Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and the like capable of preventing a user other than the user of a terminal device from using setting history information including destination information acquired from the terminal device, without need of a special operation.SOLUTION: The information processing device comprises a control unit, a storage unit, and a display unit. The storage unit stores setting history information obtained by associating identification information of a terminal device with history information related to an execution of a job using a destination managed by the terminal device. While the information processing device is not connected with the terminal device, the control unit restricts display of the setting history information on the display unit. While the information processing device is connected with the terminal device and the identification information acquired from the terminal device being connected coincides with the identification information associated with the history information, the control unit displays the setting history information on the display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Some information processing devices, such as multifunction peripherals, have a function of acquiring destination information, such as email addresses and fax numbers, managed by terminal devices, such as smartphones, tablets, mobile phones, and personal computers. Some of these information processing devices are known to be capable of sending image data to destinations that they do not manage by setting the destination information acquired from the terminal device as a destination for an image data sending job, such as a Scan to E-mail function or a Scan to FAX function.

[0003] Incidentally, in order to facilitate the execution of a job that is the same as or similar to a job executed in the past, attempts have been made to reuse the setting values ​​related to the job by storing them as setting history information. The setting history information is, for example, selectably displayed on a display device, and a user can easily execute a job by selecting the desired setting history information and changing the setting values ​​as necessary.

[0004] When storing the setting history information after the execution of a transmission job, the destination information set as the transmission destination is stored as part of the setting history information. When the setting history information including the destination information is reused by the user of the terminal device from which the destination information was obtained, there is little security problem. However, the setting history information can also be reused by other users who execute jobs using the information processing device. Therefore, if no security measures are taken, there is a problem that the destination information managed by the user of the terminal device may be leaked to other users.

[0005] In order to address the above security issues, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses that when an image processing device executes a transmission job, it determines whether or not to save settings related to the transmission job as setting history in response to a user instruction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-167764 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the user needs to instruct the image processing device whether or not to save the settings related to the job as a setting history every time the user executes a transmission job, which may make the operation cumbersome. Also, for example, when executing a transmission job with the same settings later, the user wants to save the setting history for the purpose of reusing the settings, but does not want other users to use the setting information that he or she manages.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device, etc. that can prevent users other than the user of a terminal device from using setting history information, including information obtained from the terminal device, without requiring any special operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device disclosed herein includes a memory unit, a control unit, and a display unit, and the memory unit stores setting history information that associates identification information of a terminal device with history information related to the execution of a job using a destination managed by the terminal device, and the control unit restricts the display of the setting history information on the display unit when the terminal device is not connected, and displays the setting history information on the display unit when the terminal device is connected and the identification information obtained from the terminal device in the connected state matches the identification information associated with the history information.

[0010] In addition, an information processing method according to the present disclosure is an information processing method by an information processing device capable of executing jobs using destinations managed by a terminal device, and is characterized in that it includes a step of storing setting history information that associates identification information of the terminal device with history information related to the execution of the job, and when the terminal device is not connected, restricting the display of the setting history information on the display device, and when the terminal device is connected and the identification information obtained from the terminal device in the connected state matches the identification information associated with the history information, displaying the setting history information on the display device. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing device, etc., that can prevent users other than the user of a terminal device from using setting history information, including information obtained from the terminal device, without requiring any special operations. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the overall configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is an external perspective view for explaining an overall configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of setting history information. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display determination result of setting history information. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of setting history information. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display determination result of setting history information. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the second embodiment. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow according to the third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a fourth embodiment. [Diagram 23] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24]FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this disclosure, a multifunction device having a copy function, a scan function, a scan to e-mail function, a scan to fax function, etc. will be described as one form of an information processing device. Note that the following embodiment is an example for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the description described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0014] [1 First embodiment] The first embodiment is a form in which, in a multifunction peripheral capable of executing a job based on destination information acquired from a terminal device, setting history information is displayed when identification information, described below, acquired from the terminal device matches identification information associated with history information related to the execution of the job.

[0015] [1.1 Functional configuration] 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of a multifunction device 10 according to a first embodiment. The multifunction device 10 is configured to be connectable to a terminal device 30. In this disclosure, "connection" refers to a state in which the multifunction device 10 and the terminal device 30 establish a connection through communication and can transmit and receive information to and from each other.

[0016] Here, the connection method is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a communication technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near field communication), Wi-fi (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), Irda, wireless USB, etc. Note that, although Fig. 1 illustrates a form in which the multifunction device 10 is directly connected to the terminal device 30, it is also possible to connect via a network (not shown), such as a LAN (Local area network), a WAN (Wide area network), or the Internet.

[0017] In the following explanation, terminal device 30a (identification information "11:11:11:11:11:11" and terminal device 30b (identification information "22:22:22:22:22:22") having different identification information will be used. As long as terminal device 30a and terminal device 30b have different identification information, they may have the same functional configuration or different functional configurations. In addition, there is no limit to the number of terminal devices 30 that can be connected to multifunction device 10. Note that when there is no need to distinguish between terminal device 30a and terminal device 30b, they will be simply described as terminal device 30.

