Password setting method and information processing device

Abstract

To improve the convenience of password management.SOLUTION: When a password is input to a target device, the input password is recorded on a medium different from the target device. When recording of the password on the medium is finished, the input password is applied to the target device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a password setting method and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] In an information processing device connected to a network, etc., a password is set as a security measure. Conventionally, some such information processing devices prevent users from forgetting to set a password by prompting them to set the password when the device is turned on for the first time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-170694 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] From the viewpoint of security, it is desirable to set a password that is difficult to guess, rather than an easily guessable character string such as "password." However, if a password is set to a character string that is difficult to guess in this way, there is a risk that the person who set it will forget it, which poses a problem in terms of password management.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to propose a password setting method and an information processing device that improve the convenience of password management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In the password setting method of the present invention, when a password is input to a target device, the input password is recorded on a medium separate from the target device, and when recording of the password on the medium is completed, the input password is applied to the target device.

[0007] The information processing device of the present invention also includes a password input unit that inputs a password to a target device, a recording control unit that records the input password on a medium other than the target device, and a password application unit that applies the input password to the target device when recording of the password on the medium is completed.

[0008] In this way, the entered password is recorded on a medium other than the target device (e.g., printed paper or a USB memory stick) and then applied to the target device (making it usable). By checking the password recorded on the medium, it is possible to prevent password forgetting. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a password setting method and an information processing device that improve the convenience of password management. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is turned on. [Diagram 3] 3 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation procedure for changing settings at initialization, which is included in the operation procedure at power-on shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of image data for printing an administrator password according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication terminal according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] 1. First embodiment [1-1. Configuration of image forming device] 1 shows the configuration of the main parts of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is a printer that can be connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The image forming apparatus 1 has an operation panel unit 11, a power-on processing unit 12, an administrator password medium recording unit 13, a printing unit 14, a setting initialization unit 15, an administrator password registration and change unit 16, a language setting unit 17, a region setting unit 18, a network setting unit 19, a security DB (database) unit 20, a setting value storage unit 21, a network communication unit 22, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) I / F unit 23, and an NFC (Near Field Communication) communication unit 24.

[0013] The operation panel unit 11 is composed of an operation section such as switches, keys, buttons, and a touch panel that allows the user to give instructions to the image forming apparatus 1, and a display section such as an LED that displays the status of the image forming apparatus 1 and an LCD display that displays various screens.

[0014] The power-on processing unit 12 executes a power-on process when the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on. In this power-on process, when the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on for the first time, the user is requested to perform various settings in a wizard format via a screen displayed on the operation panel unit 11. Here, the types of settings performed during the power-on process include, for example, an administrator password setting for setting an administrator password, a language setting for setting a language to be used, a region setting for setting a region to be used, and a network setting for connecting to a network.

[0015] When the user sets various setting values ​​on the setting screen, the power-on processing unit 12 sends the setting values ​​to the administrator password registration / change unit 16, the language setting unit 17, the region setting unit 18, or the network setting unit 19, depending on the type of the setting value. Note that setting a setting value here means inputting or selecting a setting value.

[0016] The administrator password registration / change unit 16 registers (stores) the sent setting value (i.e., the administrator password) in the security DB unit 20. The administrator password is information required when using the image forming apparatus 1 under predetermined conditions (specifically, in the administrator mode), and is applied to the image forming apparatus 1 when registered in the security DB unit 20, making it possible to use the image forming apparatus 1 in the administrator mode. In other words, after the administrator password is registered in the security DB unit 20, the image forming apparatus 1 can be used in the administrator mode by inputting the administrator password.

[0017] On the other hand, if the user forgets this administrator password, he or she may be unable to log in in administrator mode and may have to request repairs. For this reason, it is important for the image forming apparatus 1 to manage the administrator password so that the user does not forget it.

[0018] The language setting unit 17 stores the transmitted setting value (i.e., the setting value indicating the language used) in the setting value storage unit 21. The area setting unit 18 stores the transmitted setting value (i.e., the setting value indicating the area of ​​use (time zone)) in the setting value storage unit 21. The network setting unit 19 stores the transmitted setting value (i.e., the setting value indicating the network setting) in the setting value storage unit 21.

[0019] Furthermore, at the start of the power-on process, the power-on processing unit 12 inquires of the administrator password registration change unit 16 about the registration status of the administrator password (i.e., whether the administrator password has been registered in the security DB unit 20 or not). In response to this inquiry, the administrator password registration change unit 16 obtains the registration status of the administrator password by checking whether the administrator password has been registered in the security DB unit 20, and returns the registration status to the power-on processing unit 12.

[0020] When the registration status of the administrator password received from the administrator password registration / change unit 16 indicates that the administrator password is not registered, the power-on processing unit 12 requests the setting initialization unit 15 to initialize various setting values. In response to the request from the power-on processing unit 12, the setting initialization unit 15 issues an initialization request to the administrator password registration / change unit 16, the language setting unit 17, the region setting unit 18, and the network setting unit 19. In response to the initialization request, the administrator password registration / change unit 16, the language setting unit 17, the region setting unit 18, and the network setting unit 19 initialize various setting values. Note that initializing the setting values ​​means, for example, returning the setting values ​​to default values ​​or returning them to a state in which nothing is set.

[0021] In other words, when the power is turned on and an administrator password has not been registered, the power-on processing unit 12 initializes various settings and then requests the user to make various settings including the administrator password.

