Information processing device

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, a system, an information processing method, and a program capable of associating setting information and authentication information related to a function with identification information read from a medium and storing them in a storage part.SOLUTION: Setting information related to various settings to undergo shortcut registration is associated with a card number of an IC card 5 and a shortcut name and stored in a nonvolatile memory 22. When an instruction to associate the card number with a user name and with a password and store them in the nonvolatile memory 22 in a state in which the setting information is stored in association with the card number and with the shortcut name in the nonvolatile memory 22, the card number is stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the user name and the password.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device such as an image processing device, a system, an information processing method executed by the information processing device, and a program installed on a computer of the information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, some image processing devices, such as scanners, printers, and multifunction peripherals (MFPs), have shortcut functions. In image processing devices with shortcut functions, settings for various functions, such as scanning, are registered in advance, and the registered settings are called up when a function is executed.

[0003] A technology has been proposed that uses a card storing identification information as a medium for calling up these settings (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this technology, function settings are registered in association with the identification information, i.e., stored in the memory of the image processing device, and when the identification information is read from the card by a card reader provided in the image processing device, the settings associated with the identification information are called up and the function is executed according to the settings. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-10059 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, some image processing devices equipped with a card reader allow the user to execute functions within the scope of the authority granted to the user when identification information is read from the card by the card reader and authentication information corresponding to the identification information is registered.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, system, information processing method, and program that enable flexible processing of storing in a memory unit, in association with identification information read from a medium, setting information related to functions and authentication information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a reading unit, a function execution unit, a memory unit, and a control unit, and the control unit executes a reading process that causes the reading unit to read the identification information from the medium, a first storage process that, when an instruction to register setting information related to a function to be executed by the function execution unit is received, associates the setting information with the identification information read by the reading unit and stores them in the memory unit, and a second storage process that, when an instruction to register authentication information for login is received, associates the authentication information with the identification information stored in the memory unit in association with the setting information and stores them in the memory unit.

[0008] According to this configuration, in a state where the setting information and the identification information are stored in association with each other in the storage unit, the authentication information and the identification information can be further stored in association with each other. In other words, each piece of information can be flexibly stored in association with the identification information.

[0009] The present invention can be realized not only in the form of an information processing device, but also in the form of, for example, a system including an information processing device, an information processing method in an information processing device, and a program installed in a computer of the information processing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to flexibly perform processing for storing in a storage unit setting information and authentication information relating to functions in association with identification information read from a medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting information registered as a shortcut. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information management table. [Figure 4A] 10 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the flow of a registration process. [Figure 4B] 10 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the flow of the registration process. [Figure 4C] 10 is a flowchart (part 3) showing the flow of the registration process. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a non-login screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user menu screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user switching screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a password input screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a login screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function lock screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a shortcut selection screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a shortcut screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first content selection screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second content selection screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting content change screen. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting content confirmation screen. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the shortcut selection screen (with two shortcut keys). [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a card registration screen. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an already-used notification screen. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an already registered notification screen. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a login registration confirmation screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] <System configuration> The system 1 shown in Figure 1 includes an MFP 2 (an example of an image processing device), an external device 4 such as a PC (Personal Computer) communicatively connected to the MFP 2 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 3, and an IC card 5 (an example of a medium) having wireless communication capabilities via NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0014] The MFP2 has multiple basic functions. These basic functions are broadly categorized into a print function, a scan function, and a fax function. The print function is a basic function that forms an image related to image data on a sheet. The scan function is a basic function that reads an original and generates image data. The fax function is a basic function that sends and receives image data of an image formed on a sheet to and from an external device.

[0015] The MFP2 is equipped with an image forming unit 11 (a function execution unit, an example of an image forming engine), an image reading unit 12 (a function execution unit, an example of a scan engine), a LAN interface 13, a FAX interface 14, and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface 15, in order to be able to execute various functions using the basic functions (hereinafter, these functions will be referred to as "detailed functions").

[0016] The image forming unit 11 is a mechanism (engine) that forms a color image or a monochrome image on a sheet that is conveyed along a conveyance path inside a housing that forms the outer shell of the MFP 2. The image forming unit 11 may employ an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, a thermal method, or the like as a method for forming an image.

[0017] An electrophotographic image forming engine includes a photosensitive member, an exposure device that exposes the photosensitive member to light to form an electrostatic latent image, a development device that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member to develop it, and a transfer device that transfers the developed image on the photosensitive member to a sheet.

[0018] An inkjet image forming engine includes an ink head that ejects ink.

[0019] A thermal image forming engine includes a thermal head that heats a thermal sheet.

[0020] The image reading unit 12 is a mechanism (engine) that uses an image sensor to read an original document placed on a contact glass supported by the housing and generate color or monochrome image data of the original document. The image reading method used by the image reading unit 12 may be a method of reading an original document passing over the contact glass, or a method of reading an original document stationary on the contact glass. The image reading unit 12 has a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), etc.

