Information processing device, image formation device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To make it possible to continue login using an authentication screen even if an event occurs when the authentication screen is being displayed in an information processing device which displays the authentication screen by using a general application.SOLUTION: An information processing device has: a first processing part which displays an authentication screen for authenticating a user at a display part; a second processing part which displays an event notification screen at the display part when an event is detected; and a processing control part which makes display priority of the event notification screen lower than that of the authentication screen according to the importance of the event if the event is detected when the authentication screen is being displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technology for authenticating a user who uses an information processing device such as an image forming device. For example, there is known an information processing system that displays an authentication screen for authenticating a user and authenticates a user who inputs authentication information into the authentication screen in cooperation with an external authentication server (for example, see Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] For example, in the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, since authentication is performed using a unique authentication screen, the display priority of the authentication screen can be set high, and the authentication screen can be displayed preferentially.

[0004] On the other hand, for example, when using a general application such as a web browser to display an authentication screen provided by an external server, if an event such as an error occurs, the event notification screen may be displayed in the foreground, making it impossible to log in using the authentication screen.

[0005] The embodiment of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and in an information processing device that displays an authentication screen using a general application, it enables login via the authentication screen to be continued even if an event occurs while the authentication screen is displayed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention has a first processing unit that displays an authentication screen on a display unit for authenticating a user, a second processing unit that displays an event notification screen on the display unit when an event is detected, and a processing control unit that, when the event is detected while the authentication screen is being displayed, lowers the display priority of the event notification screen below the display priority of the authentication screen depending on the importance of the event. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in an information processing device that displays an authentication screen using a general application, even if an event occurs while the authentication screen is being displayed, it becomes possible to continue logging in using the authentication screen. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram (1) showing an example of processing of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram (2) illustrating an example of processing of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram (1) showing an example of processing of an information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram (2) illustrating an example of processing of the information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram (3) illustrating an example of processing of the information processing system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] <System configuration> 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. In the example of Fig. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 20 that can communicate with an external server 10 via a communication network N.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 20 is an information processing apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) that has functions such as a scan function, a copy function, a print function, and a fax function mounted in a single housing.

[0012] The image forming device 20 includes a main body 21 that realizes image forming functions such as a copy function, a scan function, a fax function, and a printer function, and an operation unit 22 that displays various display screens and accepts user operations. The operation unit 22 according to this embodiment uses a general application such as a web browser to display a login screen (authentication screen) prepared by the external server 10, and cooperates with the external server 10 to authenticate the user 2 who inputs login information (authentication information) on the login screen.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 20 is an example of an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 20 is an example of an image forming apparatus including an information processing apparatus (for example, an operation unit 22) according to the present embodiment.

[0014] The external server 10 is, for example, an information processing device having a computer configuration, or a system including multiple computers. The external server 10 provides an authentication service that authenticates the login information of the user 2 included in an authentication request received from the image forming device 20 and notifies the image forming device 20 of the authentication result.

[0015] For example, in the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, since authentication is performed using a unique authentication screen, the display priority of the authentication screen can be set high, and the authentication screen can be displayed preferentially.

[0016] On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment uses a general application such as a web browser to display an authentication screen (login screen, etc.) prepared by an external server. In this case, when an event such as an error occurs in the image forming apparatus 20, the event notification screen is displayed in the foreground, and it may become impossible to continue the login operation.

[0017] In addition, if the event notification screen is displayed while the user is entering login information into the authentication screen, the login information being entered remains on the authentication screen, which also poses the problem of insufficient protection of personal information.

[0018] (Processing Overview) Therefore, the image forming device 20 according to this embodiment has a function that allows login via the authentication screen to be continued even if an event occurs in the image forming device (information processing device) 20 that displays the authentication screen using a general application.

[0019] For example, when an event is detected while the authentication screen is displayed, the image forming apparatus 20 lowers the display priority of the event notification screen below that of the authentication screen according to the importance of the event. As a result, even if an event such as an error occurs while the authentication screen is displayed, the image forming apparatus 20 prevents the event notification screen from being displayed in the foreground, allowing the user to continue the login operation.