[0022] Administrator password medium recording unit 13 generates medium recording data indicating the administrator password set by the user (i.e., the administrator). In this embodiment, administrator password medium recording unit 13 generates image data for printing the administrator password indicating the administrator password and identification information (model name, serial number, IP address, etc.) for identifying image forming apparatus 1 as the medium recording data. The medium recording data (image data for printing the administrator password) generated by administrator password medium recording unit 13 is sent to printing unit 14.

[0023] When printing unit 14 receives image data for printing the administrator password from administrator password medium recording unit 13, it prints (records) the image data on printing paper as a medium and ejects it into a stacker (not shown) provided in image forming apparatus 1. In this way, image forming apparatus 1 is capable of printing the administrator password set by the user on printing paper to prevent the user from forgetting it.

[0024] Moreover, the printing unit 14 returns a print execution result indicating whether printing has been performed normally or not to the administrator password medium recording unit 13 during printing. The image forming device 1 prints on the print paper while transporting the print paper along a transport path provided inside the device, and discharges the print paper to a stacker. A discharge sensor for detecting the print paper is provided near the discharge port of this transport path (i.e., near the stacker), and the printing unit 14 determines whether printing has been performed normally or not based on the detection result of this discharge sensor. That is, when the printing unit 14 detects the print paper by the discharge sensor within a predetermined time during printing, the printing unit 14 determines that the print paper has been discharged within the predetermined time (i.e., the print paper is in a state where it can be taken away from the image forming device 1), and when the printing paper is not detected by the discharge sensor even after the predetermined time has passed, the printing unit 14 determines that the print paper has not been discharged even after the predetermined time has passed, and therefore the print paper has not been performed normally (i.e., the print paper is in a state where it cannot be taken away from the image forming device 1).

[0025] Furthermore, when the printing unit 14 receives print data from a host device such as a PC connected to the network via the network communication unit 22, it prints on printing paper based on the print data.

[0026] The network communication unit 22 connects to a network such as a LAN. The network settings described above are information necessary for the network communication unit 22 to connect to a network. The USB I / F unit 23 connects to a USB device such as a USB memory. FIG. 1 shows an example in which a USB memory 25 is connected to the USB I / F unit 23. The NFC communication unit 24 performs short-range wireless communication by NFC with a communication terminal 26 such as a smartphone. The main parts of the image forming apparatus 1 are configured as described above.

[0027] [1-2. Operation of image forming device] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The main operations of the image forming apparatus 1 include an operation when the power is turned on and an operation when printing is performed based on print data received from a higher-level device. Of these, the operation when printing is performed based on print data received from a higher-level device is a general operation, so a description of this operation will be omitted. Therefore, here, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 when the power is turned on will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 2.

[0028] The operation at power-on is mainly performed by the power-on processing unit 12. When the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on (i.e., when the power is turned ON), the power-on processing unit 12 starts the power-on process, and in step SP21 shown in Fig. 2, checks whether the administrator password has been registered (i.e., whether the administrator password has been recorded in the security DB unit 20). Specifically, the power-on processing unit 12 checks whether the administrator password has been registered by inquiring of the administrator password registration / change unit 16 about the registration status of the administrator password.

[0029] If the administrator password has already been registered, this means that the administrator password has already been registered and that various settings were also made when the administrator password was registered. In this case, the power-on processing unit 12 obtains a positive result in step SP21 and ends the power-on process.

[0030] On the other hand, if the administrator password is not registered, the power-on processing unit 12 obtains a negative result in step SP21 and proceeds to step SP22. In step SP22, the power-on processing unit 12 initializes various setting values. Specifically, the power-on processing unit 12 requests the setting initialization unit 15 to initialize various setting values. In response to the request, the setting initialization unit 15 issues an initialization request to the administrator password registration / change unit 16, the language setting unit 17, the region setting unit 18, and the network setting unit 19. This initializes various setting values ​​(i.e., the administrator password, language setting, region setting, and network setting settings). Note that since the administrator password is not registered at this point, initialization of the administrator password may be omitted.

[0031] In the next step SP23, the power-on processing unit 12 changes various settings except for the administrator password (called "initialization setting change"). Here, the initialization setting change performed by the power-on processing unit 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0032] When the power-on processing unit 12 starts the process of changing the initialization settings, it first checks with the user whether or not to set the language in step SP31. Specifically, the power-on processing unit 12 causes the operation panel unit 11 to display a screen for the user to select whether or not to set the language, and determines whether or not the user has selected to set the language based on the operation of the operation panel unit 11.

[0033] If the user selects not to set the language, the power-on processing unit 12 obtains a negative result in step SP31, omits the language setting by the user, and proceeds to step SP33. In this case, the setting value of the language setting stored in the setting value storage unit 21 remains, for example, at the default value.

[0034] On the other hand, if the user selects to set the language, the power-on processing unit 12 obtains a positive result in step SP31 and proceeds to step SP32. In step SP32, the power-on processing unit 12 sets the language. Specifically, the power-on processing unit 12 causes the operation panel unit 11 to display a screen prompting the user to input or select a language setting value, and acquires the language setting value input or selected by the user by operating the operation panel unit 11. The power-on processing unit 12 then sends the acquired language setting value to the language setting unit 17. The language setting unit 17 stores the sent setting value in the setting value storage unit 21 as the language setting value.

