Image processing apparatus and control method

Abstract

This invention provides an image processing device and other equipment that eliminates the need for users to enter passwords, thereby improving convenience. [Solution] An image processing apparatus comprising: a reading unit that reads a document containing at least one first password information; a storage unit that stores at least one second password information; and a control unit that performs password authentication based on the at least one first password information and the at least one second password information.

Description

Technical Field

[0007] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] In a multifunction device, when performing various settings such as password change, network setting, or user addition, password authentication is performed from the perspective of security.

[0003] Also, there is a known technique in which setting information is acquired based on a reading result obtained by a reading unit reading a special code printed on a medium, and the setting information is set in a printing apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] At the time of password authentication, the user needs to input a password. Also, from the perspective of enhancing security, the password has a large number of digits and is complicated by a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Therefore, it takes time to input the password, and it is easy to make a mistake in memorizing or typing the password.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide an image processing apparatus or the like that eliminates the need for a user to input a password and improves convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An image processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a reading unit that reads a document containing at least one first password information; a storage unit that stores at least one second password information; and a control unit that performs password authentication based on the at least one first password information and the at least one second password information.

[0008] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a process for reading a document containing at least one first password information, storing at least one second password information, and performing password authentication based on the at least one first password information and the at least one second password information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the image processing device disclosed herein, user password entry is not required, improving convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a functional block diagram of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an example of a scanned password document. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of the password authentication method for an image processing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an example of a home screen. [Figure 5] This is an example of a destination selection screen. [Figure 6] This is an example of a password change screen. [Figure 7] This is an example of a password authentication failure screen. [Figure 8] This is an example of a scanned password document. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart of the password authentication method for an image processing device according to another embodiment (1). [Figure 10] This is an example of a home screen. [Figure 11] This is an example of a settings screen. [Figure 12] This is an example of a manager password input screen. [Figure 13] This is an example of a print inquiry screen for a password scan document. [Figure 14] This is an example of a print item selection screen for a password scan document. [Figure 15] This is an example of a password scan document. [Figure 16] This is a flowchart of a password authentication method for an image processing apparatus according to another second embodiment. [Figure 17] This is an example of a manager password change screen.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0013] The image processing apparatus 101 includes a control unit 111, a reading unit 121, a display operation unit 131, a printing unit 141, a communication unit 151, and a storage unit 161. The image processing apparatus 101 is, for example, a multifunction device.

[0014] The control unit 111 controls the image processing apparatus 101 such as scanning, printing, and copying.

[0015] The control unit 111 performs password authentication based on password information (first password information) included in a document read by the reading unit 121 and password information (second password information) stored in the storage unit 161. The control unit 111 is realized by, for example, one or more processors such as one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), or one or more logic circuits (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip) or the like.

[0016] The reading unit 121 reads a document placed on the document glass (not shown) of the image processing device 101 and generates image data of the read document. For example, the reading unit 121 reads a document containing password information (first password information) (password scan document) and generates image data of the read password scan document. Details of the password scan document will be described later. The reading unit 121 includes a light source, multiple mirrors, an imaging lens, and a line sensor. The reading unit 121 exposes the surface of the document with the light source and guides the reflected light reflected from the surface of the document to the imaging lens using multiple mirrors. The imaging lens then images the reflected light onto the photodetector of the line sensor. The line sensor detects the brightness and chromaticity of the reflected light imaged onto the photodetector and generates image data based on the image of the document surface. A CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CIS (Contact Image Sensor) is used as the line sensor.

[0017] The display operation unit 131 displays various information and accepts user input. The display operation unit 131 is, for example, a touch panel. The display operation unit 131 has a display unit 132 and an input unit 133. The display unit 132 displays various information according to display control signals from the control unit 111. The display unit 132 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The input unit 133 is, for example, a position input device that detects the coordinates of the contact position of a finger or stylus on the input unit 133 and outputs the detected coordinates to the control unit 111. Alternatively, the input unit 133 may be a hardware key such as an operation button.

[0018] The printing unit 141 prints characters, images, etc., onto a recording medium such as paper supplied from the paper feed unit (not shown) based on print data included in print jobs received from devices connected via the communication unit 151 and print data stored in the storage unit 161. The printing unit 141 also prints password-scanned documents containing password information.

