Information processing apparatus, control method thereof, program, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides, for example, a mechanism for providing services by suitably setting a predetermined spatial area. [Solution] This information processing device is an information processing device that sets up an authentication area for providing a service. This information processing device is a plurality of anchors installed at different locations from each other, and acquires spatial location information of one or more wireless terminals detected from a plurality of anchors that detect one or more wireless terminals located within their detectable range. Furthermore, this information processing device sets up an authentication area using the spatial location information of one wireless terminal acquired from each anchor and the installation location information of each of the plurality of anchors.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In conventional image forming apparatuses, a configuration for providing different services for each user has been proposed. For example, in Patent Document 1, it is proposed that when a wireless terminal is brought close to a wireless interface provided in an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus reads user information recorded in the wireless terminal and provides a service according to the user.

[0003] On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, a configuration for detecting a wireless terminal inside a predetermined space area (hereinafter, authentication area) and reading user information from the detected wireless terminal has been proposed. Generally, a relatively large area on the order of several tens of centimeters is set as the authentication area. Therefore, when a user enters the authentication area while holding a bag containing a wireless terminal, the image forming apparatus can read user information from the wireless terminal. Further, in Patent Document 3, a configuration for recording the spatial positions of a plurality of points using a position measurement device capable of measuring spatial positions and defining a spatial area based on the recorded plurality of spatial positions has been proposed. For example, eight spatial positions are recorded using a position measurement device, and the inside of a quadrangular prism having the eight points as vertices is set as the authentication area. Thus, services are provided to devices (users) located in a predetermined area.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

[0005] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has the following problems. For example, in a method where a wireless terminal is brought close to a wireless communication interface in order to provide a service, it is common to adopt a communication standard compliant with NFC (Near Field Communication) as the wireless communication interface. Therefore, in conventional image forming machines, it was necessary to bring the wireless terminal within about 2 cm of the wireless interface in order to read user information. However, the above-mentioned conventional technology had the problem that the action of bringing the wireless terminal close to the wireless interface was cumbersome.

[0006] On the other hand, the method of setting an authentication area had the problem of a complicated setup procedure. For example, when setting the inside of a rectangular prism with eight vertices as the authentication area, if each point is set simultaneously, a corresponding number of position measuring devices are required, as well as components to support them in the air. On the other hand, if each point is set sequentially, the measurement time is long because measurements are taken sequentially using one position measuring device, and furthermore, since only the position of one point can be seen at a time, it is difficult to check the entire authentication area, making the setup procedure complicated.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of at least one of the above-mentioned problems, and for example, provides a mechanism for providing a service by suitably setting a predetermined spatial area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to, for example, an information processing device for setting an authentication area for providing a service, and is characterized by comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring spatial location information of one or more wireless terminals detected from a plurality of detection means installed at different locations from each other, the plurality of detection means for detecting one or more wireless terminals located within a detectable range; and a setting means for setting the authentication area using the spatial location information of one wireless terminal acquired from each detection means and information on the installation location of each of the plurality of detection means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide a mechanism for providing services by suitably setting a predetermined spatial area. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] An overview view of the entire image forming system 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Block diagram of the entire image forming system 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Image forming apparatus 101 and surrounding block diagram according to one embodiment [Figure 4] Operation flowchart of CPU 204 according to one embodiment [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a screen that prompts user input, displayed on the operation unit 202 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Timing chart showing the timing of receiving a user ID according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a user name screen displayed on the operation unit 202 according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of print job data held in storage 201 according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of acquired print job data displayed on the operation unit 202 according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] Block diagram of the determination unit 102 and surrounding area according to one embodiment. [Figure 11]Operation flowchart of CPU 304 according to an embodiment [Figure 12] Diagram showing an example of the setting start button of the authentication area 110 displayed on the operation unit 202 according to an embodiment [Figure 13] Operation flowchart of CPU 304 in S604 according to an embodiment [Figure 14] Diagram showing an example of the input screen of the reference tag and the authentication area parameters displayed on the operation unit 302 according to an embodiment [Figure 15] Diagram showing the relationship between the vertices K1 to K8, the spatial coordinates TP of the reference tag, and the authentication area parameters according to an embodiment [Figure 16] Diagram showing the authentication area 110 in the overall bird's-eye view of the image forming system 1 according to an embodiment [Figure 17] Operation flowchart of CPU 304 in S605 according to an embodiment [Figure 18] Diagram showing an example of the input screen of the reference tag and the authentication area parameters displayed on the operation unit 302 according to an embodiment [Figure 19] Diagram showing the relationship between the spatial coordinates TP of the reference tag and the authentication area parameters according to an embodiment [Figure 20] Diagram showing an example of the input screen of the device tag, the reference tag, and the authentication area parameters displayed on the operation unit 302 according to an embodiment [Figure 21] Position of the authentication area 110 when the image forming apparatus 101 according to an embodiment moves or rotates [Figure 22] Overall bird's-eye view of the image forming system 1 when the anchors 103A to 103D and the determination unit 102 are arranged inside the image forming apparatus 101 according to an embodiment [Figure 23] Block diagram of the entire image forming system 1 when the anchors 103A to 103D and the determination unit 102 are arranged inside the image forming apparatus 101 according to an embodiment

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] <First Embodiment> <System operation image> The following describes one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the overall operation overview of the system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 shows an overview view of the entire image forming system 1 in this embodiment. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the entire image forming system 1 in this embodiment.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the system 1 is configured to include an image forming apparatus 101, a determination unit 102, anchors 103A to 103D, and tags 104 within a predetermined space 100. The image forming apparatus 101 acquires user information from the determination unit 102 and performs different image forming services for each user. For example, it displays different operation menus for each user on an operation unit (not shown). The detailed operation of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described later.

[0014] According to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the predetermined space 100 is defined as the spatial region of a rectangular parallelepiped near the image forming apparatus 101 providing the service. In the predetermined space 100, three anchors 103A to 103C are placed at the vertices of one of the faces (the top face of the rectangular parallelepiped in Figure 1). Furthermore, an anchor 103D is placed at the vertex of the other face (the bottom face of the rectangular parallelepiped in Figure 1) that corresponds to the vertex of the first face where no anchor is placed. However, there is no intention to limit the present invention, and three anchors may be placed on the bottom face and one anchor on the top face. Alternatively, both sides may be considered as the top and bottom faces, with three anchors placed on one side and an anchor placed at the vertex of the other side corresponding to the vertex of the first side where no anchor is placed. In other words, in the spatial region of a rectangular parallelepiped near the image forming apparatus 101, three anchors are placed at the vertices of a predetermined face of the rectangular parallelepiped, and one anchor is placed at the vertex of the face opposite the predetermined face that corresponds to the vertex of the predetermined face where no anchor is placed. In other words, in the present invention, the four anchors can be arranged such that three anchors are placed on a predetermined surface and one anchor is placed on a surface other than the predetermined surface. In this embodiment, the anchors 103A to 103D are described as being installed in a spatial area outside the image forming apparatus 101, but they may also be installed inside the image forming apparatus 101.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the determination unit 102 receives information about the tag, which is a wireless terminal, from the anchors 103A to 103D. From the received tag information, it obtains the spatial coordinates of the tag. The determination unit 102 has an authentication area setting mode and a normal operation mode. In the authentication area setting mode, it sets a spatial area as the authentication area 110 based on the spatial coordinates of the tag and the authentication area parameters input to the determination unit 102. The authentication area parameters can be changed by the user. In the normal operation mode, it determines whether the spatial coordinates of the tag are within the authentication area 110. If they are within the authentication area 110, it transmits the user information contained in the tag information to the image forming apparatus 101. The detailed operation of the determination unit 102 will be described later.

[0016] Since the operation of anchors 103A to 103D is similar, the operation of anchor 103A will be described as representative. Anchor 103A is a device for detecting tags that are within the tag detection range. In Figure 1, the detected tag is shown as tag 104. Anchor 103A communicates with tag 104 via distance measurement and data communication in accordance with a predetermined protocol. As a result, it obtains the distance between anchor 103A and tag 104, and the user information held in tag 104. Then, it transmits the obtained distance and user information to the determination unit 102 as tag information. If no tag is present within the tag detection range, it transmits to the determination unit 102 that no tag was detected as tag information.

[0017] Tag 104 indicates a tag that is within the tag detection range of anchors 103A to 103D. Tag 104 is a device that communicates distance and data with anchors 103A to 103D in accordance with a predetermined protocol. As a result, anchors 103A to 103D obtain the distance between each anchor and tag 104, as well as the user information stored in tag 104.

