Image processing device, output system, and output method

Abstract

To provide an excellent operable image processing device capable of displaying device information that can be read by a terminal device and realizing reduction of trouble according to display of the device information by setting propriety of display of the device information to each authenticated user.SOLUTION: An image processing device includes: a controller; a device information generator that generates device information including identification information of a device; and a job executor capable of executing a job with predetermined setting on the basis of an external command transmitted from a terminal device. The controller displays the generated device information on the terminal device, and is capable of outputting the job with predetermined setting by controlling the job executor on the basis of the external command transmitted from the terminal device that has read the displayed device information. The controller determines propriety of display of the device information according to setting of propriety of external command operation for a user who is authenticated as an authenticated user in an operation mode requiring user authentication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, many multifunction peripherals that can realize multiple modes such as copy mode, scan mode, and fax mode in a single device are equipped with an operation screen for selecting a mode and for inputting and selecting setting values ​​for the selected mode.

[0003] Recently, it has become common to use touch panel displays as operation screens, which consist of a display that shows various information to the user and a touch panel that is placed on top of the display and detects the position touched by the user's finger.By operating the touch panel while checking the various information displayed on the display, the user can intuitively and easily select modes and input / select setting values ​​for the selected mode.

[0004] Incidentally, in order to reduce the risk of various infectious diseases, it is effective to avoid frequent contact with an unspecified number of people.

[0005] For example, shared multifunction devices in the workplace and multipurpose multifunction devices installed in convenience stores and other locations are no exception when operating via their operation screens, and immediate measures are needed to avoid frequent contact.

[0006] As an example of avoiding direct contact with the operation screen of a multifunction peripheral or the like, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for creating a document job without manually inputting information into a document processing device such as a multifunction peripheral. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-25809 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The document processing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 establishes a communication link with at least the document processing device and displays coded data including network interface data for transmitting a job identifier to the document processing device on its operation panel. A mobile device that acquires the coded data using various techniques then establishes a communication link with the document processing device using the network interface data and causes the document processing device to execute a document job associated with the job identifier.

[0009] In Patent Document 1, an encoded data display for displaying the encoded data together with a job setting button, a graphical user interface, etc. is provided on an operation panel so that encoded data can be acquired by a mobile device. However, if device information such as encoded data is displayed on the operation panel constantly or every time a job setting button, etc. is pressed, as in the encoded data display in Patent Document 1, it can be cumbersome for users who do not use the device information, and is not necessarily easy to use.

[0010] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an image processing device, etc. that is easy to use and reduces the hassle associated with displaying device information by determining whether or not to display device information based on settings applied to each user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, the image processing device of the present disclosure includes a control unit, a device information generation unit that generates device information including device identification information, and a job execution unit that can execute a job with predetermined settings based on an external command sent from a terminal device, wherein the control unit displays the generated device information on the terminal device, and controls the job execution unit to output the job with predetermined settings based on the external command sent from the terminal device that reads the displayed device information, and is characterized in that in an operating mode requiring user authentication, it determines whether or not to display the device information depending on a setting for whether or not external commands can be operated by the authenticated user.

[0012] In addition, the image processing device according to the present disclosure includes a control unit, a device information generation unit that generates device information including device identification information, and a job execution unit that can execute a job with predetermined settings based on an external command sent from a terminal device, wherein the control unit displays the generated device information on the terminal device, and controls the job execution unit to output the job with predetermined settings based on the external command sent from the terminal device that reads the displayed device information, and in an operating mode requiring user authentication, determines whether or not to display the device information based on user information set for each user, and the user information includes information regarding operating authority for the image processing device.

[0013] Furthermore, the image processing device according to the present disclosure includes a control unit, a device information generation unit that generates device information including device identification information, and a job execution unit that can execute a job with predetermined settings based on an external command sent from a terminal device, wherein the control unit displays the generated device information on the terminal device, and controls the job execution unit to output the job with predetermined settings based on the external command sent from the terminal device that reads the displayed device information, and in an operating mode requiring user authentication, determines whether or not to display the device information based on user information set for each user, and the user information includes information that determines whether or not to display the device information obtained from the terminal device.

[0014] Further, an output system according to the present disclosure is an output system including a terminal device and an image processing device, wherein the terminal device comprises a control unit and a device information acquisition unit that acquires device information including identification information for identifying the image processing device, the control unit generates a user interface that accepts operation settings of the image processing device based on a user request and transmits the operation settings accepted via the user interface as a command, the image processing device comprises a control unit, a device information generation unit that generates the device information including the identification information of the device, and a job execution unit that can execute a job with predetermined settings based on the command, the control unit displays the generated device information on the terminal device, and is capable of controlling the job execution unit to output the job with predetermined settings based on the command transmitted from the terminal device that reads the displayed device information, and in an operation mode requiring user authentication, determines whether or not to display the device information depending on the user authentication result.

[0015] The output method according to the present disclosure is characterized by including a device information generating step of generating device information including device identification information, an output step of displaying the generated device information on a terminal device and outputting a job with predetermined settings based on an external command transmitted from the terminal device that reads the displayed device information, and a display determination step of determining whether or not to display the device information in accordance with the user authentication result in an operating mode requiring user authentication. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present disclosure, by determining whether or not to display device information based on settings applied to each user, it is possible to reduce the hassle associated with displaying device information and provide an image processing device, etc. that is easy to use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the overall configuration of an output system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of device information. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1A is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of setting information, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of authentication information. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an overall process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] (a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of an authentication information table; (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of a command reception setting table; (c) is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of a port usage setting table; and (d) is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of a user information table. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a multifunction peripheral according to a second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of a user information table. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a multifunction peripheral according to a third embodiment. [Figure 25] 10A is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of a user information table, and FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of display ON / OFF information of device information. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the third embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the overall configuration of an output system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a network service according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 29] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of a data configuration of a job stored in a job storage area. [Figure 30] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an overall process according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 31] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a network service according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this disclosure, a multifunction peripheral 10 capable of executing jobs related to copy mode, scan mode, fax mode, etc. will be described as an example of an image processing device. Note that the following embodiment is an example for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the description set forth in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0019] [1 First Embodiment] 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an output system 100 according to the first embodiment. The output system 100 includes a multifunction peripheral 10 as an image processing device and a terminal device 30. Note that the output system 100 according to the first embodiment may also be provided with a separate external authentication server (not shown) that performs user authentication for the multifunction peripheral 10.

[0020] [1.1 Functional Configuration] [1.1.1 About the Multifunction Printer 10] 2 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, an output unit 17, a communication unit 19, a short-range wireless communication unit 21, and a storage unit 23.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The display unit 13 displays various types of information to the user, etc. The display unit 13 can be configured, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc. The display unit 13 displays device information, which will be described later.

[0023] The operation input unit 15 accepts information input from a user or the like. The operation input unit 15 can be configured with hard keys (for example, a numeric keypad), buttons, etc. The operation input unit 15 can be configured as a touch panel display that allows input via the display unit 13. In this case, the input method for the touch panel display can be, for example, a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, a capacitance method, etc.

[0024] The output unit 17 includes an image forming unit 171 and an image reading unit 173. The image forming unit 171 forms and outputs an image based on image data (scan data generated by scanning a print document or electronic data input from an external device, portable storage medium, or the like) on paper as a recording medium. The image forming unit 171 can be configured, for example, by a laser printer or the like that uses an electrophotographic method. In this case, the image forming unit 171 forms an image using toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) that corresponds to a toner color (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, or black).

[0025] The image reading unit 173 generates scan data by scanning a print document to be read, and outputs electronic data in a predetermined format (e.g., PDF (Portable Document Format)) based on the scan data. The image reading unit 19 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 limitations on the configuration of the image reading unit 173, as long as it can read a reflected light image from the print document with the image sensor and output scan data (electronic data).

