JP6304060B2 - Operating device and operating method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operating device and an operating method.

  In recent years, electronic devices including image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and multifunction devices have a function of shifting to a sleep state with reduced power consumption with respect to a normal state. Transition from the normal state to the sleep state. In order for the user to return the sleep state of the electronic device to the normal state, the user may select either the sleep-only key on the operation unit of the electronic device or all the keys on the operation unit. As a technique for recovering from the sleep state, for example, there are techniques described in JP2011-040878A (Patent Document 1) and JP2004-77990A (Patent Document 2).

JP 2011-040878 A JP 2004-77990 A

  Here, when the electronic device returns from the sleep state, it normally shifts to a normal state in which an initial screen is displayed. Therefore, when the electronic device requires user authentication, the user needs to input an ID and password for user authentication after shifting the electronic device to a normal state, which is troublesome. is there. In addition, in electronic devices that require user authentication, functions that can be used by the user and communication destinations registered in advance by the user may vary from user to user. If user authentication is not performed after returning, there is a problem that user convenience is poor. On the other hand, there is a fingerprint authentication technique for performing user authentication using a user's fingerprint, but there is a problem that costs are increased.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an operation device and an operation method capable of continuously performing recovery from a sleep state and user authentication. .

An operation device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a key input receiving unit, an operation control unit, a main body control unit, a user authentication unit, and a screen control unit. The key input receiving unit displays a predetermined screen in a normal state, receives a key input of the predetermined screen from the user in the normal state from a touch panel that is hidden in a sleep state, and is configured by a hard key a plurality of operation keys, said also receives an input from said plurality of operation keys from a user even in the sleep state in the normal state, in the sleep state, the input of any one of the operation keys of the plurality of operation keys from a user If accepted, the input of the operation key is accepted as transmission of the sleep state return signal, and thereafter, the input of the operation key is continuously accepted from the user. In the sleep state, the operation control unit receives the operation key input of any one of the plurality of operation keys in the sleep state, so that the sleep state corresponds to the input of the operation key in the sleep state. Send a return signal. The main body control unit receives the sleep state return signal from the operation control unit and shifts to the normal state. The user authentication unit receives a continuous operation key input from when the input of the operation key corresponding to the transmission of the sleep state return signal is accepted until a predetermined threshold time is exceeded by the key input reception unit. When the operation key information continuously input matches the user registration number stored in a predetermined memory in advance, the user ID associated with the registration number is acquired and user authentication is executed. . The screen control unit displays an operation screen corresponding to the user on the touch panel when the user authentication is executed, and displays an initial screen in the normal state on the touch panel when the user authentication cannot be performed. .

  When the key input accepting unit accepts an operation key input corresponding to the transmission of the sleep state return signal, the key input accepting unit counts an elapsed time from the accepted time with a predetermined timer, and the elapsed time is set to a predetermined threshold time. Until it exceeds, the operation key input is continuously received from the user, and when the elapsed time exceeds the threshold time, the reception of the continuous operation key input is completed. The screen controller displays an operation screen for user authentication on the touch panel when the continuous operation key input is not accepted.

An operation method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a key input reception step, an operation control step, a main body control step, a user authentication step, and a screen control step. The key input receiving step is configured by displaying a predetermined screen in the normal state and receiving a key input on the predetermined screen from the user in the normal state from a touch panel that is not displayed in the sleep state, and is configured by a hard key. a plurality of operation keys, said also receives an input from said plurality of operation keys from a user even in the sleep state in the normal state, in the sleep state, the input of any one of the operation keys of the plurality of operation keys from a user If accepted, the input of the operation key is accepted as transmission of the sleep state return signal, and thereafter, the input of the operation key is continuously accepted from the user. In the sleep state, the operation control step accepts an input of any one of the plurality of operation keys in the key input acceptance step, so that the sleep state corresponds to the input of the operation key in the sleep state. Send a return signal. The main body control step receives the sleep state return signal from the operation control step and shifts to the normal state. In the user authentication step, when the input of the operation key corresponding to the transmission of the sleep state return signal is accepted, continuous input of the operation key from when the predetermined threshold time is exceeded is accepted in the key input acceptance step. When the operation key information continuously input matches the user registration number stored in a predetermined memory in advance, the user ID associated with the registration number is acquired and user authentication is executed. . The screen control step displays an operation screen corresponding to the user on the touch panel when the user authentication is performed, and displays an initial screen in the normal state on the touch panel when the user authentication is not possible. .

