Processing system, information processing device, control program, and image processing device.

Abstract

To provide a technique to cause an image processing apparatus to execute a desired processing function without touching an operation unit of the image processing apparatus.SOLUTION: A processing system permits an authenticated user to use an image processing apparatus having a plurality of types of processing functions and comprises an operation unit, and the processing system includes a reading unit that reads first authentication information from a recording medium recording the first authentication information in a readable manner; and a processing unit that can acquire authentication success information indicating that authentication based on second authentication information different from the first authentication information is performed without touching the operation unit, and causes the image processing apparatus to execute the plurality of types of processing functions. The processing unit selects a target processing function from the plurality of types of processing functions on the basis of the state of reading of the first authentication information performed by the reading unit, and when acquiring the authentication success information, causes the image processing apparatus to execute the target processing function.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing system, an information processing device, a control program, and an image processing device that permit a user authenticated for use of an image processing device having a plurality of types of processing functions.

Background Art

[0002] Before an image processing device such as a multifunction peripheral executes processing functions such as printing, reading a document, and copying a document, the server or the image processing device authenticates the user by proximity operation of an ID card, input operation of a user name and password, face authentication, or the like. Here, ID is an abbreviation of identification. The information processing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 causes an MFP (multifunction peripheral) to display a menu screen for selecting a processing function after user authentication.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described technology, it is necessary for the user to touch the operation unit of the MFP when selecting a processing function.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The processing system of the present invention is a processing system that permits a user authenticated for use of an image processing device having a plurality of types of processing functions and including an operation unit, a reading unit that reads the first authentication information from a recording medium in which the first authentication information is recorded in a readable manner, The system can obtain authentication success information indicating that authentication has been performed based on a second set of authentication information different from the first set of authentication information without touching the operating unit, and includes a processing unit that causes the image processing device to execute the multiple types of processing functions, The processing unit has the characteristic of selecting a target processing function from among the multiple types of processing functions based on the reading status of the first authentication information by the reading unit, and when it obtains the authentication success information, it causes the image processing device to execute the target processing function.

[0006] Furthermore, the information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device connected to an image processing device that has multiple types of processing functions and is equipped with an operation unit, An acquisition unit that can acquire the first authentication information read by a reading unit from a recording medium on which the first authentication information is recorded in a readable manner, and can acquire authentication success information indicating that authentication based on second authentication information different from the first authentication information has been performed without touching the operation unit, The present invention includes a selection and execution unit which selects a target processing function from among the multiple types of processing functions based on the reading status of the first authentication information by the reading unit, and when the authentication success information is obtained by the acquisition unit, causes the image processing device to execute the target processing function.

[0007] Furthermore, the control program of the present invention is a control program for allowing an authenticated user to use an image processing apparatus that has multiple types of processing functions and is equipped with an operation unit, The first authentication information can be obtained from a recording medium on which the first authentication information is recorded in a readable manner by a reading unit, and the acquisition function can obtain authentication success information indicating that authentication based on a second authentication information different from the first authentication information has been performed without touching the operation unit. The present invention provides a computer with a selection and execution function that selects a target processing function from among the multiple types of processing functions based on the reading status of the first authentication information by the reading unit, and causes the image processing device to execute the target processing function when the acquisition unit acquires the authentication success information.

[0008] Furthermore, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus having multiple types of processing functions, Control panel and An acquisition unit that can acquire the first authentication information read by a reading unit from a recording medium on which the first authentication information is recorded in a readable manner, and can acquire authentication success information indicating that authentication based on second authentication information different from the first authentication information has been performed without touching the operation unit, The present invention includes a selection and execution unit which selects a target processing function from among the multiple types of processing functions based on the reading status of the first authentication information by the reading unit, and executes the target processing function when the authentication success information is obtained by the acquisition unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A block diagram schematically showing an example of the system configuration, including the processing system. [Figure 2] A block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] A block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of an image processing device. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow performed in a processing system. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram illustrating an example of changes to the screen before login. [Figure 6] A flowchart schematically illustrating an example of processing performed in the selection execution unit. [Figure 7] A schematic block diagram showing an example of a system configuration including a processing system in which the reading unit is configured to include multiple information processing units. [Figure 8] A flowchart schematically illustrating an example of processing performed by the selection execution unit when the reading unit includes multiple information processing units. [Figure 9] A flowchart schematically illustrating an example of the processing performed by the selection execution unit when gesture information corresponding to the settings of a configurable processing function is obtained. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram illustrating an example of a preset screen displayed on a device. [Figure 11] A flowchart schematically showing an example of a process performed by a selection execution unit when gesture information corresponding to a preset of a presetable processing function is acquired. [Figure 12] A block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a system including a processing system having an authentication information reading unit. [Figure 13] A flowchart schematically showing an example of a process performed by a selection execution unit when a processing system includes an authentication information reading unit. [Figure 14] A block diagram schematically showing another configuration example of a system including a processing system.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Of course, the following embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention, and not all of the features shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention.

