JP6981130B2 - Device utilization systems, mobile terminals, devices and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device utilization system, a mobile terminal, a device and a program.

Mechanisms for operating devices such as multifunction devices (devices having functions such as printers, scanners, and copiers) from mobile terminals such as smartphones are becoming widespread. In this kind of mechanism, the user sends authentication information from his / her mobile terminal to the device to receive login authentication, and if the authentication is successful, the device can be controlled from the application of the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal is provided with a PIN (Personal Identification Number) code and a gesture authentication function (also called a lock function) so that only the owner can operate it. When operating a device from a mobile terminal, the user first unlocks the mobile terminal, opens an application for operating the device on the mobile terminal, and accesses the device from the application via wireless communication or the like. Receive device login authentication.

The image forming apparatus in the authentication printing system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a print data receiving means for receiving print data to which a terminal individual identifier and user information of a mobile terminal are added, and a terminal individual identifier and user information of the mobile terminal. It is provided with an authentication information receiving means for receiving and. When the terminal individual identifier and the user information added to the print data match the received terminal individual identifier and the user information, the image forming apparatus prints the print data to which the terminal individual identifier and the user information are added. Execute the process. This makes it possible to perform user-based authentication when a plurality of users share and use one mobile terminal.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-217569

In the present invention, in order to control a device from a mobile terminal, the user can use the device from the mobile terminal rather than a method in which the device is authenticated from the mobile terminal after the authentication process for using the mobile terminal is successful. The purpose is to shorten the time required to become.

The invention according to claim 1 includes a mobile terminal and a device, and the mobile terminal includes a terminal-side authentication means for executing user authentication for permitting a user to use the mobile terminal, and the terminal-side authentication. When the user authentication by the means is successful, the device includes the information indicating the success, the user identification information of the user, and the transmission means for transmitting the usage request information including the user identification information to the device, and the device includes the device. When the device-side authentication means for executing user authentication for the user who intends to operate the device and the usage request information are received from the mobile terminal, the user authentication by the device-side authentication means is omitted and included in the usage request information. the authentication control means for controlling the authentication of the device-side authenticating means by the user corresponding to the user identification information is assumed successful, only containing the terminal side authentication means, in association with the user, the It is possible to accept input of normal authentication information which is user authentication information for normal use of a mobile terminal and dedicated authentication information which is user authentication information for use of the mobile terminal for use of the device. The transmission means is a device utilization system that transmits the usage request information to the device when the user authentication is successful in response to the input of the dedicated authentication information.

The invention according to claim 2, wherein the mobile terminal is a device utilizing system according to claim 1, further comprising a setting receiving unit that receives the setting of the dedicated authentication information.

The invention according to claim 3 is the device utilization system according to claim 2 , wherein the setting receiving means guides the same authentication information as the normal authentication information not to be set as the dedicated authentication information.

In the invention according to claim 4 , the mobile terminal further includes a detection means for detecting a user who plans to use the device, and the terminal-side authentication means detects a user who plans to use the device by the detection means. If it is, the normal to allow reception input of the authentication information, the input of the dedicated authentication information is a device utilizing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the reception impossible.

The configuration of the reference example is that the transmitting means transmits the usage request information to the device when the user authentication by the terminal-side authentication means is successful and the mobile terminal is the device. Item 1 is the device utilization system.

The invention according to claim 5 includes a mobile terminal and a device, and the mobile terminal includes a terminal-side authentication means for executing user authentication for permitting a user to use the mobile terminal, and the terminal-side authentication. When the user authentication by the means is successful, the device includes the information indicating the success, the user identification information of the user, and the transmission means for transmitting the usage request information including the user identification information to the device, and the device includes the device. When the device-side authentication means for executing user authentication for the user who intends to operate the device and the usage request information are received from the mobile terminal, the user authentication by the device-side authentication means is omitted and included in the usage request information. The transmission means includes the authentication control means for controlling the successful authentication of the device-side authentication means by the user corresponding to the user identification information, and the transmission means has succeeded in the user authentication by the terminal-side authentication means. In this case, when the mobile terminal is close to the device, the usage request information is transmitted to the device, and the transmission means is said to be the case where the user authentication by the terminal-side authentication means is successful. Even when the mobile terminal is close to the device, if an application program other than the predetermined application program for operating the device is started on the mobile terminal, the usage request information is used for the device. not sent to a equipment utilization system.

The invention according to claim 6 includes a mobile terminal and a device, and the mobile terminal includes a terminal-side authentication means for executing user authentication for permitting a user to use the mobile terminal, and the terminal-side authentication. When the user authentication by the means is successful, the device includes the information indicating the success, the user identification information of the user, and the transmission means for transmitting the usage request information including the user identification information to the device, and the device includes the device. When the device-side authentication means for executing user authentication for the user who intends to operate the device and the usage request information are received from the mobile terminal, the user authentication by the device-side authentication means is omitted and included in the usage request information. The device includes an authentication control means for controlling the successful authentication of the device-side authentication means by the user corresponding to the user identification information, and the device includes a line-of-sight sensing means for detecting the user's line of sight to the device. The authentication control means receives the usage request information from the mobile terminal, and omits the user authentication by the device-side authentication means when the line-of-sight sensing means detects the user's line of sight. It is a device utilization system.

