Information processing device, control method, and program

The solution allows password changes via Remote UI in devices with predetermined network connections, addressing the inconvenience of initial password restrictions and ensuring security.

JP2025132828APending Publication Date: 2025-09-10CANON KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024030645
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-02-29
Publication Date
2025-09-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Devices requiring password authentication often restrict the use of initial passwords for Remote UI access, preventing users from changing them, which reduces convenience.

Method used

An information processing device and method that allows users to change the initial password via Remote UI if certain network connection conditions are met, ensuring security and convenience by displaying a password change screen if the initial password has not been changed and the connection is predetermined.

Benefits of technology

Enhances user convenience by enabling password changes through Remote UI while maintaining security by allowing access only when specific conditions are satisfied.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide an information processing device for improving convenience in logging in to a device that requires password authentication.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a display part, reception means for receiving a login request to log in to an external device through a network on a screen displayed in the display part, and display control means for controlling to display a screen to change a default password in the display part after receiving the login request if a connection form of a network between the information processing device and the external device is a prescribed connection form in the case that the default password to log in to the external device is not changed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In some devices requiring password authentication, for security reasons, the device is configured not to allow login using an initial password (default password). Such a configuration can prevent unauthorized access by a third party. Patent Document 1 describes that if it is determined that the password has been changed from the initial password and that the security settings have been changed, a message is displayed. It also describes that if it is determined that the password has been changed from the initial password and that the security settings have not been changed, the message is not displayed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-196821 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In some cases, devices that require password authentication are configured so that the initial password cannot be used to log in when accessed from a terminal device using the Remote UI. In such cases, the user cannot change the initial password from the Remote UI to log in, which reduces convenience.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, a control method, and a program that improve convenience when logging in to a device that requires password authentication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: a display unit; an acceptance means for accepting a login request for logging in to an external device via a network on a screen displayed on the display unit; and a display control means for controlling the display unit to display a screen for changing the default password after accepting the login request if the default password for logging in to the external device has not been changed and if the network connection form between the information processing device and the external device is a predetermined connection form. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience when logging in to a device that requires password authentication. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen display on a printer. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a login process performed on a remote UI screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a user's login operation using a remote UI. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a login process performed on a remote UI screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a user's login operation using a remote UI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] [First embodiment] 1 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a communication system including a PC 101 and a printer 103 in this embodiment. The PC 101 has a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 206, an external storage device 207, a display device 208, and an input interface 209. The CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 206, etc. form a computer, PC 101, that executes a program. The PC 101 also has a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface 205, a wired LAN interface 210, and a wireless LAN interface 211. The PC 101 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and may have appropriate functional blocks that can be executed by a device applied as the PC 101.

[0011] The CPU 201 is a processor that reads and executes a control program stored in the ROM 202. The control program controls the entire PC 101 and executes the processes shown in the flowcharts described below. As a result of executing the control program, various functions of the PC 101 are realized, such as controlling communications with external devices such as the printer 103, generating print jobs to be output to the printer 103, and issuing network setup instructions. The RAM 206 is composed of a DRAM or SRAM that requires a backup power source, and is used as a memory area for temporarily storing setting information, management data, and the like when the PC 101 is operating. The RAM 206 is also used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 201, and as a transmission buffer for temporarily storing print jobs generated to be sent to the printer 103.

[0012] The ROM 202 stores a program 203 corresponding to various processes, including a network setup process program for transmitting setting information of an external access point (AP) to a printer, a wireless profile 204, and the like. The external storage device 207 also stores an operating system (OS), a printer driver, and various other data. The display device 208 is composed of an LED (light-emitting diode) and an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays various user interface screens for the OS and the program 203 and notifies the status of the PC 101. The input interface 209 is an interface for accepting data input and user instruction operations from a user by operating an operation unit such as a keyboard. The operation unit may be a physical keyboard, physical buttons, or the like, or may be a soft keyboard, soft buttons, or the like displayed on the display device 208. In other words, the input interface 209 may accept input from a user via the display device 208.