[0018] Fig. 2 is an external perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of the multifunction device 10. Fig. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction device 10. The multifunction device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, a communication unit 17, an image forming unit 19, an image reading unit 21, and a storage unit 23.

[0019] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 is configured, for example, with one or more arithmetic units (CPUs (Central Processing Units) and the like). The control unit 11 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 23.

[0020] The display unit 13 displays various types of information to a user, etc. The display unit 13 can be configured, for example, by an LCD (Liquid crystal display) or an organic EL (Electro-luminescence) display, etc.

[0021] The operation input unit 15 accepts information input by a user or the like. The operation input unit 15 can be configured with hard keys (e.g., a numeric keypad), buttons, and the like. The operation input unit 15 can be configured as a touch panel that allows input via the display unit 13. In this case, the input detection method of the touch panel can be, for example, a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitance method.

[0022] As described above, the communication unit 17 includes a wireless communication interface such as Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-fi, ZigBee, Irda, wireless USB, etc. The communication unit 17 may also include a wired / wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices via a network (not shown) such as a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, a telephone line, or a fax line.

[0023] The image forming unit 19 forms an image based on image data on paper as a recording medium. The image forming unit 19 feeds paper from a paper feed unit 25, forms an image based on the image data on the paper, and then discharges the paper to a paper discharge unit 27. The image forming unit 19 can be configured, for example, by a laser printer that uses an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 19 forms an image using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) that corresponds to a toner color (for example, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black)).

[0024] The image reading unit 21 generates scan data by scanning and reading an original image to be read. The image reading unit 21 can be configured as a scanner device equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor). There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the image reading unit 21, so long as the image reading unit 21 generates scan data by reading a reflected light image from an original image with an image sensor.

[0025] The storage unit 23 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the multifunction device 10. The storage unit 23 can be configured with a storage device such as a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a read only memory (ROM).

[0026] In the first embodiment, the memory unit 23 stores a job execution program 231, an information acquisition program 232, a setting history information processing program 233, and a display processing program 234, and reserves a setting value memory area 235, an identification information memory area 236, and a setting history information memory area 237.

[0027] The job execution program 231 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 in order to perform processes associated with the execution of functions such as copy function, scan function, scan to e-mail function, and scan to fax function on a job-by-job basis. By reading the job execution program 231, the control unit 11 controls each unit involved in the execution of the job.

[0028] The information acquisition program 232 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when acquiring identification information and destination information from the terminal device 30. The control unit 11, having acquired the information acquisition program 232, acquires identification information for uniquely identifying the terminal device 30 and destination information managed by the terminal device 30. The identification information is not particularly limited as long as it can uniquely identify the terminal device 30, and for example, a media access control address (MAC) address or the like can be used. The destination information is not particularly limited as long as it is information that can specify a transmission destination related to a transmission job, such as an email address or a fax number.

[0029] The setting history information processing program 233 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when, for example, acquiring setting values ​​related to job execution, generating setting history information, and performing various processes on the setting history information. The control unit 11 acquires setting values ​​related to job execution by reading out the setting history information processing program 233, generates setting history information, and stores it in the setting history information storage area 237.

[0030] The display processing program 234 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when displaying setting history information, a job execution screen, a login screen for the device, a home screen, etc. The control unit 11 that reads out the display processing program 234 acquires frame information and content arrangement information (not shown), and displays, for example, a setting history information screen (described later) on the display unit 13.

[0031] The setting value storage area 235 is a storage area for storing setting values ​​related to the execution of a job. The setting values ​​include, for example, setting values ​​set by a user such as color mode, document / paper size, density, image quality, resolution, format, etc., and setting values ​​such as device initial values ​​held by the device itself. The control unit 11, which reads out the information acquisition program 232, stores the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30 in the setting value storage area 235 as a setting value.

[0032] The identification information storage area 236 is a storage area for storing identification information acquired from the terminal device 30. The identification information stored in the identification information storage area 236 is read out when associating with history information related to job execution, identifying the terminal device 30, or the like.

[0033] The setting history information storage area 237 is a storage area that stores the setting history information in a data table format. The setting history information according to the present disclosure can be configured as history information to which a job ID for uniquely identifying information consisting of a combination of information on the execution history of a job, such as execution date and time, executed job type, and some or all of the setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage area 235 is added. Note that the setting history information according to the present disclosure may represent history information associated with identification information of the terminal device 30 or an execution user described below with respect to the above-mentioned history information, or may represent history information to which these pieces of information are not associated.

[0034] 4 is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 according to the present disclosure is assumed to be, for example, a so-called mobile terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet, mobile phone, or notebook computer, but is not limited thereto. A stationary terminal device such as a desktop computer is also included in the terminal device of the present disclosure as long as it is in an environment in which it can communicate with the multifunction device 10.

[0035] Such a terminal device 30 includes a control unit 31 , a display unit 33 , an operation input unit 35 , a communication unit 37 , and a storage unit 39 .

[0036] The control unit 31 controls the entire terminal device 30. The control unit 31 is configured, for example, with one or more arithmetic units (CPUs, etc.). The control unit 31 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 39.

