JP6805627B2 - Information processing equipment and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device and a program.

Authentication information (for example, an authentication key) for using the device is given to a user (for example, an office resident) in advance, and when the user is authenticated by the authentication information, the use of the device may be permitted.

In Patent Document 1, a user whose legitimate user identification information is not registered is provisionally permitted to log in as a guest user, and the temporarily permitted user is prompted to input user-specific information, and the input information is provided. Is registered as guest identification information, and a device that allows a user to whom the guest identification information is registered to log in as a guest registration user is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-38189

By the way, in order for a user who does not have the authentication information (for example, a visitor in the office) to use the device, it is conceivable that the user is given the authentication information by the administrator who has the authentication information. However, since the administrator who has the authentication information is not always specified in the user who does not have the authentication information, the authentication information is not always given to the user who does not have the authentication information. Not exclusively.

An object of the present invention is to identify an administrator who has been given authentication information for using a device so that the authentication information can be obtained.

The invention according to claim 1 comprises an administrator information acquisition means for acquiring information about an administrator to which authentication information for using a device is given, a display control means for displaying information about the administrator on a display means, and the like. When the external device used by the administrator specified by the information about the administrator is requested to acquire the authentication information and the acquisition is permitted, the authentication information acquisition to acquire the authentication information from the external device is performed. possess means, and said display control means, information indicating the distance between the information processing apparatus and the external device is further displayed on the display unit, an information processing apparatus.

In the invention according to claim 2, when the distance between the information processing device and the external device is equal to or less than a preset threshold value, the authentication information acquisition means obtains the authentication information for the external device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is required to acquire the information processing device.
The invention according to claim 3 comprises an administrator information acquisition means for acquiring information about an administrator to which authentication information for using a device is given, a display control means for displaying information about the administrator on a display means, and the like. When an external device used by the administrator specified by the information about the administrator is requested to acquire the authentication information and the acquisition is permitted, the authentication information acquisition to acquire the authentication information from the external device is performed. The authentication information acquisition means has means, and when the distance between the information processing device and the external device is equal to or less than a preset threshold value, the authentication information is transmitted to the external device. It is an information processing device that requests acquisition.

In the invention according to claim 4, the display control means further causes the display means to display an instruction reception screen for the user to instruct the acquisition request of the authentication information, and the information processing apparatus has the distance as the threshold value. In the following cases, the user's operation on the instruction reception screen is effectively set, and when the distance exceeds the threshold value, the user's operation on the instruction reception screen is invalidated. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, which is a feature.

In the invention according to claim 5, the administrator information acquisition means acquires information about the administrator from the external device by the first communication means, and the authentication information acquisition means is the communication formed by the first communication means. A second communication means that forms a communication range narrower than the range requests the external device to acquire the authentication information, and when the acquisition is permitted, the authentication information is acquired from the external device. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that.

The invention according to claim 6 comprises an administrator information acquisition means for acquiring information about an administrator to which authentication information for using a device is given, a display control means for displaying information about the administrator on a display means, and the like. When an external device used by the administrator specified by the information about the administrator is requested to acquire the authentication information and the acquisition is permitted, the authentication information acquisition to acquire the authentication information from the external device is performed. The administrator information acquisition means acquires information about the administrator from the external device by the first communication means, and the authentication information acquisition means has a communication range formed by the first communication means. Information processing in which the external device is requested to acquire the authentication information by a second communication means forming a narrower communication range, and when the acquisition is permitted, the authentication information is acquired from the external device. It is a device.
In the invention according to claim 7 , the communication by the first communication means is short-range wireless communication, and the communication by the second communication means forms a communication range narrower than the communication range formed by the first communication means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 , which is short-range wireless communication.

Invention display a computer mounted in the information processing apparatus, the management information obtaining means for obtaining information about the administrator authentication information is given to using equipment, information on the administrator according to claim 8 When the display control means to be displayed on the means and the external device used by the administrator specified by the information about the administrator are requested to acquire the authentication information and the acquisition is permitted, the external device causes the above. authentication information acquiring means for acquiring authentication information, to function as the display control means, the information processing apparatus and further display information indicating the distance on the display means between the external device, a program.
The invention according to claim 9 displays information about an administrator, an administrator information acquisition means for acquiring information about an administrator to which authentication information for using the device is given, and information about the administrator, for a computer mounted on an information processing device. When the display control means to be displayed on the means and the external device used by the administrator specified by the information about the administrator are requested to acquire the authentication information and the acquisition is permitted, the external device causes the above. authentication information acquiring means for acquiring authentication information, to function as the authentication information acquiring means, when the distance between said information processing apparatus and the external device is equal to or less than a preset threshold, the external device This is a program that requests the acquisition of the authentication information.

According to the inventions according to claims 1 and 8 , it is possible to identify the administrator who has been given the authentication information for using the device and acquire the authentication information. In addition, the positional relationship between the information processing device and the external device is specified.

Claim 2 - According to the invention of 7, 9, 10, in the administrator, the user requesting the acquisition of the authentication information can be clearly identified.

It is a block diagram which shows the image formation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the manager terminal apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the user terminal apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which displays the administrator information. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for instructing permission or disapproval of acquisition of authentication information. It is a figure which shows an example of a menu screen. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation of the image formation system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation which concerns on the modification.

An image forming system as an information processing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows an example of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. This image forming system includes an administrator terminal device 10 as an external device, a user terminal device 12 as an information processing device, an image forming device 14 as a device, and an authentication server 16. In the example shown in FIG. 1, one administrator terminal device 10, one user terminal device 12, and one image forming device 14 are included in the image forming system, but a plurality of administrator terminal devices 10 and a plurality of users The terminal device 12 and the plurality of image forming devices 14 may be included in the image forming system. Of course, other devices may be included in the image forming system.

The administrator terminal device 10 is a terminal device for an administrator, and is, for example, a terminal device for a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PC (personal computer), a tablet PC, or the like. The administrator is given authentication information for using the image forming apparatus 14 in advance, and the administrator has the authority to use the image forming apparatus 14. The authentication information is stored in advance in the administrator terminal device 10. If the authentication based on the authentication information is successful, that is, if the authentication information is legitimate information, the use of the image forming apparatus 14 is permitted. If the authentication based on the authentication information fails, that is, if the authentication information is invalid information, the use of the image forming apparatus 14 is prohibited. In addition, the administrator terminal device 10 has a function of transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The administrator terminal device 10 is provided with a short-range wireless communication function such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (Bluetooth) (registered trademark). Of course, the administrator terminal device 10 may have a wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication or a wired communication function. Further, the administrator terminal device 10 may have a function of transmitting and receiving data via a network such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

The user terminal device 12 is a terminal device for a user, and is, for example, a terminal device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PC, or a tablet PC. The user who possesses the user terminal device 12 is not given the authentication information for using the image forming device 14 in advance, and the user terminal device 12 does not store the authentication information in advance. The user is, for example, an office visitor. The user terminal device 12 has a function of transmitting and receiving data to and from another device. The user terminal device 12 is provided with a short-range wireless communication function such as NFC or Bluetooth. Of course, the user terminal device 12 may have a wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi communication or a wired communication function. Further, the user terminal device 12 may have a function of transmitting and receiving data via a network such as the Internet or a LAN.