[0026] The communication unit 19 has a wired / wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices via, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, a telephone line, a fax line, etc.

[0027] The short-range wireless communication unit 21 communicates with other devices such as the terminal device 30 via a short-range wireless communication protocol such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared, NFC (Near field communication), or RFID (Radio frequency identification), and acquires authentication information, external commands, etc., which will be described later. When acquiring authentication information from an ID (Identity / Identification Card) card such as an IC (Integrated circuit) card or a magnetic card, a card reader capable of acquiring such card information can also be included in the short-range wireless communication unit 21. Note that a configuration in which the communication unit 19 is responsible for some of the functions of the short-range wireless communication unit 21 can also be adopted.

[0028] 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 RAM (Random access memory), an HDD (Hard disk drive), an SSD (Solid state drive), or a ROM (Read only memory).

[0029] In the first embodiment, the memory unit 23 stores an output unit control program 231, a display processing program 232, an associated application program 233, a user authentication program 234, a device information generation program 235, and a device information displayability determination program 236, and reserves a device setting value memory area 237 and a user information memory area 238.

[0030] The output unit control program 231 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 when controlling the output unit 17. After reading the output unit control program 231, the control unit 11 controls the output unit 17 and executes a job by causing the image forming unit 171 to output print data and the image reading unit 173 to output electronic data.

[0031] The display processing program 232 is a program read by the control unit 11 when controlling the display of, for example, a home screen (described later) or a setting screen based on each operation mode on the display unit 13. The control unit 11 that reads the display processing program 232 displays a display screen including device information on the display unit 13 at any of the following times: when the device is started up, when the device is restored from sleep mode, when auto-clear is performed, or when user authentication is performed if authentication mode is enabled. Note that auto-clear in this disclosure refers to a process executed when canceling a job itself or when canceling the input or selection of setting values ​​related to job execution. Generally, auto-clear can be executed by selecting an "auto-clear button" provided on the display screen. Note that the control unit 11 that reads the display processing program 232 restricts the display of device information on the display screen if the settings applied to the authenticated user satisfy certain conditions. Display control of device information on the display screen will be described later.

[0032] The cooperative application program 233 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 when starting cooperation with the terminal device 30. By reading the cooperative application program 233, the control unit 11 receives commands (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as external commands) including setting information and the like transmitted from the terminal device 30.

[0033] Here, "collaboration" means that at least two or more devices work together while sharing information to achieve a single result. In the first embodiment, setting information related to the execution of a job set in the terminal device 30 is transmitted to the multifunction device 10 as an external command. By acquiring the setting information, the multifunction device 10 can share the setting information related to the execution of the job with the terminal device 30.

[0034] In order for the multifunction peripheral 10 and the terminal device 30 to cooperate with each other, it is necessary to establish a connection between the multifunction peripheral 10 and the terminal device 30 and perform bidirectional communication. The connection established between the multifunction peripheral 10 and the terminal device 30 may be limited to only while the cooperative application 233 is running, or may be a connection that is maintained at all times while both devices are running. It is also possible to establish a connection only when necessary communication is to be performed.

[0035] The user authentication program 234 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 when authenticating a user logging in to the multifunction device 10. When the authentication function is on, the control unit 11 that has read the user authentication program 234 authenticates the user logging in to the device based on authentication information input via a login screen (described later). User authentication can be performed by knowledge authentication, such as combining the login username and login password of the user attempting to log in to the device, or by possession authentication using a terminal device 30 such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet, or an ID card such as an IC card or magnetic card, or biometric authentication using biometric information such as face authentication or fingerprint authentication.

[0036] The device information generation program 235 is a program read by the control unit 11 when generating device information including identification information of the multifunction device 10. The device information according to the present disclosure includes at least items related to the settings of the multifunction device 10 required for inputting setting information in the terminal device 30, identification information of the multifunction device 10, and connection-related items such as a session key. The control unit 11 that reads the device information generation program 235 generates this information as coded information and characters (numbers, English letters, kana, hiragana, kanji, symbols, etc.). The coded information may be a one-dimensional code such as a barcode (e.g., EAN code, JAN code, Codbar, CODE128, etc.) or a two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code may be a stacked two-dimensional code (e.g., PDF417, CODE49, etc.) or a matrix two-dimensional code (e.g., Quick Response Code (QR Code (registered trademark)), Data Matrix, VeriCode, Aztec, etc.). In the following description, a Quick Response Code (QR Code (registered trademark)) will be used as an example of device information.

[0037] The control unit 11 updates the device information either periodically or irregularly. For example, the control unit 11 may update the device information to accommodate new functions added when the driver program of the multifunction device 10 is updated. The control unit 11 may also update the device information when, for example, connection-related information such as a network address (IP address) is updated or changed due to a change in the device installation location.

[0038] An example of the configuration of device information will now be described using Fig. 3. The device information illustrated in Fig. 3 is written in a specific format, including interface (I / F) related items such as "name," "type," and "version," multifunction device related items such as "color mode," "transmission destination," "read settings," and "image orientation," and connection related items such as "device ID," "session key," and "installation country." The terminal device 30 can obtain the device information of the multifunction device 10 by reading and decoding the encoded device information. The terminal device 30 can connect to the multifunction device 10 based on the obtained device information.

[0039] Note that the device information items and their values ​​illustrated in Fig. 3 are merely examples, and the device information according to the present disclosure is not limited to that illustrated in Fig. 3. For example, to establish a secure connection, it is also possible to include a PIN (Personal Identification Number) or a one-time password generated by a token in the device information.

[0040] The device information displayability determination program 236 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when determining whether or not device information can be displayed on the display screen. After reading the device information displayability determination program 236, the control unit 11 determines whether or not device information can be displayed according to the settings for the authenticated user. The determination of whether or not device information can be displayed will be explained later.

[0041] The device setting value storage area 237 is a storage area for storing device setting values ​​related to the generation of device information. After reading the device information generation program 235, the control unit 11 generates device information by reading the device setting values ​​(e.g., setting values ​​related to "color mode," "transmission destination," "reading setting," "image orientation," etc.) stored in the device setting value storage area 237.

[0042] The user information storage area 238 is a storage area that stores authentication information for user authentication and tables related to settings applied to authenticated users (for example, user information and a command reception setting table, which will be described later). For example, in a mode in which user authentication is performed by inputting a combination of a login user name and a login password into a login screen, the user information storage area 238 stores the combination of the login user name and the login password of the login user who is authenticated as the authenticated user. The table stored in the user information storage area 238 is information that the control unit 11 refers to when determining whether or not to display device information, and is, for example, information that sets ON / OFF of the display of device information for each authenticated user.

[0043] [1.1.2 Terminal Device 30] The terminal device 30 according to the present disclosure can be configured as a so-called mobile terminal device, such as a smartphone, tablet, mobile phone, notebook computer, etc. The terminal device 30 is configured as a device that has at least a function of providing a (graphical) user interface, a function for communication, and a function specific to a mobile terminal device.

[0044] 4 is a functional configuration diagram of the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 includes a control unit 31, a display unit 33, an operation input unit 35, a communication unit 37, a short-range wireless communication unit 39, an imaging / scanning unit 41, and a storage unit 43.

[0045] The control unit 31 controls the entire terminal device 30. The control unit 31 is configured by, for example, one or more arithmetic units (CPUs, etc.), and realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 43.

[0046] The display unit 33 displays various information to the user, etc. The display unit 33 can be configured with, for example, an LCD, an organic EL display, etc. Based on the display control by the control unit 11 that reads the cooperative application program 431, the display unit 33 can display, for example, an application screen as a reception screen for receiving job settings.