[0037] The display unit 33 displays various information to the user. The display unit 33 can be configured with, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display.

[0038] The operation input unit 35 accepts information input by a user or the like. The operation input unit 35 can be configured as a touch panel that allows input via the display unit 33. In this case, the input detection method of the touch panel can be, for example, a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitance method.

[0039] The communication unit 37 includes a communication interface such as Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-fi, ZigBee, Irda, wireless USB, etc. The communication unit 37 may also include a wired / wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices via a network (not shown) such as a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, a telephone line, or a fax line.

[0040] The storage unit 39 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the terminal device 30. The storage unit 39 can be configured with a storage device such as a RAM, an HDD, an SSD, or a ROM.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 39 stores an application program 391 and a destination information management program 392, and reserves a destination information storage area 393 and an identification information storage area 394.

[0042] The application program 391 is a program that the control unit 31 reads out when executing various applications such as e-mail, fax, SNS, calling, video / music viewing, and games.

[0043] The destination information management program 392 is a program that the control unit 31 reads out when managing destination information such as the recipient's email address, fax number, account, and telephone number used in applications such as email, fax, SNS, and telephone. The control unit 31 performs processes such as new registration, editing, and deletion of destination information based on an instruction from a user. The control unit 31 also reads out and outputs the destination information managed in response to a request from the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10. When a request to obtain destination information is made based on, for example, PBAP (Phone book access profile), the control unit 31 can collectively write out the destination information in vCard format. It is also possible to write out the destination information in CSV format. It is also possible to implement the destination information management program 392 as a management program incorporated in the application program 391.

[0044] The destination information storage area 393 is a storage area that stores destination information such as an email address, a fax number, an account, and a telephone number in association with identification information such as a user name, a user ID, an address, and a company name.

[0045] The identification information storage area 394 is a storage area for storing identification information such as a MAC address.

[0046] [1.2 Processing flow] Next, a process flow according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the process flow by the multifunction device 10. In the following description, the multifunction device 10 will be described as being mainly connected to a terminal device 30a having identification information "11:11:11:11:11:11".

[0047] First, the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 determines whether or not the multifunction device 10 is connected to the terminal device 30a (step S100). If it is determined that the multifunction device 10 is connected to the terminal device 30a, the control unit 11 acquires destination information and identification information from the terminal device 30a (step S100; Yes→step S110).

[0048] The control unit 11 executes a job when, for example, an instruction to execute the job is received (step S120). When the job is executed, the control unit 11 acquires setting values ​​related to the executed job and generates history information related to the executed job (step S130).

[0049] Next, the control unit 11 judges whether the job being executed is a transmission job (step S140). If the job being executed is a transmission job, the control unit 11 judges whether the destination acquired from the terminal device 30a is used in the transmission job (step S140; Yes→step S150).

[0050] When the destination acquired from the terminal device 30a is used in the sending job, the control unit 11 generates setting history information (step S170) by associating the identification information acquired in step S110 with the history information generated in step S130 (step S160). After generating the setting history information, the control unit 11 ends the process.

[0051] On the other hand, if the job being executed is not a transmission job (step S140; No) and if the transmission job does not use the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30a (step S150; No), the control unit 11 generates setting history information without associating it with the identification information (step S170). After generating the setting history information, the control unit 11 ends the process.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of setting history information. For example, job ID “1” represents a job whose job type is “copy” and which was executed at the execution date and time “April 1, 2020, 9;00”. The setting values ​​are, for example, setting values ​​related to job execution stored in the setting value storage area 235 such as color mode, document / paper size, magnification, density, image quality, resolution, and format. Job ID “1” includes setting values ​​such as color mode: full color, document size: A4, paper size: A4, magnification: 100 (actual magnification), etc. Note that the setting values ​​illustrated in FIG. 6 are merely examples, and the setting values ​​in this disclosure are not limited to only the items described in FIG. 6.

[0053] The identification information indicates the identification information of the terminal device 30 that is acquired from the terminal device 30 and stored in the identification information storage area 236. Note that the job with job ID "1" is a job related to copying, not a transmission job. Therefore, no identification information is associated with the job ID "1".

[0054] Job ID "2", which is an example of a transmission job, indicates a job type of "E-mail transmission" and that was executed at the execution date and time of "April 1, 2020, 11:00". Job ID "2" includes settings such as color mode: full color, resolution: 200x200dpi, format: PDF, and also includes destination information of "aaaaa@sample.com".

[0055] The job ID "2" is associated with the identification information of "11:11:11:11:11:11:11." This is because the job type related to the job ID "2" is a transmission job of "E-mail transmission" (step S140 in FIG. 5; Yes), and the destination information (aaaaa@sample.com) acquired from the terminal device 30a having the identification information "11:11:11:11:11:11:11" was used as the destination of the E-mail transmission (step S150 in FIG. 5; Yes), so the identification information is associated with the history information (step S160 in FIG. 5).