[0021] The LAN interface 13 includes a circuit for network communication via the LAN 3. The LAN 3 may be configured as a wired LAN or a wireless LAN, or may be configured as both a wired LAN and a wireless LAN. The LAN 3 may or may not be connected to the Internet, but in this embodiment, it is connected to the Internet.

[0022] The FAX interface 14 is an interface for connecting to a public telephone line used for the FAX function, and is equipped with a modem and the like.

[0023] The USB interface 15 is an interface for data communication with a USB device such as a USB memory, and includes a USB connector to which a USB cable is connected and a USB controller that controls the USB connection with the USB device.

[0024] The MFP 2 also includes an operation panel 16 (an example of a user interface) and an NFC interface 17 (an example of a reading unit).

[0025] Operation panel 16 is a touch panel, and is disposed on the outside of the housing so that it can be operated and viewed by the user. Images of various information, buttons, and the like are displayed on operation panel 16. When the user presses a button displayed on operation panel 16, the pressing operation is accepted by operation panel 16, and a signal corresponding to the pressing operation is output from operation panel 16.

[0026] The NFC interface 17 is an interface for wireless communication using NFC. NFC is a wireless communication technology that complies with international standards such as ISO / IEC 14443 and ISO / IEC 18092, and uses a communication frequency band of 13.56 MHz. The NFC interface 17 has a touch unit that is disposed on the outside of the housing. When the IC card 5 touches the touch unit, NFC communication is established between the IC card 5 and the NFC interface 17, enabling data communication. Touching the IC card 5 refers to the act of bringing the IC card 5 close to or into contact with the touch unit, which can also be rephrased as the act of holding the IC card 5 over the touch unit.

[0027] The MFP 2 includes a control unit 21, a data-rewritable nonvolatile memory 22 (an example of a storage unit) such as a flash memory or E2PROM, and a volatile memory 23 such as an SDRAM. The image forming unit 11, image reading unit 12, LAN interface 13, FAX interface 14, USB interface 15, operation panel 16, NFC interface 17, control unit 21, nonvolatile memory 22, and volatile memory 23 are connected via a bus 24 to enable data communication.

[0028] The control unit 21 has a built-in CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 21 executes programs for various processes based on signals input to the control unit 21, thereby controlling each unit such as the image forming unit 11, the image reading unit 12, the LAN interface 13, the FAX interface 14, the USB interface 15, the operation panel 16, and the NFC interface 17.

[0029] In addition to the CPU, the control unit 21 has a dedicated engine interface circuit, an image processing circuit, etc. The CPU controls the image forming engine and the scan engine via the engine interface circuit based on setting information. The CPU also controls the image processing circuit based on setting information. The image processing circuit includes a circuit that generates output to the image forming unit 11. The image processing circuit includes a circuit that processes image data input from the image reading unit 12.

[0030] The nonvolatile memory 22 stores programs executed by the control unit 21, various data, and the like.

[0031] The volatile memory 23 is used as a work area when the control unit 21 executes a program.

[0032] <Shortcut registration> The MFP 2 allows the registration of various settings related to detailed functions (hereinafter referred to as "shortcut registration"), and allows the registered shortcut settings to be called up when executing a detailed function.

[0033] 2, setting information relating to various settings to be registered as shortcuts is stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the card number of the IC card 5 and the shortcut name. The card number is a number unique to the IC card 5 and is identification information for the IC card 5. The shortcut name is the name of the shortcut key 42 (see FIG. 11) displayed on the operation panel 16.

[0034] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the detailed function operation "Save scanned image data to USB" and the setting contents are stored in non-volatile memory 22 as setting information in association with card number "1001" and shortcut name "ScanToUSB." The operation "Save scanned image data to USB" indicates that a document is scanned using the scan function and the scanned image data is saved to a USB device via USB interface 15. The setting contents include settings for file format, duplex scanning, resolution, and color / monochrome scanning. "PDF multi-page" is set as the file format for the image data. "Off" is set as the duplex scanning function for scanning both sides of the document, indicating that duplex scanning will not be performed. "200 dpi" is set as the scanning resolution. "Color" is set as the setting for whether to scan the document in color or monochrome, indicating that color scanning will be performed.

[0035] The detailed function operation "Copy" and the setting contents are stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 as setting information in association with the card number "1002" and the shortcut name "Copy." The operation "Copy" indicates that an original document is read using the scan function and an image corresponding to the read image data is formed on a sheet using the print function. The setting contents include settings for double-sided reading, double-sided printing, resolution, and color / monochrome copying. For double-sided reading, "On" is set, indicating that double-sided reading will be performed. For double-sided printing, in which an image corresponding to image data is formed on both sides of a sheet, "On" is set, indicating that double-sided printing will be performed. For the resolution of reading and image formation, "300 dpi" is set. For whether to perform color copying, in which an original document is read in color and a color image is formed on a sheet, or monochrome copying, in which an original document is read in monochrome and a monochrome image is formed on a sheet, "Color," indicating that color copying will be performed, is set.