[0020] Preferably, when a fatal error occurs, such as when the user 2 logs in and is unable to use the functions of the image forming apparatus 20, the image forming apparatus 20 stops the process of lowering the display priority of the event notification screen below the display priority of the authentication screen. This makes it possible to suppress unnecessary login operations by the user.

[0021] Preferably, the image forming apparatus 20 closes the authentication screen if no operation is performed on the authentication screen for a predetermined period of time or more. This makes it possible to prevent login information being input from remaining on the authentication screen even if, for example, a fatal error occurs in the image forming apparatus 20 and operation on the authentication screen becomes impossible.

[0022] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in an information processing device that displays an authentication screen using a general application, even if an event occurs, login via the authentication screen can be continued.

[0023] <Hardware configuration> (Hardware configuration of image forming device) 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. As described above, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a main body 21 that realizes image forming functions such as a copy function, a scan function, a fax function, and a printer function, and an operation unit 22 that displays various display screens and accepts user operations. The main body 21 and the operation unit 22 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a dedicated communication path 220. The communication path 220 may be, for example, one that complies with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, but may be one that complies with any standard, whether wired or wireless.

[0024] The main body 21 can execute image forming processing in response to an operation received by the operation unit 22. The main body 21 can also communicate with an external device such as a client PC (personal computer), and can execute image forming processing in response to an instruction received from the external device.

[0025] First, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the main body 21. As shown in Fig. 2, the main body 21 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a storage device 204, a communication I / F (Interface) 205, a connection I / F 206, an engine unit 207, and a system bus 208.

[0026] The CPU 201 comprehensively controls the operation of the main body 21. For example, the CPU 201 uses the RAM 203 as a work area to execute a program stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 202 or the storage device 204, thereby controlling the operation of the entire main body 21. For example, the CPU 201 realizes image forming functions such as the copy function, scan function, fax function, and printer function described above, by controlling the engine unit 207 described below.

[0027] The ROM 202 is a non-volatile memory that stores, for example, a basic input output system (BIOS) executed when the main body 21 is started, various settings, etc. The RAM 203 is a volatile memory used as a work area for the CPU 201, etc. The storage device 204 is a large-capacity non-volatile storage device that stores, for example, an operating system (OS), application programs, various data, etc., and is configured, for example, with a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0028] The communication I / F 205 is a network interface for connecting the main body 21 to a communication network N and communicating with an external device connected to the network 340. The connection I / F 206 is a communication interface for communicating with the operation unit 22 via the communication path 220.

[0029] The engine unit 207 is hardware that performs general-purpose information processing and processing other than communication in order to realize functions such as a copy function, a scan function, a fax function, and a printer function. The engine unit 207 includes, for example, a scanner that scans and reads an image of an original, a printer that prints on a sheet material such as paper, a fax communication unit that performs fax communication, etc. Furthermore, the engine unit 207 may include specific options such as a finisher that sorts printed sheet materials, or an ADF (automatic document feeder) that automatically feeds originals.

[0030] A system bus 208 is connected to each of the above components and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals, and various control signals.

[0031] Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the operation unit 22. As shown in FIG.

[0032] The CPU 211 performs overall control of the operation of the operation unit 22. For example, the CPU 211 executes a program stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 212 or the storage device 214 using the RAM 213 as a work area, thereby controlling the operation of the entire operation unit 22. For example, the CPU 211 executes a display process for displaying a display screen such as an operation screen, a setting screen, an authentication screen, or an event notification screen, and an operation reception process for receiving an input operation by a user on the display screen.

[0033] The ROM 212 is a non-volatile memory that stores, for example, a BIOS executed when the operation unit 22 is started up, various settings, etc. The RAM 213 is a volatile memory used as a work area, etc. for the CPU 211. The storage device 214 is a large-capacity non-volatile storage device that stores, for example, an OS, application programs, various data, etc.