[0018] The detection operation of tag 104 by anchors 103A to 103D will now be described. After power-on, anchors 103A to 103D continuously detect tags within their detectable range. The detection period is configurable. As an example, in this embodiment, the detection period is set to 100ms. When a tag is detected, the distance to the detected tag is measured. Each anchor also acquires user information stored inside the tag. The distance measurement result and user information are then transmitted to the determination unit 102. If multiple tags are detected within the detectable range, the same operation is performed for each tag.

[0019] The anchors 103A to 103D can be of any type as long as they are configured to include a distance measurement unit with respect to the tag 104, a data communication unit with the tag 104, and a data communication unit with the determination unit 102. Similarly, the tag 104 can be of any type as long as it is configured to include a distance measurement unit with respect to the anchors 103A to 103D, a data communication unit, and a user information holding unit. As an example, in this embodiment, UWB anchors and UWB tags, which are known UWB (ultra-wideband) wireless communication devices, are used. When using typical UWB anchors and UWB tags, the tag detection range of the anchor is approximately 30m, and the distance measurement accuracy is approximately 10cm. In addition, data communication between anchors 103A to 103D and the determination unit 102 is performed via wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

[0020] <Operation of the image forming apparatus 101> The operation of the image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the image forming apparatus 101 and its surroundings. The image forming apparatus 101 includes a network control unit 200, storage 201, operation unit 202, printing unit 203, and CPU 204.

[0021] The network control unit 200 uses, for example, a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) interface. The network control unit 200 records print job data received from the external PC 105 in the storage 201. The print job data includes the user ID that submitted the print job, the print image, and the print operation settings. The storage 201 uses, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage 201 also sends the recorded print job data to the CPU 204 upon request from the CPU 204. Furthermore, the storage 201 deletes the print job data upon a deletion request from the CPU 204.

[0022] As an example, a liquid crystal touch panel is used for the operation unit 202. The operation unit 202 displays a screen according to the display data input from the CPU 204. Also, it transmits the user's input on the touch panel to the CPU 204. The printing unit 203 is a control unit for printing image data on paper. As an example, a printing control unit of a laser beam printer applying a conventionally common electrophotographic method is used for the printing unit 203. The printing unit 203 prints an image on the paper held by a paper holding unit (not shown) according to the image data received from the CPU 204. The paper on which the image is printed is discharged outside the image forming apparatus 101, and becomes available to the user of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0023] The CPU 204 controls the entire image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 204 requests print job data from the storage 201 and acquires the print job data. Also, when the print job data becomes unnecessary, the CPU 204 issues a deletion request for the print job data. The CPU 204 transmits screen display data for conveying information to the user to the operation unit 202. Also, the CPU 204 receives the content input by the user on the touch panel from the operation unit 202. The CPU 204 receives user information from the determination unit 102. The user information is used for, for example, selecting a print job acquired from the storage 201.

[0024] <Processing Procedure of CPU 204> Referring to FIG. 4, the processing procedure of the CPU 204 of the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment will be described. The processing described below is realized by the CPU 204 reading and executing a control program stored in the storage 201.

[0025] In S500, the CPU 204 sets the tag detection flag to ON and starts detecting tags. Subsequently, in S501, the CPU 204 sends display data to the operation unit 202 to prompt user input. An example of the displayed screen is shown in Figure 5. Screen 500 consists of a message 501, input areas 502 and 503, and a setting area 504. In the setting area 504, the tag detection flag can be set, and the current ON / OFF status of the tag detection flag is displayed. The status of the tag detection flag of the CPU 204 is displayed. In Figure 5, the state in which the tag detection flag is ON is shown. Message 501 includes a message prompting the user to enter user information. Furthermore, the phrase "Or hold the tag and stand in front of the device" displayed in message 501 in Figure 5 is displayed only when the tag detection flag is ON. This is because it is wording related to a function that operates only when the tag detection flag is ON. Input area 502 is an area for entering the user ID, and input area 503 is an area for entering the password corresponding to the user ID.

[0026] In S502, the CPU 204 determines whether the user has changed the tag detection flag via the operation unit 202. If a change has been made, the process proceeds to S503; otherwise, it proceeds to S504. In S503, the CPU 204 sets the tag detection flag according to the user operation on the operation unit 202.

[0027] In S504, the CPU 204 determines whether user information has been entered from the operation unit 202. If user information has been entered, the process proceeds to S512; otherwise, it proceeds to S505. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 101 may be equipped with an interface that conforms to the NFC (Near Field Communication) communication standard, and the user may bring an ID card containing the user information close to it.

[0028] In S505, CPU204 determines whether the tag detection flag is on or off. If it is on, proceed to S506; otherwise, proceed to S501. In S506, CPU204 determines whether the user information received from determination unit 102 includes a user ID. If a user ID is included, proceed to S507; if a user ID is not included, i.e., if unknown user information is received, proceed to S501.

[0029] In S507, CPU204 determines whether the user ID from judgment unit102 has been entered reliably. If the user ID has been entered reliably, it is determined that authentication by tag has been successful and the process proceeds to S508; otherwise, the process proceeds to S501.

[0030] Here, we will explain how to determine whether a user ID has been entered stably. If a user ID is continuously received from the determination unit 102 during a predetermined time t2 after a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, it is determined that the user ID has been entered stably. An example is shown below. Figure 6 is a timing chart showing the timing of user ID reception. The horizontal axis is time. The timing indicated by "start" is the timing when processing S507 began. The timing of reception of user IDs included in the user information received from the determination unit 102 is indicated by rectangles. Since user information may include multiple user IDs, the reception timings of multiple user IDs are shown. For example, user ID 4 is shown to have been included in the user information for a predetermined time t1 from the start of processing S507. If a user ID is continuously received during a predetermined time t2 after a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, it is determined that the user ID has been entered stably. In the example in Figure 6, ID0 and ID1 are determined to be user IDs that have been entered stably. In addition, the user IDs that have been determined to be entered stably and the usernames associated with those user IDs are recorded in a memory not shown. Note that while Figure 6 shows the reception timing for IDs 0 to 5, the user information received from the determination unit 102 may include other IDs. Even if the user information includes IDs other than IDs 0 to 5, the same processing as described above will be performed.

[0031] In S508, the CPU 204 displays the user ID and username recorded in S507 on the operation unit 202. The user identification information displayed here indicates a user whose authentication by tag has been successful and who is authorized to receive the image forming services provided by the image forming apparatus 101. If multiple user IDs are recorded, all of them are displayed in a list. Figure 7 shows an example of the screen displayed on the operation unit 202. Screen 700 consists of a message 701, selection areas 702 and 703, and a cancel button 704. Message 701 displays a message prompting the user to make a selection. In the example in Figure 7, the usernames of ID0 and ID1 are listed and available for selection in selection areas 702 and 703. The user checks the screen and selects their username. When the cancel button 704 is pressed, the selections in selection areas 702 and 703 are invalidated, and the user returns to the previous screen.

[0032] In S509, the CPU 204 determines whether a user selection has been made. If a user selection operation is input from the operation unit 202, the selected user ID is recorded in memory (not shown) and the process proceeds to S512. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S510. In S510, the CPU 204 determines whether the cancel button has been pressed from the operation unit 202. If the cancel button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S511; otherwise, the process proceeds to S509.

[0033] In S511, CPU204 sets the tag detection flag to off and returns processing to S501. The reason is explained below. S511 is executed when, based on the user information from judgment unit 102, there are no suitable candidates for the user of the image forming apparatus 101 among the usernames displayed on the operation unit 202. Therefore, it is highly likely that the user of the image forming apparatus 101 will input user information in S504. If the tag detection flag is on, when the user ID is stably input from judgment unit 102, the screen displayed on the operation unit 202 in S501 will be updated in S508. If the screen is updated while the user is inputting user information from the operation unit 202, it will be an inconvenient operation for the user. To prevent such operation, the tag detection flag is temporarily turned off. When the tag detection flag is turned off, S505's judgment prevents the screen displayed on the operation unit 202 in S501 from being updated in S508.

[0034] Meanwhile, in S512, the CPU 204 sets the tag detection flag to ON. The purpose is to return to an operating mode that uses user information from the determination unit 102, if the operating mode was temporarily set to not use user information input from the determination unit 102. Next, in S513, the CPU 204 retrieves print job data corresponding to the user ID recorded in S509 from the storage 201. Figure 8 shows an example of print job data held in the storage 201. Each print job is assigned a serial number, JOB No., and stores the job submission date and time, user ID, user name, print file name, paper size, and number of copies. For example, when retrieving print job data for user ID 0 from the data held in Figure 8, print job data for JOB NO.1, JOB NO.2, and JOB NO.5 are retrieved.