[0011] (1) Outline of the technology included in the present invention: First, the outline of the technology included in the present invention will be described with reference to the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 14. Note that the figures of the present application are schematic diagrams showing examples, and the magnification ratios in each direction shown in these figures may be different, and the figures may not be consistent. Of course, each element of the present technology is not limited to the specific examples indicated by the reference numerals. In the "outline of the technology included in the present invention", the content in parentheses means a supplementary explanation of the immediately preceding word. [[ID=2)5]]

[0012] Aspect 1: As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 7, 12, and 14, a processing system SY1 according to one aspect of the present technology is a processing system SY1 that permits a user US0, who has been authenticated for the use of an image processing apparatus 200 having a plurality of types of processing functions 800 and provided with an operation unit 205, to use the apparatus. The processing system SY1 includes a reading unit U2 and a processing unit U1. The reading unit U2 reads the first authentication information IN1 from a recording medium (e.g., ID card 350) that records the first authentication information IN1 in a readable manner. The processing unit U1 can obtain authentication success information IN3 indicating that authentication based on second authentication information IN2 different from the first authentication information IN1 has been performed without touching the operation unit 205, and causes the image processing apparatus 200 to execute the plurality of types of processing functions 800. The processing unit U1 selects a target processing function 810 from the plurality of types of processing functions 800 based on the reading state of the first authentication information IN1 by the reading unit U2, and causes the image processing apparatus 200 to execute the target processing function 810 when the authentication success information IN3 is obtained.

[0013] Based on the state in which the user US0 causes the reading unit U2 to read the first authentication information IN1 recorded in the recording medium (350), the user US0 can select the target processing function 810 to be executed by the image processing apparatus 200. When authentication based on the second authentication information IN2 is performed without touching the operation unit 205 of the image processing apparatus 200, the image processing apparatus 200 executes the selected target processing function 810. Therefore, the above aspect 1 can provide a processing system SY1 that causes the image processing apparatus 200 to execute a desired processing function 800 without touching the operation unit 205 of the image processing apparatus 200.

[0014] Here, the processing functions 800 include functions such as printing, reading of a document, copying of a document, facsimile communication, and the like. The image processing apparatus 200 may be a multifunction device having two or more functions including a printing function 801, a document reading function, a copying function, a facsimile function, and the like. Authentication based on the second authentication information IN2 includes facial recognition based on an image of the user US0's face, iris recognition based on an image of the user US0's iris, etc. Therefore, the second authentication information IN2 includes an image of the face, an image of the iris, etc. When authentication is performed based on the second authentication information IN2 obtained by non-contact detection of the user US0, such as facial recognition or iris recognition, the user US0 can have the image processing device 200 execute the processing function 800 without touching the authentication device. The processing system SY1 may include an authentication unit U4 that performs authentication based on the second authentication information IN2. The reading status of the first authentication information IN1 by the reading unit U2 includes the number of times i the first authentication information IN1 has been read by the reading unit U2, the position at which the first authentication information IN1 has been read by the reading unit U2, the reading interval of the first authentication information IN1 by the reading unit U2, and so on. In this application, "first," "second," ... are terms used to identify each component included in a group of similar components, and do not imply any order. Furthermore, the above-mentioned supplementary statement also applies in the following embodiments.

[0015] Appearance 2: The first authentication information IN1 may be associated with the user US0. As illustrated in Figure 6, when the processing unit U1 obtains the authentication success information IN3 based on the second authentication information IN2 associated with the user US0, it may cause the image processing device 200 to execute the target processing function 810. In the above case, if the user US0 associated with the first authentication information IN1 recorded on the recording medium (350) does not match the user US0 associated with the second authentication information IN2, the target processing function 810 will not be executed. Therefore, the above embodiment 2 can provide a processing system SY1 that enhances the effect of suppressing impersonation, such as when an unauthorized user illegally uses the recording medium (350) or the second authentication information IN2 to log in.

[0016] Appearance 3: As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the processing unit U1 may select the target processing function 810 from among the multiple types of processing functions 800 based on the number of times i the first authentication information IN1 has been read by the reading unit U2. In the above case, user US0 can select a target processing function 810 to be executed by the image processing device 200 based on the number of times i the recording medium (350) is read by the reading unit U2. Accordingly, embodiment 3 above can provide a suitable processing system SY1 to cause the image processing device 200 to execute a desired processing function 800.