[0034] The communication I / F 215 is a network interface for connecting the operation unit 22 to a communication network N and communicating with an external device connected to the communication network N. The connection I / F 216 is an interface for communicating with the main body 21 via a communication path 220.

[0035] The operation panel 217 displays various display screens and accepts user input operations on the display screen. The operation panel 217 is composed of, for example, a display device equipped with a touch panel function. The operation panel 217 may also have an operation unit such as hardware keys or a display unit such as a lamp. The system bus 218 is connected to the above components and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals, and various control signals.

[0036] (Computer hardware configuration) The image forming device 20 described in Fig. 2 is an example of an information processing device according to the present embodiment. The information processing device according to the present embodiment may have a hardware configuration of a computer 300 as shown in Fig. 3. The external server 10 is configured by one or more computers 300, for example.

[0037] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer according to an embodiment. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, a computer 300 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, a HD (Hard Disk) 304, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 305, a display 306, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 307, a network I / F 308, a keyboard 309, a pointing device 310, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 312, a media I / F 314, and a bus line 315.

[0038] Of these, the CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the computer 300. The ROM 302 stores programs used to start up the computer 300, such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 303 is used, for example, as a work area for the CPU 301. The HD 304 stores, for example, an OS (Operating System), applications, programs, and various data. The HDD controller 305 controls the reading and writing of various data from and to the HD 304 under the control of the CPU 301. The HD 304 and the HDD controller 305 are examples of storage devices included in the computer 300.

[0039] The display 306 is a display unit that displays various information such as a cursor, a menu, a window, characters, or an image. The external device connection I / F 307 is an interface that connects various external devices to the computer 300. The network I / F 308 is an interface that connects the computer 300 to a communication network N. The keyboard 309 is a type of input means that has multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 310 is a type of input means that selects and executes various instructions, selects a processing target, moves a cursor, etc.

[0040] The DVD-RW drive 312 controls reading and writing of various data from and to a DVD-RW 311, which is an example of a removable recording medium. The DVD-RW 311 is not limited to a DVD-RW, and may be another removable recording medium. The media I / F 314 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from and to a medium 313 such as a flash memory. The bus line 315 includes an address bus, a data bus, various control signals, and the like that electrically connect the above components.

[0041] <Functional configuration> FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0042] (Main unit functional configuration) The main body 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 includes, for example, an image forming unit 411 and an event detection unit 412. The image forming unit 411 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 201, and uses the engine unit 207 to control the execution of image forming processes such as printing, copying, scanning, or faxing.

[0043] The event detection unit 412 is realized, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 201, and mainly detects various events that occur in the main body 21, and notifies the operation unit 22 that an event has been detected, as well as the type of the detected event, etc.

[0044] (Functional configuration of the operation section) The operation unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 20 includes, for example, a display control unit 400, an event detection unit 404, a determination unit 405, a storage unit 406, and a setting reception unit 407.

[0045] The display control unit 400 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 211, and executes a display process for displaying various display screens on a display unit such as the operation panel 217, an operation reception process for receiving an input operation to the operation panel 217, etc. The display control unit 400 according to this embodiment includes, for example, a first processing unit 401, a second processing unit 402, and a processing control unit 403.

[0046] The first processing unit 401 executes a first process of displaying an authentication screen (login screen) for authenticating a user on the display unit. Preferably, the first processing unit 401 cooperates with the external server 10 to authenticate the authentication information of the user 2 inputted on the authentication screen. Note that the first processing unit 401 is realized by a general application such as a web browser executed by a computer (such as the operation unit 22) included in the image forming apparatus 20. Input may be made by using voice or an external device such as a smartphone.

[0047] In addition, the first processing unit 401 terminates the display of the authentication screen, for example, when user authentication is successful, when user authentication is canceled, or when the display time of the authentication screen has elapsed a predetermined waiting time.

[0048] The second processing unit 402 executes a second process of displaying, when an event is detected by the event detection unit 404 or the event detection unit 412, an event notification screen for notifying information of the detected event on the display unit.

