Information processing system and information processing program

Abstract

To enable approval of an operation request for an operation of an image processing device from a user having no operational authority even when there is no specific approver.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes a processor. When receiving an operation request for an operation of an image processing device from a user having no operational authority, the processor sends approval request information of the operation request to an operation terminal of the image processing device determined based on an operation history of the image processing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an information processing device that includes a memory and a processor, and the processor issues temporary authentication information associated with a first account designated by a first user based on an operation from the first user who has administrator privileges in a first system, and when a second user using a second system presents the temporary authentication information and requests collaboration with the first system, if the issued temporary authentication information matches the presented temporary authentication information, the processor associates the first account associated with the temporary authentication information with a second account designated by the second user.

[0003] Patent document 2 discloses an image forming device that processes pre-stored data in accordance with operations by an authenticated user, and is characterized by comprising: a user authentication unit that authenticates a second user when a first user has been authenticated and logged in; an access control unit that, when both the first and second users have been authenticated and logged in, permits processing of user data to which one of the first and second users, determined in advance by the login order, has been given access authority; and an operation control unit that, when logged in, accepts operations related to user data within the scope of authority corresponding to at least one of the operation authority previously given to the first user and the operation authority previously given to the second user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-051552 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-198828 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable an operation request from a user to operate an image processing device for which the user does not have operating authority to be approved even when there is no specific approver. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing system according to a first aspect includes a processor, The processor: When a request for operation is received from a user to operate an image processing device for which the user does not have operating authority, approval request information for the operation request is sent to the operation terminal of the image processing device determined based on the operation history of the image processing device.

[0007] An information processing system according to a second aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, The processor: The approval request information is transmitted to the operation terminal that has a history in the operation history and is online.

[0008] An information processing system according to a third aspect is the information processing system according to the second aspect, The processor: If there are a plurality of operation terminals in an online state, approval request information for the operation request is sent to the operation terminal with the most recent history.

[0009] An information processing system according to a fourth aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, The processor: The approval request information is transmitted to the operation terminal whose operation history includes the same operation as the operation requested by the user.

[0010] An information processing system according to a fifth aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, The processor: The approval request information is transmitted to the operation terminal by encrypted communication.

[0011] An information processing system according to a sixth aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, The processor: If no response is received from the operation terminal within a predetermined time after the approval request information is sent to the operation terminal, the approval request information is sent to another operation terminal of the image processing device determined based on the operation history of the image processing device.

[0012] An information processing system according to a seventh aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, The processor: When information indicating that the operation request is approved is received from the operation terminal, the image processing device permits the operation corresponding to the operation request.

[0013] An information processing system according to an eighth aspect is the information processing system according to the seventh aspect, The processor: In the image processing device, after the operation corresponding to the operation request is permitted, the operation corresponding to the operation request is disallowed based on a predetermined condition.

[0014] An information processing system according to a ninth aspect is the information processing system according to the eighth aspect, The predetermined condition includes an operation allowable time for the operation corresponding to the operation request.

[0015] An information processing system according to a tenth aspect is the information processing system according to the first aspect, The processor: When a request for additional information about the user is received from the operation terminal, the image processing device enables an input operation of the additional information; The input additional information is transmitted to the operation terminal.

[0016] An information processing program according to an eleventh aspect includes: When receiving an operation request from a user for operating an image processing device for which the user does not have operation authority, the image processing device transmits approval request information for the operation request to an operation terminal of the image processing device whose operation history is recorded. Execute the process.

[0017] An information processing system according to a twelfth aspect includes a processor, The processor: When approval request information is received from the image processing device to an operation terminal of the image processing device, the approval request information being in response to a request from a user to operate the image processing device, displaying an approval screen on a display unit of the operation terminal for selecting whether or not to approve the operation request; If approval is selected on the approval screen, information indicating that the operation request is approved is transmitted to the image processing device.

[0018] An information processing system according to a thirteenth aspect includes a processor, The processor: When approval request information is received from the image processing device to an operation terminal of the image processing device, the approval request information being in response to a request from a user to operate the image processing device, a selection screen for selecting whether or not to approve the operation request in the image processing device is displayed on a display unit of the operation terminal; When it is selected on the selection screen that approval for the operation request will be performed at the image processing device, information indicating that approval for the operation request will be performed at the image processing device is transmitted to the image processing device.

[0019] An information processing system according to a fourteenth aspect is the information processing system according to the thirteenth aspect, The processor: When it is selected on the selection screen that the image processing device does not approve the operation request, an approval screen for selecting whether or not to approve the operation request is displayed on the display unit; If approval is selected on the approval screen, information indicating that the operation request is approved is transmitted to the image processing device.

[0020] An information processing program according to a fifteenth aspect includes: When approval request information is received from the image processing device to an operation terminal of the image processing device, the approval request information being in response to a request from a user to operate the image processing device, displaying an approval screen on a display unit of the operation terminal for selecting whether or not to approve the operation request; If approval is selected on the approval screen, information indicating that the operation request is approved is transmitted to the image processing device. Execute the process.