[0017] Appearance 4: As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, when the reading unit U2 reads the first authentication information IN1, the processing unit U1 may switch the target processing function 810 among the multiple types of processing functions 800. In the above case, when the user US0 has the recording medium (350) read by the reading unit U2, the user can switch the processing function 800 to be executed by the image processing device 200. Therefore, the above embodiment 4 can provide a suitable processing system SY1 that causes the image processing device 200 to execute a desired processing function 800.

[0018] Appearance 5: As illustrated in Figure 6, if the reading unit U2 reads the first authentication information IN1 consecutively, the processing unit U1 may switch the target processing function 810 among the multiple types of processing functions 800 if the user US0 is associated with the first authentication information IN1 read this time and the first authentication information IN1 read last time. In the above case, when user US0 continuously has the reading unit U2 read the recording medium (350) himself, the processing function 800 to be executed by the image processing device 200 can be switched. Therefore, the above embodiment 5 can provide a suitable processing system SY1 that causes the image processing device 200 to execute a desired processing function 800.

[0019] Appearance 6: As illustrated in Figure 7, the reading unit U2 may include a first information reading unit U21 that reads the first authentication information IN1 from the recording medium (350), and a second information reading unit U22 that reads the first authentication information IN1 from the recording medium (350) separately from the first information reading unit U21. As illustrated in Figure 8, the multiple types of processing functions 800 may include a first processing function (e.g., a printing function 801) and a second processing function (e.g., a copying function 802) that is different from the first processing function (801). The processing unit U1 may select the first processing function (801) as the target processing function 810 when the first authentication information IN1 is read by the first information reading unit U21, and may select the second processing function (802) as the target processing function 810 when the first authentication information IN1 is read by the second information reading unit U22. In the above case, user US0 can select different target processing functions 810 depending on the information reading unit that reads the recording medium (350). Therefore, embodiment 6 can provide a suitable processing system SY1 that causes the image processing device 200 to execute a desired processing function 800.

[0020] Appearance 7: As illustrated in Figure 3, the image processing device 200 may be printable. As illustrated in Figure 5, the multiple types of processing functions 800 may include a printing function 801. As illustrated in Figure 1, the processing unit U1 may hold a print job J0 associated with the user US0. When the processing unit U1 selects the print function 801 from the multiple types of processing functions 800 and obtains the authentication success information IN3, it may cause the image processing device 200 to execute the print function 801 based on the print job J0. The above embodiment 7 provides a processing system SY1 that allows the image processing device 200 to execute the printing function 801 without touching the operation unit 205 of the image processing device 200.

[0021] Aspect 8: As illustrated in Figure 9, the multiple types of processing functions 800 may include a configurable processing function 820 whose settings can be changed. The processing unit U1 may also acquire gesture information G0 indicating the gesture from a detection unit (e.g., a facial recognition server 400) that detects the gesture of the user US0 corresponding to the settings. When the processing unit U1 selects the configurable processing function 820 as the target processing function 810, acquires the authentication success information IN3, and acquires the gesture information G0, it may cause the image processing device 200 to execute the configurable processing function 820 which has been set to the settings corresponding to the gesture. In the above case, user US0 can cause the image processing device 200 to execute a processing function 820 with settings that correspond to the gesture. Therefore, embodiment 8 can provide a processing system SY1 that improves convenience.

[0022] Appearance 9: As illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the multiple types of processing functions 800 may include a presettable processing function 830 for which presets can be prepared. The processing unit U1 may also acquire gesture information G0 indicating the gesture from a detection unit (400) that detects the gesture of the user US0 that corresponds to the preset. When the processing unit U1 selects the presettable processing function 830 as the target processing function 810, acquires the authentication success information IN3, and acquires the gesture information G0, it may cause the image processing device 200 to execute the presettable processing function 830 according to the preset corresponding to the gesture. In the above case, user US0 can cause the image processing device 200 to execute the presettable processing function 830 according to the preset corresponding to the gesture. Therefore, the above embodiment 9 can provide a processing system SY1 that improves convenience.

[0023] Appearance 10: As illustrated in Figures 3, 12, etc., the image processing device 200 may include a display unit 206. As illustrated in Figure 12, the processing system SY1 may further include an authentication information reading unit U3 that reads the first authentication information IN1 from the recording medium (350) separately from the reading unit U2. As illustrated in Figure 13, when the first authentication information IN1 is read by the authentication information reading unit U3, the processing unit U1 may display a selection screen D3 on the display unit 206 that accepts the selection of the target processing function 810 from among the multiple types of processing functions 800. In the above case, user US0 can have the authentication information reading unit U3 read the first authentication information IN1 recorded on the recording medium (350), and then select the processing function 800 to be executed in the image processing device 200 according to the displayed selection screen D3. Accordingly, the above embodiment 10 can provide a processing system SY1 that improves convenience.