In the present embodiment, the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 communicate with each other via the communication path N. The communication path N is, for example, a communication path realized by a short-range wireless communication function. Of course, the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 may communicate with each other by a communication path realized by a network such as the Internet or a LAN.

The image forming apparatus 14 is an apparatus having an image forming function, and has, for example, at least one of a scanning function, a printing function, a copying function, and a facsimile function. When the scan function is executed, the document is read and scan data (image data) is generated. When the print function is executed, the image is printed on a recording medium such as paper. When the copy function is executed, the original is read and printed on the recording medium. By executing the facsimile function, the image data is facsimile-transmitted or facsimile-received. The image data may be image data generated by scanning the original, or may be image data transmitted from another device. In addition, a combined function that combines a plurality of functions may be executed. For example, a scan transfer function that combines a scan function and a transmission function (transfer function) may be executed. By executing this scan transfer function, the document is read, scan data (image data) is generated, and the scan data is transmitted to the destination. Of course, this combination function is only an example, and another combination function may be executed. Further, the image forming apparatus 14 has a function of transmitting and receiving data to and from another apparatus. The image forming apparatus 14 has, for example, a wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi communication and a wired communication function. Further, the image forming apparatus 14 has a function of transmitting and receiving data via a network such as the Internet or a LAN. Of course, the image forming apparatus 14 may have a short-range wireless communication function such as NFC or Bluetooth.

The authentication server 16 is a device that performs authentication based on authentication information. For example, the authentication information is registered in advance in the authentication server 16, and the authentication server 16 authenticates using the registered authentication information. If the authentication is successful, the use of the image forming apparatus 14 is permitted, and if the authentication is unsuccessful, the use of the image forming apparatus 14 is not permitted. In addition, the authentication server 16 has a function of transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The authentication server 16 has, for example, a wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi communication and a wired communication function. Further, the authentication server 16 has a function of transmitting and receiving data via a network such as the Internet or LAN. Of course, the authentication server 16 may have a short-range wireless communication function such as NFC or Bluetooth.

The administrator terminal device 10, the user terminal device 12, the image forming device 14, and the authentication server 16 may communicate with each other via a communication path. The communication path may be realized by short-range wireless communication, or may be realized by a network such as the Internet or LAN. Of course, the communication path may be realized by wired communication.

In the image forming system according to the present embodiment, the user terminal device 12 acquires the information about the administrator to which the authentication information is given, and the administrator terminal device 10 used by the administrator specified by the information about the administrator. Send a request to get credentials. When the acquisition of the authentication information is permitted, the authentication information is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 to the user terminal device 12.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the administrator terminal device 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the administrator terminal device 10.

The communication unit 18 is a communication interface, and has a function of transmitting data to another device and a function of receiving data from the other device. The communication unit 18 has, for example, a short-range wireless communication function. Of course, the communication unit 18 may have a wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi communication or a wired communication function. Further, the communication unit 18 may have a function of transmitting and receiving data via a network such as the Internet or a LAN.

The storage unit 20 is a storage device such as a hard disk or a memory, and stores, for example, various programs and various data. Of course, they may be stored in separate storage devices or may be stored in the same storage device. Administrator information 22 and authentication information 24 are stored in advance in the storage unit 20. Further, a dedicated application (program) for giving the authentication information 24 to another device (for example, the user terminal device 12) is pre-installed in the administrator terminal device 10, and the dedicated application is installed in the storage unit 20. It is stored in advance.

The administrator information 22 is information about an administrator (a person who has the authority to use the image forming apparatus 14), and is, for example, information for identifying the administrator and information for identifying the location of the administrator. Specifically, the administrator information 22 is the name of the administrator, the office name to which the administrator belongs, the floor name to which the administrator belongs, the telephone number of the administrator, the e-mail address of the administrator, and the like. The administrator information 22 may include one piece of information in the information group, or may include a plurality of pieces of information. The administrator information 22 is input by, for example, an administrator. By referring to the administrator information 22, the individual administrator can be identified, or the location of the administrator can be identified.

The authentication information 24 is information for using the image forming apparatus 14, and is composed of, for example, a character string such as a password, an image, or the like. If the authentication using the authentication information 24 is successful, the use of the image forming apparatus 14 is permitted, and if the authentication fails, the use of the image forming apparatus 14 is not permitted. Authentication information 24 is given to the administrator in advance, and the authentication information 24 is stored in the storage unit 20 in advance. When the image forming apparatus 14 is used via the administrator terminal device 10, the administrator terminal device 10 transmits the authentication information 24 to the image forming apparatus 14, and the image forming apparatus 14 transmits the authentication information 24 to the authentication server 16. To. When the authentication server 16 performs authentication using the authentication information 24 and the authentication is successful, the use of the image forming apparatus 14 is permitted. The authentication information 24 may be transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 to the authentication server 16 without going through the image forming device 14. As another example, the image forming apparatus 14 may perform authentication.

It is a UI unit 26 and a user interface unit, and includes a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit is, for example, an input device such as a touch panel or a keyboard. Of course, the UI unit 26 may be a user interface having both functions of a display unit and an operation unit (for example, a display as a touch panel, a display that electronically displays a keyboard or the like, or the like).

The control unit 28 controls each unit of the administrator terminal device 10. The control unit 28 controls the transmission of the administrator information 22 by, for example, executing a dedicated application for giving the authentication information to another device. As an example, the communication unit 18 of the administrator terminal device 10 continues to transmit the administrator information 22 by broadcasting using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) under the control of the control unit 28. Of course, the administrator information 22 may be transmitted by another communication method. In addition, the control unit 28 controls the transmission of the authentication information 24. For example, when the administrator permits the transmission of the authentication information 24, the communication unit 18 transmits the authentication information 24 to another device (for example, the user terminal device 12) under the control of the control unit 28.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the user terminal device 12 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the user terminal device 12.

The communication unit 30 is a communication interface, and has a function of transmitting data to another device and a function of receiving data from the other device. The communication unit 30 is provided with, for example, a short-range wireless communication function. Of course, the communication unit 30 may have a wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi communication or a wired communication function. Further, the communication unit 30 may have a function of transmitting and receiving data via a network such as the Internet or a LAN.

