Information processing system and information processing program

Abstract

To prevent an information processing system from being used by other users when a user leaves the information processing system in a state in which the user is logged in.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises a processor. The processor locks an operation screen while a first user is in a state of being logged in, when the operation screen is logged by the first user and a first portable information terminal carried by the first user, which is capable of communicating with the information processing system, is at a distance larger than a first threshold value from the information processing system, and a second portable information terminal carried by a second user, which is capable of communicating with the information processing system, is at a distance less than or equal to a second threshold value from the information processing system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to an information processing system and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an image forming device that is characterized by comprising an authentication unit that authenticates users, a display unit that can display an operation screen used by the users, a detection unit that detects the distance between the image forming device and a user who has been authenticated by the authentication unit and logged in, and a screen control unit that locks the operation screen when it is detected that the distance between the user and the image forming device is greater than a first distance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-089983 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To provide an information processing system and an information processing program that can prevent another user from using the information processing system when a user leaves the information processing system while logged in. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing system according to a first aspect includes a processor, and when a first user is logged in on an operation screen, the processor locks the operation screen in a state in which the first user is logged in if the distance between the information processing system and a first mobile information terminal carried by the first user and capable of communicating with the information processing system is greater than a first threshold, and the distance between the information processing system and a second mobile information terminal carried by a second user and capable of communicating with the information processing system is equal to or less than a second threshold.

[0006] In the information processing system of the second aspect, in the information processing system of the first aspect, if the processor locks the operation screen and the distance between the first mobile information terminal and the information processing system does not become less than a third threshold and a predetermined automatic logout time has elapsed, the processor unlocks the operation screen and puts the first user in a logged-out state.

[0007] An information processing system according to a third aspect is the information processing system according to the second aspect, wherein the processor receives an extension instruction from the first portable information terminal to extend the predetermined automatic logout time.

[0008] In the information processing system of the fourth aspect, in the information processing system of the third aspect, when the processor receives the extension instruction from the first mobile information terminal, the processor extends the predetermined automatic logout time by a predetermined extension time, locks the operation screen, and then, if the distance between the first mobile information terminal and the information processing system does not become less than the third threshold and the predetermined extension time has elapsed, the processor puts the operation screen in a state in which the first user is logged out and unlocks it.

[0009] An information processing system according to a fifth aspect is the information processing system according to the fourth aspect, wherein the processor accepts the extension instruction even after the predetermined automatic logout time has elapsed.

[0010] An information processing system according to a sixth aspect is the information processing system according to the second aspect, wherein the processor unlocks the operation screen while the first user remains logged in if the distance between the first mobile information terminal and the information processing system becomes less than the third threshold value between the time the operation screen is locked and the time the predetermined automatic logout time has elapsed.

[0011] An information processing system according to a seventh aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, wherein when the processor locks the operation screen, it sends a notification to the first mobile information terminal that the operation screen has been locked.

[0012] An information processing system according to an eighth aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, wherein when the operation screen is in a state where a first user is logged in and is not locked, and the distance between the first mobile information terminal and the information processing system is greater than the first threshold, the processor sends a notification to the first mobile information terminal to ask the first user whether they have forgotten to perform a logout operation.

[0013] An information processing system according to a ninth aspect is an information processing system according to the eighth aspect, wherein when the processor sends the notification to the first mobile information terminal to confirm with the first user that they have forgotten to perform the logout operation, the processor receives a logout instruction from the first mobile information terminal to change the operation screen to a state in which the first user has logged out, and when the processor receives the logout instruction from the first mobile information terminal, changes the operation screen to a state in which the first user has logged out.

[0014] An information processing system according to a tenth aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the processor performs user authentication for the first user to log in when the distance between the first mobile information terminal and the information processing system is less than or equal to a fourth threshold, and when the user authentication is successful using user authentication information from the first mobile information terminal, the operation screen is set to a state in which the first user is logged in.

[0015] An information processing system according to an eleventh aspect is an information processing system according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the processor receives a mode change instruction to an immediate lock mode, and when the processor receives the mode change instruction to the immediate lock mode, locks the operation screen with the first user logged in if the distance between the second mobile information terminal and the information processing system is greater than the second threshold, even if the distance between the first mobile information terminal and the information processing system is greater than the first threshold.

