JP6736271B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing apparatus control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device having a plurality of functions, an information processing control method, and a program.

A multifunction machine (hereinafter, referred to as an MFP) having a printer, a scan, a card slot, a FAX, a network function and the like may be shared and used by a plurality of users in an environment where an administrator exists. In consideration of such a case, an administrator password function has been proposed which requires the user to enter a password when changing various settings of the MFP. The various settings of the MFP include, for example, LAN settings, fax settings, Web service settings, and basic settings of the main body. In an MFP having an administrator password function, users other than an administrator who do not know the password cannot change various settings of the MFP, and only an administrator who knows the password can change various settings of the MFP. You can

Further, there is an MFP in which an administrator can set a function that is not to be used by a user other than the administrator among a plurality of functions included in the MFP, and the function can be restricted. For example, when a user other than the administrator attempts to use the function restricted by the administrator, the fact that the function cannot be used because it is restricted by the administrator is displayed on the display screen of the MFP to notify the user. Further, in Patent Document 1, a function to be restricted is set for each user ID, and when the function corresponding to the ID and password entered by the user is a restricted object, the use of the function is restricted. Have been described.

JP-A-11-134136

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, in the case of a user who is not permitted to use a certain function, in order to use the function, the setting related to the function restriction must be changed. However, if the user can change the setting related to the function restriction, if the setting can be changed not only for the above functions but also for other functions, the function restriction unintended by the administrator may be performed. ..

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that can appropriately limit the use of functions by a user.

In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus of the present invention is an information processing apparatus having a plurality of functions, and when the authentication information input according to a user's instruction matches a predetermined administrator password. , Setting means for setting a restricted function of the plurality of functions, and based on the input of the administrator password when the user instructs to use the restricted function set by the setting means Display means for displaying on the display device an input screen for inputting a temporary cancellation password for using the set function, and authentication information input to the input screen displayed by the display means. If the temporary release password matches, the function is executed, and if the input authentication information does not match the temporary release password , the control unit controls the information processing device so that the function is not executed, And a predetermined reception function of receiving FAX data from the outside included in the plurality of functions, the information processing apparatus having a predetermined reception function, in which a user operates the information processing apparatus to receive FAX data, Automatic reception is possible in which the user receives FAX data without operating the information processing apparatus, and when the predetermined receiving function is set as a restriction target by the setting means, the predetermined receiving function When the user has instructed the use and the authentication information input on the input screen displayed by the display means by the instruction matches the temporary release password , the control means causes the manual reception by the predetermined reception function. Is controlled and the automatic reception is not performed, the information processing apparatus is controlled.

According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately limit the use of the function by the user.

It is a figure which shows an example of the image processing system in this embodiment. It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an MFP in the present embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows schematic structure of PC in this embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of changing settings of various functions in the MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation restriction setting screen displayed on the MFP in the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the home screen displayed on the display operation part of MFP in this embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of temporarily canceling an operation restriction by the MFP in the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the image processing system. The image processing system of the present embodiment includes an MFP 100 and a PC 200 connected by a communication network 300 such as the Internet or an intranet. The PC 200 can perform a remote function of displaying the operation screen of the MFP 100 and accepting the operation by the user by using the Web browser. This allows the user of PC 200 to execute various settings and functions of MFP 100 from a location remote from MFP 100. The MFP 100 operates as a web server for a remote function, and the PC 200 can display a UI (remote UI) for a remote function by accessing the MFP 100 as a web server by a web browser. Details of the remote UI will be described later. The PC 200 can also cause the MFP 100 to execute printing or scanning by using the device driver corresponding to the MFP 100 installed therein. Further, the MFP 100 can execute not only the remote function but also the local function. The local function is a function for performing a function of the MFP 100 by displaying a notification for a user and receiving a user operation using a main body UI (display operation unit 108 of the MFP 100) described later.

Further, in the present embodiment, the users who use the MFP 100 and the PC 200 are classified into three categories, “administrator user”, “general user”, and “permitted user”. The “administrator user” is an administrator of the MFP 100, and sets an administrator password, a function that is an operation restriction target, and a temporary release password for temporarily enabling the function that is an operation restriction target, which will be described later. You can The operation restriction setting includes ON/OFF of a setting that restricts any one of a plurality of functions (printing, scanning, copying, etc.) of the MFP 100, and selection of a function whose use is restricted. The temporary release password is a password for temporarily using the function restricted by the above operation restriction. The “administrator user” can set the contents (for example, numbers and characters) of the temporary cancellation password. The “general user” is a user who is not notified of the temporary release password by the administrator and cannot use the operation-restricted function. The "permitted user" is a user who has been notified of the temporary release password by the administrator user, and is able to use the function of which operation is restricted by inputting the temporary release password.

