JP6457818B2 - Information processing apparatus and information processing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing system, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus connected to a remote monitoring apparatus via a network and an information processing system including the information processing apparatus.

  VNC (Virtual Network Computing) technology is known as a technology for remotely supporting a remote device while confirming an image displayed on the display of the remote device. The VNC technology is also applied to an image forming apparatus that is a kind of information processing apparatus. With this VNC technology, the operation screen of the image forming apparatus is also displayed on the display unit of the client terminal connected to the image forming apparatus via the network. That is, the operation screen of the image forming apparatus is shared between the image forming apparatus and the client terminal. A user of the client terminal can remotely operate the image forming apparatus via a virtual operation screen displayed on the display unit of the client terminal.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228260 discloses such an image forming apparatus. This image forming apparatus is connected via a network to a portable information device (client terminal) that remotely controls the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus receives authentication information transmitted from the portable information device and executes authentication processing. If the authentication is successful, communication is established between the image forming apparatus and the portable information device. When communication is established, the image forming apparatus transmits an operation screen displayed on the image forming apparatus to the portable information device. The portable information apparatus receives the operation screen transmitted from the image forming apparatus and displays it on the operation unit of the own apparatus. A user of the portable information device can remotely operate the image forming apparatus by operating an operation screen displayed on the operation unit.

JP 2013-219510 A

  In an image forming apparatus that supports such VNC technology, when communication is established between the image forming apparatus and the client apparatus, an operation screen of the image forming apparatus is also displayed on the client apparatus side. Therefore, when the user of the image forming apparatus operates the operation screen of the image forming apparatus, the operation result is reflected in the display on the client apparatus side. It is difficult for a user who operates an image forming apparatus to know whether or not communication is established between a client apparatus operated by another user and the image forming apparatus. Therefore, in the conventional technique, there is a problem that the operation content of the user is peeped by other users without the knowledge of the user who operates the image forming apparatus. When confidential information is displayed on the operation screen of the image forming apparatus by a user operation, the confidential information is also displayed on the display unit of the client apparatus. This causes information leakage. Such a problem cannot be solved by the technique described in Patent Document 1.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of preventing the leakage of information by preventing peeping of operation contents. And providing an information processing system.

  An information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a display unit for displaying an operation screen, a remote monitoring device for monitoring the operation screen, a communication unit for communicating via a network, and a remote unit using the communication unit. In response to the establishment of communication with the monitoring device, transmission between the transmission means for transmitting the operation screen displayed on the display means to the remote monitoring device and communication with the remote monitoring device is performed by a local user operation. The setting means for setting the disconnection condition indicating the timing for disconnecting the communication with the remote monitoring device and the setting in the state where the communication with the remote monitoring device is established in order to disconnect in accordance with the processing to be executed In response to the determination result of the determination means and whether the determination result of the determination means is affirmative, the communication with the remote monitoring device is disconnected. And a cutting means.

  The information processing apparatus is connected to the remote monitoring apparatus via a network. When communication with the remote monitoring apparatus is established by the communication means, the transmission means transmits the operation screen displayed on the display means to the remote monitoring apparatus. The setting means sets a disconnection condition indicating a timing for disconnecting communication with the remote monitoring device in order to disconnect communication with the remote monitoring device in accordance with processing executed by a local user operation. The determination unit determines whether or not the set cutting condition is satisfied in a state where communication with the remote control device is established. If it is determined by the determination means that the disconnection condition is satisfied, the disconnection means disconnects communication with the remote control device. By setting the disconnection condition, communication with the remote control device is disconnected when the disconnection condition is satisfied. Thereby, since peeping of the operation content can be prevented, information leakage can be prevented.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes login authentication means for performing login authentication of a local user and permitting only authorized users to log in to the information processing apparatus, and the setting means is configured to log in to the own apparatus. In order to determine whether or not communication with the remote monitoring device has been established in response to the login authentication means permitting login. The disconnecting means disconnects the communication with the remote monitoring device in response to the determination result of the communication determining means being affirmative.

  More preferably, the information processing apparatus further performs login authentication of a local user, and accepts a logout instruction by a user in a login state and login authentication means for permitting only a legitimate user to log in to the information processing apparatus. In response, logout execution means for executing logout processing for canceling the login state, and setting means include disconnection condition setting means for setting the logout time from the own device as a disconnection condition The determination means includes a communication determination means for determining whether or not communication with the remote monitoring apparatus is established in response to the logout execution means executing the logout process, and the disconnection means is a communication determination In response to the determination result of the means being affirmative, the communication with the remote monitoring device is disconnected.

  More preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes designation receiving means for accepting designation of a remote monitoring apparatus that maintains a communication state, and determining whether or not the remote monitoring apparatus in communication is a remote monitoring apparatus that has accepted designation. In response to the determination result of the communication determination unit being affirmative, the disconnection unit disconnects communication with the remote monitoring device based on the determination result of the device determination unit.

  More preferably, the information processing device further determines whether or not communication with the remote monitoring device is established, and whether or not to disconnect communication with the remote monitoring device in response to a positive determination result. Inquiry means for inquiring the user whether or not, the setting means includes a disconnect condition setting means for setting a timing when an instruction to disconnect communication in response to an inquiry is input as a disconnect condition, and the determination means includes an inquiry Input determination means for determining whether or not an instruction to disconnect communication is input to the remote monitoring device in response to the determination result of the input determination means being affirmative. Disconnect communication.

  More preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes login authentication means for performing login authentication of a local user and permitting only a legitimate user to log in to the information processing apparatus. Whether or not communication with the remote monitoring device is established in response to permitting the communication and whether or not to disconnect communication with the remote monitoring device in response to a positive determination result Inquiry means at the time of login for inquiring the user about whether or not.

  More preferably, the information processing apparatus further performs authentication processing based on the authentication information received by the authentication information receiving means and the authentication information receiving means for receiving the input of the authentication information, and setting means according to the authentication result Authentication means for permitting the setting of the cutting condition by.

  More preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes a display control unit for displaying a setting screen for accepting a cutting condition setting operation on the display unit, and the display control unit displaying the setting screen on the display unit. A transmission control means for controlling the transmission means to transmit a dummy screen different from the setting screen to the remote monitoring device instead of the setting screen, and the setting means is based on a user input operation on the setting screen, Set the cutting conditions.

  More preferably, the information processing device is further connected to an external server device via a network, the server device transmits setting information for setting a disconnect condition to the information processing device, and the setting means includes the information processing device. In response to receiving the setting information, includes a disconnection condition setting means for setting a disconnection condition for disconnecting communication with the remote monitoring device based on the received setting information.