The invention according to claim 7 includes a mobile terminal and a device, and the mobile terminal includes a terminal-side authentication means for executing user authentication for permitting a user to use the mobile terminal, and the terminal-side authentication. When the user authentication by the means is successful, the device includes the information indicating the success, the user identification information of the user, and the transmission means for transmitting the usage request information including the user identification information to the device, and the device includes the device. When the device-side authentication means for executing user authentication for the user who intends to operate the device and the usage request information are received from the mobile terminal, the user authentication by the device-side authentication means is omitted and included in the usage request information. The mobile terminal includes the authentication control means for controlling the successful authentication of the device-side authentication means by the user corresponding to the user identification information, and the mobile terminal has succeeded in the user authentication by the terminal-side authentication means. In that case, the machine further includes a means for inquiring about the state of the device and a means for accepting a reservation for using the device when the answer to the effect that the device is in use is obtained in response to the state inquiry. It is a device utilization system.

The invention according to claim 8 is a terminal-side authentication means for executing user authentication for permitting a user to use the own terminal, and information indicating the success when the user authentication by the terminal-side authentication means is successful. When, seen including a transmission unit, a for transmitting the use request information including the user identification information of the user equipment, the terminal side authentication means, in association with the user, the normal use of the mobile terminal It is possible to accept input of normal authentication information which is user authentication information for the purpose and dedicated authentication information which is user authentication information for using the mobile terminal for using the device, and the dedicated authentication information can be used. When the user authentication is successful in response to the input, the transmission means is a mobile terminal that transmits the usage request information to the device.

The invention according to claim 9 is a terminal-side authentication means for executing user authentication for permitting a user to use a computer, and when the user authentication by the terminal-side authentication means is successful, the success is achieved. It is a program for functioning as a transmission means for transmitting usage request information including the information shown and the user identification information of the user to the device, and the terminal-side authentication means is associated with the user and described above. It is possible to accept input of normal authentication information which is user authentication information for normal use of a mobile terminal and dedicated authentication information which is user authentication information for use of the mobile terminal for use of the device. The present means is a program characterized in that when the user authentication is successful in response to the input of the dedicated authentication information, the transmission means transmits the usage request information to the device .

The invention according to claim 10 comprises a device-side authentication means for executing user authentication for a user who intends to operate the own machine, and information indicating that the user authentication for permitting the user to use the mobile terminal has succeeded. When the usage request information including the user identification information of the user is received from the mobile terminal, the user authentication by the device-side authentication means is omitted, and the user identification information included in the usage request information is supported. The authentication control means includes an authentication control means for controlling the successful authentication of the device-side authentication means by the user and a line-of-sight sensing means for detecting the user's line of sight to the device, and the authentication control means is from the mobile terminal. It is a device characterized in that user authentication by the device-side authentication means is omitted when the usage request information is received and the line-of-sight sensing means detects the user's line of sight.

The invention according to claim 11 shows that the user authentication for permitting the user to use the device-side authentication means for executing the user authentication for the user who intends to operate the computer and the mobile terminal is successful. When the usage request information including the information and the user identification information of the user is received from the mobile terminal, the user authentication by the device-side authentication means is omitted, and the user identification information included in the usage request information is supported. This is a program for functioning as an authentication control means for controlling the successful authentication of the device-side authentication means by the user, and the authentication control means receives usage request information from the mobile terminal and receives the usage request information. Further, the program is characterized in that when the line-of-sight sensing means for detecting the user's line of sight to the device senses the user's line of sight, the user authentication by the device-side authentication means is omitted.

According to the invention according to any one of claims 1, 6 , 8 to 11, in order to control a device from a mobile terminal, after successful authentication processing for using the mobile terminal, authentication of the device from the mobile terminal is performed. It is possible to shorten the time required for the user to use the device from the mobile terminal, as compared with the method of receiving the device.

Further , it can be determined whether the user authentication in the mobile terminal is for using the mobile terminal or for using the device.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to accept the setting of information desired by the user as dedicated authentication information for using the device.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the same information as the normal authentication information for using the mobile terminal from being set as the dedicated authentication information for using the device.

According to the invention of claim 4 , it is possible to prevent another user from accepting the input of the dedicated authentication information when he / she plans to use the device.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the user from logging in to the device from the mobile terminal when the user approaches the device when passing near the device for a purpose other than the use of the device.

According to the invention of claim 7 , when the user authenticates the user for using the mobile terminal, even if the device is in use, the user does not have to wait until the state of being used is released. , You can make a reservation for the device.

It is a figure which shows the example of the system configuration of an embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing procedure of a mobile terminal in the case of using the exclusive screen lock release code different from the usual when using a device. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing procedure of a device. It is a figure which shows the main part of another example of the processing procedure of a mobile terminal. It is a figure which shows the example of the system configuration of the modification example. It is a figure which shows the main part of an example of the processing procedure of a mobile terminal in a modification. It is a figure which shows the main part of another example of the processing procedure of a mobile terminal in a modification. It is a figure which shows the example of the system configuration of the 2nd modification. It is a figure which shows the main part of the example of the processing procedure of the mobile terminal in the 2nd modification. It is a figure which shows the main part of an example of the processing procedure of the apparatus in the 2nd modification.