[0049] When an event is detected while the authentication screen is displayed, the process control unit 403 executes processing to lower, in accordance with the importance of the event, the display priority of the event notification screen displayed by the second processing unit 402 below the display priority of the authentication screen displayed by the first processing unit 401. Furthermore, when the display of the authentication screen ends after lowering the display priority of the event notification screen below the display priority of the authentication screen, the process control unit 403 restores the display priority of the event notification screen to the original display priority before being lowered.

[0050] The event detection unit 404 is realized, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 211, and mainly performs event detection processing to detect various events that occur on the operation unit 22 and notify the determination unit 405 of the detection of an event and the type of the detected event, etc.

[0051] The determination unit 405 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 211, determines the importance of an event detected by the event detection unit 404 or the event detection unit 412, and notifies the display control unit 400 and the like of the determination result.

[0052] The storage unit 406 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 211, the storage device 214, etc. The storage unit 406 stores various information such as setting values ​​accepted by a setting acceptance unit 407, user information, or an address book.

[0053] The setting reception unit 407 is realized by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 211, and executes a setting reception process for receiving various settings related to the image forming apparatus 20. For example, the setting reception unit 407 receives settings for processing contents when an event is detected while the authentication screen is being displayed, and stores the received setting value in the storage unit 406 or the like.

[0054] The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 shown in Fig. 4 is an example. For example, the image forming apparatus 20 may have the functional configurations of the main body 21 and the operation unit 22 in Fig. 4 as a whole.

[0055] (External server functional configuration) The external server 10 executes an authentication process to authenticate the authentication information of the user 2 included in the authentication request from the image forming apparatus 20 and notify the image forming apparatus 20 of the authentication result. Note that in this embodiment, the processing content of the authentication process executed by the external server 10 is not particularly limited.

[0056] <Processing flow> Next, the process flow of the information processing method according to this embodiment will be described.

[0057] [First embodiment] 5 and 6 are sequence diagrams showing an example of processing of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. This processing shows an example of processing when an event is detected while the image forming apparatus 20 having the functional configuration described in FIG. 4 is displaying an authentication screen.

[0058] It is assumed that user 2 performs a login attempt operation on operation panel 217 in step S501.

[0059] In step S502, upon receiving a login attempt operation by the user 2, the first processing unit 401 of the display control unit 400 notifies the external server 10 of the login attempt. In response, in step S503, the external server 10 outputs a login screen to the first processing unit 401 that has made the request.

[0060] In step S504, the first processing unit 401 displays a login screen prepared by the external server 10 on a display unit such as the operation panel 217.

[0061] Here, when event detection unit 404 detects an event, event detection unit 404 notifies determination unit 405 of the fact that an event has been detected and the type of the detected event, etc. (step S505). Similarly, when event detection unit 412 detects an event, event detection unit 412 notifies determination unit 405 of the fact that an event has been detected and the type of the detected event, etc. (step S506).

[0062] In step S507, when the event detection unit 404 or the event detection unit 412 detects an event, the determination unit 405 determines the importance of the detected event. For example, the determination unit 405 may determine the importance of the detected event using determination information or the like in which the importance corresponding to each event type is stored in advance.

[0063] In step S508, the determination unit 405 notifies the display control unit 400 of the importance (for example, importance rank) of the event detected by the event detection unit 404 or the event detection unit 412, information indicating the type of the event, and the like.

[0064] In step S509, the second processing unit 402 of the display control unit 400 displays an event notification screen indicating that an event has been detected on a display unit such as the operation panel 217. Note that the process of step S509 is an example. For example, the second processing unit 402 may display the event notification screen based on the type of the detected event output by the event detection unit 404 or the event detection unit 412.

[0065] Here, if the importance of the detected event is lower than a predetermined rank, the process control unit 403 of the display control unit 400 executes the processes of steps S601 to S606 (processing 1) or the processes of steps S611 to S614 (processing 2) in FIG.

[0066] (Process 1) The processing in steps S601 to S606 in FIG. 6 shows an example of processing when the importance of a detected event is lower than a predetermined rank.