[0021] An information processing program according to a sixteenth aspect includes: When approval request information is received from the image processing device to an operation terminal of the image processing device, the approval request information being in response to a request from a user to operate the image processing device, a selection screen for selecting whether or not to approve the operation request in the image processing device is displayed on a display unit of the operation terminal; When it is selected on the selection screen that approval for the operation request will be performed by the image processing device, information indicating that approval for the operation request will be performed by the image processing device is transmitted to the image processing device. Execute the process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the first aspect, an operation request from a user to operate an image processing device for which the user does not have operating authority can be approved even if there is no specific approver.

[0023] According to the second aspect, the approval request from the user can be notified to the approver earlier than when the approval request information is sent to an operation terminal that is offline.

[0024] According to the third aspect, when there are multiple operating terminals that are online, the approval request from the user can be notified to an approver who is more likely to be in the vicinity of the image processing device than when the approval request information is sent to an operating terminal with an older history.

[0025] According to the fourth aspect, compared to when the operating terminal to which the approval request information is sent is determined without taking into consideration the operation content in the operation history, the approval request from the user can be notified to an approver who has operation authority for the operation requested by the user.

[0026] According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to prevent leakage of personal information of the user, compared to when the approval request information is transmitted to the operating terminal by unencrypted communication.

[0027] According to the sixth aspect, if no response is received from the operating terminal within a predetermined time after approval request information is sent to the operating terminal, the approval request from the user can be notified to another approver.

[0028] According to the seventh aspect, in response to an approval request from a user, the user can be allowed to operate an image processing device for which the user does not have operating authority.

[0029] According to the eighth aspect, in the image processing device, it is possible to suppress unauthorized use of the image forming device compared to a case where the image processing device permits a user's operation corresponding to an operation request and then does not prohibit the user's operation.

[0030] According to the ninth aspect, after the user's operation corresponding to the operation request is permitted, the user's operation can be disallowed based on the operation allowable time.

[0031] According to the tenth aspect, the approver can approve the approval request from the user based on the additional information of the user.

[0032] According to the eleventh aspect, an operation request from a user to operate an image processing device for which the user does not have operating authority can be approved even if there is no specific approver.

[0033] According to the twelfth aspect, an operation request from a user to operate an image processing device for which the user does not have operating authority can be approved even if there is no specific approver.

[0034] According to the thirteenth aspect, an operation request from a user to operate an image processing device for which the user does not have operating authority can be approved even if there is no specific approver.

[0035] According to the fourteenth aspect, the approver can select whether to approve the approval request from the user on the image processing device or on the display unit of the operation terminal of the image processing device.

[0036] According to the fifteenth aspect, an operation request from a user to operate an image processing device for which the user does not have operating authority can be approved even if there is no specific approver.

[0037] According to the sixteenth aspect, an operation request from a user to operate an image processing device for which the user does not have operating authority can be approved even if there is no specific approver. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image processing device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the operation terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image processing device and the operation terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation history table of the image processing device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a temporary user management table of the image processing device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7]10 is a flowchart showing the flow of approval request processing in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of approval processing of the operating terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen of the operation terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an approval screen of the operation terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an approval screen of the operation terminal shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or equivalent components and parts are designated by the same reference numerals. The dimensional proportions in the drawings may be exaggerated for the sake of clarity and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0040] (Image processing system overview) 1 shows an image processing system 10 according to this embodiment. The image processing system 10 includes an image processing device 20, a plurality of operation terminals 30, and a management server 40. The image processing device 20, the plurality of operation terminals 30, and the management server 40 are connected to a network 12.

[0041] The network 12 may be an internal network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), or an external network such as the Internet. Via this network 12, an image processing device 20, a plurality of operation terminals 30, and a management server 40 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0042] Furthermore, the image processing device 20, the plurality of operation terminals 30, and the management server 40 are implemented with SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). More specifically, the image processing device 20, the plurality of operation terminals 30, and the management server 40 are implemented with SNMPv3 (SNMP version 3). Each operation terminal 30 and the management server 40 is then able to acquire various types of information from the MIB (Management Information Base) of the image processing device 20 in accordance with SNMPv3.

[0043] SNMPv3 also allows authentication using authentication protocols, such as Message Digest Algorithm 5 (MD5) and Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA). SNMPv3 also allows encrypted communication (message encryption). Examples of encrypted communication include Data Encryption Standard (DES) and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).

[0044] It should be noted that the image processing device 20 and the operation terminals 30 may be implemented with not only SNMPv3 but also SNMPv1 (SNMP version 1) and SNMPv2c (SNMP version 2c). However, SNMPv1 and SNMPv2 do not provide authentication using an authentication protocol and encrypted communication.

[0045] The image processing device 20 and the operation terminal 30 are examples of an information processing device and an information processing system. Here, the term "system" in this embodiment is a concept that includes both a system configured with multiple devices and a system configured with a single device. Also, FIG. 1 shows one image processing device 20 as an example. However, there may be multiple image processing devices 20.

[0046] (Image processing device) As an example, the image processing device 20 is a printing device on the network 12 that has an image printing function of acquiring image data from the operation terminal 30 and printing the acquired image data on a recording medium such as paper. The image processing device 20 may be a multifunction peripheral that has at least one of a plurality of functions, such as an image reading (scanning) function, an image copying (copying) function, and an image transmission (facsimile) function, in addition to the image printing function described above.

[0047] (Operation terminal) The operation terminal 30 is, for example, an information processing terminal operated by a user who uses the image processing device 20. The operation terminal 30 is, for example, a personal computer, a notebook computer, a smartphone, or the like.