The communication between the MFP 100 and the PC 200 will be described as being performed by HTTP, but another control protocol may be used. Further, although the PC 200 is given as an example of the external device for controlling the MFP 100, the invention is not limited to this, and various devices capable of executing a web browser (smartphone, tablet, digital TV) and the like may be used. Although the MFP 100 is described as an example of an information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of functions, the invention is not limited to this, and a PC, a smartphone, a tablet, a digital television, or the like may be used.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the MFP 100 according to this embodiment. The CPU 101 is a system control unit and controls the entire MFP 100. The ROM 102 stores fixed data such as a control program executed by the CPU 101, a data table, and an embedded operating system (OS) program. In the present embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 102 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the control of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 102. The RAM 103 is composed of an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) that requires a backup power source, and the like, and data is held by a primary battery (not shown) for data backup. The RAM 103 stores program control variables and the like. Further, setting values registered by the administrator user such as administrator password setting, operation restriction setting, temporary release password setting, and management data of the MFP 100 are also stored in the memory area of the RAM 103. The RAM 103 also functions as a work memory, and the CPU 101 can execute various programs stored in the ROM 102 on the RAM 103 to control the entire MFP 100.

The image memory 104 is composed of a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, and stores image data. Also, a part of the area is reserved as a work area for executing software processing. The data conversion unit 105 performs analysis of a page description language (PDL: Page Description Language) and the like, conversion of image data such as CG (Computer Graphics) development of character data. The reading control unit 106, under the control of the CPU 101, causes the reading unit 107 to optically read a document using an image sensor such as CIS. Then, the reading control unit 106 converts the electrical image data obtained by the reading into an image signal, and performs various image processing such as binarization processing and halftone processing via an image processing control unit (not shown). , Outputs high-definition image data. Note that the reading control unit 106 and the reading unit 107 may read the document by either of the following two control methods. The first method is a sheet reading control method in which an original is read by a fixed CIS image sensor while the original is being conveyed. The second method is a book reading control method in which an original fixed on an original table is scanned by a moving CIS image sensor.

The display operation unit 108 includes keys such as a numerical value input key, a color reading start key, a monochrome reading start key, a mode setting key, an enter key, a cancel key, a power key, and an LED (light emitting diode) or LCD (liquid crystal display). Includes display device. The CPU 101 executes display control for displaying various display screens described below on a display device included in the display operation unit 108. Regarding the LCD, when a print job or a scan job is not being executed and the user does not operate for a certain period of time, the CPU 101 turns off the backlight of the LCD to reduce power consumption.

The administrator user, the authorized user, and the general user can use the display operation unit 108 to activate various functions of the multifunction peripheral and perform various settings. For example, the administrator user can use the display operation unit 108 to perform the above-mentioned administrator password setting, operation restriction setting, temporary release password setting, and various password inputs. Further, the authorized user can input the above temporary release password using the display operation unit 108. Further, the user can perform the same operation as the operation on the display operation unit 108 using the PC 200 by using the remote UI as described above.