[0019] The communication unit 151, under the control of the control unit 111, communicates with a personal computer (PC) (not shown) connected via a network and performs data conversion associated with the communication. The communication unit 151 is, for example, a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface, specifically, a communication interface such as Ethernet® or Wi-Fi®.

[0020] The storage unit 161 stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the image processing device 101. The storage unit 161 stores at least one password (second password information) necessary for transitioning to each destination screen. The password information stored in the storage unit 161 is stored in association with destination screen information indicating the destination screen. Specifically, for example, the storage unit 161 stores password information corresponding to the destination screens password change, user settings, and network settings. Also, for example, the storage unit 161 stores the administrator's password information. The administrator's password information may be stored in association with destination screen information indicating system administration.

[0021] The memory unit 161 can be composed of one or more storage devices, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0022] Figure 2 shows an example of a password scan document.

[0023] The password scan document 201 contains password information. This password information is required to transition to the destination screen and is specific to the destination screen. Figure 2 shows the password scan document 201, which contains password information for each of the destination screens: password change, user settings, and network settings.

[0024] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the password scan document 201 contains embedded information 211-i (i=1~3), with password information embedded in each of the embedded information 211-i. For example, the embedded information 211-i is a two-dimensional code. Alternatively, the embedded information 211-i may be a one-dimensional code (barcode).

[0025] The embedded information 211-i may further include destination screen information indicating the destination screen. That is, the embedded information 211-i may include destination screen information and password information in association. For example, the embedded information 211-1 in Figure 2 includes password change and the password information required to transition to the password change screen as destination screen information. The embedded information 211-2 includes user settings and the password information required to transition to the user settings screen as destination screen information. The embedded information 211-2 also includes network settings and the password information required to transition to the network settings screen as destination screen information.

[0026] Furthermore, the password information may not be embedded in the embedded information 211-i, but may be written as a string in the password scan document 201. Also, the password information may be encrypted.

[0027] Next, the password authentication process by the image processing device 101 according to the embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 7.

[0028] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the password authentication method for the image processing device according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is an example of the home screen. Figure 5 is an example of the destination selection screen. Figure 6 is an example of the password change screen. Figure 7 is an example of the password authentication failure screen.

[0029] Initially, the display unit 132 shows the home screen 401 shown in Figure 4. The home screen 401 displays a button 402 for making copies, a button 403 for performing actions such as sending emails, and a button 404 for scanning password-protected documents 201.

[0030] In step S301, the user places the password scan document 201 on the document glass (not shown) of the image processing device 101 and selects the button 404 to scan the password scan document 201. The reading unit 121 reads the password scan document 201 and generates image data of the read password scan document 201.

[0031] In step S302, the control unit 111 extracts the destination screen information and password information contained in each of the embedded pieces of information 211-i from the image data of the generated password scan document 201.

[0032] In step S303, the control unit 111 displays a destination selection screen 501 on the display unit 132, which allows the user to select a destination screen based on the destination screen information extracted from the embedded information 211-i. For example, the control unit 111 displays a destination selection screen 501 on the display unit 132, which allows the user to select a destination screen corresponding to the destination screen information extracted from the embedded information 211-i. Specifically, for example, if password change, user settings, and network settings are extracted as destination screen information from the embedded information 211-i, the control unit 111 displays a destination selection screen 501 on the display unit 132, which allows the user to select a transition to one of the following screens: password change, user settings, or network settings, as shown in Figure 5. On the destination selection screen 501 shown in Figure 5, the user can select a transition to one of the following screens by entering a number from 1 to 3.

[0033] In step S304, the user selects a destination screen using the input unit 133. Specifically, for example, the user can select one of the following as the destination screen: password change, user settings, or network settings.

[0034] In step S305, the control unit 111 reads password information (second password information) corresponding to the destination screen information indicating the selected destination screen from the storage unit 161. Specifically, for example, if "Change Password" is selected as the destination screen, the control unit 111 reads password information corresponding to the destination screen information indicating "Change Password".