FIG. 1 shows an example of the system of the embodiment. This system includes a mobile terminal 100 and a device 200.

The mobile terminal 100 is an information processing terminal carried by a user, and a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like is an example thereof. The device 200 is a device that provides some processing function to the user. The device 200 is, for example, a printer, a scanner, a facsimile, a multifunction device (a device having functions such as a printer, a scanner, a copier, etc.) and the like.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a lock control unit 110, a device operation application 120, and a communication control unit 130.

The lock control unit 110 controls the screen lock of the mobile terminal 100. The lock control unit 110 is implemented as one function of the OS (operating system) of the mobile terminal 100, for example. In the screen lock control, a normal UI (user interface) screen (for example, a home screen, etc.) for displaying a lock screen on the display of the mobile terminal 100, releasing the display of the lock screen, and accepting an operation from the user is displayed. To display. The lock screen is an operation that locks the operation so that the terminal cannot be used by anyone other than the owner of the terminal (that is, operations other than the unlock operation are not accepted, or operations other than the unlock operation are limited. It is a screen that is displayed when (only admit). A predetermined release operation is required to release the screen lock (that is, the state in which the lock screen is displayed). The lock control unit 110 prepares several types of methods such as PIN code input, password input, pattern input, fingerprint authentication, face authentication, and the like as unlocking operations. Pattern input is an operation of drawing a locus (pattern) on the lock screen on the touch panel which is the display of the mobile terminal 100 by a touch operation such as a fingertip. For example, one of the methods of unlocking the screen with an Android (registered trademark) OS. It has been adopted for one. Of these multiple release operations, the user sets the release operation to be used in the lock control unit 110 in advance, and the personal authentication information (for example, PIN code, password, pattern, fingerprint information, face information) used for the release operation. , Iris information). Information processing for this release operation method and setting of personal authentication information is performed by the lock setting unit 112. When the user tries to operate the mobile terminal 100, the screen lock is released by inputting the personal authentication information on the lock screen displayed on the display by the method of the set release operation. The screen lock release process performed by the lock control unit 110 is an authentication process for a user who intends to use the mobile terminal 100.

The device operation application 120 is an application program that executes a process for operating the device 200 from the mobile terminal 100. The device operation application 120 is installed in the computer in the mobile terminal 100, and is executed by the processor in the mobile terminal 100 to operate the device 200 and the device according to the user's instruction to the UI. Processes such as processing instructions and transmission / reception of data to be processed are executed for the 200.

The device operation application 120 holds the information of the device user ID 122. The device user ID 122 is a user ID (identification information) of a user account that the user (that is, the owner of the mobile terminal 100) has in the device 200. This information is set by the user in the device operation application 120. When the user uses the device 200 locally, the user inputs the user ID and password into the input device attached to the device 200 to be authenticated, but the same user ID is used as the simple authentication operation of the present embodiment. Therefore, it is held in the mobile terminal 100. The device user ID 122 does not have to be the user ID itself of the user in the device 200, but may be other information that can uniquely derive the user ID.

Further, the device operation application 120 has a usage request processing unit 124. The usage request processing unit 124 processes a usage request when the user (owner) of the mobile terminal 100 uses the device 200. In the present embodiment, in order to simplify the authentication process when using the device 200 from the mobile terminal 100, the unlocking of the screen lock of the mobile terminal 100 is performed to authenticate the user (owner) of the mobile terminal 100 to the device 200. To work with. That is, when the screen lock is released, the mobile terminal 100 (use request processing unit 124) includes the user ID 122 for the device of the user and specific information indicating that the screen lock is released to the device 200. Send the usage request information to the device 200. Then, the device 200 that has received the usage request information from the mobile terminal 100 permits the user to log in to the device 200 corresponding to the device user ID 122 included in the information, and the user can operate the device 200 from the mobile terminal 100. To do so. In this case, since the screen lock of the mobile terminal 100 is released, the mobile terminal 100 should be operated by a legitimate user (owner of the mobile terminal 100) indicated by the device user ID 122. Since the usage request information indicates that the usage request is from the mobile terminal 100 operated by a legitimate user, the device 200 trusts it, so to speak, and inputs authentication information such as a password from the user. The authentication process for the authentication information is omitted, and the login of the user is permitted.

The communication control unit 130 controls for data communication with the outside of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, the device 200). The communication control unit 130 may communicate with the device 200 via wireless communication such as a wireless LAN (local area network). Further, this wireless communication may be such that wireless devices are directly connected by wireless communication such as Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The device 200 has an authentication processing unit 210, an operation reception unit 220, and a communication control unit 230 in addition to a mechanism for functions provided to the user (for example, in the case of a multifunction device, scanning, printing, fax transmission, etc.). ..