[0024] Appearance 11: As illustrated in Figure 1, the processing unit U1 and the image processing device 200 may be connected via a network NE1. The processing unit U1 may cause the image processing device 200 to execute the target processing function 810 via the network NE1. The above embodiment 11 provides a suitable example of the processing system SY1 because advanced processing can be performed by the processing unit U1 connected to the image processing device 200 via a network.

[0025] Appearance 12: As illustrated in Figure 14, the processing unit U1 may be included in the image processing device 200. The above embodiment 12 can provide a processing system SY1 that does not require a server to manage the image processing device 200.

[0026] Appearance 13: By the way, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, etc., an information processing device (for example, an authentication print server 100) according to one aspect of this technology is an information processing device (100) connected to an image processing device 200 having a plurality of processing functions 800 and an operation unit 205, and includes an acquisition unit U11 and a selection execution unit U12. The acquisition unit U11 is capable of acquiring the first authentication information IN1 read by the reading unit U2 from a recording medium (350) on which the first authentication information IN1 is recorded in a readable manner, and is capable of acquiring authentication success information IN3 indicating that authentication has been performed based on a second authentication information IN2 different from the first authentication information IN1 without touching the operation unit 205. The selection execution unit U12 selects a target processing function 810 from among the plurality of processing functions 800 based on the reading state of the first authentication information IN1 by the reading unit U2, and when the authentication success information IN3 is acquired by the acquisition unit U11, it causes the image processing device 200 to execute the target processing function 810. The above embodiment 13 can provide an information processing device (100) that allows the image processing device 200 to execute a desired processing function 800 without touching the operation unit 205 of the image processing device 200.

[0027] Appearance 14: Furthermore, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 14, a control program PR1 according to one embodiment of this technology is a control program PR1 for allowing an authenticated user US0 to use an image processing device 200 having multiple types of processing functions 800 and an operation unit 205, and causes a computer to implement an acquisition function FU1 and a selection execution function FU2. The acquisition function FU1 is capable of acquiring the first authentication information IN1 read by a reading unit U2 from a recording medium (350) on which the first authentication information IN1 is readably recorded, and is capable of acquiring authentication success information IN3 indicating that authentication has been performed based on a second authentication information IN2 different from the first authentication information IN1 without touching the operation unit 205. The selection execution function FU2 selects a target processing function 810 from among the multiple types of processing functions 800 based on the reading state of the first authentication information IN1 by the reading unit U2, and when the authentication success information IN3 is acquired by the acquisition unit U11, causes the image processing device 200 to execute the target processing function 810. The above embodiment 14 can provide a control program PR1 that causes the image processing device 200 to execute a desired processing function 800 without touching the operation unit 205 of the image processing device 200.

[0028] Appearance 15: Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 14, an image processing apparatus 200 according to one embodiment of the present technology is an image processing apparatus 200 having multiple types of processing functions 800, and includes an operation unit 205, an acquisition unit U11, and a selection and execution unit U12. The acquisition unit U11 is capable of acquiring the first authentication information IN1 read by the reading unit U2 from a recording medium (350) on which the first authentication information IN1 is readably recorded, and is capable of acquiring authentication success information IN3 indicating that authentication has been performed based on a second authentication information IN2 different from the first authentication information IN1 without touching the operation unit 205. The selection and execution unit U12 selects a target processing function 810 from among the multiple types of processing functions 800 based on the reading state of the first authentication information IN1 by the reading unit U2, and executes the target processing function 810 when the authentication success information IN3 is acquired by the acquisition unit U11. The above embodiment 15 provides an image processing device 200 that can execute a desired processing function 800 without touching the operation unit 205.

[0029] Furthermore, this technology is applicable to a composite system including a processing system SY1, a composite device including an information processing device (100), an image processing system including an image processing device 200, a processing method performed by the processing system SY1, an information processing method performed by the information processing device (100), a processing method performed by the image processing device 200, a control method for the image processing device 200, a computer-readable medium on which a control program PR1 is recorded, and so on. Any of the aforementioned devices may be composed of multiple distributed parts.