[0047] The operation input unit 35 accepts information input from a user or the like. The operation input unit 35 can be configured as a touch panel display that allows input via the display unit 33. In this case, the input method for the touch panel display can be, for example, a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, a capacitance method, or the like.

[0048] The communication unit 37 includes a wired / wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices via a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, a telephone line, or the like.

[0049] The short-range wireless communication unit 39 is not particularly limited in its configuration as long as it can use a short-range wireless communication protocol such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared, NFC, RFID, etc., and can transmit authentication information, commands, etc. by communicating with other devices such as the multifunction peripheral 10. Note that it is also possible for the communication unit 37 to take on some of the functions of the short-range wireless communication unit 39.

[0050] Examples of the imaging / scanning unit 41 include an imaging device such as a camera, a scanning device using laser light, etc. When the multifunction peripheral 10 displays device information, the imaging / scanning unit 41 acquires this information under the control of the control unit 31 that has read the device information acquisition program 433. The imaging / scanning unit 41 is not particularly limited as long as it has a configuration that can acquire the device information of the multifunction peripheral 10, and when the device information is configured to be provided as electronic data, it is also possible to acquire the device information via the short-range wireless communication unit 39.

[0051] The storage unit 43 stores various programs and various data required for the operation of the terminal device 30. The storage unit 43 can be configured by a storage device such as a RAM, an HDD, an SSD, or a ROM.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 43 stores a cooperative application program 431, a device information acquisition program 433, and an authentication information transmission program 435, and reserves an authentication information storage area 437 and a setting value storage area 439.

[0053] The cooperative application program 431 is a program that is read by the control unit 31 when starting cooperation with the multifunction device 10. By reading the cooperative application program 431, the control unit 31 can generate an application screen that accepts settings for a job to be executed by the multifunction device 10, and output instructions to the multifunction device 10 to execute the job, etc.

[0054] Furthermore, the control unit 31 that reads the cooperative application program 431 generates setting information to be used for executing a job based on various setting values ​​input and selected via the generated application screen. Then, the control unit 31 can send the generated setting information to the multifunction device 10 as an external command using necessary connection information included in the device information acquired from the multifunction device 10.

[0055] 5A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of setting information transmitted by the control unit 31 as an external command. FIG. 5A shows an example of the configuration of setting information, which includes setting items input and selected via an application screen or the like, such as "mode," "transmission destination," "read settings," "image orientation," and "color mode." The control unit 31 transmits this setting information to the multifunction device 10 as an external command based on connection information, such as the device ID: "jv6Ou3QBGv8w6yNtGt" and the session key: "1qazxsw23edcvfr45tgbnhy67ujm,ki8----," acquired from the device information of the multifunction device 10.

[0056] The device information acquisition program 433 is a program that is read by the control unit 31 when acquiring device information from the multifunction device 10. The control unit 31 that has read the device information acquisition program 433 controls the imaging / operation unit 41 and the short-range wireless communication unit 39 to acquire the device information from the multifunction device 10.

[0057] The authentication information transmission program 435 is a program that is read by the control unit 31 when logging in to the multifunction device 10 via the terminal device 30. When a user of the terminal device 30 attempts to log in to the multifunction device 10 without using the login screen provided by the multifunction device 10, the control unit 31 that has read the authentication information transmission program 435 transmits, for example, authentication information shown in FIG. 5(b) to the multifunction device 10. Note that FIG. 5(b) is an example in which the authentication information includes a user ID "0001", a password "*****", and a user name "Ai Ueo". The authentication information can be transmitted via the short-range wireless communication unit 39 or the communication unit 37.

[0058] The authentication information storage area 437 is a storage area for storing authentication information to be transmitted to the multifunction device 10.

[0059] The setting value storage area 439 is a storage area for storing setting values ​​related to job execution. The setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage area 439 can be read out as needed when the control unit 31 generates setting information.

[0060] [1.2 Processing flow] [1.2.1 Overall processing] Next, the overall processing according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0061] First, the multifunction device 10 starts the cooperative application based on a start instruction from the user (step S10). Note that the cooperative application of the multifunction device 10 is not limited to being started in response to a start instruction input from the user, and can also be started automatically, for example, when the device is started, when it is restored from sleep mode, or when an auto-clear is performed.

[0062] The user operates the terminal device 30 to input an instruction to start the cooperative application (step S12).

[0063] For example, if user authentication is required for the operation of the cooperative application in the multifunction device 10, the terminal device 30 transmits authentication information to the multifunction device 30 (step S14).

[0064] Upon receiving the authentication information, the multifunction device 10 performs user authentication and device information display permission / prohibition determination processing (step S16). Details of the processing related to step S16 will be described later.

[0065] If the user authentication is successful and the display of the device information is valid, the multifunction device 10 displays the device information (step S18), and then transmits a response signal indicating that the user authentication is successful to the terminal device 30 (step S20).

[0066] When the terminal device 30 receives the response signal from the multifunction device 10, the terminal device 30 starts up the cooperative application (step S22).

[0067] The user inputs various setting values ​​required for executing the job via an application screen provided by the cooperative application of the terminal device 30 (step S24).

[0068] The terminal device 30 receives the various input setting values ​​and stores them in the setting value storage area 439 (step S26).

[0069] Next, when the user selects the start button to input an instruction to execute the job (step S28), the terminal device 30 acquires device information from the multifunction device 10 (step S30).

[0070] The terminal device 30 generates setting information based on the various setting values ​​stored. Then, the terminal device 30 transmits the generated setting information to the multifunction device 10 as an external command using necessary connection information included in the device information acquired from the multifunction device 10 (step S32). Note that the external command transmitted to the multifunction device 10 may include, in addition to the setting information related to the execution of the job, other information, commands, etc., such as an instruction command for executing the job.

[0071] Then, the multifunction device 10 executes the job based on the received external command (step S34).

[0072] [1.2.2 Processing of the multifunction device 10] Next, the processing of the multifunction device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 7. First, the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 determines whether the device state is device startup or recovery from sleep mode (step S100).

[0073] If the control unit 11 determines that the device is starting up or recovering from sleep mode, the control unit 11 starts the device startup process. Specifically, the control unit 11 reads the cooperative application program 233 and starts the cooperative application (step S100; Yes→step S110).

[0074] On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the input is not device startup or recovery from sleep mode, it determines whether the input is auto-clear (step S100; No→step S120).

[0075] If the control unit 11 determines that the input is for auto-clear, it shifts the process to step S130 (step S120; Yes→step S130). On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the input is not for auto-clear, it shifts the process to step S210 (step S120; No→step S210).

[0076] Next, the control unit 11 performs user authentication and determines whether or not the device information can be displayed (step S130). Note that the user authentication and determination whether or not the device information can be displayed in step S130 will be described in the next drawing.

[0077] When the user authentication and the determination of whether the device information can be displayed are completed, the control unit 11 determines whether information related to the connection, such as the driver program and the session key, has been updated (step S140). If there is any updated information, the control unit 11 reads the device information generation program 235 and updates the device information based on the updated information (step S140; Yes→step S150).

[0078] Then, the control unit 11 displays a display screen including the device information updated in step S150 on the display unit 13 (step S160).

[0079] On the other hand, if there is no update information, the control unit 11 does not update the device information, and displays the device information on the display unit 13 (step S140; No→step S160).

[0080] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a "close button" provided on the display screen including the device information has been selected (step S170). If the "close button" has not been selected, the control unit 11 makes a job acquisition request (step S170; No→step S180).

[0081] Then, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a job has been acquired (step S180). If it is determined that a job has been acquired from the terminal device 30, the control unit 11 executes the acquired job and ends the process (step S190; Yes→step S200). If it is determined that a job has not been acquired from the terminal device 30, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S170 (step S190; No→step S170).