[0013] The network setup processing program is an application program for performing connection settings with an AP to which the printer 103 is connected, and may have functions other than the network setup function. The network setup processing program is hereinafter also referred to as a setup application. For example, the setup application may have a function for causing the printer 103 to print, a function for causing a document placed on the printer 103 to be scanned, a function for checking the status of the printer 103, and the like. The setup application may also have a function for transmitting information acquired from the printer 103 and personal user information acquired by the PC 101 to a service management server (not shown). The setup application is stored in the ROM 202 by being installed from an external server, for example, via Internet communication via the wireless LAN interface 211. The setup application is also assumed to be an application program provided by the vendor of the printer 103.

[0014] ROM 202 also stores network information. The network information stores IP addresses assigned to the wireless LAN interface 211 and wired LAN interface 210 of PC 101, and the IP address and subnet mask of the AP to which PC 101 is currently connected. The network information also stores wireless profiles of APs to which PC 101 has previously connected. In other words, ROM 202 stores history information of APs to which PC 101 has previously connected. The wireless profile information includes the SSID (Service Set Identifier), security settings, and password of the AP to which PC 101 is connected.

[0015] The wired LAN interface 210 and the wireless LAN interface 211 are configured to connect to external devices such as the printer 103 and the AP 102 and perform data communication. For example, the wireless LAN interface 211 can be connected to an access point (not shown) within the printer 103. The wireless LAN interface 211 controls the transmission and reception of data in accordance with the communication standard defined by IEEE 802.11 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 201. The wireless communication method used in this case is, for example, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) defined by the industry group Wi-Fi Alliance, which is defined as a standard for wireless LANs. The wireless LAN interface 211 also has an access point within the PC 101 for connecting to devices such as the printer 103. This access point is generally called tethering. The wireless LAN interface 256 of the printer 103 can be connected to this access point. When the wireless LAN interface 211 enables the access point, the PC 101 operates as an access point. The PC 101 and the printer 103 can communicate with each other by connecting the wireless LAN interface 256 to the access point in the wireless LAN interface 211. Furthermore, if the wireless LAN interface 211 of the PC 101 is connected to the Internet, the printer 103 can also be connected to the Internet via the wireless LAN interface 211.

[0016] The PC 101 can establish a peer-to-peer connection (P2P connection, direct connection) with the printer 103 via a USB cable 221 or via a wireless direct connection 224 using the wireless LAN interface 211. The PC 101 can also connect to the LAN 222 via an Ethernet cable 225, and if the printer 103 can also connect to the LAN 222, the PC 101 and the printer 103 can communicate with each other in the same LAN 222 environment. Furthermore, the PC 101 can connect to the AP 102 via the wireless LAN interface 211, and the AP 102 can connect to the LAN 222 via an Ethernet cable 226, thereby enabling the PC 101 to connect to the LAN 222. If the printer 103 can also connect to the AP 102, the PC 101 and the printer 103 can communicate with each other via the AP 102.

[0017] The printer 103 has a CPU 252, a ROM 253, a RAM 258, a display device 259, an input interface 260, a USB interface 251, a wireless LAN interface 256, and a wired LAN interface 257. The CPU 252, the ROM 253, the RAM 258, etc. form a computer of the printer 103 that executes programs. The printer 103 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 1, and may have appropriate functional blocks that can be executed by a device (for example, a multifunction peripheral (MFP)) that is used as the printer 103.

[0018] The CPU 252 is a processor that reads and executes a control program stored in the ROM 253, and controls the entire printer 103 according to the control program. As a result of the execution of the control program, various functions of the printer 103, such as communication control with external devices such as the PC 101, are realized. The RAM 258 is composed of DRAM, SRAM, or the like that requires a backup power source, and is used as a memory area for storing temporary setting information, management data, and the like when the printer 103 is operating. The RAM 258 is also used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory or work area of ​​the CPU 252, and may also function as a receive buffer for temporarily holding print information received from the PC 101, etc.

[0019] The ROM 253 is a non-volatile flash memory that stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and the embedded OS executed by the CPU 252. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 253 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 253.

[0020] The ROM 253 stores a program 254, a wireless profile 255, and the like. Here, the wireless profile 255 is information including the SSID and authentication information (password, etc.) of the AP connected to the wireless LAN interface 256. The wireless profile 255 is stored and managed by the CPU 252 executing the program 254 included in the ROM 253. For example, when the printer 103 is turned on, the printer 103 can reconnect to the previous network by using the wireless profile 255. Furthermore, for example, the printer 103 may be configured to manage multiple wireless profiles, like the OS of the PC 101.