[0048] (Management Server) As an example, the management server 40 is a server that manages users of each operation terminal 30 and users of the image processing device 20. Specifically, the management server 40 has a user management table (not shown) in which authentication information such as user IDs and passwords assigned to users of the image processing device 20 and operation terminal 30 is registered.

[0049] In response to a request from the image processing device 20, the management server 40 performs authentication processing of the user of the image processing device 20 and transmits the authentication result to the image processing device 20. Specifically, the management server 40 compares the user ID and password of the user received from the image processing device 20 with the user ID and password registered in the user management table. If the user ID and password of the user received from the image processing device 20 exist in the user management table, the management server 40 determines that the authentication was successful and transmits an authentication result to that effect to the image processing device 20. On the other hand, if the user ID and password of the user received from the image processing device 20 do not exist in the user management table, the management server 40 determines that the authentication was unsuccessful and transmits an authentication result to that effect to the image processing device 20.

[0050] In response to a request from the operation terminal 30, the management server 40 performs authentication processing for the user of the operation terminal 30 and transmits the authentication result to the operation terminal 30. Specifically, the management server 40 compares the user ID and password of the user received from the operation terminal 30 with the user ID and password registered in the user management table. If the user ID and password of the user received from the operation terminal 30 exist in the user management table, the management server 40 determines that the authentication was successful and transmits an authentication result to that effect to the operation terminal 30. On the other hand, if the user ID and password of the user received from the operation terminal 30 do not exist in the user management table, the management server 40 determines that the authentication was unsuccessful and transmits an authentication result to that effect to the operation terminal 30.

[0051] The management server 40 manages the connection status of users. In other words, the management server 40 manages the connection status of the operation terminals 30 operated (owned) by the users. Specifically, based on access information from the operation terminals 30, the management server 40 distinguishes between an online (active) status indicating that the operation terminal 30 is connected to the management server 40 and an offline (inactive) status indicating that the operation terminal 30 is not connected to the management server 40, and stores the status in association with the user. The management server 40 also updates the connection status of each operation terminal 30 as needed.

[0052] The management server 40 also manages the user's operation authority for the image processing device 20. Specifically, the user management table registers the operation authority for the image processing device 20 for each user. When the authentication process for the user for the image processing device 20 is successful, the management server 40 transmits the user's operation authority together with the authentication result to that effect to the image processing device 20.

[0053] The authentication process for users of the image processing device 20 and the management of operation rights may be performed by the image processing device 20, not by the management server 40.

[0054] (Hardware configuration of image processing device) Next, the hardware configuration of the image processing device 20 will be described.

[0055] 2, the image processing device 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 50, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 54, a storage 56, an input unit 58, a display unit 60, a communication interface (I / F) 62, an image reading unit 64, and an image forming unit 66. Each of the components is connected to each other via a bus 68 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0056] The CPU 50 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each component. That is, the CPU 50 reads programs from the ROM 52 or storage 56 and executes the programs using the RAM 54 as a work area. The CPU 50 controls the above components and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs recorded in the ROM 52 or storage 56. The CPU 50 is an example of a processor.

[0057] The ROM 52 stores various information processing programs and various data. The RAM 54 serves as a work area for the CPU 50 and temporarily stores programs or data.

[0058] The storage 56 is configured by a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores various programs including an operating system and various data. The storage 56 also stores a temporary approval request processing program.

[0059] The input unit 58 includes operation buttons and the like and is used to perform various inputs. The display unit 60 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays various information. The display unit 60 may employ a touch panel system and function as an input unit.

[0060] The communication I / F 62 is an interface for communicating with other devices, and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0061] The image reading unit 64 optically reads image data from an original document, etc. The image forming unit 66 prints the image data read by the image reading unit 64 or the image data received from the operation terminal 30 onto a recording medium such as paper. The image reading unit 64 also functions as an input unit.

[0062] (Hardware configuration of the operation terminal and management server) Next, the hardware configuration of the operation terminal 30 and the management server 40 will be described.

[0063] The operation terminal 30 and the management server 40 are configured by a general computer or server device. Therefore, in the following, only the hardware configuration of the operation terminal 30 will be described, and a description of the hardware configuration of the management server 40 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0064] 3, the operation terminal 30 includes a CPU 70, a ROM 72, a RAM 74, a storage 76, an input unit 78, a display unit 80, and a communication interface (I / F) 82. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 84 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0065] The CPU 70 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each component. That is, the CPU 70 reads programs from the ROM 72 or storage 76 and executes the programs using the RAM 74 as a work area. The CPU 70 controls the above components and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs recorded in the ROM 72 or storage 76. The CPU 70 is an example of a processor.

[0066] The ROM 72 stores various information processing programs and various data. The RAM 74 serves as a work area for the CPU 70 and temporarily stores programs or data.

[0067] The storage 76 is configured with an HDD or SSD, and stores various programs including an operating system and various data. The storage 76 also stores a temporary approval processing program.

[0068] The input unit 78 includes a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and is used to perform various inputs. The display unit 80 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various types of information. The display unit 80 may also function as an input unit by employing a touch panel system.

[0069] The communication I / F 82 is an interface for communicating with other devices, and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0070] (Image processing device functions) Next, the functions of the image processing device 20 will be described.