[0035] In the next step SP33, the power-on processing unit 12 confirms with the user whether or not to perform regional setting. Specifically, the power-on processing unit 12 causes the operation panel unit 11 to display a screen for prompting the user to select whether or not to perform regional setting, and determines, based on the operation of the operation panel unit 11, whether the user has selected to perform regional setting or not.

[0036] If the user selects not to set the region, the power-on processing unit 12 obtains a negative result in step SP33, omits the region setting by the user, and proceeds to step SP35. In this case, the region setting value stored in the setting value storage unit 21 remains at, for example, the default value.

[0037] On the other hand, if the user selects to perform regional setting, the power-on processing unit 12 obtains a positive result in step SP33 and proceeds to step SP34. In step SP34, the power-on processing unit 12 performs regional setting. Specifically, the power-on processing unit 12 causes the operation panel unit 11 to display a screen prompting the user to input or select a setting value for the regional setting, and acquires the setting value for the regional setting input or selected by the user by operating the operation panel unit 11. The power-on processing unit 12 then sends the acquired setting value for the regional setting to the regional setting unit 18. The regional setting unit 18 stores the sent setting value in the setting value storage unit 21 as the setting value for the regional setting.

[0038] In the next step SP35, the power-on processing unit 12 confirms with the user whether or not to perform network setup. Specifically, the power-on processing unit 12 causes the operation panel unit 11 to display a screen for prompting the user to select whether or not to perform network setup, and determines, based on the operation of the operation panel unit 11, whether the user has selected to perform network setup or not.

[0039] If the user selects not to configure the network settings, the power-on processing unit 12 obtains a negative result in step SP35, omits the network settings by the user, and proceeds to step SP37. In this case, the network setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage unit 21 remain at, for example, default values.

[0040] On the other hand, if the user selects to perform network settings, the power-on processing unit 12 obtains a positive result in step SP35 and proceeds to step SP36. In step SP36, the power-on processing unit 12 performs network settings. Specifically, the power-on processing unit 12 causes the operation panel unit 11 to display a screen prompting the user to input or select a network setting value, and acquires the network setting value input or selected by the user by operating the operation panel unit 11. The power-on processing unit 12 then sends the acquired network setting value to the network setting unit 19. The network setting unit 19 stores the sent setting value in the setting value storage unit 21 as the network setting value. The initialization setting change performed in step SP23 of FIG. 2 is as described above.

[0041] When the power-on processing unit 12 finishes changing the initialization settings, it proceeds to step SP24 in Fig. 2. In step SP24, the power-on processing unit 12 requests the setting (input) of an administrator password. As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 allows the user to skip the language settings, region settings, and network settings among various settings, but the user cannot skip the setting of an administrator password (i.e., the user must always set the administrator password). Specifically, the power-on processing unit 12 causes the operation panel unit 11 to display a screen prompting the user to input an administrator password, and acquires a character string input by the user through operation of the operation panel unit 11 as the administrator password.

[0042] In the next step SP25, the power-on processing unit 12 determines whether the input of the administrator password was successful. Specifically, for the administrator password, conditions such as the required number of characters and the type of characters to be used can be specified based on the security policy, and if the input administrator password satisfies the conditions, the input of the administrator password is successful.

[0043] Therefore, if the character string entered by the user as the administrator password does not match the specified conditions, the power-on processing unit 12 determines that the entry of the administrator password has failed, obtains a negative result in step SP25, returns to step SP24, and requests entry of the administrator password again.

[0044] On the other hand, if the character string entered by the user as the administrator password matches the specified condition, the power-on processing unit 12 determines that the administrator password was successfully entered, obtains a positive result in step SP25, and proceeds to step SP26.

[0045] In step SP26, the power-on processing unit 12 confirms with the user whether or not to print the administrator password. Specifically, the power-on processing unit 12 causes the operation panel unit 11 to display a screen for prompting the user to select whether or not to print the administrator password, and determines, based on the operation of the operation panel unit 11, whether the user has selected to print the administrator password or not.

[0046] Here, if the user selects not to print the administrator password, the power-on processing unit 12 obtains a negative result in step SP26, omits printing of the administrator password, and proceeds to step SP29. In step SP29, the power-on processing unit 12 performs an administrator password registration process. Specifically, the power-on processing unit 12 processes the administrator password input by the user into irreversible data that is not disclosed to the user, using irreversible encryption such as hashing. Then, the power-on processing unit 12 sends the data-processed administrator password (i.e., the irreversibly encrypted administrator password) to the administrator password registration / change unit 16, which registers (stores) the data-processed administrator password in the security DB unit 20 as administrator password information. If the user selects not to print the administrator password, the administrator password input by the user is applied to the image forming apparatus 1 in step SP29 (i.e., it becomes available in the administrator mode).

[0047] On the other hand, if the user selects to print the administrator password, the power-on processing unit 12 obtains a positive result in step SP26 and proceeds to step SP27. In step SP27, the power-on processing unit 12 executes an administrator password printing process. Specifically, the power-on processing unit 12 sends an administrator password printing request to the administrator password medium recording unit 13 together with the administrator password before data processing (i.e. before irreversible encryption) entered by the user.

[0048] When the administrator password medium recording unit 13 receives an administrator password printing request together with the administrator password from the power-on processing unit 12, it generates image data for printing the administrator password by adding the administrator password entered by the user to image data generated in a specified format pre-stored in the setting value memory unit 21, for example, and sends the image data to the printing unit 14.