[0021] The ROM 253 also stores a unique SSID that is uniquely set for the printer 103. Here, the unique SSID is uniquely determined for the printer manufacturer and printer model, and the wireless LAN interface 256 of the printer 103 can operate as an AP corresponding to this unique SSID. Therefore, the PC 101 can connect to the printer 103 operating as an AP corresponding to the unique SSID via the wireless direct connection 224, just like when connecting to the AP 102.

[0022] The display device 259 is configured with an LED (light emitting diode), an LCD (liquid crystal display), etc., and displays various menus and notifies the status of the printer 103. The input interface 260 is an interface for accepting data input from the user and user instruction operations by operating an operation unit such as a keyboard. The operation unit may be a physical keyboard, physical buttons, etc., or a soft keyboard, soft buttons, etc. displayed on the display device 259. In other words, the input interface 260 may accept input from the user via the display device 259.

[0023] The printing unit 261 forms an image on a recording medium, such as cut paper, by ejecting a recording agent such as ink onto the recording medium based on image data, and outputs the print result. Furthermore, if the printing unit 261 determines that the power-on is due to arrival, it is configured to perform initial setup processing, including cleaning the recording head and adjusting the registration to adjust the ink ejection position. The printing unit 261 may be configured to use not only inkjet recording technology, but also other recording technology, such as electrophotography.

[0024] Furthermore, the printer 103 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1 and may have other configurations (not shown). For example, the CPU 252 can control various motors that drive internal mechanisms via a motor control circuit (not shown). These motors include, for example, a transport motor, a carriage motor, and a recovery motor. The transport motor drives the paper feed roller, transport roller, and paper discharge roller to transport the recording paper from the paper feed unit to the paper discharge tray. The carriage motor drives the carriage back and forth. The recovery motor drives the recording head recovery mechanism and performs recovery operations to maintain the recording head in an appropriate state by controlling it in synchronization with the carriage drive. Note that, here, an inkjet recording printer is assumed as an example of the printer 103.

[0025] For example, the CPU 252 can control the print head via a print head control circuit (not shown). By controlling the print head in synchronization with the reciprocating movement of the carriage, an image is formed on the print paper. The CPU 252 can control each sensor via a sensor control circuit (not shown). For example, the CPU 252 can control the sensor light source of the paper sensor and acquire the output voltage of an optical sensor. For example, the CPU 252 can acquire, via the sensor control circuit, detection by a cassette sensor that the user has inserted or removed a paper feed unit.

[0026] For example, the CPU 252 can control the scanner via a scanner control circuit (not shown) and can read an image of a document placed on the scanner's document platen. For example, the CPU 252 can read and write various files on a memory card inserted in a memory card slot provided on the exterior of the device via a memory card control circuit (not shown).

[0027] The printer 103 is capable of P2P communication with the PC 101 via a USB cable 221 or via a wireless direct connection 224. The printer 103 is also connected to the AP 102 via a wireless LAN interface 256, and the AP 102 is connected to the LAN 222 via an Ethernet cable 226, thereby enabling the printer 103 to be connected to the LAN 222.

[0028] In this embodiment, the printer 103 has software for using a remote user interface (remote UI) as part of the program 254. Such software functions as a web server. Therefore, when the PC 101 accesses the web server of the printer 103 using a web browser, a remote UI screen is displayed on the display device 208 of the PC 101. The software includes a front end that controls the display of the web browser of the PC 101, etc., and a back end. The front end manages and stores a program (JavaScript) to be executed on the web browser, and by transmitting (downloading) the program to the PC 101, for example, the corresponding display is performed in the web browser of the PC 101. The front end includes, for example, a program for performing user authentication. Note that when a front end program is downloaded to the PC 101, the program becomes part of the software configuration of the PC 101.