The storage unit 32 is a storage device such as a hard disk or a memory, and stores, for example, various programs and various data. Of course, they may be stored in separate storage devices or may be stored in the same storage device. A dedicated application (program) for acquiring the authentication information 24 from the administrator terminal device 10 is pre-installed in the user terminal device 12, and the dedicated application is stored in the storage unit 32 in advance.

It is a UI unit 34 and a user interface unit, and includes a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit is, for example, an input device such as a touch panel or a keyboard. Of course, the UI unit 34 may be a user interface (for example, a display as a touch panel, a display that electronically displays a keyboard, etc.) having both functions of a display unit and an operation unit.

The control unit 36 controls each unit of the user terminal device 12. In addition, the control unit 36 includes an administrator information acquisition unit 38, an authentication information acquisition unit 40, and a setting unit 42.

The administrator information acquisition unit 38 acquires the administrator information 22 transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10. For example, the administrator information 22 is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 by broadcasting using BLE, the communication unit 30 of the user terminal device 12 receives the administrator information 22, and the administrator information acquisition unit 38 communicates. The administrator information 22 received by the unit 30 is acquired. The control unit 36 causes the UI unit 34 to display the administrator information 22. As a result, the name of the administrator, the place of affiliation (office name, floor name), and the like are displayed on the UI unit 34. Further, the control unit 36 calculates the distance between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 based on the signal strength of the BLE, and causes the UI unit 34 to display information (distance information) indicating the distance. May be good.

The authentication information acquisition unit 40 transmits information indicating an acquisition request for the authentication information 24 to the administrator terminal device 10, and when the acquisition is permitted by the administrator terminal device 10, the authentication information 24 is transmitted to the administrator terminal device 10. Get from. For example, the control unit 36 causes the UI unit 34 to display an instruction reception screen for the user to instruct the acquisition request of the authentication information 24. When an instruction for an acquisition request is given by the user on the instruction reception screen, the authentication information acquisition unit 40 transmits information indicating the acquisition request to the administrator terminal device 10. Of course, even if the acquisition request is not instructed by the user, the authentication information acquisition unit 40 may automatically transmit the information indicating the acquisition request to the administrator terminal device 10. Specifically, the communication unit 30 of the user terminal device 12 transmits information indicating an acquisition request to the administrator terminal device 10 by short-range wireless communication (NFC or Bluetooth). When the administrator terminal device 10 permits the acquisition of the authentication information 24, the authentication information 24 is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 by short-range wireless communication. The communication unit 30 of the user terminal device 12 receives the authentication information 24, and the authentication information acquisition unit 40 acquires the authentication information 24 received by the communication unit 30. Further, the authentication information acquisition unit 40 determines that the distance between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 (for example, the distance calculated based on the BLE signal strength) is equal to or less than a preset threshold value. , Information indicating the acquisition request may be transmitted to the administrator terminal device 10. The threshold may be changed by the user.

The setting unit 42 sets whether to enable or disable the acquisition process of the authentication information 24 by the authentication information acquisition unit 40. For example, when the distance between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 is equal to or less than the above threshold value, the setting unit 42 effectively sets the acquisition process of the authentication information 24 by the authentication information acquisition unit 40. .. When the acquisition process is enabled, the authentication information acquisition unit 40 transmits information indicating an acquisition request for the authentication information 24 to the administrator terminal device 10. On the other hand, when the distance between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 exceeds the above threshold value, the setting unit 42 invalidates the acquisition process of the authentication information 24 by the authentication information acquisition unit 40. When the acquisition process is set to invalid, the authentication information acquisition unit 40 does not transmit the information indicating the acquisition request of the authentication information 24 to the administrator terminal device 10. For example, when the instruction reception screen for instructing the user to instruct the acquisition of the authentication information 24 is displayed on the UI unit 34, the distance between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 is equal to or less than the threshold value. If so, the setting unit 42 effectively sets the user's operation on the instruction receiving screen. On the other hand, when the distance between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 exceeds the threshold value, the setting unit 42 invalidates the user's operation on the instruction reception screen. When the operation is set to enable, the user's operation on the instruction reception screen is accepted, and when the operation is set to invalid, the user's operation on the instruction reception screen is not accepted. The user terminal device 12 does not have to include the setting unit 42.

The administrator information acquisition unit 38, the authentication information acquisition unit 40, and the setting unit 42 are realized, for example, by executing the above-mentioned dedicated application stored in the user terminal device 12.

When the image forming apparatus 14 is used, the communication unit 30 of the user terminal apparatus 12 transmits the authentication information 24 to the image forming apparatus 14 under the control of the control unit 36. Authentication using the authentication information 24 is performed on the authentication server 16, and if the authentication is successful, the use of the image forming apparatus 14 is permitted. If the authentication fails, the use of the image forming apparatus 14 is not permitted.

When the authentication information 24 was acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 40, the setting unit 42 effectively set the operation for using the image forming apparatus 14, and the authentication information 24 was not acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 40. In this case, the operation for using the image forming apparatus 14 may be disabled. For example, the setting unit 42 displays a menu screen showing a list of image forming functions of the image forming apparatus 14 on the UI unit 34, and when the authentication information 24 is acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 40, the operation for the menu screen is performed. May be enabled. As a result, the user's operation on the menu screen is accepted. On the other hand, when the authentication information 24 is not acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 40, the setting unit 42 sets the operation for the menu screen to be invalid.

Hereinafter, the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen on which the administrator information 22 is displayed. This screen 44 corresponds to an example of an instruction receiving screen, and is displayed on the UI unit 34 of the user terminal device 12. When the administrator information 22 is acquired by the administrator information acquisition unit 38, the control unit 36 of the user terminal device 12 causes the screen 44 to be displayed on the UI unit 34. The administrator information 22 acquired by the administrator information acquisition unit 38 is displayed on the screen 44. In the display field 46 on the screen 44, the administrator name (XXX) and the location of the administrator (YYY) are displayed as an example of the administrator information 22. Of course, other information about the administrator may be displayed. In addition, information indicating the distance (ZZZZ (m)) between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 is displayed. Further, on the screen 44, a button image 48 for instructing the acquisition request of the authentication information 24 is displayed. When the button image 48 is pressed by the user, information indicating an acquisition request for the authentication information 24 is transmitted from the user terminal device 12 to the administrator terminal device 10 by short-range wireless communication such as NFC or Bluetooth. When the acquisition is permitted by the administrator terminal device 10, the authentication information 24 is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 to the user terminal device 12 by short-range wireless communication. Of course, the button image 48 may not be displayed on the screen 44. In this case, the information indicating the acquisition request of the authentication information 24 is automatically transmitted from the user terminal device 12 to the administrator terminal device 10 by short-range wireless communication. For example, when the user terminal device 12 exists within the range of short-range wireless communication with reference to the position of the administrator terminal device 10, information indicating an acquisition request for the authentication information 24 is automatically transmitted.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, one administrator information 22 is acquired and displayed on the screen 44, but when a plurality of administrator information 22 is acquired, the plurality of administrator information 22 is displayed on the screen 44. Is displayed in.