[0035] In S514, the CPU 204 displays the print job data information acquired in S513 on the operation unit 202. If there are multiple acquired print jobs, a list is displayed. Figure 9 shows an example of the screen displayed on the operation unit 202. Screen 900 consists of a message 901, a selection area 902, a print start button 903, and a cancel button 904. Message 901 displays a message prompting the user to select a job to print. The selection area 902 displays the job submission date and time and file name of one or more acquired print jobs, which can be selected. In the selection area 902, a checkbox is displayed for each print job, which can be selected. The user looks at the screen and selects the print job to be printed using the checkbox. When the print start button 903 is operated, printing of the selected print job begins. When the cancel button 904 is operated, the user returns to the previous screen without starting printing.

[0036] In S515, the CPU 204 determines whether a print start command has been issued from the operation unit 202. If a print start command is issued with one or more print jobs selected, the selected print jobs are recorded in memory (not shown), and the process proceeds to S517. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S516. For example, in order to issue a print start command on screen 900, at least one print job must be selected using the checkbox in the selection area 902, and the print start button 903 must be pressed. In S516, the CPU 204 determines whether the user has selected cancel. If the cancel button 904 has been pressed from the operation unit 202, the process proceeds to S501; otherwise, the process proceeds to S515.

[0037] Meanwhile, in S517, the CPU 204 sends image data to the print unit 203 based on the print job selected in S515. The print unit 203 prints the image on paper held in a paper holder (not shown) according to the received image data. The printed paper is output to the outside of the image forming apparatus 101. Subsequently, in S518, the CPU 204 deletes the unnecessary print jobs from the storage 201. For example, if printing of print jobs JOB NO.1, JOB NO.2, and JOB NO.5 was executed in S517, a request to delete those print jobs is sent to the storage 201, and processing returns to S501.

[0038] <Operation of the determination unit 102> Referring to Figure 10, the operation of the determination unit 102 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 10 shows a block diagram of the determination unit 102 and its surroundings. The determination unit 102 comprises a recording unit 301, an operation unit 302, and a CPU 304. As an example, the recording unit 301 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The recording unit 301 writes data in response to a write request from the CPU 304. The recording unit 301 also transmits the recorded data to the CPU 304 in response to a read request from the CPU 304. The recording unit 301 holds authentication area information and the spatial coordinates of anchors 103A to 103D.

[0039] The operation unit 302 may, for example, be a liquid crystal touch panel. Various screens are displayed on the operation unit 302 according to the display data input from the CPU 304. The operation unit 302 also transmits user input to the touch panel to the CPU 304. The CPU 304 controls the entire determination unit 102. The CPU 304 writes / reads data to the recording unit 301. The CPU 304 transmits screen display data to the operation unit 302 to convey information to the user. The CPU 304 also receives user input to the touch panel and receives tag information from anchors 103A to 103D. The CPU 304 transmits user information obtained from the tag information to the image forming apparatus 101.

[0040] The spatial coordinates of the anchors 103A to 103D held in the recording unit 301 will be described. The spatial coordinates of the anchors 103A to 103D are input by the user after the anchors 103A to 103D are installed. The input values are recorded in the recording unit 301. The spatial coordinates of the anchors 103A to 103D are obtained by the user measuring the distances in the XYZ-axis directions with respect to the reference point of the spatial coordinates using a measuring instrument or the like. The reference point of the spatial coordinates may be at any location. As an example, in the present embodiment, the position of the anchor 103A is set as the reference point of the spatial coordinates. Also, the XYZ-axis directions can be arbitrarily defined by the user. As an example, in the present embodiment, the direction from the back to the front in FIG. 1 is the X-axis direction, the direction from the left to the right is the Y-axis direction, and the direction from the bottom to the top is the Z-axis direction. Note that the input of the spatial coordinates of the anchors 103A to 103D may be performed only once after installation. However, when the anchors 103A to 103D are moved, re-input is necessary.

[0041] Here, the spatial coordinates of each anchor held in the recording unit 301 Spatial coordinates of anchor 103A: AP: (AX, AY, AZ) Spatial coordinates of anchor 103B: BP: (BX, BY, BZ) Spatial coordinates of anchor 103C: CP: (CX, CY, CZ) Spatial coordinates of anchor 103D: DP: (DX, DY, DZ) are defined as such. For example, the x-component of the spatial coordinates of AP is AX, the y-component is AY, and the z-component is AZ. The values of AX, AY, AZ, BX, BY, BZ, CX, CY, CZ, DX, DY, and DZ are the values measured by the user. Note that the spatial coordinates of each anchor indicate the spatial coordinates of the center of each anchor.

[0042] <Processing procedure of CPU304> Referring to FIG. 11, the processing procedure of the CPU 304 of the determination unit 102 according to the present embodiment will be described. The processing described below is realized, for example, when the CPU 304 reads and executes the control program stored in the recording unit 301.

[0043] In S601, the CPU 304 displays a button on the operation unit 302 to initiate the setup of the authentication area 110. Figure 12 shows an example of the display screen shown on the operation unit 302. Screen 1200 consists of a message 1201 and a start button 1202. Message 1201 displays a message prompting the user to start the setup area. The user operates the start button 1202 when setting the spatial area of ​​the authentication area 110. Screen 1200 may also be displayed on the operation unit 202 of the image forming apparatus 101. In that case, the information entered via the screen is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 101 to the determination unit 102. The screen displayed on the operation unit 302, which will be described later, may also be displayed on the operation unit 202 of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0044] In S602, the CPU 304 determines whether the user has operated the start button 1202 displayed on the control panel 302. If the user has operated it, the system proceeds to S604 to operate in the authentication area setting mode (update mode), which is the operating mode; otherwise, the system proceeds to S603 to operate in the normal operating mode (maintenance mode).

[0045] In S603, the CPU 304 determines whether the settings for the authentication area 110 are recorded in the recording unit 301. If the settings for the authentication area 110 are recorded in the recording unit 301, the process proceeds to S605; otherwise, the process proceeds to S604 to operate in authentication area setting mode. Note that in the initial state of the determination unit 102, the settings for the authentication area 110 are not recorded in the recording unit 301. In S707, described later, the settings for the authentication area 110 are recorded in the recording unit 301.

[0046] In S604, CPU304 configures authentication area 110 and returns processing to S601. Detailed processing will be described later. Meanwhile, in S605, CPU304 performs normal operation and returns processing to S601. Detailed processing will be described later.

[0047] <Authentication Area Settings> Referring to Figure 13, the processing procedure for setting the spatial area of ​​the authentication area 110 in S604 (update mode) will be explained. The processing described below is achieved, for example, by the CPU 304 reading and executing the control program stored in the recording unit 301.

[0048] In the S700, CPU304 receives tag information from anchors 103A to 103D. The tag information includes distance information to the tag detected by each of the anchors 103A to 103D, as well as the user ID and username stored within the detected tag. If each anchor detects multiple tags, information about all tags is included in the tag information. If an anchor does not detect any tags, it receives information indicating that no tags were detected.

[0049] Next, in S701, the CPU 304 displays a list of candidate tags (hereinafter referred to as "reference tags"), which are wireless terminals that will serve as the reference position for setting the authentication area 110, and an input field for authentication area parameters on the operation unit 302. The user inputs the values ​​for the reference tag and authentication area parameters from the operation unit 302. The input values ​​are recorded in memory (not shown). Figure 14 shows an example of the display screen shown on the operation unit 302. Screen 1400 consists of a message 1401, a selection area 1402, parameters 1403, a legend 1404, a setting button 1405, and a cancel button 1406. Message 1401 displays a message prompting the user to select a tag to serve as the reference position. In the selection area 1402, user IDs and user names are displayed as selectable candidates for the reference tag. The user selects the reference tag using the radio buttons. Only the user IDs included in all tag information from anchors 103A to 103D are displayed as candidates for the reference tag. The candidates for the reference tag will be explained below. For example, consider the case where the user IDs included in the tag information from each anchor are as follows: Anchor 103A: ID0, ID1, ID2 Anchor 103B: ID0, ID1, ID2 Anchor 103C: ID0, ID1 Anchor 103D: ID0, ID1, ID3 The user IDs confirmed from all the tag information of anchors 103A to 103D are ID0 and ID1. Therefore, the candidate base tags are ID0 and ID1. If there are no candidate base tags, nothing will be displayed. Parameter 1403 is an authentication area parameter, and various items are possible depending on the shape of the authentication area 110. As an example, in this embodiment, depth d, width w, height h, and angle r are displayed as configurable authentication area parameters. Legend 1404 shows a schematic diagram of the authentication area to explain each parameter of the authentication area parameter, and here it is shown as a rectangular prism shape. Operating the setting button 1405 configures the authentication area with the settings configured in parameter 1403, etc. Operating the cancel button 1406 returns to the original screen without configuring the authentication area.

