Authentication device, authentication method, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The present invention provides an authentication device, an authentication method, and a computer-readable storage medium. The authentication device comprises: a storage unit that stores a password for allowing maintenance of a device to be maintained; a change unit that can change the password without installing a device for changing the password on the authentication device; and a reset unit that can reset the password when a specified external device is installed on the authentication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an authentication device, an authentication method and a computer-readable storage medium that allow maintenance of a device to be maintained. Background Art

[0002] In order to use printers, fax machines, etc. for a long time, regular maintenance is indispensable.

[0003] For example, ink and paper scraps may sometimes adhere to the surface of a conveying roller used to convey printed materials in a printer. The conveying roller with ink may transfer the ink to the printed materials and contaminate the printed materials. In addition, the conveying roller with paper scraps may sometimes slip and cause poor conveyance of printed materials. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly clean the conveying roller and perform maintenance.

[0004] Maintenance needs to be performed in an appropriate process. If improper maintenance is performed, the print quality may be reduced or the device may malfunction. Therefore, maintenance needs to be performed by a professional maintenance person.

[0005] In this regard, there is known a technique for allowing a maintenance worker who is allowed to perform maintenance to perform maintenance through password authentication (see Patent Document 1).

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-258770 Summary of the invention

[0009] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] In the above-mentioned technology, in order to suppress inappropriate maintenance by persons other than the maintenance personnel, the maintenance personnel may change the password.

[0011] Here, the maintenance worker may forget the changed password due to multiple password changes, etc. In this case, maintenance can be performed by notifying the server that manages the password or contacting the department that manages the password to issue a new password.

[0012] However, it takes time to issue a new password, so sometimes maintenance cannot be performed promptly on a device to be maintained, such as a printer.

[0013] Solutions for solving problems

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide an authentication device, an authentication method, and a computer-readable storage medium that can suppress inappropriate maintenance of a device to be maintained and suppress the occurrence of a situation in which maintenance cannot be performed quickly.

[0015] An authentication device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a storage unit for storing a password for allowing maintenance of a maintained device; a change unit for changing the password without installing a device for changing the password on the authentication device; and a reset unit for resetting the password when a specified external device is installed on the authentication device.

[0016] The authentication method involved in an embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps: the password stored in the storage unit of the authentication device can be changed without installing a device for changing the password on the authentication device, the password being used to allow maintenance of the maintained device; and the password can be reset when a specified external device is installed on the authentication device.

[0017] Regarding the computer-readable storage medium involved in the embodiment of the present invention, a computer program is stored on the storage medium, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method are executed.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress inappropriate maintenance of the device to be maintained, and to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which maintenance cannot be performed quickly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a flowchart for explaining the operation when changing the maintenance password in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of a password input screen.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a maintenance mode screen.

[0024] Figure 5 It is a figure which shows an example of a password change screen.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a flowchart for explaining the operation when resetting the maintenance password in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment shifts to the maintenance mode.

[0027] Figure 8This is a flowchart for explaining the operation when resetting the maintenance password in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart for explaining the operation when resetting the maintenance password in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0029] Fig.10 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

[0030] Fig.11 This is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment shifts to the maintenance mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following is an explanation of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, the same or equivalent parts and structural elements are marked with the same or equivalent reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and different from reality. In addition, of course, the relationship and ratio of the dimensions between the drawings are different.

[0032] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 including an authentication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus (maintained apparatus) 1 according to the first embodiment includes a printer unit 2, an operation panel 3, an IC communication unit 4, an installation unit 5, a storage unit 6, and a control unit 7. The units of the image forming apparatus 1 other than the printer unit 2 constitute an authentication device.

[0034] The printer unit 2 transports a print medium such as paper and forms an image on the print medium. The printer unit 2 includes a transport roller for transporting the print medium, an inkjet head for ejecting ink onto the print medium for printing, and the like. The printer unit 2 is not limited to the inkjet method, and may also perform printing using other methods such as orthograph printing.

[0035] The operation panel 3 displays various screens and receives input operations from a user etc. The operation panel 3 includes a display unit 11 and an input unit 12 .

[0036] The display unit 11 is used to display various input screens, etc. The display unit 11 includes a liquid crystal display panel and the like.

[0037] The input unit 12 receives an input operation performed by a user or the like, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation. The input unit 12 includes various operation keys, a touch panel, and the like.

[0038] The IC communication unit 4 communicates with a first IC chip device 101 and a second IC chip device (external device) 102 described later. The IC communication unit 4 is a reader / writer device that reads information from the first IC chip device 101 and the second IC chip device 102 and writes information thereto.

[0039] The mounting portion 5 is a portion for mounting the first IC chip device 101 and the second IC chip device 102. The mounting portion 5 is configured to be detachable from the first IC chip device 101 and the second IC chip device 102. The first IC chip device 101 and the second IC chip device 102 are selectively mounted on the mounting portion 5.

[0040] The first IC chip device 101 and the second IC chip device 102 have IC chips and store various information in the IC chips. The first IC chip device 101 and the second IC chip device 102 are formed in a card shape that can be mounted (inserted) in the mounting portion 5, for example.