[0071] When executing the information processing program, the image processing device 20 uses the above hardware resources to realize various functions. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the image processing device 20 functionally includes a data transmission / reception unit 22, an operation history storage unit 24, a temporary user storage unit 26, and a control unit 28.

[0072] (Data transmission / reception section) The data transmitter / receiver 22 transmits and receives various data between the operation terminal 30 and the management server 40. The data transmitter / receiver 22 is capable of transmitting and receiving various data to and from the operation terminal 30 in accordance with SNMPv3. The data transmitter / receiver 22 is also capable of transmitting an SNMPv3 Trap (event notification) to the operation terminal 30. As described above, the SNMPv3 Trap allows for encrypted communication (message encryption).

[0073] (Operation history memory section) An operation history table for registering the operation history of the user is stored in the operation history storage unit 24. As an example, this operation history table is configured as an MIB (private MIB) of SNMPv3.

[0074] An example of the operation history table is shown in Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 5, the operation history table has the following items: operation date and time, user ID, operation content, operating terminal information, and connection status.

[0075] The date and time is, for example, the date and time when the image processing device 20 receives an operation request from a user. The user ID is identification information for identifying the user of the image processing device 20, and is uniquely determined.

[0076] The operation content is the content of the operation performed by the user on the image processing device 20, such as printing, copying, and changing settings. Note that the operation authority for printing, copying, etc. is considered a general authority and is granted to, for example, a general user. On the other hand, the operation authority for changing settings is considered an administrator authority and is granted to, for example, an administrator.

[0077] The operating terminal information is address information of the operating terminal 30 operated (owned) by the user, and may be, for example, an IP address.

[0078] The connection status is information indicating the connection status of the user (operation terminal 30 owned by the user) managed by the management server 40. This connection status is acquired from the management server 40.

[0079] (Temporary user storage) The temporary user storage unit 26 stores a temporary user management table that registers information about users (hereinafter referred to as "temporary users") who temporarily use the image processing device 20. As an example, this temporary user management table is configured as an SNMPv3 MIB (private MIB).

[0080] An example of a temporary user management table is shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, the temporary user management table has the following items: name, company name, affiliation, contact information (telephone number, email address), operation details, and whether temporary approval is possible.

[0081] The name, company name, affiliation, and contact information (telephone number, email address) are personal information of the temporary user. The operation content is the operation content requested by the temporary user, such as printing, changing settings, etc. The approval status is information indicating the authentication status of the temporary user for the image processing device 20, such as not approved or approved.

[0082] (Control unit) The control unit 28 controls the overall operation of the image processing device 20. The control unit 28 also performs authentication processing for a user who has been assigned a user ID. Specifically, the control unit 28 first receives the user ID and password of the user input to the input unit 58 of the image processing device 20 as authentication information. Alternatively, the control unit 28 receives the user ID and password of the user from the operation terminal 30 as authentication information.

[0083] Next, the control unit 28 transmits approval request information including the received authentication information to the management server 40, and receives an authentication result from the management server 40. If the authentication result received from the management server 40 indicates successful authentication, the control unit 28 permits operation of the image processing device 20 in accordance with the user's operating authority received from the management server 40. On the other hand, if the authentication result received from the management server 40 indicates unsuccessful authentication, the control unit 28 does not permit (prohibit) operation of the image processing device 20.

[0084] The control unit 28 performs an operation history storage process for storing the operation history of the user on the image processing device 20. Specifically, when the user operates the image processing device 20, the control unit 28 registers the date and time, the user ID, the operation content, and the operating terminal information in an operation history table (see FIG. 5).

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 28 performs a temporary approval request process in response to a request from a user who has not been assigned a user ID (hereinafter referred to as a "temporary user"). The temporary approval request process will be described later.

[0086] (Operation terminal functions) Next, the functions of the operation terminal 30 will be described.

[0087] When executing the information processing program, the operation terminal 30 uses the above hardware resources to realize various functions. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the operation terminal 30 functionally includes a data transmission / reception unit 32 and a control unit 34.

[0088] (Data transmission / reception section) The data transmission / reception unit 32 transmits and receives various data between the image processing device 20 and the management server 40. The data transmission / reception unit 32 is capable of transmitting and receiving various data to and from the image processing device 20 in accordance with SNMPv3. The data transmission / reception unit 32 is also capable of receiving an SNMPv3 Trap (event notification) transmitted from the image processing device 20.

[0089] The control unit 34 controls the overall operation of the image processing device 20. The control unit 34 also transmits user authentication requests, print requests, setting change requests, etc. to the image processing device 20. Furthermore, when the control unit 34 receives temporary user approval request information from the image processing device 20, it performs temporary approval processing. The temporary approval processing will be described later.

[0090] (Temporary approval request processing) Next, the temporary authorization request process performed by the image processing device 20 will be described.

[0091] As described above, the image processing device 20 authenticates a user by a user ID and a password. Therefore, a user of the image processing device 20 must, for example, apply to an administrator of the image processing device 20 to use the image processing device 20 and have a user ID issued in advance by the administrator.

[0092] However, for example, if the administrator of the image processing device 20 is absent, it takes time to issue a user ID. There is also a demand for temporary users who have not been issued a user ID to be able to temporarily use the image processing device 20.