When the distance between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 is equal to or less than the threshold value, the setting unit 42 effectively sets the user's operation on the screen 44, and the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 If the distance between and is greater than the threshold, the user's operation on the screen 44 may be disabled. As a result, when the distance between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 becomes equal to or less than the threshold value, the instruction of the acquisition request by the user is accepted.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a screen for instructing permission or disapproval of acquisition of authentication information. This screen 50 is displayed on the UI unit 26 of the administrator terminal device 10. When the information indicating the acquisition request of the authentication information 24 is transmitted from the user terminal device 12 and received by the administrator terminal device 10, the control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 10 causes the UI unit 26 to display the screen 50. On the screen 50, for example, information indicating that the acquisition request of the authentication information 24 has been received is displayed, and a button image 52 for permitting the acquisition and a button image 54 for disallowing the acquisition are displayed. Will be done. When the button image 52 is pressed by the administrator, that is, when the administrator permits the acquisition of the authentication information 24, the authentication information 24 is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 to the user by short-range wireless communication such as NFC or Bluetooth. It is transmitted to the terminal device 12. On the other hand, when the button image 54 is pressed by the administrator, that is, when the acquisition of the authentication information 24 is not permitted by the administrator, information indicating that the acquisition is not permitted is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 by short-range wireless communication. It is transmitted to the user terminal device 12. In this case, the UI unit 34 of the user terminal device 12 displays information (for example, an error message) indicating that the acquisition of the authentication information 24 is not permitted.

When the distance between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 is equal to or less than the threshold value, the control unit 28 of the administrator terminal device 10 effectively sets and manages the operation of the administrator on the screen 50. When the distance between the user terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 exceeds the threshold value, the user's operation on the screen 50 may be invalidated. As a result, when the distance between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 becomes equal to or less than the threshold value, the permission instruction by the administrator is accepted.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the menu screen. The menu screen 56 is displayed on the UI unit 34 of the user terminal device 12. The menu screen 56 is a screen showing a list of image forming functions possessed by the image forming apparatus 14, and the image forming function (for example, printing, copying, scanning, etc.) to be executed by the image forming apparatus 14 is designated on the menu screen 56. Will be done. For example, the control unit 36 of the user terminal device 12 causes the UI unit 34 to display the menu screen 56 by executing the dedicated application installed in the user terminal device 12. As an example, the menu screen 56 displays a button image 58 for instructing printing, a button image 60 for instructing scanning, a button image 62 for instructing copying, and the like.

When the user presses the button image 58, the control unit 36 causes the UI unit 34 to display the setting screen for printing. The user specifies the image forming apparatus 14 to be printed and the data to be printed on the setting screen. When valid information is entered on the setting screen, the operation on the button image (button image displayed on the setting screen) for instructing the start of printing becomes valid (the state in which the button image is accepted to be pressed). become). When the authentication information 24 is acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 40 and the user gives an instruction to start printing, that is, when the button image is pressed by the user, the execution instruction information including the data to be printed ( For example, job information) and authentication information 24 are transmitted from the user terminal device 12 to the designated image forming device 14. If the authentication using the authentication information 24 is successful, the designated image forming apparatus 14 executes printing according to the execution instruction information, and if the authentication fails, the printing is not executed. When the authentication information 24 is not acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 40, the execution instruction information is not transmitted from the user terminal device 12 to the image forming device 14 designated by the user terminal device 12, even if the user gives an instruction to start printing. As another example, when the print start instruction is given by the user, the execution instruction information may be transmitted from the user terminal device 12 to the designated image forming device 14. In this case, since the authentication information 24 has not been transmitted, the authentication fails and the print according to the execution instruction information is not executed.

When the user presses the button image 60, the control unit 36 causes the UI unit 34 to display the setting screen for scanning. The user specifies the image forming apparatus 14 to perform scanning on the setting screen. Valid information is entered on the setting screen, and the operation on the button image (button image displayed on the setting screen) for using scanning becomes effective (pressing of that button image is accepted). .. When the authentication information 24 is acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 40 and the user gives an instruction to use scanning, that is, when the button image is pressed by the user, the authentication information 24 is designated by the user terminal device 12. It is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 14. If the authentication using the authentication information 24 is successful, the designated image forming apparatus 14 is permitted to use the scanning function, and if the authentication fails, the use of the scanning function is not permitted. If the authentication information 24 has not been acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 40, the image forming apparatus 14 is not permitted to use the scan function even if the user gives an instruction to use the scan.

When the user presses the button image 62, the control unit 36 causes the UI unit 34 to display the copy setting screen. The user specifies the image forming apparatus 14 to be copied on the setting screen. When valid information is entered on the setting screen, the operation on the button image (button image displayed on the setting screen) for using the copy becomes valid (the button image can be pressed. Become). When the authentication information 24 is acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 40 and the user gives an instruction to use the copy, that is, when the button image is pressed by the user, the authentication information 24 is designated by the user terminal device 12. It is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 14. If the authentication using the authentication information 24 is successful, the use of the copy function is permitted in the designated image forming apparatus 14, and if the authentication fails, the use of the copy function is not permitted. If the authentication information 24 has not been acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 40, the image forming apparatus 14 is not permitted to use the copy function even if the user gives an instruction to use the copy.

The setting unit 42 effectively sets the operation for the menu screen 56 when the authentication information 24 is acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 40, and when the authentication information 24 is not acquired by the authentication information acquisition unit 40, the menu screen. The operation on 56 may be invalidated. That is, when the authentication information 24 is acquired, the operation on the menu screen 56 may be set to be accepted, and when the authentication information 24 is not acquired, the operation on the menu screen 56 may not be accepted. ..

Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the operation.

First, the administrator gives an instruction to start the dedicated application by using the UI unit 26 of the administrator terminal device 10. As a result, the dedicated application is started in the administrator terminal device 10. Next, the administrator inputs the administrator information 22 using the UI unit 26. When the administrator information 22 is input, the administrator terminal device 10 continues to transmit the administrator information 22 by broadcasting using, for example, BLE (S01). The administrator information 22 may be stored in the administrator terminal device 10 in advance.

On the other hand, when the user who has not been given the authentication information 24 uses the image forming apparatus 14, the UI unit 34 of the user terminal apparatus 12 is used to give an instruction to start the dedicated application. As a result, the dedicated application is started in the user terminal device 12, and the search for the administrator is started (S02). Specifically, the administrator information acquisition unit 38 of the user terminal device 12 acquires the administrator information 22 transmitted using BLE (S03). The communication range by broadcasting using BLE is, for example, a range having a radius of about 20 m centered on the administrator terminal device 10. Of course, the communication range changes according to the communication performance and the communication environment. When the user terminal device 12 exists within the communication range, the administrator information acquisition unit 38 acquires the administrator information 22.

