JP6245287B2 - Information processing apparatus and information processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing program.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-228688 has an object to improve the convenience of information leakage countermeasures and erroneous transmission countermeasures of a multifunction peripheral. Image acquisition means for capturing image data into the multifunction peripheral based on instructions from an operator, and operator authentication Authentication processing means for determining whether a predetermined authority is satisfied for the output operation of the operator by a plurality of authentications as well as authentication of the confirmer who is not the operator, authority regarding the operation of the operator, An authentication information management means that associates authority for operation and is recorded as authentication information, and an output means that outputs image data in response to a notification satisfying a predetermined authority, and outputs image data acquired by the image acquisition means The authentication processing means authenticates a plurality of persons, and the image data performed by the operator is output from the output means based on the authority of the authenticated plurality of persons predetermined in the authentication information management means. It discloses that to determine whether or not to execute the output operation.

  Patent Document 2 discloses that it is possible to authenticate and operate multiple biological information that is extremely difficult to counterfeit, so that it can be operated without danger and to prevent crimes and mistakes.・ With a single IC, the task is to authenticate and operate multiple biometric information that is extremely difficult to counterfeit, not a key, etc., so that it can be operated without danger and to prevent crimes and mistakes. Register and issue the finger vein information of two people on the cash card, when the card is issued, the transaction limit such as withdrawal or transfer, when one of the finger vein information is authenticated, and two people It has been disclosed to provide a function for separately setting when the finger vein information is authenticated and traded.

  In Patent Document 3, it is an object to provide a facsimile machine that realizes an approval process for facsimile transmission with a simple mechanism. A user who uses the facsimile machine and an approver who has authorization authority for facsimile transmission by the user are disclosed. Reference is made to a storage unit that stores the associated approval table, an input unit that acquires a user identifier for identifying the user, a document to be facsimile-transmitted, and transmission destination information indicating the transmission destination, and the approval table. By specifying the approver corresponding to the user identifier acquired by the input unit, the approval acquisition unit that acquires the approval for the facsimile transmission by the user indicated by the user identifier from the specified approver, and the acquired approval Facsimile transmission of the corresponding facsimile transmission document to the destination indicated by the destination information It is disclosed that includes a transmission unit.

  Patent Document 4 aims to prevent misuse or forgetting to remove output paper output by others in an image forming apparatus having a composite function such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile, and to make it easy to use. An automatic sorting apparatus having a plurality of storage trays for storing output paper after image formation is connected to the apparatus main body, and the image is output as a visible image from image information input from the outside. It is disclosed that the required number of sheets is calculated, the storage tray of the automatic sorting apparatus is designated according to the calculated output number, and the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged to the designated storage tray.

  Patent Document 5 describes a screen / function that can improve the LCD operation screen that is difficult to see by illumination of the installation location, is easy to see and operate for the visually impaired, and has an operation screen suitable for everyone. In order to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method that can be provided, image information is read, image formation is performed based on the read image information, personal authentication information is read, and the read personal authentication information is read The registered personal authentication information and the personal authentication information read at the time of authentication are compared, an authentication process is performed, and when the authentication is performed, a predetermined operation unit is selected according to the authenticated individual. Changing at least one of the design, arrangement, and function of the screen is disclosed.

  Patent Document 6 discloses an image forming apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and an image processing apparatus that are optimal for a handicapped person such as a visually handicapped person. An object of the present invention is to provide a control method and a control program thereof, and personal identification information storage means for storing personal identification information for identifying a user, and setting information for storing apparatus setting information associated with the personal identification information Setting information for storing means, user authentication means for authenticating a user by collating personal information inputted from the outside with personal information identification information, and user device setting information authenticated by the user authentication means The image forming apparatus or the information processing apparatus includes a setting information extracting unit that extracts from the storage unit and a device setting unit that performs device setting based on the device setting information extracted by the setting information extracting unit. It has been disclosed was.

  Patent Document 7 has an object to provide an operation method, device, and apparatus that can match specifications for healthy persons and specifications for operation flows for visually impaired persons. The mode switching key that activates the voice guidance mode is provided as a dedicated key, and it is used as a trigger key for the voice guidance mode that is easy to understand for visually impaired people. When the cursor is operated and the pointer is moved, the key indicated by the pointer is read out by the voice utterance means such as a speaker in the liquid crystal touch panel, and the input by the screen key is accepted by the operation such as pressing the enter key. Is disclosed.

JP2012-074935A JP 2008-112231 A JP 2007-295294 A JP-A-08-026587 JP 2002-370421 A JP 2005-035294 A JP 2005-257993 A

  The present invention requires the authentication of the confirmer when the processing device is controlled to execute processing on the condition that the operator and the confirmer are authenticated, and the authority of the operator is exceeded. Then, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing program that enable processing from the start to the end of processing by performing any continuous authentication.

The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.
The invention of claim 1 is an operator authentication means for authenticating an operator, a confirmer authentication means for authenticating a confirmer corresponding to the operator authenticated by the operator authentication means, and an operation performed by the operator authentication means. A controller that controls the processing device to execute processing based on an operation of the operator on the condition that the operator is authenticated and the confirmer is authenticated by the confirmer authenticating unit. The operator authentication means performs a process of authenticating the confirmer when an operation exceeding the authority of the operator is attempted, and the control means is after the process is executed by the processing device, and the operator If the information is continuously obtained or the confirmer's information is obtained continuously, control is performed so that the processing by the processing device is continued until the end of the processing, and an operation requiring assistance is performed. Was done If the condition that the check's authentication is performed by the verify user authentication unit, and controls so as to execute processing in the processing device, as an operation requiring the assistance, (1) processing to the image data The amount is greater than or greater than a predetermined value, (2) the processing time is longer or greater than a predetermined value, and (3) while the processing is being performed by the processing device, The information processing apparatus is characterized in that any one of the operator's schedule or a combination thereof is included.

  The invention of claim 2 is a case where the operator tries to perform an operation exceeding the authority of the operator, and when the confirmer is not authenticated by the confirmer authentication means, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein notification is performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operator authentication means for authenticating an operator, a confirmer authentication means for authenticating a confirmer corresponding to the operator authenticated by the operator authentication means, and the operator authentication. And an operator is authenticated by the means and functions as a control means for controlling the processing device to execute processing based on the operation of the operator on the condition that the confirmer is authenticated by the confirmer authentication means. The confirmer authenticating means performs a process of authenticating the confirmer when an operation exceeding the authority of the operator is attempted, and the control means is after the process is executed by the processing device, On the condition that the operator information is continuously obtained or the confirmer information is continuously obtained, control is performed so that the processing by the processing device is continued until the end of the processing. If the operation required is performed on a condition that the check's authentication is performed by the verify user authentication unit, and controls so as to execute processing in the processing device, as an operation requiring the assistance, ( 1) The amount of image data to be processed is greater than or greater than a predetermined value, (2) the processing time is longer or greater than a predetermined value, and (3) the processing is performed by the processing device. It is an information processing program that is any one of the operator's schedule or a combination thereof .

  According to the information processing device of claim 1, when the processing device is controlled to execute processing on the condition that the operator and the confirmer are authenticated, and the operator's authority is exceeded, Processing from the start to the end of the process is made possible by requiring authentication of the confirmer and then performing either continuous authentication.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the second aspect, when the operator tries to perform an operation exceeding the authority of the operator and the confirmer is not authenticated, the confirmer can be notified.

