Communication system and information processing apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication system and an information processing apparatus. A communication system includes an image generation server configured to perform rendering of web content, and an information processing apparatus configured to execute a first application configured to manage and acquire web content related to a result of the rendering using first management information, the communication system includes one or more controllers, the one or more controllers including one or more processors and one or more memories, the one or more controllers configured to: create a second application, a second application configured to manage and acquire network content based on a result of the rendering using second management information different from the first management information; and setting authentication information for the second application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system and an information processing device. Background Art

[0002] There are widely available communication terminals that include a web browser (hereinafter referred to as a browser) and have a function of viewing a web page on the browser. Displaying a web page of an external service through the browser allows the communication terminal to cooperate with the external service.

[0003] External services may include private information and require user authentication to protect the private information. However, the browser has a function of saving user authentication information. Using this function allows the user to use the saved user authentication information to pass the user authentication of the external service and access the external service.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-122778 discusses function-based authentication in which a user is identified through user management and the use of each application by the user is enabled or restricted. In function-based authentication, an application selection menu is displayed when the image forming device is started. User authentication is required only when the application selected by the user is not available to all users. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-122778 discusses a technology by which a copy application is available to all users, while a scan and send application is available only to users who have passed user authentication.

[0005] However, one image forming apparatus may be operated by a plurality of users. If a web browser in an image forming apparatus operated by a plurality of users saves authentication information for accessing an external service, an unauthorized user may be able to access the external service. Summary of the invention

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is directed to easily achieving user authentication when accessing an external service at an image forming apparatus.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a communication system includes an image generation server configured to perform rendering of network content and an information processing device configured to execute a first application, wherein the first application is configured to use first management information to manage and obtain network content related to the rendering result, and the communication system includes one or more controllers, wherein the one or more controllers include one or more processors and one or more memories, and the one or more controllers are configured to: create a second application, wherein the second application is configured to use second management information different from the first management information to manage and obtain network content based on the rendering result; and set authentication information for the second application.

[0008] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus.

[0010] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a software configuration of the image forming apparatus.

[0011] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on the image forming apparatus.

[0012] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of an application setting screen.

[0013] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a process performed by an application.

[0014] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Each is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a process executed by a shortcut.

[0015] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B is a diagram showing an example of setting information held by a shortcut.

[0016] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence for creating a shortcut.

[0017] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence for executing a shortcut.

[0018] Fig.10 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence after application startup.

[0019] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following exemplary embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention according to the claims. In addition, not all feature combinations in the exemplary embodiments are used in the solution provided by the present invention. In the exemplary embodiments, an image forming device is listed as an example of an information processing device, but the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0021] Fig.11 is a diagram showing an example of an overall configuration of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] exist Fig.11 In the system shown, when a user views a screen of an image forming device 1101, the user operates the image forming device 1101 to input a URL of a web content server 1105 containing web content that the user wishes to browse. Upon receiving the input, the image forming device 1101 transmits the URL of the web content server 1105 to the image generation system 1100, which is a cloud-based information processing system, via a router 1104.

[0023] The image forming apparatus 1101 has a function of printing an image or a function of transmitting image data generated by scanning to a destination. Fig.11 An example in which three image forming apparatuses are connected is shown, but any number of connections may be made. Image forming apparatus 1101 , image forming apparatus 1102 , and image forming apparatus 1103 are identical in configuration, and only image forming apparatus 1101 will be described hereinafter.

[0024] The browser 1108 in the virtual computer 1107 of the image generation system 1100 receives the URL of the web content server 1105 transmitted by the image forming apparatus 1101 via the gateway 1106. Then, the browser 1108 accesses the web content server 1105 corresponding to the received URL via the gateway 1106. The web content server 1105 generates the web content of the requested URL and transmits the web content to the browser 1108 as the requester. The image generation system is constituted by the image generation server.

[0025] The authentication server 1110 is a server that performs authentication processing when the image forming apparatus 1101 accesses the network content server 1105. The authentication server 1110 is specifically an example of an authentication site such as Oauth.

[0026] The browser 1108 generates a rendering result of the web content received from the web content server 1105. Then, the browser 1108 sends the generated rendering result of the web content to the image forming device 1101 via the gateway 1106. The image forming device 1101 receives the rendering result of the web page content sent by the image generation system 1100, and provides the web page content to the user by displaying the received rendering result.

[0027] In the system of the cloud web browser, in addition to the image forming apparatus 1101 , a plurality of image forming apparatuses such as image forming apparatuses 1102 and 1103 may be connected.

[0028] Figure 11 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 1101 according to the present exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the present exemplary embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1101 will be described as an example. The image forming apparatus 1101 includes a controller unit 100. The controller unit 100 is connected to a scanner 170 as an image input device, a printer 195 as an image output device, and an operation unit 112. The controller unit 100 performs control to realize a copy function of reading a document by the scanner 170 and printing the generated image data on a sheet by the printer 195.