[0082] Incidentally, when the "close button" is selected, the control unit 11 displays the home screen (step S170; Yes→step S210). In this case, the control unit 11 does not output the job acquired from the terminal device 30.

[0083] Then, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a job execution instruction has been received via the home screen (step S220). If it is determined that a job execution instruction has been input via the home screen by the user, the control unit 11 executes the job and ends the process (step S220; Yes → step S200). Note that if a job execution instruction has not been input, the control unit 11 continues to display the home screen (step S220; No → step S210).

[0084] Next, the user authentication to device information display permission determination relating to step S130 in Fig. 7 will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. The processing described here can be executed by the control unit 11 reading out the user authentication program 234, the device information display permission determination program 236, etc.

[0085] 8 is a flowchart for explaining user authentication and determination of whether or not device information can be displayed. First, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the authentication mode related to user authentication is enabled (ON). The authentication mode can be enabled / disabled by, for example, an administrator user with administrator authority via a setting screen, which will be described later.

[0086] When the authentication mode is enabled and, for example, authentication processing is performed based on authentication information input via a login screen, the control unit 11 displays a login screen (authentication screen) on the display unit 13 (step S310).

[0087] Then, the control unit 11 accepts input of a login user name and a login password as authentication information via the login screen (step S320). The control unit 11 stores the login user name and the login password in association with each other, and performs user authentication by comparing the login user name and the login password accepted in step S320.

[0088] 9(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of an authentication information table stored in the user information storage area 238. The authentication information table includes, for example, an "ID" for uniquely identifying a user, a (login) "password," and a (login) "user name." The control unit 11 can perform user authentication by checking the authentication information table for the combination of login user name and login password received via the login screen.

[0089] If the result of matching the login user name and login password indicates that user authentication is successful, the control unit 11 refers to the external command reception setting (step S330; Yes → step S340). A login user whose user authentication is successful is referred to as an authenticated user. On the other hand, if user authentication is not successful, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S320 (step S330; No → step S320).

[0090] Here, a description will be given of the external command reception setting referred to by the control unit 11. Fig. 9(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of a command reception setting table according to the first embodiment.

[0091] The command reception setting table illustrated in FIG. 9(b) includes "ID," "password," "user name," and "command reception YES / No." The "ID," "password," and "user name" are the same items as those included in the authentication information table illustrated in FIG. 9(a). The "command reception YES / No" is an item that indicates whether an external command can be received for each authenticated user with YES or NO. For example, for the authenticated user with "user name Ai Ueo" associated with "ID 0001," the "command reception YES / No" is set to "YES." In this case, when the user with "user name Ai Ueo" is logged in to the multifunction peripheral 10 as an authenticated user, the control unit 11 receives an external command transmitted from the terminal device 30. On the other hand, when the user with "user name Tate Denjin" is logged in to the multifunction peripheral 10 as an authenticated user, the control unit 11 does not receive an external command transmitted from the terminal device 30.

[0092] As a result of referring to the external command reception setting, if the setting for external command reception for the authenticated user is "YES", the control unit 11 refers to the port usage setting (step S350; Yes->step S360).

[0093] Here, the port usage setting according to the first embodiment is a setting as to whether or not a port (port number) for identifying a service (application process or thread) on TCP / UDP can be used. Fig. 9(c) is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of a port usage setting table according to the first embodiment.

[0094] The port usage setting table illustrated in FIG. 9(c) includes an "ID," a "password," a "user name," and a "Port No. / NO." The "ID," "password," and "user name" are the same items as those included in the authentication information table illustrated in FIG. 9(a). The "Port No. / NO" is an item that indicates whether a port number can be used for each authenticated user by a port number or by "NO," which indicates that the port cannot be used. For example, for the authenticated user with "user name Ai Ueo" associated with "ID 0001," the "Port No. / NO" is set to "Port No. 1." In this case, when the user with "user name Ai Ueo" logs in to the multifunction peripheral 10 as an authenticated user, the control unit 11 permits the use of port No. 1. On the other hand, when the user with "user name Tate Denjin" logs in to the multifunction peripheral 10 as an authenticated user, the "Port No. / NO" is set to "NO," so the control unit 11 does not permit the use of the port.

[0095] In the example of Figure 9(c), for ease of understanding, the port numbers are shown as fictitious port numbers such as "Port No. 1" and "Port No. 3," but they may also be expressed as specific system port (well-known port) numbers such as "Port No. 80 (http)," "Port No. 443 (https)," or "Port No. 21 (ftp)," or other registered port numbers, private numbers, etc. Furthermore, in addition to or separately from the port numbers, it is also possible to set for each authenticated user whether protocols such as "http," "https," "smtp," and "pop" can be used.

[0096] If the result of referring to the port usage settings indicates that the port usage settings for the authenticated user are permitted (OK), the control unit 11 refers to the user information table (step S370; Yes→step S380).

[0097] Here, the user information according to the present disclosure refers to setting whether the display of device information is on or off for each authenticated user. For example, Fig. 9(d) is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of a user information table according to the first embodiment.

[0098] The user information table illustrated in FIG. 9(d) includes "ID," "password," "user name," and "device information ON / OFF." "ID," "password," and "user name" are the same items as those included in the authentication information table illustrated in FIG. 9(a). "Device information ON / OFF" is an item that indicates whether device information is displayed or hidden for each authenticated user by "ON / OFF." For example, for the authenticated user with "user name Ai Ueo" associated with "ID 0001," "Device information ON / OFF" is set to "ON." In this case, when the user with "user name Ai Ueo" is logged in to the multifunction peripheral 10 as an authenticated user, the control unit 11 displays the device information. On the other hand, when the user with "user name Tate Denjin" is logged in to the multifunction peripheral 10 as an authenticated user, the control unit 11 does not display the device information because "Device information ON / OFF" is set to "OFF."

[0099] As a result of referring to the user information table, if the device information is ON, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S140 in FIG. 7 (step S390; Yes->step S140 in FIG. 7).

[0100] Meanwhile, if the external command reception is "NO" (step S350; No), if the port usage is "NO" (step S370; No), or if the display of device information is "OFF" (step S390; No), the control unit 11 displays the home screen without displaying the device information (step S210 in FIG. 7), and executes the processing from step S220 onwards.

[0101] [1.2.3 Processing by the terminal device 30] Next, the flow of processing by the terminal device 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 10. The control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 determines whether or not an instruction to start the cooperative application 431 has been received from the user (step S500).

[0102] If it is determined that the instruction to start the cooperative application 431 has been received, the control unit 31 transmits authentication information to the multifunction device 10 (step S500; Yes→step S510).

[0103] Then, the control unit 31 determines whether or not a response signal indicating that authentication has been successful has been received from the multifunction device 10 (step S520). If it is determined that a response signal has been received, the control unit 31 reads out the cooperative application program 431 to display an application screen as a user interface on the display unit 33 (step S530). If it is determined that a response signal has not been received, the control unit 31 waits until a response signal is received (step S520; No).

[0104] Next, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the user has selected a copy job via the application screen (step S540). If it is determined that the user has selected a copy job, the control unit 31 displays a copy job execution screen on the display unit 33 (step S540; Yes→step S550).

[0105] The control unit 31 receives input of the setting values ​​via the copy job execution screen displayed in step S550 (step S560), and stores the received setting values ​​in the setting value storage area 439 (step S570).

[0106] The control unit 31 determines whether the "start button" has been selected by the user (step S580). If it is determined that the "start button" has been selected by the user, the control unit 31 acquires device information from the multifunction device 10 (step S580; Yes -> step S590). That is, after the start key is selected, the control unit 31 reads the device information acquisition program 433 and acquires the device information displayed on the display unit 13 of the multifunction device 10.