  According to the information processing program of claim 3, when the processing device is controlled to execute processing on condition that the operator and the confirmer are authenticated, and the operator's authority is exceeded, Processing from the start to the end of the process is made possible by requiring authentication of the confirmer and then performing either continuous authentication.

It is a conceptual module block diagram about the structural example of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process example by 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a relationship between an authentication state and process execution. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a relationship between an authentication state and process execution. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a data structure of an authentication information table. It is the figure explaining the wheelchair user recognition system for recognizing that a user is a wheelchair user. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a camera. It is a figure explaining the example of functional composition of a wheelchair user recognition device. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of a wheelchair user recognition apparatus. It is a figure explaining direction of a user and a wheelchair in front of an image processing device, when a user is a wheelchair user. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the computer which implement | achieves this Embodiment.

Hereinafter, examples of various preferred embodiments for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a conceptual module configuration diagram of a configuration example according to the first embodiment.
The module generally refers to components such as software (computer program) and hardware that can be logically separated. Therefore, the module in the present embodiment indicates not only a module in a computer program but also a module in a hardware configuration. Therefore, the present embodiment is a computer program for causing these modules to function (a program for causing a computer to execute each procedure, a program for causing a computer to function as each means, and a function for each computer. This also serves as an explanation of the program and system and method for realizing the above. However, for the sake of explanation, the words “store”, “store”, and equivalents thereof are used. However, when the embodiment is a computer program, these words are stored in a storage device or stored in memory. It is the control to be stored in the device. Modules may correspond to functions one-to-one, but in mounting, one module may be configured by one program, or a plurality of modules may be configured by one program, and conversely, one module May be composed of a plurality of programs. The plurality of modules may be executed by one computer, or one module may be executed by a plurality of computers in a distributed or parallel environment. Note that one module may include other modules. Hereinafter, “connection” is used not only for physical connection but also for logical connection (data exchange, instruction, reference relationship between data, etc.). “Predetermined” means that the process is determined before the target process, and not only before the process according to this embodiment starts but also after the process according to this embodiment starts. In addition, if it is before the target processing, it is used in accordance with the situation / state at that time or with the intention to be decided according to the situation / state up to that point. When there are a plurality of “predetermined values”, they may be different values, or two or more values (of course, including all values) may be the same. In addition, the description having the meaning of “do B when it is A” is used in the meaning of “determine whether or not it is A and do B when it is judged as A”. However, the case where it is not necessary to determine whether or not A is excluded.
In addition, the system or device is configured by connecting a plurality of computers, hardware, devices, and the like by communication means such as a network (including one-to-one correspondence communication connection), etc., and one computer, hardware, device. The case where it implement | achieves by etc. is also included. “Apparatus” and “system” are used as synonymous terms. Of course, the “system” does not include a social “mechanism” (social system) that is an artificial arrangement.
In addition, when performing a plurality of processes in each module or in each module, the target information is read from the storage device for each process, and the processing result is written to the storage device after performing the processing. is there. Therefore, description of reading from the storage device before processing and writing to the storage device after processing may be omitted. Here, the storage device may include a hard disk, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an external storage medium, a storage device via a communication line, a register in a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the like.

  The information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment controls processing by the printer 182 and the scanner 184, which are examples of processing apparatuses. As shown in the example of FIG. 1, an operator / verifier information acquisition module 110, an operator confirmation / authentication module 122, a confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124, an operation authority confirmation module 126, an operation reception module 128, an operator authority acquisition module 130, a confirmer authority acquisition module 132, an authentication authority state retention module 134, The network connection module 136, the image output module 138, and the image reception module 140 are included. In order for the printer 182 and the scanner 184 to execute processing, it is a condition that both the operator and the confirmer are authenticated. Then, the processing by the printer 182 and the scanner 184 is continued on the condition that the authentication state in which both the operator and the confirmer are authenticated is maintained. In addition, the process that requires both authentications may be a predetermined process (or a process that satisfies a predetermined condition). Note that when “printer 182, scanner 184” is used, it means either the printer 182 or the scanner 184, or both.

The card reading module 116 is connected to the operation receiving module 128. The card reading module 116 stores the operator identification information (operator ID: IDentification) or the confirmer identification information (confirmer ID) for uniquely identifying the operator or the confirmer in the present embodiment. Read information in the card.
The operation panel 118 is connected to the operation reception module 128. The operation panel 118 is a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like, and accepts an operation by an operator or a confirmer. For example, an operation by an operator or a confirmer includes an input operation such as a password. Also, operations for the printer 182 and the scanner 184 are accepted. Specifically, there are a scan process start operation, a copy process number setting, a paper size setting, a start operation, and the like.
The operation reception module 128 is connected to the operator confirmation / authentication module 122, the confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124, the operation authority confirmation module 126, the image output module 138, the image reception module 140, the card reading module 116, and the operation panel 118. Yes. The operation receiving module 128 passes information to other modules in accordance with the information passed from the card reading module 116 and the operation panel 118. For example, when it is a login process, it is passed to the operator confirmation / authentication module 122 and the confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124, and when it is an operation for the printer 182 and the scanner 184, it is passed to the image output module 138 and the image reception module 140. .

The operator / confirmer information acquisition module 110 is connected to the operator confirmation / authentication module 122 and the confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124, and includes a wireless communication device 112 and a camera 114. The operator / confirmer information acquisition module 110 is used to determine whether the authentication state of the operator or the confirmer is maintained. “The authentication state is maintained” means that the operator or the confirmer is authenticated by using the card reading module 116 or the like, and the operator or the confirmer who has performed the authentication is the printer 182. Indicates that the scanner 184 is in the vicinity. “Authentication state is maintained” includes at least that information acquired when a user (operator or confirmer) is authenticated is continuously obtained. For example, information for specifying a user for authentication is acquired, and thereafter, information on an IC card including information for specifying the user, biometric information (face image, etc.) is acquired a plurality of times, and acquired each time. The authentication state is continued based on the information.
Further, “the operator or the confirmer is authenticated using the card reading module 116 or the like” means that, for example, when using the printer 182 or the scanner 184, the operator ID or the confirmer ID of the operator or the confirmer. Whether the operator or the confirmer can use the printer 182 or the scanner 184 in the authentication authority information DB 192. As a result of judging whether or not, it is judged that it can be used. This is a so-called login process. Of course, as the login process, in addition to using the IC card, user ID, password input, biometric information identification, and the like may be used.
And, the condition that “the authenticated operator or the confirming person is in the vicinity of the printer 182 and the scanner 184” is a condition that the first login process was officially performed, but then the operator or the confirmation This is to prevent a person from leaving the printer 182 and the scanner 184. Specifically, the wireless communication device 112 performs short-range communication with an IC card, a portable device (such as a mobile phone including a smartphone) owned by an authenticated operator or confirmer, and the short-range communication. Is performed, or when near field communication is capable of measuring a distance, if the measured distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value, “the authentication state is maintained”. The camera 114 captures the operator or the confirmer, extracts the captured face image, performs face recognition, and if the authenticated operator or confirmer is within the image captured by the operator, The authentication state is maintained. Since the wireless communication device 112 and the camera 114 are provided in the printer 182 and the scanner 184, the vicinity of the printer 182 and the scanner 184 is the same as the vicinity of the wireless communication device 112 and the camera 114.