[0029] The controller unit 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101. The CPU 101 boots an operating system (OS) using a boot program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 103. The CPU 101 runs a program stored in a storage device 104 on the OS to implement various processes. As a work area of ​​the CPU 101, a random access memory (RAM) 102 is used. The RAM 102 provides a working storage space and an image memory storage space for temporarily storing image data. The storage device 104 stores programs and image data.

[0030] The CPU 101 is connected to a ROM 103, a RAM 102, and an operation unit interface (I / F) 106 via a system bus 107. The CPU 101 is also connected to a network I / F 110, a universal serial bus (USB) host I / F 113, and an image bus I / F 105. The operation unit I / F 106 is an interface with an operation unit 112 including a touch panel, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 112 to the operation unit 112. The operation unit I / F 106 sends information input by a user through the operation unit 112 to the CPU 101. The network I / F 110 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 1101 to a local area network (LAN).

[0031] The USB host I / F 113 is an interface unit that communicates with the USB storage device 114. The USB host I / F 113 is an output unit for storing data in the storage device 104 into the USB storage device 114. The USB host I / F 113 inputs data stored in the USB storage device 114 and transmits the data to the CPU 101. The USB storage device 114 is an external storage device that stores data and is detachably attached to the USB host I / F 113. The USB host I / F 113 can be connected to a plurality of USB devices including the USB storage device 114.

[0032] The current time is controlled by a real time clock (RTC) 115. The time information controlled by the RTC 115 is used to record the job input time and other information.

[0033] The image bus I / F 105 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 107 and the image bus 108 for transmitting image data at high speed and converting the data format. On the image bus 108, a device I / F 120, a scanner image processing unit 180, and a printer image processing unit 190 are provided. The device I / F 120 is connected to the scanner 170 and the printer 195. The device I / F 120 performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. The scanner image processing unit 180 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit 190 performs correction, resolution conversion, and other processing on the printout image data of the printer 195.

[0034] Figure 2 11 is a diagram showing a software configuration of the image forming apparatus 1101 according to the present exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The units indicated by the solid lines in are software modules realized by the CPU 101 executing the main program loaded into the RAM 102. The main program manages and controls the execution of the modules described below through the OS 210.

[0035] The user interface (UI) control unit 252 displays a screen on the operation unit 112 and receives a user's operation through the operation unit I / F 106. The UI control unit 252 also has a function of issuing a notification to another module and controlling screen update in response to a rendering instruction from another module.

[0036] The job control unit 251 is a module that controls job processing such as copying, scanning, and printing in response to a job execution instruction from the UI control unit 252. The network (NW) control unit 254 controls the network I / F 110 in response to a communication request from another module and controls communication with an external device. The NW control unit 254 also receives a notification from an external device and transmits the notification to another module.

[0037] The storage control unit 253 manages setting information and job information recorded in the storage device 104. Each module at the OS level accesses the storage control unit 253 to refer to setting values ​​and perform settings.

[0038] The external storage cooperation application 220 is a submodule for controlling an application for cooperation with an external storage device included in the OS 210. Any number of submodules may be included in the OS.

[0039] When receiving notification of the user's operation from the UI control unit 252, the overall control unit 241 of the external storage cooperative application 220 determines details of the user's operation. If the user's operation involves communication with an external storage device, the external storage cooperative application 220 performs external communication through the NW control unit 254.

[0040] The external storage cooperation application 220 instructs the UI control unit 252 to update the rendering in response to the result of the communication. Information for communicating with the external storage device is acquired by receiving an input from the user or referring to the setting saving unit (not shown). If the user's operation involves scanning or printing, the external storage cooperation application 220 instructs the job control unit 251 to make a request.

[0041] Upon receiving a start request from the UI control unit 252, the shortcut creation application 230 causes the operation unit 112 to display the following Figure 3B . Upon receiving notification of the user's operation from the UI control unit 252, the shortcut creation unit 231 performs a creation process of a shortcut button (hereinafter referred to as a button) 354 of the external storage cooperative application. If user authentication using an authentication code is selected when creating the button 354, the shortcut creation unit 231 requests the authentication code generation unit 232 to generate a unique authentication code associated with the shortcut. Figure 3B A personal identification number (PIN) is shown as an example of the authentication code, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the authentication may be fingerprint authentication or ID card authentication.

[0042] The authentication code generation unit 232 generates a unique authentication code and stores the authentication code in the storage control unit 253. The authentication code generation unit 232 also stores information about the button name input when creating the button 354 in the storage control unit 253. Figure 3B The input setting information shown in is stored in the storage control unit 253.

[0043] Figure 2 The external storage cooperative application shortcut (hereinafter referred to as application shortcut) 240 shown is an application having functions equivalent to those of the external storage cooperative application created by the shortcut creation application 230. Although the term "shortcut" is used, it is intended here to create management information about the external storage cooperative application (refer to the following description) Figure 7B )Different applications.

[0044] The application shortcut 240 is not just a copy of the external storage cooperation application 220, but includes the following Fig. 7A The external storage cooperation destination and user information saved as shown in . If there are multiple application shortcuts 240, the external storage contact and the saved user information can be made different from each other. The number of shortcuts created is arbitrary.