[0107] Next, the control unit 31 generates setting information from the various setting values ​​stored in the setting value memory area 439, transmits it using the necessary connection information included in the device information acquired in step S590 (step S600), and ends the processing.

[0108] Meanwhile, if it is determined in step S540 that a copy job has not been selected by the user, the control unit 31 determines whether or not a scan job has been selected (step S540; No → step S610). If it is determined that a scan job has been selected, the control unit 31 displays a scan job execution screen on the display unit 33 (step S610; Yes → step S620). After displaying the scan job execution screen on the display unit 33, the control unit 31 executes the processes from step S560 onwards.

[0109] If it is determined in step S610 that the user has not selected a scan job, the control unit 31 determines whether another job (e.g., a fax job) has been selected (step S610; No→step S630). If it is determined that another job has been selected, the control unit 31 displays a job execution screen for the other job (step S630; Yes→step S640), and executes the processes from step S660 onward.

[0110] [1.3 Example of operation] Next, an operation example according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a login screen W10 displayed on the display unit 13 by the control unit 11 of the multifunction peripheral 10 reading out the user authentication program 234. This operation example corresponds to the processing of step S310 in Fig. 8.

[0111] The login screen W10 includes a login user name input box Bx10, a login password input box Bx12, a login button B10, and a cancel button B12.

[0112] The login user name input box Bx10 is a box that accepts input of the login user name of a user attempting to log in to the multifunction device 10.

[0113] The login password input box Bx12 is a box that accepts input of a login password associated with the login user name of a user attempting to log in to the multifunction peripheral 10.

[0114] The login button B10 is a button that accepts an instruction to confirm the contents entered by the user in the login user name input box Bx10 and the login password input box Bx12. The cancel button B12 is a button that accepts an instruction to cancel the authentication process. After entering a login user name in the login user name input box Bx10 and a login password in the login password input box Bx12, the user can input an instruction to execute the authentication process by selecting the login button B10.

[0115] 12 is a diagram illustrating another aspect of the login screen. The login screen W20 includes a selection button display area R10 that displays selection buttons assigned to each user attempting to log in to the multifunction peripheral 10.

[0116] The selection buttons shown in the selection button display area R10 are created as icons for each user based on the user's authentication information (e.g., login user name, email address, login password, etc.) registered via a user addition / editing screen not shown.

[0117] A user attempting to log in to the multifunction device 10 selects an icon (selection button) that represents the user. Then, the user can perform login authentication by entering a login password via a login password entry screen (not shown) that is displayed upon selection of the icon. By selecting an icon that represents the user, the login screen W20 can omit the entry of a login user name, allowing the user to execute the login process simply and quickly.

[0118] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the home screen W30 that the control unit 11 displays on the display unit 13 in step S210 of FIG. 7. The home screen W30 is a basic screen that accepts, for example, the user's job selection and the selection of various function displays. The home screen W30 includes a job / function selection button B14, a display forward button B16, a job status button B18, and a login user name display area R12.

[0119] The job / function selection buttons B14 accept the user's selection of a desired job, function display, etc. For example, when the user selects the "Easy Copy" button among the job / function selection buttons B14, the control unit 11 displays a job execution screen (not shown) for configuring the "Easy Copy" setting. In addition, the job / function selection buttons B14 in the first embodiment include a remote operation button B20 for enabling screen transition to the display screen W40 described in the next figure. When the user selects the remote operation button B20, the control unit 11 transitions the screen display to the display screen W40, enabling the use of the output method according to the present disclosure. Job / function selection buttons not displayed on the screen can be displayed by selecting the display skip button B16. The display configuration example of the job / function selection buttons B14 in FIG. 13 is merely illustrative, and the configuration of the job / function selection buttons B14 is not limited to that described in FIG. 13.

[0120] The job status button B18 accepts an input of a notification instruction regarding the progress status, reservation status, etc. of a job being executed by the multifunction device 10. When the job status button B18 is selected by the user, the control unit 11 displays the progress status, reservation status, etc. of the job (not shown).

[0121] The login user name display area R12 is a display area that displays the user name of the authenticated user who is logged in to the multifunction peripheral 10 (in the example of FIG. 12, the authenticated user with the login user name "Ai Ueo").

[0122] Fig. 14 shows an example of the configuration of the display screen W40 that the multifunction device 10 displays on the display unit 13. Note that this operation example corresponds to the processing of step S160 in Fig. 7, and the display screen W40 is displayed when the device is started up, when it is restored from sleep mode, when auto-clearing is performed, or when the remote operation button B20 on the home screen W30 is selected, etc.

[0123] The display screen W40 has an operation procedure display area R14 and a close button B22. The operation procedure display area R14 is an area for explaining the operation procedure of the output method according to the first embodiment using illustrations or animations. In the example of Fig. 14, the operation procedure is explained in the following order: (1) document setting, (2) settings on the terminal device, and (3) job execution.

[0124] The operating procedure display area R14 includes a device information display area R16 that displays device information of the multifunction peripheral 10. In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which a quick response (QR) code is used as encoded information representing the device information. A QR code (registered trademark) is a two-dimensional code for representing data in a graphical format. Note that, in addition to a QR code, information encoded with one or more of a bar code, a symbol, and alphanumeric characters can also be used as the device information. Note that, in the first embodiment, the device information displayed in the device information display area R16 is displayed when the authentication mode related to user authentication is enabled and the settings related to "receiving external commands," "port usage," and "displaying device information" for the authenticated user are all enabled.

[0125] The terminal device 30 can execute a job by reading the QR code displayed as device information in the device information display area R16 using an imaging device such as a camera or a scanning device using laser light.

[0126] The close button B22 is a button that accepts selection when the user desires to execute a job via the normal home screen without using the output method according to the present disclosure. When the close button B22 is selected, the control unit 11 displays the home screen W30 on the display unit 13.

[0127] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display configuration of the device information display area R16 when the display of device information is disabled (OFF). When the display of device information is disabled (for example, when the authenticated user is "Kaki Hisako" and only the display of device information is set to "OFF" (see FIG. 9)), a message such as "QR code display is restricted. Please operate from the MFP main unit." is displayed in the device information display area R16. This allows the user to understand that operation from the MFP main unit is required without using device information. In this case, the user can select the close button B22 to display the home screen W30 and then instruct execution of a job. Note that when only the display of device information is set to disabled (OFF), control may be exercised to transition to the home screen W30 without displaying the above message in the device information display area R16.

[0128] Fig. 16(a) shows an example of the configuration of an application screen W50 that the control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 displays on the display unit 33 when a user issues an instruction to launch the cooperative application 431. This operation example corresponds to the processing of step S530 in Fig. 10. The application screen W50 includes a menu display area R18 and a favorites list display area R20.

[0129] The menu display area R18 includes a copy job selection button, a scan job selection button B24, and a fax job selection button. The copy job selection button accepts the user's selection of a copy job. When the copy job selection button is selected, the control unit 31 can determine that the user has selected a copy job. When the copy job selection button is selected, the control unit 31 displays a copy job execution screen (not shown) on the display unit 33.

[0130] The scan job selection button B24 accepts the selection of a scan job by the user. When the scan job selection button B24 is selected, the control unit 31 can determine that a scan job has been selected by the user. When the scan job selection button B24 is selected, the control unit 31 displays the scan job execution screen W50a on the display unit 33.

[0131] The fax job selection button accepts the selection of a fax job by the user. When the fax job selection button is selected, the control unit 31 can determine that a fax job has been selected by the user. When the fax job selection button is selected, the control unit 31 displays a fax job execution screen (not shown) on the display unit 33.

[0132] The favorites list display area R20 displays items that are frequently used by the user in list form. The favorites list can be displayed in ascending or descending order using the sort button B26.