[0050] In S702, the CPU 304 determines whether an authentication area setting instruction has been issued. If an authentication area setting instruction has been issued, the process proceeds to S704; otherwise, it proceeds to S703. In this embodiment, in order to issue an authentication area setting instruction, it is necessary to use the operation unit 302 to select a reference tag in the selection area 1402, input authentication area parameters in the parameter 1403, and then operate the setting button 1405. The CPU 304 receives the selection information of the selected reference tag and the input parameters related to the authentication area. In S703, the CPU 304 determines whether the cancel button 1406 has been operated. If the cancel button 1406 has been operated, the authentication area setting is terminated, and the processing of this flowchart ends. Otherwise, the process returns to S700.

[0051] Meanwhile, in S704, the CPU 304 obtains the spatial coordinates (installation positions) of anchors 103A to 103D from the recording unit 301 as installation information. The spatial coordinates of anchors 103A to 103D are recorded in advance after the installation of anchors 103A to 103D. Next, in S705, the CPU 304 obtains the spatial coordinates of the reference tag selected by the user in S702. As an example, in this embodiment, we will describe the case where ID0 is selected as the reference tag. The tag that holds the user information of ID0 is tag 104. The distance from anchors 103A to 103D to tag 104 is received as tag information (spatial position information). From the received distance information, the spatial coordinates (spatial position) of tag 104 are obtained. It is widely known that, using known mathematical methods, if the distance from four points with known spatial coordinates that are not on the same plane to one point with unknown spatial coordinates is known, it is possible to calculate the spatial coordinates of the unknown point.

[0052] The acquisition method is outlined below. Let AL be the distance (spatial position information) between anchor 103A and tag 104, BL be the distance between anchor 103B and tag 104, CL be the distance between anchor 103C and tag 104, and DL be the distance between anchor 103D and tag 104. In this case, the spatial coordinates of tag 104 are acquired as the intersection point of a sphere with radius AL centered on anchor 103A, a sphere with radius BL centered on anchor 103B, a sphere with radius CL centered on anchor 103C, and a sphere with radius DL centered on anchor 103D. The XYZ components of the acquired spatial coordinates of tag 104 are Spatial coordinates TP:(TX,TY,TZ) of tag 104 Assuming that the spatial coordinates (installation positions) of anchors 103A to 103D and the distance from anchors 103A to 103D to tag 104 (spatial position information) are known, the values ​​of TX, TY, and TZ will be known values ​​obtained from the above calculation.

[0053] In S706, CPU304 acquires authentication area information. As an example, in this embodiment, the authentication area parameters are: Depth d: 40cm Width: 50cm Height h: 150cm Angle r: 0° The following describes the case where the input is positive. Various items are possible for the authentication area parameters depending on the shape of the authentication area 110. In this embodiment, a form in which the authentication area parameters are obtained by user input is described, but there is no intention to limit the present invention, and predetermined parameters (default values) may be used. Alternatively, the default values ​​may be displayed in a way that allows them to be changed. In this case, the default values ​​will be displayed on screen 1400 in a way that allows them to be changed.

[0054] As an example, in this embodiment, the authentication area 110 is a rectangular prism, and a method for obtaining the spatial coordinates of the eight vertices of the rectangular prism based on the spatial coordinates of the tag 104 using the authentication area parameters is described. Depth d is the x-direction component, width w is the y-direction component, and height h is the z-direction component. Therefore, the spatial coordinates of vertices M1 to M8 of the rectangular prism are Spatial coordinates of vertex M1: (TX+d / 2, TY-w / 2, TZ) Spatial coordinates of vertex M2: (TX - d / 2, TY - w / 2, TZ) Spatial coordinates of vertex M3: (TX+d / 2, TY+w / 2, TZ) Spatial coordinates of vertex M4: (TX - d / 2, TY + w / 2, TZ) Spatial coordinates of vertex M5: (TX+d / 2, TY-w / 2, TZ+h) Spatial coordinates of vertex M6: (TX-d / 2, TY-w / 2, TZ+h) Spatial coordinates of vertex M7: (TX+d / 2, TY+w / 2, TZ+h) Spatial coordinates of vertex M8: (TX - d / 2, TY + w / 2, TZ + h) This is the result. Here, since TX, TY, TZ, d, w, and h are known values, the spatial coordinates of vertices M1 to M8 are also known.

[0055] Furthermore, vertices M1 to M8 are rotated by an angle r around a line parallel to the Z-axis direction and passing through the spatial coordinate TP of tag 104. The points after the rotation of vertices M1 to M8 are designated as K1 to K8. The interior of the rectangular prism formed with the eight points K1 to K8 as vertices is defined as the authentication area 110. It is widely known that the spatial coordinates of points after rotating any point by any angle around any line can be obtained using known mathematical methods. Therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted. In this embodiment, since the angle r is 0°, vertices M1 to M8 and K1 to K8 have the same spatial coordinates. Figure 15 shows the relationship between vertices K1 to K8, the spatial coordinate TP of tag 104, and the authentication parameters.

[0056] At S707, the CPU 304 stores the coordinates of vertices K1 to K8 as authentication area information in the recording unit 301. After the authentication area information is stored, the reference tag is no longer needed. In other words, after S707, moving tag 104 does not affect the setting of the authentication area 110. Figure 16 is an overview of the entire image forming system 1 with the authentication area 110 shown. The rectangular prism represented by the dotted line is the authentication area 110. Point 111 indicates the location where the reference tag was placed when the authentication area 110 was set.

[0057] <Normal operation> Referring to Figure 17, the detailed processing procedure for the normal operation of S605 (maintenance mode) will be described below. The processing described below is achieved, for example, by the CPU 304 reading and executing the control program stored in the recording unit 301.

[0058] In S800, CPU304 determines whether a user ID exists in all the tag information from anchors 103A to 103D. If it exists, proceed to S801. Otherwise, proceed to S804. The specific determination method is explained below. The tag information received from each anchor includes the user ID held in the detected tag. For example, consider the case where the user IDs included in the tag information from each anchor are as follows. Anchor 103A: ID0, ID1, ID2 Anchor 103B: ID0, ID1, ID2 Anchor 103C: ID0, ID1 Anchor 103D: ID0, ID1, ID3 The user IDs confirmed from all the tag information of anchors 103A to 103D are ID0 and ID1. Therefore, CPU 304 determines that a user ID exists that is included in all the tag information from anchors 103A to 103D. CPU 304 also records the user ID included in all the tag information from anchors 103A to 103D to a memory location not shown.

[0059] Next, in S801, the CPU304 obtains the spatial coordinates of the tags (hereinafter referred to as detection tags) that hold user ID information included in all tag information from anchors 103A to 103D. If there are multiple detection tags, the CPU304 obtains the coordinates for all of them. The CPU304 records the acquisition results in memory not shown. The method for obtaining spatial coordinates is the same as in S705 described above.

[0060] In S802, the CPU 304 determines whether the detection tag is located within the authentication area 110. If multiple detection tags exist, the determination is made for all of them. If at least one detection tag is located within the authentication area 110, the process proceeds to S803; otherwise, it proceeds to S804. Methods for determining whether an arbitrary point exists within a predetermined spatial region are widely known using known mathematical techniques. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the specific method for determining whether a detection tag is located within the authentication area 110 is omitted. Information about the authentication area 110 is recorded in the recording unit 301 in S707 as described above. The shape of the authentication area 110 can take various forms, but as an example, in this embodiment, the recording unit 301 holds the spatial coordinates of eight points, and the interior of a rectangular prism formed with these eight points as vertices is defined as the authentication area 110.

[0061] In step S803, the CPU 304 determines that authentication by tag has been successful and transmits user information to the image forming apparatus 101 to authorize the provision of the service, thereby terminating the processing of this flowchart. Specifically, the CPU 304 transmits the user ID and username held in the detection tag located within the authentication area 110. If there are multiple target tags, the CPU 304 transmits information for all of the target tags.

