Information processing device, information processing program, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus which does not impair convenience of a user, an information processing program, an information processing method.SOLUTION: In an information processing system (10), an information processing apparatus (12) saves mobile address book data of a mobile terminal (14) in a temporary database (136c), and refers to the mobile address book data to execute an image transmission job. When no user authentication is performed on the mobile terminal after reference to the mobile address book data is completed, the temporary database is deleted at a first timing at which a reset key (84) is operated on an image transmission screen (74), a second timing at which the image transmission screen transitions to another screen, or a third timing after a predetermined time is elapsed. When the user authentication is performed, the temporary database is deleted at the timing of logout through an explicit logout operation or at an automatic logout due to the lapse of time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing program, and an information processing system, and more particularly to an information processing device, an information processing program, and an information processing system in which an image processing device (multifunction peripheral) installed in a public space or the like receives data from a mobile terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, after communication between the mobile phone and the image forming device is terminated, the address of the image forming device stored in the mobile phone and the address of the mobile phone stored in the image forming device are erased. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-199758 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology of Patent Document 1, if the timing at which data is automatically deleted on the image forming apparatus side differs from the timing intended by the user, the address data must be transferred again, which is inconvenient.

[0005] Therefore, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel information processing device, an information processing program, and an information processing method.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing program, and an information processing method that can reduce the possibility of impairing user convenience as much as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration: Note that the reference symbols and supplementary explanations in parentheses indicate the correspondence with the embodiments described to aid in understanding the present invention, and do not limit the present invention in any way.

[0008] 1st Example is an information processing device that stores mobile address book data of a mobile terminal in a temporary database, the information processing device including a job execution unit that executes a job by referring to the mobile address book data stored in the temporary database, a first determination unit that makes a first determination when a user of the mobile terminal has been authenticated, and a second determination unit that makes a second determination when the user has not been authenticated. 、 a deletion unit that deletes the temporary database at different times depending on the result of the first determination or the second determination by the first determination unit after the job execution unit has finished referencing the mobile address book data; and a second determination unit that determines whether a user who has been authenticated has logged out, and the deletion unit deletes the temporary database at the timing when the second determination unit determines that the user has logged out when the determination result of the first determination unit is the first determination. It is an information processing device.

[0009] 1st Example In the example, an information processing system (10: a reference number indicating a corresponding part in the embodiment, but not limiting; the same applies below) includes an information processing device (12) such as an MFP (multi-function peripheral), which executes, for example, an image transmission job in accordance with an operation by a user of a mobile terminal (14). At that time, the information processing device stores mobile address book data of the mobile terminal in a temporary database (136c). A job execution unit (22, S9) executes the job by referring to the mobile address book data stored in the temporary database. A first determination unit (22, S41) determines whether the user of the mobile terminal has been authenticated for the information processing device. If the user has been authenticated, a first determination is made, and if the user has not been authenticated, a second determination is made. After the job execution unit has finished referencing the mobile address book data, a deletion unit (22, S13) deletes the temporary database at different times depending on the result of the first or second determination made by the first determination unit. A second determination unit (22, S43, S47) determines whether or not the authenticated user has logged out. When the determination result of the first determination unit (22, S41) is the first determination, a deletion unit (22, S13) deletes the temporary database at the timing when the second determination unit determines that the user has logged out.

[0010] 1st ExampleAccording to this method, the temporary database is deleted at different times depending on whether the user of the mobile terminal has been authenticated to the information processing device, thereby preventing, as much as possible, any loss of convenience for users who have been authenticated. In particular, if the user has been authenticated, the temporary database will not be deleted unless the user logs out, so the user's convenience will not be impaired.

[0011] Second Example The first Example An information processing device that is subordinate to The second determination unit determines that a logout has occurred when an explicit operation has been performed.

[0012] Second Example So, The second determination unit (22, S43) determines that a logout has occurred when an explicit operation has been performed.

[0013] Second Example According to the above, if the user has been authenticated, Since logout is determined based on explicit operation, Since the temporary database is not deleted against the user's will, the user's convenience is not impaired.

[0014] Third Example is the first or second Example an information processing device subordinate to the information processing device, the information processing device including a storage unit (24, 26) capable of registering mobile address book data, and a registration unit that registers the mobile address book data in the storage unit when the determination result of the first determination unit is the first determination; (S27‐S35) When the determination result of the first determination unit is the second determination, the mobile address book data is not registered in the storage unit.

[0015] Third Example In the information processing device (12), the mobile address book data can be registered in the storage unit (24, 26). When the determination result of the first determination unit (22, S23) is the first determination, the registration unit (22, S27-S35) registers the mobile address book data in the storage unit. However, when the determination result of the first determination unit is the second determination, the registration unit does not register the mobile address book data in the storage unit.

[0016] Third ExampleAccording to this, mobile address book data can be registered in the main body of the information processing device only when user authentication has been completed, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0017] Fourth Example The third Example and a registration unit that also registers access rights to mobile address book data.