[0016] An information processing program according to a twelfth aspect causes a computer provided in an information processing system to execute processing including locking the operation screen with a first user logged in when the operation screen is in a state in which the first user is logged in, if the distance between the information processing system and a first mobile information terminal carried by the first user and capable of communicating with the information processing system is greater than a first threshold, and the distance between the information processing system and a second mobile information terminal carried by a second user and capable of communicating with the information processing system is equal to or less than a second threshold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the first and twelfth aspects, it is possible to prevent a second user from using an operation screen in which a first user has logged in.

[0018] According to the second aspect, it is possible to prevent a situation from continuing in which the operation screen in which the first user is logged in can be operated by the second user.

[0019] According to the third aspect, it is possible to give the first user an opportunity to continue displaying the operation screen in a state in which the first user is logged in.

[0020] According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the operation screen in which the first user is logged in can be operated by the second user from continuing for longer than the extension time.

[0021] According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to provide more opportunities for the first user to continue to display the operation screen in a logged-in state.

[0022] According to the sixth aspect, when the first user returns to the information processing system, the first user can smoothly resume the interrupted operation.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to notify the first user who is away from the information processing system that there is another user who wishes to operate the operation screen.

[0024] According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to notify the first user who has left the information processing system that he or she has forgotten to perform a logout operation.

[0025] According to the ninth aspect, a first user who has left the information processing system can be given an opportunity to remotely log out without returning to the information processing system.

[0026] According to the tenth aspect, the first user can log in without adding any hardware for user authentication.

[0027] According to the eleventh aspect, even if the environment in which the information processing system is installed is one in which there are users who do not carry mobile information terminals, it is possible to prevent other users from using the operation screen in which the first user is logged in. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 shows an example of an outline of an information processing system 10 and a mobile information terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] An example of a situation in which the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment executes processing is shown. [Figure 3] 1 shows an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing system 10 according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 shows an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system 10 according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 shows an example of a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] An example of an embodiment of the disclosed technology will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or equivalent components and parts in each drawing are given the same reference numerals. Also, the dimensional proportions in the drawings may be exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows an example of an outline of an information processing system 10 and a mobile information terminal 20 according to this embodiment.

[0031] The information processing system 10 is an image forming apparatus having multiple functions such as a copier, a printer, an image scanner, and a fax machine.

[0032] The mobile information terminal 20 is a terminal that is carried by a user who uses the information processing system 10, presents information to the user, and can be operated by the user. For example, the mobile information terminal 20 is a wearable terminal such as a smart watch. When the mobile information terminal 20 is a wearable terminal, the user can move around while wearing the wearable terminal. The mobile information terminal 20 may be a smartphone or the like. When the mobile information terminal 20 is a smartphone or the like, the user can move around while carrying the smartphone or the like.

[0033] The information processing system 10 has an operation screen 30. The operation screen 30 is a screen that is operated by a user to use the functions of the information processing system 10.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, an information processing system 10 communicates with a mobile information terminal 20. For example, the image forming apparatus performs short-range wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like with a smartwatch worn by a user who has registered to log in to the image forming apparatus using a smartphone. The information processing system 10 communicates with the mobile information terminal 20, associates a user identified by the information processing system 10 with a user identified by the mobile information terminal 20, detects the distance between the information processing system 10 and the mobile information terminal 20 based on signal strength or the like, and transmits and receives data. When transmitting and receiving data to and from a wearable terminal, the information processing system 10 may transmit and receive data in the same manner as a smartphone or the like linked to the wearable terminal.

[0035] FIG. 2 shows an example of a situation in which the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment executes processing.

[0036] First, user A carrying mobile information terminal 20A approaches information processing system 10. Then, user A logs in to use the customization function of information processing system 10. For example, using the customization function means customizing an address book registered in the image forming device and using the customized information when using the fax function. When user A logs in, information processing system 10 changes the operation screen 30 to a state in which user A is logged in.

[0037] Here, mobile information terminal 20A is an example of a first mobile information terminal, and user A is an example of a first user.

[0038] Next, user A leaves the information processing system 10 without manually performing a logout operation. For example, user A may forget to perform a logout operation after completing use of the operation screen 30 and leave the information processing system 10. User A may also interrupt use of the operation screen 30 and temporarily leave the information processing system 10 in order to replenish consumables such as ink or to retrieve a peripheral device such as a USB memory.

[0039] When the information processing system 10 and the mobile information terminal 20A are separated by more than a predetermined distance, the information processing system 10 transmits a notification to the mobile information terminal 20A to ask the user A whether or not he or she has forgotten to perform a logout operation.