[0062] Meanwhile, at S804, the CPU 304 transmits user information to the image forming apparatus 101 and terminates the processing of this flowchart. Specifically, the CPU 304 transmits user unknown information.

[0063] As described above, the information processing device (determination unit 102) according to this embodiment is an information processing device that sets an authentication area for providing a service. This information processing device is a plurality of anchors installed at different locations from each other, and acquires spatial location information of one or more wireless terminals detected from a plurality of anchors that detect one or more wireless terminals located within the detectable range. The information processing device also sets an authentication area using the spatial location information of one wireless terminal acquired from each anchor and the installation location information of each of the plurality of anchors. Furthermore, the information processing device according to this embodiment accepts selection information for selecting a wireless terminal to be used to set the authentication area from one or more wireless terminals, and parameters for depth, width, height, and rotation angle related to the authentication area. The information processing device also sets the authentication area based on the spatial location of the wireless terminal corresponding to the selection information according to the accepted parameters. This makes it possible to easily set the spatial area of ​​the authentication area 110 in an image forming system 1 that determines whether a tag, which is a wireless communication device terminal, exists within the authentication area 110, which is a predetermined spatial area. In other words, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanism for providing a service by suitably setting a predetermined spatial area.

[0064] <Second Embodiment> The following describes a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment aims to reduce the number of authentication parameter items in S701 of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the authentication area 110 was rectangular prism-shaped, but in this embodiment, it is cylindrical. As a result, the number of authentication area parameter items can be reduced. In this embodiment, the differences in configuration and control from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In particular, the differences in the processing procedure of the CPU 304 will be described below.

[0065] The flowchart in Figure 13 mainly explains the differences from the first embodiment described above. Figure 18 shows the screen displayed on the operation unit 302 in S701 in this embodiment. Screen 1800 consists of a message 1801, a selection area 1802, a parameter 1803, a legend 1804, a setting button 1805, and a cancel button 1806. Message 1801 displays a message prompting the user to select a tag for the reference position. In the selection area 1802, the user ID and user name are displayed as selectable candidates for the reference tag. The user selects the reference tag using radio buttons. In this embodiment, the parameter 1803 displays the radius p and height h as inputtable authentication area parameters. The legend 1804 shows a schematic diagram of the authentication area that explains each parameter of the authentication area parameters, and here it is shown as a cylindrical shape. When the setting button 1805 is operated, the authentication area is set with the contents set in parameter 1803, etc. When the cancel button 1806 is operated, the user returns to the original screen without setting the authentication area. Other operations of the S701 are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0066] In S706, CPU304 acquires authentication area information. As an example, in this embodiment, the authentication area parameters are: Radius: 50cm Height h: 150cm This explains what happens when that is entered.

[0067] The authentication area parameters can be various items depending on the shape of the authentication area 110. As an example, in this embodiment, the authentication area 110 is a cylinder. Radius p is the radius of the cylinder, and height h is the value of the Z component. It is widely known by known mathematical methods to obtain an equation that represents a cylinder with radius p and parallel to the Z axis based on an arbitrary point. It is also generally known by known mathematical methods to obtain an equation that limits the cylinder to a range of length h based on an arbitrary point. From the above, it can be seen that an equation representing the spatial region of the authentication area 110 can be obtained from the spatial coordinates TP, radius p, and height h of the tag 104. Figure 19 shows the positional relationship of the spatial coordinates TP, radius p, and height h of the tag 104.

[0068] In S707, the CPU 304 stores the spatial position TP, radius p, and height h of tag 104 in the recording unit 301 as authentication area information. After the authentication area information is stored, the tag used at the reference position is no longer needed. In other words, from S707 onward, moving tag 104 does not affect the settings of the authentication area 110.

[0069] Next, we will mainly explain the differences between the flowchart in Figure 17 and the first embodiment described above. In S802, the CPU 304 determines whether a tag (hereinafter referred to as a detection tag) that holds user ID information included in all tag information from anchors 103A to 103D exists within the authentication area 110. If at least one tag exists within the authentication area 110, the process proceeds to S803; otherwise, it proceeds to S804. The calculation method for determining whether an arbitrary point exists within a predetermined spatial area is generally known by known mathematical methods. Therefore, the explanation of the calculation for determining whether a detected tag exists within the authentication area 110 will be omitted. Information about the authentication area 110 is recorded in the recording unit 301 by S707 as described above. Various shapes are possible for the authentication area 110, but as an example, in this embodiment, the recording unit 301 holds the spatial position TP, radius p, and height h as reference points. The inside of the cylindrical region obtained from these values ​​is defined as the authentication area 110. The method for obtaining an equation representing a cylinder in space from the center of the base, radius, and height is widely known using known mathematical methods. Therefore, the detailed method for obtaining an equation representing a cylinder in space from the spatial position TP, radius p, and height h is omitted. Figure 19 shows the relationship between the spatial coordinates TP and authentication parameters of tag 104. If multiple detection tags exist, the judgment is made for all detection tags.

[0070] As described above, the information processing device according to this embodiment receives selection information for selecting a wireless terminal to be used to set the authentication area from one or more wireless terminals, and parameters for the radius and height of the authentication area. The information processing device then sets the authentication area based on the spatial position of the wireless terminal corresponding to the selection information, according to the received parameters. In this way, according to this embodiment, the authentication area is set in a cylindrical shape. This reduces the parameters that the user has to input to just two parameters: the radius and height of the authentication area.

[0071] <Third Embodiment> A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In this embodiment, even if the image forming apparatus 101 is moved or rotated after the authentication area 110 is set, the authentication area 110 will be maintained in relation to the relative positional relationship between the authentication area 110 and the image forming apparatus 101 without having to reset it. In the first embodiment described above, the authentication area 110 is set independently of the position of the image forming apparatus 101. Therefore, if the image forming apparatus 101 is moved or rotated after the authentication area 110 is set, the relative positional relationship between the authentication area 110 and the image forming apparatus 101 changes, requiring resetting. In this embodiment, the configuration and control that differ from the first embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0072] The image forming apparatus 101 according to this embodiment includes an apparatus tag (not shown) inside. It is desirable that the apparatus tag be located in the center of the image forming apparatus 101. As an example, in this embodiment, the tag information held in the apparatus tag inside the image forming apparatus 101 is User ID: ID9 Username: Device 1 This will be explained.

[0073] The recording unit 301 of the determination unit 102 stores authentication area information and the spatial coordinates of anchors 103A to 103D, as well as the front direction information of the image forming apparatus 101. The front direction information of the image forming apparatus 101 is input by the user when the installation state of the image forming apparatus 101 changes, that is, when the image forming apparatus 101 is moved or rotated. If the image forming apparatus 101 can detect its position information and orientation information, this information may be automatically input to the determination unit 102. The input value is a unit vector in the front direction of the image forming apparatus 101. For example, consider the case where the image forming apparatus 101 is installed as shown in Figure 1. The word "front" is engraved on the front of the image forming apparatus 101. Therefore, the front direction of the image forming apparatus 101 is the positive direction of the X axis. In this case, the user inputs a unit vector in the X axis direction (1,0,0) from the operation unit 302 as the front direction information of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0074] Next, we will mainly explain the differences between the flowchart in Figure 13 and the first embodiment described above. In S701, the CPU 304 displays a list of candidate device tags located inside the image forming apparatus 101 to be linked to the authentication area 110, a list of candidate reference tags to serve as the reference position for setting the authentication area 110, and an authentication area parameter input field on the operation unit 302. Figure 20 shows an example of the display screen shown on the operation unit 302. Screen 2000 consists of messages 2001, 2003, selection areas 2002, 2008, parameters 2004, legend 2005, setting button 2006, and cancel button 2007. Message 2001 displays a message prompting the user to select a device tag to be linked to the authentication area. Message 2003 displays a message prompting the user to select a tag for the reference position. In selection area 2002, user ID and user name are listed and selectable as candidate device tags. In selection area 2008, user ID and user name are listed and selectable as candidate reference tags. The user selects device tags and reference tags using radio buttons. Only device tags and reference tags for which the user ID has been received from all anchors 103A to 103D are displayed as candidates. The method for listing candidate device tags and reference tags is the same as the method for listing candidate reference tags in S701 of the first embodiment. Parameter 2004 displays the authentication area parameters for input. The user inputs the authentication area parameter values ​​from the operation unit 302. The input values ​​are recorded in memory (not shown). Legend 2005 shows schematic diagrams explaining each parameter of the authentication area parameters. Operating the setting button 2006 configures the authentication area with the settings configured in parameter 2004, etc. Operating the cancel button 2007 returns the user to the previous screen without configuring the authentication area.