The authentication processing unit 210 authenticates the user who intends to operate the device 200. For example, when a user inputs a user ID and authentication information to an input device (for example, a user ID and password input field displayed on a touch panel or an IC card reader) attached to the device 200, the authentication processing unit 210 inputs them. Perform user authentication based on the information provided. Further, the authentication processing unit 210 receives authentication information such as a user ID and a password from a device such as a mobile terminal 100 or a PC (personal computer) on a network, and performs user authentication based on the information. In addition to such a normal authentication function, the authentication processing unit 210 authenticates with a user ID when receiving usage request information (including a device user ID 122 and specific information indicating that the screen is unlocked) from the mobile terminal 100. It has a function of permitting the user corresponding to the device user ID 122 to use the device 200 (for example, logging in) by omitting the normal authentication process based on the information.

The operation reception unit 220 receives an operation on the device 200 from the logged-in user. The device 200 executes a process corresponding to the operation received by the operation reception unit 220.

The communication control unit 230 controls for data communication with the outside of the device 200 (for example, the mobile terminal 100). The communication control unit 230 may support a wireless LAN standard such as Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark).

As described above, in the present embodiment, so to speak, the release of the screen lock of the mobile terminal 100 (that is, the user authentication for using the mobile terminal 100) is linked to the user authentication in the device 200. Here, the user unlocks the screen of the mobile terminal 100 only when using the device 200. Therefore, if the mobile terminal 100 (use request processing unit 124) performs a process of sending usage request information to the device 200 each time the screen lock is released, the process is performed even if the user does not intend to use the device 200. It is useless because it will be done. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as an example, in addition to the normal screen unlock for using the mobile terminal 100, a dedicated screen unlock for using the device 200 is set in the mobile terminal 100, and the user Uses the latter screen unlock when the device 200 is used from the mobile terminal 100.

The distinction between normal screen unlocking and screen unlocking when using the device 200 is realized in one example by using different information as personal authentication information to be input for the unlocking operation. For example, when the pattern input method is used as the unlock operation for unlocking the screen, different patterns (which correspond to personal authentication information) are used for the normal screen unlock and the screen unlock when using the device 200. Is one example. As another example, the PIN code and password to be entered for unlocking the screen may be different between the normal screen unlock and the screen unlock when the device 200 is used.

As another example, an operation different from the release operation used for normal screen unlock may be assigned to the release operation for unlocking the screen when the device 200 is used. For example, the fingerprint input method is used for normal screen unlocking, but the PIN code input is used when the device 200 is used.

In this case, when a specific operation such as a switch button is pressed or a gesture operation such as a flick operation is performed while the normal screen unlock screen is displayed, the device 200 is used. The screen may be switched to the screen unlock screen, or conversely, the screen unlock screen when using the device 200 may be switched to the normal screen unlock screen.

In any of the above cases, when using the device 200, the user inputs a special unlock code (an example of which is an unusual unlock operation) that is different from the one entered when unlocking the normal screen. The lock setting unit 112 accepts the setting of a dedicated unlock code (referred to as a device use-only code) when the device 200 is used, in addition to the normal unlock code (called a normal code) for unlocking.

As described above, an example of the processing procedure of the mobile terminal 100 at the time of unlocking the screen when a special unlock code different from the usual one is used when using the device 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

The procedure of FIG. 2 is started when the power of the mobile terminal 100 is turned on or the sleep state is released. When the sleep release or the like is performed, the lock control unit 110 of the mobile terminal 100 displays a predetermined lock screen on the display of the mobile terminal 100 (S10), and accepts the input of the release code for the lock screen from the user (S12). .. Next, the lock control unit 110 determines whether the release code input in S12 is a normal code, a device use-only code, or any other code (S14). If the input release code does not correspond to either the normal code or the release code, the lock control unit 110 does not release the screen lock (not shown). When the input release code is a normal code, the lock control unit 110 releases the screen lock and displays a predetermined home screen on the display (S16). Since S16 and later are normal processes of the mobile terminal 100, the description thereof will be omitted.

When the release code input in S12 is a device use-only code, the mobile terminal 100 causes the communication control unit 130 to establish communication with a nearby device 200 (S18). The communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the nearby device 200 here may be by a short-range wireless connection method such as Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth (registered trademark). If the device 200 that can be connected to the mobile terminal 100 by the short-range wireless connection method is not found in S18, the mobile terminal 100 locks the screen with an error message indicating that there is no device available nearby, for example. It may be displayed above.

When wireless communication can be established with a nearby device 200 in S18, the mobile terminal 100 acquires information on the current state from the device 200 using the communication (S20). The state of the device 200 acquired here is a state of whether or not the device 200 is currently in use (that is, whether printing or other processing is being executed). The mobile terminal 100 determines whether or not the device 200 is currently in use from the acquired information (S22). If it is determined that the device 200 is currently in use, the lock control unit 110 displays on the lock screen that the device 200 is currently in use (S24), and returns to S10.