[0049] The configuration of image data for printing an administrator password is shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the image data for printing an administrator password contains, as text information, a title (for example, "Administrator Password") Tx1, an administrator password Tx2, the model name Tx3, serial number Tx4, and IP address Tx5 which are identification information of the image forming device 1, the date the administrator password was set Tx6, and notes regarding the administrator password Tx7.

[0050] The administrator password entered by the user is written in the administrator password Tx2 field in this image data. The identification information of the image forming apparatus 1 is stored in the setting value storage unit 21, for example.

[0051] When the printing unit 14 receives such image data for printing the administrator password, it prints on the printing paper based on the image data. At this time, the printing unit 14 also determines whether the printing was performed normally or not based on the detection result of the discharge sensor, and returns the determination result to the administrator password medium recording unit 13. At this point, the administrator password medium recording unit 13 sends the determination result to the power-on processing unit 12.

[0052] 2, in the next step SP28, power-on processing unit 12 determines whether printing was successful (i.e., whether the print paper is in a state where it can be taken away from image forming apparatus 1) based on the determination result received from administrator password medium recording unit 13. If the received determination result indicates that printing was not performed normally, power-on processing unit 12 determines that printing did not end normally, returns to step SP27, and again sends an administrator password print request to administrator password medium recording unit 13.

[0053] On the other hand, if the received determination result indicates that printing has been completed normally, power-on processing unit 12 determines that printing has ended normally, and proceeds to step SP29. In this way, power-on processing unit 12 repeatedly sends an administrator password print request to administrator password medium recording unit 13 until printing of the administrator password is successful. Note that the number of repetitions at this time may be limited, for example, to three times. Here, if printing of the administrator password is not successful even after the number of repetitions has been reached, power-on processing unit 12 displays, for example, a print error on operation panel unit 11 and interrupts the power-on process.

[0054] In step SP29, the power-on processing unit 12 performs the administrator password registration process described above. If the user selects to print the administrator password, in step SP29, the administrator password entered by the user is applied to the image forming apparatus 1 (i.e., it becomes available in the administrator mode).

[0055] In this way, in the image forming apparatus 1, when the user selects to print the administrator password, the administrator password is applied to the image forming apparatus 1 after the printing ends normally.

[0056] For this reason, for example, if the image forming device 1 is powered off due to a power outage or the like and processing is interrupted before the administrator password is printed or during printing after the user sets (inputs) the administrator password, the administrator password remains unregistered. In this case, the next time the image forming device 1 is powered on, since the administrator password has not been registered, various settings will be initialized and the user will be requested to set (input) the administrator password again. The operation when the image forming device 1 is powered on is as described above.

[0057] [1-3. Summary and Effects] As described so far, in the first embodiment, image forming device 1 is provided with operation panel unit 11 as a password input unit for inputting an administrator password to image forming device 1, which is the target device, power-on processing unit 12 as a recording control unit for recording (printing) the input administrator password on printing paper, which is a medium separate from image forming device 1, administrator password medium recording unit 13, and printing unit 14, and administrator password registration / change unit 16 as a password application unit that, when printing of the administrator password on the printing paper is completed, registers the input administrator password in security DB unit 20, thereby applying (i.e., enabling) the administrator password to image forming device 1.

[0058] In this way, in the first embodiment, the administrator password input to the image forming device 1 is printed on a print sheet and then applied to the image forming device 1, so that the user can check the administrator password printed on the print sheet and prevent forgetting the administrator password. Thus, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to improve the convenience of password management.

[0059] Also, in the first embodiment, only when the user selects to print the administrator password, the power-on processing unit 12, the administrator password medium recording unit 13, and the printing unit 14 print the administrator password entered by the user. In this way, in the first embodiment, it is possible to avoid a situation in which, for example, the user does not notice that the administrator password has been printed, and a printed matter (printed paper) on which the administrator password is written is left in a stacker of the image forming device 1.

[0060] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if the user selects to print the administrator password, when power-on processing unit 12, administrator password medium recording unit 13, and printing unit 14 confirm from the detection result of the discharge sensor provided on the transport path that printing of the administrator password has been completed successfully (i.e., the print paper on which the administrator password is printed has been discharged to the stacker and can be taken away from image forming apparatus 1), the administrator password entered by the user is applied to image forming apparatus 1 so that it can be used in administrator mode. In other words, if printing of the administrator password has not been completed successfully (i.e., if the print paper on which the administrator password is printed has not been discharged to the stacker and cannot be taken away from image forming apparatus 1), the administrator password entered by the user is not applied.

[0061] In this way, in the first embodiment, it is possible to avoid a situation in which, even if the user selects to print the administrator password, the administrator password is applied to the image forming apparatus 1 without being printed.

[0062] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if the process is interrupted before printing of the administrator password is completed because the power supply of image forming apparatus 1 is turned off due to a power outage or the like, the administrator password remains unregistered. In this case, the next time the power supply is turned on in image forming apparatus 1, power-on processing unit 12, administrator password medium recording unit 13, and printing unit 14 request the user to input the administrator password again.

[0063] In this way, in the first embodiment, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the user forgets to set an administrator password.

[0064] 2. Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, a method of printing on a printing paper is used as one method of recording the administrator password input by the user on a medium other than the image forming device 1, but in the second embodiment, other methods can be used, such as a method of recording the administrator password input by the user on a USB memory 25, a method of transmitting the password to the communication terminal 26 by NFC communication and recording it on the communication terminal 26, or a method of displaying the password on the operation panel 11 and photographing it with the communication terminal 26 and recording it on the communication terminal 26, which is different from the first embodiment.