When the administrator information 22 is acquired by the administrator information acquisition unit 38, the control unit 36 of the user terminal device 12 causes the UI unit 34 to display the administrator information 22 (S04). As a result, the administrator to whom the authentication information 24 is given is specified by the user. Further, the control unit 36 calculates the distance between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 based on the signal strength of the BLE, and causes the UI unit 34 to display information (distance information) indicating the distance. As a result, the positional relationship between the user and the administrator is specified in the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the screen 44 is displayed on the UI unit 34 of the user terminal device 12, and the administrator information 22 is displayed on the screen 44.

When a plurality of administrators (plurality of administrator terminal devices 10) exist, each administrator terminal device 10 continues to transmit the administrator information 22 stored in its own device by broadcasting using BLE. .. When the user terminal device 12 exists in the communication range of each administrator terminal device 10, the administrator information acquisition unit 38 of the user terminal device 12 acquires the administrator information 22 from each administrator terminal device 10. Further, the control unit 36 of the user terminal device 12 calculates the distance between the user terminal device 12 and the administrator terminal device 10 for each administrator terminal device 10. When a plurality of administrator information 22 is acquired by the administrator information acquisition unit 38, the plurality of administrator information 22 is displayed on the UI unit 34 of the user terminal device 12. In this case, the user selects the administrator who requests the acquisition of the authentication information 24 from the plurality of administrators. As an example, the administrator information 22 of each of the administrators A and B is acquired, and the administrator information 22 of the administrator A and the administrator information 22 of the administrator B are displayed on the UI unit 34 of the user terminal device 12. It is assumed that the administrator A is selected by the user as the administrator of the acquisition request destination of the authentication information 24.

The user requests the administrator A to acquire the authentication information 24 (S05). That is, the authentication information acquisition unit 40 of the user terminal device 12 transmits the information indicating the acquisition request of the authentication information 24 to the administrator terminal device 10 used by the administrator A by short-range wireless communication. As the communication means used for acquiring the authentication information 24, a communication means having a narrower communication range may be used. For example, the authentication information acquisition unit 40 transmits information indicating an acquisition request for the authentication information 24 to the administrator terminal device 10 of the administrator A by NFC. In order for the administrator terminal device 10 to receive the information indicating the acquisition request of the authentication information 24, the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 are included in the communication range of the NFC, that is, the user terminal device. The user will approach the administrator to a distance where 12 can communicate with the administrator terminal device 10 by NFC. Since the communication range of NFC is generally about 10 cm, the user approaches the administrator until the distance between the user terminal device 12 and the administrator terminal device 10 becomes such a distance. .. Therefore, since the other party (user) to whom the authentication information 24 is given is clearly specified by the administrator, the administrator actually confirms the other party and then permits or disallows the granting of the authentication information 24. You will decide the permission. By actually confirming the person who gives the authentication information 24, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not to allow the authentication information 24 to be granted, as compared with the case where the person who gives the authentication information 24 is not actually confirmed. The security of the authentication information 24 is improved. That is, the administrator does not have to give the authentication information 24 to the other party (user) who should not give the authentication information 24. In this way, the security of the authentication information 24 is improved by using a communication means (for example, NFC) that brings the other party closer to the administrator to a distance where the administrator can confirm the other party (user).

The authentication information acquisition unit 40 of the user terminal device 12 provides information indicating an acquisition request for the authentication information 24 when the distance between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 is equal to or less than the threshold value. When the information is transmitted to the terminal device 10 and the distance between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 exceeds the threshold value, it is not necessary to transmit the information indicating the acquisition request of the authentication information 24 to the administrator terminal device 10. .. As a result, in order to transmit the information indicating the acquisition request of the authentication information 24, the user approaches the administrator until the distance between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 becomes equal to or less than the threshold value. Become. Therefore, as in the above situation, the administrator can clearly identify the person (user) to whom the authentication information 24 is given, so that the security of the authentication information 24 is improved. Similarly, the setting unit 42 of the user terminal device 12 displays the screen 44 (instruction receiving screen) shown in FIG. 4 when the distance between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 is equal to or less than the threshold value. ) May be enabled and the user's operation on the screen 44 may be disabled when the distance exceeds the threshold value. As a result, in order for the user to instruct the acquisition request of the authentication information 24 on the screen 44, the user approaches the administrator until the distance between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 becomes equal to or less than the threshold value. It will be. Therefore, as in the above situation, the administrator can clearly identify the person (user) to whom the authentication information 24 is given, so that the security of the authentication information 24 is improved.

The administrator who receives the acquisition request of the authentication information 24 determines whether or not to give the authentication information 24 to the user (S06).

For example, the screen 50 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the UI unit 26 of the administrator terminal device 10. When the administrator selects disapproval, information indicating that the acquisition of the authentication information 24 is not permitted (disapproval notification) is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 to the user terminal device 12 (S07). Information (for example, an error message) indicating that the acquisition of the authentication information 24 is not permitted is displayed on the UI unit 34 of the user terminal device 12 (S08).

On the other hand, when the administrator selects permission, the authentication information 24 is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 to the user terminal device 12 (S09), and the user terminal device 12 receives the authentication information 24 (S10). For example, the menu screen 56 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the UI unit 34 of the user terminal device 12, and the operation for the menu screen 56 is effectively set by acquiring the authentication information 24 (S11). ..

When BLE is used as a communication means for transmitting the authentication information 24, the screen 50 is displayed on the UI unit 26 of the administrator terminal device 10, and the authentication is performed according to the permission or disapproval of the administrator. The information 24 or the disapproval notice may be transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 to the user terminal device 12. When NFC is used as a communication means for transmitting the authentication information 24, and the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 are arranged within the communication range of the NFC, the authentication information 24 is the administrator terminal. It may be automatically transmitted from the device 10 to the user terminal device 12.

Hereinafter, it is assumed that the user terminal device 12 has acquired the authentication information 24.

When the user selects print on the menu screen 56 using the UI unit 34 of the user terminal device 12, the print setting screen is displayed on the UI unit 34. The user specifies the image forming apparatus 14 to be printed and the data to be printed on the setting screen. When the user gives an instruction to start printing, the execution instruction information including the data to be printed and the authentication information 24 are transmitted from the user terminal device 12 to the designated image forming device 14 (S12). The data to be printed may be stored in the user terminal device 12, or may be stored in another device such as a server on the cloud. When the data to be printed is stored in another device, the data to be printed is transmitted from the other device to the image forming apparatus 14. Further, the image forming apparatus 14 to be printed is designated by the user inputting the information for identifying the image forming apparatus 14 (device identification information) such as the IP address set in the image forming apparatus 14. May be good. As another example, the image forming apparatus 14 is searched by using a known search function, and a list of information for identifying the searched image forming apparatus 14 is displayed on the UI unit 34 of the user terminal apparatus 12. , The user may specify the image forming apparatus 14 to print from the list.