[0041] The first IC chip device 101 is a device installed in the installation section 5 when the image forming apparatus 1 is normally used such as performing a printing operation. The first IC chip device 101 stores information such as the serial number of the image forming apparatus 1 in which the first IC chip device 101 is installed, the destination information of the image forming apparatus 1, the information indicating the model of the image forming apparatus 1, and the information indicating the type of the IC chip device. Here, the information indicating the type of the IC chip device is information indicating whether it is the first IC chip device 101 or the second IC chip device 102.

[0042] The second IC chip device 102 is a device installed in the installation unit 5 when resetting the maintenance password described later. The second IC chip device 102 stores information indicating the type of the IC chip device, the model of the image forming apparatus 1 that can be used with the second IC chip device 102, and the like. The second IC chip device 102 can be a device that can be shared by a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1.

[0043] The number of times that the second IC chip device 102 can be used is set as a use condition. The second IC chip device 102 stores the number of times that the second IC chip device 102 can be used and the number of times it has been used so far. The number of times that the second IC chip device 102 has been used is the number of times the password for maintenance has been reset when the second IC chip device 102 is installed in the installation unit 5.

[0044] The storage unit 6 is constituted by a storage device such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and stores various programs.

[0045] In addition, the storage unit 6 stores a password (maintenance password) for allowing maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1. The maintenance password can be changed. When the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped from the factory, the storage unit 6 stores an initial password as the maintenance password. After the maintenance password is changed from the initial password, the storage unit 6 stores the current (latest) maintenance password and the initial password.

[0046] Here, maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1 includes cleaning of the transport rollers of the printer unit 2 , cleaning of the inkjet head, and the like.

[0047] The control unit 7 performs control processing in the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 7 is configured to include a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, etc. The control unit 7 includes a device control unit 21, an authentication unit 22, a password change unit (change unit) 23, and a password resetting unit (resetting unit) 24. Each unit of the control unit 7 is configured such that the CPU operates according to a program stored in the storage unit 6.

[0048] Here, the authentication section 22, the password changing section 23, and the password resetting section 24 of the control section 7 are configured by the CPU executing an authentication program stored in the storage section 6. The authentication program may be read from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM storing the authentication program and loaded into the image forming apparatus 1, or may be transferred via a network and loaded into the image forming apparatus 1.

[0049] The device control unit 21 controls operations such as conveyance of the print medium and image formation on the print medium in the printer unit 2. The device control unit 21 also controls maintenance operations such as cleaning of the conveyance rollers of the printer unit 2.

[0050] The authentication unit 22 performs password authentication based on whether the password input by the input operation on the input unit 12 when the transition to the maintenance mode is requested is consistent with the current maintenance password stored in the storage unit 6. When the input password is consistent with the current maintenance password stored in the storage unit 6, the authentication unit 22 permits maintenance and causes the image forming apparatus 1 to transition to the maintenance mode. When the input password is inconsistent with the current maintenance password stored in the storage unit 6, the authentication unit 22 does not permit maintenance and does not transition to the maintenance mode. Here, the maintenance mode is a mode for performing maintenance in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0051] The password change unit 23 changes the maintenance password stored in the storage unit 6 according to the input operation to the input unit 12. The password change unit 23 can change the maintenance password stored in the storage unit 6 without installing a device for changing the password (device for changing the password) in the image forming apparatus 1 (installation unit 5). That is, the password change unit 23 can change the maintenance password stored in the storage unit 6 in a state where the first IC chip device 101 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (installation unit 5).

[0052] Here, the password change device is a device that allows transition to a maintenance mode to change a maintenance password using a password change function described later, and is, for example, the same device as the second IC chip device 102 .

[0053] When the second IC chip device 102 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (installation unit 5 ), the password resetting unit 24 can reset the maintenance password stored in the storage unit 6 .

[0054] Next, refer to Figure 2 The operation of changing the maintenance password in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0055] Here, in a state where the first IC chip device 101 is mounted on the mounting portion 5 and the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on, Figure 2 The first IC chip device 101 is installed in the installation unit 5 in a state where the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is off, and then the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on. When the power is turned on, the image forming apparatus 1 changes to a mode in which printing can be performed, that is, a printing mode.

[0056] exist Figure 2 In step S1, the authentication unit 22 determines whether a request to shift to the maintenance mode is made. The request to shift to the maintenance mode is made, for example, by operating a mode switching button provided on the input unit 12 for switching between the printing mode and the maintenance mode. If the authentication unit 22 determines that a request to shift to the maintenance mode is not made (step S1: No), the authentication unit 22 repeats step S1.

[0057] When the authentication unit 22 determines that a request to shift to the maintenance mode has been made (step S1: Yes), in step S2, Figure 3 The password input screen 31 shown is displayed on the display unit 11. The password input screen 31 is a screen for accepting input of a password for maintenance by a maintenance person who is permitted to perform maintenance on the image forming apparatus 1.

[0058] Back to Figure 2In step S3, the authentication unit 22 determines whether a password has been input through the input operation on the input unit 12. When the authentication unit 22 determines that a password has not been input (step S3: No), the authentication unit 22 repeats step S3.

[0059] When the authentication unit 22 determines that the password has been input (step S3 : YES), in step S4 , it determines whether the input password matches the current maintenance password stored in the storage unit 6 .

[0060] When the authentication unit 22 determines that the input password does not match the current maintenance password stored in the storage unit 6 (step S4: No), the authentication unit 22 does not permit maintenance and proceeds to step S11.