[0018] Fourth Example In this case, the registration unit (22, S27-S35) displays, for example, a registration screen (100), and the user sets who is to be granted the access rights through the access right setting unit (118) on the registration screen. The registration unit also registers the access rights according to the settings.

[0019] Fourth Example According to the method, since the access right (presence or absence) to the mobile address book data is also registered together with the mobile address book data, the use of the registered mobile address book data can be appropriately managed.

[0020] Fifth Example is the first to fourth Example and a deletion unit that deletes the temporary database when the determination result of the first determination unit is the second determination, at a first timing when the job is reset, a second timing when a transition is made to another job, or a third timing when a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0021] Fifth Example In this case, when the result of the determination by the first determination unit (22, S41) is the second determination, that is, when the user has not been authenticated, the temporary database is forcibly deleted at the respective timings (S49, S51, S53).

[0022] Fifth ExampleIn the system, the temporary database is forcibly deleted under a predetermined condition for a user who has not received user authentication, regardless of whether the user has logged out, so that mobile address book data and the like stored in the temporary database can be kept secret from other people who will later use the information processing device.

[0023] Sixth Example is a program for an information processing device that stores mobile address book data of a mobile terminal in a temporary database, the program comprising a CPU of the information processing device, a job execution unit that executes a job by referring to the mobile address book data stored in the temporary database, a first determination unit that makes a first decision when the mobile terminal has been authenticated as a user, and a second determination unit that makes a second decision when the mobile terminal has not been authenticated as a user. No. 1 Judgment department 、 After the job execution unit has finished referencing the mobile address book data, No. 1 A deletion unit that deletes the temporary database at different times depending on the result of the first or second determination by the determination unit. and a second determination unit that determines whether the authenticated user has logged out, and the deletion unit deletes the temporary database when the second determination unit determines that the user has logged out when the determination result of the first determination unit is the first determination. It is an information processing program.

[0024] Seventh Example is a processing method in an information processing device that stores mobile address book data of a mobile terminal in a temporary database, the method including a job execution step of executing a job by referring to the mobile address book data stored in the temporary database, a first determination step when the mobile terminal has undergone user authentication, and a second determination step when the mobile terminal has not undergone user authentication. No. 1 Decision Step 、 After the job execution step has finished referencing the mobile address book data, No. 1 A delete step that deletes the temporary database at different times depending on the outcome of the first or second decision step. and a second determination step of determining whether the authenticated user has logged out, and in the deletion step, when the determination result in the first determination step is the first determination, the temporary database is deleted at the timing when it is determined in the second determination step that the user has logged out. It is an information processing method.

[0025] Sixth Example and the seventh Example Also, the first Example The same effect can be expected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] Since the temporary database is deleted at different times depending on whether the user of the portable terminal has been authenticated for the information processing device, it is possible to prevent, as much as possible, the loss of convenience for users who have been authenticated.

[0027] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the information processing device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing one example of an image transmission screen when the information processing device transmits an image to another device in the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing one example of a registration confirmation screen when mobile address book data of a mobile terminal is registered in an information processing device in the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing one example of a registration screen when registering mobile address book data in the information processing device in the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing one example of a registration completion screen when completing the registration of mobile address book data in the information processing device in the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing an example of a memory map of a RAM of the information processing device in the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device for transmitting an image in the embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device for registering mobile address book data in the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of deleting mobile address book data registered in the temporary database of the information processing device in the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of displaying a transmission history in the information processing apparatus of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, in an information processing system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a mobile terminal 14 can register data such as an email address to an information processing device 12 via short-range communication 16 such as Bluetooth (product name).

[0030] The information processing device 12 is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile (FAX) function. In this embodiment, the information processing device 12 is installed in a public space and used by an unspecified number of people (users). Possible public spaces include stores such as supermarkets, restaurants, and convenience stores, as well as public facilities such as train stations, bus terminals, airports, government offices, and libraries.

[0031] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of information processing device 12 shown in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 2, information processing device 12 includes a CPU 22. Connected to CPU 22 via bus 20 are RAM 24, auxiliary memory unit 26, input control circuit 28, display control circuit 30, code reading unit 32, ticket printer 34, photo printer 36, short-range communication unit 38, image reading unit 40, image forming unit 42, storage medium connection unit 44, currency processing unit 46, human detection sensor 48, and communication unit 50. In addition, an input device 52 is connected to input control circuit 28, and a display 54 is connected to display control circuit 30.

[0032] The CPU 22 is responsible for overall control of the information processing device 12. The RAM 24 is the main memory unit of the CPU 22 and is used as a work area and a buffer area. For example, mobile address book data of the mobile terminal 14 can be registered in a temporary database.

[0033] The auxiliary storage unit 26 is an auxiliary storage device of the information processing device 12 that stores various data and control programs used by the CPU 22 to control the operation of each component of the information processing device 12. However, as the auxiliary storage unit 26, a memory such as an HDD is used.