[0056] Job ID "3", which is another example of a transmission job, indicates a job type of "Fax transmission" and that was executed at the execution date and time of "April 1, 2020, 13:10". Job ID "3" includes settings such as image quality: normal characters, density: dark, etc., as well as destination information of "12345".

[0057] Job ID "3" is also associated with the identification information of "11:11:11:11:11:11:11." As with job ID "2," the destination information (12345) acquired from the terminal device 30a was used as the destination for fax transmission, and therefore the identification information is associated with the history information.

[0058] Job ID "4" indicates a job type of "E-mail transmission" that was executed at the execution date and time of "April 2, 2020, 13:30". Job ID "4" includes settings such as color mode: black and white, resolution: 200x200dpi, format: TIFF, and destination information of "bbbbb@sample.com".

[0059] No identification information is associated with job ID "4." This is an example in which no identification information is associated because the destination information (bbbbb@sample.com) used as the destination is not derived from destination information acquired from the terminal device 30 (for example, derived from destination information managed by the multifunction device 10 itself).

[0060] Job ID "5", which is an example of a sending job, indicates a job type of "E-mail sending" and that was executed at the execution date and time of "April 2, 2020, 13:40". Job ID "5" includes settings such as color mode: full color, resolution: 400x400 dpi, format: PDF, and also includes destination information of "ccccc@sample.com".

[0061] The identification information of "22:22:22:22:22:22:22" is associated with the job ID "5." This is because the job type related to the job ID "5" is a transmission job of "E-mail transmission," and the destination information (ccccc@sample.com) obtained from the terminal device 30b having the identification information "22:22:22:22:22:22" was used as the destination of the E-mail transmission, so the identification information is associated with the history information.

[0062] Similarly, for job ID "6", the destination information (67890) acquired from the terminal device 30b was used as the destination of the fax transmission, and therefore identification information is associated with the history information.

[0063] Next, the display processing of the setting history information will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 7. This processing is performed on the setting history information stored in the setting history information storage area 237.

[0064] When receiving an instruction to display the setting history information, the control unit 11 judges whether the identification information is associated with the history information (step S180). If the identification information is associated, the control unit 11 judges whether the connection with the terminal device 30 is in progress (step S180; Yes→step S190).

[0065] Here, if the terminal device 30 is currently connected, the control unit 11 acquires identification information from the terminal device 30 (step S190; Yes→step S200). Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the acquired identification information matches the identification information associated with the history information (step S210).

[0066] If the identification information matches, the control unit 11 sets the display determination to "true" (step S210; Yes→step S220).

[0067] Incidentally, if the identification information is not associated, the control unit 11 sets the display determination to "true" (step S180; No -> step S220). On the other hand, if the terminal device 30 is not connected (step S190; No) or the identification information does not match (step S210; No), the control unit 11 sets the display setting to "false" (step S230).

[0068] The control unit 11 displays the setting history information for which the display determination is set to "true" on the display unit 13 (step S240), and ends the process.

[0069] Fig. 8 is a table for explaining an example of a display determination result of the setting history information based on the process explained in Fig. 7. Fig. 8 shows the display determination result when the connection target is the terminal device 30a having the identification information "11:11:11:11:11:11".

[0070] For job ID "1", the job type is "copy" and is not a transmission job. Therefore, no identification information is associated with the history information related to job ID "1" (step S180 in FIG. 7; No → step S220). Therefore, the control unit 11 determines the display determination to be "true" (step S220). Similarly, for job ID "4", the job type is "e-mail transmission", but no identification information is associated with the history information. Therefore, the control unit 11 determines the display determination to be "true" (step S180 in FIG. 7; No → step S220).

[0071] Also, the job IDs "2", "3", and "7" are jobs executed by the terminal device 30a (step S210; Yes->step S220). Therefore, the control unit 11 determines the display determination as "true" (step S220).

[0072] On the other hand, the job IDs "5" and "6" are jobs executed by the terminal device 30b (step S210; No->step S230). Therefore, the control unit 11 determines the display determination to be "false" (step S230).

[0073] Based on the above-mentioned determination result, the control unit 11 displays the setting history information related to the job IDs "1", "2", "3", "4" and "7" on the display unit 13 while the terminal device 30a is connected.

[0074] [1.3 Example of operation] Next, an operation example of the first embodiment will be described. Figures 9, 10, 11, and 12 show an example of a setting history information screen displayed by the multifunction device 10. This operation example corresponds to the process of step S240 in Figure 7.

[0075] 9 shows one configuration of a setting history information screen W10 displayed by the multifunction device 10 when the multifunction device 10 is not connected to the terminal device 30. The setting history information screen W10 includes a setting history information display area R10, an OK button B10, a job status display button B12, and a delete all button B14.

[0076] The setting history information display area R10 is an area for displaying the setting history information. The control unit 11 displays the setting history information in the setting history information display area R10 based on the connection status with the terminal device 30 and the determination process result of FIG.

[0077] In this operation example, since the terminal device 30 is not yet connected, the control unit 11 displays only the setting history information relating to job IDs “1” and “4” from the setting history information described in FIG. 6 (within the dotted line frame in the figure).