  The operator confirmation / authentication module 122 is connected to the operator / confirmer information acquisition module 110, the operation reception module 128, the authentication authority state holding module 134, and the network connection module 136. The operator confirmation / authentication module 122 authenticates the operator. Specifically, based on the authentication information received from the operation reception module 128, communication with the authentication authority information DB 192 is performed to authenticate the operator. Then, the operator confirmation / authentication module 122 determines whether the authenticated state of the authenticated operator is maintained. Specifically, it is determined whether the operator is in the vicinity of the printer 182 and the scanner 184 using information from the operator / confirmer information acquisition module 110.

The confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124 is connected to the operator / checker information acquisition module 110, the operation reception module 128, the authentication authority state holding module 134, and the network connection module 136. The confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124 authenticates the confirmer corresponding to the operator authenticated by the operator confirmation / authentication module 122 using the authentication authority state holding module 134. Specifically, based on the authentication information received from the operation reception module 128, communication with the authentication authority information DB 192 is performed to authenticate the confirmer. Information stored in the authentication authority state holding module 134 or the authentication authority information DB 192 is used to determine whether or not the person is a confirmer corresponding to the operator. Then, the confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124 determines whether or not the authenticated state of the authenticated confirmer is maintained. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the confirmer is in the vicinity of the printer 182 and the scanner 184 using information from the operator / confirmer information acquisition module 110. This determination is made after the operator is authenticated or when the operator is in an authenticated state.
Further, the confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124 performs a process of authenticating the confirmer when the processing content to be executed by the processing device satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, when the processing device is a printer 182 or a scanner 184, the predetermined conditions are (1) the amount of image data to be processed is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and (2) the processing time. Is a predetermined value or more, or (3) that the operator has a schedule while the processing is being performed by the processing device, or a combination thereof. .

The operation authority confirmation module 126 is connected to the operation reception module 128, operator authority acquisition module 130, checker authority acquisition module 132, image output module 138, and image reception module 140. The operation authority confirmation module 126 performs processing based on the operation of the operator on the condition that the operator is authenticated by the operator confirmation / authentication module 122 and the confirmer is authenticated by the confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124. Control the device to execute the process.
The operation authority confirmation module 126 is after the processing is executed by the processing device, and the operator confirmation / authentication module 122 maintains the operator authentication state or the confirmation person confirmation / authentication module 124 confirms the operation authority confirmation module 126. Control is performed so that the processing by the processing device is continued on the condition that it is determined that the authentication state of the person is maintained.
Further, the operation authority confirmation module 126 is based on the information from the operator authority acquisition module 130 as the authority given to the operator (for example, the threshold value of the print document amount in one printing of the printer 182). It may be determined whether or not the processing content designated by the operation by the operator is permitted.
In addition, the operation authority confirmation module 126 is based on the information from the confirmer authority acquisition module 132, and the authority given to the confirmer (for example, the threshold value of the print document amount in one printing of the printer 182 that can be permitted, etc.) ), It may be determined whether or not the processing content designated by the operation by the operator is permitted by the confirmer.

The operator authority acquisition module 130 is connected to the operation authority confirmation module 126 and the authentication authority state holding module 134. The operator authority acquisition module 130 acquires the authority given to the target operator from the authentication authority state holding module 134 and passes it to the operation authority confirmation module 126.
The confirmer authority acquisition module 132 is connected to the operation authority confirmation module 126 and the authentication authority state holding module 134. The checker authority acquisition module 132 acquires the authority given to the target checker from the authentication authority state holding module 134 and passes it to the operation authority confirmation module 126.
The authentication authority state holding module 134 is connected to the operator confirmation / authentication module 122, the confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124, the operator authority acquisition module 130, the confirmer authority acquisition module 132, and the network connection module 136. The authentication authority state holding module 134 stores operator identification information (operator ID) for identifying an operator and confirmer identification information (checker ID) for identifying a confirmer corresponding to the operator. In addition, the authority and the like given to the operator and the confirmer are stored. For example, an authentication information table 900 is stored. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the authentication information table 900.
The authentication information table 900 includes an operator column 910, an operator authentication status column 920, a print document amount threshold column 930, a read document amount threshold column 940, a schedule (operator) column 950, a checker column 960, and a checker authentication. It has a status column 970 and a schedule (confirmer) column 980. The operator column 910 stores an operator ID. The operator authentication status column 920 stores the authentication status of the operator. The print document amount threshold value column 930 stores a print document amount threshold value for the operator. The read document amount threshold value column 940 stores a read document amount threshold value for the operator. The schedule (operator) column 950 stores the schedule of the operator. The confirmer column 960 stores a confirmer ID. The checker's authentication status column 970 stores the checker's authentication status. The schedule (confirmer) column 980 stores the schedule of the confirmer. Further, the authority (corresponding to the print document amount threshold value column 930 and the read document amount threshold value column 940) given to the checker may be stored.

  In this authentication information table 900, A and B are registered as operators in the operator column 910. In the operator authentication status column 920, a status indicating whether or not the operator is authenticated is set. This information is canceled (unauthenticated state) when the operator is authenticated and then leaves the processing device. The detection of leaving the front of the processing apparatus can be determined by the position of a camera 114 installed around the machine, the position of a portable device that can use position information held by the operator, or the like. The printed document amount threshold value column 930 is a threshold value for the printed document amount. If the number of printed sheets actually exceeds the threshold value, it is possible to request confirmation by the confirmer. The read document amount threshold value column 940 is similarly related to reading, and is determined by the weight of the document amount placed on the automatic document feeder. The schedule in the schedule (operator) column 950 is the schedule of the operator, and is used to determine whether the operator must immediately leave the processing apparatus. You must leave immediately in front of the processing device, and the process may not be executed without the presence of a confirmer. The confirmer column 960 is a confirmer corresponding to the operator, and a plurality of people may be registered. The checker authentication status column 970 is the checker authentication status, and either the operator authentication status in the operator authentication status column 920 or the checker authentication status column 970 is authenticated between the execution of the process and the end. If it is in the state, the process is continuously executed. If not, the process is stopped, and the operation according to the setting of the processing apparatus can be performed. The schedule (confirmer) column 980 is a schedule of the confirmer. It is also possible to select confirmers in the registered order, or to select confirmers with sufficient time.

The network connection module 136 is connected to the operator confirmation / authentication module 122, the confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124, and the authentication authority state holding module 134, and also connected to the authentication authority information DB 192 and the schedule DB 194 via the communication line 198. Has been. The network connection module 136 passes the information from the information processing apparatus 100 to the authentication authority information DB 192 and the schedule DB 194, acquires the authority of the authenticated operator and the confirmer from the authentication authority information DB 192, and from the schedule DB 194. Get the schedule information of the authenticated operator and the confirmer. As the schedule information, for example, a schedule scheduled within a predetermined period from the current date and time corresponds. The predetermined period “predetermined period” is, for example, a period assumed as a period in which the processing apparatus is used.
The image output module 138 is connected to the operation authority confirmation module 126, the operation reception module 128, and the printer 182. The image output module 138 causes the printer 182 to execute processing according to the operation content received from the operation reception module 128. However, whether or not to perform the processing follows the instruction from the operation authority confirmation module 126.
The image reception module 140 is connected to the operation authority confirmation module 126, the operation reception module 128, and the scanner 184. The image reception module 140 causes the scanner 184 to execute processing according to the operation content received from the operation reception module 128. However, whether or not to perform the processing follows the instruction from the operation authority confirmation module 126.