  An information processing system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an information processing device and a server device connected to the information processing device via a network. The information processing apparatus includes a display means for displaying an operation screen, a first communication means for communicating with a remote monitoring apparatus for monitoring the operation screen via a network, and a remote monitoring apparatus using the first communication means. In response to the establishment of the communication, a transmission means for transmitting the operation screen displayed on the display means to the remote monitoring device, and a second communication means for communicating with the server device via the network And a communication with the server device via the second communication means in order to disconnect the communication with the remote monitoring device according to the process executed by the operation of the local user, from the server device to the remote monitoring device The disconnection condition acquisition means for acquiring the disconnection condition indicating the timing for disconnecting the communication and the disconnection condition acquired by the disconnection condition acquisition means are satisfied in a state where communication with the remote monitoring device is established. A determination means for determining whether or not a disconnection condition set by the setting means is satisfied in a state where communication with the remote monitoring device is established, and a determination And disconnecting means for disconnecting communication with the remote monitoring device in response to the determination result of the means being affirmative. The server device transmits a disconnection condition set by the setting unit to the information processing device at the time of communication with a setting unit for setting a disconnection condition indicating a timing for disconnecting the communication with the remote monitoring device. Cutting condition transmission means.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an information processing apparatus and an information processing system that can prevent the leakage of information by preventing peeping of operation contents.

1 is a diagram illustrating an information processing system including an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a remote connection setting screen displayed on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a control block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the remote control apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed by the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the dialog box displayed on an operation panel. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a remote connection setting screen displayed on an operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the information processing system containing the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a remote connection setting screen displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9. It is a control block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the server apparatus shown in FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed by the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 13 is a detailed flow of step S1100 in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed with the server apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the information processing system containing the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

  In the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their functions and names are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

(First embodiment)
[Overall system configuration]
Referring to FIG. 1, an information processing system 30 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 100 that is a type of information processing apparatus, and a remote operation device 200 that remotely operates the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is communicably connected to the remote control device 200 via the network 50. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which one remote control device 200 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100, the number of remote control devices 200 is not limited to this. The number of remote operation devices connected to the image forming apparatus 100 may be plural.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a plurality of operation modes such as a copy mode, a print mode, a scanner mode, and a facsimile (hereinafter referred to as “FAX”) mode. The image forming apparatus 100 has a so-called laser (electrophotographic) printing function that uses laser light for exposure. However, other types of printing functions may be provided.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation unit 120 for operating the apparatus itself. The operation unit 120 includes an operation panel 122 that displays an operation screen. The operation panel 122 includes a touch panel display. In the image forming apparatus 100, application software (for example, VNC server software) for causing the remote operation apparatus 200 to remotely operate the apparatus itself is installed.

  The remote operation device 200 includes a client terminal such as a personal computer (PC). Remote operation device 200 includes a display 262 for displaying information. Application software (for example, VNC client software) for remotely operating the image forming apparatus 100 via the network 50 is installed in the remote operation apparatus 200.

  Thus, remote control technology such as VNC is used for the information processing system 30 according to the present embodiment. In the remote operation technology, communication via the network 50 is established between the image forming apparatus 100 and the remote operation apparatus 200. Hereinafter, communication via a network for remote operation may be referred to as “remote connection”. When communication is established, the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 100 is shared with the remote operation apparatus 200. Accordingly, a user (remote user) who operates the remote operation device 200 can monitor the operation content of a local user who operates the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the remote operation device 200 has a function as a remote monitoring device that monitors the operation screen, that is, the operation content of the user.

  For example, the image forming apparatus 100 in which the VNC server software is operating transmits the image data of the operation screen displayed on the operation panel 122 to the remote operation apparatus 200 in which the VNC client software is operating. The remote operation device 200 receives the image data transmitted from the image forming device 100 and displays it on the display 262. When a local user of the image forming apparatus 100 operates the operation screen of the image forming apparatus 100, the operation result is also displayed on the display 262 of the remote operation apparatus 200. On the other hand, when a remote user operating the remote operation device 200 operates the operation screen displayed on the display 262, the remote operation device 200 transmits coordinate information of the operation result to the image forming apparatus 100. When the image forming apparatus 100 receives the coordinate information transmitted from the remote operation device 200, the image forming apparatus 100 executes a process according to the received coordinate information. By transmitting and receiving image data and operation results (coordinate information) between the image forming apparatus 100 and the remote operation apparatus 200, the remote operation of the image forming apparatus 100 by the remote operation apparatus 200 becomes possible.

  Communication between the image forming apparatus 100 and the remote operation apparatus 200 is established when the image forming apparatus 100 authenticates the remote operation apparatus 200. The image forming apparatus 100 has a function of authenticating the remote operation device 200, receives authentication information transmitted from the remote operation device 200, and executes authentication processing. If the authentication is successful, the image forming apparatus 100 displays on the operation panel 122 an inquiry screen (not shown) for inquiring whether to permit remote connection with the remote operation apparatus 200. When “permit” is selected by operating the operation panel 122 by a local user, communication (remote connection) via the network 50 is established between the image forming apparatus 100 and the remote operation apparatus 200. Note that the remote connection can be established immediately after successful authentication by setting.

  Even when the remote operation device 200 is remotely connected, if the user who operates the remote operation device 200 is a reliable user, the possibility of information leakage is low. A reliable user is a user who is reliable for a user who operates the image forming apparatus 100. For example, an administrator of the image forming apparatus 100, a service person who performs maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100, a person in charge of a help desk, or the like. Can be mentioned. The operation support by the remote operation performed by the person in charge at the help desk is an operation with the agreement of the user who operates the image forming apparatus 100, and in this case also, the possibility of information leakage is low.

  It is difficult for a user who wants to operate the image forming apparatus 100 to know whether or not the image forming apparatus 100 is in a state where a remote connection is established with the remote control apparatus 200. When a remote connection between the remote operation device 200 and the image forming apparatus 100 has already been established by an unreliable user, the subsequent operation content is peeped. In this case, there is a high possibility that information is leaked. In particular, in an environment where an unspecified number of users use the image forming apparatus 100, information leakage due to peeping is likely to occur. For example, highly confidential information may be included in address information during data transmission or FAX transmission, preview images during image preview, setting values and adjustment values of the apparatus main body, etc. There are many things we want to prevent.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has a setting function for setting a disconnection condition indicating a timing for disconnecting a remote connection in order to prevent information leakage due to peeping. The cutting condition is set in advance by, for example, an administrator of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the operating environment of the image forming apparatus 100 or the like. When the image forming apparatus 100 detects that the set disconnection condition is satisfied in a state where the remote connection with the remote operation apparatus 200 is established, the image forming apparatus 100 disconnects the remote connection with the remote operation apparatus 200.

  Setting of the disconnection condition is performed by operating a remote connection setting screen described later. This remote connection setting screen is displayed on the operation panel 122. In order to prevent setting change by remote operation of the remote connection setting screen, it is possible to set to require the input of a password when the remote connection setting screen is displayed. Further, during the setting of the remote connection setting screen, the remote operation by the remote operation device 200 can be set to be prohibited. In this case, when the remote connection setting screen is displayed on the operation panel 122, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits image data of a dummy screen different from the remote connection setting screen to the remote operation device 200.