[0061] If the authentication unit 22 determines that the input password matches the current maintenance password stored in the storage unit 6 (step S4: Yes), in step S5, the authentication unit 22 permits maintenance and causes the image forming apparatus 1 to shift to the maintenance mode. Figure 4 The maintenance mode screen 41 shown is displayed on the display unit 11 .

[0062] The maintenance mode screen 41 is a screen for receiving maintenance-related operations performed by a maintenance worker. In the maintenance mode screen 41, a plurality of function buttons 42 for selecting various maintenance functions in the maintenance mode are displayed. Among the plurality of function buttons 42, there is a function button 42 for selecting a password change function for changing a password for maintenance. Here, instead of marking the function button 42 with a name of the function, a mark unknown to a person other than the maintenance worker may be marked on the function button 42 so that a person other than the maintenance worker cannot recognize the function button 42 for selecting the password change function.

[0063] Back to Figure 2 In step S6 , the password change unit 23 determines whether the password change function is selected from the maintenance mode screen 41 by the input operation on the input unit 12 .

[0064] When the password change unit 23 determines that the password change function is not selected (step S6: No), in step S7, the authentication unit 22 determines whether a request to end the maintenance mode is made. The request to end the maintenance mode is made, for example, by operating the above-mentioned mode switching button.

[0065] If the authentication unit 22 determines that the maintenance mode is requested to be terminated (step S7: Yes), a series of processes are terminated. If the authentication unit 22 determines that the maintenance mode is not requested to be terminated (step S7: No), the process returns to step S6.

[0066] When the password change unit 23 determines that the password change function is selected (step S6: Yes), in step S8, Figure 5 The password change screen 51 shown is displayed on the display unit 11. The password change screen 51 is a screen for changing the maintenance password, and is a screen for receiving input of a changed maintenance password by a maintenance worker.

[0067] Back to Figure 2 In step S9, the password change unit 23 determines whether the changed password is input by the input operation on the input unit 12. When the password change unit 23 determines that the changed password is not input (step S9: No), it repeats step S9.

[0068] When the password change unit 23 determines that the changed password has been input (step S9: YES), in step S10, the password for maintenance stored in the storage unit 6 is changed to the input password. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0069] Here, when maintenance is instructed by pressing the function button 42 corresponding to another function after transitioning to the maintenance mode and before selecting the password change function, the device control unit 21 executes maintenance in the printer unit 2. On the other hand, when the password change function is not selected after the maintenance is executed and the maintenance mode is requested to be terminated, the result of the determination in step S7 is "yes", and the series of processing is terminated without changing the password.

[0070] In step S11, the authentication unit 22 determines whether the maintenance mode is requested to be terminated. If the authentication unit 22 determines that the maintenance mode is not requested to be terminated (step S11: No), the authentication unit 22 repeats step S11. If the authentication unit 22 determines that the maintenance mode is requested to be terminated (step S11: Yes), the series of processing ends.

[0071] Next, refer to Figure 6 The operation of resetting the maintenance password in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0072] The maintenance password is reset, for example, when the maintenance worker forgets the maintenance password. If the second IC chip device 102 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (installation unit 5), the maintenance password can be reset. When the maintenance password is reset, the maintenance worker installs the second IC chip device 102 in the installation unit 5 while the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is off, and then turns on the power of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0073] exist Figure 6In step S21 , the password resetting unit 24 determines whether the second IC chip device 102 is mounted in the mounting unit 5 based on the information indicating the type of the IC chip device stored in the IC chip device mounted in the mounting unit 5 .

[0074] When the password resetting unit 24 determines that the second IC chip device 102 is not mounted in the mounting unit 5, that is, when the first IC chip device 101 is mounted in the mounting unit 5 (step S21: No), the process ends immediately.

[0075] When the password resetting unit 24 determines that the second IC chip device 102 is mounted on the mounting unit 5 (step S21: Yes), in step S22, the password resetting unit 24 determines whether the second IC chip device 102 mounted on the mounting unit 5 satisfies the use condition.

[0076] Specifically, the password resetting unit 24 obtains the usable number of times and the current usage number of the second IC chip device 102 from the second IC chip device 102 installed in the installation unit 5. Then, when the usage number of the second IC chip device 102 is less than the usable number of times, the password resetting unit 24 determines that the second IC chip device 102 meets the usage condition.

[0077] When the password resetting unit 24 determines that the second IC chip device 102 does not satisfy the usage condition (step S22: No), the process is terminated directly.

[0078] When the password reset unit 24 determines that the second IC chip device 102 satisfies the usage condition (step S22: YES), in step S23, the password reset unit 24 temporarily sets the initial password stored in the storage unit 6 as the maintenance password.

[0079] When password input screen 31 is displayed, in order to shift image forming apparatus 1 to maintenance mode and reset the maintenance password, the maintenance worker inputs an initial password through input operation of input unit 12. The maintenance worker is notified of the initial password in advance and keeps the initial password.

[0080] In step S24, the authentication unit 22 determines whether a password has been input by an input operation on the input unit 12. When the authentication unit 22 determines that a password has not been input (step S24: No), the authentication unit 22 repeats step S24.

[0081] When the authentication unit 22 determines that the password is input (step S24: Yes), in step S25, it determines whether the input password is consistent with the initial password temporarily set as the maintenance password in step S23. When the authentication unit 22 determines that the input password is inconsistent with the initial password (step S25: No), it returns to step S24.