The communication control unit 109 connects to a communication network, connects to an Internet provider, and communicates data and image information with the PC 200. The resolution conversion processing unit 110 performs resolution conversion control such as mutual conversion of millimeter-based image data and inch-based image data. Note that the resolution conversion processing unit 110 can also perform scaling processing of image data. The coding/decoding processing unit 111 mutually codes/decodes image data (non-compressed, MH, MR, MMR, JBIG, JPEG, etc.) handled by the MFP 100, and performs enlarging/reducing processing. The recording control unit 112 performs various image processing such as smoothing processing, recording density correction processing, and color correction on the image data to be printed via an image processing control unit (not shown) to obtain high-definition image data. It is converted and output to the recording unit 113. Further, by controlling the USB host control unit 115, it also plays a role of periodically acquiring the state information data of the recording unit 113. The recording unit 113 is a recording unit such as a laser beam printer or an inkjet printer, and prints the color image data or the monochrome image data generated by the recording control unit 112 on a printing member. The USB function control unit 114 controls communication of the USB interface, and performs protocol control according to the USB communication standard. Further, the data from the USB function control task executed by the CPU 101 can be converted into a packet, the USB packet can be transmitted to the PC 200, and conversely, the USB packet from the PC 200 can be converted into the data and transmitted to the CPU 101. The USB host control unit 115 is a control unit for performing communication according to the protocol defined by the USB communication standard. The USB communication standard is a standard that enables high-speed bidirectional data communication, and a plurality of hubs or functions (slaves) can be connected to one host (master). The USB host control unit 115 has a host function in USB communication. The Web server unit 116 has a Web server function, and provides a remote function to the Web browser operating on the PC 200 via the communication control unit 109. Then, the Web server unit 116 inputs an instruction for administrator password setting, operation restriction setting, or temporary release password setting according to the user's operation on the PC 200, and the CPU 101 can perform the setting according to the instruction. Similarly, the administrator user can input the administrator password and the temporary release password by using the remote function. Note that the Web browser operating on the PC 200 may have a large screen and high operability as compared with the display operation unit 108, and it may be possible to easily input a password. The components 101 to 106 and 108 to 116 are connected to each other via a CPU bus 121 managed by the CPU 101.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the PC 200 in this embodiment. The PC 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an internal storage device 204, and an external storage device 205. The CPU 201 executes the program read from the ROM 202, the internal storage device 204, or the external storage disk 206 on the RAM 203 to control the overall operation of the PC 200 via the system bus. The ROM 202 stores the control program of the CPU 201 and the like. The RAM 203 temporarily stores programs and image data and operates the PC 200 at high speed. The internal storage device 204 stores an operating system, various application programs, image data, and the like. Web browser, which is application software for using the remote function of MFP 100, is installed in internal storage device 204. By accessing the Web server unit 116 from the Web browser and acquiring the Web page, the Web browser operates as a remote UI, and the MFP 100 can be operated from the Web browser. Further, it is assumed that a device driver for accessing the MFP 100 via a network or USB and causing the MFP 100 to execute various functions of the MFP 100 such as printing and scanning is installed. The application software is installed by the CPU 101 reading data from another computer-readable medium (such as a CD/DVD medium) in which they are stored by the external storage disk 206 and controlling the external storage device 205. The operation unit 207 controls a keyboard and a mouse (not shown) for inputting a user's instruction, and inputs a user's instruction. The display unit 208 provides various displays to the user. Communication unit 209 connects to a communication network, connects to an Internet provider, and communicates data and image information with MFP 100. Note that connection to the communication network is performed by various protocols such as HTTP and XMPP. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of changing setting of various functions on the main body UI of the MFP 100 in the present embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is realized by the CPU 101 executing the program read from the ROM 102 on the RAM 103. By using the display operation unit 108 of the MFP 100, the administrator user can perform various functions of the MFP 100, such as LAN setting, fax setting, administrator password setting, operation restriction setting, temporary release password setting, paper setting, print setting. The setting can be changed. When the CPU 101 inputs a user's instruction for changing the setting of various functions via the display operation unit 108, the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is started.

In step S401, the CPU 101 determines whether the setting change target item instructed by the user using the display operation unit 108 is a function that requires administrator password authentication. For example, only the administrator user can set the settings related to the entire apparatus such as LAN setting, fax setting, administrator password setting, operation restriction setting, temporary release password setting. Therefore, it is determined that the administrator password authentication is necessary. Further, not only the administrator user, but also the user can set the paper settings that are changed each time a general user sets paper and the print settings that need to be changed for each print. Therefore, it is determined that the administrator password authentication is unnecessary. If the result of determination in S401 is that administrator password authentication is required, the process proceeds to S402. On the other hand, if determined to be unnecessary, the process proceeds to S405.

In S402, the CPU 101 determines whether the administrator password setting stored in the RAM 103 is valid. If the administrator password setting is valid, the process proceeds to S403. On the other hand, if the administrator password setting is invalid, the process proceeds to S405. In step S403, the CPU 101 displays the administrator password input screen on the display operation unit 108 and prompts the administrator user to input the administrator password. Subsequently, in S404, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the administrator password input by the user for the display in S403 is the same as the administrator password stored in the RAM 103. If both are determined to be the same, the process proceeds to S405. On the other hand, if it is determined that the two are different, the process returns to S403, and a display for prompting the administrator user to enter the administrator password is displayed again.

In step S405, the CPU 101 displays screens for changing the settings of various functions on the display operation unit 108, and executes various settings changes according to the user's instruction to the display operation unit 108. For example, in the administrator password setting and the temporary release password setting, whether or not each password is used, the setting of the password when used, and the like are set. The set administrator password setting and temporary release password setting are stored in the RAM 103. The operation restriction setting that can be set in S405 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation restriction setting screen displayed on the MFP 100 in this embodiment. The screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed in S405. In order for the user to display this setting screen, as shown in FIG. 4, it is necessary to input a valid administrator password in S403. The administrator user can set the operation restriction by using the display operation unit 108 of the MFP 100 or the remote UI operated by the web browser of the PC 200. In setting the operation restriction, the administrator user first "restricts all the following operations" (501), "permits all the following operations" (502), and "permits only the following operations" (503). ). When (501) is selected, all the functions described in (504) to (514) are restricted. That is, it is set as a function that cannot be used unless a valid temporary release password is input. Further, when (502) is selected, all the functions described in (504) to (514) are permitted without being restricted. That is, it is set as a function that can be used without inputting the temporary release password. Note that the “ScanTO memory” indicated by 508 is a function of storing the read image read by the reading unit 107 in a memory card installed in the MFP 100. The “ScanTOFolder” is a function of storing the read image read by the reading unit 107 in a folder in the RAM 103. Further, "ScanTOEmail" is a function of transmitting the read image read by the reading unit 107 to a mail server connected via the communication control unit 109, thereby sending it as an electronic mail.