[0040] If user A has forgotten to perform a logout operation, user A may receive the notification and return to the information processing system 10 to manually perform the logout operation, or may perform an operation on the mobile information terminal 20A to issue a logout instruction to change the operation screen 30 to a state in which user A has logged out. If user A did not forget to perform a logout operation, user A may perform an operation on the mobile information terminal 20A to issue an instruction to change the operation screen 30 to a state in which user A has logged in. User A may simply not respond to the notification.

[0041] If user A does not perform any action to change the operation screen 30 to a state in which user A is logged out, either manually or on the mobile information terminal 20A, the information processing system 10 maintains the operation screen 30 in a state in which user A is logged in.

[0042] Next, user B carrying mobile information terminal 20B approaches the information processing system 10. For example, user B stands in front of the operation screen 30 to use the information processing system 10.

[0043] Here, mobile information terminal 20B is an example of a second mobile information terminal, and user B is an example of a second user.

[0044] When the mobile information terminal 20B and the information processing system 10 come within a predetermined distance, the information processing system 10 locks the operation screen 30 with the user A still logged in.

[0045] The information processing system 10 transmits to the mobile information terminal 20A a notification that the operation screen 30 has been locked. Upon receiving this notification, the user A may return to the information processing system 10 and resume the interrupted operation, or may not respond to the notification.

[0046] Furthermore, the information processing system 10 receives an extension instruction from the mobile information terminal 20A to extend the predetermined automatic logout time. The predetermined automatic logout time is the time until the operation screen 30 is automatically set to a state in which the first user has logged out. For example, the predetermined automatic logout time is approximately 45 seconds to 5 minutes after the operation screen 30 is locked. When the extension instruction is received from the mobile information terminal 20A, the information processing system 10 extends the predetermined automatic logout time by the predetermined extension time.

[0047] If the information processing system 10 and the mobile information terminal 20A do not come within a predetermined distance after the operation screen is locked and a predetermined automatic logout time or a predetermined extension time has elapsed, the information processing system 10 puts the operation screen 30 in a state in which user A has logged out and unlocks it.

[0048] 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing system 10 according to this embodiment. The information processing system 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a storage 14, a communication interface 15, and a user interface 16. These components are connected via a bus 19 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0049] The CPU 11 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each component. The ROM 12 stores various programs and data. The RAM 13 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 14 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including the operating system and various data.

[0050] The CPU 11 reads a target program from the ROM 12 or the storage 14, and executes it using the RAM 13 as a work area. Then, the CPU 11 controls each component and executes various arithmetic processing in accordance with the program.

[0051] The communication interface 15 is an interface for the information processing system 10 to communicate with other devices. For this communication, for example, a wired communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or FDDI, or a wireless communication standard such as 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used.

[0052] The user interface 16 is an input / output interface for the information processing system 10 to exchange information with a user. The user interface 16 may be, for example, a touch panel display in which a touch panel and a display are integrally provided, and may display various information on the screen of the display and accept input from the user via the touch panel. The operation screen 30 may be displayed on the user interface 16, for example.

[0053] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment. Functionally, the information processing system 10 includes an operation screen control unit 101, a notification transmission unit 102, an instruction reception unit 103, and a user authentication unit 104. These functional configurations are realized by the CPU 11 reading out an information processing program from the ROM 12 or the storage 14, expanding the program in the RAM 13, and executing the program.

[0054] The operation screen control unit 101 locks the operation screen while the first user remains logged in. Also, the operation screen control unit 101 sets the operation screen to a state in which the first user has logged out and unlocks it. Also, the operation screen control unit 101 unlocks the operation screen while the first user remains logged in. Also, the operation screen control unit 101 sets the operation screen to a state in which the first user has logged in.

[0055] The notification sending unit 102 sends a notification to the first portable information terminal that the operation screen has been locked. The notification sending unit 102 also sends a notification to the first portable information terminal to ask the first user whether or not they have forgotten to perform a logout operation.

[0056] The instruction receiving unit 103 receives an extension instruction for extending a predetermined automatic logout time from the first portable information terminal. The instruction receiving unit 103 also receives a logout instruction from the first portable information terminal for changing the operation screen to a state in which the first user has logged out. The instruction receiving unit 103 also receives a mode change instruction to the immediate lock mode.

[0057] The user authentication unit 104 performs user authentication for the first user to log in.

[0058] FIG. 5 shows an example of a flowchart illustrating the processing executed by the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0059] This flowchart starts when the operation screen 30 is in a state where user A is logged in. When user A carrying the mobile information terminal 20A approaches the information processing system 10 and the executed user authentication is successful, the operation screen 30 enters a state where user A is logged in. The state where user A is logged in means that information customized by user A can be accessed by users including users other than user A.