[0034] The input device 52 is a device for accepting input operations (user operations) from the user, and includes, for example, a touch panel and hardware operation buttons or operation keys (hardware keys). The touch panel may be provided on the display surface of the display 54, or may be provided separately from the display 54. However, a touch display in which the touch panel is integrally formed with the display 54 may also be provided. When the touch panel is provided on the display surface of the display 54, a graphical user interface (GUI) including software keys such as icons is displayed on the display 54, and user operations are accepted via the GUI.

[0035] The input control circuit 28 outputs an operation signal or operation data to the CPU 22 in response to an operation of the input device 52. For example, the input control circuit 28 applies a necessary voltage to a touch panel included in the input device 52, and when a touch operation (touch input) is performed within the effective touch range of the touch panel, outputs touch coordinate data indicating the position of the touch input to the CPU 22. The input control circuit 28 also outputs an operation signal or operation data to the CPU 22 in response to an operation of an operation button or hardware key included in the input device 52.

[0036] Display control circuit 30 includes a GPU, a VRAM, etc., and under the direction of CPU 22, the GPU uses image generation data stored in RAM 24 to generate display image data in VRAM for displaying various screens on display 54, and outputs the generated display image data to display 54. As display 54, an LCD, an EL display, etc. can be used.

[0037] The code reading unit 32 includes, for example, a laser scanner or a camera, and can read codes attached to products, cards, receipts, etc. Codes that can be read by the code reading unit 32 include barcodes (one-dimensional barcodes) and two-dimensional codes (such as QR Code (registered trademark)).

[0038] The ticket printer 34 is, for example, a thermal printer or dot impact printer, and issues tickets on which images such as receipts, invoices, journals, coupons, etc. are printed. Specifically, the ticket printer 34 prints various characters, images, code patterns (such as barcodes), etc. onto roll paper and ejects the printed tickets.

[0039] Photo printer 36 is, for example, a dye-sublimation printer or an inkjet printer, and prints an image on photo paper (photo paper). The photo printed by photo printer 36 is discharged to a photo discharge unit provided on the side of information processing device 12. However, image data for forming the image on the paper may be image data stored in a storage medium connected to storage medium connection unit 44, or image data transmitted from an external computer such as mobile terminal 14.

[0040] The short-distance communication unit 38 can exchange data with the mobile terminal 14 according to, for example, Bluetooth (product name) or the like.

[0041] The image reading unit 40 includes a light source, multiple mirrors, an imaging lens, and a line sensor. The image reading unit 40 exposes the surface of the document to light from the light source, and guides the light reflected from the document surface to the imaging lens via multiple mirrors. The imaging lens then focuses the reflected light onto the light-receiving elements of the line sensor. The line sensor detects the luminance and chromaticity of the reflected light that has focused on the light-receiving elements, and generates read image data based on the image of the document surface.

[0042] The image forming unit (printing device) 42 is a general-purpose laser printer, and includes a photosensitive element, a charger, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, etc., and prints an image (print image) corresponding to the print image data on recording paper (paper), etc. However, the image forming unit 42 is not limited to a laser printer, and may be configured as an inkjet printer.

[0043] Although detailed explanation is omitted, the image forming unit 42 has a color printing function, and for each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), an image forming station including a photosensitive member, a charger, a developing device, etc. is configured.

[0044] The storage medium connector 44 includes a connector (for example, a drive and a memory slot) for connecting various storage media, such as a flash memory (for example, a USB memory, an SD memory card, or a memory stick).

[0045] The currency processing unit 46 includes a currency insertion section and a coin return slot. The currency insertion section includes a coin insertion slot, a banknote insertion slot, a change return lever, etc. Coins inserted through the coin insertion slot and banknotes inserted through the banknote insertion slot are each sorted by type and stored in a predetermined currency storage section. The currency storage section includes a storage section for coins and a storage section for banknotes. When a coin or banknote is inserted, the amount inserted is calculated based on the type and number of coins stored in the coin storage section and the type and number of banknotes stored in the banknote storage section.

[0046] When a predetermined service or the like is performed in the information processing device 12, the cost according to the content of the service is subtracted from the deposited amount, and the remaining amount of the deposited amount is calculated. When the change return lever is operated, coins or bills are returned according to the remaining amount of the deposited amount. However, coins are returned from the coin return slot, and bills are returned from the bill insertion slot.

[0047] The human detection sensor 48 is a sensor, such as a distance sensor, for detecting whether a person (user) is present in a predetermined area (zone) set in front of the information processing device 12. For example, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a laser distance sensor may be used as the distance sensor. The distance sensor outputs distance data to the CPU 22. The CPU 22 determines whether a person is present in the predetermined area in front of the information processing device 12 depending on whether the distance indicated by the distance data output from the human detection sensor 48 is within a predetermined distance that defines the predetermined area.

[0048] The communication unit 50 is a communication circuit for connecting to a network (not shown). The communication unit 50 includes a wired communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit, and communicates with an external computer (external terminal) or the like via the network in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 22, based on a communication method conforming to a known communication standard.

[0049] The electrical configuration of the information processing device 12 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and is not limited to this.