[0045] When receiving the notification of the user's operation from the UI control unit 252, the overall control unit 241 of the application shortcut 240 refers to the authentication code checking unit 242. Specifically, the overall control unit 241 determines whether a PIN code is set or whether a startup URL as address information about the access destination at the time of startup is set. If the PIN code is set, the following is displayed: Figure 3D The authentication screen 390 shown in FIG. 1 is displayed to wait for the user's input.

[0046] The application shortcut 240 and the external storage cooperative application 220 each have identification information. Therefore, in the case of executing the external storage cooperative application 220, information such as the operation history and settings of the browser 1108 are stored in the image generation system 1100 in association with the identification information indicating the external storage cooperative application 220. Similarly, in the case of executing the application shortcut 240, information such as the operation history and settings of the browser 1108 are stored in the image generation system 1100 in association with the identification information indicating the application shortcut 240. Therefore, for example, in the case of executing the application shortcut 240, the image generation system 1100 renders a web page according to the identification information indicating the application shortcut 240 and the start URL information described below. Then, the image forming device 1101 acquires web content based on the rendering result.

[0047] When receiving the notification of the user's operation from the UI control unit 252, the overall control unit 241 requests the authentication code checking unit 242 to check the input PIN code with the preset PIN code. The authentication code checking unit 242 refers to the setting preservation unit (not shown) to obtain the PIN code associated with the shortcut. The authentication code checking unit 242 returns the verification result of the obtained PIN code with the PIN code input by the user to the overall control unit 241. If the verification result is true, the overall control unit 241 provides the user with a function equivalent to an external storage cooperative application. For example, if a startup URL (address information for access at startup) is set in field 451, the overall control unit 241 communicates with the specified URL through the NW control unit 254. Specifically, the overall control unit 241 accesses the network content server 1105 via the image generation system 1100. In response to the result of the communication, the overall control unit 241 requests the UI control unit 252 to update the screen display. If the verification result is false, the overall control unit 241 requests the UI control unit 252 to display a message indicating that the input PIN code is inappropriate.

[0048] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D The screen shown in FIG. 1 is formed by CPU 101 executing Figure 2 , and is generated by a program of the UI control unit 252 shown in , and is displayed on the operation unit 112 .

[0049] Figure 3A 11 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen displayed on the image forming apparatus 1101 .

[0050] Figure 3A An example in which five icons are displayed on the home screen 300 is shown, but any number of buttons may be displayed. In the present exemplary embodiment, the button refers to an icon.

[0051] Button 310 is an example of a button related to the copy function. Button 330 is an example of a button related to the scan function. Button 320 is an example of an external storage cooperative application button. Figure 4 If the check box 410 shown in FIG. 4 is checked to cooperate with the external storage, the button 320 is displayed on the home screen. If any button is selected, the function associated with the button is executed.

[0052] Figure 3B 34 is a diagram showing an example of a shortcut creation screen 370 displayed on the operation unit 112 when the button 346 is selected. The shortcut name 341 receives input of a title to be displayed on the home screen together with the shortcut. If the acceptance button 345 is selected without inputting any title, the shortcut creation unit 231 sets the button name.

[0053] Radio button 342 provides an option of whether to add a user authentication function when creating a shortcut to an external storage cooperative application. If the user selects yes, a PIN code input field 343 appears and displays a unique PIN code generated by the shortcut creation unit 231. If the user changes the selection from yes to no, the PIN code displayed in the PIN code input field 343 is discarded. If the user selects yes again, the authentication code generation unit 232 generates and displays a unique PIN code in the PIN code input field 343. The generated PIN code may be different from the PIN code originally displayed, but they are both unique PIN codes associated with the shortcut.

[0054] If the user selects the cancel button 344, the screen display returns to Figure 3A . When the cancel button 344 is selected, the information input before selecting the cancel button 344 is discarded. If the user selects the accept button 345, the shortcut creation unit 231 creates a shortcut (e.g., shortcut 354) based on the input information. After the creation is completed, the screen display switches to Figure 3C If the creation fails, an error message is displayed, such as "Shortcut creation has failed". When a certain period of time has passed since the start of the creation of the shortcut 354, the screen display returns to Figure 3A Home screen 300 shown in FIG.

[0055] Figure 3C is a diagram showing an example of the home screen 380 displayed on the image forming apparatus 1101. Figure 3A Unlike the home screen 300 shown in FIG. 3 , the home screen 380 additionally includes a button 354. The button 354 is a shortcut to the external storage cooperative application added by the user. When the user selects the button 354 in the case where the user authentication function is provided for the shortcut of the button 354, the external storage cooperative application is opened when the external storage cooperative application is started. Figure 3D 390 shown in the figure, to request the user to enter the user authentication information (PIN code). If the user authentication function is not provided for the shortcut of button 354, the shortcut will not be opened. Figure 3D The screen shown in .