[0036] Corresponding to the card number "1003" and the shortcut name "ScanToEmail," the detailed function operation content "Send scanned image data by email" and the setting content are stored in the non-volatile memory 22 as setting information. The operation content "Send scanned image data by email" indicates that an original document is read using the scan function and the read image data is sent by email. The setting content includes settings for the file format, double-sided reading, resolution, color / monochrome reading, and email destination. "TIFF" is set as the file format for the image data. "On" is set as the double-sided reading, indicating that double-sided reading will be performed. "300 dpi" is set as the reading resolution. "Monochrome" is set as the setting for whether color reading or monochrome reading will be performed, indicating that monochrome reading will be performed. Furthermore, "aaa@bbb.co.jp" is set as the email destination.

[0037] <Information management table> The nonvolatile memory 22 also stores an information management table.

[0038] 3, the information management table associates a user name that identifies a user with a password that the user uses to log in to the MFP 2. Furthermore, when the user registers an IC card 5 that the user owns in the MFP 2 as a login card to be used for logging in, the information management table further associates the card number of the IC card 5 with a user name and password, which are examples of the user's authentication information.

[0039] For example, in the information management table shown in Fig. 3, the user name "USERA" is associated with the password "1234," and the card number "1001" is further associated with them. The user name "USERB" is associated with the password "5678," and the card number "1002" is further associated with them. The user name "USERC" is associated with the password "2345," but the card number is not associated with them.

[0040] <Registration process> In the MFP 2, the control unit 21 executes the registration processing shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C to register the shortcut and the card number.

[0041] In the registration process, the control unit 21 first determines whether or not a user has performed a login operation using the IC card 5 (hereinafter, this operation will be referred to as a "card login operation") (S11). In the card login operation, the user's IC card 5 is touched to the touch section of the NFC interface 17. If the control unit 21 determines that a card login operation has not been performed (S11: NO), it then determines whether or not a login operation using the operation panel 16 (hereinafter, this operation will be referred to as a "panel login operation") has been performed (S12).

[0042] The order of these determinations may be reversed. That is, the control unit 21 may first determine whether a panel login operation has been performed, and if it determines that a panel login operation has not been performed, may then determine whether a card login operation has been performed.

[0043] Before the login operation begins, a non-logged-in screen is displayed on the operation panel 16. On the non-logged-in screen, as shown in FIG. 5, multiple function keys 31 corresponding to various detailed functions are displayed horizontally. Specifically, on the non-logged-in screen shown in FIG. 5, three function keys 31 are displayed in a row. The left function key 31 corresponds to a function of scanning a document using the scan function and uploading the scanned image data to a server on the Internet. The center function key 31 corresponds to a function of scanning a document using the scan function and sending the scanned image data to a PC connected to the USB interface 15. The right function key 31 corresponds to a function of scanning a document using the scan function and sending the scanned image data to a PC connected to the LAN interface 13 via the LAN 3. A user name display box 32 is also displayed at the top of the non-logged-in screen. The user name display box 32 displays the name of a user currently logged in to the MFP 2. When a user is not currently logged in, for example, the word "Public" is displayed. Furthermore, a shortcut selection screen display key 33 is displayed in the lower left corner of the non-login screen.

[0044] In the panel login operation, the user name display box 32 is pressed on the non-logged-in screen. In response to this pressing operation, the control unit 21 switches the display screen of the operation panel 16 from the non-logged-in screen to the user menu screen. On the user menu screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, a user switching key 34 is displayed.

[0045] When the user switching key 34 is pressed on the user menu screen, the control unit 21 switches the display screen of the operation panel 16 from the user menu screen to a user switching screen. On the user switching screen, as shown in Fig. 7, three user name keys 35 are displayed one above the other. The top user name key 35 displays the user name of user A, "USERA." The middle user name key 35 displays the user name of user B, "USERB." The bottom user name key 35 displays the user name of user C, "USERC."

[0046] When one of the user name keys 35 is pressed on the user switching screen, the control unit 21 switches the display screen of the operation panel 16 from the user switching screen to a password (PIN) input screen. On the password input screen, as shown in FIG. 8, a password input box 36 is displayed at the top. A numeric keypad 37 is displayed below the password input box 36. A backspace key 38 is displayed to the right of the password input box 36. An OK key 39 is also displayed in the lower right corner of the password input screen. When the numeric keypad 37 is pressed, the numbers that make up the password are entered into the password input box 36. When the backspace key 38 is pressed, the last number entered is erased.

[0047] After the password is entered in the password entry box 36, the panel login operation is completed when the OK key 39 is pressed.

[0048] When the control unit 21 determines that a panel login operation has been performed (S12: YES), it executes login processing in accordance with the panel login operation (S13). In this login processing, the control unit 21 refers to the information management table and determines whether the information management table contains a combination of the username of the user corresponding to the username key 35 pressed on the user switching screen and the password entered on the password entry screen. If the combination of the username and password is contained in the user management table, the control unit 21 places the user in a logged-in state. If the combination of the username and password is not contained in the user management table, the control unit 21 does not place the user in a logged-in state and causes the operation panel 16 to display a screen notifying the user that login has failed.