[0030] (2) Specific examples of processing system configurations: Figure 1 schematically shows the configuration of a system including processing system SY1 as a specific example. This system includes an authentication print server 100, an image processing device 200, a card reader 300, a facial recognition server 400, an imaging device 500, and a terminal 600. Here, the authentication print server 100 is an example of an information processing device, the card reader 300 is an example of a reading unit U2, and the facial recognition server 400 is an example of an authentication unit U4 and a detection unit. Processing system SY1 includes the authentication print server 100, the image processing device 200, and the card reader 300. Processing system SY1 may also include terminal 600, facial recognition server 400, or imaging device 500. The authentication print server 100, image processing device 200, facial recognition server 400, imaging device 500, and terminal 600 are connected to a network NE1, which includes the Internet. Network NE1 may include a LAN, where LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. Connection to network NE1 can be via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of both wired and wireless connections.

[0031] The image processing device 200 can execute multiple types of processing functions 800 as illustrated in Figure 5. For example, user US0 can use the printing function 801 as a processing function 800 by registering a print job J0 with the authentication print server 100. User US0 can have the authentication print server 100 hold the print job J0 by using a terminal 600. The terminal 600 includes computers such as personal computers including tablet terminals, mobile phones such as smartphones, etc. Furthermore, user US0 can select the printing function 801 as the target processing function 810 by holding the ID card 350 over the card reader 300. Then, if user US0 succeeds in facial authentication by facing their face F0 towards the imaging device 500, they can have the image processing device 200 execute printing based on the print job J0 registered with the authentication print server 100. Here, ID is an abbreviation for identification, and the ID card 350 is an example of a recording medium that readably records the first authentication information IN1. Furthermore, user US0 can have the image processing device 200 execute processing functions 800 such as document scanning, copying, and facsimile. Furthermore, the combination of the image processing device 200, card reader 300, and imaging device 500 is not limited to being present as one unit in the processing system SY1, but may be present as two or more units in the processing system SY1. Similarly, there may be two or more terminals 600 in the processing system SY1.

[0032] The authentication print server 100, as an information processing device, is a server computer that includes a processing unit U1 that causes the image processing device 200 to execute multiple types of processing functions 800. The processing unit U1 includes an acquisition unit U11 and a selection execution unit U12. The acquisition unit U11 can acquire first authentication information IN1, which includes information identifying user US0, from the image processing device 200 via the network NE1. The acquisition unit U11 can also acquire authentication success information IN3, which includes information identifying user US0, from the face recognition server 400 via the network NE1. If the image processing device 200 has a printing function 801, the acquisition unit U11 can acquire a print job registration request RE1, which includes information identifying user US0, from the terminal 600 via the network NE1. If the face recognition server 400 generates gesture information G0 indicating the gestures of user US0, the acquisition unit U11 can acquire gesture information G0, which includes information identifying user US0, from the face recognition server 400 via the network NE1. The selection execution unit U12 holds screen information D0 for displaying screens such as the pre-login screen D1, as illustrated in Figure 5, on the display unit 206 of the image processing device 200, and transmits the screen information D0 according to the scene to the image processing device 200. Based on the reading status of the first authentication information IN1 by the card reader 300, the selection execution unit U12 causes the image processing device 200 to execute the target processing function 810 selected from among multiple types of processing functions 800. Furthermore, the processing unit U1 has an authentication database DB1 that stores information that can be used to authorize authentication. If the first authentication information IN1 received from the image processing device 200 via the network NE1 is registered in the authentication database DB1, and the authentication success information IN3 is associated with user US0, which is linked to the first authentication information IN1, the processing unit U1 authorizes user US0 to log in.

[0033] The image processing device 200 includes an operation unit 205, a display unit 206, a printing unit 208, an I / F 210 for a card reader 300, etc. Here, I / F is an abbreviation for interface. The image processing device 200 may be a multifunction device, as illustrated in Figure 3. A multifunction device can be described as a printing device that includes processing functions 800 other than the printing function 801. When the image processing device 200 obtains the first authentication information IN1 from the card reader 300, it transmits the first authentication information IN1 to the authentication print server 100 via the network NE1. When the image processing device 200 receives screen information D0 from the authentication print server 100 via the network NE1, it displays a screen according to the screen information D0 on the display unit 206. Furthermore, when the image processing device 200 receives a print job J0 from the authentication print server 100 via the network NE1, it executes printing according to the print job J0 on the print unit 208.

[0034] The card reader 300, acting as a reading unit U2, reads the first authentication information IN1 from an ID card 350, which has the first authentication information IN1 recorded in a computer-readable format, when the ID card 350 is held over it, and transmits the first authentication information IN1 to the image processing device 200. The first authentication information IN1 recorded on the ID card 350 is linked to the user US0 who owns the ID card 350. The ID card 350 can be an IC card, a magnetic card, a card printed with an identification code including the first authentication information IN1, etc. Here, IC is an abbreviation for Integrated Circuit. The identification code includes barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc. The card reader 300 includes IC card readers, magnetic card readers, identification code readers, etc. The card reader 300 may also have the function of a writer capable of writing information. The card reader 300 may be directly connected to the authentication printing server 100 instead of the image processing device 200, or it may be connected to the network NE1 if it has the function of a web server. Furthermore, the recording medium on which the first authentication information IN1 is recorded in a readable format is not limited to the ID card 350, but may also be an electronic device such as a smartphone that stores the first authentication information IN1. The reading unit U2 that reads the first authentication information IN1 from this electronic device may be a card reader 300, or it may be a dedicated device different from the card reader 300.