  According to the operation device and operation method of the present invention, it is possible to continuously perform the return from the sleep state and the user authentication.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole internal structure of the multifunction machine provided with the operating device which concerns on this invention. 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral and an operation unit in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a flowchart for showing the execution procedure of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure (Drawing 4A) which shows an example of the operation part of a sleep state in an embodiment of the present invention, and a figure (Drawing 4B) which shows an example of a user authentication table and a user screen information table in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A illustrates an example of an operation screen after user authentication of the operation unit in the normal state according to the embodiment of the present invention, and an example of an operation screen for user authentication of the operation unit in the normal state according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure (FIG. 5B) which shows this.

  Embodiments of an operation device and an operation method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not. In addition, the alphabet “S” added in front of the numbers in the flowcharts means steps.

  Hereinafter, as an example of an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device including an operation unit corresponding to the operation device will be described. The electronic apparatus of the present invention is not particularly limited, and for example, an image forming apparatus can be adopted. The image forming apparatus according to the present invention corresponds to, for example, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having functions such as a facsimile, a copy, a scanner, and a printer.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 executes user authentication via the operation unit 101. When the user inputs a predetermined job via the operation unit 101, the multifunction device 100 drives each unit such as an image reading unit, an image forming unit, a conveyance unit, and a fixing unit and provides the job. The job is, for example, a monochrome copy job, a color copy job, a facsimile job, or the like. The operation unit 101 receives a user ID, password, and job setting conditions from the user. Further, the multifunction peripheral 100 shifts from a normal state in which a job can be executed to a sleep state in a power saving state after waiting for the elapse of a predetermined time without receiving user logout from the time when the execution of the job is completed. On the other hand, even in the sleep state, the operation unit 101 can receive a key input from the user, receives a key input from the user, and transmits a sleep state return signal to the multifunction peripheral 100. The multifunction peripheral 100 that has received the sleep state return signal returns from the sleep state to the normal state, and receives a job input from the user again.

  Although not shown, the control circuit of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the operation unit 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and a drive unit. Corresponding driver is connected by internal bus.

  The CPU of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the operation unit 101 uses, for example, a RAM as a work area, executes a program stored in a ROM, an HDD, and the like, and based on the execution result, data, instructions, signals, Sends and receives commands and controls the operation of each drive unit related to job execution. Further, for each unit (shown in FIG. 2) to be described later other than the drive unit, the CPU implements each unit by executing each program. A ROM, a RAM, an HDD, and the like store programs and data for realizing each unit described below.

  Next, the configuration and execution procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, when the main body control unit 201 of the MFP 100 in the normal state completes execution of a predetermined job, it counts the elapsed time from the completion time with a predetermined timer, and the elapsed time is a preset sleep time. It is determined whether (for example, 1 minute) is exceeded.

  If the elapsed time does not exceed the sleep time, the main body control unit 201 maintains a normal state and accepts a job input from the user. When the elapsed time does not exceed the sleep time, the main body control unit 201 stops counting the timer when receiving a job input from the user via the operation unit 101. Then, the main body control unit 201 resumes counting the elapsed time by the timer after completing the execution of the job again.

  On the other hand, when the elapsed time exceeds the sleep time, the main body control unit 201 temporarily stops the power supply of each unit, and consumes the MFP 100 and the operation unit 101 from the normal state more than the normal state. Shift to sleep mode with reduced power consumption.

  When the main body control unit 201 shifts the operation unit 101 from the normal state to the sleep state, the main body control unit 201 notifies the operation control unit 202 of the operation unit 101 to that effect. Receiving the notification, the operation control unit 202 shifts the operation unit 101 from the normal state to the sleep state (FIG. 3: S101).

  Here, when the operation control unit 202 shifts to the sleep state, the power supply to the touch panel 401 (operation panel) is temporarily stopped and the key input reception unit 203 is notified to that effect. Receiving the notification, the key input accepting unit 203 accepts an input of any one of the operation keys 402 (hard key) provided in advance in the operation unit 101 in the sleep state from the user (FIG. 3: S102).