[0078] The OK button B10 is a button that accepts input of an approval instruction by a user. The process after input of an approval instruction accompanying pressing of the OK button B10 can be set appropriately. For example, when the OK button B10 is pressed with specific setting history information selected, the control unit 11 can perform control such as transitioning the screen to an execution screen of a job related to the selected setting history information. Also, when the OK button B10 is pressed with no specific setting history information selected, the control unit 11 can perform control such as transitioning the screen to a home screen (basic screen) of the multifunction device 10.

[0079] The job status display button B12 is a button that accepts an instruction to display the job execution status, reservation / cancellation status, and the like.

[0080] The Delete All button B14 accepts an instruction to hide all of the setting history information displayed in the setting history information display area R10. When the Delete All button B14 is pressed, the control unit 11 stops displaying the setting history information displayed in the setting history information display area R10.

[0081] 10 shows one configuration of the setting history information screen W12 displayed by the multifunction device 10 when the multifunction device 10 is connected to the terminal device 30a. The configuration of the setting history information screen W12 can be the same as that of the setting history information screen W10. Therefore, a description of the screen configuration will be omitted, and the differences in the display content in the setting history information display area R10 will be described.

[0082] In this operation example, since the terminal device 30a is connected, the control unit 11 displays the setting history information relating to job IDs "2," "3," and "7" in chronological order in addition to job IDs "1" and "4" from the setting history information described in Figure 6 (within the dotted line frame in the figure).

[0083] In this case, jobs related to job IDs "2" and "3" were executed in the period between job ID "1" (execution date and time "April 1, 2020, 09:00") and job ID "4" (execution date and time "April 2, 2020, 13:30"), so job IDs "2" and "3" are displayed as being located between job IDs "1" and "4". Furthermore, the job related to job ID "7", which has the latest job execution date and time, is displayed following job ID "4".

[0084] FIG. 11 shows another example of the configuration of the setting history information screen displayed by the multifunction device 10 when the multifunction device 10 is in a connected state with the terminal device 30a.

[0085] 11 is a form that also displays jobs related to terminal device 30b other than terminal device 30a that is in a connected state. The jobs related to terminal device 30b having identification number "22:22:22:22:22:22" are an e-mail sending job related to job ID "5" and a fax sending job related to job ID "6".

[0086] In this case, the destination information (e-mail destination) for job ID "5" and the destination information (fax destination) for job ID "6" are displayed in a state where they are concealed with a specified mark (for example, "*"). By displaying the setting history information in a state where the destination information is concealed as in this configuration example, it is possible to execute a job that reuses the setting values ​​related to the setting history information while ensuring security regarding leakage of the destination information. Note that the destination information can also be completely concealed with a specified mark, partially concealed, or not displayed at all, as shown in the example of FIG. 11.

[0087] 12 shows an example of the configuration of the setting history information screen W16 displayed by the multifunction device 10 when the multifunction device 10 is connected to the terminal device 30b. The configuration of the setting history information screen W16 can be the same as that of the setting history information screen W10. Therefore, a description of the screen configuration will be omitted, and the differences in the display content in the setting history information display area R10 will be described.

[0088] In this operation example, since the terminal device 30b is in a connected state, the control unit 11 displays the setting history information relating to job IDs "5" and "6" in chronological order in addition to job IDs "1" and "4" in the setting history information described in Figure 6 (within the dotted line frame in the figure).

[0089] In this case, the jobs associated with job ID "5" (execution date and time "April 2, 2020, 13:40") and "6" (execution date and time "April 2, 2020, 13:50") were executed later than job ID "4" (execution date and time "April 2, 2020, 13:30"), so job IDs "5" and "6" are displayed following job ID "4".

[0090] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent users other than the user of a terminal device from using setting history information including destination information obtained from the terminal device, without requiring any special operations.

[0091] [2 Second embodiment] The second embodiment is a form in which, in a multifunction peripheral capable of executing a job based on destination information acquired from a terminal device, when identification information acquired from the terminal device matches identification information associated with history information relating to the execution of the job and the logged-in user of the multifunction peripheral is the user who executed the job, the setting history information is displayed. [2.1 Functional configuration] 13 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the multifunction device 50 according to the second embodiment. Note that the same components as those in the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0092] The multifunction device 50 includes a control unit 11 , a display unit 13 , an operation input unit 15 , a communication unit 17 , an image forming unit 19 , an image reading unit 21 , and a storage unit 53 .

[0093] In the second embodiment, the memory unit 53 stores a job execution program 231, an information acquisition program 232, a setting history information processing program 233, a display processing program 234, and a user judgment program 531, and reserves a setting value memory area 235, an identification information memory area 236, and a setting history information memory area 237.

[0094] The user determination program 531 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when determining whether the login user to the multifunction device 50 is the same as the execution user associated with the history information. By reading out the user determination program 531, the control unit 11 determines whether the login user to the multifunction device 50 is the same as the execution user associated with the history information.