[0056] Figure 3D 3 is a diagram showing an example of an authentication screen 390 on which input of user authentication information is requested, which is displayed when the button 354 is selected in the case where the user authentication function is provided. Figure 3D When the authentication screen 390 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed, the user selects the PIN code input field 351 and enters the PIN code displayed when creating a shortcut. When the user selects the accept button 353 after the input, the authentication code checking unit 242 checks the input PIN code with the PIN code associated with the selected button 354.

[0057] If the check result is true, the user can use the function associated with button 354. If the check result is false, a message such as "PIN incorrect" is displayed for a certain period of time and then the Figure 3D If the user selects the cancel button 352, the screen display returns to Figure 3C The home screen 380 shown in FIG. In this case, the information input before selecting the cancel button 352 is discarded.

[0058] Figure 4 11 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen of an external storage cooperation application. If the image forming apparatus 1101 has a server function, the setting screen is also displayed when a website at a specific URL is accessed via a web browser in a user terminal connected to the network, such as a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone.

[0059] The user operates the setting screen to set the function of the external storage cooperative application. In the case of using the external storage cooperative function, the user checks the check box 410. When the check box 410 is checked, the button 320 is displayed. In addition, the check box 420 and subsequent check boxes become editable.

[0060] Checking the check box 420 allows the user to create an application using a shortcut. When the check box 420 is checked, the operation unit 112 displays the button 346 on the home screen. In addition, the check box 430 and subsequent check boxes become editable. That is, when the check box 420 is checked, the creation of a shortcut is allowed.

[0061] Checking the check box 430 allows the user to create a shortcut to the external storage cooperative application. In addition, the check box 440 and the subsequent check boxes become editable. Although it is enabled to create a shortcut in this example, it is also possible to enable the creation of multiple shortcuts. In the field 431, the input of the title to be displayed with the shortcut created on the home screen is received. When the user selects the accept button 470 without any input, the shortcut creation unit 231 sets the button name.

[0062] Checking the check box 440 allows the user to add a user authentication function to the created shortcut. When the check box 440 is checked, the authentication code generation unit 232 automatically generates a unique PIN code associated with the shortcut and displays the PIN code in the field 441. When the check box 440 is not checked, the field 441 is updated to a blank, and the displayed PIN code is discarded. When the user selects the check box 440 again, the authentication code generation unit 232 generates a unique PIN code and updates the display. Although the generated PIN code may be different from the PIN code displayed for the first time, they are all unique PIN codes associated with the shortcut. Although a PIN code is generated in this example, the user can set the PIN code.

[0063] Selecting the check box 450 and specifying a URL allows the user to specify a URL to be displayed first when the shortcut is executed. In field 451, input of an arbitrary URL is received. When the user selects the accept button 470 without any input, the shortcut creation unit 231 sets the startup URL.

[0064] Some image forming applications can acquire installation location information. If the image forming device has such capability to acquire location information, a check box 460 is displayed. If the image forming device does not have such capability, the check box 460 is not displayed. Checking the check box 460 allows the user to switch between activation and deactivation of the authentication function according to the location.

[0065] In the field 461, input of arbitrary position information is received. When the acceptance button 470 is selected without any input, the function of the check box 460 is deactivated.

[0066] The information set in the check boxes 410 to 460 is provided via the network I / F 110 and recorded in the image forming apparatus 1101 .

[0067] Figure 5 2 is a flowchart of a process executed by an application to create a shortcut for accessing an external storage device. The external storage cooperation application 220, the shortcut creation application 230, and the application shortcut 240 are executed by the CPU 101 running a program stored in the storage device 104 on the OS.

[0068] In step S510 , the operation unit I / F 106 detects the selection of the button 346 , and the CPU 101 loads the shortcut creation application 230 associated with the button 346 to the RAM 102 and executes the shortcut creation application 230 .

[0069] In step S520, the shortcut creation unit 231 requests the UI control unit 252 to display the Figure 3B The shortcut creation form screen shown in . When the display is completed, the process proceeds to step S530.

[0070] In step S530, the shortcut creation unit 231 determines whether to use the authentication code. The shortcut creation unit 231 successively acquires user input information from the UI control unit 252. The shortcut creation unit 231 determines the information input through the radio button 342 in the input information. If yes is selected (yes in step S530), the shortcut creation unit 231 determines to use the authentication code, and the process proceeds to step S531. If no is selected (no in step S530), the shortcut creation unit 231 determines not to use the authentication code, and the process proceeds to step S540.

[0071] In step S531, the shortcut creation unit 231 requests the authentication code generation unit 232 to generate an authentication code. The authentication code generation unit 232 generates a unique PIN code associated with the shortcut, and returns the PIN code to the shortcut creation unit 231. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S532.

[0072] In step S532, the shortcut creation unit 231 requests the UI control unit 252 to Figure 3B The generated PIN code is displayed in the PIN code input field 343 shown in FIG.

[0073] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S540.

[0074] In step S540, the shortcut creation unit 231 determines whether the accept button 345 has been selected. If the accept button 345 has been selected (yes in step S540), the process proceeds to step S550. If the accept button 345 has not been selected (no in step S540), the shortcut creation unit 231 waits for the user's input.