When it is determined in S22 that the device 200 is not currently in use, the device operation application 120 displays the job execution screen on the display of the mobile terminal 100 (S26), and the usage request processing unit 124 informs the device 200 of the usage request information. Is transmitted (S28). Here, the job execution screen is a UI screen for operating the device 200. The user selects a process to be executed by the device 200 and inputs parameters for the process according to the display on the job execution screen. Further, the usage request information transmitted in S28 includes the device user ID 122 and specific information indicating that the screen has been unlocked. The device 200 that has received the usage request information permits the login of the user corresponding to the device user ID 122 included therein, and the user from the mobile terminal 100 that follows (until logout or time-out without operation). Accepts operation instructions. When the user's input on the job execution screen is completed and the user instructs the user to start the job indicated by the input, the device operation application 120 sends a job execution instruction including the content of the input to the device 200 ( S29). The device 200 executes a job according to the job execution instruction.

Next, an example of the processing procedure executed by the device 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

In this procedure, when the device 200 receives access from the mobile terminal 100, it determines whether or not the above-mentioned usage request information has been sent (S102). If the usage request information is not sent, normal processing (for example, sending an input screen for a user ID, password, etc. to the mobile terminal) is executed. On the other hand, when it is determined in S102 that the usage request information has been sent, the authentication processing unit 210 of the device 200 considers that the user corresponding to the device user ID 122 included in the usage request information has been successfully authenticated, and the authentication is performed. Allow the user to log in (S104). Then, after receiving the job execution instruction sent from the mobile terminal 100, the job is executed in response to the instruction (S106).

By the way, in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 2, when the state of the device 200 acquired in S20 after unlocking the screen is "in use", the mobile terminal 100 simply displays the fact that it is in use and displays the lock screen. I returned to (S10). As another example of this, in that case, it is also possible to accept a usage reservation from the user. FIG. 4 shows an example of the processing procedure of the mobile terminal 100 in this case. The procedure shown in FIG. 4 is replaced with the procedure of FIG. 2 after S22.

In this procedure, when it is determined in S22 that the state of the device 200 is "in use", the mobile terminal 100 displays a screen asking whether or not to make a reservation (S30). When the user instructs this screen not to make a reservation (the determination result of S32 is No), the mobile terminal 100 returns to the lock screen display (S10). When the user instructs to make a usage reservation (S32 is Yes), the device operation application 120 displays the job execution screen on the display of the mobile terminal 100 (S34), and the usage request processing unit 124. The usage request information is transmitted to the device 200 (S36). The user selects a process to be executed by the device 200 and inputs parameters for the process according to the display on the job execution screen. When the user's input on the job execution screen is completed and the user instructs the user to start the job indicated by the input, the device operation application 120 sends a job execution instruction including the content of the input to the device 200 ( S38). The device 200 queues the received job. This completes the job reservation (this job is called a reserved job). The device 200 starts executing the reserved job after the execution of the currently executing job (another job in the queue having a higher priority than the above reserved job) is completed, and notifies the mobile terminal 100 of the start of execution. I do. After S38, the device operation application 120 waits for the notification of the start of execution of the reservation job from the device 200 (S40, S42), and when the notification comes (the determination result of S42 is Yes), the device operation application 120 is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 100. A screen indicating that the reserved job has been started is displayed in (S44). The user sees the screen and knows that the job has started. For example, when the job is a print job, the user sees the notification of the start of execution, goes to the device 200, and acquires the print result. If S42 is No, the process returns to S40.

By the way, the device use-only code used in the above embodiment needs to be different from the normal code which is the screen lock release code when the mobile terminal 100 is normally used. When the user sets the device use-only code, the lock setting unit 112 may perform guidance processing for selecting a code different from the normal code. As a guidance process, for example, if the code entered by the user as a device use-only code matches the already set normal code, a notification to that effect is given on the screen and a different code is set for the user. May be processed. At this time, the lock setting unit 112 may propose another code (or a completely different code) generated by slightly changing the normal code as a candidate for the device use-only code. Further, as another example of the guidance process, a normal code that has already been set may be displayed on the screen, and a code different from this may be guided to be set as a device use-only code.

In the above example, as the release code (release operation) for releasing the screen lock of the mobile terminal 100, in addition to the normal code used when the mobile terminal 100 is normally used, the device use dedicated code used when using the device 200 is used. By preparing the device 200, it is possible to distinguish whether or not the user intends to use the device 200 when the screen lock is released. On the other hand, in the modification described below, it is estimated by another method whether or not the user intends to use the device 200 when the screen is unlocked.

FIG. 5 illustrates the configuration of the system of this modified example. This system configuration is different from the system configuration shown in FIG. 1 in that the mobile terminal 100 and the device 200 are provided with BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy: registered trademark) modules 140 and 240, respectively. The BLE modules 140 and 240 are devices for performing wireless communication conforming to the BLE standard. The BLE standard supports a function of detecting an approximate distance to a communication partner from the radio wave strength at the time of communication with the communication partner, and the BLE modules 140 and 240 also have the function. In this modification, when the mobile terminal 100 is approaching the device 200 when the screen lock is released, it is determined that the user of the mobile terminal 100 intends to use the device 200.