Further, when the user selects (503), the administrator user can select the function to be permitted for the functions described in (504) to (514). Functions that are not selected are limited. Further, when the "copy" (504) is permitted, either "copy" (505) or "monochrome copy" (506) is selected. When (505) is selected, both color copying and monochrome copying are permitted. On the other hand, when (506) is selected, only monochrome copying is permitted and color copying is not permitted. That is, of the copy functions, only the color copy can be individually set as the restriction target.

When the administrator user presses the “OK button” (515), the operation restriction selected on the screen shown in FIG. 5 is set, and information indicating the content of the set operation restriction is stored in the RAM 103. .. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, since (503) is selected, monochrome copying and printing from the USB memory are permitted, and other functions are restricted.

Note that the function to be restricted or the function to be temporarily released may be selected according to the selection instruction from the user, as in the process in S405 of FIG. May be. In the latter case, in S405, the CPU 101 sets one or more predetermined functions as a restriction target, and temporarily cancels some or all of the predetermined functions of the one or more functions. Set as a target.

FIG. 6 is a home screen displayed on the LCD of the display operation unit 108 of the MFP 100 according to this embodiment. The home screen is a screen that is first displayed on the LCD of the display operation unit 108 after the user presses the power key of the display operation unit 108 of the MFP 100, and the functions that the user uses from the plurality of functions included in the MFP 100 are displayed. This is a selectable selection screen. One screen includes four functions of "copy" (601), "print from USB memory" (602), "ScanTo memory" (603), and "other" (604). When the user selects one of the functions (601) to (603), the detailed setting screen of the selected function is displayed. When the user selects "Other" (604), a screen for selecting a function other than "Copy" (601), "Print from USB memory" (602), and "ScanTo memory" (603) is displayed. ..

As shown in FIG. 5, when “monochrome copy” and “print from USB memory” are permitted and other functions are restricted, the ScanTo memory (603) is restricted, and the user is notified of that. Therefore, it is grayed out and displayed. The processing when the user selects the grayed out function will be described later with reference to FIG. 7. Since "print from USB memory (602)" is permitted, it is not grayed out. For example, the user selects “print from USB memory” (602) and performs print settings on the print setting screen for performing the next print settings. Then, by pressing the color reading start key, a file is read from a USB memory (not shown) connected to the USB host control unit 115 and printing is performed. During printing, the display transitions to the printing screen. When printing is completed, the display transitions to the home screen or print setting screen.

Regarding copying, monochrome copying is permitted, but color copying is restricted. Since the user may select monochrome copy, "copy" (601) is not grayed out in FIG. 6 and is displayed in a selectable state. When the user selects copy (601), the display transitions to a copy screen for performing print settings and reading settings in the copy function, and the user can make various settings related to copying on the copy setting screen. If both black-and-white copy and color copy are restricted, the “copy” (601) is grayed out to inform the user that the copy is restricted, as in the “ScanTo memory” (603) described above. Is displayed.

When monochrome copying is permitted like the operation restriction setting of FIG. 5, but color copying is restricted, the user presses the monochrome reading start key to execute monochrome copying after the copy setting is completed. Thus, monochrome copying is executed. During copying, the display transitions to the copying screen. When the copying is completed, the display transitions to the home screen or the copy setting screen. On the other hand, when the user presses the color start key to execute the color copy after the copy setting, since the color copy is restricted, a message indicating that the color copy is restricted is displayed and the user is notified. As described above, the control of the MFP 100 is different depending on the presence or absence of the operation restriction setting and the setting of the temporary release password. These will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of temporarily releasing the operation restriction in the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is realized by the CPU 101 executing the program read from the ROM 102 on the RAM 103. The processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is started when the power button of the MFP 100 is pressed by the user and the power of the MFP 100 is turned on, and when the power button is pressed and the power of the MFP 100 is turned off. finish.

In step S701, the CPU 101 waits for a user operation. When the user operates the display operation unit 108 of the MFP 100, the process proceeds to S702. In step S<b>702, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the candidate function of the operation restriction target described in (504) to (514) in FIG. 5 (function that can be restricted by the setting on the screen illustrated in FIG. 5) has been operated. Specifically, a user instruction for transitioning the display to a screen for any of the functions described in (504) to (514), or a job according to any of the functions described in (504) to (514). It is determined whether or not a user instruction for executing the is input in S701.

If it is determined in S702 that any of the functions described in (504) to (514) has been operated, the process proceeds to S704. If the determination is not made, the process proceeds to S703. In step S703, the CPU 101 performs screen transition and job execution according to the user instruction input in step S701.