The printer 182 is connected to the image output module 138. The printer 182 executes print processing and the like according to the control of the image output module 138.
The scanner 184 is connected to the image reception module 140. The scanner 184 executes scan processing and the like according to the control of the image reception module 140. Note that the printer 182 and the scanner 184 may be an image processing apparatus 400 that is configured integrally. A so-called multifunction machine (an image processing apparatus having any two or more functions such as a scanner, a printer, a copier, and a facsimile machine) may be used. Note that the processing by the printer 182 and the scanner 184 may be called a job, a service, or the like.
The authentication authority information DB 192 is connected to the network connection module 136 via the communication line 198. The authentication authority information DB 192 manages authentication information about users (including an operator and a confirmer), authority information for the printer 182 and the scanner 184, and the like.
The schedule DB 194 is connected to the network connection module 136 via the communication line 198. The schedule DB 194 manages electronic schedule information about the user. For example, for each user, the date and time (year, month, day, hour, minute, second, second or less, or a combination thereof) and a schedule to be performed on that date are stored in association with each other.

An outline of a processing example by the information processing apparatus 100 is shown. This description is intended to facilitate understanding of the information processing apparatus 100, and does not indicate all of the processing contents of the information processing apparatus 100 or essential processing contents.
The operator performs an authentication operation using the card reading module 116 and the operation panel 118 with an IC card or the like. When an authentication operation is performed, the authentication information table 900 illustrated in FIG. 9 is constructed from the authentication authority information DB 192 and the schedule DB 194 through the operator confirmation / authentication module 122 from the operation reception module 128 and stored in the authentication authority state holding module 134. . Thereafter, when the operator tries to execute the processing, the processing information is taken out from the image receiving module 140 and the image output module 138 via the operation receiving module 128, and each threshold value of the authentication information table 900 is set by the operation authority confirmation module 126. Judge whether it exceeds. If it does not exceed, normal operation becomes possible and processing of the operation is performed. If exceeded, authentication of the confirmer is required. Authentication is performed from the operation reception module 128 via the confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124, and the authentication information is updated from the authentication authority information DB 192 and the schedule DB 194. For a process that requires authentication of the confirmer, after the process is executed, either the operator or the confirmer is checked by the operator confirmation / authentication module 122 or the confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124. If the authentication state is maintained as being in the vicinity of the printer 182 and the scanner 184, the processing is continued. If both the operator and the confirmer are not in the vicinity of the printer 182 and the scanner 184, the authentication state is not maintained and the process is stopped.
Note that, when processing is to be executed again after authentication, the processing may be executed after the authority is confirmed again by the operation authority confirmation module 126.
The authentication information held by the authentication authority state holding module 134 is updated each time the schedule of the operator / checker is changed and the operator / checker leaves the front of the printer 182 and the scanner 184.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to the first exemplary embodiment.
In step S202, operator authentication is performed.
In step S204, it is determined whether or not the authentication is OK. If OK, the process proceeds to step S206. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S214.
In step S206, it is determined whether or not the corresponding checker is required. If the checker is required, the process proceeds to step S208. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S212.
In step S208, confirmer authentication is performed.
In step S210, it is determined whether or not the authentication is OK. If OK, the process proceeds to step S212. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S214.
In step S212, it is assumed that the process is successful (processable).
In step S214, it is assumed that it is a failure. That is, when the operator cannot be authenticated, when the confirmer is required and when the confirmer cannot be authenticated, the operation in the processing apparatus is disabled.

  FIG. 2 is a basic flow example according to the first embodiment. The operator identifies and authenticates the individual in accordance with an authentication system such as an IC card or a living body in front of the image processing apparatus 400 (step S202). If the authentication fails (No in step S204), the operation cannot be continued (step S214). When the individual is authenticated (Yes in step S204), the presence / absence of the confirmer 490 corresponding to the operator 480 is determined from the authentication authority information DB 192 in the image processing apparatus 400 or externally. If the confirmer 490 corresponding to the operator 480 is not set (No in step S206), it can be assumed that only the authenticated operator 480 can execute the process, and the operation can be continued (step S212). If the corresponding confirmer 490 is necessary (Yes in step S206), the image processing apparatus 400 notifies the confirmer 490 and requests authentication (step S208). If authentication of the checker 490 fails (No in step S210), the process cannot be continued (step S214). If authentication of the confirmer 490 is successful (Yes in step S210), processing can be performed (step S212). There are cases where the authentication failure of the confirmer 490 includes authentication of the incorrect confirmer 490, or authentication has not been performed in time. The authenticated operator information and confirmer information are held until the operation is completed. The case where authentication of the operator 480 and the confirmer 490 is necessary before actual operation corresponds to a case where the image processing apparatus 400 is used for the first time.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to the first exemplary embodiment. This shows a processing example for a case where a confirmer is required at the time of execution of the processing (during execution).
In step S302, operator authentication is performed.
In step S304, it is determined whether or not the authentication is OK. If the authentication is OK, the process proceeds to step S306. Otherwise, the process ends (step S399).
In step S306, print / copy or scan / facsimile is determined. If print / copy, the process proceeds to step S308, and if scan / facsimile transmission, the process proceeds to step S310.
In step S308, it is determined whether the number of prints is large. If so, the process proceeds to step S312. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S318.
In step S310, it is determined whether the scan / facsimile document amount is large. If so, the process proceeds to step S312; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S318.
In step S312, it is determined whether or not a corresponding checker is required. If the checker is required, the process proceeds to step S314. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S318. Note that if it is necessary to confirm at step S312, that is, if only the operator is authenticated and the answer is YES at step S308 or step S310, a notification prompting the confirmer corresponding to the operator to attend May be performed. For example, an e-mail including the content to that effect is sent to the confirmer, or a telephone call is made by voice synthesis.
In step S314, confirmer authentication is performed.
In step S316, it is determined whether or not the authentication is OK. If the authentication is OK, the process proceeds to step S318; otherwise, the process ends (step S399). That is, when the operator cannot be authenticated, when the confirmer is required and when the confirmer cannot be authenticated, the operation in the processing apparatus is disabled.
In step S318, the process is executed.