FIG. 6 shows a processing procedure of the mobile terminal 100 in this modified example. The procedure shown in FIG. 6 is a modification of the procedure shown in FIG. 2, and the same steps as those shown in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the procedure of FIG. 6, after receiving the input of the screen lock release code in S12, the mobile terminal 100 communicates with the BLE module 240 of the nearby device 200 by the BLE module 140, and between the two BLE modules 140 and 240. The distance is calculated periodically (for example, every 0.1 seconds), and the change over time of the distance is obtained (S50). Then, the lock control unit 110 determines whether or not the mobile terminal 100 is approaching the device 200 from the change in the obtained distance (S52). Then, when it is determined that the mobile terminal is approaching (the determination result of S52 is Yes), it is presumed that the user of the mobile terminal 100 intends to use the device 200, so that the process proceeds to S18 or later in FIG. The usage request processing unit 124 sends usage request information to the device 200 to log in to the device 200. On the other hand, if the determination result of S52 is No, it is presumed that the user does not intend to use the device 200. Therefore, the lock control unit 110 proceeds to S16 to unlock the normal screen and display the home screen. do.

By the way, in the procedure of FIG. 6 described above, if the user (mobile terminal 100) is approaching the device 200 at the time of unlocking the screen, it is determined that the user has an intention to use the device 200. However, it is possible that the user simply tries to operate the mobile terminal 100 as it passes through the device 200 and unlocks the screen. FIG. 7 shows an improved example of the procedure of FIG. 6 in consideration of such a case.

In the procedure of FIG. 7, when the mobile terminal 100 determines in S52 that the mobile terminal 100 is approaching the device 200, the screen lock is released and the home screen is displayed (S54), and the user uses some application (application program). ) Is started. In this monitoring, it is determined whether or not the user has activated an application other than the device operation application 120 within a predetermined period (for example, several seconds) after the display of the home screen of S54 (S56). If the application launched by the user within the predetermined period is an application other than the device operation application 120 (the determination result of S56 is Yes), the user locks the screen not to use the device 200 but to use the application. Can be determined to have been released. In this case, the mobile terminal 100 processes the activated application. On the other hand, if the device operation application 120 is opened within the predetermined period, the user has an intention to use the device 200, so that the processing of the mobile terminal 100 proceeds to S18 to use the device 200. Performs processing such as sending usage request information.

In the modified example described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, whether or not the mobile terminal 100 is approaching the device 200 when the screen is unlocked is determined by using the distance measurement function of BLE, but the use of BLE is limited to the last. It's just an example. Other distance measurement systems using radio waves or the like may be used. Further, the positions of the mobile terminal 100 and the device 200 may be obtained by using a positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System), and the positions of both of them may be determined with the passage of time. The change in the difference (distance) may be obtained.

Yet another modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. Similar to the modification of FIGS. 5 to 7, this modification does not use the device use-dedicated code for unlocking the screen, and the user can use the device 200 from the situation when the normal unlock code is input. It is determined whether or not it is. In this modification, as shown in FIG. 8, the device 200 has a known line-of-sight detection sensor 250, and when the user unlocks the screen of the mobile terminal 100, the line-of-sight detection sensor 250 detects the line of sight. If so, it is determined that the user has an intention to use the device 200. That is, when the screen lock is released (for example, immediately after the release), if the user looks at the device 200, it is determined that the user intends to use the device 200.

FIG. 9 is an example of the processing procedure of the mobile terminal 100 in this modified example, and the same reference numerals are given to the same steps as those shown in FIG. In this procedure, when the mobile terminal 100 receives the input of the screen lock release code in S12, the mobile terminal 100 notifies the device 200 that the lock has been released (S60). This notification may indicate that the screen lock has been released, and may not include the above-mentioned usage request information. This notification may be sent by a known wireless communication method such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct. After S60, the mobile terminal 100 waits for the device 200 to request the transmission of the usage request information (S62). If the usage request information is not requested from the device 200 even after waiting for a predetermined period, the mobile terminal 100 proceeds to S16 in FIG. 2 and displays the home screen. When the device 200 requests the transmission of the usage request information in S62, the mobile terminal 100 proceeds to S18 or later in FIG. 2 and performs processing such as transmission of the usage request information for using the device 200.

FIG. 10 is an example of the processing procedure of the device 200 in this modified example. In this procedure, when the device 200 receives an access from the mobile terminal 100, the device 200 determines whether or not the unlock notification is received at that time (S110). If it is determined that the notification is not unlocked, the process proceeds to S102 in FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not the usage request information has been received, and the same processing as in FIG. 2 is performed thereafter. On the other hand, when it is determined that the unlock notification has been received in S110, the device 200 determines whether or not the line-of-sight detection sensor 250 has detected the line-of-sight (S112). If the line of sight is not detected, the device 200 does not perform any special processing on the mobile terminal 100 thereafter. In this case, the mobile terminal 100 waits for the request for usage request information to come from the device 200 after the device 200 sends the unlock notification, but the waiting time times out, so that the usage request information is transmitted. The processing related to the device 200 such as is not executed. When the determination result of S112 is Yes, the device 200 requests the mobile terminal 100 to transmit the usage request information (S114). In the mobile terminal 100 that has received this request, the determination result of S62 is Yes, so the process proceeds to S18 and the process for transmitting the usage request information is executed. When the mobile terminal 100 transmits the usage request information, the device 200 executes the processes after S102 in FIG. 3 and permits the user to log in.