[0060] In this embodiment, the CPU 11, as the user authentication unit 104, uses authentication information from the mobile information terminal 20A to perform user authentication for user A to log in. For example, the CPU 11 receives the user authentication information from the mobile information terminal 20A and, using the user authentication information from the mobile information terminal 20A, determines whether user A is a registered user of the information processing system 10. The CPU 11 performs this user authentication when the distance between the mobile information terminal 20A and the information processing system 10 is equal to or less than distance D4. Here, distance D4 is an example of a fourth threshold. The fourth threshold may be the same as or different from the first, second, and third thresholds described below. Distance D4 is a distance long enough to determine that user A is likely to have approached the information processing system 10 to operate the operation screen 30. For example, distance D4 is 30 cm. If user authentication is successful, the CPU 11, as the operation screen control unit 101, sets the operation screen 30 to a state in which user A is logged in.

[0061] In conventional technology that uses user authentication information from an IC card or the like for user authentication, if the information processing system 10 does not have an authentication device such as an IC card reader, it is necessary to add an authentication device in order for user A to log in. In contrast, the technology disclosed herein uses user authentication information from the mobile information terminal 20A for user authentication, so that user A can log in without adding an authentication device.

[0062] Although not shown for the sake of simplicity, it should be noted that if user A manually logs out at any step in the flow, the flow ends.

[0063] In step S101, the CPU 11 determines whether the distance between the mobile information terminal 20A and the information processing system 10 has become greater than the distance D1. The distance D1 is an example of a first threshold value. The distance D1 is a distance long enough to determine that there is a high possibility that the user A has stopped operating the operation screen 30 and moved away from the information processing system 10. For example, the distance D1 is 30 cm.

[0064] CPU 11 repeats the process of step S101 until it determines that the distance between mobile information terminal 20A and information processing system 10 is greater than distance D1. If it determines that the distance between mobile information terminal 20A and information processing system 10 is greater than distance D1, CPU 11 proceeds to the process of step S102.

[0065] In step S102, the CPU 11, functioning as the notification sending unit 102, sends a notification to the mobile information terminal 20A to ask the user A whether or not he or she has forgotten to perform a logout operation. For example, the CPU 11 causes the touch panel display of the mobile information terminal 20A to display a message saying "Did you forget to log out?"

[0066] As described above, compared to the conventional technology, the technology of the present disclosure transmits a notification to user A to check whether he or she has forgotten to perform a logout operation, and therefore can notify user A, who is away from the information processing system 10, that he or she has forgotten to perform a logout operation. Next, CPU 11 proceeds to step S103.

[0067] In step S103, CPU 11 determines whether a logout instruction for changing operation screen 30 to a state in which user A has logged out has been received from mobile information terminal 20A. For example, if user A presses the "Logout" selection button while the message "Did you forget to log out?" and the selection buttons "Logout" and "Don't logout" are displayed on the touch panel display of mobile information terminal 20A, CPU 11 determines that a logout instruction has been received from mobile information terminal 20A. On the other hand, if user A presses the "Don't logout" selection button or if neither selection button has been pressed, CPU 11 determines that a logout instruction has not been received from mobile information terminal 20A.

[0068] Thus, compared to conventional technology, the technology disclosed herein accepts a logout instruction from the mobile information terminal 20A, thereby providing user A who has left the information processing system 10 with the opportunity to log out remotely without returning to the information processing system 10.

[0069] If it is determined that the instruction to log out has not been received from the mobile information terminal 20A, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S104. If it is determined that the instruction to log out has been received from the mobile information terminal 20A, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S106.

[0070] In step S104, the CPU 11 determines whether the distance between the mobile information terminal 20B carried by the user B and the information processing system 10 has become equal to or less than the distance D2. The distance D2 is an example of a second threshold. The second threshold may be the same as or different from the first threshold. The distance D2 is a distance long enough to determine that there is a high possibility that the user B has approached the information processing system 10 to operate the operation screen 30. For example, the distance D2 is 30 cm.

[0071] In this embodiment, user B is an arbitrary user other than user A who is logged in to the information processing system 10. When user B, who is other than user A, approaches the information processing system 10, that is, when the mobile information terminal 20B carried by user B approaches the information processing system 10, the processing progresses.

[0072] If it is determined that the distance between the mobile information terminal 20B carried by user B and the information processing system 10 is not equal to or less than distance D2, CPU 11 proceeds to step S105. If it is determined that the distance between the mobile information terminal 20B carried by user B and the information processing system 10 is equal to or less than distance D2, CPU 11 proceeds to step S107.