[0075] In step S550, the shortcut creation unit 231 processes and saves the user input information. Fig. 7A An example of the processing result saved in the storage control unit 253 is shown. If the shortcut name 341 is specified according to the user input information, the input is saved in the storage control unit 253 as the name 710 (shortcut name). If the shortcut name 341 is not specified, the shortcut creation unit 231 generates an arbitrary shortcut name, such as "User 1", and saves the shortcut name in the storage control unit 253. If a PIN code has been generated in step S531, the shortcut creation unit 231 saves the setting "user authentication exists" and the generated unique PIN code in the storage control unit 253. After that, the process proceeds to step S560.

[0076] In step S560, the shortcut creation unit 231 creates a shortcut based on the information saved in the storage control unit 253 in step S550. The created shortcut is, for example, Figure 3C . If the shortcut creation is successful, the processing in the flow ends. If the shortcut creation fails, the processing proceeds to step S561. In step S561, the shortcut creation unit 231 displays a message such as "Shortcut creation has failed" on the UI control unit 252 for a certain period of time. The processing of creating a shortcut for accessing the external storage device performed by the application ends.

[0077] Fig. 6A 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a user authentication process performed by a shortcut for accessing an external storage device in a case where the user management function is activated in the image forming apparatus 1101 .

[0078] In step S610, the OS of the image forming device 1101 executes the user management function of the image forming device 1101. The OS of the image forming device 1101 displays a login request set by the user management function on the operation unit I / F 106. For example, the login request varies according to the settings in the image forming device 1101 and involves ID card authentication or the input of an ID set for each user. Any means can be used as long as the user management function is executed. The OS of the image forming device 1101 obtains user input information from the operation unit I / F 106. The OS of the image forming device 1101 determines whether the user input information matches the user who is the target of user management. If the user matches (yes in step S610), the process proceeds to step S620. If the user does not match, that is, the user is not managed (no in step S610), the process proceeds to step S611.

[0079] In step S611, the OS of the image forming apparatus 1101 displays an error message such as "Input information is incorrect" on the operation unit I / F 306. In step S620, the OS of the image forming apparatus 1101 displays an error message such as "Input information is incorrect" on the operation unit I / F 106. Figure 3A Home screen 300 shown in FIG.

[0080] The OS receives the user's operation and processes the user's request. If the user selects the button 346 for shortcut creation, the process proceeds to step S630.

[0081] In step S630, the operation unit I / F 106 detects the selection of the button 346, the CPU 101 loads the application shortcut 240 associated with the button 346 to the RAM 102 and executes the application shortcut 240. The overall control unit 241 refers to the storage control unit 253 to check the presence or absence of setting of the user authentication 720. If the user authentication is set (Yes in step S630), the process proceeds to step S631.

[0082] If user authentication has not been set (NO in step S630 ), the process proceeds to step S640 .

[0083] In step S631, the application shortcut 240 requests the UI control unit 252 to display, for example, Figure 3D The screen for requesting user authentication shown in . The application shortcut 240 determines whether the acceptance button 353 has been selected. If the acceptance button 353 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S633. If the acceptance button 353 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S630.

[0084] In step S633, the overall control unit 241 obtains the user input information. Then, the overall control unit 241 requests the authentication code checking unit 242 to check the input authentication code.

[0085] The authentication code checking unit 242 acquires the unique authentication code associated with the button 354 through the storage control unit 253. The authentication code checking unit 242 checks the acquired authentication code with the authentication code input by the user, and returns the check result to the overall control unit 241. The overall control unit 241 determines the check result. If the authentication codes match each other (yes in step S633), the process proceeds to step S640. If the authentication codes do not match each other (no in step S633), the process proceeds to step S632.

[0086] In step S632, the overall control unit 241 requests the UI control unit 252 to display a message such as “Authentication code is incorrect.” If a certain period of time has elapsed after a request or a new user input is made, the process proceeds to step S631.

[0087] In step S640, the application shortcut 240 starts to be used. The overall control unit 241 accesses the web page at the designated start URL.

[0088] Here, in the case where the image forming apparatus 1101 has a user management function, the user authentication process performed by the shortcut for accessing the external storage device ends.

[0089] Figure 6B FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a user authentication process performed by a shortcut for accessing an external storage device when the image forming apparatus 1101 does not have a user authentication function. In step S600, the OS of the image forming apparatus 1101 displays a user authentication process on the operation unit I / F 106. Figure 3A The home screen 300 shown in FIG. 300 is displayed. The OS receives the user's operation and processes the user's request. If the user selects the external storage cooperative application, the process proceeds to step S630.

[0090] In step S630, the operation unit I / F 106 detects the selection of the button 354, and the CPU 101 loads the application shortcut 240 associated with the button 354 to the RAM 102 and executes the application shortcut 240. The overall control unit 241 refers to the storage control unit 253 to check the presence or absence of the setting of the user authentication 720. If the user authentication is set (Yes in step S630), the process proceeds to step S631. If the user authentication is not set (No in step S630), the process proceeds to step S640.