[0065] Specifically, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the operations at power-on shown in FIG. 2, from step SP26 to step SP28, which are the part where the administrator password is recorded on the medium.

[0066] Therefore, the following mainly describes the operation of recording the administrator password on a medium when the power is turned on, and the configuration of the communication terminal 26, which is one of the destinations for recording the administrator password.

[0067] [2-1. Configuration of communication terminal] First, the configuration of the communication terminal 26 will be briefly described with reference to Fig. 5. The communication terminal 26 is, for example, a smartphone, and has an operation display unit 31, a storage unit 32, a network communication unit 33, an NFC communication unit 34, an image capture unit 35, and a control unit 36.

[0068] The operation display unit 31 is made up of an operation unit such as switches, keys, buttons, a touch panel, etc., which allow the user to give instructions to the communication terminal 26, and a display unit such as a display for displaying various screens.

[0069] The storage unit 32 is a non-volatile memory or the like, and stores, for example, image data captured by the photographing unit 35, image data received from the image forming apparatus 1, and various applications executed by the control unit 36. The network communication unit 33 connects to a network such as a LAN. The NFC communication unit 34 performs short-distance wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 1, for example, by NFC. The photographing unit 35 includes a camera, and captures, for example, an administrator password displayed on the operation panel unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 36 ​​includes, for example, a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and controls each unit of the communication terminal 26. The communication terminal 26 is configured as described above.

[0070] [2-2. Recording administrator password on media] Next, a description will be given of the operation of recording an administrator password on a medium when powering on the image forming apparatus 1. As described in the first embodiment, when powering on the image forming apparatus 1, if an administrator password has not been registered, the power-on processing unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 1 allows the user to input or select various settings including the administrator password.

[0071] Thereafter, power-on processing unit 12 confirms with the user whether or not to record the administrator password on the medium. Specifically, power-on processing unit 12 causes operation panel unit 11 to display a screen for prompting the user to select whether or not to record the administrator password on the medium, and determines, based on the operation of operation panel unit 11, whether the user has selected to record the administrator password on the medium or not.

[0072] Here, if the user selects to record the administrator password on the medium, power-on processing unit 12 then allows the user to select a method for recording the administrator password on the medium. Specifically, power-on processing unit 12 displays a screen on operation panel unit 11 for allowing the user to select a method for recording the administrator password on the medium, and determines the method selected by the user based on the operation of operation panel unit 11. As described above, there are four methods for storing the administrator password on the medium: printing on printing paper, recording in USB memory 25, recording in communication terminal 26 using NFC communication, and photographing the password with communication terminal 26 and recording in communication terminal 26.

[0073] Furthermore, if the user selects not to record the administrator password on the medium, the power-on processing unit 12 processes the administrator password entered by the user and registers it in the security DB unit 20 as administrator password information via the administrator password registration / change unit 16.

[0074] Here, the operation when the user selects a method for recording the administrator password on a medium will be explained for each selected method. Note that the method for printing the administrator password on a print sheet is the same as in the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0075] First, a description will be given of the operation when the method of recording the administrator password in the USB memory 25 is selected. In this case, the power-on processing unit 12 executes a process of recording the administrator password in the USB memory 25. Specifically, the power-on processing unit 12 sends a request to record the administrator password in the USB memory 25 to the administrator password medium recording unit 13 together with the administrator password before data processing (i.e. before irreversible encryption) input by the user.

[0076] When the administrator password medium recording unit 13 receives a request to record the administrator password in the USB memory 25 together with the administrator password from the power-on processing unit 12, it generates image data for recording the administrator password shown in Fig. 4 by adding the administrator password entered by the user to image data generated in a predetermined format stored in the setting value storage unit 21, for example, and records the image data in the USB memory 25 connected to the USB I / F unit 23. Note that when recording the administrator password in the USB memory 25, it is not necessarily required to record it as image data, and it may be recorded as, for example, text data or image data in a predetermined format.

[0077] In the image forming apparatus 1, when the user performs an operation to safely remove the USB memory 25 connected to the USB I / F unit 23, the access to the USB memory 25 is terminated, so that the USB memory 25 can be safely removed and taken away. For this reason, the power-on processing unit 12 records image data for recording the administrator password in the USB memory 25, and then displays, for example, a message on the operation panel unit 11 to prompt the user to remove the USB memory 25. When an operation to safely remove the USB memory 25 is performed on the operation panel unit 11, the power-on processing unit 12 determines that the administrator password has been normally recorded in the USB memory 25 and that the USB memory 25 is in a state where it can be taken away, processes the administrator password entered by the user, and registers (stores) it in the security DB unit 20 as administrator password information by the administrator password registration / change unit 16. At this point, the administrator password entered by the user is applied to the image forming apparatus 1 and it becomes available in the administrator mode.

[0078] In other words, the power-on processing unit 12 does not apply the administrator password to the image forming apparatus 1 until an operation for safely removing the USB memory 25 is performed on the operation panel unit 11 after image data for recording the administrator password is recorded in the USB memory 25. A limit may be set on the time until an operation for safely removing the USB memory 25 is performed after image data for recording the administrator password is recorded in the USB memory 25. If an operation for safely removing the USB memory 25 is not performed within the time limit, the power-on processing unit 12 displays, for example, a recording error on the operation panel unit 11 and interrupts the power-on process. The above is the operation when the method for recording the administrator password in the USB memory 25 is selected.