[0095] [2.2 Processing flow] Next, the flow of processing according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing according to the second embodiment. Note that some processing according to the second embodiment can be performed in the same manner as the processing relating to steps S100 to S170 explained in the flowchart of Fig. 5. Therefore, in the explanation here, only the points different from the flowchart of Fig. 5 will be explained.

[0096] After associating the identification information acquired in step S110 with the history information generated in step S130, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the executing user of the job is being authenticated (step S160→step S250).

[0097] If the current user is currently being authenticated (step S250; Yes), control unit 11 generates setting history information (step S170) by associating the user information with the history information (step S260). After generating the setting history information, control unit 11 ends the process.

[0098] 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of setting history information. The setting history information according to the second embodiment is the history information explained in FIG.

[0099] FIG. 15 shows an example of the configuration of setting history information generated by associating the executing user "User1" with the job IDs "4", "5", "6", and "7".

[0100] Next, the display processing of the setting history information will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 16. This processing is performed on the setting history information stored in the setting history information storage area 237.

[0101] When the control unit 11 receives an instruction to display the setting history information, the control unit 11 determines whether the current user is associated with the history information (step S270). If the history information is associated, the control unit 11 determines whether the login user to the multifunction device 50 matches the current user associated with the history information (step S270; Yes→step S280).

[0102] If the login user and the actual user associated with the history information match, the control unit 11 sets the display determination to "true" (step S280; Yes->step S290).

[0103] However, if the current user is not associated, the control unit 11 sets the display determination to "false" (step S270; No→step S300). If the login user does not match the current user associated with the history information, the control unit 11 sets the display determination to "false" (step S280; No→step S300).

[0104] The control unit 11 displays the setting history information for which the display determination is set to "true" (step S310), and ends the process.

[0105] Fig. 17 is a table for explaining an example of a display determination result of setting history information based on the process explained in Fig. 16. Fig. 17 shows the display determination result when the logged-in user is "User1".

[0106] The execution user is not associated with the history information related to the job IDs "1", "2", and "3" (step S270 in FIG. 16; No→step S300). Therefore, the control unit 11 determines the display determination to be "false" (step S300).

[0107] On the other hand, the execution user "User1" is associated with the history information related to job IDs "4", "5", "6", and "7" (step S270; Yes). And, since the login user "User1" matches the execution user (User1) associated with the history information (step S280; Yes), the control unit 11 determines that the display setting is "true" (step S290).

[0108] Based on the above determination result, the control unit 11 displays the setting history information related to the job IDs "4", "5", "6", and "7" on the display unit 13 when the logged-in user of the terminal device 50 is "User1".

[0109] [2.3 Example of operation] Next, an operation example of the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining one configuration example of a user authentication screen for the multifunction device 50. Note that in the second embodiment, knowledge authentication using a login user name and a login password will be described as user authentication, but it is also possible to use, for example, possession authentication using a token or the like, or biometric authentication such as fingerprint authentication or face authentication.

[0110] The user authentication screen W50 is a screen that accepts input of authentication information for a user who logs in to the multifunction device 50. The user authentication screen W50 includes a login user name input box Bx10, a login password input box Bx12, an authentication destination designation button B16, an OK button B18, and a cancel button B20.

[0111] The login user name input box Bx10 is a box that accepts input of a login user name. A user attempting to log in to the multifunction device 50 inputs his / her own login user name into the login user name input box Bx10. The login user name can also be selected from a list.

[0112] The login password input box Bx12 is a box that accepts input of a login password corresponding to a login user name. A user attempting to log in to the multifunction device 50 inputs the login password in addition to the login user name.

[0113] The authentication destination designation button B16 is a button for accepting designation of the user authentication destination. The authentication destination may be the device alone, or, for example, an authentication server or the like separately provided on the network can be designated. When authentication on the device alone is designated as the authentication destination, the control unit 11 performs user authentication by comparing the input login user name and login password with authentication information (for example, a combination of a user name and a password) prepared in advance. In addition, when an authentication server or the like provided on the network is used, the control unit 11 can also perform user authentication by transmitting the input login user name and login password to the authentication server and receiving the authentication result from the authentication server.

[0114] The OK button B18 accepts a user's input to confirm the input operation. The user presses this button when confirming the input into the login user name input box Bx10 and the login password input box Bx12, and the designation of the authentication destination via the authentication destination designation button B16. The Cancel button B20 accepts a user's input to cancel the input operation.

[0115] A user can log in to the multifunction device 50 by performing an authentication operation via the user authentication screen W50.

[0116] 19 shows an example of the configuration of a setting history information screen W18 displayed by the multifunction device 50 when a login user (User1) is logged in to the multifunction device 50. The configuration of the setting history information screen W18 can be the same as that of the setting history information screen W10, etc. Therefore, a description of the screen configuration will be omitted, and the differences in the display content in the setting history information display area R10 will be described.

[0117] In this operation example, since the logged-in user (User1) is logged in to the multifunction device 50, the control unit 11 displays the setting history information described in FIG. 15 that is associated with the current user and in which the logged-in user (User1) matches the current user.

[0118] That is, the control unit 11 displays the setting history information relating to the job IDs "4", "5", "6", and "7" in chronological order (enclosed by dotted lines in the figure).