  The image forming apparatus 100 further has a user authentication function for authenticating a local user. The user authentication information used for user authentication is independent from the authentication information for authenticating the remote operation device 200.

[Hardware configuration]
<< Image Forming Apparatus 100 >>
Referring to FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 110, an operation unit 120, a document reading unit 130, an image processing unit 140, an image forming unit 150, a FAX communication unit 160, a user authentication device 170, and a NIC (Network). Interface Card) 180.

  The control unit 110 is substantially a computer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 112 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 100, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 114 for storing programs, and a volatile storage device. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 116 and a storage device 118. The storage device 118 is a non-volatile storage device that retains data even when power is turned off, and includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) and a flash memory. A BUS line 190 is connected to the CPU 112, and a ROM 114, a RAM 116, and a storage device 118 are electrically connected to the BUS line 190.

  The CPU 112 executes various computer programs in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 120 and the like, thereby executing desired processing such as the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 and communication with an external device such as a personal computer (PC). To do. The various computer programs are stored in advance in the ROM 114 or the storage device 118, and are read from the ROM 114 or the storage device 118 and transferred to the RAM 116 when desired processing is executed. The CPU 112 reads and interprets a program instruction from an address in the RAM 116 specified by a value stored in a register called a program counter (not shown) in the CPU 112. The CPU 112 also reads data necessary for the operation from the address specified by the read instruction, and executes an operation corresponding to the instruction on the data. The execution result is also stored in an address specified by an instruction, such as a register in the RAM 116, the storage device 118, and the CPU 112.

  The ROM 114 or the storage device 118 stores a computer program for realizing a general operation of the image forming apparatus 100 and a computer program for realizing a remote operation by the remote operation device 200. This computer program is provided from an external information processing apparatus or the like via the NIC 180. The computer program may be provided by a storage medium such as a DVD on which the computer program is recorded. That is, for example, a DVD as a computer program recording medium is loaded into a DVD drive (not shown) built in the image forming apparatus 100, and the computer program is read from the DVD and installed in the storage device 118. Also good.

  The control unit 110 further sets a disconnection condition indicating a timing for disconnecting the remote connection with the remote operation device 200 in accordance with, for example, a user operation input to the operation unit 120. The set cutting condition is stored in the storage device 118. In addition, the storage device 118 stores various data including image data and the like.

  Further, the operation unit 120, the document reading unit 130, the image processing unit 140, the image forming unit 150, the FAX communication unit 160, the user authentication device 170, and the NIC 180 are electrically connected to the BUS line 190.

  The operation unit 120 receives an operation by a user. The operation unit 120 includes the operation panel 122. The operation panel 122 includes a touch panel display including a display panel 124 formed of a liquid crystal panel and the like, and a touch panel 126 that is disposed on the display panel 124 and detects a touched position. The display panel 124 provides the user with various information such as information regarding the state of the image forming apparatus 100 and the state of various processes. The operation panel 122 provides an interactive operation interface (UI) to the user. This interactive operation interface accepts user instructions for the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 100 from the touch panel 126, displays the contents of the instructions on the display panel 124, and sends control signals according to the instructions to the control unit 110 and the like. Output for.

  Document reading unit 130 includes a scanner and a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) line sensor (none of which is shown). The scanner forms a reflected light image obtained by irradiating light from a light source (not shown) onto the image surface of the document placed on the document placement table on the CCD line sensor, and moves the light source. Scan the document. The CCD line sensor sequentially photoelectrically converts the formed reflected light image and outputs it to the image processing unit 140 as image data. That is, when reading or scanning a document, the document reading unit 130 reads image information from a document placed on a document placement table by a scanner, converts the read image information into an electrical signal by a CCD line sensor, and outputs image data. To the image processing unit 140.

  The image processing unit 140 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit, not shown). The image processing unit 140 performs various processes including predetermined image processing such as rasterization processing on the image data received from the document reading unit 130 or an external device, and outputs print data with predetermined gradation. Created and output to the image forming unit 150.

  The image forming unit 150 prints an image indicated by image data on a recording sheet in color or single color, and includes, for example, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser scanning unit (LSU), a developing device, a transfer device, and a cleaning device. A device, a fixing device, a static eliminator, and the like. For example, the image forming unit 150 is provided with a conveyance path, and a recording sheet fed from a sheet feeding unit (not shown) is conveyed along the conveyance path.

  The paper feed unit includes a cassette tray (not shown) that can store a plurality of recording papers. The paper feeding unit pulls out the recording paper stored in the cassette tray one by one and sends the recording paper to the conveyance path of the image forming unit 150. While the recording paper is being transported along the transport path of the image forming unit 150, the recording paper passes between the photosensitive drum and the transfer device, and further passes through the fixing device to perform printing on the recording paper. It is.

  The photosensitive drum rotates in one direction, and its surface is cleaned by a cleaning device and a static eliminator and then uniformly charged by a charging device. The laser scanning unit modulates the laser beam based on the image data to be printed, and repeatedly scans the surface of the photosensitive drum in the main scanning direction with this laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. To do. The developing device supplies toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum to develop the electrostatic latent image, and forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The transfer device transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to a recording sheet passing between the transfer device and the photosensitive drum.

  The fixing device includes a heating roller for heating the recording paper and a pressure roller for pressing the recording paper. The recording paper is heated by the heating roller and pressed by the pressure roller, whereby the toner image transferred onto the recording paper is fixed on the recording paper. The recording paper discharged (printed) from the fixing device is discharged to a paper discharge tray.

  The FAX communication unit 160 is connected to the telephone line network 60 and is an interface for performing facsimile communication via the telephone line network 60. The image forming apparatus 100 can perform FAX transmission / reception with an external facsimile apparatus (not shown) via the FAX communication unit 160 and the telephone line network 60.

  The user authentication device 170 executes authentication processing for a local user under the control of the CPU 112. The user authentication device 170 includes a card reading unit 172 that reads information stored in an authentication card. The authentication card is a card capable of storing information such as an IC card, and is distributed to users who use the image forming apparatus 100. In the authentication card, user authentication information (for example, a user ID) for specifying a user who possesses the authentication card is stored in advance. When the authentication card is held over by the user, the card reading unit 172 reads the user authentication information stored in the authentication card. The user authentication device 170 performs authentication processing based on the user authentication information read by the card reading unit 172. If the authentication process determines that the user is a regular user, the user authentication device 170 permits the user to log in to the image forming apparatus 100. On the operation panel 122, an operation screen (not shown) after login is displayed. On this operation screen, a “logout” key is displayed. When the “logout” key is operated by a local user, the user authentication device 170 executes logout processing. As a result, the login state is released. In the following, “login” and “logout” refer only to local “login” and “logout”, respectively.