[0049] When the control unit 21 places the user in a logged-in state, it switches the display on the operation panel 16 from the password entry screen to a logged-in screen. The configuration of the logged-in screen is the same as the configuration of the not-logged-in screen, as shown in Fig. 9, and on the logged-in screen, the user name display box 32 displays the name of the logged-in user; for example, if user A is logged in, the user name is "USERA."

[0050] After the login process, the control unit 21 determines whether a certain time has elapsed since the end of the login process, that is, from the time the user entered the logged-in state (S14). When the user name display box 32 is pressed on the login screen, the function lock screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. If the control unit 21 determines that the certain time has not elapsed (S14: NO), it determines whether the card information edit key 41 has been pressed on the function lock screen (S15). In addition to the card information edit key 41, selection keys 42 such as a user switching key are displayed vertically on the function lock screen.

[0051] When the control unit 21 determines that the card information edit key 41 has not been pressed (S15: NO), it determines whether the shortcut selection screen display key 33 has been pressed on the login screen and whether the shortcut key 42 has been pressed on the shortcut selection screen displayed on the operation panel 16 in response to the pressing operation (S16). On the shortcut selection screen, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of shortcut assignment keys 43 are displayed arranged in a matrix. Specifically, on the shortcut selection screen shown in FIG. 11, six shortcut assignment keys 43 are displayed arranged in a matrix of 2 rows and 3 columns. A "+" symbol is displayed on the shortcut assignment key 43. When a shortcut registration is assigned to the shortcut assignment key 43, the shortcut assignment key 43 is changed to the shortcut key 42, and the shortcut name of the assigned shortcut registration is displayed on the shortcut key 42. On the shortcut selection screen shown in FIG. 11, the shortcut assignment key 43 on the upper left is changed to the shortcut key 42, and the shortcut name "ScanToUSB" is displayed on the shortcut key 42.

[0052] When the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut key 42 has been pressed (S16: YES), it causes a shortcut screen to be displayed on the operation panel 16 (S17). The shortcut screen displays various settings registered as shortcuts, as shown in FIG. 12. The shortcut screen shown in FIG. 12 displays the settings registered for the shortcut with the shortcut name "ScanToUSB," that the image data file format is set to "PDF multi-page," duplex scanning is set to "off," the scanning resolution is set to "200 dpi," and "color" is set, indicating that color scanning will be performed. Also, an option key 44, a card registration key 45, and a start key 46 are displayed side by side at the bottom of the shortcut screen.

[0053] On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut key 42 has not been pressed on the shortcut selection screen (S16: NO), it determines whether the shortcut assignment key 43 has been pressed (S18). If the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut assignment key 43 has not been pressed (S18: NO), it again determines whether a certain time has elapsed since the user entered the logged-in state (S14).

[0054] When the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut assignment key 43 has been pressed (S18: YES), it registers a new shortcut (S19).

[0055] In the process for registering a shortcut, the control unit 21 first displays a first content selection screen on the operation panel 16. On the first content selection screen, as shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of first content selection keys 51 are displayed vertically. The first content selection keys 51 are keys that allow the user to select and set the basic parts of the operation contents of the detailed functions, that is, the basic operations. The first content selection keys 51 display operation names such as "Scan" corresponding to the scan operation and "Fax" corresponding to the fax operation.

[0056] When one of the first content selection keys 51 is pressed, the control unit 21 switches the display of the operation panel 16 from the first content selection screen to the second content selection screen. On the second content selection screen, as shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of second content selection keys 52 are displayed vertically. The second content selection keys 52 are keys that allow the user to select and set an operation associated with the basic operation set by pressing the first content selection keys 51 on the first content selection screen. Setting the basic operation and the operation associated with the basic operation determines the operation content of the detailed function. The second content selection screen shown in FIG. 14 is a screen that is displayed when the first content selection key 51 related to the scan operation is pressed on the first content selection screen. By pressing the second content selection key 52, the user can select and set the destination of the image data read by the scan operation.

[0057] When one of the second content selection keys 52 is pressed, the control unit 21 switches the display of the operation panel 16 from the second content selection screen to a setting content change screen. On the setting content change screen, as shown in FIG. 15 , a shortcut name corresponding to an operation determined by a combination of the basic operation set by pressing the first content selection key 51 and the operation set by pressing the second content selection key 52 is displayed at the top, along with standard settings corresponding to the operation content. On the setting content change screen shown in FIG. 15 , the standard settings are displayed, with the image data file format set to “PDF multi-page,” “off” indicating that double-sided scanning is not performed, the scanning resolution set to “200 dpi,” and “color” indicating that color scanning is performed. Additionally, an option key 53 and a shortcut save key 54 are displayed side by side at the bottom of the setting content change screen. When the option key 53 is pressed, the control unit 21 causes the operation panel 16 to display a screen (not shown) on which the user can change the settings. After the setting contents are changed on the screen, when an instruction to reflect the change is input from the operation panel 16, the control unit 21 causes the operation panel 16 to display the setting contents change screen with the changed setting contents.