[0119] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the setting history information is displayed when the login user of the multifunction device and the executing user of the job match, thereby preventing the reuse of setting history information that is not associated with an executing user or setting history information related to a job executed by an executing user other than the login user.

[0120] [3 Third embodiment] The third embodiment is a mode in which only setting history information in a connected state with a terminal device and in which identification information acquired from the terminal device matches identification information associated with destination information is displayed.

[0121] [3.1 Functional configuration] The functional configuration of the third embodiment can be the same as that of the multifunction device 50 according to the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0122] [3.2 Processing flow] Next, a process flow according to the third embodiment will be described. Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the process flow according to the third embodiment. This process is performed on the setting history information stored in the setting history information storage area 237.

[0123] When the instruction to display the setting history information is received, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a connection is being established with the terminal device 30 (step S320).

[0124] If a connection is being established with the terminal device 30, the control unit 11 judges whether or not the identification information is associated with the history information (step S320; Yes→step S330).

[0125] If the identification information is associated, the control unit 11 acquires the identification information from the terminal device 30 (step S330; Yes→step S340).

[0126] Then, the control unit 11 judges whether the acquired identification information matches the identification information associated with the history information (step S350). If the identification information matches, the control unit 11 sets the display judgment to "true" (step S350; Yes -> step S360).

[0127] By the way, if the identification information is not associated (step S330; No), or if the identification information does not match (step S350; No), the control unit 11 sets the display determination to "false" (step S370).

[0128] The control unit 11 displays the setting history information for which the display determination is set to "true" on the display unit 13 (step S380), and ends the process.

[0129] On the other hand, if the terminal device 30 is not currently connected, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the current user is associated with the history information (step S320; No→step S390).

[0130] If an ordinary user is associated with the current user, the control unit 11 determines whether the login user of the terminal device 30 matches the ordinary user (step S390; Yes→step S400).

[0131] If the login user and the current user match, the control unit 11 sets the display setting to "true" (step S400; Yes -> step S410). If the login user and the current user do not match, the control unit 11 sets the display setting to "false" (step S400; No -> step S430).

[0132] Meanwhile, when the current user is not associated, the control unit 11 judges whether the identification information is associated with the history information (step S390; No→step S420).

[0133] If the identification information is associated with the history information, the control unit 11 sets the display determination to "false" (step S420; Yes -> step S430). On the other hand, if the identification information is not associated with the history information, the control unit 11 sets the display determination to "true" (step S420; No -> step S410).

[0134] The control unit 11 displays the setting history information for which the display determination is set to "true" on the display unit 13, and ends the process (step S380).

[0135] [3.3 Example of operation] 21 shows an example of the configuration of a setting history information screen displayed by the multifunction device 50 when the multifunction device 50 is connected to the terminal device 30a. The configuration of the setting history information screen W20 can be the same as that of the setting history information screen W10. Therefore, a description of the screen configuration will be omitted, and the differences in the display contents in the setting history information display area R10 will be described.

[0136] In this operation example, since the terminal device 30a is connected, the control unit 11 displays in chronological order only the setting history information relating to job IDs “2”, “3”, and “7” from the setting history information described in FIG. 15.

[0137] Incidentally, in the case where the terminal device 30 is not connected, if the login user and the execution user match (step S400 in FIG. 20; Yes→step S410), only the setting history information related to the job executed by the login user may be displayed. On the other hand, if the login user and the execution user do not match (step S400 in FIG. 20; No→step S430), the setting history information related to the job executed using the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30 may not be displayed, thereby making it possible to prevent leakage of the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30.

[0138] As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, a configuration is provided in which only setting history information in which the identification information acquired from the terminal device matches the identification information associated with the destination information is displayed, thereby making it possible to prevent erroneous selection of setting history information in which no identification information is associated or in which the identification information does not match.

[0139] [4 Fourth embodiment] The fourth embodiment is an embodiment that aims to provide stricter security in the multifunction peripherals according to the first to third embodiments.

[0140] [4.1 Functional configuration] 22 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a multifunction device 70 according to the fourth embodiment. Note that the same components as those in the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0141] The multifunction device 70 includes a control unit 11 , a display unit 13 , an operation input unit 15 , a communication unit 17 , an image forming unit 19 , an image reading unit 21 , and a storage unit 73 .

[0142] In the fourth embodiment, the memory unit 73 stores a job execution program 231, an information acquisition program 232, a setting history information processing program 233, a display processing program 234, and a passcode processing program 731, and reserves a setting value memory area 235, an identification information memory area 236, and a setting history information memory area 237.

[0143] The passcode processing program 731 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when performing generation, transmission, input acceptance, authentication, etc. of a passcode related to whether or not the setting history information can be displayed. The control unit 11 performs a series of processes related to passcode authentication by reading out the passcode processing program 731. The passcode can be configured as any character string combining alphanumeric characters and symbols, such as 4 or 6 digits, and it is also possible to use a character string randomly generated using a random number generating program, for example. The control unit 11 transmits the generated passcode to the terminal device 30, and displays the setting history information on the display unit 13 when the input passcode matches the generated passcode.