[0082] When the authentication unit 22 determines that the input password is consistent with the initial password (step S25: Yes), in step S26, the image forming apparatus 1 is shifted to the maintenance mode. In addition, the authentication unit 22 displays the maintenance mode screen 41 on the display unit 11. In addition, when shifting to the maintenance mode, the password resetting unit 24 cancels the temporary setting of the initial password as the password for maintenance.

[0083] Furthermore, before the image forming apparatus 1 equipped with the second IC chip device 102 shifts to the maintenance mode, it is neither in the print mode nor in the maintenance mode, but is in a state of waiting until the shift to the maintenance mode is made.

[0084] Next, in step S27 , the password resetting unit 24 determines whether the password change function is selected from the maintenance mode screen 41 by the input operation on the input unit 12 .

[0085] Here, the password for maintenance is reset using the password change function in the maintenance mode. Therefore, the maintenance worker who resets the password performs an operation to select the password change function from the maintenance mode screen 41 .

[0086] When the password resetting unit 24 determines that the password change function has not been selected (step S27: No), it repeats step S27.

[0087] When the password resetting unit 24 determines that the password change function has been selected (step S27 : YES), in step S28 , the password change screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 11 .

[0088] When the password change screen 51 is displayed, the maintenance worker inputs a new password by performing an input operation on the input unit 12 .

[0089] In step S29, the password resetting unit 24 determines whether a reset password has been input by an input operation on the input unit 12. When the password resetting unit 24 determines that a reset password has not been input (step S29: No), it repeats step S29.

[0090] When the password reset unit 24 determines that the reset password has been input (step S29: Yes), in step S30, the input password is reset to a maintenance password. That is, the password reset unit 24 changes the current maintenance password stored in the storage unit 6 to the password input as the reset password.

[0091] Next, in step S31, the password resetting unit 24 updates the usage count of the second IC chip device 102. Specifically, the password resetting unit 24 adds "1" to the usage count stored in the second IC chip device 102. Thus, a series of processes are terminated.

[0092] When the maintenance password is reset through the above process, the maintenance worker turns off the power of the image forming apparatus 1 and removes the second IC chip device 102 from the mounting portion 5. Then, the maintenance worker mounts the first IC chip device 101 on the mounting portion 5 and turns on the power of the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 enters the printing mode. After that, the maintenance can be performed after shifting to the maintenance mode using the maintenance password reset through the above process.

[0093] Furthermore, even when the image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with the second IC chip device 102, at least a part of the maintenance function can be performed. Figure 6 If maintenance is instructed by pressing a function button 42 corresponding to another executable function after transitioning to the maintenance mode in step S26 and before selecting the password change function, the device control unit 21 executes maintenance on the printer unit 2.

[0094] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1, the password changing unit 23 can change the maintenance password stored in the storage unit 6. In addition, the password change by the password changing unit 23 can be performed without installing a device for changing the password (device for password change) in the image forming apparatus 1 (installation unit 5), that is, in a state where the first IC chip device 101 is installed.

[0095] Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent a situation where a maintenance worker cannot change the password due to the loss of the password change device, and thus it is possible to prevent a situation where a person other than the maintenance worker performs inappropriate maintenance due to the leakage of the password. In addition, it is possible to prevent a situation where a password change device is handed over to a person other than the maintenance worker and the person other than the maintenance worker performs inappropriate maintenance.

[0096] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1 , when the second IC chip device 102 is mounted in the mounting portion 5 , the password resetting portion 24 can reset the maintenance password stored in the storage portion 6 .

[0097] Thus, even if the maintenance worker forgets the password for maintenance, the password can be reset and maintenance can be performed quickly without notifying the server that manages the passwords and waiting for a new password to be issued. Therefore, it is possible to prevent maintenance from being performed quickly.

[0098] Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus 1 , it is possible to suppress inappropriate maintenance from being performed, and to suppress the occurrence of a situation where maintenance cannot be performed promptly.

[0099] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1, when the second IC chip device 102 mounted on the mounting portion 5 satisfies the usage condition, that is, when the number of times the second IC chip device 102 has been used is less than the number of times it can be used, the password resetting portion 24 can reset the password. Thus, even if the second IC chip device 102 is lost or otherwise handed over to a person other than the maintenance personnel, since the number of times the second IC chip device 102 can be used is limited, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of improper maintenance by a person other than the maintenance personnel.

[0100] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the number of times the second IC chip device 102 can be used is set as the use condition of the second IC chip device 102, but an expiration date may be set as the use condition of the second IC chip device 102. In this case, when the expiration date of the second IC chip device 102 mounted on the mounting portion 5 has not yet arrived, the password resetting portion 24 can reset the password.

[0101] Both the number of usable times and the expiration date may be set as the use condition of the second IC chip device 102. In this case, for example, when the number of uses of the second IC chip device 102 mounted on the mounting portion 5 is less than the number of usable times and the expiration date of the second IC chip device 102 has not yet arrived, the password resetting portion 24 can reset the password. The use condition of the second IC chip device 102 only needs to include at least one of the number of usable times and the expiration date.

[0102] In addition, the use conditions of the second IC chip device 102 may be omitted.