[0058] When the shortcut save key 54 is pressed on the setting content change screen, the control unit 21 switches the display on the operation panel 16 from the setting content change screen to a setting content confirmation screen. On the setting content confirmation screen, as shown in Fig. 16, the setting content to be registered as a shortcut, i.e., the setting content that was displayed when the shortcut save key 54 was pressed on the setting content change screen, is displayed in the setting content display window 55. In addition, an OK key 56 is displayed in the lower right corner of the setting content confirmation screen.

[0059] When the OK key 56 is pressed on the setting content confirmation screen, the control unit 21 associates the setting content displayed in the setting content display window 55 with the shortcut name and stores the association in the non-volatile memory 22. This completes the registration of a new shortcut in response to the pressing of the shortcut assignment key 43 on the shortcut selection screen. In response, the control unit 21 switches the setting content confirmation screen to a shortcut selection screen. On the shortcut selection screen shown in FIG. 17, the shortcut assignment key 43 pressed on the shortcut selection screen before the shortcut was registered is changed to a shortcut key 42, and the shortcut name is displayed on the shortcut key 42. In the examples shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the shortcut name "ScanToUSB" would normally be displayed, but because a shortcut key 42 with the same shortcut name already exists, the shortcut name "Shortcut2" is displayed in the example shown in FIG. 17.

[0060] After a new shortcut has been registered in this way, or without registering a new shortcut, the shortcut selection screen is displayed on operation panel 16, and shortcut key 42 is pressed on the shortcut selection screen, causing the shortcut screen to be displayed on operation panel 16. In response to this, control unit 21 determines whether card registration key 45 has been pressed (S20). If control unit 21 determines that card registration key 45 has not been pressed (S20: NO), it again determines whether a certain period of time has elapsed since the user entered the logged-in state (S14).

[0061] When the control unit 21 determines that the card registration key 45 has been pressed (S20: YES), it causes a card registration screen to be displayed on the operation panel 16 (S21). On the card registration screen, an OK key 61 is displayed, as shown in Fig. 18. Also, above the OK key 61, a message instructing the user to touch the IC card 5 of the user and press the OK key 61 is displayed together with the user name of the logged-in user.

[0062] Thereafter, the control unit 21 determines whether the IC card 5 has touched the touch section of the NFC interface 17 (S22 in FIG. 4B). If the control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 has not been touched (S22: NO), it determines whether a certain time has elapsed since the card registration screen was displayed (S23). If the certain time has not elapsed (S23: NO), the control unit 21 again determines whether the IC card 5 has touched the touch section of the NFC interface 17 (S22). If the control unit 21 determines that the certain time has elapsed since the card registration screen was displayed (S23: YES), it executes a logout process (S24), cancels the user's login state, and displays a non-logged-in screen on the operation panel 16. In this case, the registration process returns to the beginning.

[0063] If the IC card 5 is touched to the touch section of the NFC interface 17 before a certain time has elapsed since the card registration screen was displayed (S22: YES), the control section 21 determines whether the touched IC card 5 has already been registered for login by another user (S25). Whether the IC card 5 has already been registered for login by another user can be determined by whether the card number of the IC card 5 is associated with a username other than the username of the logged-in user in the information management table stored in the non-volatile memory 22.

[0064] If the control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 has already been registered for login by another user (S25: YES), it causes a used card notification screen to be displayed on the operation panel 16 (S26). As shown in Fig. 19, the used card notification screen displays a message saying "Registration is not possible because the card is being used by another user." After the used card notification screen is displayed, the control unit 21 again determines whether the IC card 5 has been touched to the touch section of the NFC interface 17 (S22).

[0065] When the control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 has not been registered for login by another user (S25: NO), it determines whether or not a shortcut has not been registered in the IC card 5 (S27). When the card number of the IC card 5 is not associated with a shortcut registration, that is, when the card number of the IC card 5 is not stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the setting information and shortcut name for which the shortcut has been registered, the control unit 21 determines that a shortcut has not been registered in the IC card 5. On the other hand, when the card number of the IC card 5 has already been associated with a shortcut registration, that is, when the card number of the IC card 5 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the setting information and shortcut name for which the shortcut has been registered, the control unit 21 determines that a shortcut has not been registered in the IC card 5.

[0066] When the control unit 21 determines that a shortcut is not unregistered on the IC card 5 (S27: NO), it causes an already registered notification screen to be displayed on the operation panel 16 (S28). On the already registered notification screen, as shown in Fig. 20, a Yes key 62 and a No key 63 are displayed side by side, and above them is displayed the message "A shortcut has already been registered on this card. Do you want to overwrite it?"

[0067] After the already-registered notification screen is displayed, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to register a shortcut by overwriting the IC card 5 (S29). If the Yes key 62 is pressed on the already-registered notification screen, the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut will be registered by overwriting the IC card 5. On the other hand, if the No key 63 is pressed on the already-registered notification screen, the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut will not be registered by overwriting the IC card 5. If the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut will not be registered by overwriting the IC card 5 (S29: NO), the control unit 21 again determines whether or not a certain time has elapsed since the user entered the logged-in state (S14 in FIG. 4A).