[0075] In S702, the CPU 304 determines whether an authentication area setting instruction has been issued. If an authentication area setting instruction has been issued, the process proceeds to S704; otherwise, it proceeds to S703. In this embodiment, in order to issue an authentication area setting instruction, it is necessary to use the operation unit 302 to select the device tag and the reference tag, input the authentication area parameters, and then press the authentication area setting button.

[0076] In step S704, the CPU 304 obtains the spatial coordinates of anchors 103A to 103D from the recording unit 301 as installation information. The method of acquisition is the same as in step S704 of the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, it obtains the front direction information of the image forming apparatus 101 from the recording unit 301. The front direction information of the image forming apparatus 101 is input in advance by the user when the installation state of the image forming apparatus 101 changes, that is, when the image forming apparatus 101 is moved or rotated.

[0077] In S706, CPU304 obtains authentication area information. First, it obtains the spatial coordinates of vertices K1 to K8 of the rectangular prism. The method of obtaining this information is the same as in S706 of the first embodiment described above. Next, CPU304 obtains the user ID from the tag information of the device tag, and then obtains the spatial coordinates of the device tag. The method of obtaining the spatial coordinates of the device tag is the same as the method used to obtain the spatial coordinates of the reference tag in S705.

[0078] In S707, the CPU 304 stores authentication area information, including the coordinates of vertices K1 to K8, tag information of the device tag at the time of authentication area information acquisition, and frontal orientation information of the image forming apparatus 101 at the time of authentication area information acquisition, in the recording unit 301. Tag information refers to the user ID and the spatial coordinates of the tag. After the authentication area information is stored, the reference tag is no longer needed. In other words, from S707 onward, moving the reference tag does not affect the settings of the authentication area 110.

[0079] Next, we will mainly explain the differences between the flowchart in Figure 17 and the first embodiment described above. In S801, the CPU 304 acquires the spatial coordinates of the tags (hereinafter referred to as detection tags) that hold user ID information included in all tag information from anchors 103A to 103D. If there are multiple detection tags, acquisition is performed for all detection tags. The acquisition results are recorded in memory (not shown). The acquisition method is the same as in S705 of the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, the CPU 304 also acquires the spatial coordinates of tags (device tags) provided inside the image forming apparatus 101 as one of the detection tags.

[0080] In S802, the CPU 304 determines whether a tag (hereinafter referred to as a detection tag) that holds user ID information included in all tag information from anchors 103A to 103D exists within the authentication area 110. If multiple detection tags exist, the determination is made for all detection tags. However, device tags are excluded from the determination. In other words, device tags are determined not to exist within the authentication area 110, regardless of their spatial coordinates. This is because it is obvious that device tags are not tags possessed by the user of the image forming apparatus 101. To identify device tags among the detection tags, the user ID held in the tag is referred to. The authentication area information recorded in the recording unit 301 is referred to, and detection tags that hold the same user ID as the device tag are determined to be device tags. If at least one detection tag excluding device tags exists within the authentication area 110, the process proceeds to S803. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S804. There are widely known mathematical methods for determining whether an arbitrary point exists within a predetermined spatial region. Therefore, the explanation of the specific calculation method for determining whether the detection tag is present within the authentication area 110 will be omitted. The method for obtaining the authentication area 110 will be described later.

[0081] <How to obtain authentication area 110> The method for acquiring the authentication area 110 according to this embodiment will now be described. The recording unit 301 stores authentication area information, including the coordinates of vertices K1 to K8, tag information of the device tag at the time of authentication area information acquisition, and front-facing direction information of the image forming apparatus 101 at the time of authentication area information acquisition. The tag information of the device tag includes the user ID and the spatial coordinates of the tag. The front-facing direction information of the image forming apparatus 101 includes unit vector information. The recording unit 301 also stores the current front-facing direction information of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0082] First, the movement amount SPT of the device tag is obtained from the spatial coordinates SP1 of the device tag when the authentication area information was acquired and the current spatial coordinates SP2 of the device tag. The spatial coordinates SP1 of the device tag when the authentication area information was acquired are recorded in the recording unit 301 in S707. The spatial coordinates SP2 of the current device tag are acquired in S801. The spatial coordinates of SP1 and SP2 and the XYZ components of SPT are obtained. SP1: (SP1X, SP1Y, SP1Z) SP2: (SP2X, SP2Y, SP2Z) SPT: (SPTX, SPTY, SPTZ) So, SPTX = SP2X - SP1X SPTY = SP2Y - SP1Y SPTZ = SP2Z - SP1Z This is the result.

[0083] SP1X, SP1Y, SP1Z, SP2X, SP2Y, and SP2Z are known values. Therefore, SPTX, SPTY, and SPTZ are also known values.

[0084] If the image forming apparatus 101 has not moved since the time the authentication area information was acquired, SPTX=SPTY=SPTZ=0 This is the result.

[0085] Next, the spatial coordinates of the eight vertices K1 to K8 are translated by adding the movement amount (SPT) of the device tag. The resulting translation is denoted as vertices K1' to K8'. We will explain the translation using vertex K1 as an example.

[0086] The spatial coordinates of vertex K1 K1: (K1X, K1Y, K1Z) Therefore, the coordinates of the translated vertex are obtained by adding up the components of SPT, K1':(K1X+SPTX, K1Y+SPTY, K1Z+SPTZ) This is the result. K1X, K1Y, K1Z, SPTX, SPTY, and SPTZ are known values. The same calculations are performed on vertices K2 to K8 as on vertex K1 to obtain vertices K2' to K8'.

[0087] Furthermore, the rotation angle SPTQ of the image forming apparatus 101 is obtained from the front direction information SP1Q of the image forming apparatus 101 at the time of acquiring the authentication area information and the current front direction information SP2Q of the image forming apparatus 101. SP1Q is recorded in the recording unit 301 in S707. SP2Q is also recorded in the recording unit 301. When the front direction of the image forming apparatus 101 changes after acquiring the authentication area information, the user inputs a value for SP2Q. If the front direction of the image forming apparatus 101 has not changed after acquiring the authentication area information, SP2Q and SP1Q will have the same value. SP1Q and SP2Q are vectors. A method for obtaining the angle formed by two vectors is widely known using known mathematical methods. Therefore, a detailed explanation of how to obtain the angle SPTQ formed by SP1Q and SP2Q is omitted.

[0088] Furthermore, if the image forming apparatus 101 has not been rotating since the time the authentication area information was acquired, SPTQ=0° This is the result.

[0089] The coordinates of vertices K1' to K8' are rotated by an angle SPTQ around a line passing through point SP2 and parallel to the Z-axis. The vertices after the rotation of vertices K1' to K8' are denoted as K1'' to K8''. There are widely known mathematical methods for obtaining the spatial coordinates of a point obtained by rotating an arbitrary point by an arbitrary angle around an arbitrary line. Therefore, a detailed explanation of obtaining vertices K1'' to K8'' from vertices K1' to K8' is omitted. The interior of the rectangular prism formed by the eight points of the obtained vertices K1'' to K8'' is defined as the authentication area 110.

[0090] Figure 21 shows the positional relationship of the above calculation. The image forming apparatus 101 has the inscription "front" on its front, "up" on its top, and "right" on its right side when viewed from the front. Figure 21 shows that the image forming apparatus 101, which was installed at position 101A when the authentication area information was acquired in S706, subsequently moved to position 101B. It also shows that, along with the movement of the image forming apparatus 101, the orientation of the image forming apparatus 101 changed from facing SP1Q as the front to facing SP2Q as the front. The image forming apparatus 101 is equipped with a device tag at its center. It is shown that, along with the movement of the image forming apparatus 101, the device tag moved from position SP1 to position SP2. It is also shown that, along with the movement of the image forming apparatus 101, the authentication area 110A, defined inside the rectangular prism with vertices K1 to K8, moved to authentication area 110B, defined inside the rectangular prism with vertices K1'' to K8''. Points K1' to K8' indicate points that are temporarily acquired when obtaining the spatial coordinates of points K1'' to K8'' from points K1 to K8. In other words, the authentication area according to this embodiment is set in relation to the relative positional relationship with the image forming apparatus (apparatus tag).

[0091] In S803, the CPU 304 transmits user information to the image forming apparatus 101. Specifically, the CPU 304 transmits the user ID and username held in the detection tag that was determined to be located within the authentication area 110 in S802. If there are multiple target tags, information for all target tags is transmitted. Note that since the device tag is determined not to be located within the authentication area 110 in S802, its user ID and username are not transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101.