[0029] (MFP operation display section) FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of a screen display on a display (touch panel display) included in the display device 259 of the printer 103. FIG. 2(a) is an example of a home screen that is displayed when the printer 103 is powered on and no operations such as printing or scanning are being performed (idle state, standby state). FIG. 2(a) displays display items (menu items) corresponding to copy, scan, and cloud, respectively. Cloud is a menu item related to cloud functions that utilize Internet communication. By selecting any of the menu items through key operations or touch panel operations, the printer 103 can begin executing the corresponding settings or functions. The printer 103 can seamlessly display a screen different from that shown in FIG. 2(a) by accepting key operations or touch panel operations on the home screen shown in FIG. 2(a).

[0030] Figure 2(b) is an example of a display of another part of the home screen, which is a screen that transitions from the state of Figure 2(a) by performing an operation (such as sliding left or right) to display another page of the home screen. Figure 2(b) displays display items (menu items) corresponding to communication settings, printing, and device settings. When one of these menu items is selected, the function corresponding to the selected menu item, i.e., communication settings, printing function, or device settings, is executed.

[0031] FIG. 2(c) is an example of a communication settings menu screen that is displayed when communication settings are selected on the screen of FIG. 2(b). The communication settings menu screen displays menu items (options): “Wireless LAN,” “Wired LAN,” “Wireless Direct,” “Bluetooth,” and “Common Settings.” “Wireless LAN,” “Wired LAN,” and “Wireless Direct” are menu items for configuring LAN settings. These items allow users to configure wired connections, enable / disable wireless infrastructure mode, and enable / disable P2P modes such as WFD and soft AP mode. When the “Wireless LAN” item is selected and wireless LAN is enabled by user operation, wireless infrastructure mode is enabled. When the “Wireless Direct” item is selected and wireless Direct is enabled by user operation, P2P (WLAN) mode is enabled. This screen also displays a common settings menu for each connection type. Furthermore, the user can configure wireless LAN frequency bands and frequency channels from this screen. In this embodiment, configuring the communication settings menu items requires administrator authority. In other words, the setting of the communication setting menu items requires the administrator to log in.

[0032] When "Device Settings" is selected on the screen in Fig. 2(b), if the printer 103 has a function for changing the administrator password, a screen (not shown) for changing the administrator password is displayed. The screen for changing the administrator password displays areas in which the current password, a new password, and a new password for confirmation can be entered, and the user can change the administrator password by pressing the OK button on the screen.

[0033] In this embodiment, when a user logs in to the printer 103 as an administrator, the user is required to enter the administrator's login name and password. For security reasons, the system may be configured so that the initial password cannot be used to log in when accessing the printer 103 as an administrator via the Remote UI from the PC 101. In this case, the user cannot change the initial password from the Remote UI to log in, which reduces convenience.

[0034] Here, it is assumed that the PC 101 and the printer 103 are connected via Wi-Fi Direct. In this case, a user attempting to access the printer 103 from the PC 101 using the Remote UI is considered to be the user who configured the Wi-Fi Direct settings on the printer 103. In other words, this user is considered to be the person who logged in as an administrator on the operation panel of the printer 103 and configured the Wi-Fi Direct settings. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the PC 101 and the printer 103 are connected via Wi-Fi Direct, a user attempting to access the printer 103 from the PC 101 using the Remote UI is considered to be an authorized user. Then, the user is allowed to change the initial password on the Remote UI and log in.

[0035] Meanwhile, assume that the PC 101 and the printer 103 are connected via a USB cable. In this case, a user attempting to access the printer 103 from the PC 101 using the Remote UI is considered to be the person who connected the USB cable to the printer 103. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the PC 101 and the printer 103 are connected via a USB cable, a user attempting to access the printer 103 from the PC 101 using the Remote UI is considered to be an authorized user. The user is then allowed to change the initial password via the Remote UI and log in.

[0036] 3 is a flowchart showing login processing (display control processing) performed on the screen of the remote UI displayed on the operation unit of the PC 101. The processing in FIG. 3 is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 reading a program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 206 and executing it. The processing in FIG. 3 is started based on a login request to the printer 103.

[0037] 4 is a diagram illustrating a user's login operation to the printer 103 via the remote UI using the display device 208 of the PC 101. A group of buttons is arranged on a login screen 401 displayed on the display device 208 of the PC 101. Here, the group of buttons includes a login button 412 and a back button 413. In this embodiment, the login screen of the remote UI has an administrator mode and a general user mode, and it is assumed that the administrator mode has been selected. In other words, the login screen 401 is a login screen in the administrator mode.