  Authentication processing for establishing a remote connection with remote operation device 200 is performed by control unit 110. This authentication process is executed based on authentication information transmitted from the remote operation device 200. The authentication information transmitted from the remote operation device 200 is independent from the user authentication information requested by the user authentication device 170. Therefore, even before a local user logs in to the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 can establish a remote connection with the remote operation device 200. In this case, the screen displayed on the operation panel 122 before login is displayed on the display 262 of the remote operation device 200.

  The NIC 180 has an interface with the network 50. The image forming apparatus 100 can perform data communication according to a predetermined communication protocol with an information processing apparatus or the like on the network 50 via the NIC 180. The image forming apparatus 100 can receive a command signal for instructing execution of various processes such as a print job from a PC or the like via the NIC 180.

  Referring to FIG. 3, as described above, the disconnection condition is set via remote connection setting screen 300 displayed on operation panel 122. The remote connection setting screen 300 has a check box 310 that is checked when setting to disconnect the remote connection at the time of login, and a check box that is checked when setting to display the “during remote connection” dialog at the time of login. 312 is included. When the check box 310 is checked, the check box 312 is grayed out and cannot be checked. Similarly, when the check box 312 is checked, the check box 310 is grayed out and cannot be checked.

  When the check box 310 is checked, the disconnection condition, that is, the timing for disconnecting the remote connection is set to “at login”. When the check box 312 is checked, the disconnection condition, that is, the timing for disconnecting the remote connection is set to “when an instruction to disconnect the remote connection is input”. With this setting, if remote connection is established at the time of login, a dialog box notifying that “remote connection is in progress” is displayed on the operation panel 122. When an instruction to disconnect the remote connection is input by a local user, the remote connection with the remote operation device 200 is disconnected.

  The remote connection setting screen 300 further inputs a check box 320 that is checked when setting a remote operation device (exception terminal for disconnection) that maintains the remote connection, and an IP address of the remote operation device 200 that maintains the remote connection. Input field 322, a check box 330 that is checked when setting to require password input when the remote connection setting screen 300 is displayed, a password input field 332 for setting the password, and a remote connection setting screen During the setting of 300, a check box 340 that is checked when setting to prohibit remote operation by the remote operation device 200 is included. Setting information (setting values) set via the remote connection setting screen 300 is stored in the storage device 118 (see FIG. 2).

<< Remote operation device 200 >>
Referring to FIG. 4, remote control device 200 is connected to bus 290, CPU 210 connected to bus 290, ROM 220 connected to bus 290, RAM 230 connected to bus 290, and bus 290. Connected to the HDD 240 and the bus 290, can be loaded with the optical disk 282, can write information to the optical disk 282, and can read information from the optical disk 282, and is connected to the bus 290 and has a mouse 252 and a keyboard 254. An input IF (Interface) 250 for providing an interface related to the connection between the display IF 260 and a display IF 260 connected to the bus 290 for providing an interface related to the connection to the display 262, wired or wireless (this embodiment) In the form of wired By including a network IF270 providing a connection to the network 50.

  The bus 290, the ROM 220, the RAM 230, the HDD 240, the optical disk drive 280, the input IF 250, the display IF 260, and the network IF 270 all operate cooperatively under the control of the CPU 210, and realize processing by various applications in the remote operation device 200. To do. Processing by these applications includes remote operation processing for remotely operating the image forming apparatus 100.

  A computer program for causing the remote operation device 200 to perform such remote operation processing is stored in the optical disk 282 inserted into the optical disk drive 280 and further transferred to the HDD 240. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to the remote operation device 200 through the network 50 and stored in the HDD 240. The program is loaded into the RAM 230 when executed. The program may be loaded directly into the RAM 230 from the optical disk 282 or via the network 50.

Software configuration
With reference to FIG. 5, a control structure of a computer program executed by the image forming apparatus 100 in order to prevent the remote control device 200 from peeping at the operation content will be described. This program starts in response to detecting a login operation by a local user.

  This program causes the user authentication device 170 to execute login processing, and when it is determined that the local user who performed the login operation is a legitimate user, the user is logged in to the image forming apparatus 100. Step S1000 that is permitted, Step S1010 that is executed after Step S1000, determines whether or not a remote connection is established with the remote control device 200, and branches the control flow according to the determination result. Step S1020 is executed when it is determined in S1010 that the remote connection has been established, and it is determined whether or not the remote connection is set to be disconnected upon login, and the control flow is branched according to the determination result. In step S1020, the remote connection is disconnected at the time of login. It is executed when it is determined that the remote control device is set, and it is determined whether or not the remote operation device that is remotely connected is set as a remote operation device that maintains the remote connection, and the control flow is branched according to the determination result Step S1030 to be executed, and when it is determined in Step S1030 that the remote operation device being remotely connected is not set as a remote operation device that maintains the remote connection, Step S1040 is executed to disconnect the remote connection being connected. including.

  Further, this program is executed when it is determined in step S1020 that it is not set to disconnect the remote connection at the time of login, and whether or not it is set to display a dialog box notifying that “remote connection is being performed”. This is executed when it is determined in step S1050 to branch the control flow according to the determination result and in step S1050 that the dialog box is set to be displayed, and “Remotely connected” is notified. Step S1060 for displaying a dialog box to be displayed on the operation panel 122, Step S1070 executed after Step S1060, determining whether or not an instruction to disconnect the remote connection has been issued, and branching the control flow according to the determination result; including.

  In step S 1060, dialog box 400 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on operation panel 122. Referring to FIG. 6, a dialog box 400 displays a character string for notifying that remote connection is being performed, an area 402 for displaying a character string for inquiring whether or not to disconnect the remote connection, and disconnecting the remote connection. A “Yes” key 404 to be operated and a “No” key 406 to be operated when the remote connection is not disconnected are included.

  If the “yes” key 404 is operated by the local user, it is determined in step S1070 that an instruction to disconnect the remote connection has been issued. On the other hand, if the “NO” key 406 is operated by a local user, it is determined in step S1070 that an instruction to disconnect the remote connection has not been given, that is, an instruction not to disconnect the remote connection has been given. If it is determined in step S1070 that an instruction to disconnect the remote connection has been given, control proceeds to step S1040.

  Referring to FIG. 5 again, if it is determined in step S1010 that a remote connection has not been established, this program further maintains in step S1030 the remote operation device that is remotely connected maintains the remote connection. If it is determined that the remote connection is not instructed in step S1070, a dialog box for notifying "remote connection" is displayed in step S1050. If it is determined that it has not been performed, or after step S1040, the process includes step S1080, in which the display of the operation panel 122 is changed to the screen after login and the program is terminated.

[Operation]
The information processing system 30 according to the present embodiment operates as follows. In the following description, only the part related to the present invention in the operation of the information processing system 30 will be described. Other operations are the same as those of the conventional information processing system.