  For example, the operation unit 101 includes a touch panel 401 and operation keys 402 as illustrated in FIG. The touch panel 401 displays, for example, a predetermined screen in the normal state and accepts a press of a key on the screen by the user. However, in the sleep state, the touch panel 401 hides the screen by stopping the power supply of the operation control unit 202. To do. The operation keys 402 are, for example, a numeric keypad, a start key, a clear key, a stop key, a reset key, a power key, and the like. The key input receiving unit 203 does not receive a power supply stop from the operation control unit 202. The input of the operation key 402 is accepted both in the normal state and in the sleep state.

  Here, when the user does not press (select) the operation key 402 of the operation unit 101 (FIG. 3: S102 NO), the key input reception unit 203 waits for the input of the operation key 402.

  On the other hand, when the user presses any key of the operation key 402 (for example, the “9” key of the numeric keypad) in order to cancel the sleep state of the multifunction peripheral 100, the key input receiving unit 203 inputs the key. Is received as a sleep state return signal transmission (FIG. 3: S102 YES), and the operation control unit 202 is notified of this. Upon receiving the notification, the operation control unit 202 transmits a sleep state return signal to the main body control unit 201 in response to the key input in the sleep state (FIG. 3: S103). The main body control unit 201 that has received the sleep state return signal starts shifting from the sleep state to the normal state. Specifically, the main body control unit 201 restarts the power supply of each unit and causes the multifunction peripheral 100 and the operation unit 101 to shift from the sleep state to the normal state. At this time, the operation control unit 202 resumes power supply to the touch panel 401 and shifts from the sleep state to the normal state. As described above, since all the operation keys 402 on the operation unit 101 can return the sleep state, it is extremely easy for the user to return to the sleep state.

  At this time, the operation control unit 202 is not ready to accept key operation information from the user via the touch panel 401. On the other hand, the key input accepting unit 203 can accept the input of the operation key 402 immediately because it can accept the input of the operation key 402 even in the sleep state. Therefore, the key input accepting unit 203 continuously accepts the input of the operation key 402 from the user after accepting the input of the operation key 402 corresponding to the sleep state return signal (FIG. 3: S104).

  Here, there is no particular limitation on the method by which the key input receiving unit 203 continuously receives the operation key 402 input. For example, when the key input accepting unit 203 accepts the input of the operation key 402 corresponding to the transmission of the sleep state return signal, the key input accepting unit 203 counts the elapsed time from the accepted time with a predetermined timer, and the elapsed time is predetermined. Until the threshold time (for example, 10 seconds) is exceeded, the input of the operation key 402 is continuously received from the user. When the elapsed time exceeds the threshold time, the key input reception unit 203 completes reception of continuous operation key 402 inputs. As a result, the user can continuously input another operation key 402 after inputting the operation key 402 for canceling the sleep state.

  After the user inputs (presses) the operation key 402 (“9” key of the numeric keypad) corresponding to the sleep state return signal, the user subsequently corresponds to his / her registered number (for example, “123”). When the operation key 402 (“1” key, “2” key, “3” key of the numeric keypad) is input, the key input receiving unit 203 receives continuous input of the operation key 402 (FIG. 3: S104 YES).

  When the key input accepting unit 203 accepts continuous operation key 402 input, it notifies the user authenticating unit 204 to that effect, and the user authenticating unit 204 that has received the notification receives the operation input continuously. It is determined whether or not the information in the key 402 matches a preset user registration number (user authentication) (FIG. 3: S105).

  Here, there is no limitation in particular in the method which the user authentication part 204 determines. For example, the user authentication unit 204 refers to a user authentication table 403 stored in advance in a predetermined memory. As shown in FIG. 4B, the user authentication table 403 includes a predetermined registration number 404 (for example, “123”) and the user ID 405 (for example, “AAA”) of the user to which the registration number 404 is assigned. ) Is stored in association with each other. Then, the user authentication unit 204 determines whether or not the input operation key 402 information matches the registration number 404 of the user authentication table 403.

  As a result of the determination, if the information of the operation key 402 matches the registration number 404 (FIG. 3: S105 YES), the user authentication unit 204 determines that the user ID 405 (“AAA”) associated with the matching registration number 404 is reached. ) Is executed to execute user authentication (FIG. 3: S106). Thus, if the user inputs the operation key 402 corresponding to his / her registration number following the input of the operation key 402 for canceling the sleep state, the user can perform the sleep cancel and user authentication together. Is possible. Further, since the operation key 402 used for user authentication is an existing key in the operation unit 101, it is possible to improve user convenience without increasing the cost. In particular, in the past, for user authentication, there is a method in which fingerprint authentication or card authentication is used to perform both sleep release and user authentication, but this is costly. In the present invention, since the operation key 402 is used, the return method is easy, and user convenience can be realized without increasing the cost.