  FIG. 3 is an example of a flow in a case where the confirmer 490 is required when executing the process. The operator 480 identifies and authenticates an individual in accordance with an authentication system such as an IC card or a living body in front of the image processing apparatus 400 (step S302). If the individual is authenticated (Yes in step S304), the process according to the operation of the operator 480 can be executed. Thereafter, when the instruction is a copy or print (print / copy in step S306), and the requested print and the number of copies exceed the threshold for one execution specified for each machine or individual (step S308). Yes), it is determined whether or not there is a confirmer 490 corresponding to the operator 480 in the image processing apparatus 400 or from the authentication authority information DB 192 (step S312). This threshold value may be not only the number of sheets but also an estimated processing time. In addition to copying and printing, a case using automatic document feeding in scanning or facsimile transmission (scan / facsimile transmission in step S306) may be used (step S310). If the confirmer 490 corresponding to the operator 480 is not set (No in step S312), the operation set by the authenticated operator 480 or the machine is continued (for example, printing is performed up to the upper limit, printing is stopped, confirmation is performed) 490). If the corresponding confirmer 490 is necessary (Yes in step S312), the image processing apparatus 400 requests authentication of the confirmer 490 (step S314). If authentication of the checker 490 fails (No in step S316), the process cannot be continued. If authentication of the checker 490 is successful (Yes in step S316), the process can be executed (step S318). In steps S308 and S310, (1) the amount of image data to be processed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, (2) the processing time is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and (3) the image processing device 400 is used. While the process is being performed, it is determined whether there is a schedule of the operator 480 or a combination thereof. Note that in “(3) that the operator 480 has a plan while the processing is being performed by the image processing apparatus 400”, the confirmer 490 is the continuator who takes over the processing, and acts as a proxy for the operator 480. It is a person.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processing example according to the first exemplary embodiment. That is, it shows a case where either the operator or the confirmer is absent during processing. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the authentication state and the process execution. That is, it shows an example of the relationship between the authentication state and the process execution when one of them is absent. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the authentication state and the process execution. That is, it is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a relationship between an authentication state in the case where both are absent, and process execution.
The example illustrated in FIG. 4A indicates that the operator 480 has been authenticated. The image processing apparatus 400 is a combination of a printer 182, a scanner 184, a card reading module 116, an operation panel 118, and the information processing apparatus 100. The operator 480 needs to authenticate the confirmer 490. Alternatively, the processing content performed by the operation of the operator 480 requires authentication of the confirmer 490. As shown in the example of FIG. 4B, after the confirmer 490 is authenticated, processing in the image processing apparatus 400 is executed. Up to this point, as shown in the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3, the processing according to the processing execution instruction of the operator 480 is performed on the assumption that the operator 480 and the confirmer 490 are authenticated.
Then, as shown in the example of FIG. 4C, when the process is being executed, for example, when the user is absent from the location of the image processing apparatus 400 due to the schedule of the operator 480, the confirmer Check for the presence of 490. If there is a confirmer 490, the process is continued. The process continues even when the operator 480 returns midway and the confirmer 490 is absent.

This continuing case will be described with reference to the example of FIG. The operator 480 transitions to an authentication state 582, an unauthenticated state 584, and an authentication state 586. The authentication state 582 is from time point 502 to time point 508, the unauthenticated state 584 is from time point 508 to time point 510, and the authentication state 586 is from time point 510 to time point 516. The confirmer 490 transitions to an unauthenticated state 592, an authenticated state 594, and an unauthenticated state 596. The unauthenticated state 592 is from time 502 to time 504, the authentication state 594 is from time 504 to time 512, and the unauthenticated state 596 is from time 512 to time 516. The process execution 550 is from time 506 to time 514.
That is, at the time 506 when the process execution 550 is started, the operator 480 is in the authentication state 582 and the confirmer 490 is in the authentication state 594. At the time 508 in the middle of the process execution 550, the operator 480 enters the unauthenticated state 584, but the confirmer 490 remains in the authenticated state 594, and at the time 512 in the middle of the process execution 550, the confirmer 490 has not yet been verified. Although the authentication state 596 is entered, the operator 480 remains in the authentication state 586, so that the process execution 550 continues until the end point 514.

When both the operator 480 and the confirmer 490 are absent, an operation set in advance by the operator 480 or an operation set in advance by the image processing apparatus 400 is performed. As the operation, for example, the processing is temporarily interrupted, and the operator 480, the confirming person 490, and the system administrator of the image processing apparatus 400 are telephoned by e-mail including the content to that effect, voice synthesis, or the like.
This temporary interruption will be described with reference to the example of FIG. The operator 480 transitions to an authentication state 682, an unauthenticated state 684, and an authentication state 686. The authentication state 682 is from time 602 to time 608, the unauthenticated state 684 is from time 608 to time 612, and the authentication state 686 is from time 612 to time 614. The confirmer 490 transitions to an unauthenticated state 692, an authenticated state 694, and an unauthenticated state 696. The unauthenticated state 692 is from time 602 to time 604, the authentication state 694 is from time 604 to time 610, and the unauthenticated state 696 is from time 610 to time 614. The process execution 650 is from time 606 to time 610.
That is, at the time 606 when the process execution 650 starts, the operator 480 is in the authentication state 682 and the confirmer 490 is in the authentication state 694. At time 608 in the middle of the process execution 650, the operator 480 enters the unauthenticated state 684, but the confirmer 490 remains in the authenticated state 694 until time 610. Process execution 650 continues after time 608. However, the confirmer 490 ends the authentication state 694 at the time point 610 and enters the unauthenticated state 696, so the processing is temporarily suspended 652. That is, at the time 610, the operator 480 is in the unauthenticated state 684, the confirmer 490 is also in the unauthenticated state 696, and both are in the unapproved state, so that the process execution 650 is temporarily suspended 652 at the time 610.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to the first exemplary embodiment. That is, a flow example of a case where either the operator or the confirmer is absent during processing is shown.
In step S702, the operator / verifier authentication is OK.
In step S704, a process execution instruction is issued.
In step S706, it is determined whether or not the process execution has been completed. If completed, the process ends (step S799). Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S708.
In step S708, it is determined whether or not the operator is absent. If not, the process proceeds to step S710. Otherwise, the process returns to step S706.
In step S710, it is determined whether or not the confirmer is absent. If not, the process proceeds to step S712. Otherwise, the process returns to step S706.
In step S712, the process execution is stopped and the operator / verifier is notified.
It should be noted that either step S708 or step S710 may be performed first, or may be performed in parallel.

<Second Embodiment>
The second embodiment is a case where the first embodiment is applied to a disabled person. The second embodiment has a module configuration equivalent to that of the first embodiment shown in the example of FIG. That is, the operator may be read as a disabled person and the confirmer as an assistant.
Then, the operator confirmation / authentication module 122 further recognizes that the operator is a disabled person (specifically, a wheelchair user) requiring assistance. This recognition process will be described later with reference to the examples of FIGS.
The operation authority confirmation module 126 is an assistant by the confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124 when the operator (handicapped person) performs an operation requiring the assistance of the operator in order to cause the processing device to execute processing. On the condition that the authentication is performed, the processing apparatus is controlled to execute the process. The operation requiring the assistance of the operator corresponds to the determination in step S308 and step S310 shown in the example of FIG. That is, (1) the amount of image data to be processed is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, (2) the processing time is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and (3) while processing is being performed by the processing device. Any one of these, or a combination thereof. In the cases (1) and (2), an event such as a paper jam or a shortage of paper is likely to occur, which cannot be dealt with by the operator alone, and often requires an assistant.

The confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124 determines whether the authentication state of the assistant who has already been authenticated by the confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124 is maintained.
Then, the operation authority confirmation module 126, after the processing is executed by the processing device, on the condition that it is determined by the confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124 that the authentication state of the assistant is maintained. Control is performed so that processing by the processing device is continued. That is, when the operator is in a situation requiring assistance, the operation cannot be continued unless the assistant is in front of the processing device.