[0091] In step S631, the application shortcut 240 requests the UI control unit 252 to display the following Figure 3D The screen 390 for requesting user authentication shown in FIG. 3 is displayed, and waits for input of authentication information. The application shortcut 240 determines whether the acceptance button 353 has been selected. If the acceptance button 353 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S633. If the acceptance button 353 has not been pressed, the application shortcut 240 waits for user input.

[0092] In step S633, the overall control unit 241 obtains the user input information. Then, the overall control unit 241 requests the authentication code verification unit 242 to verify the input authentication code. The authentication code verification unit 242 obtains the unique authentication code associated with the application shortcut 240 through the storage control unit 253. The authentication code verification unit 242 verifies the acquired authentication code with the authentication code input by the user, and returns the verification result to the overall control unit 241. The overall control unit 241 determines the verification result. If the authentication codes match each other (yes in step S633), the process proceeds to step S640. If the authentication codes do not match each other (no in step S633), the process proceeds to step S632.

[0093] In step S632, the overall control unit 241 requests the UI control unit 252 to display a message such as “Authentication code is incorrect.” If a certain period of time has elapsed after a request or a new user input is made, the process proceeds to step S631.

[0094] In step S640, the application shortcut 240 having the same function as that of the external storage cooperative application starts to be used. The overall control unit 241 accesses the web page at the designated start URL.

[0095] In the case where the image forming apparatus 1101 does not have a user management function, the user management process performed by the shortcut for accessing the external storage device ends here.

[0096] Fig. 7A 2 is a diagram showing an example of management information about a shortcut for accessing an external storage device saved in the storage control unit 253. Fig. 7A Three pieces of shortcut setting information are shown, but any number of shortcuts may be used.

[0097] like Figure 3A and Figure 3C As shown in FIG. 1 , the name 710 indicates setting information indicating a display name to be displayed on the home screen together with the icon. Figure 3B The shortcut name in 341 or Figure 4 As shown in the check box 430 in the figure, the user can set any string. If the user does not specify, a default string is specified.

[0098] User authentication 720 indicates setting information about whether to add a user authentication function to the shortcut. The user can select whether to add a user authentication function as shown in radio button 342 and check box 440 when the shortcut is created. For example, if the user chooses to add the authentication function, "exists" is written in user authentication 720. For example, if the user chooses not to add the user authentication function, "does not exist" is written in user authentication 720.

[0099] The identification information 750 is identification information indicating each shortcut. The identification information 750 is used to acquire history information and setting information managed for each shortcut when communicating with the image generation system 1100 and acquiring information from the browser 1108 when executing the shortcut.

[0100] The authentication code 730 is information indicating a unique authentication code associated with the shortcut. The user authentication 720 indicates the presence or absence of user authentication setting, and if user authentication exists, setting information.

[0101] The authentication code 730 indicates a four-digit number as an example of the authentication code, but any number of digits may be used. Instead of digits, the authentication code 730 may be any alternative that constitutes a unique authentication code associated with the shortcut, such as a character string. The authentication code 730 may expire within a certain period of time, and a reset of the authentication code 730 may be prompted. In order to perform the reset, for example, during the use of the application shortcut 240, a message "Reset authentication code" is popped up on the operation unit I / F 106, and the authentication code 730 is reset. Figure 3B The new authentication code is displayed in the PIN code input field 343 shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in , the new authentication code can be displayed in field 441 on the settings web page.

[0102] The launch URL 740 is information for specifying the URL of a web page that is first displayed when the shortcut of the external storage cooperative application is launched. The user can specify any URL, such as Figure 4 , as shown in the check box 450. If the user does not specify, a default URL is specified.

[0103] Figure 7B There is shown an example of management information about the external storage cooperative application 220. The external storage cooperative application 220 has a startup URL and a name as default values, has no setting for user authentication, and has no authentication code.

[0104] As mentioned above, even in Figure 4 After you create a shortcut on the web page shown in Fig. 7AThe shortcut setting information shown in . The authentication code 730 cannot be edited by the user. However, if the setting of the user authentication 720 is changed from "non-existent" to "existent", the unique authentication code generated by the authentication code generation unit 232 is saved. When a reset is performed, the new authentication code associated with the shortcut is also saved.

[0105] Figure 8 An operational sequence for creating a shortcut for accessing an external storage device is shown.

[0106] In step S801, the user accesses Figure 4 4. The setting web page shown in 4 is used to set the items. If the image forming apparatus 1101 has a server function, the setting screen is displayed by accessing a web page at a specific URL through a web browser in a user terminal such as a PC or a smartphone connected via a network. When the user selects the accept button 470, the process proceeds to step S802.

[0107] In step S802, the setting information input to the setting screen in step S801 is notified to the OS 210 of the image forming apparatus 1101 via the network I / F 110. In step S803, upon receiving the notification, the OS 210 of the image forming apparatus 1101 writes the setting information to the storage device 104. In step S804, the user selects Figure 3A The operation unit I / F 306 detects the selection of the button 346 , and the CPU 101 loads the shortcut creation application 230 associated with the button 346 to the RAM 102 , and executes the shortcut creation application 230 .