[0073] In step S105, the CPU 11 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time is a time set in advance to prevent the operation screen 30 from continuing in a state in which the user A is logged in, when the user A does not perform an operation to change the operation screen 30 to a state in which the user A is logged out, either manually or on the mobile information terminal 20A.

[0074] If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the CPU 11 returns the process to step S104. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 11 advances the process to step S106.

[0075] In step S106, the CPU 11, functioning as the operation screen control unit 101, sets the operation screen 30 to a state in which user A has logged out. The state in which user A has logged out means that information customized by user A cannot be accessed by any other user, including users other than user A, and all operation details up to that point have been cleared. At this point, the processing ends.

[0076] In step S107, the CPU 11, functioning as the operation screen control unit 101, locks the operation screen 30 while user A remains logged in. "While user A remains logged in" means that information customized by user A can be accessed by users including other users, and the operation content up to that point remains uncleared. "Locking the operation screen 30" means restricting the operation of the operation screen 30 by users including other users than user A. For example, to lock the operation screen 30, the CPU 11 switches the operation screen 30 to a lock screen. For example, the lock screen displays a message saying, "Operation is not possible because a user is currently logged in."

[0077] In the prior art, the operation screen is locked when the mobile information terminal 20A moves away from the information processing system 10. However, in the technology of the present disclosure, when the mobile information terminal 20B approaches the information processing system 10, the operation screen is locked in the logged-in state, so that if user A returns to the information processing system 10 before the mobile information terminal 20B approaches the information processing system 10, user A can smoothly resume the interrupted operation.

[0078] Furthermore, compared to the conventional technology, the technology of the present disclosure locks the operation screen when mobile information terminal 20A is far away from information processing system 10 and mobile information terminal 20B is approaching information processing system 10, thereby preventing user B from using operation screen 30 in which user A is logged in. This, for example, prevents personal information from leaking and prevents faxes from being sent to the wrong destination. Next, CPU 11 proceeds to step S108.

[0079] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the information processing system 10 is installed in an environment where only users carrying the mobile information terminal 20 are present. However, an environment where users who do not carry the mobile information terminal 20 are also present is also conceivable. To accommodate such an environment, the CPU 11 may, as the instruction receiving unit 103, receive a mode change instruction to the immediate lock mode. The immediate lock mode is a mode in which, when the distance between the mobile information terminal 20A and the information processing system 10 becomes greater than the distance D1, the operation screen 30 is locked while the user A remains logged in. For example, when an administrator of the information processing system 10 performs an operation to change the mode on a setting screen or the like, the CPU 11 determines that a mode change instruction to the immediate lock mode has been received. When it is determined that a mode change instruction to the immediate lock mode has been received, even if the distance between the mobile information terminal 20B and the information processing system 10 is greater than distance D2, if it is determined that the distance between the mobile information terminal 20A and the information processing system 10 has become greater than distance D1, the CPU 11, as the operation screen control unit 101, locks the operation screen 30 while user A remains logged in.

[0080] In this way, the technology disclosed herein has a mode that locks the operation screen 30 when user A moves away from the information processing system 10. Therefore, compared to a case where such a change to the mode is not accepted, even if the environment in which the information processing system 10 is installed is an environment in which there are users who do not carry mobile information terminals 20, it is possible to prevent the operation screen 30 in which user A is logged in from being used by other users.

[0081] In step S108, the CPU 11, functioning as the notification sending unit 102, sends a notification to the mobile information terminal 20A that the operation screen 30 has been locked. For example, the CPU 11 causes a message saying "The login screen has been locked" to be displayed on the touch panel display of the mobile information terminal 20A.

[0082] Compared to the conventional technology, the technology of the present disclosure transmits a notification to the mobile information terminal 20A that the operation screen 30 has been locked, and therefore can notify user A who is away from the information processing system 10 that there is another user who wishes to operate the operation screen 30. Next, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S109.

[0083] In step S109, the CPU 11 determines whether the distance between the mobile information terminal 20A and the information processing system 10 has become equal to or less than distance D3. Distance D3 is an example of a third threshold. The third threshold may be the same as or different from the first threshold and the second threshold. Distance D3 is a distance long enough to determine that there is a high possibility that user A has returned to the information processing system 10 to operate the operation screen 30. For example, distance D3 is 30 cm.