[0103] Alternatively, the above Figure 6 In other words, when the second IC chip device 102 installed in the installation unit 5 satisfies the usage conditions, the step of temporarily setting the initial password for password authentication may be omitted and the mode may be switched to the maintenance mode. In addition, the usage conditions of the second IC chip device 102 may be further omitted, and if the second IC chip device 102 is installed in the installation unit 5, the mode may be directly switched to the maintenance mode.

[0104] Next, a second embodiment in which a part of the above-mentioned first embodiment is modified will be described.

[0105] In the second embodiment, an expiration date is set for the password for maintenance stored in the storage unit 6 .

[0106] In the second embodiment, when changing the maintenance password, the validity period set for the password is input by input operation to the input unit 12. When the validity period set for the password is input, the password change unit 23 sets the input validity period for the password and stores the validity period in association with the password in the storage unit 6.

[0107] A predetermined validity period may be set for the initial password stored as a maintenance password in the storage unit 6 when the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped from the factory, or an validity period input by an input operation on the input unit 12 may be set for the initial password.

[0108] Next, refer to Figure 7 The operation when the image forming apparatus 1 of the second embodiment shifts to the maintenance mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0109] Figure 7 The processing of steps S41 to S44 is the same as that of the aforementioned Figure 2 The processing of steps S1 to S4 is the same.

[0110] In step S44, when the authentication unit 22 determines that the input password does not match the current maintenance password stored in the storage unit 6 (step S44: No), the authentication unit 22 does not permit maintenance and proceeds to step S47.

[0111] When the authentication unit 22 determines that the input password matches the current maintenance password stored in the storage unit 6 (step S44: Yes), in step S45, it determines whether the password is currently within the validity period.

[0112] When the authentication unit 22 determines that the password is within the validity period (step S45: Yes), in step S46, the authentication unit 22 permits maintenance and causes the image forming apparatus 1 to shift to the maintenance mode. In addition, the authentication unit 22 causes the display unit 11 to display the maintenance mode screen 41. Thereafter, the authentication unit 22 proceeds to step S47.

[0113] In step S45 , when the authentication unit 22 determines that the validity period of the password has expired (step S45 : No), the authentication unit 22 does not permit maintenance and proceeds to step S47 .

[0114] The processing of step S47 is the same as that of the above Figure 2The process is the same as that of step S11. If the authentication unit 22 determines in step S47 that the maintenance mode is requested to be terminated (step S47: Yes), a series of processes are terminated.

[0115] Here, when maintenance is instructed by pressing the function button 42 on the maintenance mode screen 41 after transitioning to the maintenance mode and before requesting to end the maintenance mode, the device control unit 21 executes maintenance on the printer unit 2. In addition, when the password change function is selected from the maintenance mode screen 41, the above-mentioned Figure 2 The password is changed by performing the processing of steps S8 to S10.

[0116] As described above, in the second embodiment, an expiration date is set for the password for maintenance. This can prevent improper maintenance by anyone other than the maintenance personnel even if the password is leaked.

[0117] Furthermore, the validity period of the password for maintenance may be determined based on the importance of various maintenances in the image forming apparatus 1 and the frequency of performing the various maintenances. For example, the higher the importance of the maintenance that is most frequently performed, the shorter the validity period of the password may be set. Also, for example, the higher the frequency of performing the maintenance with the highest importance, the shorter the validity period of the password may be set.

[0118] Alternatively, the validity period of the maintenance password may be determined based on the frequency of password leakage. For example, the frequency of password leakage may be estimated to be proportional to the frequency of resetting the password using the second IC chip device 102. The higher the frequency of password resetting, the shorter the validity period of the password may be set.

[0119] Next, a third embodiment in which a part of the above-mentioned first embodiment is changed will be described.

[0120] In the third embodiment, when the second IC chip device 102 installed in the image forming apparatus 1 (installation unit 5 ) is included in the revoked IC chip device list (equivalent to revoked device information), the password resetting unit 24 revoks the second IC chip device 102 .

[0121] Here, the above-mentioned failed IC chip device list shows the failed second IC chip device 102. Specifically, the failed IC chip device list is a list of serial numbers of the failed second IC chip devices 102.

[0122] The failed second IC chip device 102 may be given to a person other than the maintenance personnel due to loss, etc.

[0123] The second IC chip device 102 is in hand.

[0124] The invalid IC chip device list is generated by a server device (not shown) that can be connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a network. Specifically, when the serial number of the second IC chip device 102 that may be handed over to a person other than the maintenance worker due to loss is input, the server device registers the serial number of the second IC chip device 102 in the invalid IC chip device list. Whenever the server device updates the invalid IC chip device list, it sends the invalid IC chip device list to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network. When the image forming apparatus 1 receives the invalid IC chip device list sent by the server device, the authentication unit 22 stores the invalid IC chip device list in the storage unit 6.

[0125] Next, refer to Figure 8 , Fig. 9 The operation of resetting the maintenance password in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0126] Figure 8 The processing of steps S51 and S52 is the same as that of the aforementioned Figure 6 The processing of steps S21 and S22 is the same.

[0127] When the password resetting unit 24 determines in step S52 that the second IC chip device 102 satisfies the usage condition (step S52: Yes), in step S53, it determines whether the second IC chip device 102 installed in the installation unit 5 is included in the invalid IC chip device list stored in the storage unit 6.