When the user selects scan or copy on the menu screen 56 using the UI unit 34 of the user terminal device 12, a setting screen for scanning or printing is displayed on the UI unit 34. The user specifies an image forming apparatus 14 for scanning or copying on the setting screen. When the user gives an instruction to use scanning or copying, the authentication information 24 is transmitted from the user terminal device 12 to the designated image forming device 14 (S12).

The image forming apparatus 14 that has received the authentication information 24 requests the authentication server 16 to confirm the validity of the authentication information 24. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 14 transmits the authentication information 24 to the authentication server 16 via a communication path such as the Internet or LAN (S13). The authentication server 16 authenticates using the authentication information 24 (S14). For example, the authentication server 16 stores the authentication information issued in advance, and the authentication server 16 collates the authentication information issued in advance with the authentication information 24 transmitted from the image forming apparatus 14. The authentication may be performed by the image forming apparatus 14.

When the authentication fails (for example, when both authentication information does not match or there is no correspondence between the two authentication information), information indicating that the authentication has failed is transmitted from the authentication server 16 to the image forming apparatus 14. (S15). The image forming apparatus 14 includes a UI unit (user interface unit), and information (for example, an error message) indicating that the authentication has failed is displayed in the UI unit (S16). Information indicating that the authentication has failed may be transmitted from the image forming device 14 or the authentication server 16 to the user terminal device 12 and displayed on the UI unit 34 of the user terminal device 12.

When the authentication is successful (for example, when both authentication information match or there is a correspondence between the two authentication information), information indicating that the authentication is successful is transmitted from the authentication server 16 to the image forming apparatus 14. (S17). In this case, the image forming apparatus 14 executes the image forming process designated by the user (S18). For example, when print is specified by the user and the data to be printed is sent to the image forming apparatus 14, the image forming apparatus 14 prints based on the data to be printed. When scanning or copying is specified by the user, the image forming apparatus 14 is permitted to use the scanning function or the copying function. For example, a menu screen for designating an image forming function is displayed in the UI unit of the image forming apparatus 14, and on the menu screen, for an item (for example, a button image) for using the scanning function or the copying function. The operation is enabled. That is, on the menu screen, the image forming apparatus 14 accepts operations for items for using the scanning function or the copying function. As a result, the user is permitted to use the scanning function or the copying function in the image forming apparatus 14.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the administrator information 22 is transmitted to the user terminal device 12, the administrator to whom the authentication information 24 is given is specified to the user who does not have the authentication information 24. Information is provided to help you. As a result, the administrator to whom the authentication information 24 is given is specified in the user, and the authentication information 24 is acquired from the administrator. Further, short-range wireless communication (for example, NFC or Bluetooth) is used as a communication means for transmitting and receiving the authentication information 24 between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12. In order to acquire the authentication information 24, the user approaches the administrator up to a distance within which the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 are included in the range of the short-range wireless communication. Therefore, since the person (user) to whom the authentication information 24 is given is clearly specified by the administrator, the permission or disapproval of the grant of the authentication information 24 can be determined more accurately, and the security of the authentication information 24 is improved. To do. When NFC is used for short-range wireless communication, the user terminal device 12 needs to be closer to the administrator terminal device 10 as compared with Bluetooth, so that the administrator can more clearly identify the person to whom the authentication information 24 is given. To. As a result, the security of the authentication information 24 is further improved. In addition, by displaying the distance to the administrator, the user can specify the positional relationship between the user and the administrator.

The authentication information 24 transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 may be temporary authentication information. For example, when the number of times the authentication information 24 is used by the user (for example, the number of times the image forming process is instructed to the image forming apparatus 14) becomes equal to or more than a preset threshold value, the authentication information 24 is used by the user terminal device 12. May be deleted from. As another example, when the number of times of use exceeds the threshold value, the user may be prohibited from using the authentication information 24.

The image forming function permitted to be used by the user may be different depending on the temporary authentication information. For example, the temporary authentication information and the information indicating the image forming function permitted to be used by the temporary authentication information are associated in advance. A user who has acquired the temporary authentication information is permitted to use the image formation function associated with the temporary authentication information, and cannot use the image formation function not associated with the temporary authentication information. prohibited. To explain with a specific example, when the temporary authentication information is associated with the information indicating the print function, the user who has acquired the temporary authentication information is permitted to use the print function of the image forming apparatus 14. Will be done.

As another example, the image forming apparatus 14 permitted to be used by the user may be different depending on the temporary authentication information. For example, the temporary authentication information and the information for identifying the image forming apparatus 14 permitted to be used by the temporary authentication information are associated in advance. The user who has acquired the temporary authentication information is permitted to use the image forming apparatus 14 associated with the temporary authentication information, and the image forming apparatus 14 not associated with the temporary authentication information. Use is prohibited.

The first communication means for transmitting and receiving the administrator information 22 and the second communication means for transmitting and receiving the authentication information 24 may be different. For example, as the second communication means, a communication means having a narrower communication range than the first communication means may be used. Specifically, BLE may be used as the first communication means, and NFC may be used as the second communication means. By using BLE as the first communication means, the administrator information 22 is transmitted in a wider range as compared with the case where NFC is used as the first communication means, so that the position is farther from the administrator. The administrator information 22 is also provided to the user. Further, in order for the user to acquire the authentication information 24 by using NFC as the second communication means, the user needs to be closer to the administrator than in the case of using BLE as the second communication means. Therefore, the administrator gives the authentication information 24 more clearly. Therefore, the security of the authentication information 24 is further improved.

It should be noted that the determination may be made automatically without the administrator determining whether or not to give the authentication information 24 to the user. For example, the administrator takes a picture of the face of the user who requested the acquisition of the authentication information 24 with a camera. The camera may be provided in the administrator terminal device 10, or may be a camera not provided in the administrator terminal device 10. The image data (image data showing the user's face) generated by the shooting is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 to a collation device (not shown). The collation device includes an image database, and the image database stores in advance image data representing the face of a user who is permitted to acquire the authentication information 24. For example, when the user is a visitor to the office, the user is photographed at the time of the visit, and the image data obtained by the photography is registered in the image database. The collation device collates the image data transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 with the image data registered in the image database, and transmits the collation result to the administrator terminal device 10. When the collation is successful, that is, image data representing a person who is presumed to be the same person as the person identified from the image data transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 is registered in the image database. In this case, the user is allowed to acquire the authentication information 24. In this case, the authentication information 24 is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 to the user terminal device 12. When the image matching fails, that is, the image data representing the person who is presumed to be the same person as the person identified from the image data transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 is registered in the image database. If not, the user is not allowed to obtain the authentication information 24. In this case, information such as an error message is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 to the user terminal device 12.