[0068] If the control unit 21 determines that a shortcut should be registered by overwriting on the IC card 5 (S29: YES), or if it determines that a shortcut has not been registered on the IC card 5 (S27: YES), the control unit 21 registers the shortcut on the IC card 5 (S30). That is, the control unit 21 associates the card number of the IC card 5 with the setting information and shortcut name corresponding to the shortcut screen that was displayed on the operation panel 16 before the card registration screen, and stores them in the non-volatile memory 22 (S30).

[0069] Thereafter, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the IC card 5 has been registered for login by the logged-in user (S31). Whether or not the IC card 5 has been registered for login by the logged-in user can be determined by whether or not the card number of the IC card 5 is associated with the username of the logged-in user in the information management table stored in the non-volatile memory 22.

[0070] When the control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 has been registered for login by the logged-in user (S31: YES), it again determines whether a certain time has passed since the user entered the logged-in state (S14 in FIG. 4A).

[0071] When the control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 has not been registered for login by the logged-in user (S31: NO), it displays a login registration confirmation screen on the operation panel 16 and determines whether or not to register the IC card 5 for login by the logged-in user (S32). As shown in Fig. 21, the login registration confirmation screen displays a Yes key 64 and a No key 65 side by side, and above them displays the message "Do you also want to use this card for login?"

[0072] If the Yes key 64 is pressed on the login registration confirmation screen, the control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 is to be registered for login by the logged-in user (S32: YES), and registers the IC card 5 for login by the logged-in user (S33). That is, the control unit 21 adds the card number of the IC card 5 to the information management table stored in the non-volatile memory 22, in association with the username of the logged-in user. Thereafter, the control unit 21 again determines whether a certain time has elapsed since the user entered the logged-in state (S14 in FIG. 4A).

[0073] If the No key 65 is pressed on the login registration screen, the control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 should not be registered for login by the logged-in user (S33: YES), and determines again whether a certain amount of time has passed since the user entered the logged-in state without registering the IC card 5 for login by the logged-in user (S14 in Figure 4A).

[0074] On the other hand, when the control unit 21 determines that the card information edit key 41 has been pressed on the login screen (S15: YES in FIG. 4A), it determines whether or not the IC card 5 of the logged-in user is registered for login (S34 in FIG. 4C). When the card number associated with the username of the logged-in user does not exist in the information management table stored in the nonvolatile memory 22, the control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 of the logged-in user is not registered for login (S34: NO), and again determines whether or not a certain time has elapsed since the user entered the logged-in state (S14 in FIG. 4A).

[0075] If the information management table stored in nonvolatile memory 22 contains a card number associated with the user name of the logged-in user, control unit 21 determines that the IC card 5 of the logged-in user is registered for login (S34: YES). In this case, control unit 21 determines whether a shortcut is registered on the IC card 5 of the logged-in user (S35). If the card number of the IC card 5 is stored in nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the setting information and shortcut name in which the shortcut is registered, control unit 21 determines that a shortcut is registered on the IC card 5. On the other hand, if the card number of the IC card 5 is not stored in nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the setting information and shortcut name in which the shortcut is registered, control unit 21 determines that a shortcut is not registered on the IC card 5.

[0076] When the control unit 21 determines that a shortcut is registered on the IC card 5 of the logged-in user (S35: YES), it causes the operation panel 16 to display a shortcut registration deletion confirmation screen that asks the user to confirm whether to delete the shortcut registration (S36). Although not shown in the figure, the shortcut registration deletion confirmation screen displays, for example, a Yes key and a No key side by side, and above them, the message "Do you want to delete the shortcut registration?"

[0077] Thereafter, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to delete the shortcut registration (S37). If the Yes key is pressed on the shortcut registration deletion confirmation screen, the control unit 21 determines to delete the shortcut registration (S37: YES) and deletes the shortcut registration for the IC card 5 of the logged-in user from the non-volatile memory 22 (S38). Specifically, the control unit 21 cancels the association from the state in which the setting information and shortcut name are associated with the card number of the IC card 5 of the logged-in user and stored in the non-volatile memory 22, and erases the card number of the IC card 5, which has been separated from the setting information and shortcut name, from the non-volatile memory 22. Then, the control unit 21 displays a login registration deletion confirmation screen on the operation panel 16 (S39). On the other hand, if the No key is pressed on the shortcut registration deletion confirmation screen, the control unit 21 determines not to delete the shortcut registration (S37: NO) and displays a login registration deletion confirmation screen on the operation panel 16 without deleting the shortcut registration (S39). Furthermore, when the control unit 21 determines that no shortcut is registered in the IC card 5 of the logged-in user (S35: NO), it causes the operation panel 16 to display a login registration deletion confirmation screen (S39).