[0133] 16(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the scan job execution screen W50a displayed by the control unit 31 in response to selection of the scan job selection button B24 in the menu display area R18. The scan job execution screen W50a includes a setting value setting area R22 and a start button B28.

[0134] The setting value setting area R22 is an area that accepts input and selection of destination information and setting values ​​related to scan job execution. The setting value setting area R22 includes setting items related to scan job execution such as "Enter address," which accepts input and selection of an address as destination information, "Send to self," "Read settings," "Image orientation," and "Color mode." The user can input and select destination information and setting values ​​related to the scan job via the setting value setting area R22.

[0135] The start button B28 is a button that accepts input of an instruction to execute a scan job. After completing input of the destination information and setting values ​​in the setting value setting area R22, the user can send an instruction to execute a scan job to the multifunction device 10 by selecting the start button B28.

[0136] 17 shows an example of the configuration of a device information acquisition screen displayed by the control unit 31 of the terminal device 30 when the start button B28 on the scan job execution screen W50a is selected and device information displayed on the multifunction device 10 is acquired. The device information acquisition screen W60a includes a device information acquisition area R24 and a status display area R26.

[0137] 17, when the acquired device information is coded information such as a QR code (registered trademark), the device information acquisition area R24 can be configured as a guideline that guides the user so that the coded information fits within the reading area of ​​the imaging device or scanning device. The user operates the terminal device 30 so that the coded information such as a QR code (registered trademark) fits within the device information acquisition area R24.

[0138] The status display area R26 is an area that displays the progress (status) of an operation or job to the user. For example, in the status display area R26 of the device information acquisition screen W60a, a QR code (registered trademark) is placed in the device information acquisition area R24 and a message is displayed instructing the user to read the QR code (registered trademark).

[0139] When the QR code (registered trademark) is read and the device information is acquired, the control unit 31 transitions the device information acquisition screen W60a to a device information acquisition screen W60b. On the device information acquisition screen W60b, a message is displayed in the status display area R26 indicating that a job is being sent to the multifunction device 10.

[0140] When the job has been sent to the multifunction device 10, the control unit 31 transitions the display screen to the device information acquisition screen W60c. On the device information acquisition screen W60c, a message indicating that the job has been sent is displayed in the status display area R26.

[0141] 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an authentication mode setting screen W70 that accepts a setting to enable / disable the authentication mode related to user authentication. The authentication mode setting screen W70 includes an ON button B28 that accepts a setting to enable (ON) the authentication mode, and an OFF button B30 that accepts a setting to disable (OFF) the authentication mode.

[0142] The user can set the authentication mode to be enabled or disabled by selecting either the ON button B28 or the OFF button B30.

[0143] 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the external command reception setting screen W80 that accepts settings for whether or not to accept external commands for each authenticated user. The external command reception setting screen W80 includes a permit button B32 that accepts a setting that allows (YES) the reception of external commands, and a prohibit button B34 that accepts a setting that prohibits (NO) the reception of external commands.

[0144] The user can set whether or not to accept external commands for the authenticated user by selecting either the Allow button B32 or the Prohibit button B34. The settings accepted on the external command acceptance setting screen W80 are stored in the command acceptance setting table.

[0145] 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a port usage setting screen W90 that accepts port usage settings for each authenticated user. The port usage setting screen W90 includes a permit button B36 that accepts a setting that allows (port number) use of a port (port number), and a prohibit button B38 that accepts a setting that prohibits (NO) use of a port (port number).

[0146] The user can configure port usage settings for the authenticated user by selecting either the Allow button B36 or the Deny button B38. The settings accepted on the port usage settings screen W90 are stored in a port usage settings table. Alternatively, a port usage settings table may be provided that stores the port settings available for the device itself. In this case, the same port usage settings are applied to all users based on the settings in the table.

[0147] As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the authentication mode is enabled, the display of device information is controlled based on the settings applied to each authenticated user, such as reception of external commands, port usage, etc., thereby reducing the hassle associated with displaying device information. This makes it possible to provide an image processing device or the like with excellent operability.

[0148] [2 Second embodiment] The second embodiment is a form in which different operation authorities can be applied to authenticated users.

[0149] [2.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment can be substantially similar to the functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral 10 according to the first embodiment. The functional configuration of the terminal device can also be substantially similar to the functional configuration of the terminal device 30 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0150] [2.2 Processing flow] [2.2.1 Processing of the multifunction device 10] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the processing from step S330 onwards relating to user authentication in Fig. 8. Therefore, the processing from step S330 onwards will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 21.

[0151] If the user authentication is successful in step S330, the control unit 11 refers to the user information table (step S330; Yes→step S380). On the other hand, if the user authentication is not successful, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S320 (step S330; No→step S320).

[0152] The control unit 11 refers to the user information table and determines the device information type A for each authenticated user (step S400). If the control unit 11 determines that the device information type A is "Type 1," the control unit 11 proceeds to step S140 in FIG. 7 (step S400; "Type 1" → "Step S140"). If the control unit 11 determines that the device information type A is "Type 2," the control unit 11 displays a display screen in which the device information is not displayed (step S400; "Type 2" → Step S410). If the "Close button" is selected on the display screen, the control unit 11 displays the home screen (step S210 in FIG. 7), and executes the processes of steps S220 and S200.

[0153] Furthermore, if the control unit 11 determines that the device information type A is “type 3”, it executes the processing related to steps S420 to S470 corresponding to steps S140 to S200 in FIG. 7 (step S400; “type 3”→steps S420 to S470).

[0154] Here, the device information type A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 22. Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of a user information table according to the second embodiment.

[0155] The user information table illustrated in Fig. 22 includes an "ID," a "password," a "user name," and a "device information type A." The "ID," "password," and "user name" are the same items as those included in the authentication information table illustrated in Fig. 9(a). The "device information type A" indicates the operating authority set for each authenticated user.

[0156] Here, Type 1 is operation authority given to a user who is permitted to operate the device from the main unit when the device information display is canceled, Type 2 is operation authority given to a user who is permitted to operate the device only from the main unit without the device information being displayed, and Type 3 is operation authority given to a user who is permitted to operate only from the displayed device information.

[0157] That is, in the second embodiment, different operation authorities can be granted to each authenticated user. For example, operation authority according to type 2 can be granted to a user who has problems with network connection in exchanging information via device information, or a user who does not wish to remotely operate the multifunction device, and only operations from the main body of the multifunction device can be permitted. On the other hand, operation authority according to type 3 can be granted to a user who is likely to perform unnecessary operations on the multifunction device, and operations from the main body of the multifunction device can be restricted.

[0158] 22 is an example in which "Type 1" of device type information A is set for "User name Ai Ueo" associated with "ID 0001" and "User name Kaki Hisaeko" associated with "ID 0002". Similarly, "Type 2" of device information type A is set for "User name Tate Denjin" associated with "ID 0003", and "Type 3" of device information type A is set for "User name Naha Nuneno" associated with "ID 0004".

[0159] 23(a) is a diagram illustrating one aspect of the display screen W40a that is displayed when the device information type A is set to "Type 1." When the device information type A is set to "Type 1," a QR code (registered trademark) is displayed as device information in the device information display area R16, and a close button B22 that accepts an instruction to cancel the display of the device information (display screen W40a) is also displayed. When the close button B22 is selected, the home screen W30 illustrated in FIG. 12 is displayed, and the user can operate the multifunction peripheral 10 itself.

[0160] 23(b) is a diagram illustrating one aspect of the display screen W40b that is displayed when the device information type A is set to "Type 2." When the device information type A is set to "Type 2," a QR code (registered trademark) is not displayed as device information in the device information display area R16. However, the close button B22 is displayed, so the user can perform operations from the multifunction peripheral 10 itself via the home screen W30.