[0035] In step S306, the control unit 111 compares the password information (first password information) corresponding to the destination screen information indicating the destination screen selected in step S304 from the password scan document 201 with the second password information read in step S305, and determines whether the first password information and the second password information match. Specifically, for example, if "Change Password" is selected as the destination screen, the control unit 111 compares the password information extracted from the embedded information 211-1 with the password information corresponding to the destination screen information indicating "Change Password" read from the storage unit 161, and determines whether they match. If it is determined that the first password information and the second password information match, the control proceeds to step S307. If it is determined that the first password information and the second password information do not match, the control proceeds to step S308.

[0036] In step S307, the control unit 111 transitions to the destination screen selected in step S304. After transitioning to the destination screen, the control unit 111 performs processing on the selected destination screen, such as password change, user settings, or network settings. Specifically, for example, the control unit 111 displays the password change screen 601 shown in Figure 6 on the display unit 132 and performs the password change processing.

[0037] In step S308, the control unit 111 displays a password authentication failure screen 701 on the display unit 132, indicating that the password information does not match, i.e., password authentication has failed. Specifically, for example, the control unit 111 displays the password authentication failure screen 701 shown in Figure 7 on the display unit 132. The password authentication failure screen 701 in Figure 7 displays the message, "Passwords do not match."

[0038] According to the image processing device of this embodiment, password authentication can be performed by reading the password scan document 201. This eliminates the need for the user to enter a password, improving convenience. Furthermore, according to the image processing device of this embodiment, the need to input password information and the display of a password input screen showing the password information being entered are eliminated, making it less likely for passwords to be leaked and improving security.

[0039] (Another embodiment, part 1) In the embodiment described above, the embedded information 211-i included destination screen information indicating the destination screen. However, in the following other embodiments, we will describe a case where the embedded information does not include destination screen information.

[0040] Figure 8 shows an example of a password scan document.

[0041] The password scan document 801 contains password information. The password scan document 801 in Figure 8 contains the administrator's password information (administrator password). For example, on the system administration screen where the settings for the image processing device 101 are made (system administration screen), only the administrator can set items, so the administrator password must be entered when transitioning to the system administration screen.

[0042] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the password scan document 801 contains embedded information 811, and the administrator's password information is embedded in the embedded information 811.

[0043] Furthermore, the password information may not be embedded in the embedded information 811, but may be written as a string in the password scan document 801. Also, the password information may be encrypted.

[0044] Next, the password authentication process by the image processing device 101 according to another embodiment (Part 1) will be explained using Figures 9 to 12. Here, the password authentication process when transitioning to the system management screen will be explained.

[0045] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a password authentication method for an image processing device according to another embodiment. Figure 10 is an example of a home screen. Figure 11 is an example of a settings screen. Figure 12 is an example of an administrator password input screen.

[0046] Initially, the display unit 132 shows the home screen 1001 shown in Figure 10. The home screen 1001 displays buttons such as the settings button 1002 that transition to the settings screen.

[0047] In step S901, the user selects the settings button 1002 on the home screen 1001, and the control unit 111 displays the settings screen 1101 shown in Figure 11 on the display unit 132. The user selects the button 1102 to transition to the system management screen on the settings screen 1101, and the control unit 111 displays the administrator password input screen 1201 shown in Figure 12 on the display unit 132, prompting the user to enter the administrator password. The administrator password input screen 1201 displays a button 1202 to scan the password scan document 801.

[0048] In step S902, the user places the password scan document 801 on the document glass (not shown) of the image processing device 101 and selects the button 1202 to scan the password scan document 801. The reading unit 121 reads the password scan document 801 and generates image data of the scanned password scan document 801. In addition, on the administrator password input screen 1201, the user can also enter the administrator's password information using the input unit 133.

[0049] In step S903, the control unit 111 extracts the password information contained in the embedded information 811 from the image data of the generated password scan document 801. For example, the control unit 111 extracts the administrator password information contained in the embedded information 811 that is necessary for transitioning to the system management screen.

[0050] In step S904, the control unit 111 reads the administrator's password information (second password information) from the storage unit 161. Alternatively, the control unit 111 may read password information corresponding to the destination screen information indicating system management from the storage unit 161.

[0051] In step S905, the control unit 111 compares the password information extracted in step S903 (first password information) with the second password information read in step S904 to determine whether the first password information and the second password information match. If it is determined that the first password information and the second password information match, control proceeds to step S906. If it is determined that the first password information and the second password information do not match, control proceeds to step S907.