[0093] In such a case, a temporary authorization request process is performed in the image processing device 20. Specifically, for example, when temporary use (temporary authentication) is selected in the input unit 58 of the image processing device 20 and authentication information such as the user's name, company name, affiliation, contact information, and operation details is input, the image processing device 20 executes the temporary authorization request process shown in Fig. 7. The temporary authorization request process is an example of a temporary authorization request method.

[0094] First, in step S10, the CPU 50 registers the authentication information of the temporary user input to the input unit 58 of the image processing device 20 in the temporary user management table (see FIG. 6).

[0095] Next, in step S12, the CPU 50 selects an approver (hereinafter referred to as a "temporary approver") who will authenticate the temporary user. At this time, the CPU 50 selects as the temporary user a user who has a history in the operation history table (see FIG. 5) and whose connection status is online.

[0096] Specifically, the CPU 50 extracts the user with the most recent history from the operation history table as the first candidate, and inquires about the connection status of the extracted first candidate from the management server 40. Then, if the connection status of the first candidate received from the management server 40 is online, the CPU 50 selects the first candidate as the temporary approver, and updates the connection status of the first candidate in the operation history table to online.

[0097] On the other hand, if the connection status of the first candidate received from management server 40 is offline, CPU 50 extracts another user (other than the first candidate) with the next most recent history from the operation history table as a second candidate, and inquires about the connection status of the extracted second candidate from management server 40. Then, if the connection status of the second candidate received from management server 40 is online, CPU 50 selects the second candidate as the temporary approver, and updates the connection status of the second candidate in the operation history table to online.

[0098] The CPU 50 repeats the above procedure until a temporary approver is selected. If a temporary approver is not selected, the CPU 50 displays a message on the display unit 60 of the image processing device 20 indicating that the temporary authentication has failed, and then ends the process.

[0099] Next, in step S14, the CPU 50 transmits approval request information to the operation terminal 30 operated by the selected temporary approver. Specifically, the CPU 50 reads out the operation terminal information of the operation terminal 30 of the temporary approver from the operation history table. Then, the CPU 50 transmits the approval request information of the temporary user to the read operation terminal information (address information) using a trap of SNMPv3.

[0100] Here, the approval request information includes authentication information (personal information) of the temporary user. For this purpose, the CPU 50 transmits the approval request information to the operation terminal 30 of the temporary approver by encrypted communication using a Trap of SNMPv3.

[0101] The method for selecting a temporary approver can be changed as appropriate. For example, the CPU 50 extracts, as first candidates, multiple users who have operation histories in the operation history table within a predetermined time period (for example, three hours), and inquires of the management server 40 about the connection status of each of the extracted multiple first candidates. The CPU 50 may then select, as the temporary approver, a first candidate whose connection status received from the management server 40 is online. In this case, if there are multiple first candidates who are online, i.e., multiple operation terminals 30 that are online, the CPU 50 may select, as the temporary approver, the first candidate whose operation history is the most recent.

[0102] Furthermore, the CPU 50 may extract, as the first candidate, a user whose operation history table contains a history of the same operation as the operation (operation content) requested by the temporary user. The CPU 50 may also extract, as the first candidate, a user whose operation history table contains a history of a setting change operation, i.e., a user who has been granted the operation authority (administrator authority) for setting change.

[0103] Next, in step S16, the CPU 50 determines whether or not an approval result has been received from the operation terminal 30. If the CPU 50 has not received an approval result from the operation terminal 30 within a predetermined time, the CPU 50 returns to step S12 and selects another temporary approver.

[0104] On the other hand, in step S16, if the CPU 50 receives an approval result from the operation terminal 30 within a predetermined time period, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0105] Next, in step S18, the CPU 50 proceeds to the next step depending on the content of the approval result received from the operation terminal 30. Specifically, if the approval result received from the operation terminal 30 is approval allowed, the CPU 50 proceeds to step S20.

[0106] Next, in step S20, the CPU 50 enables the temporary user to operate the image processing device 20 in accordance with the operation content (operation request) of the temporary user. At this time, the CPU 50 updates the approval status in the temporary user management table to approved, and waits until a predetermined operation time has elapsed. The operation time is an example of a predetermined condition.

[0107] Next, in step S22, when the operation allowable time is reached, the CPU 50 limits (prohibits) the operation of the temporary user and ends the process. At this time, the CPU 50 updates the approval status in the temporary user management table to unapproved.

[0108] The allowable operation time may be specified by the temporary approver on an approval screen 92 displayed on the display unit 80 of the operation terminal 30, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the allowable operation time is set as the predetermined condition for disallowing operation by the temporary user. However, this predetermined condition is not limited to the allowable operation time, and may be, for example, the number of print jobs, the number of printed sheets, the number of operations on the image processing device 20, etc.

[0109] On the other hand, in step S18, if the approval result received from the operation terminal 30 indicates authentication failure, the CPU 50 proceeds to step S24.

[0110] In step S24, the CPU 50 displays a message on the display unit 60 of the image processing device 20 indicating that authentication has failed, and then ends the process.

[0111] Furthermore, in step S18, if the approval result received from the operation terminal 30 indicates that the temporary approver approves the image processing device 20, the CPU 50 proceeds to step S26.