[0128] Specifically, the password resetting unit 24 obtains the serial number of the second IC chip device 102 from the second IC chip device 102 installed in the installation unit 5. Here, the serial number of the second IC chip device 102 is pre-stored in the second IC chip device 102. When the serial number of the second IC chip device 102 installed in the installation unit 5 is included in the invalid IC chip device list, the password resetting unit 24 determines that the second IC chip device 102 is included in the invalid IC chip device list.

[0129] When the password resetting unit 24 determines that the second IC chip device 102 installed in the installation unit 5 is not included in the invalid IC chip device list (step S53: No), the process proceeds to step S54. The processing of steps S54 to S62 is the same as that of the above-mentioned Figure 6 The processing of steps S23 to S31 is the same.

[0130] When the password resetting unit 24 determines that the second IC chip device 102 installed in the installation unit 5 is included in the disabled IC chip device list (step S53: Yes), in step S63, the password resetting unit 24 writes the disabled information to the second IC chip device 102. Thus, the second IC chip device 102 is disabled, and a series of processes are terminated.

[0131] As described above, in the third embodiment, when the second IC chip device 102 installed in the image forming apparatus 1 is included in the disabled IC chip device list, the password resetting unit 24 disables the second IC chip device 102. Thus, even if the second IC chip device 102 is lost and may be handed over to a person other than the maintenance personnel, the second IC chip device 102 can be disabled, thereby preventing improper maintenance by a person other than the maintenance personnel.

[0132] Furthermore, in the third embodiment described above, the server generates the disabled IC chip device list and the image forming apparatus 1 obtains the disabled IC chip device list from the server. However, the image forming apparatus 1 may generate the disabled IC chip device list.

[0133] Alternatively, instead of the image forming apparatus 1 obtaining the disabled IC chip device list from the server, the server may determine whether the second IC chip device 102 installed in the installation unit 5 is included in the disabled IC chip device list, and the image forming apparatus 1 may obtain the result from the server.

[0134] In addition, when the image forming device 1 is in an environment where it cannot connect to the server device via the network, the image forming device 1 may obtain a list of failed IC chip devices from the server device with the help of a dedicated device such as a tablet terminal that can be connected to the image forming device 1 via a USB cable, etc. and can be connected to the server device via the network.

[0135] Alternatively, the disabled IC chip device list may be embedded in the firmware of the image forming apparatus 1 , and the disabled IC chip device list may be updated when the firmware is updated.

[0136] Alternatively, the disabled IC chip device list may be downloaded to the imaging device from an external medium such as a USB memory storing the disabled IC chip device list.

[0137] In addition, in the above-mentioned third embodiment, the serial number of the second IC chip device 102 is used as the information indicating the failed second IC chip device 102 in the failed IC chip device list, but other information can also be used, and the serial number of the second IC chip device 102 can also be combined with other information.

[0138] In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, an expiration date may be set for the password for maintenance.

[0139] Next, a fourth embodiment in which a part of the above-mentioned first embodiment is modified will be described.

[0140] Fig.10 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. Fig.10 As shown, the image forming apparatus 1A according to the fourth embodiment is configured by adding a GPS receiving unit 61 to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0141] The GPS receiving unit 61 receives signals from GPS satellites via an antenna (not shown).

[0142] In the image forming apparatus 1A, the authentication unit 22 obtains the current position of the image forming apparatus 1A based on the signal from the GPS satellite received by the GPS receiving unit 61. In addition, when the image forming apparatus 1A moves more than a predetermined distance and there is no problem with the maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1A before the movement, the authentication unit 22 permits the maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1A without performing password authentication.

[0143] Here, maintenance problems include not performing necessary maintenance and performing inappropriate maintenance. The predetermined distance is set in advance as a moving distance, and the moving distance is estimated to be a relatively long distance movement such as when the image forming apparatus 1A moves between different companies.

[0144] Next, refer to Fig.11 The operation of the image forming apparatus 1A when shifting to the maintenance mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0145] Fig.11 The processing of step S71 is the same as that of the aforementioned Figure 2 When the authentication unit 22 determines in step S71 that a request to shift to the maintenance mode is made (step S71: "Yes"), in step S72, it determines whether the request to shift to the maintenance mode is the first request to shift to the maintenance mode after the image forming apparatus 1A has moved more than a predetermined distance.

[0146] Here, the authentication unit 22 periodically or irregularly calculates the position of the image forming apparatus 1A based on the signal from the GPS satellite, and stores the calculated position of the image forming apparatus 1A in the storage unit 6. When the distance between the position of the image forming apparatus 1A calculated this time and the position of the image forming apparatus 1A calculated last time is greater than a predetermined distance, the authentication unit 22 determines that the image forming apparatus 1A has moved greater than the predetermined distance.

[0147] When the authentication unit 22 determines that the request to shift to the maintenance mode this time is the first request to shift to the maintenance mode after the image forming device 1A has moved more than the specified distance (step S72: "Yes"), in step S73, it determines whether a maintenance error flag described later is stored in the storage unit 6, which is a maintenance error flag based on the most recent maintenance before the image forming device 1A moved more than the specified distance.

[0148] If the authentication unit 22 determines that the storage unit 6 does not store a maintenance error flag based on the most recent maintenance before the image forming apparatus 1A moved by a predetermined distance or more (step S73: No), the process proceeds to step S74. The processing of steps S74 and S75 is the same as that of the above-mentioned Figure 7 The processing of steps S46 and S47 is the same.