  The image forming apparatus 100 displays a remote connection setting screen 300 on the operation panel 122 in accordance with a user operation. Referring to FIG. 3, image forming apparatus 100 accepts an operation input for remote connection setting screen 300 and performs settings related to remote connection. On the remote connection setting screen 300, it can be set whether or not to automatically disconnect the remote connection at the time of login. Furthermore, it is possible to set whether to disconnect the remote connection manually at the time of login. When the check box 310 is checked, the remote connection is automatically disconnected upon login. On the other hand, when the check box 312 is checked, the remote connection can be manually disconnected at the time of login. In other words, if remote connection is in progress at the time of login, a dialog box 400 (see FIG. 6) for notifying “remote connection” is set to be displayed on the operation panel 122.

  For example, regarding the remote connection with the remote operation device 200, in an operating environment in which the constant connection is prohibited, the remote connection can be automatically disconnected at the time of login. On the other hand, depending on the operating environment of the image forming apparatus 100, it may be desirable to always maintain a remote connection with the remote operation device 200. For example, the purpose is to monitor the image forming apparatus 100. In such an operating environment in which continuous connection of remote connection is permitted, it can be set not to disconnect the remote connection. This saves the trouble of establishing a remote connection again after disconnection.

  Furthermore, there may be an operating environment where it is desired to maintain a constant remote connection for some users. For example, an administrator of the image forming apparatus 100, a service person, a person in charge of a help desk, or the like may want to maintain a remote connection even after logging in to perform operation support. In such a case, the administrator user checks the check box 320 and inputs the IP address of the remote control device in the input field 322, thereby setting the remote control device that maintains the remote connection.

  Further, when the check box 330 is checked and a password is input in the password input field 332, a password is set in the remote connection setting screen 300. When the password is set, the image forming apparatus 100 requests input of the password from the next time before displaying the remote connection setting screen 300. Further, when the check box 340 is checked, remote operation by the remote operation device 200 is prohibited during the setting of the remote connection setting screen 300. In this case, when the remote connection setting screen 300 is displayed on the operation panel 122, the image forming apparatus 100 replaces the image data of the displayed remote connection setting screen 300 with the image data of the dummy screen. 200. Since a dummy image is displayed on the display 262 of the remote operation device 200, remote operation of the remote connection setting screen 300 is prohibited.

  The above-described settings related to remote connection are set in advance according to the operating environment of the image forming apparatus 100.

  Referring to FIG. 5, it is assumed that the user performs a login operation in order to use image forming apparatus 100. If the image forming apparatus 100 executes the login process and determines that the local user who performed the login operation is an authorized user, the image forming apparatus 100 permits the user to log in to the apparatus (step S1000). The image forming apparatus 100 determines whether a remote connection with the remote operation device 200 has been established. If the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the remote connection with the remote operation apparatus 200 has not been established (NO in step S1010), the image forming apparatus 100 displays a screen after login on the operation panel 122 (step S1080). On the other hand, when it is determined that the remote connection with the remote operation device 200 is established (YES in step S1010), the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the remote connection is set to be disconnected at the time of login.

  Referring to FIG. 3, if it is set to disconnect the remote connection at the time of login by checking the check box 310 (YES in step S1020 shown in FIG. 5), the image forming apparatus 100 performs the remote operation during the connection. It is determined whether or not the device 200 is set as a remote operation device that maintains a remote connection. When connected remote operation device 200 is set as a remote operation device that maintains a remote connection (YES in step S1030), image forming apparatus 100 displays a screen after logging in operation panel 122 while maintaining the remote connection. Is displayed (step S1080). On the other hand, if the connected remote operation device 200 is not set as a remote operation device that maintains the remote connection (NO in step S1030), the image forming apparatus 100 disconnects the connected remote connection (step S1040). Thereby, remote connection by a reliable user such as an administrator or a service person can be maintained while preventing information leakage due to peeping by an unreliable remote user.

  If it is not set to disconnect the remote connection at the time of login, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not it is set to display a dialog box for notifying “Remotely connected”. That is, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the check box 312 is checked. If the check box 312 is checked, the image forming apparatus 100 displays the dialog box 400 shown in FIG. 6 on the operation panel 122 (step S1060). The image forming apparatus 100 displays a dialog box 400 to inform the local user that the remote connection is being performed, and causes the local user to select whether or not to disconnect the remote connection. Referring to FIG. 6, when “Yes” key 404 is operated by a local user (YES in step S1070), image forming apparatus 100 disconnects the remote connection (step S1040). Thereafter, a screen after login is displayed on the operation panel 122 (step S1080). A local user can display information that is not desired to be known by others on the operation screen. On the other hand, when “NO” key 406 is operated by a local user (NO in step S1070), image forming apparatus 100 displays a screen after login on operation panel 122 while maintaining a remote connection (step S1080). ).

  When a remote user who operates the remote operation device 200 tries to establish a remote connection again after the remote connection is disconnected, the image forming apparatus 100 permits the operation panel 122 to perform a remote connection even in a login state. Display the inquiry screen to inquire whether or not. For example, during operation support by a help desk person in charge, reconnection can be performed by permitting remote connection. Thereby, operation support can be continued. When displaying highly confidential information, it is possible to prevent peeping due to reconnection by permitting remote connection.

[Effects of the present embodiment]
As is clear from the above description, the following effects can be obtained by using the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the remote operation device 200 via the network 50. When communication with the remote operation device 200 is established, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits an operation screen displayed on the operation panel 122 to the remote operation device 200. The image forming apparatus 100 has a function of setting a disconnection condition indicating the timing for disconnecting the remote connection with the remote control device 200. The image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the set disconnection condition is satisfied at a predetermined timing in a state where communication with the remote control device 200 is established. For example, if the remote connection is set to be disconnected at the time of login, the remote operation device is determined by determining whether or not communication with the remote operation device 200 is established in response to permitting the login. In a state in which communication with 200 is established, it is determined whether or not the set disconnection condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the set disconnection condition is satisfied, the image forming apparatus 100 disconnects the remote connection with the remote operation device 200. By setting the disconnection condition, the remote connection with the remote operation device 200 is disconnected when the disconnection condition is satisfied, so that it is possible to prevent a subsequent peep at the operation contents. Thereby, leakage of information can be prevented.

(Second Embodiment)
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is different from the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment in that it can be set to disconnect the remote connection at the time of logout. In other respects, the image forming apparatuses have the same configuration.

  Instead of the remote connection setting screen 300 shown in FIG. 3, a remote connection setting screen 300A shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. Referring to FIG. 7, remote connection setting screen 300 </ b> A further includes a check box 314 that is checked when setting to disconnect the remote connection upon logout. When the check box 314 is checked, the disconnection condition, that is, the timing for disconnecting the remote connection is set to “when logging out”. The check box 314 can be checked together with the check box 310 or the check box 312.

  When a local user is logged in to the image forming apparatus, if the image forming apparatus establishes a remote connection with the remote control device, permission by the login user is required. For this reason, if the remote operation device is remotely connected during login, the connection is made upon the agreement of the login user. However, depending on the operating environment of the image forming apparatus, it may not be preferable to maintain the remote connection even after logout, even if the remote connection is agreed upon by the login user. For example, remote connection with an external remote control device operated by a service person or a person in charge at a support center is preferably disconnected after the work or the like is completed. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, whether to disconnect the remote connection at the time of logout is set according to the operating environment of the image forming apparatus.