[0108] In step S805, the shortcut creation unit 231 requests the UI control unit 252 to display the Figure 3B . In step S806, the user inputs shortcut creation information. The shortcut creation unit 231 successively acquires user input information from the UI control unit 252. In the input information, if the information input through the radio button 342 indicates yes, the process proceeds to step S807. If the information input through the radio button 342 indicates no, the shortcut creation unit 231 continues to successively acquire user input information. If the user selects the acceptance button 345, the process proceeds to step S808.

[0109] In step S807, the shortcut creation unit 231 requests the authentication code generation unit 232 to generate an authentication code. The authentication code generation unit 232 generates a unique authentication code associated with the shortcut and returns the authentication code to the shortcut creation unit 231. The shortcut creation unit 231 requests the UI control unit 252 to display the generated authentication code. The shortcut creation unit 231 continues to acquire user input information one after another. When the user selects the acceptance button 345, the process proceeds to step S808.

[0110] In step S808, the shortcut creation unit 231 obtains the user input information from the US control unit 252, and if the information is missing, the shortcut creation unit 231 automatically generates the information. For example, if the shortcut name 341 is not input, the shortcut creation unit 231 generates and sets the name, such as User 1. In step S809, the shortcut creation unit 231 will be as follows Fig. 7A The generated shortcut information shown in is saved in the storage device 104. In step S810, the shortcut creation unit 231 creates a shortcut based on the shortcut creation information. If the shortcut creation is successful, the sequence ends. If the shortcut creation fails, the process proceeds to step S811. In step S811, the shortcut creation unit 231 requests the UI control unit 252 to display an error message, such as "Shortcut creation failed".

[0111] The operation sequence for creating a shortcut for accessing the external storage device ends here.

[0112] Fig. 9 is a processing sequence for executing a shortcut for accessing an external storage device. In step S901, the user selects Figure 3C The operation unit I / F 106 detects the selection of the button 354, and the CPU 101 loads the application shortcut 240 associated with the button 354 and executes the application shortcut 240. The overall control unit 241 refers to the storage control unit 253 to determine the presence or absence of the setting of the user authentication 720.

[0113] If user authentication is set, the process proceeds to step S902. If user authentication is not set, the process proceeds to step S906.

[0114] In step S902, the overall control unit 241 requests the UI control unit 252 to display the following Figure 3D Authentication screen 390 shown in . After that, the process proceeds to step S903.

[0115] In step S903, the user Figure 3D The screen shown in shows Enter PIN code.

[0116] After completing the input, the user selects the accept button 353. The operation unit I / F 106 detects the selection of the button 353, and notifies the overall control unit 241 of the detected selection of the button 353 through the UI control unit 252, and the process proceeds to step S904. In step S904, the overall control unit 241 requests the authentication code verification unit 242 to verify the input PIN code. The authentication code verification unit 242 refers to the storage control unit 253 to obtain a unique PIN code associated with the shortcut. The authentication code verification unit 242 verifies the acquired authentication code with the input authentication code and returns the verification result. The overall control unit 241 determines the returned result, and if the input authentication codes match, the process proceeds to step S906. If the input authentication codes do not match, the process proceeds to step S905.

[0117] In step S905, since the authentication code input by the user is incorrect, the overall control unit 241 requests the UI control unit 252 to display a message such as "Authentication code is incorrect". After a certain period of time has passed after the message is displayed, the process proceeds to step S902 again. In step S906, the external storage cooperative application is started. If the startup URL 740 associated with the shortcut is set, the web page specified at the startup URL is displayed.

[0118] The process of executing the shortcut for accessing the external storage device ends here.

[0119] Fig.10 The processing sequence after the external storage cooperative application is started is shown. If the user authentication of the shortcut is successful, the use of the external storage cooperative application starts as in step S640 and step S906. Fig.10 The details of the processing in step S640 and step S906 are shown. First, the Fig.10 The configuration shown in .

[0120] As described above, the application shortcut 240 refers to an application executed by the CPU 101 in the image forming apparatus 1101. As described above, the authentication server 1110 is an example of an authentication site such as Oauth. Typically, the web content server 1105 performs user authentication using an authentication site of a third party.

[0121] The browser 1108 is a browser that is placed in the cloud and communicates with the image forming device 1101. If the browser cannot be placed in the image forming device 1101, the browser can be placed separately in the cloud. In this configuration, the image forming device 1101 is used as a user interface, and user input information (identification information 750) is provided to the browser in the cloud using a specific application interface (API). The browser in the cloud interprets the user input information and performs browser operations. If the browser performs rendering as a result of the browser operation, the browser notifies the image forming device 1101 of the rendering result. The image forming device 1101 receives the notification of the rendering result and displays the rendering result on the operating unit 112. In this way, even if the image forming device 1101 does not have a browser, the image forming device 1101 uses the browser in the cloud to perform equivalent operations. Personal information about the user using the browser (such as cache files) can be saved in a storage device in the cloud. Therefore, a user who has activated the setting of accepting cache files during the use of the browser can use single sign-on (SSO). The browser 1108 recognizes personal information such as a cache file associated with the user ID notified by the image forming apparatus 1101 .