[0149] Here, when maintenance is instructed by pressing the function button 42 on the maintenance mode screen 41 after the transition to the maintenance mode in step S74 and before the request to end the maintenance mode, the device control unit 21 executes maintenance on the printer unit 2. In addition, when the password change function is selected from the maintenance mode screen 41, the above-mentioned Figure 2 The password is changed by performing the processing of steps S8 to S10.

[0150] As described above, when the authentication unit 22 determines that the maintenance error flag based on the most recent maintenance before the image forming apparatus 1A moved more than the prescribed distance is not stored in the storage unit 6 (step S73: No), the maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1A is permitted without password authentication, and the image forming apparatus 1A is shifted to the maintenance mode. Here, as described later, the fact that the maintenance error flag based on the most recent maintenance before the image forming apparatus 1A moved more than the prescribed distance is not stored in the storage unit 6 means that there was no problem with the maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1A before the movement.

[0151] If the authentication unit 22 determines in step S72 that the request to shift to the maintenance mode is not the first request to shift to the maintenance mode after the image forming apparatus 1A has moved more than the prescribed distance (step S72: No), the process proceeds to step S76. If the authentication unit 22 determines in step S73 that the maintenance error flag is stored in the storage unit 6 (step S73: Yes), the process proceeds to step S76. The processes of steps S76 to S78 are similar to those of the above-mentioned Figure 2 The processing of steps S2 to S4 is the same.

[0152] When the authentication unit 22 determines in step S78 that the input password is consistent with the current maintenance password stored in the storage unit 6 (step S78: "Yes"), the maintenance is permitted and the process proceeds to step S74. When the authentication unit 22 determines that the input password is inconsistent with the current maintenance password stored in the storage unit 6 (step S78: "No"), the maintenance is not permitted and the process proceeds to step S75.

[0153] Here, the maintenance error flag described above is explained. Among the various maintenance in the image forming apparatus 1A, there is maintenance that is set to be performed when a specified execution condition is met. For example, there is maintenance that is set to be performed when the number of printed sheets after the previous maintenance reaches a specified number of sheets, and maintenance that is set to be performed regularly. If such maintenance is not performed after a specified period of time has passed since the execution condition is met, the authentication unit 22 determines that the required maintenance is not performed, and stores the maintenance error flag in the storage unit 6.

[0154] Furthermore, if a problem such as a failure of a part related to maintenance occurs within a predetermined period after maintenance is performed on the image forming apparatus 1A, the authentication unit 22 determines that inappropriate maintenance has been performed and stores a maintenance error flag in the storage unit 6 .

[0155] That is, the maintenance error flag indicates that there is a maintenance problem in the image forming apparatus 1A. Therefore, the fact that the maintenance error flag based on the most recent maintenance before the image forming apparatus 1A moved by a predetermined distance or more is not stored in the storage unit 6 means that there was no problem with the maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1A before the movement. Here, as described above, the maintenance problem includes not performing necessary maintenance and performing inappropriate maintenance.

[0156] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1A, when the image forming apparatus 1A moves over a predetermined distance and there is no problem with the maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1A before the movement, the authentication unit 22 permits the maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1A without performing password authentication. Thus, when the image forming apparatus 1A moves a relatively long distance such as between different companies and the image forming apparatus 1A needs to be maintained quickly at the moving destination, the request can be met, thereby improving convenience.

[0157] Furthermore, when maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1A is permitted without password authentication as described above, maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1A may be permitted up to a prescribed number of times without password authentication while the image forming apparatus 1A does not move more than a prescribed distance thereafter.

[0158] Furthermore, when the maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1A is permitted without password authentication as described above, the maintenance may be permitted and the mode may be shifted to the maintenance mode in response to an operation on the input unit 12 for shifting to the maintenance mode.

[0159] In the fourth embodiment, as in the second embodiment, an expiration date may be set for the password for maintenance.

[0160] In the fourth embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, when the second IC chip device 102 mounted on the image forming apparatus 1A is included in the disabled IC chip device list, the second IC chip device 102 may be disabled.

[0161] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the image forming apparatus is described as the maintenance-receiving apparatus. However, the maintenance-receiving apparatus may be any apparatus requiring maintenance and is not limited to the image forming apparatus.

[0162] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the second IC chip device 102 is installed to reset the password in the image forming apparatus 1 (1A), but the aforementioned dedicated device may be connected to the image forming apparatus 1 (1A) and the password may be reset using an application installed in the dedicated device.

[0163] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, two-step authentication using IC card authentication and password authentication may be performed.

[0164] In this case, when the transition to the maintenance mode is requested, the authentication unit 22 causes the display unit 11 to display a message instructing the maintenance worker to hold the IC card held by the maintenance worker to the IC card reader (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus 1 (1A). When the maintenance worker holds the IC card to the IC card reader, the IC card reader obtains the maintenance worker's identification information (ID) from the IC card. The authentication unit 22 transmits the maintenance worker's identification information obtained by the IC card reader from the IC card and an authentication request including the serial number of the image forming apparatus 1 (1A) to the server device.

[0165] When the maintenance worker indicated by the identification information included in the authentication request is registered as a maintenance worker who can maintain the image forming apparatus 1 (1A) which is the source of the authentication request, the server device which receives the authentication request sends a maintenance permission signal to the image forming apparatus 1 (1A) which is the source of the authentication request.