Software configuration
With reference to FIG. 8, a control structure of a computer program executed by the image forming apparatus in order to prevent the remote control device from peeping at the operation content will be described. This program starts in response to detecting a logout operation (operation of a “logout” key) by a local user.

  This program is executed after step S2000 for executing logout processing in response to a logout operation by a local user, and after step S2000, and determines whether or not a remote connection has been established with the remote control device. Step S2010 for branching the control flow according to the result, and executed when it is determined in step S2010 that the remote connection is established, and it is determined whether or not the remote connection is set to be disconnected at the time of logout In step S2020 in which the control flow is branched according to the determination result, and in step S2020, it is determined that the remote connection is set to be disconnected at the time of logout. Set as remote control device to maintain remote connection In step S2030 for branching the control flow according to the determination result, and in step S2030, it is determined that the remote operation device being remotely connected is not set as a remote operation device for maintaining the remote connection Step S2040 that is executed when the connection is made and disconnects the connected remote connection.

  If it is determined in step S2010 that the remote connection is not established, the program determines in step S2030 that the remote operation device that is remotely connected is set as a remote operation device that maintains the remote connection. If it is determined in step S2020 that the remote connection is not set to be disconnected at the time of logout, or after step S2040, the operation panel display is changed to the screen after logout and this program is terminated. Step S2050 is included.

[Operation]
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment operates as follows. The operations except for the operation after the logout operation are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed description of similar operations will not be repeated.

  When a logout operation is performed by the login user, the image forming apparatus executes logout processing (step S2000). The image forming apparatus determines whether a remote connection with the remote control device is established. If the image forming apparatus determines that the remote connection with the remote operation apparatus has not been established (NO in step S2010), the image forming apparatus displays a screen after logout on the operation panel (step S2050). On the other hand, when it is determined that the remote connection with the remote control device is established (YES in step S2010), the image forming apparatus determines whether or not the remote connection is set to be disconnected at the time of logout.

  Referring to FIG. 7, if it is set to disconnect the remote connection at the time of logout by checking the check box 314 (YES in step S2020), the image forming apparatus is connected to the remote operation apparatus being connected by the remote connection. It is determined whether or not it is set as a remote operation device to be maintained. If the connected remote operation device is set as a remote operation device that maintains the remote connection (YES in step S2030), the image forming apparatus displays a screen after logout on the operation panel while maintaining the remote connection. (Step S2050). On the other hand, when the connected remote operation device is not set as a remote operation device that maintains the remote connection (NO in step S2030), the image forming apparatus disconnects the connected remote connection (step S2040). If it is not set to disconnect the remote connection at the time of logout (NO in step S2020), the image forming apparatus displays a screen after logout on the operation panel while maintaining the remote connection (step S2050).

[Action / Effect]
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment further exhibits the following effects in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

  When the image forming apparatus accepts a logout operation by a local user in the login state, the image forming apparatus executes logout processing. In response to executing the logout process, the image forming apparatus determines whether a remote connection with the remote control device is established. If the remote connection is set to be disconnected at the time of logout, the image forming apparatus disconnects the remote connection when it is determined that the remote connection with the remote control device is established. However, when the connected remote control device is set as a remote control device that maintains the remote connection, the remote connection is maintained. As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment can set whether or not to disconnect the remote connection at the time of logout, and therefore can disconnect an unnecessary remote connection according to the operating environment.

(Third embodiment)
Referring to FIG. 9, image forming apparatus 100 </ b> A according to the present embodiment further has a function of acquiring settings relating to remote connection from server apparatus 500 on network 50, according to the first embodiment. Different from the forming apparatus 100. In other respects, the image forming apparatuses have the same configuration.

  An information processing system 30A according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 100A, a server apparatus 500, and a remote operation apparatus 200. The remote operation device 200 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 </ b> A communicates with the remote operation device 200 and the server device 500 via the network 50. The server device 500 displays a screen similar to the remote connection setting screen 300 shown in FIG. 3 and accepts an operation input by an administrator for performing settings related to the remote connection of the image forming apparatus 100A. The setting information (setting value) of the input setting is held in the server device 500. The server device 500 further transmits the held setting information to the image forming apparatus 100A in response to a request from the image forming apparatus 100A.

  In the image forming apparatus 100A, the user selects (sets) in advance whether the setting value held by the apparatus itself or the setting value acquired from the server apparatus 500 is used for the setting related to the remote connection. When it is selected (set) to use the setting value held by the apparatus itself, the image forming apparatus 100A operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment. When the setting value acquired from the server apparatus 500 is selected (set), the image forming apparatus 100A transmits a setting information transmission request to the server apparatus 500 at a predetermined timing. In the present embodiment, image forming apparatus 100A transmits a setting information transmission request to server apparatus 500 when a local user logs in. When the image forming apparatus 100A receives the setting information transmitted from the server apparatus 500 in response to the transmission request, the image forming apparatus 100A applies the received setting information (setting value) to the remote connection setting in the own apparatus.

[Hardware configuration]
<< Image Forming Apparatus 100A >>
Image forming apparatus 100A according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as image forming apparatus 100A according to the first embodiment. However, the image forming apparatus 100A differs from the first embodiment in that a remote connection setting screen 300B shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the operation panel 122 instead of the remote connection setting screen 300 shown in FIG. Is different.

  Referring to FIG. 10, remote connection setting screen 300B further includes a pull-down menu 350 for selecting (setting) an application source of setting values related to remote connection, and an address input field 352 for inputting the IP address of the server. . A pull-down menu 350 allows the user to select an MFP internal or external server as a setting value application source. In the address input field 352, when an external server is selected from the pull-down menu 350, the IP address of the external server that communicates is input. When the inside of the MFP is selected as the setting value application source, the image forming apparatus 100A is set to apply the setting information (setting value) held by the image forming apparatus to the remote connection setting. On the other hand, when the external server is selected as the application source of the setting value, the image forming apparatus 100A uses the setting information (setting value) acquired from the server device 500 of the IP address input in the address input field 352 to set the remote connection. Set to apply to.

<< Server Device 500 >>
Referring to FIG. 11, server apparatus 500 that communicates with image forming apparatus 100 </ b> A according to the present embodiment is a computer having a configuration similar to that of remote operation apparatus 200 described above. As the component parts of such a server apparatus, parts having higher reliability than those of so-called personal computer components are used.

  Server device 500 is connected to bus 590, CPU 510 connected to bus 590, ROM 520 connected to bus 590, RAM 530 connected to bus 590, HDD 540 connected to bus 590, and bus 590. The optical disk drive 580 that can be loaded with the optical disk 582 and can write information to the optical disk 582 and read information from the optical disk 582, is connected to the bus 590, and has an interface related to the connection between the mouse 552 and the keyboard 554. An input IF 550 for providing and a display IF 560 for providing an interface related to the connection between the bus 590 and the display 562, and connection to the network 50 by wired or wireless (in this embodiment, wired) Provide Includes a network IF570, the.