  When the user authentication unit 204 executes user authentication, the screen control unit 205 is notified of this, and the screen control unit 205 that has received the notification displays the operation screen after the user authentication on the touch panel 401 (FIG. 3). : S107).

  Here, the method by which the screen control unit 205 displays the operation screen after user authentication is not particularly limited. For example, the screen control unit 205 transmits the user ID 405 (“AAA”) of the matching registration number 404 to the main body control unit 201, and the main body control unit 201 that has received the user ID 405 (“AAA”) Screen information related to the operation screen after user authentication of ID 405 is returned to the screen control unit 205.

  Here, there is no particular limitation on the method by which the main body control unit 201 returns the screen information. For example, the main body control unit 201 refers to the user screen information table 406 stored in advance in a predetermined memory. In the user screen information table 406, as shown in FIG. 4B, the user ID 407 and function items 408 permitted to be used by the user of the user ID (for example, “monochrome copy”, “color copy”). Etc.) and a transmission destination 409 (for example, e-mail, FAX number, telephone number, “aaa”, etc.) registered in advance by the user of the user ID is stored in association with each other. In addition to the function item 408 and the transmission destination 409, other information may be further associated with the user ID 407. The main body control unit 201 identifies the user ID 407 of the user screen information table 406 that matches the transmitted user ID, and acquires the function item 408 and the transmission destination 409 associated with the identified user ID 407. Then, the main body control unit 201 returns the acquired function item 408 and transmission destination 409 to the screen control unit 205.

  The screen control unit 205 that has received the function item 408 and the transmission destination 409 causes the operation screen 501 after the user authentication to be displayed on the touch panel 401 based on these pieces of information. On the operation screen 501 after the user authentication, as shown in FIG. 5A, a user ID “AAA” 502, “Can make monochrome copy” 503, and his / her destination “aaa” 504 are displayed. The As a result, since the operation screen 501 after the user authentication is displayed immediately after the sleep state is canceled, the user can immediately start an operation for his / her job without further performing an operation for user authentication. It becomes possible. Further, the operation screen 501 after the user authentication is a screen specialized for the user, and the screen becomes a top screen, so that the usability for the user is extremely improved.

  When the screen control unit 205 displays the operation screen 501 after the user authentication, the main body control unit 201 counts the elapsed time from the time when the operation screen 501 is displayed with a predetermined timer. It is determined whether the time exceeds the sleep time. When the elapsed time exceeds the sleep time, the main body control unit 201 shifts the multifunction peripheral 100 and the operation unit 101 from the normal state to the sleep state.

  On the other hand, in S104, when the key input accepting unit 203 does not accept the input of the operation key 402 after accepting the input of the operation key 402 corresponding to the sleep state return signal (FIG. 3: S104 NO), Since the main body control unit 201 receives no information other than the sleep state return signal, the main body control unit 201 performs a transition from the sleep state to the normal state, and further transmits screen information related to the initial screen to the screen control unit 205. Upon receiving the screen information related to the initial screen, the screen control unit 205 displays an operation screen 505 for user authentication on the touch panel 401 based on the information (FIG. 3: S108).

  In the operation screen 505 for user authentication, as shown in FIG. 5B, a login screen 506, “Please enter a user ID and password.” 507, and a user ID and PW (password). An input field 508 and an OK key 509 are displayed. In this case, it corresponds to normal return. The user can display the operation screen 501 after the user authentication by performing an operation for user authentication. The user authentication unit 204 executes the authentication on the operation screen 505.

  Here, when the user authentication cannot be performed or when the user authentication is canceled, a predetermined standard operation screen may be displayed.

  In S105, when the information of the operation key 402 does not match the registration number 404 (FIG. 3: S105 NO), the user authentication unit 204 does not particularly process. In this case as well, it is the same as S104NO, and the main body control unit 201 does not receive any information other than the sleep state return signal, so the transition from the sleep state to the normal state is executed, and the screen control unit 205 performs user authentication. An operation screen 505 is displayed on the touch panel 401 (FIG. 3: S108).