[0078] Although not shown in the figure, the login registration deletion confirmation screen displays, for example, a Yes key and a No key side by side, and above them, a message saying, "Do you want to delete the card's login registration?" If the Yes key is pressed on the login registration deletion confirmation screen, the control unit 21 determines whether to delete the login registration of the IC card 5 of the logged-in user (S40: YES). In this case, the control unit 21 determines whether the shortcut remains valid even after the login registration of the IC card 5 is deleted (S41). When the login registration of the IC card 5 is deleted, if the shortcut linked to the card number, which is the identification information of the IC card 5, is a shortcut that any user is not authorized to use, that is, a shortcut that can only be used by users with specific authorization, the shortcut becomes invalid. Conversely, if the shortcut linked to the card number of the IC card 5 is a shortcut that any user is authorized to use, the shortcut remains valid even after the login registration of the IC card 5 is deleted. For example, if a user (Public) who has not been granted specific authority cannot use the scan function, and user A who has authority to use the scan function has registered a shortcut with the shortcut name "ScanToUSB," then if the registration of user A's IC card 5 for login is deleted, the shortcut will become invalid.

[0079] Then, when the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut is valid even when the registration of the IC card 5 for login is deleted (S41: YES), it deletes the registration for login by deleting the card number associated with the user name of the logged-in user from the information management table stored in the non-volatile memory 22 (S42). Thereafter, the control unit 21 again determines whether a certain period of time has elapsed since the user entered the logged-in state (S14 in FIG. 4A).

[0080] When the control unit 21 determines that the shortcut will be invalidated if the registration of the IC card 5 for login is deleted (S41: NO), it causes the operation panel 16 to display a warning that the shortcut will be invalidated if the registration of the IC card 5 for login is deleted (S43). Thereafter, the control unit 21 again determines whether a certain time has elapsed since the user entered the logged-in state (S14 in FIG. 4A).

[0081] Furthermore, when the control unit 21 determines that the user has performed a card login operation (S11: YES), it executes login processing in accordance with the card login operation (S44 in FIG. 4A). In this login processing, the control unit 21 determines whether the card number read from the IC card 5 touched to the touch unit of the NFC interface 17 is included in the information management table. If the card number is included in the user management table, the control unit 21 puts the user in a logged-in state; if the card number is not included in the user management table, the control unit 21 does not put the user in a logged-in state and causes the operation panel 16 to display a screen notifying the user that login has failed.

[0082] After the login process is executed, the control unit 21 determines whether a shortcut is registered in the IC card 5 used for the card login operation (S45). If the card number of the IC card 5 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 in association with the setting information and shortcut name for which the shortcut is registered, the control unit 21 determines that a shortcut is registered in the IC card 5 (S45: YES). In this case, the control unit 21 controls the image forming unit 11, the image reading unit 12, etc. to execute the detailed function in accordance with the setting information associated with the card number of the IC card 5 (S46: execute shortcut). Thereafter, the control unit 21 determines whether a certain time has elapsed since the user entered the logged-in state (S14).

[0083] If the card number of the IC card 5 is not stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the setting information and shortcut name for which the shortcut is registered, the control unit 21 determines that no shortcut is registered on the IC card 5 (S45: NO) and determines whether a certain period of time has elapsed since the user entered the logged-in state (S14).

[0084] If the control unit 21 determines that a certain time has passed since the user entered the logged-in state (S14: YES), it executes a logout process (S47), cancels the user's logged-in state, and displays a non-logged-in screen on the operation panel 16. In this case, the registration process returns to the beginning.

[0085] <Action and effect> As described above, in a state where the setting information registered as a shortcut and the card number of the IC card 5 are stored in association with each other in the nonvolatile memory 22, the card number can be stored in association with the user name and password. In other words, the setting information and the authentication information, that is, the user name and password, can be flexibly stored in association with the card number.

[0086] In a state where the setting information registered as a shortcut and the card number of the IC card 5 are stored in association with each other in the nonvolatile memory 22, and the user name, password and card number are stored in association with each other in the nonvolatile memory 22, in response to an instruction to cancel the registration of the IC card 5 for login, that is, in response to an instruction to delete the card number associated with the user name, the association between the setting information and the card number is not canceled, but the association between the user name and password and the card number is canceled. This allows the setting information registered as a shortcut to remain in association with the card number in the nonvolatile memory 22.

[0087] When the user is in a logged-in state through a panel login operation and selects to register the IC card 5 for login on the login registration confirmation screen, the card number of the IC card 5 is stored in the non-volatile memory 22 in association with the user name and password entered through the panel login operation. Therefore, the user does not need to enter the user name and password again to register the IC card 5 for login. This reduces the effort required to register the IC card 5 for login.

[0088] Furthermore, when registering an IC card 5 for login, if the IC card 5 has already been registered for login by another user, the registration of the IC card 5 for login is denied. This makes it possible to avoid overwriting and registering another user's IC card 5 as the login card of a logged-in user.

[0089] <Modification> Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in other forms.