For example, when the user selects “print from USB memory” (602) using the display operation unit 108, this function is a candidate function of the operation restriction target illustrated in FIG. move on.

On the other hand, when the user selects other (604) using the display operation unit 108, this function is not a candidate for the operation restriction target function shown in FIG. 5, so the process proceeds to S703, and the other (604) is selected. The corresponding screen is displayed. For example, when the user causes the PC 200 to transfer the read image obtained by the reading unit 107 reading the document, the user selects Other (604) on the screen illustrated in FIG. 6. Then, in step S703, a screen corresponding to other (604) is displayed, a job of the transfer process is executed according to a user's instruction on the screen, and a screen related to the transfer process is displayed.

In step S<b>704, the CPU 101 determines whether the function corresponding to the user instruction input in step S<b>701 is restricted by the function based on the information indicating the content of the operation restriction setting stored in the RAM 103. For example, when the user performs an operation relating to monochrome copying or printing from a USB memory while the operation restriction settings shown in FIG. 5 are set, these are permitted. Therefore, as a result of the determination in S704, the process proceeds to S703, and the display transition to the screen regarding the function instructed by the user and the job execution are performed. Regarding the copy function, the determination in S704 is not performed on the screen shown in FIG. 6, but the determination process in S704 is executed when the color reading start key or the monochrome reading start key is pressed to execute copying. It

If it is determined in S704 that the function instructed by the user is restricted, the process proceeds to S705. In the above example, if the user instructions related to the functions described in (504) to (514) and related to the functions other than the monochrome copy and the printing from the USB memory are input in S701, these are limited, so S705. Proceed to. In step S705, the CPU 101 determines whether the temporary release password is set. If the temporary release password is not set, the process proceeds to step S706, and the CPU 101 displays information such as “unable to execute because operation is restricted” on the display operation unit 108 of the MFP 100. As a result, the user can recognize that the function that the user has tried to execute is limited and cannot be used. On the other hand, if the temporary release password is set, the process proceeds to S707.

In step S<b>707, the CPU 101 displays the temporary unlock password input screen on the display operation unit 108 of the MFP 100, and waits for the user to enter the temporary unlock password. When the user inputs the temporary release password, the process proceeds to S708. In step S708, the CPU 101 compares the temporary release password input by the user with the temporary release password stored in the RAM 103, and determines whether the input temporary release password satisfies the predetermined authentication condition. For example, a predetermined authentication condition is that the temporary release password entered by the user and the temporary release password stored in the RAM 103 match. If the entered temporary release password is incorrect, the process proceeds to S709. In step S<b>709, the CPU 101 displays information such as “temporary cancellation password is incorrect. Please try again” on the display operation unit 108 of the MFP 100, and the process proceeds to step S<b>707. Since the general user described above does not know the temporary release password, in the case of a general user, the process proceeds to S709. Also, when the above-mentioned authorized user (a user whose temporary release password has been notified by the administrator user) makes a mistake in inputting the temporary release password, the process proceeds to S709.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S708 that the entered temporary release password is correct, the process proceeds to S710, and the CPU 101 enters the "operation restriction temporary release mode" in which the MFP 100 temporarily releases the operation restriction. For example, if the authorized user correctly inputs the temporary release password, the process proceeds to S710. Subsequently, in step S711, the CPU 101 executes the process according to the user instruction input in step S701 because the MFP 100 is in the “operation restriction temporary cancel mode”. In S711, the authorized user can execute various operations related to the operation-restricted function. If the FAX reception (513) shown in FIG. 5 is set as the restriction target and the temporary release password is input, the user operates the display operation unit 108 to receive the FAX data. It is a target of temporary cancellation in S711.

On the other hand, automatic reception that automatically receives FAX data without a user's operation is not a target of temporary cancellation. If it is possible to temporarily cancel the automatic reception, the user needs to input the temporary cancellation password when the incoming fax reception is accepted. In that case, since the timing of the incoming call is the timing at which the FAX transmission side performs the FAX transmission, the user must always wait in the MFP 100. Therefore, automatic reception is not subject to temporary cancellation. Further, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the administrator user notifies the authorized user of a common temporary release password for a plurality of authorized users. In this case, if it is possible to temporarily cancel the automatic reception, another authorized user temporarily cancels the FAX reception for a certain authorized user and browses the content of the received FAX. There is a fear. Therefore, in the present embodiment, automatic reception is not subject to temporary cancellation.