[0084] If it is determined that the distance between the mobile information terminal 20A and the information processing system 10 is equal to or less than the distance D3, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S110. If it is determined that the distance between the mobile information terminal 20A and the information processing system 10 is not equal to or less than the distance D3, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S111.

[0085] In step S110, the CPU 11, functioning as the operation screen control unit 101, unlocks the operation screen 30 while keeping the user A logged in. Unlocking the operation screen 30 means changing from a state in which operation of the operation screen 30 by users including users other than user A to a state in which operation of the operation screen 30 by users including users other than user A is not restricted. For example, in order to unlock the operation screen 30 while keeping the user A logged in, the CPU 11 switches from the lock screen to the operation screen 30 that was displayed before it was locked. Here, the processing ends.

[0086] In this way, compared to conventional technology, the technology disclosed herein unlocks the operation screen 30 while User A remains logged in when User A returns to the information processing system 10, allowing User A to smoothly resume the interrupted operation.

[0087] In step S111, CPU 11, functioning as instruction receiving unit 103, receives an extension instruction to extend a predetermined automatic logout time from mobile information terminal 20A. For example, CPU 11 displays a message "You will be logged out in 10 seconds. Do you want to extend the time until logout?" on the touch panel display of mobile information terminal 20A, along with selection buttons for "Extend" and "Do not extend."

[0088] In this way, compared to the conventional technology, the technology of the present disclosure accepts an extension instruction from the mobile information terminal 20A, and therefore can give user A an opportunity to continue displaying the operation screen 30 in a state in which user A is logged in.

[0089] CPU 11 may receive an extension instruction from mobile information terminal 20A shortly before the predetermined automatic logout time elapses, for example, 10 seconds before. CPU 11 may also receive an extension instruction from mobile information terminal 20A even after the predetermined automatic logout time has elapsed. While receiving an extension instruction from mobile information terminal 20A, CPU 11 keeps the operation screen locked with user A logged in.

[0090] As described above, compared to the conventional technology, the technology of the present disclosure accepts an extension instruction even after the predetermined automatic logout time has elapsed, and therefore provides more opportunities for user A to continue to be logged in on the operation screen 30. Next, CPU 11 proceeds to step S112.

[0091] In step S112, the CPU 11 determines whether an extension instruction has been received from the mobile information terminal 20A. For example, if user A presses the "Extend" selection button while the "Extend" and "Do Not Extend" selection buttons are displayed on the touch panel display of the mobile information terminal 20A, the CPU 11 determines that an extension instruction has been received. On the other hand, if user A presses the "Do Not Extend" selection button or if user A does not press either selection button, the CPU 11 determines that an extension instruction has not been received.

[0092] If it is determined that an extension instruction has been received from the mobile information terminal 20A, the CPU 11 advances the process to step S113. If it is determined that an extension instruction has not been received from the mobile information terminal 20A, the CPU 11 advances the process to step S114.

[0093] In step S113, the CPU 11 extends the predetermined automatic logout time by a predetermined extension time. For example, the CPU 11 extends the automatic logout time, which is one minute after the operation screen 30 is locked, by 20 seconds.

[0094] Next, CPU 11 returns the process to step S109. In this way, the technology disclosed herein can repeatedly accept an instruction to extend the predetermined automatic logout time, so that if user A returns to information processing system 10 before the predetermined extension time has elapsed, user A can smoothly resume the interrupted operation. Note that an upper limit may be set on the number of times CPU 11 accepts an extension instruction.

[0095] In step S114, the CPU 11 determines whether a predetermined automatic logout time has elapsed. If the predetermined automatic logout time has been extended, the CPU 11 determines whether the predetermined extension time has elapsed.

[0096] If it is determined that the predetermined automatic logout time or the predetermined extension time has not elapsed, the CPU 11 returns the process to step S109. If it is determined that the predetermined automatic logout time or the predetermined extension time has elapsed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S115.

[0097] In step S115, the CPU 11 as the operation screen control unit 101 causes the operation screen 30 to be in a state in which user A has logged out.

[0098] As described above, compared to the conventional technology, the technology of the present disclosure sets the operation screen 30 to a state in which user A is logged out when a predetermined automatic logout time or a predetermined extension time has elapsed, thereby preventing a situation in which the operation screen 30 in which user A is logged in can be operated by user B from continuing. Next, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S116.

[0099] In step S116, the CPU 11 functioning as the operation screen control unit 101 unlocks the operation screen 30.

[0100] As described above, compared to the conventional technology, the technology of the present disclosure unlocks the operation screen 30 when a predetermined automatic logout time or a predetermined extension time has elapsed, thereby preventing a situation in which users other than user A cannot operate the operation screen 30 from continuing. At this point, the processing ends.