[0050] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the mobile terminal 14 shown in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 3, the mobile terminal 14 includes a CPU 58. Connected to the CPU 58 via a bus 56 are a RAM 60, an auxiliary storage unit 62, an input control circuit 64, a display control circuit 66, and a communication unit 68. Also connected to the input control circuit 64 is an input device 70, and connected to the display control circuit 66 is a display 72.

[0051] The CPU 58 is responsible for overall control of the mobile terminal 14. The RAM 60 is used as a work area and a buffer area for the CPU 58. The auxiliary storage unit 62 is an auxiliary storage device of the mobile terminal 14, such as a microSD card.

[0052] The input control circuit 64 outputs to the CPU 58 an operation signal or operation data corresponding to the operation of the input device 70. For example, the input control circuit 64 applies a necessary voltage to the touch panel included in the input device 70, and when a touch operation (touch input) is performed within the effective touch range of the touch panel, outputs touch coordinate data indicating the position of the touch input to the CPU 58.

[0053] Display control circuit 66 includes a GPU, a VRAM, etc., and under the direction of CPU 58, the GPU generates display image data in VRAM for displaying various screens using image generation data stored in RAM 60, and outputs the generated display image data to display 72. As display 72, an LCD, an EL display, etc. can be used.

[0054] The communication unit 68 includes a wireless communication circuit for connecting to a network (not shown) and a short-range communication circuit such as Bluetooth, and can communicate with an external computer via the network in accordance with instructions from the CPU 58, or can communicate directly with the information processing device 12, for example, via Bluetooth.

[0055] The electrical configuration of the mobile terminal 14 shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0056] FIG. 4 shows an example of an image transmission screen when transmitting an image to the outside from the information processing device 12 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, by facsimile or e-mail.

[0057] The image transmission screen 74 in Figure 4 is a GUI that is displayed on the display 54 (Figure 2) when image transmission is executed, and is provided with an input section 76. The input section 76 includes a destination input section 76a for inputting the destination facsimile number or email address, and a subject input section 76b for inputting the subject. A reference section 78 is provided to the right of the input section 76.

[0058] The address reference unit 78 includes a main body address reference key 78a that instructs reference to a main body address book registered in, for example, the auxiliary storage unit 26 (FIG. 2) of this information processing device 12, and a mobile address reference key 78b that refers to a mobile address book registered in the mobile terminal 14. The address reference unit 78 further includes a transmission history reference key 78c that refers to an address by displaying a past transmission history.

[0059] However, the transmission history reference key 78c can only display the transmission history performed by the user if the user has been authenticated. Displaying the transmission history improves convenience when repeating image transmissions or when sending the same image data to different destinations.

[0060] The image transmission screen 74 further includes a setting section 80, which allows the user to set the color mode, resolution, format, document size, etc. of the image to be transmitted.

[0061] A preview key 82 for previewing the results of the settings made by the setting unit 80 and a reset key 84 for resetting the results of the settings made by the setting unit 80 are also provided.

[0062] The start key 86 is operated to start the execution of the image transmission whose details have been set in this way.

[0063] The home icon 88 is an icon that is touched to return to the home screen, and the copy key 90 is a key for instructing a change from the image transmission function to the copy function.

[0064] On this image transmission screen 74, operating the reset key 84 at the bottom right resets the selection status of each function, such as the destination, subject, color mode, and resolution, in the input section 76. Also, if the mobile address book data of the mobile terminal 14 is stored in the temporary database 136c (described later) in the RAM 24 (FIG. 2) at this time, the mobile address book data is deleted at the same time as operating the reset key 84.

[0065] Furthermore, operating the home icon 88 or copy key 90 in the upper left will transition to the home screen or copy screen, respectively. If the mobile address book data of the mobile terminal 14 is stored in the temporary database 136c of the RAM 24, when such an operation transitions to a screen other than image transmission, the mobile address book data is simultaneously deleted.

[0066] If no operation is performed on this image transmission screen 74 for a certain period of time, the mobile address book data will be automatically deleted.

[0067] 5 shows an example of a registration confirmation screen displayed on the display 54 in the information processing device 12 to confirm whether or not to register the mobile address book data stored in the temporary database 136c in, for example, an HDD constituting the auxiliary storage unit 26. However, this dialog is not displayed if user authentication has not been performed, and is displayed only when user authentication has been performed.

[0068] This registration confirmation screen 92 displays a message 94 asking "Do you want to register the mobile address book data?" to prompt the user to confirm whether or not to register the mobile address book data in the main body of the information processing device 12.

[0069] If the user agrees to the registration, he or she simply operates the registration key 96, and if not, he or she operates the non-registration key 98. However, when registering mobile address book data, as also displayed in message 94, it is also necessary to set who is authorized to access the registered mobile address book data.

[0070] FIG. 6 shows an example of a registration screen that is subsequently displayed on the display 54 when the registration key 96 is operated.

[0071] The registration screen 100 includes a selection section 102 for selecting an address to be registered. The selection section 102 includes, for example, an address-to-be-used selection key 102a for selecting the address used for image transmission as described above, and a domain name selection key 102b for specifying and selecting a domain name, and below the domain name selection key 102b is provided a domain name display section 102c for displaying the selected domain name.