When the temporarily canceled function is executed in S711, the CPU 101 determines in S712 whether the job is completed, or whether the screen of the display operation unit 108 returns to the home screen from the screen such as the detailed setting of the selected function. Make a decision. In the temporary release mode, the screen of the display operation unit 108 may be returned to the home screen when the job is finished, or may be returned to the detailed setting screen before the job is executed. Note that, in the case of a function relating to reading of an original such as a copy or a ScanTo memory, the end of a job means that the operation executed by the user pressing the monochrome reading start key or the color reading start key once has ended. It's time. In this case, when the user sets a copy of a plurality of copies or sets a plurality of originals in an ADF (not shown) of the MFP 100 and makes a copy, when the copy of the plurality of copies or the copying of the plurality of originals is completed. Then, it is determined that the job is completed.

If it is determined in S712 that the job is completed or it is determined that the job has returned to the home screen, the process proceeds to S713, and the "operation restriction temporary cancel mode" is exited. That is, the temporarily released function is restricted again. If the screen that transitions when the job ends is the home screen, the screen of the display operation unit 108 returns to the home screen when one job ends, and the operation restriction temporary cancel mode is exited. In this case, in S712, it may be determined whether or not the job has ended, or whether or not the job has returned to the home screen.

If the home screen is not returned, the process proceeds to S714, and the CPU 101 determines whether the backlight of the LCD of the display operation unit 108 is turned off. If the backlight is not off, the process proceeds to S711. On the other hand, when the backlight is turned off, the user is not in a job and there is no permitted user operation for a certain period. Therefore, the operation restriction temporary cancel mode is exited for the security of the function of operation restriction. This prevents a general user who does not know the temporary release password from using the operation-restricted function when the user leaves the MFP 100 for a long time while in the “operation restriction temporary release mode”.

In S714, the CPU 101 may determine whether or not the backlight is off, or whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the user's last operation until the backlight is off. May be. When the user operates the display operation unit 108 after exiting the “motion restriction temporary cancel mode” in S713, the screen returns to the home screen. Alternatively, the screen may transition to the temporary unlock password input screen, and if the temporary cancel password input by the user is correct, the screen displayed before the backlight is turned off may be returned to.

Predetermined end conditions that can be regarded as the end of the process related to the temporarily permitted function, such as S712 and S714 above (end of job, display transition to home screen, LED backlight off, passage of predetermined time) It is determined whether is satisfied. Then, when it is determined that the ending condition is satisfied, the “operation restriction temporary cancel mode” is exited, and the operation restriction is restored. In this state, when the user again gives an instruction to execute the function whose function is restricted, the input screen of the temporary release password is displayed again in S707.

As described above, even if the operation-restricted item is displayed, when the screen of the function of the operation-restricted is displayed or the job of the operation-restricted is executed, the user inputs the temporary release password to temporarily It is possible to cancel the operation restriction. When the authorized user wants to use the function of which the operation is restricted, the function of which the operation is restricted can be used without the operation by the administrator user. For example, even if the administrator user releases the operation restriction once and then executes the corresponding job, and the administrator user does not perform the procedure of setting the operation restriction again, the authorized user does not have the operation restricted function. Can be used.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the FAX reception is the restriction target, the manual reception is the temporary cancellation target, but the automatic reception is not the temporary cancellation target. Further, the transmission of the read image to the PC 200 is not a candidate for restriction and can be used by the user without inputting the temporary release password. As described above, there are cases in which, as the administrator user, there is a function that allows a user other than the administrator to use the password without entering it, a function that allows the user to enter it by entering the password, and a function that does not allow it to be used regardless of the password being entered. According to the processing of FIG. 7, the user can use the function that is not the candidate for the restriction target by the determination of S702 without inputting the temporary release password. Further, with respect to functions that are not subject to temporary cancellation, such as FAX automatic reception, when the operation is restricted, the user can be prevented from using the temporary cancellation password regardless of the input.

Further, in the present embodiment, one common temporary release password for a plurality of authorized users is stored in the RAM 103. Therefore, since it is not necessary to store a plurality of passwords for a plurality of users, it is not necessary to provide a storage area for passwords, and the effect of this embodiment can be realized at low cost. However, different passwords may be set for a plurality of users. Further, in the present embodiment, when the job is finished, the screen returns to the home screen, or there is no operation for a certain period, the temporary release mode is exited and the operation is restricted again. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the problem that a general user who does not know the password can use it when the temporary release mode is entered and left as it is.

In the above embodiment, the MFP 100 can perform the operation restriction setting and the temporary release password setting without setting the administrator password, but the present invention is not limited to this. For higher security, the administrator password, the operation restriction setting, and the temporary release password setting may be controlled in association with each other. For example, when the administrator password is not set, the setting screen for the operation restriction setting and the temporary release password setting may be controlled not to be displayed.

Further, in the above embodiment, the MFP 100 can individually set different passwords as the administrator password and the temporary release password setting. On the other hand, by setting different passwords individually, among the general users other than the administrator user, only some of the authorized users can be given the temporary release password to realize the temporary release of the operation restriction. However, since there is a case where only the administrator user can temporarily cancel the password, a common password may be set as the administrator password and the temporary cancellation password. By setting a common password, the administrator user can use only the administrator password to temporarily cancel the operation restriction, and the administrator user does not have to remember both the administrator password and the temporary release password. be able to.