[0035] The facial recognition server 400, acting as the authentication unit U4, is a server computer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, storage unit, an interface for connecting to the network NE1, etc. Here, CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit, ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory, and RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. The storage unit of the facial recognition server 400 stores a facial image database DB2, which stores the feature quantities of the facial images of users US0 who are authorized for authentication, linked to each user US0.

[0036] Facial recognition processing is performed by determining the legitimacy of the person being recognized based on a comparison between the feature quantities of a pre-registered facial image and the feature quantities of the facial image of the person being recognized at the time of recognition. Various processes are possible for facial recognition processing. For example, the facial recognition server 400 can perform facial recognition processing by detecting the face portion in both the captured facial image of user US0 and the registered facial image, detecting each facial feature point based on the detected facial portion, and calculating the similarity of the facial portion based on the detected facial feature points. If the calculated similarity is greater than a predetermined threshold, user US0 in the captured facial image and the person in the registered facial image are determined to be the same person.

[0037] The face portion can be detected, for example, by using a support vector machine to distinguish between faces and non-faces in both the captured user US0 face image and the registered face image. Alternatively, the face portion can also be detected using methods that distinguish between faces and non-faces, such as deep neural networks and generalized vector quantization techniques. Facial feature points can be detected by methods such as extracting feature points from the face, including eyes, nose, and mouth, calculating the positional relationship of these feature points and predetermined characteristics in the vicinity of these feature points as feature quantities, and then creating a feature quantity vector. Here, predetermined characteristics include color intensity, color distribution, etc. Of course, facial feature points can also be detected by other methods. The similarity of facial features can be calculated, for example, by using methods that calculate the chi-squared distance or Euclidean distance between feature vectors for both the captured user's facial image and the registered facial image. Of course, facial similarity can also be calculated using other methods.

[0038] The face recognition server 400 generates authentication success information IN3, which includes information identifying user US0, if the face recognition server 400 finds that the similarity of the facial image features contained in the captured image IM1 received from the imaging device 500 via the network NE1 is greater than a threshold and that these features are registered in the face image database DB2. The captured image IM1 of user US0's face is an example of the second authentication information IN2 obtained by detecting user US0. The authentication success information IN3 indicates that authentication was performed based on the second authentication information IN2, which is different from the first authentication information IN1, without touching the operation unit 205. After generating the authentication success information IN3, the face recognition server 400 transmits the authentication success information IN3 to the authentication printing server 100 via the network NE1. If the face recognition server 400 finds that the similarity of the facial image features contained in the captured image IM1 is greater than a threshold and that these features are not registered in the face image database DB2, the face recognition server 400 may transmit authentication failure information to the authentication printing server 100, indicating that the second authentication was not performed. Furthermore, the facial recognition server 400 may generate gesture information G0 indicating the gestures of user US0, and may transmit the gesture information G0 to the authentication printing server 100 via the network NE1.

[0039] The imaging device 500 shown in Figure 1 is a network camera that functions as a web server and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, storage unit, imaging unit, interface for connecting to network NE1, etc. Therefore, the imaging device 500 can also be called a server computer. When the imaging device 500 captures the face of user US0 without contact, it transmits the captured image IM1 to the face recognition server 400 via network NE1. Note that the imaging device 500 may be connected directly to the face recognition server 400 instead of being a network camera. Of course, the imaging device 500 can also capture gestures of user US0, etc.

[0040] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the configuration of an authentication print server 100, which is an example of an information processing device. The authentication print server 100 includes a CPU 101 (processor), a ROM 102 (semiconductor memory), a RAM 103 (semiconductor memory), a storage unit 104, an input device 105, a display device 106, a network interface 107, a clock circuit 108, and the like. These elements are electrically connected, enabling them to input and output information to and from each other.