[0072] A confirmation section 104 is provided occupying approximately the left half of the registration screen 100. This confirmation section 104 is an area for confirming an email address to be registered in the information processing device 12, and has a plurality of address display sections 106 arranged vertically, with a mark section 108 provided corresponding to each address display section 106. An email address with a check mark added to this mark section 108 will be registered.

[0073] A scroll key 110 is provided to the right of the address display section 106 of the confirmation section 104. Using this scroll key 110, an undisplayed address in the address display section 106 can be displayed.

[0074] However, if the all-selection key 112 provided below the confirmation section 104 is operated, all addresses displayed in the address display section 106 are selected, and check marks are placed in all the mark sections 108.

[0075] Conversely, by operating the all-clear key 114, the check marks in all the mark sections 108 can be removed.

[0076] To register the email address confirmed by the confirmation unit 104, the registration key 116 is operated.

[0077] Furthermore, on this registration screen 100, it is also necessary to register who may use the registered email address, that is, who is granted access rights to the registered email address. For this purpose, an access rights setting unit 118 is provided.

[0078] If access rights are to be granted to anyone, it is sufficient to operate all user setting section 118a, but if a user who has selected to register an email address is to specify the group, the user specification section 118b is operated and the details of the specification are displayed in specification display section 118c. In the example shown in the figure, a check mark is added to the left of specification display section 118b, indicating that the user has specified a group.

[0079] The access right setting unit 118 may set the access right for each registered address, or may set the access right for all registered addresses at once.

[0080] As in this embodiment, by registering the access rights (or the presence / absence) to the mobile address book data together with the mobile address book data, it is possible to appropriately manage the use of the registered mobile address book data.

[0081] When the registration of the mobile address book data is completed on the registration screen 100, a registration completion screen 120 shown in Fig. 7 is displayed. The registration completion screen 120 notifies the user by a message 122 that the registration of the mobile address book data is completed, and asks whether or not to continue the registration. That is, to end the registration of the mobile address book data, the user simply operates the end key 124, and to continue the registration, the user simply operates the continue key 126.

[0082] Fig. 8 is an illustrative view showing an example of a memory map 128 of the RAM 24 of the information processing device 12 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 8, the RAM 24 includes a program storage area 130 and a data storage area 132. The program storage area 130 of the RAM 24 stores control programs for the image processing device, including an OS. The control programs for the image processing device also include a display control program 134a, an operation detection program 134b, a communication program 134c, a login program 134d, and an address book data processing program 134e.

[0083] The display control program 134a is a program that generates display screen data necessary to display various screens on the screen of the display 54 based on the image generation data 136a described below, etc., and causes the display control circuit 30 to display images on the display 54 using the display screen data.

[0084] The operation detection program 134b is a program for detecting operation data (described later) 136b corresponding to an operation on the input device 52. For example, when a touch panel (not shown) is touched, the CPU 22 acquires touch coordinate data output from the touch panel as operation data 136b in accordance with the operation detection program 134b and stores the data in the data storage area 132 of the RAM 24.

[0085] The communication program 134c is a program for controlling the short-range communication unit 38 and the communication unit 50 to communicate with the mobile terminal 14 or other computers directly (or through a network (not shown)) using Bluetooth.

[0086] The login program 134d is a program for the mobile terminal 14 to log in to the information processing device 12 using Bluetooth, for example, and undergo user authentication.

[0087] The address book data processing program 134e is a program for registering mobile address book data from the logged-in mobile terminal 14 in the temporary database 136c and deleting registered address book data therefrom.

[0088] Although not shown, other programs necessary for the operation of the information processing device 12 are set in the program storage area 130.

[0089] Additionally, data storage area 132 of RAM 24 is formed with an image generation data area 136a, an operation data area 136b, a temporary database 136c, etc. However, it should be noted in advance that, hereinafter, when referring to each area, the word "area" may be omitted and each piece of data may be indicated by the same reference number as the corresponding area.

[0090] Image generation data 136a is data such as polygon data or texture data for generating display image data corresponding to various screens to be displayed on display 54. Image generation data 136a also includes image data corresponding to software keys, image generation data for displaying each screen described below, and the like.

[0091] The operation data 136b is operation data detected in accordance with the operation detection program 134b, stored in chronological order, and used when determining what operation the user performed when the CPU 22 executes the processing described below. The operation data 136b is deleted after being used in the processing by the CPU 22.

[0092] The temporary database 136c temporarily stores necessary information (such as name, facsimile number, email address, etc.), temporarily stores image data when an image is sent, and temporarily registers the transmission history of image transmissions.

[0093] Although not shown in the figure, the data storage area 132 stores other data necessary for executing the control program for the information processing device, and is provided with timers (counters) and registers necessary for executing the control program for the information processing device.