[0067] In step S601, the process control unit 403 lowers the display priority of the event notification screen displayed by the second processing unit 402 below the display priority of the login screen displayed by the first processing unit 401. This allows the process control unit 403 to display the login screen even when an event is detected. The login screen is an example of an authentication screen.

[0068] In step S602, when the user 2 performs a login operation on the login screen, the information processing system 1 executes the processes in and after step S603.

[0069] In step S603, the first processing unit 401 of the display control unit 400 transmits to the external server 10, for example, a login request including the authentication information of the user 2 inputted in the login operation.

[0070] In step S604, the external server 10 authenticates the authentication information of the user 2 included in the login request, and transmits a login response including the authentication result to the display control unit 400. Here, if the user 2 is a valid user of the image forming apparatus 20, the login response includes an authentication result indicating that the authentication was successful. In this case, the image forming apparatus 20 permits the user 2 to use the image forming apparatus 20.

[0071] In step S605, the first processing unit 401 of the display control unit 400 closes the login screen. In response to this, in step S606, the processing control unit 403 of the display control unit 400 restores the display priority of the event notification screen to the original priority. As a result, the second processing unit 402 displays the event notification screen with the original display priority. This allows the user 2 to operate the event notification screen.

[0072] (Process 2) 6 shows another example of the process when the importance of the detected event is lower than a predetermined rank. Note that a detailed description of the process similar to process 1 will be omitted here.

[0073] In step S611, the process control unit 403 lowers the display priority of the event notification screen displayed by the second processing unit 402 below the display priority of the login screen displayed by the first processing unit 401. This allows the process control unit 403 to display the login screen even when an event is detected.

[0074] In step S612, when the user 2 performs a cancel operation on the login screen, the information processing system 1 executes the processes in and after step S613.

[0075] In step S613, when the first processing unit 401 of the display control unit 400 accepts the cancel operation, it closes the login screen. In response to this, in step S614, the processing control unit 403 of the display control unit 400 restores the display priority of the event notification screen to the original priority. As a result, the second processing unit 402 displays the event notification screen with the original display priority. Note that when the login screen is closed upon accepting the cancel operation, the login information including the incomplete login information that has been partially entered is cleared.

[0076] As described above, according to the first embodiment, in image forming apparatus 20 that displays an authentication screen using a general application, even if an event occurs while the authentication screen is displayed, it is possible to continue logging in using the authentication screen.

[0077] If the importance of the detected event is equal to or higher than a predetermined rank, the information processing system 1 does not execute the processes of steps S601 to S606 and steps S611 to S614 in FIG. 6. Therefore, even in the processes of FIGS. 5 and 6, if the importance of the detected event is equal to or higher than a predetermined rank, login through the authentication screen cannot be continued. Therefore, it is desirable to set a predetermined rank in advance so that the importance of the detected event is equal to or higher than a predetermined rank only when a fatal error or the like occurs that makes it impossible to use the image forming function of the image forming apparatus 20 even if the user 2 logs in. Note that in the process after the event notification screen of the detected event is displayed when a fatal error or the like occurs, login information including incomplete login information that has been partially entered is cleared.

[0078] [Second embodiment] 7, 9, and 10 are sequence diagrams showing an example of processing of the information processing system according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, an example of processing in which the user 2 can set the processing content when an event occurs while the authentication screen is displayed will be described. Note that detailed description of the processing content similar to that of the first embodiment will be omitted here.

[0079] It is assumed that user 2 performs a setting start operation on operation panel 217 in step S701.

[0080] In step S702, when the display control unit 400 accepts a setting start operation, the setting acceptance unit 407 uses the display control unit 400 to display a setting screen on a display unit such as the operation panel 217.

[0081] In step S703, it is assumed that user 2 performs a setting operation on the setting screen. Here, it is assumed that user 2 sets, for example, setting information 800 as shown in FIG.