[0041] The storage unit 104 stores an OS (not shown), a control program PR1, an authentication database DB1, screen information D0, a print job J0, etc. Here, OS is an abbreviation for operating system. The storage unit 104 is a computer-readable medium on which the control program PR1 is recorded. The control program PR1 may also be recorded on an external computer-readable recording medium. The control program PR1 enables the authentication print server 100, acting as a computer, to implement an acquisition function FU1 for acquiring first authentication information IN1 and authentication success information IN3, and a selection execution function FU2 for causing the image processing device 200 to execute a processing function 800. The acquisition function FU1 and the network I / F 107 constitute the acquisition unit U11 shown in Figure 1. The selection execution function FU2 corresponds to the selection execution unit U12 shown in Figure 1. Since the processing unit U1 includes the acquisition unit U11 and the selection execution unit U12, the processing unit U1 and the image processing device 200 are connected via the network NE1. Print job J0 is associated with user US0 and stored in the storage unit 104. In the example shown in Figure 2, the storage unit 104 stores print job "J1" associated with user "US1", print job "J2" associated with user "US2", and print job "J3" associated with user "US3".

[0042] The input device 105 can be a pointing device, a hard key including a keyboard, a touch panel attached to the surface of the display panel, etc. The display device 106 can be a liquid crystal display panel, etc. The network I / F 107 is connected to network NE1 and communicates with a partner device connected to network NE1 according to a predetermined communication standard. For example, the network I / F 107 receives a print job registration request RE1, first authentication information IN1, authentication success information IN3, gesture information G0, etc. from the partner device and transmits screen information D0, print job J0, etc. to the image processing device 200, which is the partner device. The clock circuit 108 can output the current date and time.

[0043] The CPU 101 executes the control program PR1 read from the memory unit 104 into the RAM 103, thereby performing an acquisition process corresponding to the acquisition function FU1 and a selection execution process corresponding to the selection execution function FU2. The control program PR1 causes the authentication print server 100, which is a computer, to function as an acquisition unit U11 and a selection execution unit U12. Therefore, it can be said that the control program PR1 causes the authentication print server 100 to function as a processing unit U1. The authentication print server 100, which executes the control program PR1, performs an acquisition step corresponding to the acquisition function FU1 and a selection execution step corresponding to the selection execution function FU2.

[0044] Figure 3 schematically illustrates the configuration of the image processing device 200. The image processing device 200 includes a CPU 201 (processor), a ROM 202 (semiconductor memory), a RAM 203 (semiconductor memory), a storage unit 204, an operation unit 205, a display unit 206, a reading unit 207, a printing unit 208, a facsimile unit 209, an I / F 210 for a card reader 300, a network I / F 211, a clock circuit 212, and the like. These elements are electrically connected, enabling them to input and output information to and from each other.

[0045] The memory unit 204 stores firmware and the like. The CPU 201 executes the firmware read from the memory unit 204 into the RAM 203, thereby enabling the image processing device 200 to perform multiple types of processing functions 800. The memory unit 204 can use non-volatile semiconductor memory such as flash memory, magnetic storage devices such as hard disks, etc.

[0046] The operation unit 205 can use a touch panel, hard keys, etc., attached to the surface of the display panel. The operation unit 205 can also accept operations for multiple types of processing functions 800. The display unit 206 can use a liquid crystal display panel, etc. The reading unit 207 reads the original document and generates scan data representing the read image. Therefore, the reading unit 207 performs at least the reading function 806 exemplified in Figure 5. The printing unit 208 performs printing on printing paper based on the print job J0. Therefore, the printing unit 208 performs at least the printing function 801 exemplified in Figure 5. The image processing device 200 performs the copy function 802 exemplified in Figure 5 by reading the original document in the reading unit 207 and printing the read image in the printing unit 208. The facsimile unit 209 transmits the image read by the reading unit 207 to the recipient via a telephone line, or receives the image from the source via a telephone line. Therefore, the facsimile unit 209 performs at least the facsimile function 804 illustrated in Figure 5. The image processing device 200 can print the image received by the facsimile unit 209 in the printing unit 208. The I / F 210 is connected to the card reader 300 and can receive first authentication information IN1 from the card reader 300. The network I / F 211 is connected to the network NE1 and communicates with the authentication print server 100 connected to this network NE1 according to a predetermined communication standard. For example, the network I / F 211 sends first authentication information IN1 etc. to the authentication print server 100 and receives screen information D0, print job J0 etc. from the authentication print server 100. The clock circuit 212 can output the current date and time.

[0047] (3) Specific examples of system processing: Figure 4 schematically illustrates the processing flow performed by the processing system SY1. In Figure 4, the printing function 801 is shown as an example of the target processing function 810 to be executed by the image processing device 200. Here, steps S102, S108, and S122 correspond to the acquisition unit U11 and the acquisition function FU1. Steps S104, S110-S114, S124, S126, and S130 correspond to the selection execution unit U12 and the selection execution function FU2. Hereafter, the description of "step" may be omitted, and the step number may be shown in parentheses. Figure 5 schematically illustrates the changes in the pre-login screen D1.