[0079] Next, a description will be given of the operation when the method of recording the administrator password in the communication terminal 26 using NFC communication is selected. In this case, the power-on processing unit 12 executes a process of recording the administrator password in the communication terminal 26 using NFC communication. Specifically, the power-on processing unit 12 sends an administrator password recording request using NFC communication to the administrator password medium recording unit 13 together with the administrator password before data processing (i.e. before irreversible encryption) input by the user.

[0080] When the administrator password medium recording unit 13 receives an administrator password recording request using NFC communication together with the administrator password from the power-on processing unit 12, it generates image data for recording the administrator password shown in Fig. 4 by adding the administrator password input by the user to image data generated in a predetermined format stored in the setting value storage unit 21, for example, and transmits the image data to the communication terminal 26 via the NFC communication unit 24. At this time, the power-on processing unit 12 or the administrator password medium recording unit 13 may display a screen on the operation panel unit 11 that prompts the user to hold the communication terminal 26 over a predetermined position on the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, the administrator password does not necessarily need to be converted into image data, and may be transmitted, for example, as text data with a smaller data size or image data in a predetermined format.

[0081] When the control unit 36 ​​of the communication terminal 26 receives image data for recording an administrator password from the image forming device 1 via the NFC communication unit 34, the control unit 36 ​​stores the image data in the memory unit 32, for example, and notifies the image forming device 1 via the NFC communication unit 34 that the image data has been recorded.

[0082] When power-on processing unit 12 of image forming apparatus 1 receives a notification from communication terminal 26 via NFC communication unit 24 that image data (i.e., administrator password) has been recorded, it determines that the administrator password has been recorded normally, processes the administrator password entered by the user, and registers (stores) it as administrator password information in security DB unit 20 via administrator password registration / change unit 16. At this point, the administrator password entered by the user is applied to image forming apparatus 1, making it usable in administrator mode.

[0083] In other words, after transmitting image data for recording the administrator password to the communication terminal 26 via the NFC communication unit 24, the power-on processing unit 12 does not apply the administrator password to the image forming apparatus 1 until receiving a notification from the communication terminal 26 that the image data has been recorded. A limit may be set for the time from transmitting image data for recording the administrator password to the communication terminal 26 until receiving a notification from the communication terminal 26 that the image data has been recorded. Here, if the notification that the image data has been recorded is not received within the time limit, the power-on processing unit 12 displays, for example, a recording error on the operation panel unit 11 and interrupts the power-on process. The above is the operation when the method of recording the administrator password in the communication terminal 26 using NFC communication is selected.

[0084] Next, a description will be given of the operation when the method of photographing the administrator password with communications terminal 26 and recording it in communications terminal 26 is selected. In this case, power-on processing unit 12 executes a process of photographing the administrator password with communications terminal 26 and recording it in communications terminal 26. Specifically, power-on processing unit 12 sends an administrator password recording request utilizing photography to administrator password medium recording unit 13 together with the administrator password before data processing (i.e. before irreversible encryption) input by the user.

[0085] When administrator password medium recording unit 13 receives an administrator password recording request using photography together with the administrator password from power-on processing unit 12, it generates image data for recording the administrator password as shown in Fig. 4 by adding the administrator password entered by the user to image data generated in a predetermined format stored in setting value storage unit 21, for example, and displays the image data on operation panel unit 11. At this time, power-on processing unit 12 or administrator password medium recording unit 13 may display on operation panel unit 11, together with the image data for recording the administrator password, a message urging the user to photograph the image data with communication terminal 26. In this case, the administrator password does not necessarily have to be converted into image data, and may be displayed as, for example, text data, image data in a predetermined format, or a two-dimensional code.

[0086] Here, the user operates the operation display unit 31 of the communication terminal 26 to start, for example, a camera application. Then, the user performs an operation of pressing the capture button displayed on the operation display unit 31 so that the image data for recording the administrator password displayed on the image forming apparatus 1 falls within the shooting range of the shooting unit 35 of the communication terminal 26 (i.e., so that the image data falls within the shooting range displayed on the operation display unit 31). In response to the operation, the control unit 36 ​​of the communication terminal 26 causes the shooting unit 35 to capture the image data. Then, the control unit 36 ​​stores the image data obtained as a result of the shooting by the shooting unit 35 in the storage unit 32. At this time, the control unit 36 ​​also notifies the image forming apparatus 1 via the network communication unit 33 or the NFC communication unit 34 that the image data for recording the administrator password has been recorded.

[0087] When power-on processing unit 12 of image forming apparatus 1 receives a notification from communication terminal 26 via network communication unit 22 or NFC communication unit 24 that image data (i.e., administrator password) has been recorded, it determines that the administrator password has been recorded successfully, processes the administrator password entered by the user, and registers (stores) it as administrator password information in security DB unit 20 via administrator password registration / change unit 16. At this point, the administrator password entered by the user is applied to image forming apparatus 1, making it usable in administrator mode.

[0088] In other words, after displaying image data for recording the administrator password on operation panel unit 11, power-on processing unit 12 does not apply the administrator password to image forming apparatus 1 until receiving a notification from communication terminal 26 that the image data has been recorded. A limit may be set for the time from displaying image data for recording the administrator password on operation panel unit 11 until receiving a notification from communication terminal 26 that the image data has been recorded. If a notification that the image data has been recorded is not received within the time limit, power-on processing unit 12 displays, for example, a recording error on operation panel unit 11 and interrupts the power-on process. The above is the operation when the method of photographing the administrator password with communication terminal 26 and recording it in communication terminal 26 is selected.