[0101] In the above embodiments, the information processing performed by the CPU 11 after reading the software (program) may be performed by various processors other than the CPU 11. Examples of such processors include programmable logic devices (PLDs) whose circuit configuration can be changed after fabrication, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and dedicated electrical circuits, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), which are processors having a circuit configuration specifically designed to perform specific processing. The information processing may be performed by one of these various processors, or by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., multiple FPGAs, or a combination of the CPU 11 and an FPGA). The hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor devices.

[0102] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the information processing program is described as being pre-stored (installed) in a ROM or storage, but this is not limiting. The program may be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The program may also be downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0103] Furthermore, although the information processing system 10 in the present embodiment has been described as being configured by a single device as an example, it may be configured by a plurality of devices.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPUs: Graphics Processing Units, ASICs: Application Specific Integrated Circuits, FPGAs: Field Programmable Gate Arrays, programmable logic devices, etc.).

[0105] Furthermore, the operations of the processors in the above embodiments may not only be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processors is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0106] The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiments. (((1))) An information processing system comprising a processor, wherein when an operation screen is in a state where a first user is logged in, the processor locks the operation screen in a state where the first user is logged in if the distance between the information processing system and a first mobile information terminal carried by the first user and capable of communicating with the information processing system is greater than a first threshold, and the distance between the information processing system and a second mobile information terminal carried by a second user and capable of communicating with the information processing system is equal to or less than a second threshold. (((2))) The information processing system described in (((1)))), wherein, after locking the operation screen, if the distance between the first mobile information terminal and the information processing system does not become less than a third threshold and a predetermined automatic logout time has elapsed, the processor puts the operation screen in a state in which the first user has logged out and unlocks it. (((3))) The information processing system according to (((2))), wherein the processor receives an extension instruction for extending the predetermined automatic logout time from the first portable information terminal. (((4))) The information processing system described in (((3))), wherein, when the processor receives the extension instruction from the first mobile information terminal, it extends the predetermined automatic logout time by a predetermined extension time, locks the operation screen, and then, if the distance between the first mobile information terminal and the information processing system does not become less than the third threshold and the predetermined extension time has elapsed, it puts the operation screen in a state in which the first user is logged out and unlocks it. (((5))) The information processing system according to (((4))), wherein the processor accepts the extension instruction even after the predetermined automatic logout time has elapsed. (((6))) The information processing system of any one of (((2))) to (((5))), wherein the processor unlocks the operation screen while the first user remains logged in if the distance between the first mobile information terminal and the information processing system becomes less than the third threshold value after the operation screen is locked and before the predetermined automatic logout time has elapsed. (((7))) An information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))), wherein when the processor locks the operation screen, the processor sends a notification to the first mobile information terminal that the operation screen has been locked. (((8))) The information processing system of any one of (((1))) to (((7))), wherein, when the operation screen is in a state where a first user is logged in and unlocked, and the distance between the first mobile information terminal and the information processing system is greater than the first threshold, the processor sends a notification to the first mobile information terminal to ask the first user whether they have forgotten to perform a logout operation. (((9))) The information processing system described in (((8))), wherein when the processor sends the notification to the first mobile information terminal to confirm with the first user that they have not forgotten to perform the logout operation, the processor receives a logout instruction from the first mobile information terminal to change the operation screen to a state in which the first user has logged out, and when the processor receives the logout instruction from the first mobile information terminal, changes the operation screen to a state in which the first user has logged out. (((10))) The information processing system of any one of (((1))) to (((9))), wherein the processor performs user authentication for the first user to log in when the distance between the first mobile information terminal and the information processing system is less than or equal to a fourth threshold, and when the user authentication is successful using user authentication information from the first mobile information terminal, changes the operation screen to a state in which the first user is logged in. (((11))) The processor receives a mode change instruction to an immediate lock mode, and when the processor receives the mode change instruction to the immediate lock mode, locks the operation screen with the first user logged in if the distance between the second mobile information terminal and the information processing system is greater than the second threshold, even if the distance between the first mobile information terminal and the information processing system is greater than the first threshold. (((12))) An information processing program that causes a computer provided in an information processing system to execute processing that includes locking the operation screen with the first user logged in when the operation screen is in a state where a first user is logged in, and when the distance between the information processing system and a first mobile information terminal carried by the first user that is capable of communicating with the information processing system is greater than a first threshold, and when the distance between the information processing system and a second mobile information terminal carried by a second user that is capable of communicating with the information processing system is equal to or less than a second threshold.