In the example described above, it is assumed that the screen lock of the mobile terminal 100 at hand is released when the user tries to use the device 200, but the screen lock is already released in the methods of the above-described embodiment and the modified example. It is also applicable when the user who carries the mobile terminal 100 is able to use the device 200. For example, when a user holding a mobile terminal 100 whose screen lock is released activates the device operation application 120 when the user reaches a position where communication with the device 200 is possible, the usage request processing unit 124 requests the device 200 to use the device 200. Information may be sent. Further, when the user holding the mobile terminal 100 in the state where the screen lock is released and the device operation application 120 is activated comes to a position where communication with the device 200 is possible, the usage request processing unit 124 requests the device 200 to use it. Information may be sent.

In the example shown above, the process of transmitting the usage request information to the device 200 is performed by the device operation application 120, but the lock control unit 110 may perform the process.

Further, in S12 of the procedure of FIG. 2, both the normal code and the device use-only code are accepted as the unlock code, but the input of the device use-only code may not be accepted depending on the situation. .. For example, consider a case where the device 200 has a function of accepting a use (use) reservation from a user. When displaying the unlock screen on the mobile terminal 100, if the device 200 is reserved by another user (a user other than the owner of the mobile terminal 100) (that is, the time of the display is reserved by the other user). It is considered that another user is using (or will use) the device 200 if it corresponds to the time zone in which the device 200 is scheduled to be used. At this time, even if the device 200 is to be used from the mobile terminal 100, the device 200 cannot be used until the use related to the reservation is completed. Therefore, even if the input of the device use-dedicated code is accepted to speed up the authentication procedure in such a case, there is a high possibility that it will be wasted. Therefore, when the mobile terminal 100 displays the unlock screen, if the device 200 is reserved by another user, the mobile terminal 100 does not accept the input of the device use-dedicated code (for example, the device use by displaying the normal code input screen). Do not display the dedicated code input screen). Whether or not the device 200 is reserved by another user may be detected by inquiring from the mobile terminal 100 to the server that manages the usage reservation of the device 200 or the device 200 group.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. The information processing unit of the mobile terminal 100 and the device 200 exemplified above is realized by causing a computer to execute a program representing each of the above-mentioned functions. Here, as hardware, for example, the computer includes a microprocessor such as a CPU, a memory (primary storage) such as a random access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an SSD (solid state drive), and an HDD. A controller that controls a fixed storage device such as (hardware drive), various I / O (input / output) interfaces, a network interface that controls connection to a network such as a local area network, etc., for example, via a bus or the like. It has a connected circuit configuration. A program in which the processing contents of each of these functions are described is stored in a fixed storage device such as a flash memory via a network or the like, and is installed in a computer. By reading the program stored in the fixed storage device into the RAM and executing it by a microprocessor such as a CPU, the functional module group illustrated above is realized.

100 mobile terminal, 110 lock control unit, 112 lock setting unit, 120 device operation application, 124 usage request processing unit, 130 communication control unit, 140, 230 BLE module, 200 equipment, 210 authentication processing unit, 220 operation reception unit, 220 Operation reception unit, 230 communication control unit, 250 line-of-sight detection sensor.

Claims (11)