[0094] 9 is a flow diagram showing an outline of the operation of the CPU 22 (FIG. 2) when executing image transmission (facsimile transmission or e-mail transmission) from the information processing device 12 using the mobile address book data of the mobile terminal 14 in the information processing system 10 (FIG. 1) of the embodiment. At this time, the CPU 22 displays the image transmission screen 74 shown in FIG. 4 on the display 54 of the information processing device 12. The CPU 22 issues a command to the short-range communication unit 38, for example, to start short-range communication connection processing with the mobile terminal 14. In the case of a Bluetooth connection, the device name and PIN code of the mobile terminal 14 are set and pairing processing is executed.

[0095] However, wireless connection with the mobile terminal 14 may be performed by a wireless LAN connection or near field communication (NFC).

[0096] It should be noted in advance that the operations shown in FIG. 9 as well as those shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 are basically controlled in accordance with the address book data processing program 134e (FIG. 8).

[0097] In the first step S1, the CPU 22 determines whether pairing for Bluetooth communication, for example, has been completed with the mobile terminal 14.

[0098] When the mobile terminal 14 is successfully paired with the information processing device 12, it transmits the mobile address book data from the RAM 60 or the auxiliary storage unit 62 (FIG. 3) of the mobile terminal 14 to the information processing device 12. Therefore, when the CPU 22 determines "YES" in step S1, it determines in the next step S3 whether the data has been received.

[0099] If the answer is "YES" in step S3, the CPU 22 analyzes the received mobile address book data in the next step S5, and stores the necessary information (such as name, facsimile number, and email address) in the temporary database 136c in step S7. Therefore, when referring to the mobile address book data thereafter, the data in the temporary database 136c will be referenced.

[0100] The data transmitted from the mobile terminal 14 may be transmitted in a file format such as vCard in one batch, or may be transmitted in segments by repeatedly transmitting packet data divided into appropriate sizes, analyzing the data on the information processing device 12 side, and storing the data in the temporary database 136c. When transmitting in file format, the received file is deleted when the temporary database 136c is created or deleted.

[0101] In the next step S9, the CPU 22 controls the communication unit 50 in accordance with the communication program 134c to execute an image transmission job. At this time, if the user operates the mobile address book reference key 78b on the image transmission screen 74 in Figure 4, the address book data stored in the temporary database 136c is referenced to set the image transmission destination, and the image transmission job is executed. If another job is subsequently performed, the mobile address book data stored in the temporary database 136c is referenced again.

[0102] If it is determined in step S11 that there is no longer any need to refer to the mobile address book data, the mobile address book data saved in the temporary database 136c is deleted in step S13, and the image transmission job is terminated.

[0103] Next, with reference to Fig. 10, the operation of the CPU 22 when registering the mobile address book data saved in the temporary database 136c in the main body of the information processing device 12 will be described. That is, at the same timing (at the time of logout) as when the mobile address book data is deleted in step S13, a registration confirmation screen 92 (confirmation dialog) shown in Fig. 5 is displayed to ask whether to register the mobile address book data in the main body (for example, RAM 24 or auxiliary storage unit 26) of the information processing device 12. However, the registration confirmation screen 92 is not displayed when automatic logout occurs due to the passage of time.

[0104] 9, that is, in step S21 of Fig. 10, when the reference to the temporary database 136c is completed, in step S23, the CPU 22 determines whether the user of the mobile terminal 14 has been authenticated for the image transmission job at that time. Therefore, this step S23 constitutes a first determination unit (determining whether the user has been authenticated) when registering mobile address book data.

[0105] Whether or not the user has been authenticated can be determined by, for example, whether or not user-specific information such as a user name and a user ID is stored in the temporary database 136c.

[0106] If the determination in step S23 is "NO," that is, if the second determination is that the user has not been authenticated, the process ends.

[0107] If the determination in step S23 is "YES," that is, if a first determination is made that the user has been authenticated, the next step S25 determines whether the user authentication was a guest login. That is, it determines whether the user authentication was simply a user authentication for obtaining a guest account. If the determination in step S25 is "YES," that is, if it was simply a guest login, the process ends.

[0108] If the determination in step S23 is "NO," that is, if the user (portable terminal 14) has been officially authenticated, the registration confirmation screen 92 shown in Fig. 5 is displayed in the next step S27. Then, in step S29, it is determined whether the registration key 96 on the registration confirmation screen 92 has been operated. If the registration key 96 has not been operated or the non-registration key 98 has been operated, "NO" is determined in step S29, and in this case, the process ends.

[0109] If "YES" is determined in step S29, that is, if the registration key 96 on the registration confirmation screen 92 is operated, the registration screen 100 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed in the following step S31, and the registration process is executed.

[0110] In the registration process using this registration screen 100, the user uses the selection section 102 to select the address used for image transmission or to select the address to be registered by specifying the domain name, and the selected address is displayed in the confirmation section 104. The user confirms the email address to be registered by checking the corresponding mark section 108, and operates the registration key 116, whereby the confirmed address is registered.

[0111] On this registration screen 100, you must also register who you want to grant access rights to the registered email address. If you want to grant access rights to everyone, you can operate the all-users setting section 118a. If you want to grant access rights to a limited number of people, you can specify them in the user specification section 118b.

[0112] The mobile address book data registered in this manner and the associated access right data are stored in the RAM 24 and / or auxiliary storage unit 26 of the information processing device 12.