[0082] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of setting information according to the second embodiment. In the example of Fig. 8, setting information 800 includes four setting items No. 1 to No. 4. The setting item No. 1 is set to "Whether to change the display priority of the screen depending on the importance of the event" by setting the value to ON or OFF. In the following explanation, this function may be called "Function A". The setting item No. 2 sets the "importance rank for hiding the screen." The value set here is, for example, a number between 0 and 9. In the following description, this setting value may be referred to as a "predetermined rank." The setting item No. 3 is set to "Whether to change the display priority of the screen depending on the idle time" by setting the value to ON or OFF. In the following explanation, this function may be referred to as "Function B". The setting item No. 4 is a value that indicates the time, for example, set in seconds, for "the time until the display priority is changed." In the following description, this setting value may be referred to as the "predetermined time."

[0083] Here, the explanation of the sequence diagram will be continued by returning to Fig. 7. In step S704, the setting reception unit 407 stores the setting values ​​set by the user on the setting screen in the storage unit 406 or the like.

[0084] It is assumed that User 2 performs a login attempt operation on operation panel 217 in step S705.

[0085] In step S706, upon receiving the login attempt operation by the user 2, the first processing unit 401 of the display control unit 400 notifies the external server 10 of the login attempt. In response, in step S707, the external server 10 outputs a login screen to the first processing unit 401 that has made the request.

[0086] In step S708, the first processing unit 401 displays a login screen prepared by the external server 10 on a display unit such as the operation panel 217.

[0087] Here, when event detection unit 404 detects an event, event detection unit 404 notifies determination unit 405 of the fact that an event has been detected and the type of the detected event, etc. (step S709). Similarly, when event detection unit 412 detects an event, event detection unit 412 notifies determination unit 405 of the fact that an event has been detected and the type of the detected event, etc. (step S710).

[0088] In step S711, when the event detection unit 404 or the event detection unit 412 detects an event, the determination unit 405 determines the importance of the detected event.

[0089] In step S712, the determination unit 405 notifies the display control unit 400 of information indicating the type of the event detected by the event detection unit 404 or the event detection unit 412, the importance of the detected event (for example, the importance rank), and the like.

[0090] In step S713, the second processing unit 402 of the display control unit 400 displays an event notification screen indicating that an event has been detected on a display unit such as the operation panel 217. Note that the second processing unit 402 may display the event notification screen based on the type of the detected event output by the event detection unit 404 or the event detection unit 412, for example.

[0091] In steps S714 and S715, the process control unit 403 of the display control unit 400 acquires the setting value stored in step S704 from the setting reception unit 407 (or from the storage unit 406).

[0092] Here, when the setting value of "Function A" is ON and the importance of the detected event is less than a predetermined rank, the process control unit 403 executes the processes of steps S901 to S906 (Process A) or steps S911 to S914 (Process B) in Fig. 8. Also, when the setting values ​​of "Function A" and "Function B" are ON and the importance of the detected event is less than a predetermined rank, the process control unit 403 executes the processes of steps S1001 to S1004 (Process C) in Fig. 10.

[0093] (Process A) The processing in steps S901 to S906 in Fig. 9 shows an example of processing when "function A" is ON and the importance of the detected event is less than a "predetermined rank." Here, "function A" corresponds to the setting item No. 1 in the setting information 800 in Fig. 8, and the "predetermined rank" corresponds to the setting item No. 2 in the setting information 800.

[0094] In step S901, the process control unit 403 lowers the display priority of the event notification screen displayed by the second processing unit 402 below the display priority of the login screen displayed by the first processing unit 401. This allows the process control unit 403 to display the login screen even when an event is detected. The login screen is an example of an authentication screen.

[0095] In step S902, when the user 2 performs a login operation on the login screen, the information processing system 1 executes the processes in and after step S903.

[0096] In step S903, the first processing unit 401 of the display control unit 400 transmits to the external server 10, for example, a login request including the authentication information of the user 2 inputted in the login operation.

[0097] In step S904, the external server 10 authenticates the authentication information of the user 2 included in the login request, and transmits a login response including the authentication result to the display control unit 400. Here, if the user 2 is a valid user of the image forming apparatus 20, the login response includes an authentication result indicating that the authentication was successful. In this case, the image forming apparatus 20 permits the user 2 to use the image forming apparatus 20.