[0144] [4.2 Processing flow] Next, the flow of processing according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Fig. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing according to the fourth embodiment. Note that the processing other than the passcode processing explained in this figure can be performed in the same manner as the processing explained in the first to third embodiments.

[0145] The control unit 11 receives an instruction to display the setting history information from the terminal device 30 (step S440). Upon receiving the instruction to display the setting history information, the control unit 11 generates a passcode and transmits it to the terminal device 30 (step S440; Yes->step S450).

[0146] The control unit 11 receives a passcode input via a predetermined passcode input screen (step S460). The control unit 11 authenticates the passcode based on whether the received passcode matches the generated passcode (step S470).

[0147] If the passcode is authenticated, the control unit 11 displays the setting history information on the display unit 13 (step S470; Yes→step S480). After displaying the setting history information, the control unit 11 ends the process. If the passcode is not authenticated, the control unit 11 repeats the process from receiving the passcode (step S470; No→step S460).

[0148] [4.3 Example of operation] FIG. 24 shows an example of the configuration of a passcode input screen W70 that is displayed on the display unit 13 after the control unit 11, which has read out the passcode processing program 731, transmits a passcode to the terminal device 30. As shown in FIG.

[0149] The passcode entry screen W70 includes a passcode entry box Bx14, an OK button B22, and a cancel button B24.

[0150] The passcode input box Bx14 is a box that accepts input of the passcode transmitted to the terminal device 30. The user of the terminal device 30 inputs the passcode received from the multifunction device 70 into the passcode input box Bx14.

[0151] The OK button B22 accepts a user's input to confirm the input operation. The user presses this button when he / she wants to confirm the passcode input into the passcode input box Bx 14. The Cancel button B24 accepts a user's input to cancel the input operation.

[0152] The control unit 11 displays the setting history information when the passcode received via the passcode input screen W70 matches the generated passcode. If no passcode is input or an incorrect passcode is input, the control unit 11 does not display the setting history information related to the job executed using the destination information acquired from the terminal device 30.

[0153] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, if a passcode is not entered or an incorrect passcode is entered, the setting history information is not displayed, thereby making it possible to further tighten the security of the destination information.

[0154] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, the technical scope of the present invention also includes embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0155] Although the above-described embodiments are described separately for convenience of explanation, they may be combined and executed within a technically feasible range.

[0156] In addition, the programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and is then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs (Read Only Memories) and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as necessary.

[0157] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory cards, etc.), optical recording media, magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray Disk (registered trademark), etc.)), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). Furthermore, not only are the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments realized by executing the loaded program, but the functions of the present invention may also be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on instructions from the program.

[0158] In addition, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 10, 50, 70 multifunction device 11 Control section 13 Display section 15 Operation input section 17 Communications Department 19 Image forming section 21 Image reading unit 23 Memory section 231 Job Execution Program 232 Information Acquisition Program 233 Setting history information processing program 234 Display Processing Program 235 Setting value storage area 236 Identification information storage area 237 Setting history information storage area 30, 30a, 30b Terminal device 31 Control Unit 33 Display section 35 Operation input section 37 Communications Department 39 Memory section 391 Application Program 392 Destination Information Management Program 393 Destination information storage area 394 Identification information storage area

Claims

1. The device includes a storage unit, a control unit, and a display unit. The storage unit is storing setting history information that associates identification information of the terminal device with history information related to execution of a job using a destination managed by the terminal device; The control unit is When the terminal device is not connected, display of the setting history information on the display unit is restricted; An information processing device characterized in that, when the information processing device is in a connected state with the terminal device and the identification information acquired from the connected terminal device matches the identification information associated with the history information, the information processing device displays the setting history information on the display unit.

2. The storage unit is storing the setting history information in which information about an executing user of the job is associated with the history information; The control unit is 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when a user who has logged in to the apparatus and the execution user match, the setting history information is displayed on the display unit.

3. The control unit is 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting history information that is not associated with the identification information and the history information is displayed on the display unit.

4. The control unit is The information processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, when in a connected state with the terminal device, only the setting history information in which the identification information acquired from the connected terminal device matches the identification information associated with the history information is displayed on the display unit.

5. The control unit is An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when connected to the terminal device, information regarding the destination of the setting history information where the identification information acquired from the terminal device does not match the identification information associated with the history information is displayed in secret on a display unit.

6. The control unit is Generate a passcode and transmit it to the terminal device; An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the display of the setting history information on the display unit is restricted until the passcode is input, regardless of whether the identification information acquired from the terminal device matches the identification information associated with the history information.

7. An information processing method by an information processing device capable of executing a job using a destination managed by a terminal device, comprising: storing setting history information that associates identification information of the terminal device with history information related to execution of the job; When the terminal device is not connected, display of the setting history information on the display device is restricted; An information processing method characterized in that, when the terminal device is in a connected state and the identification information obtained from the terminal device in the connected state matches the identification information associated with the history information, the setting history information is displayed on the display device.

Images