[0112] Next, in step S26, the CPU 50 displays an authentication screen for authenticating the temporary approved person on the display unit 60 of the image processing device 20. For example, a user ID and a password can be input on this authentication screen. Then, when the user ID and password are input on the authentication screen, the CPU 50 performs authentication processing of the temporary approved person for the image processing device 20.

[0113] When the temporary approver is authenticated in the image processing device 20, in step S28, the CPU 50 displays an approval screen for selecting whether to approve the operation request of the temporary user on the display unit 60 of the image processing device 20. This approval screen is, for example, similar to the approval screen 92 (see FIG. 10) displayed on the display unit 80 of the operation terminal 30 described later.

[0114] Next, in step S30, the CPU 50 proceeds to the next step depending on the selection of the option on the approval screen. Specifically, if approval is allowed (the "Yes" button) on the approval screen 92, the CPU 50 proceeds to step S20.

[0115] On the other hand, in step S32, if approval is not permitted (the "No" button) on the approval screen 92, or if approval is not selected within a predetermined time, the CPU 50 proceeds to step S24.

[0116] (Temporary approval process) Next, the temporary approval process by the operation terminal 30 will be described.

[0117] When the operation terminal 30 receives the approval request information from the image processing device 20, the temporary approval process shown in Fig. 8 is executed in the operation terminal 30. The temporary approval process is an example of a temporary approval method.

[0118] First, in step S40, the CPU 70 displays a selection screen on the display unit 80 of the operation terminal 30 for selecting whether or not to approve the operation request of the temporary user at the image processing device 20. Fig. 9 shows an example of the selection screen 90. On this selection screen 90, for example, authentication information (personal information) of the temporary user included in the approval request information is displayed.

[0119] Next, in step S42, the CPU 70 waits until an option is selected on the selection screen 90, and proceeds to the next step depending on the selected option. Specifically, when the option to approve the operation request of the temporary user at the image processing device 20 (the "Yes" button) is selected on the selection screen 90, the CPU 70 proceeds to step S44.

[0120] Next, in step S44, the CPU 70 transmits to the image processing device 20 information indicating that the temporary approver will approve the operation request of the temporary user at the image processing device 20, and ends the process.

[0121] On the other hand, if it is selected on the selection screen 90 that the temporary approver will not approve the operation request of the temporary user at the image processing device 20 (the "No" button), the CPU 70 proceeds to step S46.

[0122] It should be noted that if an option on the selection screen 90 (the "Yes" button or the "No" button) is not selected within a predetermined time period, the CPU 70 proceeds to step S52, which will be described later.

[0123] Next, in step S46, the CPU 70 displays an approval screen for selecting whether to approve or disapprove the operation request from the temporary user on the display unit 80 of the operation terminal 30. Fig. 10 shows an example of the approval screen 92. This approval screen 92 displays, for example, the authentication information (personal information) of the temporary user included in the approval request information.

[0124] Next, in step S48, the CPU 70 waits until an option is selected on the approval screen 92, and proceeds to the next step depending on the selected option. Specifically, if approval is allowed (the "Yes" button) on the approval screen 92, the CPU 70 proceeds to step S50.

[0125] When approval is permitted (the "Yes" button) on the approval screen 92, the CPU 70 may allow the temporary user to specify the operation allowable time on the approval screen 92.

[0126] Next, in step S50, the CPU 70 transmits information to the image processing device 20 indicating that the operation request from the temporary user is approved, and then ends the process.

[0127] On the other hand, in step S48, if approval is denied (the "No" button) on the approval screen 92, or if no option is selected on the approval screen 92 within a predetermined time period, the CPU 70 proceeds to step S52.

[0128] In step S52, the CPU 70 transmits information to the image processing device 20 indicating that the operation request from the temporary user is not approved, and ends the process.

[0129] When approving a temporary user, the operation terminal 30 may be able to request additional information about the temporary user from the image processing device 20. As an example, Fig. 11 shows an approval screen 92 in which it is possible to select whether or not additional information about the temporary user is required. Examples of the additional information include image data such as a face photo, business card, employee ID card, etc.

[0130] When a request for additional information (the "Yes" button) is selected on the approval screen 92, the CPU 70 transmits information to the image processing device 20 requesting the additional information.

[0131] Upon receiving the information requesting additional information, the CPU 50 of the image processing device 20 displays a request message for additional information on the display unit 60, and enables the image reading unit 64 as an input unit. Then, the CPU 50 transmits the image data of the face photograph, business card, employee ID card, etc. input by the image reading unit 64 to the operation terminal 30 as additional information.

[0132] The CPU 70 of the operation terminal 30 that has received the additional information from the image processing device 20 displays the additional information on the display unit, for example.

[0133] (Variation) Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the selection screen 90 and the approval screen 92 can be displayed on the display unit 80 of the operation terminal 30. However, at least one of the selection screen 90 and the approval screen 92 may be displayed on the display unit 80 of the operation terminal 30.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the image processing device 20 is temporarily operable (available) to a temporary user who has not been issued a user ID. However, for example, even if a user has been issued a user ID, there are cases where the user does not have the operational authority for certain (partial) operations such as changing settings. In this way, the image processing device 20 may be temporarily operable for certain operations for which the user does not have the operational authority.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the approval request information of the temporary user is transmitted from the image processing device 20 to the operation terminal 30 using an SNMP trap. However, the approval request information of the temporary user may be transmitted from the image processing device 20 to the operation terminal 30 using another communication protocol, not limited to an SNMP trap.