[0098] In step S905, the first processing unit 401 of the display control unit 400 closes the login screen. In response to this, in step S906, the processing control unit 403 of the display control unit 400 restores the display priority of the event notification screen to the original priority. This allows the second processing unit 402 to display the event notification screen with the original display priority.

[0099] (Process B) 9 shows another example of the process when “function A” is ON and the importance of the detected event is less than a “predetermined rank.” Note that detailed explanations of the process similar to process A will be omitted here.

[0100] In step S911, the process control unit 403 lowers the display priority of the event notification screen displayed by the second processing unit 402 below the display priority of the login screen displayed by the first processing unit 401. This allows the process control unit 403 to display the login screen even when an event is detected.

[0101] In step S912, when the user 2 performs a cancel operation on the login screen, the information processing system 1 executes the processes in and after step S913.

[0102] In step S913, when the first processing unit 401 of the display control unit 400 accepts the cancel operation, the first processing unit 401 closes the login screen. In response to this, in step S914, the processing control unit 403 of the display control unit 400 restores the display priority of the event notification screen to the original priority. This allows the second processing unit 402 to display the event notification screen with the original display priority.

[0103] In addition, if “Function A” is set to OFF, or if the importance of the detected event is “above a specified rank,” the information processing system 1 does not execute the processing of steps S901 to S906 (Processing A) and the processing of steps S911 to S914 (Processing B).

[0104] (Process C) The process in Fig. 10 shows an example of a process when "Function A" and "Function B" are ON and the importance of the detected event is less than a "predetermined rank". Here, "Function A" corresponds to setting item No. 1 in setting information 800 in Fig. 8, and "Function B" corresponds to setting item No. 3 in setting information 800. Also, the "predetermined rank" corresponds to setting item No. 2 in setting information 800. Note that detailed explanations of processes similar to processes A and B will be omitted here.

[0105] In step S1001, the process control unit 403 lowers the display priority of the event notification screen displayed by the second processing unit 402 below the display priority of the login screen displayed by the first processing unit 401. In this way, the process control unit 403 enables the login screen to be displayed even when an event is detected.

[0106] In step S1002, when the display control unit 400 detects that no operation has been performed on the login screen for a "predetermined time" or longer, the display control unit 400 executes the processes of steps S1003 and S1004. Here, the "predetermined time" corresponds to the setting item No. 4 of the setting information 800 in FIG.

[0107] In step S1003, the first processing unit 401 of the display control unit 400 closes the login screen. In response to this, in step S1004, the processing control unit 403 of the display control unit 400 resets the display priority of the event notification screen. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 20, for example, even if the user 2 inputs login information on the login screen, if no operation is performed for a predetermined time or more, the login information including the incomplete login information that was input halfway is cleared.

[0108] In this manner, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent login information being input from remaining on the authentication screen, thereby making it possible to adequately protect personal information.

[0109] As described above, according to each embodiment of the present invention, in an information processing device that displays an authentication screen using a general application, it becomes possible to continue logging in using the authentication screen even if an event occurs while the authentication screen is being displayed.

[0110] <Supplementary Information> Each function of each embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, and a device such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or a conventional circuit module designed to execute each function described above.