[0089] [2-3. Summary and Effects] As described above, in the second embodiment, the user is allowed to select from four methods for recording the administrator password input by the user on a medium separate from the image forming device 1 (i.e., the user is allowed to select the medium on which the administrator password is recorded). If the method of printing the administrator password on printing paper is selected, the administrator password input by the user is printed on printing paper and then applied to the image forming device 1, as in the first embodiment.

[0090] Furthermore, when the method of recording the administrator password in USB memory 25 is selected, the administrator password entered by the user is recorded in USB memory 25 by power-on processing unit 12, administrator password medium recording unit 13, and USB I / F unit 23, which serve as a recording control unit, and then applied to image forming apparatus 1. In this way, the user can check the administrator password recorded in USB memory 25, preventing the administrator password from being forgotten and improving the convenience of password management.

[0091] In this case, after the power-on processing unit 12 records the administrator password in the USB memory 25, if an operation for safely removing the USB memory 25 is performed on the operation panel unit 11, the administrator password input by the user is applied to the image forming apparatus 1. In other words, if an operation for safely removing the USB memory 25 is not performed on the operation panel unit 11, the administrator password input by the user is not applied.

[0092] In this way, in the second embodiment, even if the user selects to record the administrator password in USB memory 25, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the administrator password is applied to image forming device 1 while USB memory 25 is still attached to image forming device 1 (i.e., in a state where there is a possibility that the USB memory 25 may be taken away by a third party other than the user).

[0093] Furthermore, when a method of recording the administrator password in communication terminal 26 serving as a communication device using NFC communication is selected, the administrator password entered by the user is transmitted to communication terminal 26 by power-on processing unit 12, administrator password medium recording unit 13, and NFC communication unit 24 serving as a recording control unit via NFC communication to be recorded in communication terminal 26, and then applied to image forming device 1. In this way, the user can check the administrator password recorded in communication terminal 26, preventing the administrator password from being forgotten and improving the convenience of password management.

[0094] In this case, when power-on processing unit 12 receives a notification from communication terminal 26 via NFC communication unit 24 that the administrator password has been recorded, the administrator password set (input) by the user is applied to image forming apparatus 1. In other words, if power-on processing unit 12 does not receive a notification from communication terminal 26 that the administrator password has been recorded, the administrator password input by the user is not applied.

[0095] In this way, in the second embodiment, it is possible to avoid a situation in which an administrator password is applied to image forming apparatus 1 even though the administrator password is not recorded in communications terminal 26.

[0096] Furthermore, when the method of photographing the administrator password with communications terminal 26 as an imaging device and recording it in communications terminal 26 is selected, the power-on processing unit 12 and administrator password medium recording unit 13 as a recording control unit display the administrator password entered by the user on operation panel unit 11, photograph it with communications terminal 26, record it in said communications terminal 26, and then apply it to image forming device 1. In this way, the user can check the administrator password recorded in communications terminal 26, preventing the administrator password from being forgotten and improving the convenience of password management.

[0097] In this case, when power-on processing unit 12 receives a notification from communication terminal 26 via network communication unit 22 or NFC communication unit 24 that the administrator password has been recorded, the administrator password input by the user is applied to image forming apparatus 1. In other words, if power-on processing unit 12 does not receive a notification from communication terminal 26 that the administrator password has been recorded, the administrator password input by the user is not applied.

[0098] In this way, in the second embodiment, it is possible to avoid a situation where the administrator password is applied to the image forming device 1 even though the administrator password is not recorded in the communication terminal 26. In the second embodiment, the user is allowed to select a method for recording the administrator password input by the user on a medium other than the image forming device 1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the user may be allowed to select a medium for recording the administrator password input by the user. In this case, for example, when print paper or USB memory 25 is selected as the recording medium, the administrator password may be recorded on the print paper or USB memory 25 by the above-mentioned method. Also, for example, when the communication terminal 26 is selected as the recording medium, the administrator password may be recorded on the communication terminal 26 by either the method using NFC communication or the method using photography.

[0099] 3. Other embodiments [3-1. Another embodiment 1] In the above-described first embodiment, after the user inputs the administrator password, the administrator password is recorded on a print sheet, which is a medium other than the image forming device 1, only if the user selects to record (print) the administrator password. This is not limiting, and after the user inputs the administrator password, the administrator password may be automatically recorded on a print sheet, which is a medium other than the image forming device 1. Similarly, in the second embodiment, after the user selects a method for recording the administrator password, the administrator password may be automatically recorded on a medium other than the image forming device 1 using the method selected by the user.