User identification information such as a user's name and ID may be used as information other than the image. In this case, the administrator acquires the user identification information of the user from the user who requested the acquisition of the authentication information 24. The user identification information is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 to a collation device (not shown). The collation device includes a user database, and the user identification information of a user who is permitted to acquire the authentication information 24 is stored in the user database in advance. For example, when the user is a visitor to the office, the user identification information of the user is registered in the user database at the time of the visit. The collation device collates the user identification information transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 with the user identification information registered in the user database, and transmits the collation result to the administrator terminal device 10. If the collation is successful, that is, if the user identification information transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 is registered in the user database, the user is permitted to acquire the authentication information 24. In this case, the authentication information 24 is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 to the user terminal device 12. If the collation of the user identification information fails, that is, if the user identification information transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 is not registered in the user database, the user is not allowed to acquire the authentication information 24. In this case, information such as an error message is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 to the user terminal device 12.

When there are a plurality of administrators, the administrators may communicate with each other. For example, if an administrator disallows the user from acquiring the authentication information 24, the administrator may contact another administrator and the other administrator may permit the acquisition. In this case, the authentication information 24 is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 of the other administrator to the user terminal device 12.

(Modification example)
Hereinafter, the image forming system according to the modified example will be described. In the modified example, when the administrator permits the granting of the authentication information to the user, the authentication server 16 issues the temporary authentication information. The temporary authentication information may be the authentication information whose number of uses is limited as described above, the authentication information which is permitted to use only a specific image forming function, or a specific authentication information. The authentication information may be such that the use of only the image forming apparatus 14 is permitted.

Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming system according to the modified example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation.

First, as in the above-described embodiment, the administrator activates the dedicated application on the administrator terminal device 10 and inputs the administrator information 22 using the UI unit 26 of the administrator terminal device 10. When the administrator information 22 is input, the administrator terminal device 10 continues to transmit the administrator information 22 by broadcasting using, for example, BLE (S20).

A user who has not been given authentication information starts a dedicated application on the user terminal device 12. As a result, the search for the administrator starts (S21). Specifically, the administrator information acquisition unit 38 of the user terminal device 12 receives the administrator information 22 transmitted using BLE (S22).

When the administrator information 22 is acquired by the administrator information acquisition unit 38, the control unit 36 of the user terminal device 12 causes the UI unit 34 to display the administrator information 22 (S23). Further, the control unit 36 calculates the distance between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 based on the signal strength of the BLE, and causes the UI unit 34 to display information (distance information) indicating the distance. When there are a plurality of managers (plural number of manager terminal devices 10), the manager information 22 and the distance information of each manager are displayed as in the above-described embodiment. Similar to the above-described embodiment, when the managers A and B exist, it is assumed that the manager A is selected by the user.

The user requests the administrator A to acquire temporary authentication information (S24). That is, the authentication information acquisition unit 40 of the user terminal device 12 transmits information indicating a temporary authentication information acquisition request to the administrator terminal device 10 of the administrator A by BLE or NFC.

The administrator who receives the request for acquiring the temporary authentication information determines whether or not to give the temporary authentication information to the user (S25).

For example, the screen 50 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the UI unit 26 of the administrator terminal device 10. When the administrator selects disapproval, information indicating that the acquisition of temporary authentication information is not permitted (disapproval notification) is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 to the user terminal device 12 (S26). Information (for example, an error message) indicating that the acquisition of temporary authentication information is not permitted is displayed on the UI unit 34 of the user terminal device 12 (S27).

On the other hand, when the administrator selects permission, the administrator terminal device 10 requests the authentication server 16 to issue temporary authentication information (S28). In this case, the information indicating the request is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 to the authentication server 16. Upon receiving the request, the authentication server 16 issues temporary authentication information (S29) and transmits the temporary authentication information to the administrator terminal device 10 (S30). The administrator terminal device 10 that has received the temporary authentication information transmits the temporary authentication information to the user terminal device 12 (S31), and the user terminal device 12 receives the temporary authentication information (S32). For example, the menu screen 56 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the UI unit 34 of the user terminal device 12, and the operation for the menu screen 56 is effectively set by acquiring the temporary authentication information ( S33).

As in the above-described embodiment, when BLE is used as a communication means for transmitting temporary authentication information, the screen 50 is displayed on the UI unit 26 of the administrator terminal device 10 and the administrator can use it. Depending on the permission or disapproval, temporary authentication information or disapproval notification may be transmitted to the user terminal device 12. That is, when permitted by the administrator, information indicating a temporary authentication information issuance request is transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 to the authentication server 16, and the temporary authentication information issued by the authentication server 16 is released. It is transmitted to the user terminal device 12 via the administrator terminal device 10. When NFC is used as a communication means for transmitting temporary authentication information, the administrator terminal device 10 transmits information indicating a temporary authentication information issuance request to the authentication server 16 and requests the issuance. The temporary authentication information is received from the authentication server 16 according to the above. When the administrator terminal device 10 receives the temporary authentication information, the UI unit 26 of the administrator terminal device 10 displays information indicating that the temporary authentication information can be added. In this state, when the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 are arranged within the communication range of the NFC, temporary authentication information is automatically transmitted from the administrator terminal device 10 to the user terminal device 12. ..

Hereinafter, it is assumed that the user terminal device 12 has acquired the temporary authentication information.

When the user selects print on the menu screen 56, specifies the image forming apparatus 14 to print and the data to be printed, and gives an instruction to start printing, the execution instruction information including the data to be printed and temporary authentication are given. Information is transmitted from the user terminal device 12 to the designated image forming device 14 (S34).

When the user selects scan or copy on the menu screen 56, specifies the image forming apparatus 14 to scan or copy, and gives an instruction to use scan or copy, temporary authentication information is specified from the user terminal device 12. It is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 14 (S34).

The image forming apparatus 14 that has received the temporary authentication information requests the authentication server 16 to confirm the validity of the temporary authentication information. For example, the image forming apparatus 14 transmits the temporary authentication information to the authentication server 16 via a communication path such as the Internet or LAN (S35). The authentication server 16 authenticates using the temporary authentication information (S36). The authentication server 16 stores the temporary authentication information issued in advance, and the authentication server 16 includes the temporary authentication information issued in advance and the temporary authentication information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 14. To match.

When the authentication fails (for example, when both authentication information does not match or there is no correspondence between the two authentication information), information indicating that the authentication has failed is transmitted from the authentication server 16 to the image forming apparatus 14. (S37). Information (for example, an error message) indicating that the authentication has failed is displayed in the UI unit of the image forming apparatus 14 (S38).