[0113] 7 is displayed to ask the user whether to continue with the registration of the mobile address book data. If the user operates the continue key 126, the process returns to the previous step S31, where the registration screen 100 is displayed again and the above-described registration process is executed.

[0114] When it is confirmed that the end key 124 on the registration completion screen 120 has been operated, the data "NO" in step S35 is determined, and the main body registration process of the mobile address book data saved in the temporary database 136c is terminated.

[0115] In this way, when the determination result in step S23 is the first determination, that is, when user authentication has been performed, the registration unit (comprised of steps S27-S35) registers the mobile address book data in the temporary database in the information processing device 12. However, when the determination result in step S23 is the second determination, that is, when user authentication has not been performed, the registration unit does not register the mobile address book data in the information processing device 12. Conversely, when user authentication has been performed, the mobile address book data can be registered in the main body of the information processing device, further improving user convenience.

[0116] As described above, one feature of this embodiment is that whether or not to register the mobile address book data in the information processing device 12 is handled differently depending on whether or not user authentication has been performed.

[0117] Another feature of this embodiment is that it controls the timing of erasing or deleting the mobile address book data stored in the temporary database 136c.

[0118] In the case of an information processing device that has not been user-authenticated, it is not possible to distinguish who is currently operating the information processing device, so if a user leaves the information processing device without explicitly deleting the mobile address book data, there is a security problem in that another user may view the data.

[0119] Therefore, in this embodiment, if the user has not been authenticated, the information processing device automatically deletes the mobile address book data from the temporary database 136c at one of the following times.

[0120] The first timing is, for example, when the reset key 84 is operated on the image transmission screen 74 shown in Fig. 4, the second timing is, for example, when the home icon 88 on the image transmission screen 74 is touched or the copy key 90 is operated to transition to a screen other than the image transmission screen 74 (when transitioning to another job), and the third timing is when the data is automatically cleared over time. Thus, when user authentication is not performed, it is desirable from a security standpoint to delete the mobile address book data at any of the first to third timings described above.

[0121] On the other hand, if the user deletes the mobile address book data at an unintended time, for example, when the user touches the home icon 88 to transition to another screen such as the home screen and then wants to refer to the mobile address book data again using the image sending function, the mobile address book data will need to be transferred again, which will be inconvenient.

[0122] Therefore, in this embodiment, if user authentication has been performed (this may include a guest account), it is possible to distinguish the user currently operating the information processing device 12, and since the user is logged in while operating the device, convenience can be improved by setting the timing for deleting mobile address book data to logout (including automatic logout after a certain period of time).

[0123] The operation of the CPU 22 and other components when deleting mobile address book data in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flow diagram of Fig. 11, which shows in detail step S13 in Fig. 9. However, the data stored in the temporary database 136c to be deleted here may include not only the mobile address book data but also image data submitted for transmission in an image transmission screen job and transmission history data.

[0124] Furthermore, connection information with the mobile terminal (such as pairing information for Bluetooth connection) is deleted, for example, when the transfer of mobile address book data is completed on the image transmission screen 74. However, if the connection information is not deleted at this time, it may be stored together with the mobile address book data in the temporary database 136c, and deleted together with the mobile address book data by deleting the temporary database 136c.

[0125] 11, the CPU 22 determines whether the user of the mobile address book data currently stored in the temporary database 136c has been authenticated based on the login information. This step S41 constitutes a first determination unit (determining whether the user has been authenticated) when deleting the user temporary database.

[0126] If the determination in step S41 is "YES," that is, if the first determination is made that user authentication has been performed, then in the next step S43, it is determined whether or not logout has occurred.

[0127] Since step S41 constitutes a first determination section similar to step S23, the determination result of step S23 may be saved as a flag (not shown), for example, and step S41 may be omitted.

[0128] If the answer to step S43 is "YES," that is, if the authenticated user logs out, the mobile address book data and the like in the temporary database 136c are deleted.

[0129] If the determination in step S43 is "NO", that is, if there is no explicit logout operation, the CPU 22 determines in step S47 whether or not there is an automatic logout due to the passage of time.

[0130] If "YES" is determined in step S47, the mobile address book data and the like in the temporary database 136c are deleted in step S45.

[0131] Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 11, when user authentication is performed, the temporary database 136c is deleted when the second judgment unit, for example, in step S43 or S47, judges that the user has logged out, that is, when the user has logged out by explicit operation or automatically after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0132] Furthermore, if the previous step S41 determines "NO," that is, if it determines that the user operating the information processing device 12 at that time has not been authenticated, then in step S49, it determines whether the reset key 84 has been operated. In this step S49, the CPU 22 determines whether the first timing described above has occurred. Therefore, if the previous step S49 determines "YES," then in step S45, the mobile address book data and the like in the temporary database 136c are deleted.

[0133] If the determination in step S49 is "NO", the CPU 22 determines in the next step S51 whether it is the second timing, that is, whether there has been a transition from the image transmission screen 74 to another screen. Therefore, if the determination in this step S51 is "YES", the mobile address book data etc. in the temporary database 136c are deleted in step S45.