  In addition, the confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124 is configured to authenticate the assistant by the confirmer confirmation / authentication module 124 when an event that requires an operator's assistance occurs in the processing apparatus and the event is canceled. Control is performed so that the processing by the processing device is continued even if the state is not maintained. For example, when the processing device is an image processing device, the “event requiring the operator's assistance” is particularly a shortage of paper. “When the event is canceled” is when the assistant resolves the shortage of paper (replenishment of paper). That is, if a shortage of paper once occurs and is solved, the probability that the same shortage of paper will occur next is low. Accordingly, when the situation where the operator needs assistance is released, the operation can be performed even if the assistant moves from the front of the processing apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to the second exemplary embodiment.
In step S802, authentication of the operator (disabled person) is OK.
In step S804, whether or not assistance is required is determined. Here, the result of recognizing that the operator is a disabled person who needs assistance is used. This recognition process will be described later with reference to the examples of FIGS.
In step S806, it is determined whether or not the process requires assistance. If the process requires assistance, the process proceeds to step S808. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S810. The determination here corresponds to the determination in step S308 and step S310 shown in the example of FIG. That is, (1) the amount of image data to be processed is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, (2) the processing time is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and (3) while processing is being performed by the processing device. Any one of these, or a combination thereof.
In step S808, authentication of an assistant is performed.
In step S810, processing execution is instructed.
In step S812, it is determined whether or not the process execution has been completed. If completed, the process ends (step S899). Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S814.
In step S814, it is determined whether an event requiring assistance has occurred. If an event requiring assistance has occurred, the process proceeds to step S816. Otherwise, the process returns to step S812.
In step S816, the assistant determines whether or not the user is in an authentication state. If the assistant is in the authentication state, the process returns to step S812 (resolves the event that has occurred), and otherwise the process proceeds to step S818.
In step S818, the assistant is authenticated. If the assistant can be authenticated, the assistant is nearby, so the process is continued (the event that occurred is resolved).
In step S820, the execution of the process execution process is stopped and the operator / confirmer is notified.

On the assumption that the operator 480 has been authenticated (step S802), it is determined whether the operator 480 needs assistance (or whether there is a necessary operation) (step S804). The determination in the case of the wheelchair user 1090 will be described later. In addition, failure contents may be registered in the database in advance. If assistance is necessary (Yes in step S806), authentication of the assistant is performed (step S808). If the authentication is successful (Yes in step S808), the process can be continued with assistance (step S810). For example, if the user has a hearing problem, there is a possibility of information leakage without noticing that a person is standing behind, but it can be suppressed by having a reliable assistant. If no assistance is required in executing the process (No in step S806), an instruction to execute the process is given (step S810). The execution of processing requiring assistance in step S806 includes scanning and copying by placing a large number of documents on the automatic document feeder. After the process is started, if an event requiring assistance occurs (Yes in step S814), if the assistant is not in an authenticated state (No in step S814), assistant authentication is performed (step S818). The event requiring assistance may be a paper exchange of the tray of the image processing apparatus 400, a paper jam removal, or the like. If the authentication of the assistant is successful and the event requiring assistance is canceled, the processing can be continued.
For example, a case of on-demand printing in which a print job is input and stored in advance in the image processing apparatus 400 and then printed by operating in front of the image processing apparatus 400 will be described. Since the paper size used in the on-demand printing is known in advance, when a different paper size is set, the operator 480 senses the situation approaching the image processing apparatus 400, and further notifies the operator 480. When the corresponding assistant is in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus 400, a message instructing to replace the paper tray can be displayed on the display of the image processing apparatus 400.

  Further, in the authentication information table 900 of FIG. 9, for a disabled person, the type of the obstacle and the service, function, processing device, option, etc. that require assistance associated therewith may be further managed. For example, replacement of a paper tray, an automatic document feeder, and the like are difficult to use for wheelchair users, but can be used in advance by assistance of an assistant. Therefore, an assistant may be designated for replacement of a paper tray or use of an automatic document feeder.

Hereinafter, “a process for recognizing that the operator is a disabled person requiring assistance”, which is a part of the process of the operator confirmation / authentication module 122, will be described with reference to FIGS. For example, a wheelchair user is shown as “a disabled person requiring assistance from the operator”.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a wheelchair user recognition system for recognizing that a user is a wheelchair user.
The wheelchair user recognition system S is an example of a part of the operator confirmation / authentication module 122. As illustrated, the wheelchair user recognition system S includes an image processing device 400 and a recognition device 1000 as an example of a recognition unit that recognizes that a user who places a document on the image processing device 400 is a wheelchair user 1090. It consists of and. The recognition apparatus 1000 includes a camera 1010 as an example of an imaging unit that images the user, and a wheelchair as an example of a processing unit that recognizes whether the user is a wheelchair user based on an image captured by the camera 1010. A user recognition device 1020.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the camera 1010.
The camera 1010 includes an optical system 1111 that converges incident light, and an image sensor 1112 that is an imaging unit that detects light converged by the optical system 1111.
The optical system 1111 is configured by combining a single lens or a plurality of lenses. Various aberrations are appropriately removed by the combination of lenses and the coating applied to the lens surface.
The image sensor 1112 is configured by arranging image pickup devices such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor).

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the wheelchair user recognition device 1020.
The wheelchair user recognition device 1020 is realized by a personal computer, for example. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, a moving object detection module 1221 that detects a moving object from an image photographed by the camera 1010, and a contour extraction module that extracts the contour of the moving object detected by the moving object detection module 1221. 1222, an area calculation module 1223 for determining the area in the contour extracted by the contour extraction module 1222, and determining whether the moving object is a wheelchair user based on the area determined by the area calculation module 1223 Wheelchair user determination module 1224, direction determination module 1225 for determining the direction in which the user faces when the moving object is a wheelchair user, and the determination results of wheelchair user determination module 1224 and direction determination module 1225 And a transmission module 1226 for transmitting to 400

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the wheelchair user recognition device 1020.
Hereinafter, based on FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the outline of operation | movement of the wheelchair user recognition apparatus 1020 is demonstrated.
First, the moving object detection module 1221 acquires an image captured by the camera 1010, and determines whether there is a moving object in the image (step S1302). If the moving object detection module 1221 does not detect the moving object (No in step S1302), the process returns to step S1302.
On the other hand, when the moving object detection module 1221 detects the moving object (Yes in step S1302), the contour extraction module 1222 next extracts the contour of the moving object (step S1304). Then, the area calculation module 1223 calculates the area of the portion surrounded by the contour extracted by the contour extraction module 1222 (step S1306).

  Next, the wheelchair user determination module 1224 determines whether or not this moving object is a wheelchair user. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the size of the area obtained by the area calculation module 1223 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (step S1308). If the size of the area is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (Yes in Step S1308), the wheelchair user determination module 1224 determines that the moving object is a wheelchair user (Step S1310). On the other hand, if the size of the area is less than the predetermined threshold (No in step S1308), the wheelchair user determination module 1224 determines that the moving object is not a wheelchair user (step S1312). In other words, since wheelchair users have wheelchairs, they occupy a larger area when viewed from above than when they are not wheelchair users. Therefore, by setting an appropriate threshold value, it is possible to determine whether or not the moving object is a wheelchair user from the area occupied in the image. Moreover, when the ratio of the length of the circumscribed rectangle of the outline of the moving object is within a predetermined range, it may be determined that the user is a wheelchair user.

  The wheelchair user determination module 1224 can also determine an assistant who assists the wheelchair user in addition to the wheelchair user. That is, there are two contours detected by the moving object detection module 1221 and extracted by the contour extraction module 1222, and one of the areas obtained by the area calculation module 1223 is larger than the threshold value, and the other If it is less than the threshold, the wheelchair user determination module 1224 determines that one is a wheelchair user and the other is an assistant.