[0111] Furthermore, the main body 21 and operation unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 20 can be configured to share the disclosed processing steps, for example, the processes of FIGS. 5 to 7, 9, and 10, in various combinations. For example, a process executed by a predetermined unit of the operation unit 22 can be executed by the main body 21. Similarly, a process executed by a predetermined unit of the main body 21 can be executed by the operation unit 22. Furthermore, each functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 may be integrated into one device, or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0112] <Additional Notes> This specification discloses the following information processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, information processing method, and program. (Section 1) a first processing unit that displays an authentication screen for authenticating a user on a display unit; a second processing unit that displays an event notification screen on the display unit when an event is detected; a processing control unit that, when the event is detected while the authentication screen is being displayed, lowers a display priority of the event notification screen below a display priority of the authentication screen in accordance with an importance of the event; An information processing device having the above configuration. (Section 2) A communication unit that communicates with an external server via a communication network, 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first processing unit cooperates with the external server to authenticate authentication information of the user input on the authentication screen. (Section 3) 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first processing unit is realized by a web browser executed by a computer included in the information processing device. (Section 4) The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing control unit, after lowering the display priority of the event notification screen below the display priority of the authentication screen, when the display of the authentication screen has ended, returns the display priority of the event notification screen to its original display priority. (Section 5) The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first processing unit terminates display of the authentication screen when authentication of the user is successful, when authentication of the user is canceled, or when the display time of the authentication screen has elapsed a predetermined waiting time. (Section 6) 6. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a setting receiving section configured to receive a setting of a process to be performed when the event is detected while the authentication screen is being displayed. (Section 7) 7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the setting of the processing content includes setting the importance of the event to lower the display priority of the event notification screen. (Section 8) 8. An image forming apparatus comprising the information processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7. (Section 9) An information processing device, a first process of displaying an authentication screen for authenticating a user on a display unit; a second process of displaying an event notification screen on the display unit when an event is detected; a process of lowering a display priority of the event notification screen below a display priority of the authentication screen in accordance with a level of importance of the event when the event is detected while the authentication screen is being displayed; An information processing method. (Section 10) a first process of displaying an authentication screen for authenticating a user on a display unit; a second process of displaying an event notification screen on the display unit when an event is detected; a process of lowering a display priority of the event notification screen below a display priority of the authentication screen in accordance with a level of importance of the event when the event is detected while the authentication screen is being displayed; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

[0113] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such a specific embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1. Information Processing Systems 2. Users 10 External Servers 20 Image forming device (an example of an information processing device) 21 Main unit 22 Operation unit (an example of an information processing device) 217 Operation panel (example of display unit) 300 Computers 400 Display control unit 401 First processing unit 402 Second processing section 403 Processing control section 404, 412 Event detection unit 405 Judgment section 407 Settings Reception Section [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0115] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-156250 A

Claims

1. a first processing unit that displays an authentication screen for authenticating a user on a display unit; a second processing unit that displays an event notification screen on the display unit when an event is detected; a processing control unit that, when the event is detected while the authentication screen is being displayed, lowers a display priority of the event notification screen below a display priority of the authentication screen in accordance with an importance of the event; An information processing device having the above configuration.

2. the information processing device is capable of communicating with an external server via a communication network; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first processing unit authenticates the authentication information of the user inputted on the authentication screen in cooperation with the external server.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first processing unit is realized by a web browser executed by a computer included in the information processing apparatus.

4. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the processing control unit, after lowering the display priority of the event notification screen below the display priority of the authentication screen, returns the display priority of the event notification screen to its original display priority when the display of the authentication screen is terminated.

5. 5. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the first processing unit terminates display of the authentication screen when authentication of the user is successful, when authentication of the user is canceled, or when a display time of the authentication screen has elapsed a predetermined waiting time.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a setting receiving unit configured to receive a setting for a process to be performed when the event is detected while the authentication screen is being displayed.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the setting of the processing content includes setting a level of importance of the event that lowers a display priority of the event notification screen.

8. 3. An image forming apparatus comprising the information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. An information processing device, a first process of displaying an authentication screen for authenticating a user on a display unit; a second process of displaying an event notification screen on the display unit when an event is detected; a process of lowering a display priority of the event notification screen below a display priority of the authentication screen in accordance with a level of importance of the event when the event is detected while the authentication screen is being displayed; An information processing method.

10. In the information processing device, a first process of displaying an authentication screen for authenticating a user on a display unit; a second process of displaying an event notification screen on the display unit when an event is detected; a process of lowering a display priority of the event notification screen below a display priority of the authentication screen in accordance with a level of importance of the event when the event is detected while the authentication screen is being displayed; A program to execute.

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