When the authentication is successful (for example, when both authentication information match or there is a correspondence between the two authentication information), information indicating that the authentication is successful is transmitted from the authentication server 16 to the image forming apparatus 14. (S39). In this case, the image forming apparatus 14 executes the image forming process designated by the user (S40). For example, when print is specified by the user and the data to be printed is sent to the image forming apparatus 14, the image forming apparatus 14 prints based on the data to be printed. When scanning or copying is specified by the user, the image forming apparatus 14 is permitted to use the scanning function or the copying function.

As described above, according to the modification, the information for identifying the administrator who has the authority to issue the temporary authentication information is provided to the user who does not have the authentication information. As a result, the administrator who has the authority to issue the temporary authentication information is specified in the user, and the temporary authentication information for using the image forming apparatus 14 is acquired. Further, since short-range wireless communication (for example, NFC or Bluetooth) is used as a communication means for transmitting and receiving temporary authentication information between the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12, the administrator can temporarily use it. The person (user) who gives the specific authentication information is clearly specified. As a result, the permission or disapproval of the temporary authentication information is determined more accurately, and the security of the temporary authentication information is improved.

The authentication server 16 may not issue the temporary authentication information, but another device may issue the temporary authentication information. In this case, the administrator terminal device 10 requests the other device to issue temporary authentication information. The other device transmits temporary authentication information to the administrator terminal device 10 in response to the request. Further, the other device transmits the temporary authentication information to the authentication server 16. As described above, the authentication server 16 authenticates by collating both authentication information.

Also in the modified example, the same authentication information as the authentication information possessed by the administrator may be given to the user instead of the temporary authentication information.

Each of the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 described above is realized by the collaboration of hardware resources and software as an example. Specifically, each of the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 includes one or a plurality of processors such as a CPU (not shown). The functions of each part of the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 are realized by the one or more processors reading and executing a program stored in a storage device (not shown). The program is stored in a storage device via a recording medium such as a CD or DVD, or via a communication path such as a network. As another example, each part of the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 may be realized by hardware resources such as a processor and an electronic circuit. A device such as a memory may be used in the realization. As another example, each part of the administrator terminal device 10 and the user terminal device 12 may be realized by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

10 administrator terminal device, 12 user terminal device, 14 image forming device, 16 authentication server, 22 administrator information, 24 authentication information, 38 administrator information acquisition unit, 40 authentication information acquisition unit, 42 setting unit.

Claims (10)

An administrator information acquisition method for acquiring information about an administrator who has been given authentication information for using the device, and
A display control means for displaying information about the administrator on the display means,
When the external device used by the administrator specified by the information about the administrator is requested to acquire the authentication information and the acquisition is permitted, the authentication information acquisition to acquire the authentication information from the external device is performed. Means and
Have,
The display control means causes the display means to further display information indicating a distance between the information processing device and the external device.
Information processing device. The authentication information acquisition means requests the external device to acquire the authentication information when the distance between the information processing device and the external device is equal to or less than a preset threshold value.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. An administrator information acquisition method for acquiring information about an administrator who has been given authentication information for using the device, and
A display control means for displaying information about the administrator on the display means,
When the external device used by the administrator specified by the information about the administrator is requested to acquire the authentication information and the acquisition is permitted, the authentication information acquisition to acquire the authentication information from the external device is performed. Means and
Have,
The authentication information acquisition means requests the external device to acquire the authentication information when the distance between the information processing device and the external device is equal to or less than a preset threshold value.
Information processing device. The display control means further causes the display means to display an instruction reception screen for the user to instruct the acquisition request of the authentication information.
The information processing device
When the distance is equal to or less than the threshold value, the user's operation on the instruction reception screen is effectively set, and when the distance exceeds the threshold value, the user's operation on the instruction reception screen is invalidated. Have more
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the information processing device is characterized by the above. The administrator information acquisition means acquires information about the administrator from the external device by the first communication means, and then obtains information about the administrator.
The authentication information acquisition means requests the external device to acquire the authentication information by a second communication means that forms a communication range narrower than the communication range formed by the first communication means, and the acquisition is permitted. If so, the authentication information is acquired from the external device.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information processing device is characterized by the above. An administrator information acquisition method for acquiring information about an administrator who has been given authentication information for using the device, and
A display control means for displaying information about the administrator on the display means,
When the external device used by the administrator specified by the information about the administrator is requested to acquire the authentication information and the acquisition is permitted, the authentication information acquisition to acquire the authentication information from the external device is performed. Means and
Have,
The administrator information acquisition means acquires information about the administrator from the external device by the first communication means, and then obtains information about the administrator.
The authentication information acquisition means requests the external device to acquire the authentication information by a second communication means that forms a communication range narrower than the communication range formed by the first communication means, and the acquisition is permitted. If so, the authentication information is acquired from the external device.
Information processing device. The communication by the first communication means is short-range wireless communication, and is
The communication by the second communication means is a short-range wireless communication that forms a communication range narrower than the communication range formed by the first communication means.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the information processing device is characterized by the above. The computer installed in the information processing device
Administrator information acquisition means, which acquires information about an administrator who has been given authentication information for using the device.
Display control means for displaying information about the administrator on the display means,
When the external device used by the administrator specified by the information about the administrator is requested to acquire the authentication information and the acquisition is permitted, the authentication information acquisition to acquire the authentication information from the external device is performed. means,
To function as
Wherein the display control means further displays the information indicating the distance between said information processing apparatus and the external device to said display means,
program. The computer installed in the information processing device
Administrator information acquisition means, which acquires information about an administrator who has been given authentication information for using the device.
Display control means for displaying information about the administrator on the display means,
When the external device used by the administrator specified by the information about the administrator is requested to acquire the authentication information and the acquisition is permitted, the authentication information acquisition to acquire the authentication information from the external device is performed. means,
To function as
The authentication information acquiring means, when the distance between said information processing apparatus and the external device is equal to or less than a preset threshold, requesting to obtain the authentication information to the external device,
program. Computer,
Administrator information acquisition means, which acquires information about an administrator who has been given authentication information for using the device.
Display control means for displaying information about the administrator on the display means,
When the external device used by the administrator specified by the information about the administrator is requested to acquire the authentication information and the acquisition is permitted, the authentication information acquisition to acquire the authentication information from the external device is performed. means,
To function as
The administrator information acquisition means acquires information about the administrator from the external device by the first communication means, and then obtains information about the administrator.
The authentication information acquisition means requests the external device to acquire the authentication information by a second communication means that forms a communication range narrower than the communication range formed by the first communication means, and the acquisition is permitted. If so, the authentication information is acquired from the external device.
program.

Images