[0038] As described above, in this embodiment, for security reasons, login to the printer 103 via the Remote UI using the initial password is not permitted. However, in this embodiment, even if the password has not been changed from the initial password, if the user satisfies certain conditions that indicate that the user is deemed to be authorized, as described below, the password change screen 402 is displayed, and the user can change the initial password. If the changed password is authenticated on the password change screen 402, the user's login is successful, and the post-login menu screen 403 is displayed. The post-login menu screen 403 is, for example, a portal screen of the Remote UI. On the other hand, if the above conditions are not satisfied, the password change screen 402 is not displayed, and the password warning screen 404 is displayed instead. In this embodiment, by rejecting login by displaying the password warning screen 404, access by users deemed to be unauthorized can be prevented, thereby ensuring security.

[0039] In S301 of FIG. 3, the CPU 201 displays a login screen 401 on the display device 208. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 requests the printer 103 to display a login screen, and displays the login screen 401 based on the screen data received from the printer 103. Then, the CPU 201 accepts pressing of a login button 412 on the login screen 401. Pressing of the login button 412 corresponds to the login request described above. In S302, the CPU 201 determines whether the administrator's password has been changed from the initial password. The determination in S302 is made by the CPU 201 by referencing a change flag, which will be described later. If it is determined that the password has been changed, in S303, the CPU 201 displays a password entry screen (not shown) on the display device 208. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 requests the printer 103 to display a password entry screen, and displays the password entry screen based on the screen data received from the printer 103. Then, the CPU 201 accepts a password entry by the user on the password entry screen. In S304, the CPU 201 executes authentication processing based on login information including the accepted password. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 requests authentication based on the login information from the printer 103. In S305, the CPU 201 completes the login processing based on the authentication and displays a portal screen of the Remote UI. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 requests a portal screen from the printer 103 and displays the portal screen based on the screen data received from the printer 103. Thereafter, the processing of FIG. 3 ends. The portal screen here is, for example, the post-login menu screen 403 in FIG. 4.

[0040] If it is determined in S302 that the initial password has not been changed, then in S306, the CPU 201 acquires information about the network connection between the PC 101 and the printer 103 and determines whether the network connection is a predetermined network connection. Examples of predetermined network connections include a Wi-Fi Direct connection and a USB connection. However, as long as a certain level of security can be ensured, the network connection is not limited to these. If it is determined in S306 that the network connection is a predetermined network connection, then in S307, the CPU 201 displays a password change screen 402 on the display device 208. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 requests a password change screen from the printer 103 based on the predetermined network connection, and displays the password change screen 402 based on the screen data received from the printer 103. In S307, the CPU 201 accepts a password input by the user on the password change screen 402. The password input is a new password obtained by changing the initial password. In S308, the CPU 201 executes a change process to change the initial password to the password input in S307. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 requests the printer 103 to change the administrator password based on the new password. In S309, the CPU 201 sets a change flag in a non-volatile memory area such as the ROM 202 to indicate that the administrator password has been changed (indicating that the password has been changed). The change flag may be, for example, on if the password has been changed from the initial password, or off if the password has not been changed from the initial password. Alternatively, a flag indicating this may be stored if the password has been changed from the initial password, and the flag itself may not be stored if the password has not been changed from the initial password. The flag stored in S309 is used in the determination in S302 the next time the process of FIG. 3 is executed. Thereafter, in S305, the CPU 201 completes the login process and displays a portal screen of the Remote UI. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 requests a portal screen from the printer 103 and displays the portal screen based on the screen data received from the printer 103. The portal screen here is, for example, the post-login menu screen 403 in FIG. 4.

[0041] If it is determined in S306 that the specified network connection is not established, in S310, the CPU 201 displays a password warning screen 404. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 requests a password warning screen from the printer 103 and displays the password warning screen 404 based on the screen data received from the printer 103. The password warning screen 404 is a screen that notifies the user that login with the current password, i.e., the initial password, will be rejected. After S310, the processing in FIG. 3 ends. Note that in S310, a screen that accepts password authentication may be displayed instead of the password warning screen 404, but the authentication may always fail, disallowing login. Such a configuration can prevent access by users who are deemed inappropriate, ensuring security.