[0137] In addition, in the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0138] 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.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the programs are installed in a ROM or storage device, but this is not limiting. The programs according to the above embodiment may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. For example, the programs according to the above embodiment may be provided in a form recorded on an optical disc such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or in a form recorded on a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a memory card. Furthermore, the programs according to the above embodiment may be acquired from an external device via a communication interface.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the processing in the image processing device 20 and the operation terminal 30 is described as being realized by a software configuration using a computer by executing a program, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the processing in the image processing device 20 and the operation terminal 30 may be realized by a hardware configuration or a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration.

[0141] In addition, the configurations of the image processing device 20 and the operation terminal 30 described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted or new parts may be added within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0142] Furthermore, the processing flow in the image processing device 20 and the operation terminal 30 described in the above embodiment is also an example, and it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be rearranged within the scope of the gist of this disclosure.

[0143] The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiments.

[0144] (((1))) a processor; The processor: When receiving an operation request from a user for operating an image processing device for which the user does not have operation authority, transmitting approval request information for the operation request to an operation terminal of the image processing device determined based on the operation history of the image processing device. Information processing system. (((2))) The processor: transmitting the approval request information to the operation terminal that has a history in the operation history and is online; The information processing system according to (((1))). (((3))) The processor: If there are a plurality of operation terminals in an online state, the approval request information for the operation request is transmitted to the operation terminal having the most recent history. The information processing system according to (((2))). (((4))) The processor: transmitting the approval request information to the operation terminal having a history of an operation identical to the operation requested by the user in the operation history; The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))). (((5))) The processor: transmitting the approval request information to the operation terminal by encrypted communication; The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))). (((6))) The processor: when a response is not received from the operation terminal within a predetermined time after the approval request information is transmitted to the operation terminal, the approval request information is transmitted to another operation terminal of the image processing device determined based on the operation history of the image processing device. The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))). (((7))) The processor: When receiving information from the operation terminal indicating that the operation request is approved, the image processing device enables an operation corresponding to the operation request. The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))). (((8))) The processor: in the image processing device, after enabling the operation corresponding to the operation request, disallowing the operation corresponding to the operation request based on a predetermined condition; The information processing system according to (((7))). (((9))) the predetermined condition includes an operation allowable time for the operation corresponding to the operation request; The information processing system according to (((8))). (((10))) The processor: When a request for additional information about the user is received from the operation terminal, the image processing device enables an input operation of the additional information; transmitting the input additional information to the operation terminal; The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((9))). (((11))) On the computer, When receiving an operation request from a user for operating an image processing device for which the user does not have operation authority, the image processing device transmits approval request information for the operation request to an operation terminal of the image processing device whose operation history is recorded. An information processing program for executing processing. (((12))) a processor; The processor: When approval request information is received from the image processing device to an operation terminal of the image processing device, the approval request information being in response to a request from a user to operate the image processing device, displaying an approval screen on a display unit of the operation terminal for selecting whether or not to approve the operation request; If approval is selected on the approval screen, information indicating that the operation request is approved is transmitted to the image processing device. Information processing system. (((13))) a processor; The processor: When approval request information is received from the image processing device to an operation terminal of the image processing device, the approval request information being in response to a request from a user to operate the image processing device, a selection screen for selecting whether or not to approve the operation request in the image processing device is displayed on a display unit of the operation terminal; When it is selected on the selection screen that approval for the operation request will be performed by the image processing device, information indicating that approval for the operation request will be performed by the image processing device is transmitted to the image processing device. Information processing system. (((14))) The processor: When it is selected on the selection screen that the image processing device does not approve the operation request, an approval screen for selecting whether or not to approve the operation request is displayed on the display unit; If approval is selected on the approval screen, information indicating that the operation request is approved is transmitted to the image processing device. The information processing system according to (((13))). (((15))) On the computer, When approval request information is received from the image processing device to an operation terminal of the image processing device, the approval request information being in response to a request from a user to operate the image processing device, displaying an approval screen on a display unit of the operation terminal for selecting whether or not to approve the operation request; If approval is selected on the approval screen, information indicating that the operation request is approved is transmitted to the image processing device. An information processing program for executing processing. (((16))) On the computer, When approval request information is received from the image processing device to an operation terminal of the image processing device, the approval request information being in response to a request from a user to operate the image processing device, a selection screen for selecting whether or not to approve the operation request in the image processing device is displayed on a display unit of the operation terminal; When it is selected on the selection screen that approval for the operation request will be performed by the image processing device, information indicating that approval for the operation request will be performed by the image processing device is transmitted to the image processing device. An information processing program for executing processing.