If the user is a wheelchair user, the orientation determination module 1225 determines the orientation of the user from the moving direction of the moving object and the shape of the moving object (step S1314).
FIGS. 14A to 14C are diagrams illustrating the orientation of the user and the wheelchair in front of the image processing device 400 when the user is a wheelchair user 1090. FIG.
When the user is a wheelchair user 1090, one of the three orientations shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C is often used in front of the image processing apparatus 400.
Among these, FIG. 14A shows a case where a user on a wheelchair faces left when the direction of the image processing apparatus 400 is the front. That is, in this case, the user and the wheelchair are facing left with respect to the image processing apparatus 400.
FIG. 14B shows a case where the user on the wheelchair is facing right when the direction of the image processing apparatus 400 is the front. That is, in this case, the user and the wheelchair are facing right with respect to the image processing apparatus 400.
Further, FIG. 14C shows a case where the user on the wheelchair is facing the image processing apparatus 400. That is, in this case, the user and the wheelchair face the front with respect to the image processing apparatus 400.

Returning to FIG. 13, the transmission module 1226 then transmits the determination results of the wheelchair user determination module 1224 and the orientation determination module 1225 to the image processing apparatus 400 (step S1316). If the determination result of the wheelchair user determination module 1224 is a wheelchair user, information indicating that the user including the information on the direction in which the user is facing is a wheelchair user is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 100. In this embodiment, when an assistant is recognized, information indicating that the assistant is present is transmitted.
On the other hand, if the determination result of the wheelchair user determination module 1224 is not a wheelchair user, information indicating that the user is not a wheelchair user is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 100.
Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 (operator confirmation / authentication module 122) can detect whether or not the user is a wheelchair user.

  With reference to FIG. 15, a hardware configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment including the printer 182 and the scanner 184 will be described. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 15 is configured by, for example, a personal computer (PC), and illustrates a hardware configuration example including a data reading unit 1517 such as a scanner and a data output unit 1518 such as a printer.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1501 includes various modules described in the above-described embodiments, that is, an operator / verifier information acquisition module 110, an operator verification / authentication module 122, a verifier verification / authentication module 124, and an operation. A computer that describes the execution sequence of each module such as the authority confirmation module 126, the operation reception module 128, the operator authority acquisition module 130, the confirmer authority acquisition module 132, the network connection module 136, the image output module 138, and the image reception module 140. It is a control part which performs the process according to a program.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 1502 stores programs used by the CPU 1501, calculation parameters, and the like. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 1503 stores programs used in the execution of the CPU 1501, parameters that change as appropriate during the execution, and the like. These are connected to each other by a host bus 1504 including a CPU bus.

  The host bus 1504 is connected to an external bus 1506 such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus via a bridge 1505.

  A keyboard 1508 and a pointing device 1509 such as a mouse are input devices operated by an operator. The display 1510 includes a liquid crystal display device or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays various types of information as text or image information.

  An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1511 includes a hard disk, drives the hard disk, and records or reproduces a program executed by the CPU 1501 and information. The hard disk stores an authentication authority state and the like. Further, various computer programs such as various other data processing programs are stored.

  The drive 1512 reads out data or a program recorded on a removable recording medium 1513 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and the data or program is read out as an interface 1507 and an external bus 1506. , To the RAM 1503 connected via the bridge 1505 and the host bus 1504. The removable recording medium 1513 can also be used as a data recording area similar to the hard disk.

  The connection port 1514 is a port for connecting the external connection device 1515 and has a connection unit such as USB and IEEE1394. The connection port 1514 is connected to the CPU 1501 and the like via an interface 1507, an external bus 1506, a bridge 1505, a host bus 1504, and the like. The communication unit 1516 is connected to a communication line and executes data communication processing with the outside. The data reading unit 1517 is a scanner, for example, and executes document reading processing. The data output unit 1518 is a printer, for example, and executes document data output processing.

  Note that the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 15 shows one configuration example, and the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 15, and the modules described in this embodiment are executed. Any configuration is possible. For example, some modules may be configured with dedicated hardware (for example, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc.), and some modules are in an external system and connected via a communication line In addition, a plurality of systems shown in FIG. 15 may be connected to each other via communication lines so as to cooperate with each other. Further, it may be incorporated in a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a scanner, a printer, a multifunction machine, or the like.

In the above-described embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 controls the processing by the printer 182 and the scanner 184. However, as a processing apparatus, in addition to this, home appliances that require operator authentication, automobiles, It may be a system product used for operation of a vehicle such as a train.
Further, in the description of the above-described embodiment, “more than”, “less than”, “greater than”, and “less than (less than)” in a comparison with a predetermined value contradicts the combination. As long as the above does not occur, “larger”, “smaller (less than)”, “more than”, and “less than” may be used.

The program described above may be provided by being stored in a recording medium, or the program may be provided by communication means. In that case, for example, the above-described program may be regarded as an invention of a “computer-readable recording medium recording the program”.
The “computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded” refers to a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded, which is used for program installation, execution, program distribution, and the like.
The recording medium is, for example, a digital versatile disc (DVD), which is a standard established by the DVD Forum, such as “DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM,” and DVD + RW. Standard “DVD + R, DVD + RW, etc.”, compact disc (CD), read-only memory (CD-ROM), CD recordable (CD-R), CD rewritable (CD-RW), Blu-ray disc ( Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), magneto-optical disk (MO), flexible disk (FD), magnetic tape, hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable and rewritable read-only memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)) )), Flash memory, Random access memory (RAM) SD (Secure Digital) memory card and the like.
The program or a part of the program may be recorded on the recording medium for storage or distribution. Also, by communication, for example, a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wired network used for the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, etc., or wireless communication It may be transmitted using a transmission medium such as a network or a combination of these, or may be carried on a carrier wave.
Furthermore, the program may be a part of another program, or may be recorded on a recording medium together with a separate program. Moreover, it may be divided and recorded on a plurality of recording media. Further, it may be recorded in any manner as long as it can be restored, such as compression or encryption.

The above-described embodiment may be grasped as follows.
[A] first acquisition means for acquiring information for specifying an operator;
Operator authentication means for authenticating the operator based on information identifying the operator acquired by the first acquisition means;
First determination means for determining whether or not the information of the operator authenticated by the operator authentication means is continuously obtained;
A second acquisition means for acquiring information identifying the confirmer;
Corresponding to the operator authenticated by the operator authenticating means using the storage means for storing the operator identifying information for identifying the operator and the confirmer identifying information for identifying the confirmer corresponding to the operator. A confirmer authenticating means for authenticating a confirmer based on information identifying the confirmer acquired by the second acquiring means;
Second judging means for judging whether or not the information of the confirmer authenticated by the confirmer authenticating means is continuously obtained;
Control that controls the processing device to execute processing based on the operation of the operator on the condition that the operator is authenticated by the operator authentication means and the confirmer is authenticated by the confirmer authentication means. Means
The control means is that after the processing is executed by the processing device, the operator information is continuously obtained by the first judgment means, or the confirmer is obtained by the second judgment means. An information processing apparatus, characterized in that control is performed so that processing by the processing apparatus is continued on the condition that it is determined that the information is continuously obtained.

[B] The checker authentication unit performs a process of authenticating the checker when the processing content to be executed by the processing device satisfies a predetermined condition. Information processing device.

[C] The processing device is an image processing device,
The predetermined condition is that (1) the amount of image data to be processed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, (2) the processing time is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and (3) The information processing apparatus according to [B], which is one or a combination of the operator's schedule while the processing is performed by the processing apparatus.