[0107] According to (((1))) and (((12))), it is possible to prevent a second user from using an operation screen in which a first user has logged in. According to (((2))), it is possible to prevent a situation in which the operation screen in which the first user is logged in can be operated by the second user from continuing. According to (((3))), it is possible to give the first user an opportunity to continue the operation screen in a state in which the first user is logged in. According to (((4))), it is possible to prevent a situation in which the operation screen in which the first user is logged in can be operated by the second user from continuing for longer than the extension time. According to (((5))), it is possible to provide more opportunities for the first user to continue to display the operation screen in a logged-in state. According to (((6))), when the first user returns to the information processing system, the first user can smoothly resume the interrupted operation. According to (((7))), it is possible to notify a first user who is away from the information processing system that there is another user who wishes to operate the operation screen. According to (((8))), it is possible to notify the first user who has left the information processing system that he or she has forgotten to perform a logout operation. According to (((9))), a first user who has left the information processing system can be given the opportunity to remotely log out without returning to the information processing system. According to (((10))), a first user can log in without adding hardware for user authentication. According to (((11))), even if the environment in which the information processing system is installed is one in which there are users who do not carry mobile information terminals, it is possible to prevent other users from using the operation screen in which the first user is logged in. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 10 Information Processing Systems 20. Mobile Information Terminals 30 Operation screen

Claims

1. a processor; The processor: When the operation screen is in a state where the first user is logged in, locking the operation screen with the first user logged in when the distance between the information processing system and a first portable information terminal carried by the first user and capable of communicating with the information processing system is greater than a first threshold value, and the distance between the information processing system and a second portable information terminal carried by a second user and capable of communicating with the information processing system is equal to or less than a second threshold value; Information processing system.

2. The processor: If a predetermined automatic logout time has elapsed without the distance between the first portable information terminal and the information processing system becoming equal to or less than a third threshold after the operation screen is locked, the operation screen is set to a state in which the first user has logged out and is unlocked. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor: receiving an extension instruction for extending the predetermined automatic logout time from the first portable information terminal; The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. The processor: when the extension instruction is received from the first portable information terminal, the predetermined automatic logout time is extended by a predetermined extension time, the operation screen is locked, and then, if the predetermined extension time has elapsed without the distance between the first portable information terminal and the information processing system becoming equal to or less than the third threshold, the operation screen is put into a state in which the first user has logged out and is unlocked. The information processing system according to claim 3 .

5. The processor: Accepting the extension instruction even after the predetermined automatic logout time has elapsed. The information processing system according to claim 4 .

6. The processor: If the distance between the first portable information terminal and the information processing system becomes equal to or less than the third threshold value before the predetermined automatic logout time has elapsed since the operation screen was locked, the operation screen is unlocked with the first user still logged in. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

7. The processor: When the operation screen is locked, a notification that the operation screen has been locked is transmitted to the first portable information terminal. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

8. The processor: When the operation screen is in a state where a first user is logged in and is not locked, If the distance between the first portable information terminal and the information processing system is greater than the first threshold, a notification is sent to the first portable information terminal to ask the first user whether they have forgotten to perform a logout operation. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

9. The processor: when the notification for confirming with the first user that the first user has forgotten to perform the logout operation is transmitted to the first portable information terminal, a logout instruction for changing the operation screen to a state in which the first user has logged out is received from the first portable information terminal; when the logout instruction is received from the first portable information terminal, the operation screen is set to a state in which the first user has logged out; The information processing system according to claim 8 .

10. The processor: performing user authentication for the first user to log in when the distance between the first portable information terminal and the information processing system is equal to or less than a fourth threshold; when the user authentication is successful using the user authentication information from the first portable information terminal, the operation screen is set to a state in which the first user is logged in; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

11. The processor: Accepts a mode change instruction to immediate lock mode, when the mode change instruction to the immediate lock mode is received, even if the distance between the second portable information terminal and the information processing system is greater than the second threshold, if the distance between the first portable information terminal and the information processing system is greater than the first threshold, lock the operation screen with the first user logged in. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The computer in the information processing system When the operation screen is in a state where the first user is logged in, locking the operation screen with the first user logged in when the distance between the information processing system and a first portable information terminal carried by the first user and capable of communicating with the information processing system is greater than a first threshold value, and the distance between the information processing system and a second portable information terminal carried by a second user and capable of communicating with the information processing system is equal to or less than a second threshold value; An information processing program that executes processing including the above.

Images