[0042] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if the system is configured so that logging in as an administrator using the Remote UI from PC 101 cannot be done using the initial password, if the user satisfies certain conditions that are deemed appropriate, the user can change the initial password using the Remote UI and log in.

[0043] Depending on the model of the printer 103, the printer 103 may be configured so that the administrator password cannot be changed. Conventionally, in such cases, even if a user attempts to log in to the printer 103 using the Remote UI, a password warning screen 404 is displayed, and the login is rejected. However, according to this embodiment, if a predetermined network connection is determined in S306, the user is deemed to be an authorized user, and the user can change the initial password in the Remote UI and log in. The next time the process of FIG. 3 is executed, the process proceeds from S302 to S303 based on the change flag held in S309, and the user can log in to the printer 103 using the password changed from the initial password.

[0044] Furthermore, some printer 103 models are configured to allow the administrator password to be changed on the printer 103. Conventionally, in such cases, even if a user attempts to log in to the printer 103 using the Remote UI, a password warning screen 404 is displayed, and the login is rejected. However, according to this embodiment, if a predetermined network connection is determined in S306, the user is deemed to be an authorized user, and the user can change the initial password in the Remote UI and log in. The next time the process of FIG. 3 is executed, the process proceeds from S302 to S303 based on the change flag held in S309, and the user can log in to the printer 103 using a password changed from the initial password. In this case, the password warning screen 404 displayed in S310 may also display a message on the display device 259 of the printer 103 prompting the user to change the administrator password.

[0045] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In this embodiment, if the password has not been changed from the initial password and the specified network connection is established, the login process is performed using the initial password, but the user is not taken to the normal menu, but to a menu screen that allows the password to be changed and has limited items. In other words, the normal menu (portal screen) is not displayed until the password is changed and the user logs in again. With this configuration, it is possible to ensure usability while ensuring security, just like the first embodiment.

[0046] 5A is a flowchart showing login processing (display control processing) performed on the screen of the remote UI displayed on the display device 208 of the PC 101. The processing in FIG. 5 is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 reading a program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 206 and executing it. The processing in FIG. 5 is started based on a login request to the printer 103.

[0047] 6 is a diagram illustrating a user's login operation to the printer 103 via the remote UI using the display device 208 of the PC 101. A group of buttons is arranged on a login screen 601 displayed on the display device 208 of the PC 101. Here, the group of buttons includes a login button 602 and a back button 603. In this embodiment, the login screen of the remote UI has an administrator mode and a general user mode, and it is assumed that the administrator mode has been selected. In other words, the login screen 601 is a login screen in the administrator mode.

[0048] In S501, the CPU 201 displays the login screen 601 of FIG. 6 on the display device 208. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 requests the printer 103 to display the login screen 601, and displays the login screen 601 based on the screen data received from the printer 103. Then, the CPU 201 accepts pressing of the login button 602 on the login screen 601. Pressing of the login button 602 corresponds to the login request described above. In S502, the CPU 201 determines whether the administrator's password has been changed from the initial password. The determination in S502 is made by the CPU 201 by referencing the change flag described in the first embodiment. If it is determined that the password has been changed, in S503, the CPU 201 displays a password entry screen (not shown) on the display device 208. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 requests the printer 103 to display the password entry screen, and displays the password entry screen based on the screen data received from the printer 103. Then, the CPU 201 accepts the password entry by the user on the password entry screen. In S504, the CPU 201 executes authentication processing based on login information including the accepted password. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 requests authentication based on the login information from the printer 103. In S505, the CPU 201 completes the login processing based on the authentication and displays a portal screen of the Remote UI. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 requests a portal screen from the printer 103 and displays the portal screen based on screen data received from the printer 103. The portal screen here is, for example, the post-login menu screen 608 in FIG. 6. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 5 ends.