[0052] In step S906, the control unit 111 transitions to the system management screen. Specifically, for example, the control unit 111 displays the system management screen on the display unit 132.

[0053] In step S907, the control unit 111 displays a password authentication failure screen 701 on the display unit 132, indicating that the password information does not match, i.e., password authentication has failed.

[0054] According to an image processing apparatus of another embodiment, password authentication can be performed by reading the password scan document 801. This eliminates the need for the user to enter a password, improving convenience. Furthermore, according to an image processing apparatus of another embodiment, the need to input password information and display a password input screen showing the password information being entered is eliminated, making it less likely for passwords to be leaked and improving security.

[0055] (Printing the password scanned document) When the password information stored in the storage unit 161 is changed, the image processing device 101 prints a password scan document containing the changed password information. The image processing device 101 may also print a password scan document containing both the changed and unchanged password information. The image processing device 101 allows selection of the password information to be printed. The image processing device 101 may also embed the password information into embedded information and print a password scan document containing this embedded information.

[0056] This section explains the process of printing the password scan document when password information is changed. Figure 13 shows an example of the password scan document printing inquiry screen. Figure 14 shows an example of the password scan document print item selection screen.

[0057] This section explains what happens when you change the password information required to access the password change screen.

[0058] First, the user changes the password information necessary to transition to, for example, the password change screen. For example, the user enters the new password information using the input unit 133. The control unit 111 overwrites the password information associated with the destination screen information indicating the password change in the storage unit 161 with the entered password information.

[0059] When the password information stored in the storage unit 161 is changed, the control unit 111 asks the user whether or not to print the changed password information. For example, the control unit 111 displays the password scan document print inquiry screen 1301 shown in Figure 13 on the display unit 132.

[0060] The user inputs their response to the inquiry using the input unit 133, and the control unit 111 prints a password scan document containing the changed password information using the printing unit 141, according to the inquiry result. For example, if the user responds to the inquiry by saying they want to print a password scan document (specifically, if they select Yes on the print inquiry screen 1301), the control unit 111 displays the password scan document print item selection screen 1401 shown in Figure 14 on the display unit 132.

[0061] The print item selection screen 1401 allows the user to choose whether to print password information corresponding to each of several destination screens. By checking the checkboxes 1411-i corresponding to destination screens, the password information corresponding to the checked destination screens will be printed. For example, if checkbox 1411-1 is checked, the password information required to transition to the password change screen will be printed; if checkbox 1411-2 is checked, the password information required to transition to the user settings screen will be printed; and if checkbox 1411-3 is checked, the password information required to transition to the network settings screen will be printed. Additionally, the checkboxes corresponding to destination screens that correspond to the changed password information may be checked in advance. Furthermore, the changed password information may be set to always be printed.

[0062] The control unit 111 reads the password information corresponding to the destination screen checked in checkbox 1411-i on the print item selection screen 1401 from the storage unit 161 and prints it using the printing unit 141. Alternatively, the control unit 111 may print the destination screen information indicating the destination screen checked in checkbox 1411-i, associating it with the password information, using the printing unit 141. The control unit 111 may also embed the destination screen information indicating the destination screen checked in checkbox 1411-i and the password information into embedded information, and print a password scan document containing this embedded information using the printing unit 141. This results in the printing of a password scan document 201 as shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, if there are multiple password information entries for different permissions, the control unit 111 may print multiple password information entries on a single document, or print them on multiple documents. For example, the control unit 111 may print the administrator password and the user management password on separate documents.

[0063] According to the image processing device of the embodiment, when password information is changed, the device can ask the user whether to print the password information and print the changed password information.

[0064] (Another embodiment, part 2) The following second embodiment describes a case where the embedded information includes information about the destination screen.

[0065] Figure 15 shows an example of a password scan document.

[0066] The password scan document 1501 contains password information. This password information is required to transition to the destination screen and is specific to the destination screen. The password scan document 1501 in Figure 15 contains password information for the destination screen, "Administrator Password Change".

[0067] Specifically, as shown in Figure 15, the password scan document 1501 contains embedded information 1511. The embedded information 1511 contains password information and destination screen information indicating the destination screen. Specifically, for example, the embedded information 1511 in Figure 15 includes the administrator password information necessary to transition to the administrator password change screen, and destination screen information indicating the destination screen, which includes administrator password change.