[0161] 23(c) is a diagram illustrating one aspect of the display screen W40c that is displayed when the device information type A is set to "Type 3." When the device information type A is set to "Type 3," a QR code (registered trademark) is displayed as device information in the device information display area R16, but the close button B22 is not displayed. Because the close button B22 is not provided, the user cannot display the home screen W30, and cannot perform operations from the multifunction device 10 itself.

[0162] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce the hassle involved in displaying device information, and different operating authorities can be granted to each authenticated user, so that authenticated users can be managed according to their operating authorities, enabling more flexible device operation.

[0163] [3 Third embodiment] The third embodiment is an embodiment in which decision information relating to whether or not device information is displayable is acquired from the terminal device 30.

[0164] [3.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the third embodiment can be substantially similar to the functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral 10 according to the first embodiment. The functional configuration of the terminal device can also be substantially similar to the functional configuration of the terminal device 30 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0165] [3.2 Processing flow] [3.2.1 Processing of the multifunction device 10] As with the second embodiment, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the processing from the processing related to user authentication in step S330 in Fig. 8 onwards. Therefore, the processing from step S330 onwards will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 24.

[0166] If the user authentication is successful in step S330, the control unit 11 refers to the user information table (step S330; Yes→step S380). On the other hand, if the user authentication is not successful, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S320 (step S330; No→step S320).

[0167] The control unit 11 refers to the user information table and determines the device information type B for each authenticated user (step S480).

[0168] If it is determined that the device information type B is "type B ON", the control unit 11 proceeds to step S140 in FIG. 7 (step S480; "type B ON" → "step S140"). On the other hand, if it is determined that the device information type B is "type B OFF", the control unit 11 displays a display screen in which the device information is not displayed (step S480; "type B OFF" → "step S490"). If the "close button" is selected on the display screen, the control unit 11 displays the home screen (step S210 in FIG. 7) and executes the processes of steps S220 and S200.

[0169] Furthermore, if the control unit 11 determines that the device information type B is “Type B EXT”, it determines whether or not display determination information has been received from the terminal device 30 as determination information regarding whether or not the device information can be displayed (Step S480; “Type B EXT” → Step S800).

[0170] When the control unit 11 receives display availability determination information from the terminal device 30 and determines that the device information type B is "type B ON", the control unit 11 proceeds to step S140 in FIG. 7 (step S810; "type B ON" → "step S140"). When the control unit 11 determines that the device information type B is "type B OFF", the control unit 11 displays a display screen in which the device information is not displayed (step S810; "type B OFF" → "step S490"). When the "close button" is selected on the display screen, the control unit 11 displays the home screen (step S210 in FIG. 7), and executes the processes of steps S220 and S200.

[0171] If the display possibility determination information has not been received from the terminal device 30, the process waits until it is received (step S810; No).

[0172] [3.2.2 Processing by the terminal device 30] The processing flow of the terminal device 30 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of step S510 of the first embodiment described in Fig. 10 except that transmission of display ON / OFF information for device information is added. Therefore, the processing of the terminal device 30 will not be described here.

[0173] FIG. 25(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of a user information table according to the third embodiment.

[0174] The user information table illustrated in FIG. 25(a) includes an "ID," a "password," a "user name," and a "device information type B." The "ID," "password," and "user name" are the same items as those included in the authentication information table illustrated in FIG. 9(a). The "device information type B" is an item that indicates whether or not device information is to be displayed for each authenticated user as "ON / OFF." This differs from the user information table illustrated in FIG. 9(d) of the first embodiment in that decision information regarding whether or not device information is to be displayed is obtained from the terminal device 30.

[0175] For example, for the authenticated user with "user name NAGA NUNENO" associated with "ID 0004", "EXT" (displayability determination information is acquired from the terminal device 30) is set as "device information type B".

[0176] Fig. 25(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the display permission determination information transmitted by the terminal device 30 to the multifunction device 10 in step S510 of Fig. 10. Fig. 25(b) is an example in which the setting to turn on the display of device information is applied to the authenticated user with "User name: Nuneno" associated with "ID 0004."

[0177] [3.3 Example of operation] Next, an operation example according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 26. Fig. 26 is a diagram illustrating an operation example for generating displayability determination information via the application screen W50 of the terminal device 30.

[0178] When the user selects the application settings button B40 included in the favorites list display area R20 of the application screen W50 shown in FIG. 26(a), the control unit 31 displays the application settings area R28 illustrated in FIG. 26(b). The application settings area R28 includes a QR code display setting item. The user can enable (ON) the display of device information by selecting the ON button B42 provided in the application settings area R28. On the other hand, to disable (OFF) the display of device information, the user can disable (OFF) the display of device information by selecting the OFF button B44.

[0179] As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to reduce the hassle associated with displaying device information, and since the configuration is such that display determination information related to determining whether or not to display device information can be obtained from the terminal device and set, more flexible device operation can be achieved in cooperation with the terminal device.

[0180] [4 Fourth embodiment] The fourth embodiment relates to an output system including a multifunction peripheral, a terminal device, and a network service. The terminal device can cause the multifunction peripheral to execute a job via the network service.

[0181] 27 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an output system 200 according to the fourth embodiment. The output system 200 includes a multifunction peripheral 10, a terminal device 30, and a network service 50. Note that the output system 200 may also be provided with a separate external authentication server (not shown) that performs user authentication for the multifunction peripheral 10.

[0182] The multifunction device 10 is communicably connected to a network service 50 via a network (NW) indicated by a solid line in the figure. The terminal device 30 is configured to be able to acquire device information from the multifunction device 10.

[0183] [4.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the fourth embodiment can be substantially similar to the functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral 10 according to the first embodiment. The functional configuration of the terminal device can also be substantially similar to the functional configuration of the terminal device 30 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0184] [4.1.1 About Network Service 50] The network service 50 is a so-called cloud computing system that provides predetermined services such as processing resources, storage resources, and distribution resources via a web browser or the like. The services provided by the network service 50 can be accessed and used from the multifunction peripheral 10 or the terminal device 30 via a network (NW) using any of data communication protocols such as the Transmission Control Protocol, the Internet Protocol, or other protocols. The network service 50 includes one or more network devices as hardware. In the following description, unless a specific hardware configuration is specifically indicated, the service will be simply referred to as the network service 50.

[0185] 28 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of hardware included in network service 50. Network service 50 includes control unit 51, display unit 53, operation input unit 55, communication unit 57, and storage unit 59.

[0186] The control unit 51 controls the entire network service 50. The control unit 51 is configured by, for example, one or more arithmetic units (CPUs, etc.). The control unit 51 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 59.

[0187] The display unit 53 displays various information to the user, etc. The display unit 53 can be configured, for example, by an LCD, an organic EL display, or the like.

[0188] The operation input unit 55 accepts input of information from a user, etc. The operation input unit 55 can use input means such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, etc.

[0189] The communication unit 57 includes a wired / wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices via a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, a telephone line, or the like.

[0190] The storage unit 59 stores various programs and various data required for the operation of the network service 50. The storage unit 59 can be configured by a storage device such as a RAM, an HDD, an SSD, or a ROM.

[0191] In the fourth embodiment, the storage unit 59 stores a terminal authentication program 591 and a job transmission program 593, and reserves a job storage area 595.

[0192] The terminal device authentication program 591 is a program that is read by the control unit 51 when authenticating a connection with the terminal device 30. When an external command including setting information is transmitted from the terminal device 30, the control unit 51 that has read the terminal device authentication program 591 authenticates the connection with the terminal device 30 based on the session key of the connection information transmitted together with the external command.