[0134] If the determination in step S51 is also "NO," it is determined in step S53 whether a predetermined time has elapsed. In this step S53, the elapse of the predetermined time is determined by, for example, referring to a timer (counter) set in the data storage area 132 (FIG. 8) of the RAM 24. Then, when it is detected that the predetermined time has elapsed, the mobile address book data and the like in the temporary database 136c are deleted in step S45.

[0135] If the determination in step S53 is "NO", the process returns to step S41.

[0136] In this way, in this embodiment, for users who have not received user authentication, the temporary database is forcibly deleted under predetermined conditions regardless of whether they have logged out, so that the mobile address book data and the like stored in the temporary database can be kept secret from other people who will use the information processing device later, thereby preventing the mobile address book data and the like from being used fraudulently.

[0137] Fig. 12 shows the operation when a user wants to view the transmission history. That is, in step S61 of Fig. 12, it is determined whether user authentication has been performed. If the determination in step S61 is "YES," the CPU 22 further determines in step S63 whether the login is a guest login, that is, whether the user is a guest account user. If the determination in step S63 is "YES," the process returns.

[0138] However, if "NO" is determined in step S63, the transmission history is displayed on the display 54 in step S45.

[0139] In other words, although the mobile address book data is not stored in the temporary database 136c or the like, the address is stored as the destination of the image transmission job, so in step S61, it is determined that user authentication has been performed, and unless it is a guest account, the CPU 22 displays only the job transmission history performed by the user.

[0140] In the above embodiment, an image transmission job was used as an example of a job executed by the information processing device 12 as a prerequisite for determining whether or not to delete the mobile address book data of the mobile terminal 14 stored in the temporary database, but the job executed by the information processing device 12 using the mobile address book data of the mobile terminal 14 is not limited to an image transmission job.

[0141] Furthermore, the specific configurations and the like given in the above embodiments are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate depending on the actual product. Furthermore, the order in which the steps in the flow charts shown in the above embodiments are processed can be modified as appropriate as long as the same results are obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 10. Information Processing Systems 12...Information processing equipment 14...Mobile devices 22, 58...CPU 74...Image sending screen 78 ...Address reference section 92 ...Registration confirmation screen 100... Registration screen 102 ...Registered address selection section 104...Determined part 118 ...Access rights setting section 120…Registration completion screen 134e ...Address book data processing program 136c ...Temporary database

Claims

1. An information processing device that stores mobile address book data of a mobile terminal in a temporary database, a job execution unit that executes a job by referring to the mobile address book data stored in the temporary database; a first determination unit that makes a first determination when the user of the portable terminal has been authenticated, and makes a second determination when the user has not been authenticated; a deletion unit that deletes the temporary database at different timings depending on the result of the first determination or the second determination of the first determination unit after the job execution unit has finished referring to the mobile address book data; and a second determination unit that determines whether a user who has been authenticated has logged out; When the determination result of the first determination unit is the first determination, the deletion unit deletes the temporary database at a timing when the second determination unit determines that the user has logged out.

2. An information processing device as described in claim 1, wherein the second judgment unit judges that logging out has occurred when an explicit operation is performed.

3. a storage unit capable of registering the mobile address book data; and a registration unit that registers mobile address book data in the storage unit when the determination result of the first determination unit is the first determination; 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the determination result of said first determination unit is said second determination, said mobile address book data is not registered in said storage unit.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the registration unit also registers an access right to the mobile address book data.

5. 5. An information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the deletion unit deletes the temporary database at a first timing when the job is reset, a second timing when the job is transitioned to another job, or a third timing when a predetermined time has elapsed when the first judgment unit's judgment result is the second judgment.

6. A program for an information processing device that stores mobile address book data of a mobile terminal in a temporary database, A CPU of the information processing device, a job execution unit that executes a job by referring to the mobile address book data stored in the temporary database; a first determination unit that makes a first determination when the portable terminal has undergone user authentication and makes a second determination when the portable terminal has not undergone user authentication; a deletion unit that deletes the temporary database at different timings depending on the result of the first determination or the second determination of the first determination unit after the job execution unit has finished referring to the mobile address book data; and functioning as a second determination unit that determines whether a user who has received user authentication has logged out; the deletion unit deletes the temporary database at a timing when the second determination unit determines that the user has logged out, when the determination result of the first determination unit is the first determination. Information processing program.

7. A processing method in an information processing device that stores mobile address book data of a mobile terminal in a temporary database, comprising: a job execution step of executing a job by referring to the mobile address book data stored in the temporary database; a first determination step of making a first determination when the portable terminal has undergone user authentication and making a second determination when the portable terminal has not undergone user authentication; a deletion step of deleting the temporary database at different timings depending on the result of the first determination or the second determination in the first determination step after the job execution step has finished referring to the mobile address book data, and a second determination step of determining whether a user who has been authenticated has logged out; In the deleting step, when the determination result in the first determining step is the first determination, the temporary database is deleted at the timing when it is determined in the second determining step that the user has logged out.

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