Further, in the above embodiment, one common temporary release password is set for a plurality of functions of the MFP 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a temporary cancellation password may be set for each operation restriction item. For example, a temporary cancellation password may be set individually for each of "copy" (504) to "phonebook" (514) in FIG. As a result, by changing the temporary release password taught by the administrator user for each authorized user, it is possible to change the functions that can be used among the functions whose operation is restricted for each authorized user.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, when the MFP 100 sets the temporary release password, the temporary release password is authenticated for all the functions that are restricted in operation, so that the temporary release of the operation restriction can be realized. , But is not limited to this. For example, it may be possible to set whether or not temporary cancellation can be performed for each operation restriction item. In the case of the operation restriction setting of FIG. 5, there is a restriction except for “monochrome copy” (506) and “print from USB memory” (508). In this case, the administrator user may be allowed to set whether or not temporary cancellation can be performed for the restricted function on the setting screen shown in FIG. For example, the administrator user sets “ScanTo memory” (508) as a function that cannot be temporarily canceled. In this case, even if the authorized user instructs "ScanTo memory", the CPU 101 determines in step S705 in FIG. 7 that the temporary release password is not set because the CPU 101 has a function that cannot perform temporary release. Proceed with processing.

Further, in the above embodiment, the MFP 100 displays the input screen of the temporary release password when the monochrome reading start key or the color reading start key for the job execution is changed to the screen of the function of the operation restriction target or the job is pressed. .. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 101 may determine whether or not the condition for displaying the temporary release password is satisfied after performing a part of the job. Specifically, in the case of copying, a prescan is performed before a main scan of the original, and the read image obtained by the prescan is analyzed to determine whether the original type is a document or a photograph. be able to. Alternatively, it is possible to determine whether the original is a color original or a monochrome original based on the result of the prescan. Consider the case where the color reading start key is pressed in a state where monochrome copying is permitted and color copying is limited as in the operation restriction setting of FIG. If the result of the prescan is that the document is a monochrome document, monochrome copying is permitted, so the CPU 101 directly executes main scanning and printing. If it is determined as a color original as a result of the prescan, since the color copy is restricted, the CPU 101 displays the temporary release password input screen in S705 of FIG. 7 after the prescan.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the function to be restricted by the MFP 100 is the function that operates only in the MFP 100 as described with reference to FIG. 5, but the function is not limited to this. For example, the PC print function or the PC scan function that can be executed by accessing the MFP 100 from the device driver operating on the PC 200 via the network or the USB may be subject to the operation restriction. In this case, like the other functions, when the MFP 100 receives a PC print job or a PC scan job from the PC 200, the process of FIG. 7 may be performed. In addition, when the operation restriction of the PC print function or the PC scan function is to be performed, the temporary release password may be input in the PC 200. For example, before the MFP 100 receives a PC print job or a PC scan job from the PC 200, the PC 200 and the MFP 100 communicate in advance. Then, by this communication, the PC 200 confirms the function of the operation restriction target in the MFP 100. When the function instructed by the user is subject to the operation restriction, the PC 200 causes the device driver operating on the PC 200 to display the temporary cancellation password input screen and execute the password input. The entered temporary release password is sent from PC 200 to MFP 100, and MFP 100 performs temporary release password authentication. If authentication is OK, MFP 100 notifies PC 200 that authentication is OK. When this notification is made, the PC 200 sends a PC print job or a PC scan job to the MFP 100. According to this method, when the user of the PC 200 issues a job to the MFP 100 from the PC 200, the user can temporarily use the function-restricted function by inputting the job to the PC 200 without inputting the temporary release password on the MFP 100. be able to.

Further, in the above embodiment, the password such as the administrator password and the temporary release password is used as the authentication information for authenticating the user who uses the function, but the authentication information is not limited to this. For example, a personal identification number having a predetermined number of digits may be used as the authentication information.

The functions of the present embodiment can also be realized by the following configuration. That is, it is also achieved by supplying a program code for performing the processing of the present embodiment to a system or apparatus, and causing a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus to execute the program code. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code also realizes the function of the present embodiment.

Further, the program code for realizing the functions of the present embodiment may be executed by one computer (CPU, MPU), or may be executed by the cooperation of a plurality of computers. Good. Furthermore, the program code may be executed by a computer, or hardware such as a circuit for realizing the function of the program code may be provided. Alternatively, a part of the program code may be implemented by hardware and the rest may be executed by a computer.