Including mobile terminals and devices,
The mobile terminal is
A terminal-side authentication means that executes user authentication for permitting a user to use the mobile terminal,
When the user authentication by the terminal-side authentication means is successful, the transmission means for transmitting the usage request information including the information indicating the success and the user identification information of the user to the device.
Including
The device is
A device-side authentication means that executes user authentication for a user who intends to operate the device,
When the usage request information is received from the mobile terminal, the user authentication by the device-side authentication means is omitted, and the authentication of the device-side authentication means by the user corresponding to the user identification information included in the usage request information is successful. Authentication control means that controls the information
Only including,
The terminal-side authentication means, in association with the user, includes normal authentication information which is user authentication information for normal use of the mobile terminal and a user for using the mobile terminal for using the device. It is possible to accept the input of the dedicated authentication information, which is the authentication information.
A device utilization system that transmits the usage request information to the device when the user authentication is successful in response to the input of the dedicated authentication information. The device utilization system according to claim 1 , wherein the mobile terminal further includes a setting receiving means for receiving the setting of the dedicated authentication information. The device utilization system according to claim 2 , wherein the setting receiving means guides the same authentication information as the normal authentication information not to be set as the dedicated authentication information. The mobile terminal further includes a detection means for detecting a user who is planning to use the device.
When the user who is going to use the device is detected by the detection means, the terminal-side authentication means can accept the input of the normal authentication information and cannot accept the input of the dedicated authentication information. The device utilization system according to claim 1, which is characterized. Including mobile terminals and devices,
The mobile terminal is
A terminal-side authentication means that executes user authentication for permitting a user to use the mobile terminal,
When the user authentication by the terminal-side authentication means is successful, the transmission means for transmitting the usage request information including the information indicating the success and the user identification information of the user to the device.
Including
The device is
A device-side authentication means that executes user authentication for a user who intends to operate the device,
When the usage request information is received from the mobile terminal, the user authentication by the device-side authentication means is omitted, and the authentication of the device-side authentication means by the user corresponding to the user identification information included in the usage request information is successful. Authentication control means that controls the information
Including
The transmission means transmits the usage request information to the device when the mobile terminal is close to the device when the user authentication by the terminal side authentication means is successful.
The transmitting means is a predetermined method for operating the device on the mobile terminal even when the mobile terminal is close to the device when the user authentication by the terminal-side authentication means is successful. If the application program other than the application program is started, not to transmit the use request information to the device, equipment utilization system. Including mobile terminals and devices,
The mobile terminal is
A terminal-side authentication means that executes user authentication for permitting a user to use the mobile terminal,
When the user authentication by the terminal-side authentication means is successful, the transmission means for transmitting the usage request information including the information indicating the success and the user identification information of the user to the device.
Including
The device is
A device-side authentication means that executes user authentication for a user who intends to operate the device,
When the usage request information is received from the mobile terminal, the user authentication by the device-side authentication means is omitted, and the authentication of the device-side authentication means by the user corresponding to the user identification information included in the usage request information is successful. Authentication control means that controls the information
Including
The device includes a line-of-sight sensing means for sensing the user's line of sight to the device.
The authentication control unit, receiving said use request information from the portable terminal, and when said visual axis detecting means is sensing the line of sight of the user, and will not be user authentication by the device-side authenticating means, equipment utilization system .. Including mobile terminals and devices,
The mobile terminal is
A terminal-side authentication means that executes user authentication for permitting a user to use the mobile terminal,
When the user authentication by the terminal-side authentication means is successful, the transmission means for transmitting the usage request information including the information indicating the success and the user identification information of the user to the device.
Including
The device is
A device-side authentication means that executes user authentication for a user who intends to operate the device,
When the usage request information is received from the mobile terminal, the user authentication by the device-side authentication means is omitted, and the authentication of the device-side authentication means by the user corresponding to the user identification information included in the usage request information is successful. Authentication control means that controls the information
Including
The mobile terminal is
When the user authentication by the terminal-side authentication means is successful, the means for inquiring the status to the device and the means.
When the answer to the effect that the device is in use is obtained in response to the status inquiry, the means for accepting the use reservation of the device and the means for accepting the reservation.
Further comprising a, equipment utilization system. Terminal-side authentication means that executes user authentication to allow users to use their own terminals,
When the user authentication by the terminal-side authentication means is successful, the transmission means for transmitting the usage request information including the information indicating the success, the user identification information of the user, and the device.
Only including,
The terminal-side authentication means, in association with the user, includes normal authentication information which is user authentication information for normal use of the mobile terminal and a user for using the mobile terminal for using the device. It is possible to accept the input of the dedicated authentication information, which is the authentication information.
When the user authentication is successful in response to the input of the dedicated authentication information, the transmission means transmits the usage request information to the device.
Mobile terminal. Computer,
Terminal-side authentication means that executes user authentication to allow users to use their own terminals,
A transmission means for transmitting usage request information including information indicating success and user identification information of the user to the device when the user authentication by the terminal-side authentication means is successful.
A program for functioning as,
The terminal-side authentication means, in association with the user, includes normal authentication information which is user authentication information for normal use of the mobile terminal and a user for using the mobile terminal for using the device. It is possible to accept the input of the dedicated authentication information, which is the authentication information.
When the user authentication is successful in response to the input of the dedicated authentication information, the transmission means transmits the usage request information to the device.
A program characterized by that. A device-side authentication means that executes user authentication for a user who intends to operate its own machine,
When the user request information including the information indicating that the user authentication for permitting the user to use the mobile terminal is successful and the user identification information of the user is received from the mobile terminal, the device-side authentication means. An authentication control means that controls the authentication of the device-side authentication means by the user corresponding to the user identification information included in the usage request information by omitting the user authentication by the user.
A line-of-sight sensing means for detecting the user's line of sight to the device,
Including
The authentication control means is characterized in that when the usage request information is received from the mobile terminal and the line-of-sight sensing means detects the user's line of sight, the user authentication by the device-side authentication means is omitted. equipment that. Computer,
Device-side authentication means that executes user authentication for users who try to operate their own machine,
When the user request information including the information indicating that the user authentication for permitting the user to use the mobile terminal is successful and the user identification information of the user is received from the mobile terminal, the device-side authentication means. An authentication control means that controls the authentication of the device-side authentication means by the user corresponding to the user identification information included in the usage request information by omitting the user authentication by the user.
A program for functioning as,
The authentication control means receives the usage request information from the mobile terminal, and when the line-of-sight sensing means for detecting the user's line of sight to the device senses the user's line of sight, the user by the device-side authentication means. A program characterized by omitting authentication .

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