  In this case, a predetermined standard operation screen may be displayed without displaying the operation screen 505 for user authentication.

  In the operation device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the operation device is applied to the multifunction peripheral 100 has been described. However, the image forming apparatus includes an operation device (operation unit) having a touch panel and shifts from a normal state to a sleep state. Even when applied to an electronic apparatus such as an apparatus, an image processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus, an image display apparatus, or a processing apparatus, the same effects can be obtained.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the operation unit 101 and the multifunction peripheral 100 are configured to include each unit. However, a program that realizes each unit may be stored in a storage medium, and the storage medium may be provided. Absent. In this configuration, the operation device is made to read the program, and the operation device realizes the respective units. In that case, the program itself read from the recording medium exhibits the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a method for storing the steps executed by each unit in a hard disk.

  As described above, the operation device and operation method according to the present invention are useful not only for multi-function devices but also for electronic devices such as copiers and printers, and it is possible to continuously recover from a sleep state and perform user authentication. It is effective as a possible operation device and operation method.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP 101 Operation part 201 Main body control part 202 Operation control part 203 Key input reception part 204 User authentication part 205 Screen control part

Claims (4)

From a touch panel that displays a predetermined screen in a normal state and is not displayed in a sleep state, receives a key input of the predetermined screen from the user in the normal state, and from a plurality of operation keys configured by hard keys, wherein also receives an input from said plurality of operation keys from a user even in the sleep state in the normal state, in the sleep state, when receiving an input of one of the operation keys of the plurality of operation keys from a user, the operation key A key input receiving unit that continuously receives an input of the operation key from a user,
In the sleep state, the key input reception unit receives an operation key input of any of the plurality of operation keys, thereby transmitting the sleep state return signal in response to the operation key input in the sleep state. An operation control unit;
A main body control unit that receives the sleep state return signal from the operation control unit and shifts to the normal state;
When the key input receiving unit receives continuous operation key input from the time when the operation key input corresponding to the transmission of the sleep state return signal is received until the predetermined threshold time is exceeded, the input is continuously performed. A user authentication unit that obtains a user ID associated with the registration number and executes user authentication when the information of the operation key that has been matched with a user registration number stored in a predetermined memory in advance ;
When the user authentication is executed, an operation screen corresponding to the user is displayed on the touch panel, and when the user authentication cannot be performed, an initial screen in the normal state is displayed on the touch panel .
An operating device comprising: The key input accepting unit accepts the input of the operation key corresponding to the transmission of the sleep state return signal, counts the elapsed time from the reception in a predetermined timer, between the elapsed time is the predetermined threshold time 2. The operation device according to claim 1, wherein input of the operation key is continuously received from a user until the time exceeds, and reception of the continuous operation key input is completed when the elapsed time exceeds the threshold time. The screen control unit, when the input of the successive operation key is not accepted, the operating device according to claim 1 or 2 to display the operation screen for the user authentication on the touch panel. From a touch panel that displays a predetermined screen in a normal state and is not displayed in a sleep state, receives a key input of the predetermined screen from the user in the normal state, and from a plurality of operation keys configured by hard keys, wherein also receives an input from said plurality of operation keys from a user even in the sleep state in the normal state, in the sleep state, when receiving an input of one of the operation keys of the plurality of operation keys from a user, the operation key A key input receiving step for continuously receiving the operation key input from the user,
In the sleep state, by receiving an input of any one of the plurality of operation keys in the key input reception step, the sleep state return signal is transmitted in response to the input of the operation key in the sleep state. An operation control step;
A main body control step for receiving the sleep state return signal from the operation control step and shifting to the normal state;
When input of the operation key corresponding to the transmission of the sleep state return signal is received in the key input reception step from the time when the operation key input corresponding to the transmission of the sleep state return signal is received until the predetermined threshold time is exceeded, the input is continuously performed. A user authentication step of acquiring a user ID associated with the registration number and executing user authentication when the information of the operated key matches a user registration number stored in advance in a predetermined memory ; and
When the user authentication is executed, an operation screen corresponding to the user is displayed on the touch panel, and when the user authentication cannot be performed, an initial screen in the normal state is displayed on the touch panel .
An operation method comprising the steps of:

Images