101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM

Claims (17)

An information processing apparatus having a plurality of functions,
When the authentication information input according to the user's instruction matches the predetermined administrator password , setting means for setting the restricted function of the plurality of functions,
For inputting a temporary release password for using the function , which is set based on the input of the administrator password , when the user instructs the use of the restricted function set by the setting unit Display means for displaying the input screen on the display device,
If the authentication information input to the input screen displayed by the display unit matches the temporary release password , the function is executed, and if the input authentication information does not match the temporary release password , A control unit that controls the information processing device so that the function is not executed,
The information processing apparatus has a predetermined receiving function of receiving FAX data from the outside, which is included in the plurality of functions, in which a user operates the information processing apparatus to receive FAX data, and a user receives the information. It is possible to automatically receive FAX data without operating the processor.
When the predetermined receiving function is set as a restriction target by the setting unit, the user instructs the use of the predetermined receiving function, and the instruction is input on the input screen displayed by the display unit. When the authentication information matches the temporary release password , the control means controls the information processing device such that the manual reception is executed and the automatic reception is not executed in the predetermined reception function. Information processing device. The plurality of functions also include a predetermined transmission function for transmitting FAX data to the outside, and when the predetermined transmission function is set as a restriction target by the setting unit, the user can use the predetermined transmission function. If the authentication information is instructed and the authentication information input on the input screen displayed by the display means in accordance with the instruction matches the temporary cancellation password , the control means is configured to execute the predetermined transmission function. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , which controls the information processing apparatus. The plurality of functions include a plurality of first functions that are candidates for the restriction target by the setting unit and a second function that is not a candidate for the restriction target by the setting unit,
When the authentication information input according to the user's instruction matches the administrator password , the setting unit sets the function selected by the user among the plurality of first functions as a restriction target. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that. When the user gives an instruction to use the second function of the plurality of functions, the display unit does not display the input screen and the control unit executes the second function. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , which controls the information processing apparatus. The restriction target candidate includes a print function for printing an image,
The information according to claim 4 , wherein the second function includes a function of reading a document and transmitting a read image obtained by the reading to an external device connected to the information processing device. Processing equipment. When the authentication information input to the input screen matches the temporary cancellation password , the control unit controls the information processing apparatus so that a job having a function instructed by a user is executed. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein: When the authentication information input to the input screen matches the temporary release password , the control means controls the information processing device to display a screen regarding a function instructed by the user. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , which is characterized. The display means further displays a selection screen on which a user can select a function to be used from the plurality of functions,
In the selection screen, the display unit causes the input screen to be displayed when the user instructs to display a screen regarding a predetermined function set as a restriction target by the setting unit out of the plurality of functions. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein: The plurality of functions include a copy function of reading an original and printing an image obtained by the reading, and the setting unit separates the color copy executed in the copy function from the color copy of the monochrome copy. Can be set as a restriction target to
When the color copy is set as the restriction target by the setting unit, the display unit displays the input screen when the user instructs the display of the copy screen regarding the copy function on the selection screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein, after the display of the copy screen, the display unit displays the input screen when execution of the color copy is instructed by a user. When the user instructs the use of the function again after the function executed based on the input of the temporary release password by the control unit ends, the display unit displays the input screen again on the display device. the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that display. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the function ends when there is no user operation for a predetermined time and the job is not being executed. The information processing device according to claim 11 , wherein the display device is turned off when the predetermined time has elapsed from a user operation on the information processing device. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the function is ended by ending one job by the function executed based on the input of the temporary release password by the control unit. The setting means, the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and sets a common temporary release password in a plurality of functions which is restricted candidate by the setting means. When the setting unit sets a function of executing a job from an external device connected to the information processing device as a restriction target, the display unit displays the input screen on a display screen included in the external device. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14 , wherein the information processing apparatus is configured to: A method for controlling an information processing apparatus having a plurality of functions, comprising:
When the authentication information input according to a user's instruction matches a predetermined administrator password , a setting step of setting a restricted function of the plurality of functions,
For inputting a temporary release password for using the function , which is set based on the input of the administrator password , when the user instructs the use of the restricted function set in the setting step A display step of displaying an input screen on a display device,
Wherein if the authentication information input to the input screen displayed in the display step is coincident with the temporary release password the function is executed, if the authentication information the input does not match the temporary release password Has a control step of controlling the information processing device so that the function is not executed,
The information processing apparatus has a predetermined receiving function of receiving FAX data from the outside, which is included in the plurality of functions, in which a user operates the information processing apparatus to receive FAX data, and a user receives the information. It is possible to automatically receive FAX data without operating the processor.
When the predetermined reception function is set as a restriction target in the setting step, the user instructs the use of the predetermined reception function, and the instruction is used to input on the input screen displayed in the display step. When the authentication information matches the temporary release password , the control step controls the information processing apparatus such that the manual reception is executed and the automatic reception is not executed in the predetermined reception function. And control method. Program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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