[0122] For example, the web content server 1105 is a service for saving photos and documents in a storage device in the cloud.

[0123] Will describe Fig.10 In step S1005, if Fig. 9 The user authentication shown in has been successful, then the application shortcut 240 obtains the corresponding Fig. 7A In addition to the launch URL, this information includes the browser language setting, cache file acceptance policy, the user ID associated with the shortcut, etc.

[0124] In step S1006, the application shortcut 240 provides the information obtained in step S1005 together with the launch request to the browser 1108. The information includes the launch URL obtained in step S1005, the browser language setting, the cache file acceptance policy, the user ID associated with the shortcut, etc. In step S1007, when the launch request is received from the image forming device 1101, the browser 1108 starts operating and performs initial settings based on the information provided by the application shortcut 240. Specifically, the browser 1108 performs language settings and cache file acceptance settings. In addition, the browser 1108 refers to the storage device in the cloud. If the cache file information associated with the user ID is saved, the browser 1108 sets the cache file information to the cache file header.

[0125] In the case where the authentication of the network content server 1105 has been passed, the cache file information includes a token that has been authenticated in the authentication site. Based on the token, personal authentication of the external storage service is performed at the authentication site. Therefore, when the application shortcut 240 is accessible, it is possible to log in to the network content server 1105. Therefore, considering privacy, this involves more reliable identification of users who access the application shortcut 240.

[0126] In step S1008, the browser 1108 accesses the start URL and requests the network content server 1105 to obtain the web page. At this time, the cache file information has been set to the header in step S1007. In step S1009, the network content server 1105 performs user authentication in response to the acquisition request. The network content server 1105 redirects the web page and the cache file information to the authentication server 1110.

[0127] In step S1010 , the authentication server 1110 performs user authentication based on the cache file information. In step S1011 , the authentication server 1110 returns the authentication result in step S1010 to the network content server 1105 .

[0128] In step S1012, if the authentication result is true, the network content server 1105 returns normal web page information to the browser 1108. If the authentication result is false, the network content server 1105 returns information indicating that the authentication has failed.

[0129] In step S1013, the browser 1108 performs rendering based on the web page information returned in step S1012. In step S1014, the browser 1108 returns the rendering result to the application shortcut 240. In step S1015, the application shortcut 240 displays the rendering result received in step S1014 on the operation unit 112.

[0130] The process after the external storage cooperation application is started ends here.

[0131] (Other Exemplary Embodiments)

[0132] As described above, various examples and exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the gist and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific descriptions herein.

[0133] The present invention can be implemented by providing a program for implementing one or more functions of the above exemplary embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium and having one or more processors in the system or device read and run the program. The present invention can also be implemented using a circuit (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for implementing the one or more functions.

[0134] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A communication system, comprising an image generation server configured to perform rendering of network content and an information processing device configured to execute a first application, wherein the first application is configured to manage and obtain network content related to the rendering result using first management information, the communication system comprising one or more controllers, the one or more controllers comprising one or more processors and one or more memories, the one or more controllers being configured to: creating a second application, the second application being configured to manage and obtain network content based on the rendered result by using second management information different from the first management information; and Authentication information is set for the second application.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, The information processing device includes a display unit, on which a home page screen can be displayed; and The first application and the second application are displayed on the home page in a selectable manner.

3. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the information processing apparatus is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, and The home screen displays icons for instructing execution of a function of forming an image on a sheet by the image forming apparatus in a selectable manner.

4. The communication system according to claim 2, further comprising a reading device configured to read an image from a document, The home screen displays an icon for instructing execution of a function of reading an image from a document by the reading device in a selectable manner. The communication system according to claim 1 , wherein the authentication information is automatically set for the second application.

6. The communication system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more controllers are configured to: receiving input of the authentication information by receiving an execution instruction of the second application in which the authentication information is set; Checking whether the received authentication information is the set authentication information; and When the received authentication information is identical to the set authentication information, the image generation server is accessed based on the second management information. 7 . The communication system according to claim 6 , wherein the one or more controllers are configured to receive authentication information again if the received authentication information is different from the set authentication information.

8. The communication system of claim 6, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to: Authenticate users; and In case a setting for authenticating the user is activated, the authentication information is received after user authentication is successful.

9. The communication system according to claim 1, The first management information is first address information for accessing the network content or identification information indicating the first application, and The second management information is second address information for accessing network content different from the network content or identification information indicating the second application. 10 . The communication system according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are configured to set whether to permit creation of an application other than the first application for acquiring network content based on the rendered result. The communication system according to claim 1 , wherein the authentication information is a code.

12. An information processing device, configured to communicate with an image generation server and execute a first application, the image generation server being configured to perform rendering of network content, the first application being configured to manage and obtain network content based on a result of the rendering using first management information, the information processing device comprising one or more controllers, the one or more controllers comprising one or more processors and one or more memories, the one or more controllers being configured to: creating a second application, the second application being configured to manage and obtain network content based on the rendered result by using second management information different from the first management information; and Authentication information is set for the second application.

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