[0049] If it is determined in S502 that the administrator's password has not been changed from the initial password, then in S506, the CPU 201 acquires information about the network connection between the PC 101 and the printer 103. Then, it determines whether the network connection is a predetermined network connection. If it is determined that the network connection is a predetermined network connection, then in S505, the login process using the initial password is completed, and a menu screen with limited items is displayed. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 requests authentication and an item-limited menu screen from the printer 103 based on the predetermined network connection, and displays an item-limited menu screen 604 based on the screen data received from the printer 103. A group of buttons is arranged on the item-limited menu screen 604 displayed on the display device 208 of the PC 101. Here, the group of buttons includes a password change button 605 and a logout button 606. Thereafter, the process of FIG. 5A ends, and the process of FIG. 5B is executed.

[0050] The process in Fig. 5(b) is a flowchart showing the process executed when the item-limited menu screen 604 is displayed. The process in Fig. 5(b) is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 reading a program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 206 and executing the program.

[0051] When a password change request is received on the item-limited menu screen 604, in S510 the CPU 201 displays the password change screen 607 of FIG. 6 on the display device 208. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 requests the printer 103 to display the password change screen, and displays the password change screen 607 based on the screen data received from the printer 103. Note that the password change request is, for example, pressing the password change button 605 of FIG. 6. In S511, the CPU 201 receives a password input by the user on the password change screen 607. The password input is a new password resulting from changing the initial password. In S512, the CPU 201 executes a change process to change the initial password to the password input in S511. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 requests the printer 103 to change the administrator password based on the new password. In S513, the CPU 201 sets a change flag in an area of ​​nonvolatile memory such as the ROM 202 to indicate that the administrator password has been changed (indicating that the password has been changed). Then, the CPU 201 displays a portal screen of the remote UI on the display device 208. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 requests a portal screen from the printer 103 and displays the portal screen based on the screen data received from the printer 103. The portal screen here is, for example, the post-login menu screen 608 in FIG.

[0052] If it is determined in S506 that the specified network connection is not established, in S507, the CPU 201 displays the password warning screen 404 of FIG. 4. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 requests the printer 103 to display a password warning screen, and displays the password warning screen 404 based on the screen data received from the printer 103. The password warning screen 404 is a screen that notifies the user that login with the current password, i.e., the initial password, will be rejected. After S507, the processing of FIG. 5(a) ends. Note that in S507, a screen that accepts password authentication may be displayed instead of the password warning screen 404, but the authentication may always fail, disallowing login. Such a configuration can prevent access by users who are deemed inappropriate, ensuring security.

[0053] Depending on the model of the printer 103, the printer 103 may be configured so that the administrator password cannot be changed. Conventionally, in such cases, even if a user attempts to log in to the printer 103 using the Remote UI, the password warning screen 404 is displayed, and the login is denied. However, according to this embodiment, if a predetermined network connection is determined in S506, the user is deemed to be an authorized user, and the user can change the initial password in the Remote UI and log in. The next time the process of FIG. 5 is executed, the process proceeds from S502 to S503 based on the change flag held in S513, and the user can log in to the printer 103 using the password changed from the initial password.

[0054] Furthermore, some printer 103 models are configured to allow the administrator password to be changed on the printer 103. Conventionally, in such cases, even if a user attempts to log in to the printer 103 using the Remote UI, a password warning screen 404 is displayed, and the login is rejected. However, according to this embodiment, if a predetermined network connection is determined in S506, the user is deemed to be an authorized user, and the user can change the initial password in the Remote UI and log in. The next time the process of FIG. 5 is executed, the process proceeds from S502 to S503 based on the change flag held in S513, and the user can log in to the printer 103 using a password changed from the initial password. In this case, the password warning screen 404 displayed in S507 may also display a message on the display device 259 of the printer 103 prompting the user to change the administrator password.

[0055] As described above, according to this embodiment, when logging in from the login screen 601, even if the password has not been changed from the initial password, if the user satisfies certain conditions that are deemed appropriate, the login process is performed using the initial password and the item-limited menu 604 is displayed. This reduces the chances that the login process will be rejected, and improves usability.