[0092] As described above, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment includes a device tag which is a wireless terminal. In addition, the information processing device acquires spatial position information of the device tag in addition to the wireless terminal detected by multiple anchors. The information processing device sets the authentication area using the spatial position information of the wireless terminal (reference tag) and device tag acquired from each anchor, the installation position information of each of the multiple anchors, and the front direction information of the image forming apparatus. As a result, even if the image forming apparatus 101 is moved or rotated after acquiring the authentication area information in S706, the relative positional relationship between the authentication area 110 and the image forming apparatus 101 can be maintained without resetting the authentication area 110.

[0093] <Fourth Embodiment> A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This embodiment describes a configuration in which the image forming apparatus 101 and the determination unit 102 are integrated. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a configuration in which the anchors 103A to 103D are provided inside the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. Note that in the configuration in which the image forming apparatus 101 and the determination unit 102 are integrated, the anchors 103A to 103D may be provided outside the image forming apparatus 101. According to this embodiment, even if the image forming apparatus 101 is moved or rotated after the authentication area 110 is set, the relative positional relationship between the authentication area 110 and the image forming apparatus 101 can be maintained without resetting the authentication area 110. In the first embodiment described above, the authentication area 110 is set independently of the position of the image forming apparatus 101. Therefore, if the image forming apparatus 101 is moved or rotated after the authentication area 110 is set, the relative positional relationship between the authentication area 110 and the image forming apparatus 101 changes, requiring resetting. In this embodiment, the configuration and control differ from those of the first embodiment described above will be primarily explained.

[0094] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 is equipped with a determination unit 102 and anchors 103A to 103D inside. The image forming apparatus 101 is dimensionally designed so that the positions of the anchors 103A to 103D inside are fixed.

[0095] Figure 22 shows an overview of the entire image forming system 1 in this embodiment. It shows how the image forming apparatus 101, determination unit 102, anchors 103A to 103D, and tag 104 are arranged inside a predetermined space 100. The determination unit 102 and anchors 103A to 103D are located inside the image forming apparatus 101.

[0096] Figure 23 shows a block diagram of the entire image forming system 1 of this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 101 comprises a network control unit 200, storage 201, operation unit 202, printing unit 203, and CPU 204. The network control unit 200 uses, for example, a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) interface. It records print job data received from an external PC 105 in the storage 201. The print job data includes the user ID that submitted the print job, the print image, and the print operation settings. The storage 201 uses, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Print job data input from the network control unit 200 is recorded in the storage. It also transmits the recorded print job data to the CPU 204 in response to a request from the CPU 204. Furthermore, it deletes the print job data in response to a deletion request from the CPU 204. The operation unit 202 uses, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel. It displays the screen according to the display data input from the CPU 204. It also transmits user input on the touch panel to the CPU 204. The print unit 203 is a control unit for printing image data onto paper. For example, the print unit 203 may be the print control unit of a conventional laser beam printer using an electrophotographic method. Based on the image data received from the CPU 204, it prints the image onto paper held in a paper holder (not shown). The printed paper is ejected from the image forming apparatus 101 and becomes available to the user of the image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 204 controls the entire image forming apparatus 101, excluding the determination unit 102. It requests print job data from the storage 201 and retrieves it. It also requests the deletion of print job data when it is no longer needed. It transmits screen display data to the operation unit 202 to convey information to the user. It also receives content entered by the user on the touch panel. It receives user information from the determination unit 102. This user information is used for selecting print jobs to retrieve from the storage 201, etc.

[0097] The determination unit 102 comprises a recording unit 301, an operation unit 302, and a CPU 304. The recording unit 301 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The recording unit 301 writes data in response to a write request from the CPU 304. The recording unit 301 also transmits the recorded data to the CPU 304 in response to a read request from the CPU 304. The recording unit 301 stores authentication area information and the spatial coordinates of anchors 103A to 103D. The operation unit 302 is, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel. The operation unit 302 displays the screen in response to display data input from the CPU 304. The operation unit 302 also transmits user input to the touch panel to the CPU 304.

[0098] The CPU 304 controls the entire determination unit 102. The CPU 304 writes and reads data from the recording unit 301. The CPU 304 transmits screen display data to the operation unit 302 to convey information to the user and receives user input to the touch panel. The CPU 304 receives tag information from anchors 103A to 103D. The CPU 304 transmits user information obtained from the tag information to the CPU 204 of the image forming apparatus 101. The operation of anchors 103A to 103D and tag 104 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0099] The flowchart in Figure 13 will mainly explain the differences from the first embodiment described above. At S704, the CPU 304 obtains the spatial coordinates of anchors 103A to 103D from the recording unit 301. The spatial coordinates of each anchor are pre-inputted into the recording unit 301 during the manufacturing of the image forming apparatus 101. The spatial coordinates of each anchor will be explained. As an example, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 22, the spatial coordinates of each anchor are stored when the direction perpendicular to the front of the image forming apparatus 101 is the X-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the right side when viewed from the front is the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the top surface is the Z-axis direction. The reference point for the spatial coordinates is the position of anchor 103A located inside the image forming apparatus 101. The spatial coordinates of each anchor are Spatial coordinates AP of anchor 103A: (AX, AY, AZ) Spatial coordinates of anchor 103B: BP:(BX,BY,BZ) Spatial coordinates of anchor 103C: CP:(CX,CY,CZ) Spatial coordinates DP of anchor 103D: (DX, DY, DZ) The spatial coordinates of each anchor refer to the spatial coordinates of the center of each anchor. In this case, since AP is the reference point, AX, AY, and AZ are 0. BX, BY, BZ, CX, CY, CZ, DX, DY, and DZ are known values ​​as they can be obtained from the arrangement dimensions of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0100] As described above, the information processing device (determination unit 102) may be integrated with the image forming apparatus 101. Furthermore, the anchors 103A to 103D may also be provided inside the image forming apparatus 101. This allows the spatial coordinates of the anchors 103A to 103D to be easily obtained from the design dimensions of the image forming apparatus 101 without the user having to measure them. The authentication area 110 is defined based on the spatial coordinates of the anchors 103A to 103D inside the image forming apparatus 101. Therefore, even if the image forming apparatus 101 is moved or rotated after the authentication area 110 is set, the spatial coordinates of each anchor will move or rotate accordingly. Thus, the relative position between the authentication area 110 and the image forming apparatus 101 can be maintained without resetting the authentication area 110.

[0101] <Variation> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified in various ways. In the above embodiments, an image forming apparatus was used as an example of a device that uses an authentication area, but the present invention can be applied to other devices as well. For example, it can be applied to a contactless payment system that detects when a user with a wireless terminal remains within an authentication area and performs settlement processing by communicating data with the wireless terminal.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the items of the authentication area parameters input from the operation unit can be changed according to the shape of the authentication area to be created. The present invention can still be applied even if the parameters are changed.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the spatial coordinates of the tag are obtained by measuring the distance between the anchor and the tag. However, the present invention is applicable to other methods as long as the spatial coordinates of the tag can be obtained. For example, a method of measuring the angle between the anchor and the tag is conceivable. The spatial coordinates of the tag may be obtained from the results of measuring the angle of the tag from multiple anchors placed at different positions.

[0104] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which UWB (ultra-wideband) wireless communication devices are used as anchor and tag devices, the present invention is also applicable to other devices with similar functions. For example, a known positioning system using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) may be used. However, the tag detection range and distance measurement accuracy of the anchor depend heavily on the device, so it is necessary to select an appropriate device depending on the application.

[0105] Furthermore, although the above embodiment was described using an example with four anchors, the present invention can be applied to increasing or decreasing the number of anchors as long as the spatial coordinates of the tag can be obtained. For example, if the anchors have the function of detecting the three-dimensional direction of the tag, two anchors can identify the spatial coordinates of the tag.

[0106] In the third embodiment described above, an example was given in which the orientation of the image forming apparatus is input by the user, but the present invention can also be applied to methods that acquire this information automatically. For example, one could consider a method in which the image forming apparatus is equipped with a geomagnetic sensor, and a determination unit acquires the value of the geomagnetic sensor.