[0090] For example, in the above-described embodiment, information such as shortcut-registered setting information and an information management table is stored in the nonvolatile memory 22 of the MFP 2. However, this information may be stored in a server communicably connected to the MFP 2.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, an example of an external medium is an IC card 5, and an example of a reading unit is an NFC interface 17 that reads a card number from the IC card 5 via NFC communication. However, an example of an external medium may be a magnetic card, and an example of a reading unit may be a magnetic card reader. Also, an example of an external medium may be a medium having a one-dimensional barcode, and an example of a reading unit may be a barcode reader. An example of an external medium may be a medium having a QR code (registered trademark), and an example of a reading unit may be a QR code reader. Furthermore, an example of an external medium may be a communication terminal capable of wireless communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark), and an example of a reading unit may be an interface capable of wireless communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark). An example of an external medium may be a communication terminal capable of wireless communication via Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and an example of a reading unit may be an interface capable of wireless communication via Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0092] Furthermore, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 1, a reading unit such as an NFC interface 101 may be provided in the external device 4, and the card number may be read from the IC card 5 by the reading unit, and the card number may be transmitted from the external device 4 to the MFP2.

[0093] In addition, various design modifications can be made to the above-described configuration within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1: System 2:MFP 5: IC card 11: Image forming unit 12: Image reading unit 16: Operation panel 17,101: NFC interface 21: Control unit 22: Non-volatile memory

Claims

1. A reading unit; a function execution unit; A memory unit; a control unit, The control unit a reading process for causing the reading unit to read identification information from the medium; a first storage process for storing, in the storage unit, the setting information and the identification information read by the reading unit in association with each other when an instruction to register setting information related to the function executed by the function executing unit is received; a second storage process for storing, in the storage unit, the authentication information and the identification information, which are stored in the storage unit in association with each other, in the case where an instruction to register authentication information for login is received; An information processing device characterized by:

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, The control unit When an instruction to cancel registration of the authentication information is received in a state in which the setting information and the identification information are stored in association with each other in the storage unit, and the authentication information and the identification information are stored in association with each other in the storage unit, a cancellation process is executed to cancel the association between the authentication information and the identification information without canceling the association between the setting information and the identification information. An information processing device characterized by:

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, a first determination process for determining whether the setting information stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information is valid in a state in which the association between the authentication information and the identification information is released; If a negative determination is made in the first determination process, a first restriction process is executed to restrict execution of the release process. An information processing device characterized by:

4. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, a first determination process for determining whether the setting information stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information is valid in a state in which the association between the authentication information and the identification information is released; If a negative determination is made in the first determination process, a first notification process is executed to notify that the setting information will be invalidated if the association between the authentication information and the identification information is released. An information processing device characterized by:

5. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a user interface; The control unit in the second storage process, when an instruction to register the authentication information is received while the authentication information is received from the user interface and the user is in a logged-in state, the authentication information received from the user interface and the identification information are stored in the storage unit in association with each other. An information processing device characterized by:

6. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The control unit a second determination process for determining whether the authentication information and the identification information are stored in the storage unit in association with each other; If a positive determination is made in the second determination process, a second restriction process is executed to restrict the authentication information different from the authentication information stored in the storage unit from being stored in association with the identification information stored in the storage unit. An information processing device characterized by:

7. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the function execution unit includes a scan engine that reads an image from a document; The setting information includes information specifying at least one of the resolution, layout, enlargement / reduction conditions, aggregation conditions, color / monochrome conditions, file format, and output destination of the image read by the scan engine. An information processing device characterized by:

8. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the function execution unit includes an image forming engine that forms an image on a sheet; The setting information includes information specifying at least one of the resolution, layout, enlargement / reduction conditions, aggregation conditions, color / monochrome conditions, and number of copies of an image to be formed by the image forming engine. An information processing device characterized by:

9. a reading unit that reads identification information from an external medium; A memory unit; A control unit; an information processing device having a function execution unit, The control unit a reading process for causing the reading unit to read the identification information from the medium; a first storage process for storing, in the storage unit, the setting information and the identification information read by the reading unit in association with each other when an instruction to register setting information related to the function executed by the function executing unit is received; a second storage process for storing, in the storage unit, the authentication information and the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with each other, when an instruction to register authentication information for login is received; A system characterized by:

10. A reading unit; a function execution unit; An information processing method in an information processing device including a storage unit, a reading process for causing the reading unit to read identification information from the medium; a first storage process for storing, in the storage unit, the setting information and the identification information read by the reading unit in association with each other when an instruction to register setting information related to the function executed by the function executing unit is received; a second storage process of, when an instruction to register authentication information for login is received, associating the authentication information with the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with the setting information, and storing the authentication information in the storage unit; An information processing method comprising:

11. A reading unit; a function execution unit; A program installed in a computer of an information processing device including a storage unit, The computer, a reading process for causing the reading unit to read identification information from the medium; a first storage process for storing, in the storage unit, the setting information and the identification information read by the reading unit in association with each other when an instruction to register setting information related to the function executed by the function executing unit is received; a second storage process for storing, in the storage unit, the authentication information and the identification information stored in the storage unit in association with each other, when an instruction to register authentication information for login is received; A program characterized by:

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