[0056] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0057] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following information processing device, control method, and program. (Item 1) An information processing device, A display unit; a receiving means for receiving a login request for logging in to an external device via a network on a screen displayed on the display unit; a display control means for controlling the display unit to display a screen for changing the default password after receiving the login request, if the default password for logging in to the external device has not been changed and if the network connection between the information processing device and the external device is a predetermined connection; An information processing device comprising: (Item 2) The information processing device described in item 1 is characterized in that the display control means controls the display unit to display a screen that rejects login to the external device if the default password has not been changed and the network connection type between the information processing device and the external device is not the specified connection type. (Item 3) further comprising a storage means for storing information indicating whether the default password has been changed; 3. The information processing device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the display control means controls the display based on the information stored in the storage means. (Item 4) The information processing device described in item 3 is characterized in that, when the information stored in the storage means indicates that the default password has not been changed, the display control means determines whether the network connection form between the information processing device and the external device is the specified connection form. (Item 5) 5. The information processing device according to item 3 or 4, characterized in that the display control means controls the display unit to display a screen for accepting password input when the information stored in the storage means indicates that the default password has been changed. (Item 6) 6. The information processing device according to any one of items 3 to 5, characterized in that when the default password is changed using a screen for changing the default password, the storage means stores information indicating that the default password has been changed. (Item 7) An information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that when the default password is changed using a screen for changing the default password, a login process is performed using the password after the default password has been changed. (Item 8) 7. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the screen for changing the default password is displayed after a login process is performed using the default password. (Item 9) 9. The information processing device according to item 8, wherein the screen for changing the default password is a screen different from the portal screen displayed after login processing is performed. (Item 10) 10. The information processing device according to item 9, wherein the screen for changing the default password is a screen in which executable items are limited compared to the portal screen. (Item 11) 11. The information processing device according to item 9 or 10, wherein the portal screen is displayed when the default password is changed on the screen for changing the default password. (Item 12) 12. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the predetermined connection form is a direct wireless connection. (Item 13) 13. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the predetermined connection form is a cable connection. (Item 14) 14. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the external device is a printing device. (Item 15) A control method executed in an information processing device having a display unit, a receiving step of receiving, on a screen displayed on the display unit, a login request for logging in to an external device via a network; a display control step of controlling the display unit to display a screen for changing the default password after receiving the login request, if the default password for logging in to the external device has not been changed and if a network connection between the information processing device and the external device is a predetermined connection; A control method comprising: (Item 16) 15. A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 14.

[0058] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 101 PC: 103 Printer: 201 CPU: 202 ROM: 206 RAM

Claims

1. An information processing device, A display unit; a receiving means for receiving a login request for logging in to an external device via a network on a screen displayed on the display unit; a display control means for controlling the display unit to display a screen for changing the default password after receiving the login request, if the default password for logging in to the external device has not been changed and if the network connection between the information processing device and the external device is a predetermined connection; An information processing device comprising:

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control means controls the display unit to display a screen that rejects login to the external device if the default password has not been changed and the network connection type between the information processing device and the external device is not the specified connection type.

3. The information storage device further includes a storage means for storing information indicating whether the default password has been changed.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means controls the display based on the information stored in the storage means.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the display control means determines whether the network connection between the information processing device and the external device is the specified connection type when the information stored in the storage means indicates that the default password has not been changed.

5. 4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the display control means controls the display unit to display a screen for accepting password input when the information stored in the storage means indicates that the default password has been changed.

6. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the default password is changed on a screen for changing the default password, the storage means stores information indicating that the default password has been changed.

7. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the default password is changed on the screen for changing the default password, a login process is performed using the password after the default password is changed.

8. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the screen for changing the default password is displayed after a login process is performed using the default password.

9. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the screen for changing the default password is a screen different from the portal screen displayed after login processing is performed.

10. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the screen for changing the default password is a screen in which executable items are limited compared to the portal screen.

11. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the portal screen is displayed when the default password is changed on the screen for changing the default password.

12. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined connection mode is a direct connection via wireless communication.

13. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined connection form is a cable connection.

14. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external device is a printing device.

15. A control method executed in an information processing device having a display unit, a receiving step of receiving, on a screen displayed on the display unit, a login request for logging in to an external device via a network; a display control step of controlling the display unit to display a screen for changing the default password after receiving the login request, if the default password for logging in to the external device has not been changed and if a network connection between the information processing device and the external device is a predetermined connection; A control method comprising:

16. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Program, information processing apparatus, and information processing system

    JP2021196821A