[0166] When the image forming apparatus 1 (1A) receives the maintenance permission signal, the authentication unit 22 Figure 3 The password input screen 31 is displayed on the display unit 11. When the password is input and the input password matches the current maintenance password stored in the storage unit 6, the authentication unit 22 permits maintenance and shifts the image forming apparatus 1 (1A) to the maintenance mode.

[0167] By performing two-step authentication in this way, the security of the image forming apparatus 1 ( 1A) can be improved.

[0168] In addition, when performing two-stage authentication, the aforementioned dedicated device may be connected to the image forming apparatus 1 (1A), and the image forming apparatus 1 (1A) may obtain the identification information (ID) input by the maintenance worker into the dedicated device instead of obtaining the maintenance worker's identification information from the IC card.

[0169] The present invention is not directly limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and the structural elements can be deformed and concretized in the implementation stage without departing from the scope of its main purpose. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriate combinations of multiple structural elements disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, some structural elements can also be deleted from all the structural elements shown in the embodiments.

[0170] The present invention has, for example, the following structure.

[0171] (Note 1)

[0172] An authentication device comprises: a storage unit that stores a password for allowing maintenance of a maintained device; a change unit that can change the password without installing a device for changing the password on the authentication device; and a reset unit that can reset the password when a specified external device is installed on the authentication device.

[0173] (Note 2)

[0174] In the authentication device described in Appendix 1, the specified external device may be set with a usage condition including at least one of a number of uses and an expiration date, and the resetting unit may reset the password when the specified external device satisfies the usage condition.

[0175] (Note 3)

[0176] In the authentication device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, an expiration date may be set for the password.

[0177] (Note 4)

[0178] In the authentication device described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 3, when the disabled device information indicating the disabled specified external device includes the specified external device installed in the authentication device, the resetting unit may disable the specified external device installed in the authentication device.

[0179] (Note 5)

[0180] In the authentication device described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 4, it is also possible that the authentication unit is further provided, and the authentication unit permits maintenance of the maintained device by password authentication using the password. It is also possible that the authentication unit permits maintenance of the maintained device without performing the password authentication when the maintained device moves more than a specified distance and there is no problem with the maintenance of the maintained device before the movement.

[0181] (Note 6)

[0182] An authentication method comprises the following steps: the password stored in the storage unit of the authentication device can be changed without installing a device for changing the password on the authentication device, the password being used to allow maintenance of the maintained device; when a specified external device is installed on the authentication device, the password can be reset.

[0183] (Note 7)

[0184] A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method of Note 6 are executed.

Claims

1. An authentication device comprising: a storage unit storing a password for allowing maintenance of the device to be maintained; a changing unit capable of changing the password without installing a predetermined external device for changing the password in the authentication device; as well as a resetting unit capable of resetting the password when the predetermined external device is installed in the authentication device, Wherein, the authentication device is configured as: When a maintenance worker of the device to be maintained remembers the password, the password can be changed by the changing unit without installing the predetermined external device in the authentication device, and When the maintenance worker forgets the password, the password can be reset by the reset unit by attaching the predetermined external device to the authentication device.

2. The authentication device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The predetermined external device is set with a usage condition including at least one of the number of times it can be used and the validity period. The resetting unit may reset the password when the predetermined external device satisfies the usage condition.

3. The authentication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The password is set with an expiration date.

4. The authentication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the disabled device information indicating the disabled external device includes the predetermined external device mounted on the authentication device, the resetting unit disables the predetermined external device mounted on the authentication device.

5. The authentication device according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the disabled device information indicating the disabled external device includes the predetermined external device mounted on the authentication device, the resetting unit disables the predetermined external device mounted on the authentication device.

6. The authentication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: further comprising an authentication unit configured to permit maintenance of the device to be maintained by password authentication using the password, The authentication unit permits maintenance of the device to be maintained without performing the password authentication when the device to be maintained moves a predetermined distance or more and there is no problem with maintenance of the device to be maintained before the movement.

7. The authentication device according to claim 3, characterized in that: further comprising an authentication unit configured to permit maintenance of the device to be maintained by password authentication using the password, The authentication unit permits maintenance of the device to be maintained without performing the password authentication when the device to be maintained moves a predetermined distance or more and there is no problem with maintenance of the device to be maintained before the movement.

8. The authentication device according to claim 4, characterized in that: further comprising an authentication unit configured to permit maintenance of the device to be maintained by password authentication using the password, The authentication unit permits maintenance of the device to be maintained without performing the password authentication when the device to be maintained moves a predetermined distance or more and there is no problem with maintenance of the device to be maintained before the movement.

9. The authentication device according to claim 5, characterized in that: further comprising an authentication unit configured to permit maintenance of the device to be maintained by password authentication using the password, The authentication unit permits maintenance of the device to be maintained without performing the password authentication when the device to be maintained moves a predetermined distance or more and there is no problem with maintenance of the device to be maintained before the movement.

10. An authentication method comprising the following steps: When a maintenance worker of the device to be maintained remembers a password stored in a storage unit of the authentication device, the password for permitting maintenance of the device to be maintained can be changed without installing a predetermined external device for changing the password in the authentication device; and When the maintenance worker forgets the password, the password can be reset when the predetermined external device is attached to the authentication device.

11. A computer-readable storage medium, A computer program is stored on the storage medium. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the authentication method according to claim 10 are performed.

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