  The HDD 540 stores setting information (setting values) related to remote connection in addition to various data. When the setting input by the administrator is accepted, the setting information is changed according to the accepted setting input. In response to a transmission request from image forming apparatus 100A, server apparatus 500 reads the setting information from HDD 540 and transmits the setting information to image forming apparatus 100A.

  The bus 590, the ROM 520, the RAM 530, the HDD 540, the input IF 550, the display IF 560, and the network IF 570 all operate in cooperation under the control of the CPU 510, and the server device 500 as the server device according to the present embodiment has various applications. Realize the process.

Software configuration
In image forming apparatus 100A according to the present embodiment, a program shown in FIG. 12 is executed instead of the program shown in FIG. The program of FIG. 12 further includes step S1100 in the program of FIG. The processing in steps S1000 to S1080 in FIG. 12 is the same as the processing in each step shown in FIG. Hereinafter, different parts will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 12, this program is executed after step S1000, and includes step S1100 for acquiring setting information (setting value) of remote connection. When the process of step S1100 ends, control proceeds to step S1020.

  FIG. 13 is a detailed flow of step S1100 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 13, this routine determines whether or not a setting value application source is an external server, and branches control flow according to the determination result. In step S1200, the setting value application source is determined. Is executed when it is determined that the server is an external server, and communicates with the server apparatus 500 using the IP address input in the address input field 352, and is executed after step S1210 and the server apparatus 500 receives the setting information. Steps S1220 for transmitting the transmission request of step S1220, and steps executed after step S1220, determining whether or not the setting information transmitted from the server device 500 is received in response to the transmission request, and waiting until the setting information is received In S1230 and step S1200, the application source of the setting value is not an external server, that is, The value of the applied source is executed when it is determined that the internal MFP, reads the setting information stored therein (acquires) includes a step S1240, the. If it is determined in step S1230 that the setting information has been received, or if the process of step S1240 has ended, this routine ends. The setting information acquired from the server device 500 or the setting information read from the own device is used for determination of subsequent processing such as whether to disconnect the remote connection.

  With reference to FIG. 14, a control structure of a computer program executed in server device 500 in order to transmit setting information related to remote connection to image forming apparatus 100 </ b> A will be described. This program starts in response to an operation of a user (for example, an administrator user).

  This program determines whether or not a transmission request from the image forming apparatus 100A has been received, and is executed when it is determined in step S3000 to wait until the transmission request is received, and in step S3000 that a transmission request has been received. Step S3010 for reading the setting information held in HDD 540, and step S3020 executed after step S3010, transmitting the read setting information to requesting image forming apparatus 100A, and returning control to step S3000. Including.

[Operation]
Image forming apparatus 100A according to the present embodiment operates as follows. Note that operations other than the operation of acquiring the setting information from the server device 500 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed description of similar operations will not be repeated.

  The administrator of the image forming apparatus 100A operates the server apparatus 500 to perform settings related to remote connection. Setting information (setting value) regarding the remote connection set by the administrator is held in the HDD 540 of the server device 500.

  In the image forming apparatus 100A, it is assumed that an external server is selected as a setting value application source by an operation of the pull-down menu 350 by the administrator, and the IP address of the server apparatus 500 is input in the address input field 352.

  When a local user uses the image forming apparatus 100A to log in to the image forming apparatus 100A (step S1000 shown in FIG. 12), the image forming apparatus 100A determines whether the setting value application source is an external server. Determine. Since the external server is selected as the setting value application source, the image forming apparatus 100A determines that the setting value application source is the external server (YES in step S1200 shown in FIG. 13). The image forming apparatus 100A communicates with the server apparatus 500 using the IP address input in the address input field 352 (step S1210), and transmits a setting information transmission request to the server apparatus 500 (step S1220).

  Upon receiving the transmission request from image forming apparatus 100A (YES in step S3000 shown in FIG. 14), server apparatus 500 reads the setting information from HDD 540 (step S3010), and has transmitted the transmission request for the read setting information. The image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100A (step S3020).

  Upon receiving the setting information transmitted from server device 500 (YES in step S1230 shown in FIG. 13), image forming apparatus 100A receives the received setting information instead of the setting value set via remote connection setting screen 300B. (Set value) is used as the set value for remote connection. That is, the setting indicated by the received setting information is set as the setting of the own apparatus.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 </ b> A according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to obtain setting information from the server apparatus 500 on the network 50 and set the own apparatus. Therefore, settings related to remote connection in the image forming apparatus 100 </ b> A can be managed by the external server device 500. Even when there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses 100A, the server apparatus 500 can collectively manage settings related to remote connection of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100A. Accordingly, it is possible to save the trouble of making settings related to remote connection for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100A.

(Fourth embodiment)
Referring to FIG. 15, image forming apparatus 100 </ b> B according to the present embodiment receives the setting information distributed from server apparatus 600 and changes the settings related to remote connection to the first embodiment. This is different from the image forming apparatus 100. In other respects, the image forming apparatuses have the same configuration.

  An information processing system 30B according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 100B, a server apparatus 600, and a remote operation apparatus 200. The remote operation device 200 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 </ b> B communicates with the remote control device 200 and the server device 600 via the network 50. The server apparatus 600 holds address information of the image forming apparatus 100B. The server device 600 displays a screen similar to the remote connection setting screen 300 shown in FIG. 3 and accepts an operation input by an administrator for performing settings related to the remote connection of the image forming apparatus 100B. The setting information (setting value) of the input setting is held in the server apparatus 600. The server device 600 further sets a date and time for distributing the setting information in accordance with the operation of the administrator. The server apparatus 600 distributes (transmits) the held setting information to the image forming apparatus 100B according to the operation of the administrator or when the set date / time is reached.

  When the image forming apparatus 100B receives the setting information distributed from the server apparatus 600, the image forming apparatus 100B changes (updates) the setting related to the remote connection based on the received setting information.

