processing unit causes the image forming apparatus to perform printing, and the security level is The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein if the predetermined level is exceeded, the image forming apparatus does not execute printing.

Images