[0100] [3-2. Other embodiment 2] In the first embodiment described above, the user is required to input the administrator password when the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured such that the user can change the administrator password at any time, not just when the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on, in order to periodically update the administrator password. In this case, the administrator password may also be printed on the printing paper when the user inputs the administrator password. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0101] [3-3. Other embodiment 3] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the administrator password is set by the user inputting the administrator password, but this is not limiting, and for example, the administrator password may be set by automatically generating and inputting the administrator password on the image forming apparatus 1 side instead of the user. In this case, for example, the power-on processing unit 12 displays a screen on the operation panel unit 11 that allows the user to select whether to directly input the administrator password or to input the administrator password by automatic generation. Then, when the power-on processing unit 12 selects to directly input the administrator password, the power-on processing unit 12 has the user input the administrator password, and when the power-on processing unit 12 selects to input the administrator password by automatic generation, the power-on processing unit 12 reduces the user's input and inputs the result of automatically generating the administrator password using a random pattern or a certain calculation rule. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0102] [3-4. Other embodiment 4] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, if the user selects the method of photographing the administrator password with communication terminal 26 and recording it on communication terminal 26, when power-on processing unit 12 of image forming device 1 receives a notification from communication terminal 26 that the administrator password has been recorded, it determines that recording of the administrator password was successful and applies the administrator password to image forming device 1.

[0103] Not limited to this, if the user selects a method of photographing the administrator password with the communication terminal 26 and recording it in the communication terminal 26, the power-on processing unit 12 of the image forming device 1 converts, for example, the administrator password (or the administrator password and the identification information of the image forming device 1) into a two-dimensional code and displays it on the operation panel unit 11.

[0104] The user photographs the two-dimensional code displayed on the operation panel unit 11 with the communication terminal 26. Here, the control unit 36 ​​of the communication terminal 26 obtains the administrator password by decoding the two-dimensional code photographed by the photographing unit 35, and transmits the administrator password to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network communication unit 33 or the NFC communication unit 34.

[0105] When the power-on processing unit 12 of the image forming device 1 receives an administrator password from the communication terminal 26 via the network communication unit 22 or the NFC communication unit 24, it compares the administrator password (i.e., the photographed administrator password) with the administrator password entered by the user, and if they match, it determines that the administrator password has been successfully recorded and applies the administrator password entered by the user to the image forming device 1.

[0106] [3-5. Other embodiment 5] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, a security DB section 20 is provided in addition to the setting value storage section 21, and the administrator password is registered in the security DB section 20 after undergoing data processing such as irreversible encryption. This is not limiting, and for example, the setting value storage section 21 and the security DB section 20 may be combined into one storage section, and various setting values ​​and the administrator password after data processing may be stored in that storage section. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0107] [3-6. Other embodiment 6] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus 1, but is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various information processing apparatuses that require a password such as an administrator password to be set and that can record the password in a separate medium, such as a multifunction machine, a server, a game machine, a smartphone, and the like.

[0108] [3-7. Other embodiment 7] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the scope of application of the present invention extends to embodiments in which some or all of the above-described embodiments are combined in any manner, or in which some of the embodiments are extracted. [Industrial Applicability]

[0109] The present invention can be widely used in, for example, printers that require login using an administrator password. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1...image forming apparatus, 11...operation panel unit, 12...power-on processing unit, 13...administrator password medium recording unit, 14...printing unit, 15...setting initialization unit, 16...administrator password registration / change unit, 17...language setting unit, 18...region setting unit, 19...network setting unit, 20...security DB unit, 21...setting value memory unit, 22...network communication unit, 23...USB I / F unit, 24...NFC communication unit, 25...USB memory, 26...communication terminal, 31...operation display unit, 32...memory unit, 33...network communication unit, 34...NFC communication unit, 35...photography unit, 36...control unit.

Claims

1. When a password is entered for the target device, Recording the input password on a medium separate from the target device; When the password has been recorded on the medium, the input password is applied to the target device. A password setting method comprising:

2. when the password input for the target device to be used under a predetermined condition is normally recorded on the medium, the password is made usable under the predetermined condition; When the password is not normally recorded on the medium, the password is made unusable under the predetermined conditions.

2. The password setting method according to claim 1.

3. after the password input to the target device is recorded on the medium by the target device, when the medium becomes removable from the target device, the password is made usable; The password is made unusable in a state where the medium cannot be removed from the target device.

3. The password setting method according to claim 2.

4. the target device transports the medium and prints the password on the medium, thereby recording the password on the medium; When it is determined that the password has been properly recorded on the medium based on the detection result of a sensor that detects the medium being conveyed, the password is made available for use.

3. The password setting method according to claim 2.

5. the target device records the password on the medium connected to the target device; When it is determined that the password has been properly recorded on the medium by performing an operation for safely removing the medium from the target device, the password is made available for use.

3. The password setting method according to claim 2.

6. the target device transmits the password to a communication device capable of communicating with the target device and causes the password to be recorded on the medium provided in the communication device; When the target device receives a notification from the communication device that the password has been recorded and determines that the password has been properly recorded on the medium, the target device enables the password to be used.

3. The password setting method according to claim 2.

7. the target device displays the password on a display unit, and records the password displayed on the display unit in the medium provided in an image capture device capable of communicating with the target device by capturing an image of the password; When the target device receives a notification from the photographing device that the password has been recorded and determines that the password has been properly recorded on the medium, the target device enables the password to be used.

3. The password setting method according to claim 2.

8. When a user selects to record the password input to the target device on the medium, the input password is recorded on the medium; When the password has been recorded on the medium, the input password is applied to the target device; When the user selects not to record the password in the medium, the input password is not recorded in the medium, and the input password is applied to the target device.

2. The password setting method according to claim 1.

9. having a user select the medium on which to record the password; Recording the password on the selected medium 2. The password setting method according to claim 1.

10. a password input unit for inputting a password for the target device; a recording control unit for recording the input password in a medium separate from the target device; a password applying unit that applies the input password to the target device when the password has been recorded on the medium; Equipped 23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

Images