[D] operator authentication means for authenticating the operator;
Recognition means for recognizing that the operator is a disabled person requiring assistance;
Corresponding to the operator authenticated by the operator authenticating means using the storage means for storing the operator identifying information for identifying the operator and the assistant identifying information for identifying the assistant corresponding to the operator. An assistant authentication means for authenticating an assistant;
When an operation requiring the assistance of the operator is performed by the operator in order to cause the processing device to execute the process, on the condition that the assistant is authenticated by the assistant authentication means, An information processing apparatus comprising control means for controlling the processing apparatus to execute processing.

[E] a second acquisition means for acquiring information for identifying a caregiver;
A second judging means for judging whether or not the information of the assistant authenticated by the assistant authenticating means is continuously obtained;
The control means, after the processing is executed by the processing device, on the condition that the information on the assistant is continuously obtained by the second judgment means. It controls so that the process by an apparatus may be continued. The information processing apparatus as described in [D] characterized by the above-mentioned.

[F] After the event that requires the operator's assistance occurs in the processing device, the control means does not continuously obtain the information of the assistant when the event is canceled. However, the information processing apparatus according to [D] or [E], wherein control is performed so that the processing by the processing apparatus is continued.

[G]
First acquisition means for acquiring information identifying an operator;
Operator authentication means for authenticating the operator based on information identifying the operator acquired by the first acquisition means;
First determination means for determining whether or not the information of the operator authenticated by the operator authentication means is continuously obtained;
A second acquisition means for acquiring information identifying the confirmer;
Corresponding to the operator authenticated by the operator authenticating means using the storage means for storing the operator identifying information for identifying the operator and the confirmer identifying information for identifying the confirmer corresponding to the operator. A confirmer authenticating means for authenticating a confirmer based on information identifying the confirmer acquired by the second acquiring means;
Second judging means for judging whether or not the information of the confirmer authenticated by the confirmer authenticating means is continuously obtained;
Control that controls the processing device to execute processing based on the operation of the operator on the condition that the operator is authenticated by the operator authentication means and the confirmer is authenticated by the confirmer authentication means. Function as a means,
The control means is that after the processing is executed by the processing device, the operator information is continuously obtained by the first judgment means, or the confirmer is obtained by the second judgment means. An information processing program for controlling so that processing by the processing device is continued on the condition that it is determined that the information is continuously obtained.

[H]
An operator authentication means for authenticating the operator;
Recognition means for recognizing that the operator is a disabled person requiring assistance;
Corresponding to the operator authenticated by the operator authenticating means using the storage means for storing the operator identifying information for identifying the operator and the assistant identifying information for identifying the assistant corresponding to the operator. An assistant authentication means for authenticating an assistant;
When an operation requiring the assistance of the operator is performed by the operator in order to cause the processing device to execute the process, on the condition that the assistant is authenticated by the assistant authentication means, An information processing program for causing a processing unit to function as a control unit that controls a process to be executed.

And the above-mentioned invention has the following effects.
According to the information processing apparatus of [A], when the operator and the confirmer are authenticated, the processing apparatus is controlled to execute processing, and the information of the operator or the confirmer is continued. The processing by the processing device can be continued on the condition that it is obtained as a result.

  According to the information processing apparatus [B], when the processing content to be executed by the processing apparatus satisfies a predetermined condition, the process of authenticating the confirmer can be performed.

  According to the information processing apparatus of [C], (1) the amount of image data to be processed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, (2) the processing time is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, (3) While the process is being performed by the processing device, the process of authenticating the confirmer can be performed in the case of any one of the operator's schedule or a combination thereof.

  According to the information processing apparatus [D], it is possible to control the processing apparatus to execute processing on the condition that the disabled person and the caregiver who are operators are authenticated.

  According to the information processing apparatus [E], in the case where control is performed so that the processing apparatus executes processing on the condition that the disabled person and the assistant who are operators are authenticated, the information on the assistant is stored. It is possible to control so that the processing by the processing device is continued on the condition that it is continuously obtained.

  According to the information processing apparatus of [F], after an event that requires an operator's assistance occurs in the processing apparatus and the event is canceled, the information of the assistant is not continuously obtained. However, it is possible to control so that the processing by the processing device is continued.

  According to the information processing program [G], when the operator and the confirmer are authenticated, the processing apparatus is controlled to execute processing, and the information on the operator or the confirmer is continued. The processing by the processing device can be continued on the condition that it is obtained as a result.

  According to the information processing program [H], it is possible to control the processing apparatus to execute processing on the condition that the disabled person and the assistant who are operators are authenticated.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Information processing apparatus 110 ... Operator / confirmer information acquisition module 112 ... Wireless communication device 114 ... Camera 116 ... Card reading module 118 ... Operation panel 122 ... Operator confirmation / authentication module 124 ... Confirmer confirmation / authentication module 126 ... Operation authority confirmation module 128 ... Operation reception module 130 ... Operator authority acquisition module 132 ... Confirmer authority acquisition module 134 ... Authentication authority state retention module 136 ... Network connection module 138 ... Image output module 140 ... Image reception module 182 ... Printer 184 ... Scanner 192 ... Authentication authority information DB
194 ... Schedule DB
198 ... Communication line 400 ... Image processing device 1020 ... Wheelchair user recognition device

Claims (3)

An operator authentication means for authenticating the operator;
Confirmer authentication means for authenticating a confirmer corresponding to the operator authenticated by the operator authentication means;
Control that controls the processing device to execute processing based on the operation of the operator on the condition that the operator is authenticated by the operator authentication means and the confirmer is authenticated by the confirmer authentication means. Means
The confirmer authentication means performs a process of authenticating the confirmer when an operation exceeding the authority of the operator is attempted,
The control means is after the processing is executed by the processing device, on the condition that the information of the operator is continuously obtained or the information of the confirmer is continuously obtained. Control so that the processing by the processing device is continued until the end of the processing,
When an operation requiring assistance is performed, control is performed to cause the processing device to execute processing on the condition that authentication of the confirmer is performed by the confirmer authentication unit ,
As the operation requiring assistance, (1) the amount of image data to be processed is greater than or greater than a predetermined value, (2) the processing time is longer than or greater than a predetermined value, (3 ) While the processing is being performed by the processing device, the operator's schedule is any one or a combination thereof,
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. When the operator tries to perform an operation exceeding the authority of the operator,
If the verifier is not authenticated by the verifier authenticator,
Notify the verifier,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. Computer
An operator authentication means for authenticating the operator;
Confirmer authentication means for authenticating a confirmer corresponding to the operator authenticated by the operator authentication means;
Control that controls the processing device to execute processing based on the operation of the operator on the condition that the operator is authenticated by the operator authentication means and the confirmer is authenticated by the confirmer authentication means. Function as a means,
The confirmer authentication means performs a process of authenticating the confirmer when an operation exceeding the authority of the operator is attempted,
The control means is after the processing is executed by the processing device, on the condition that the information of the operator is continuously obtained or the information of the confirmer is continuously obtained. Control so that the processing by the processing device is continued until the end of the processing,
When an operation requiring assistance is performed, control is performed to cause the processing device to execute processing on the condition that authentication of the confirmer is performed by the confirmer authentication unit ,
As the operation requiring assistance, (1) the amount of image data to be processed is greater than or greater than a predetermined value, (2) the processing time is longer than or greater than a predetermined value, (3 ) While the processing is being performed by the processing device, the operator's schedule is any one or a combination thereof,
Information processing program.

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