[0193] The job sending program 593 is a program that the control unit 51 reads out when sending a job to the multifunction device 10. After reading out the job sending program 593, the control unit 51 searches for a job corresponding to the device ID of the multifunction device 10 in response to, for example, HTTPS (Hyper text transfer protocol secure) long polling from the multifunction device 10. If a job corresponding to the device ID of the multifunction device 10 is stored in the job storage area 595, the control unit 51 reads out the job and sends it to the multifunction device 10.

[0194] The job storage area 595 is a storage area for storing external commands transmitted from the terminal device 30 with a job ID attached thereto. The job ID can also be attached on the terminal device 30 side. In this case, the terminal device 30 can attach the job ID to the setting information and connection information included in the external command and then transmit the external command to the network service 50. The control unit 51, which has received the external command, stores the received external command in the job storage area 595 as a job.

[0195] 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a job stored in the job storage area 595. The connection information and setting information are the same as those illustrated in FIG. 5(a). The control unit 51 receives this information as an external command and stores it in the job storage area 595 with a "job ID" (for example, "#0001") to uniquely identify the job.

[0196] [4.2 Processing flow] [4.2.1 Overall processing] Next, the overall processing according to the fourth embodiment will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 30. The overall processing described in Fig. 30 can be performed in substantially the same manner as the overall processing described in Fig. 6 of the first embodiment, except that the transmission destination of the external command is the network service 50 and the acquisition destination of the job is the network service 50. Therefore, the same step numbers are assigned to parts that can be processed in the same way, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0197] In step S30, the terminal device 30 acquires the device information from the multifunction device 10, and then uses the necessary connection information included in the device information to send the generated setting information as a command to the network service 50 (step S36).

[0198] The network service 50 stores the received command as a job in the job storage unit 595 (step S38).

[0199] The multifunction peripheral 10 performs, for example, HTTPS long polling to the network service 50 to inquire whether or not a job for the multifunction peripheral 10 exists (step S40).

[0200] If a job for the multifunction peripheral 10 exists, the network service 50 establishes a connection with the multifunction peripheral 10 and transmits the job (step S42).

[0201] The multifunction device 10 executes the received job (step S44).

[0202] The individual processes performed by the multifunction peripheral 10 and the terminal device 30 can be substantially the same as those according to the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0203] [4.2.2 Processing of Network Service 50] Next, the processing of the network service 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 31. The control unit 51 of the network service 50 determines whether or not an external command has been received from the terminal device 30 (step S700).

[0204] If it is determined that an external command has been received, the control unit 51 assigns a job ID to the setting information and the like included in the external command and stores them in the job storage area 997 (step S700; Yes→step S710). On the other hand, if it is determined that an external command has not been received, the control unit 51 waits until an external command is received (step S700; No).

[0205] Next, the control unit 51 determines whether or not a job acquisition request has been received from the multifunction peripheral 10 by, for example, HTTPS long polling (step S720).

[0206] If it is determined that a job acquisition request has been received, the control unit 51 determines whether or not a job corresponding to the multifunction device 10 that received the acquisition request is stored (step S720; Yes→step S730). On the other hand, if it is determined that a job acquisition request has not been received, the control unit 91 waits until a job acquisition request is received (step S720; No).

[0207] If it is determined that the job corresponding to the multifunction device 10 that received the acquisition request is stored, the control unit 51 transmits the job to the multifunction device 10 (step S730; Yes→step S740). On the other hand, if it is determined that the job corresponding to the multifunction device 10 that received the acquisition request is not stored, the control unit 51 displays an error and ends the process (step S730; No→step S750).

[0208] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, jobs related to external commands sent from a terminal device are managed by a network service, thereby reducing system resources, etc. of the terminal device related to remote operation.

[0209] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0210] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiments are described separately for the sake of convenience, they may of course be combined and executed within the scope of technical feasibility.

[0211] In addition, the programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that cause a computer to function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. The embodiments assume devices that use multitasking to simultaneously execute multiple programs as needed. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0212] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, 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 (registered trademark) Disc, etc.)), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). Furthermore, not only are the functions of the above-described 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.

[0213] Furthermore, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored on 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]

[0214] 10 Multifunction device 11 Control section 13 Display section 15 Operation input section 17 Output section 171 Image forming unit 173 Image reading unit 19 Communications Department 21 Near Field Communication Department 23 Memory section 30 Terminal Equipment 31 Control Unit 33 Display section 35 Operation input section 37 Communications Department 39 Near Field Wireless Communication Department 41 Imaging and scanning unit 43 Storage section 50 Network Services 51 Control section 53 Display section 55 Operation input section 57 Communications Department 59 Memory section 100, 200 output systems

Claims

1. A control unit; a device information generating unit that generates device information including device identification information; a job execution unit capable of executing a job with predetermined settings based on an external command transmitted from a terminal device; The control unit The generated device information is displayed on the terminal device, and the job execution unit is controlled based on the external command transmitted from the terminal device that reads the displayed device information, to output the job with a predetermined setting; 10. An image processing apparatus, comprising: an image processing apparatus, in an operation mode requiring user authentication, for determining whether or not to display the apparatus information in accordance with a setting for allowing or prohibiting an external command operation for an authenticated user;

2. The control unit 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information on whether the display of the device information is ON or OFF is determined based on user information set for each user.

3. The control unit 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whether or not the apparatus information is to be displayed is determined depending on whether or not the external command is accepted.

4. A control unit; a device information generating unit that generates device information including device identification information; a job execution unit capable of executing a job with predetermined settings based on an external command transmitted from a terminal device; The control unit The generated device information is displayed on the terminal device, and the job execution unit is controlled based on the external command transmitted from the terminal device that reads the displayed device information, to output the job with a predetermined setting; In an operation mode requiring user authentication, determining whether or not to display the device information based on user information set for each user; The image processing device, wherein the user information includes information regarding an operation authority for the image processing device.

5. A control unit; a device information generating unit that generates device information including device identification information; a job execution unit capable of executing a job with predetermined settings based on an external command transmitted from a terminal device; The control unit The generated device information is displayed on the terminal device, and the job execution unit is controlled based on the external command transmitted from the terminal device that reads the displayed device information, to output the job with a predetermined setting; In an operation mode requiring user authentication, determining whether or not to display the device information based on user information set for each user; The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user information includes information for determining whether or not the device information acquired from the terminal device is to be displayed.

6. A wireless communication unit is provided, 6. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit communicates with the terminal device via the wireless communication unit.

7. An output system including a terminal device and an image processing device, The terminal device a control unit and a device information acquisition unit that acquires device information including identification information for identifying the image processing device, the control unit generates a user interface for receiving operation settings of the image processing device based on a request from a user, and transmits the operation settings received via the user interface as a command; The image processing device includes: a control unit, a device information generating unit that generates the device information including the device identification information, and a job executing unit that can execute a job with a predetermined setting based on the command, The control unit The generated device information is displayed on a terminal device, and the job execution unit is controlled based on the command transmitted from the terminal device that reads the displayed device information, to output the job with a predetermined setting; 1. An output system comprising: an output unit that, in an operation mode requiring user authentication, determines whether or not the device information is to be displayed depending on the result of user authentication.

8. a network service including a control unit and a storage unit that stores the command received from the terminal device as a job; 8. The output system according to claim 7, wherein the control unit transmits the job corresponding to the identification information of the image processing device to the image processing device in response to a request from the image processing device.

9. a device information generating step of generating device information including device identification information; an output step of displaying the generated device information on a terminal device and outputting the job with predetermined settings based on an external command transmitted from the terminal device that reads the displayed device information; an output method comprising: a display possibility determining step of determining whether or not to display the device information in accordance with a result of user authentication in an operation mode requiring user authentication.

Images