(Modification)
In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral (MFP), which is an example of an image forming apparatus, has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The image forming apparatus may be a printer, a facsimile machine, or the like other than the multifunction machine. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to an information processing apparatus other than the image forming apparatus. In this case, it is more preferable that the present invention is applied to an information processing apparatus used by a plurality of users.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the image forming apparatus is remotely operated using a remote operation device including a personal computer has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The remote control device may be a device other than a personal computer. Examples of devices other than personal computers include portable information terminals such as tablet terminals and smartphones.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which user authentication is performed using information on the authentication card read by the card reading unit has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. In addition to the method of using an authentication card, for example, user authentication may be performed using a method of inputting an ID and a password, or another authentication method such as biometric authentication.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus that uses a user authentication function has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus that does not use a user authentication function. For example, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus installed in a store such as a convenience store and used by an unspecified number of users. Such an image forming apparatus is usually provided with an auto-clear function that restores the job setting contents and the like to a default state when a certain period of time has passed without an operation instruction to the apparatus. The timing at which the auto clear is executed is after the previous user finishes the operation and before the next user starts the operation. Therefore, the timing at which auto clear is executed can be used as the timing for disconnecting the remote connection. That is, an image forming apparatus that does not use the user authentication function can be set to disconnect the remote connection at the auto-clear timing. Thereby, even in an image forming apparatus that does not use the user authentication function, it is possible to effectively prevent peeping by the remote operation device.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a dialog box for inquiring whether or not to disconnect the remote connection is displayed when logging in to the image forming apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, when logging out, a dialog box asking whether to disconnect the remote connection may be displayed.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which local login to the image forming apparatus is permitted even during remote connection has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The image forming apparatus may be configured to prohibit local login to the image forming apparatus during remote connection. For example, when an operation for local login is performed during remote connection, a message “currently logging in remotely” may be displayed to prohibit the user from logging in to the image forming apparatus. Further, for example, the image forming apparatus may be configured to perform a login operation in a form such as “login after disconnecting the remote connection”.

  Although the said 3rd Embodiment was applied to the said 1st Embodiment, this invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The third embodiment may be applied to the second embodiment. Furthermore, the timing for acquiring the setting information from the server device may be other than when logging in or logging out. For example, when a remote connection request is made from the remote operation device to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus may acquire setting information from the server apparatus. Further, the image forming apparatus may be configured to periodically acquire setting information from the server apparatus at a predetermined interval.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are included. Including.

50 Network 30, 30A, 30B Information processing system 100, 100A, 100B Image forming apparatus 110 Control unit 112 CPU
114 ROM
116 RAM
118 Storage Device 120 Operation Unit 122 Operation Panel 130 Document Reading Unit 140 Image Processing Unit 150 Image Forming Unit 170 User Authentication Device 180 NIC
200 Remote operation device 300, 300A, 300B Remote connection setting screen 400 Dialog box 500, 600 Server device

Claims (10)

An information processing apparatus,
Display means for displaying an operation screen;
A communication means for communicating via a network with a remote operation device that remotely operates the information processing device while confirming the operation screen;
In response to establishment of communication with the remote operation device by the communication means, transmission means for transmitting the operation screen displayed on the display means to the remote operation device;
A setting means for setting a disconnection condition indicating a timing for disconnecting communication with the remote control device in order to disconnect communication with the remote control device according to processing executed by a local user operation;
Determination means for determining whether or not the disconnection condition set by the setting means is satisfied in a state where communication with the remote control device is established;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a disconnecting unit for disconnecting communication with the remote control device in response to a determination result of the determination unit being affirmative. The information processing apparatus further includes login authentication means for performing login authentication of a local user and permitting only a legitimate user to log in to the information processing apparatus,
The setting means includes a cutting condition setting means for setting the time of login to the device as the cutting condition,
The determination unit includes a communication determination unit for determining whether communication with the remote control device is established in response to the login authentication unit permitting login,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the disconnecting unit disconnects communication with the remote control device in response to a positive determination result of the communication determining unit. The information processing apparatus further includes:
Login authentication means for performing login authentication of a local user and permitting only a legitimate user to log in to the information processing apparatus;
Logout execution means for executing logout processing for releasing the login state in response to receiving a logout instruction by the user in the login state;
The setting means includes a cutting condition setting means for setting a logout time from the device as the cutting condition,
The determination unit includes a communication determination unit for determining whether communication with the remote control device is established in response to the logout execution unit executing a logout process,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the disconnecting unit disconnects communication with the remote control device in response to a positive determination result of the communication determining unit. The information processing apparatus further includes:
Designation accepting means for accepting designation of a remote control device that maintains a communication state;
A device determination means for determining whether or not the remote control device in communication is the remote control device that has received the designation,
3. The disconnection unit, in response to a positive determination result of the communication determination unit, disconnects communication with the remote control device based on the determination result of the device determination unit. 3. The information processing apparatus according to 3. The information processing apparatus further determines whether or not communication with the remote control device is established, and whether or not to disconnect communication with the remote control device in response to a positive determination result. Including a query means for querying the user,
The setting means includes a disconnection condition setting means for setting, as the disconnection condition, a timing at which an instruction to disconnect communication is input in response to the inquiry,
The determination means includes an input determination means for determining whether or not an instruction to disconnect communication is input in response to the inquiry,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the disconnecting unit disconnects communication with the remote control device in response to a positive determination result of the input determining unit. The information processing apparatus further includes login authentication means for performing login authentication of a local user and permitting only a legitimate user to log in to the information processing apparatus,
The inquiry means determines whether communication with the remote control device is established in response to the login authentication means permitting login, and responds that the determination result is affirmative, The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a login inquiry unit that inquires of a user whether to disconnect communication with the remote control device. The information processing apparatus further includes:
An authentication information receiving means for receiving an input of authentication information;
An authentication unit that executes an authentication process based on authentication information received by the authentication information receiving unit and permits setting of a cutting condition by the setting unit according to an authentication result. 6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 6. The information processing apparatus further includes:
Display control means for causing the display means to display a setting screen for accepting a cutting condition setting operation;
In response to the display control means displaying the setting screen on the display means, the transmission means is controlled to transmit a dummy screen different from the setting screen to the remote control device instead of the setting screen. Transmission control means for
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the cutting condition based on a user input operation on the setting screen. The information processing apparatus is further connected to an external server device via a network,
The server device transmits setting information for setting the cutting condition to the information processing device,
In response to the setting information being received by the information processing apparatus, the setting means sets a cutting condition for setting a cutting condition for disconnecting communication with the remote control device based on the received setting information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising means. An information processing system including an information processing device and a server device connected to the information processing device via a network,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Display means for displaying an operation screen;
First communication means for communicating via a network with a remote operation device that remotely operates the information processing device while confirming the operation screen;
In response to the establishment of communication with the remote operation device by the first communication unit, a transmission unit for transmitting the operation screen displayed on the display unit to the remote operation device;
Second communication means for communicating with the server device via the network;
In order to disconnect communication with the remote control device according to processing executed by a local user operation, the remote control device communicates with the server device via the second communication means, and the remote control device communicates with the server device. Cutting condition acquisition means for acquiring a cutting condition indicating the timing of disconnecting communication with
In a state where communication with the remote control device is established, a determination unit for determining whether or not the cutting condition acquired by the cutting condition acquisition unit is satisfied;
In response to the determination result of the determination unit being affirmative, a disconnection unit for disconnecting communication with the remote control device,
The server device
Setting means for setting a disconnection condition indicating timing for disconnecting communication with the remote control device;
An information processing system comprising: a cutting condition transmission means for transmitting a cutting condition set by the setting means to the information processing apparatus during communication with the information processing apparatus.

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