[0145] According to (((1))), an operation request from a user to operate an image processing device for which the user does not have operating authority can be approved even if there is no specific approver. According to (((2))), the approval request from the user can be notified to the approver earlier than when approval request information is sent to an offline operating terminal. According to (((3))), when there are multiple online operating terminals, the approval request from the user can be notified to an approver who is more likely to be near the image processing device than when the approval request information is sent to an operating terminal with an older history. According to (((4))), compared to when the operating terminal to which the approval request information is sent is determined without taking into consideration the operation content in the operation history, it is possible to notify the approval request from the user to an approver who has operation authority for the operation requested by the user. According to (((5))), leakage of personal information of users can be suppressed compared to when approval request information is sent to the operating terminal by unencrypted communication. According to (((6))), if no response is received from the operating terminal within a predetermined time after sending approval request information to the operating terminal, the approval request from the user can be notified to another approver. According to (((7))), in response to a request for approval from a user, the user can be allowed to operate an image processing device for which the user does not have operating authority. According to (((8))), in an image processing device, it is possible to suppress unauthorized use of an image forming device compared to a case where the image processing device allows a user to perform an operation corresponding to an operation request and then does not prohibit the user from performing the operation. According to (((9))), after enabling a user to perform an operation corresponding to an operation request, the user's operation can be disallowed based on the operation allowable time. According to (((10))), the approver can approve the approval request from the user based on the additional information of the user. According to (((11))), an operation request from a user to operate an image processing device for which the user does not have operating authority can be approved even if there is no specific approver. According to (((12))), an operation request from a user to operate an image processing device for which the user does not have operating authority can be approved even if there is no specific approver. According to (((13))), an operation request from a user to operate an image processing device for which the user does not have operating authority can be approved even if there is no specific approver. According to (((14))), the approver can select whether to approve the approval request from the user on the image processing device or on the display unit of the operation terminal of the image processing device. According to (((15))), an operation request from a user to operate an image processing device for which the user does not have operating authority can be approved even if there is no specific approver. According to (((16))), an operation request from a user to operate an image processing device for which the user does not have operating authority can be approved even if there is no specific approver.

[0146] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and one embodiment and various modified examples may be used in appropriate combination, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various forms as long as it does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 20 Image processing device (information processing system, information processing device) 30 Operation terminal (information processing system, information processing device) 50 CPUs (processors) 70 CPUs (processors)

Claims

1. a processor; The processor: When receiving an operation request from a user for operating an image processing device for which the user does not have operation authority, transmitting approval request information for the operation request to an operation terminal of the image processing device determined based on the operation history of the image processing device. Information processing system.

2. The processor: transmitting the approval request information to the operation terminal that has a history in the operation history and is online; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor: If there are a plurality of operation terminals in an online state, the approval request information for the operation request is transmitted to the operation terminal having the most recent history. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. The processor: transmitting the approval request information to the operation terminal in which the operation history includes a history of an operation identical to the operation requested by the user; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

5. The processor: transmitting the approval request information to the operation terminal by encrypted communication; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

6. The processor: when a response is not received from the operation terminal within a predetermined time after the approval request information is transmitted to the operation terminal, the approval request information is transmitted to another operation terminal of the image processing device determined based on the operation history of the image processing device. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

7. The processor: When receiving information from the operation terminal indicating that the operation request is approved, the image processing device permits the operation corresponding to the operation request. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

8. The processor: in the image processing device, after permitting the operation corresponding to the operation request, disallowing the operation corresponding to the operation request based on a predetermined condition; The information processing system according to claim 7 .

9. the predetermined condition includes an operation allowable time for the operation corresponding to the operation request; The information processing system according to claim 8 .

10. The processor: When a request for additional information about the user is received from the operation terminal, the image processing device enables an input operation of the additional information; transmitting the input additional information to the operation terminal; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

11. On the computer, When receiving an operation request from a user for operating an image processing device for which the user does not have operation authority, the image processing device transmits approval request information for the operation request to an operation terminal of the image processing device whose operation history is recorded. An information processing program for executing processing.

12. a processor; The processor: When approval request information is received from the image processing device to an operation terminal of the image processing device, the approval request information being in response to a request from a user to operate the image processing device, displaying an approval screen on a display unit of the operation terminal for selecting whether or not to approve the operation request; If approval is selected on the approval screen, information indicating that the operation request is approved is transmitted to the image processing device. Information processing system.

13. a processor; The processor: When approval request information is received from the image processing device to an operation terminal of the image processing device, the approval request information being in response to a request from a user to operate the image processing device, a selection screen for selecting whether or not to approve the operation request in the image processing device is displayed on a display unit of the operation terminal; When it is selected on the selection screen that approval for the operation request will be performed by the image processing device, information indicating that approval for the operation request will be performed by the image processing device is transmitted to the image processing device. Information processing system.

14. The processor: When it is selected on the selection screen that the image processing device does not approve the operation request, an approval screen for selecting whether or not to approve the operation request is displayed on the display unit; If approval is selected on the approval screen, information indicating that the operation request is approved is transmitted to the image processing device. The information processing system according to claim 13.

15. On the computer, When approval request information is received from the image processing device to an operation terminal of the image processing device, the approval request information being in response to a request from a user to operate the image processing device, displaying an approval screen on a display unit of the operation terminal for selecting whether or not to approve the operation request; If approval is selected on the approval screen, information indicating that the operation request is approved is transmitted to the image processing device. An information processing program for executing processing.

16. On the computer, When approval request information is received from the image processing device to an operation terminal of the image processing device, the approval request information being in response to a request from a user to operate the image processing device, a selection screen for selecting whether or not to approve the operation request in the image processing device is displayed on a display unit of the operation terminal; When it is selected on the selection screen that approval for the operation request will be performed by the image processing device, information indicating that approval for the operation request will be performed by the image processing device is transmitted to the image processing device. An information processing program for executing processing.

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