[0107] The disclosures herein include the following information processing devices, control methods thereof, programs, and image forming apparatuses. (Item 1) An information processing device for setting up an authentication area for providing a service, A plurality of detection means installed at different locations from each other, and an acquisition means that acquires spatial location information of the detected wireless terminal from the plurality of detection means that detect one or more wireless terminals located within a detectable range, A setting means for setting the authentication area using the spatial position information for one wireless terminal obtained from each detection means and the installation position information for each of the multiple detection means. An information processing device characterized by comprising: (Item 2) The aforementioned plurality of detection means include four detection means, The acquisition means acquires the distance between each of the four detection means and the one or more wireless terminals as spatial position information of the one or more wireless terminals from the four detection means. The information processing apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that the setting means determines the spatial position of the one or more wireless terminals from the distance between each of the four detection means and the one or more wireless terminals. (Item 3) The information processing device according to item 2, wherein the setting means receives selection information for selecting a wireless terminal to be used for setting the authentication area from the one or more wireless terminals, and parameters relating to the authentication area, by user input, and sets the authentication area based on the spatial position of the wireless terminal corresponding to the selection information according to the received parameters. (Item 4) The aforementioned parameters include depth, width, and height parameters relating to the authentication area. The information processing device according to item 3, characterized in that the authentication area to be set is in the shape of a rectangular prism. (Item 5) The aforementioned parameters further include a parameter for the rotation angle with respect to the authentication area, The information processing device according to item 4, characterized in that the orientation of the authentication area to be set is set based on the rotation angle. (Item 6) The aforementioned parameters include radius and height parameters relating to the authentication area. The information processing device according to item 3, characterized in that the authentication area to be set is cylindrical in shape. (Item 7) The information processing apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 6, characterized in that the four detection means are arranged such that three detection means are arranged on a predetermined surface and one detection means is arranged on a surface different from the predetermined surface in a spatial area near the device providing the service. (Item 8) The information processing device according to item 7, characterized in that the four detection means are arranged such that, in a spatial region of a rectangular parallelepiped near the device providing the service, three detection means are arranged at the vertices of a predetermined face of the rectangular parallelepiped, and one detection means is arranged at the vertex of the face opposite the predetermined face, corresponding to a vertex of the predetermined face where no detection means is arranged. (Item 9) The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 8, characterized in that the plurality of detection means are provided inside or outside the device that provides the service. (Item 10) The device providing the aforementioned service includes a device tag which is a wireless terminal. The acquisition means acquires spatial location information of the device tag in addition to the wireless terminal detected by the plurality of detection means, The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that the setting means sets the authentication area using the spatial position information of the wireless terminal and the device tag acquired from each detection means, the installation position information of each of the plurality of detection means and the front direction information of the device providing the service. (Item 11) The information processing device according to item 10, characterized in that the setting means sets the authentication area in relation to the relative positional relationship with the device that provides the service. (Item 12) The aforementioned information processing device has an update mode and a maintain mode as operating modes. In the update mode, the information acquired by the acquisition means is stored in the storage unit. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 11, characterized in that, in the maintenance mode, the information acquired by the acquisition means is read from the storage unit and the authentication area is set. (Item 13) Authentication means that performs authentication by determining, using the plurality of detection means, whether or not a wireless terminal associated with the user requesting the service is present in the configured authentication area, Upon successful authentication, the means to authorize the provision of the aforementioned service and An information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 12, further comprising the above. (Item 14) The information processing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 13, characterized in that the apparatus providing the aforementioned service is an image forming apparatus that provides image formation. (Item 15) An information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 13, Image forming means and An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising: (Item 16) A control method for an information processing device that sets up an authentication area for providing a service, The acquisition means is a plurality of detection means installed at different locations from each other, and the acquisition step is to acquire spatial location information of the detected wireless terminal from the plurality of detection means that detect one or more wireless terminals located within the detectable range, The setting means includes a setting step of setting the authentication area using the spatial position information for one wireless terminal acquired from each detection means and the installation position information for each of the plurality of detection means. A control method for an information processing device, characterized by including the following: (Item 17) A program for causing a computer to execute each step in a control method for an information processing device that sets up an authentication area for providing a service, wherein the control method is: The acquisition means is a plurality of detection means installed at different locations from each other, and the acquisition step is to acquire spatial location information of the detected wireless terminal from the plurality of detection means that detect one or more wireless terminals located within the detectable range, The setting means includes a setting step of setting the authentication area using the spatial position information for one wireless terminal acquired from each detection means and the installation position information for each of the plurality of detection means. A program characterized by including the following.

[0108] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0109] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0110] 1: Image forming system, 100: Determined space, 101: Image forming apparatus, 102: Determination unit, 103A, 103B, 103C, 103D: Anchor, 104: Tag, 110: Authentication area, 200: Network control unit, 201: Storage, 202: Operation unit, 203: Print unit, 204: CPU, 301: Recording unit, 302: Operation unit, 304: CPU, 900: External PC

Claims

1. An information processing device for setting up an authentication area for providing a service, A plurality of detection means installed at different locations from each other, and an acquisition means that acquires spatial location information of the detected wireless terminal from the plurality of detection means that detect one or more wireless terminals located within a detectable range, A setting means for setting the authentication area using the spatial position information of one wireless terminal acquired from each detection means and the installation position information of each of the multiple detection means. An information processing device characterized by comprising:

2. The aforementioned plurality of detection means include four detection means, The acquisition means acquires the distance between each of the four detection means and the one or more wireless terminals as spatial position information of the one or more wireless terminals from the four detection means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting means determines the spatial position of the one or more wireless terminals from the distance between each of the four detection means and the one or more wireless terminals.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the setting means receives selection information for selecting a wireless terminal to be used for setting the authentication area from the one or more wireless terminals, and parameters relating to the authentication area, by user input, and sets the authentication area based on the spatial position of the wireless terminal corresponding to the selection information according to the received parameters.

4. The aforementioned parameters include depth, width, and height parameters relating to the authentication area. The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the authentication area to be set is in the shape of a rectangular prism.

5. The aforementioned parameters further include a parameter for the rotation angle with respect to the authentication area, The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the orientation of the authentication area is set based on the rotation angle.

6. The aforementioned parameters include radius and height parameters relating to the authentication area. The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the authentication area to be set is cylindrical in shape.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the four detection means are arranged such that three detection means are arranged on a predetermined surface and one detection means is arranged on a surface different from the predetermined surface in a spatial area near the device providing the service.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the four detection means are arranged such that, in a spatial region of a rectangular parallelepiped near the device providing the service, three detection means are arranged at the vertices of a predetermined face of the rectangular parallelepiped, and one detection means is arranged at the vertex of the face opposite the predetermined face, corresponding to a vertex of the predetermined face where no detection means is arranged.

9. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the plurality of detection means are provided inside or outside the device that provides the service.

10. The device providing the aforementioned service includes a device tag which is a wireless terminal. The acquisition means acquires spatial location information of the device tag in addition to the wireless terminal detected by the plurality of detection means, The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the setting means sets the authentication area using the spatial position information of the wireless terminal and the device tag acquired from each detection means, the installation position information of each of the plurality of detection means and the front direction information of the device providing the service.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the setting means sets the authentication area in relation to the relative positional relationship with the device that provides the service.

12. The aforementioned information processing device has an update mode and a maintain mode as operating modes. In the update mode, the information acquired by the acquisition means is stored in the storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, in the maintenance mode, the information acquired by the acquisition means is read from the storage unit and the authentication area is set.

13. Authentication means that performs authentication by determining, using the plurality of detection means, whether or not a wireless terminal associated with the user requesting the service is present in the configured authentication area, Upon successful authentication, the means to authorize the provision of the aforementioned service and The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising:

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the apparatus providing the aforementioned service is an image forming apparatus that provides image forming.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, Image forming means and An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising:

16. A control method for an information processing device that sets up an authentication area for providing a service, The acquisition means is a plurality of detection means installed at different locations from each other, and the acquisition step is to acquire spatial location information of the detected wireless terminal from the plurality of detection means that detect one or more wireless terminals located within the detectable range, The setting means includes a setting step of setting the authentication area using the spatial position information for one wireless terminal acquired from each detection means and the installation position information for each of the plurality of detection means. A control method for an information processing device, characterized by including the following:

17. A program for causing a computer to execute each step in a control method for an information processing device that sets up an authentication area for providing a service, wherein the control method is: The acquisition means is a plurality of detection means installed at different locations from each other, and the acquisition step is to acquire spatial location information of the detected wireless terminal from the plurality of detection means that detect one or more wireless terminals located within the detectable range, The setting means includes a setting step of setting the authentication area using the spatial position information for one wireless terminal acquired from each detection means and the installation position information for each of the plurality of detection means. A program characterized by including the following.

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