[0068] Furthermore, the password information may not be embedded in the embedded information 1511, but may be written as a string in the password scan document 1501. Also, the password information may be encrypted.

[0069] Next, the password authentication process by the image processing device 101 according to another embodiment (Part 2) will be explained using Figures 10-12 and 15-17. Here, the password authentication process when transitioning to the administrator password change screen will be explained.

[0070] Figure 16 is a flowchart of a password authentication method for an image processing device according to another embodiment, part 2. Figure 17 is an example of an administrator password change screen.

[0071] Initially, the display unit 132 shows the home screen 1001 shown in Figure 10. The home screen 1001 displays buttons such as the settings button 1002 that transition to the settings screen.

[0072] In step S1601, the user selects the settings button 1002 on the home screen 1001, and the control unit 111 displays the settings screen 1101 shown in Figure 11 on the display unit 132. The user selects the button 1102 to transition to the system management screen on the settings screen 1101, and the control unit 111 displays the administrator password input screen 1201 shown in Figure 12 on the display unit 132, prompting the user to enter the administrator password. The administrator password input screen 1201 displays a button 1202 to scan the password scan document 1501.

[0073] In step S1602, the user places the password scan document 1501 on the document glass (not shown) of the image processing device 101 and selects the button 1202 to scan the password scan document 1501. The reading unit 121 reads the password scan document 1501 and generates image data of the scanned password scan document 1501. In addition, on the administrator password input screen 1201, the user can also enter the administrator's password information using the input unit 133.

[0074] In step S1603, the control unit 111 extracts password information and destination screen information indicating the destination screen from the image data of the generated password scan document 1501, which are included in the embedded information 1511. For example, the control unit 111 extracts the administrator password information necessary to transition to the administrator password change screen and the destination screen information indicating the administrator password change, which are included in the embedded information 1511.

[0075] In step S1604, the control unit 111 reads the administrator's password information (second password information) from the storage unit 161.

[0076] In step S1605, the control unit 111 compares the password information extracted in step S1603 (first password information) with the second password information read in step S1604 to determine whether the first password information and the second password information match. If it is determined that the first password information and the second password information match, the control proceeds to step S1606. If it is determined that the first password information and the second password information do not match, the control proceeds to step S1607.

[0077] In step S1606, the control unit 111 transitions to the destination screen indicated by the destination screen information extracted in step S1603. Specifically, for example, the control unit 111 displays the administrator password change screen 1701 shown in Figure 17 on the display unit 132.

[0078] In step S1607, the control unit 111 displays a password authentication failure screen 701 on the display unit 132, indicating that the password information does not match, i.e., password authentication has failed.

[0079] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and is modifiable; the above configurations can be replaced with substantially identical configurations, configurations that produce the same effects, or configurations that can achieve the same purpose. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 101 Image Processing Device 111 Control Unit 121 Reading Unit 131 Display operation section 141 Printing section 151 Communications Department 161 Storage section

Claims

1. A reading unit that reads a document containing at least one first password, A storage unit that stores at least one second password piece of information, A control unit that performs password authentication based on the at least one first password information and the at least one second password information, An image processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned manuscript includes at least one piece of embedded information, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first password information is embedded in the at least one embedded information.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the at least one embedded piece of information is a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code.

4. The aforementioned at least one first password information is a plurality of first password information, The aforementioned at least one embedded piece of information is a plurality of embedded pieces of information, The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of embedded pieces of information has embedded a first destination screen information indicating a destination screen and one of the corresponding first password pieces of information.

5. The aforementioned at least one second password information is a plurality of second password information, Each of the aforementioned multiple second password information is associated with a second destination screen information that indicates one of the multiple destination screens. The control unit, Multiple destinations are displayed on the display unit for selection. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, which performs password authentication based on a first password corresponding to a first destination screen information indicating a selected destination screen from among the plurality of first password information, and a second password corresponding to a second destination screen information indicating the selected destination screen from among the plurality of second password information.

6. The control unit, If the aforementioned at least one second password information is changed, Print or inquire about the changed at least one second password information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, which prints at least one modified second password information in response to the query result.

7. Reads a document containing at least one first password, Store at least one second password, Password authentication is performed based on the at least one first password and the at least one second password. A control method that includes processing.

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