[0048] First, terminal 600 receives an operation from user US0 to register print job J0 and sends a registration request for print job J0, i.e., a print job registration request RE1 shown in Figure 1, to the authentication print server 100 (S102). When the authentication print server 100 receives the print job registration request RE1 from terminal 600, it generates print job J0 based on the print job registration request RE1 and performs storage processing to store print job J0 in the storage unit 104, associating it with user US0 (S104). As a result, processing unit U1 holds the print job J0 associated with user US0.

[0049] When user US0, who has registered print job J0, holds ID card 350 over card reader 300, card reader 300 reads first authentication information IN1, which includes information identifying user US0, from ID card 350 and transmits it to image processing device 200 (S106). When image processing device 200 receives first authentication information IN1 from card reader 300, it transmits first authentication information IN1 to authentication print server 100 (S108). When authentication print server 100 receives first authentication information IN1 from image processing device 200, it stores first authentication information IN1, which includes information identifying user US0, in storage unit 104 (S110). Furthermore, authentication print server 100 selects a target processing function 810 from among multiple types of processing functions 800 based on the reading status of the first authentication information IN1 by reading unit U2 (S112). After selecting the target processing function 810, the authentication print server 100 transmits pre-login screen information to the image processing device 200 so that the pre-login screen D1 indicating the selected target processing function 810 is displayed on the display unit 206 (S114). When the image processing device 200 receives the pre-login screen information from the authentication print server 100, it performs display processing to display the pre-login screen D1 on the display unit 206 (S116). For example, the authentication print server 100 first displays a first pre-login screen D11 on the display unit 206, indicating the print function 801 as the target processing function 810, as shown at the top of Figure 5.

[0050] The first pre-login screen D11 shown in Figure 5 has icons for the print function 801, copy function 802, scan-to-folder function 803, and facsimile function 804, which are among the multiple types of processing functions 800. If the number of icons for the processing functions 800 is too large to fit on one screen, the authentication print server 100 can switch pages of the pre-login screen D1 and display them on the display unit 206, as shown in the seventh pre-login screen D17. The seventh pre-login screen D17 has icons for the favorites function 805, read function 806, and "print from external memory" function 807, which are among the multiple types of processing functions 800.

[0051] The processes in S106-S116 are performed each time user US0 holds ID card 350 over card reader 300. Note that the save process in S110 may be omitted from the second time onward. For example, when the first authentication information IN1 is read by the card reader 300, the authentication print server 100 switches the target processing function 810 in order from among the multiple types of processing functions 800. For example, the authentication print server 100 selects the following as the target processing functions 810 in the order of operation of ID card 350: print function 801, copy function 802, scan-to-folder function 803, facsimile function 804, favorites function 805, read function 806, and "print from external memory" function 807. As a result, the authentication print server 100 displays the following screens on the display unit 206 in the order of operation of the ID card 350: the first pre-login screen D11 indicating that the print function 801 is the target processing function 810; the second pre-login screen D12 indicating that the copy function 802 is the target processing function 810; the third pre-login screen indicating that the scan-to-folder function 803 is the target processing function 810; the fourth pre-login screen indicating that the facsimile function 804 is the target processing function 810; the fifth pre-login screen indicating that the favorites function 805 is the target processing function 810; the sixth pre-login screen indicating that the read function 806 is the target processing function 810; and the seventh pre-login screen D17 indicating that the "print from external memory" function 807 is the target processing function 810. In the example shown in Figure 5, the icons for the target processing functions 810 are indicated by highlighting, such as in red. Furthermore, after selecting the "Print from external memory" function 807, when user US0 holds the ID card 350 over the card reader 300, the authentication print server 100 returns the target processing function 810 to the print function 801. As a result, the authentication print server 100 returns the screen displayed on the display unit 206 to the first pre-login screen D11. Thus, among the multiple types of processing functions 800, the target processing function 810 cycles in response to the operation of the ID card 350.

[0052] If the number of times the primary authentication information IN1 is read from the ID card 350 by the card reader 300 is i, then the authentication print server 100 can be said to select a target processing function 810 from among several types of processing functions 800 based on the number i. In the example shown in Figure 5, the authentication print server 100 selects the print function 801 as the target processing function 810 when the remainder when the number i is divided by 7 is 1, the copy function 802 when the remainder when the number i is divided by 7 is 2, the scan-to-folder function 803 when the remainder when the number i is divided by 7 is 3, the facsimile function 804 when the remainder when the number i is divided by 7 is 4, the favorites function 805 when the remainder when the number i is divided by 7 is 5, the read function 806 when the remainder when the number i is divided by 7 is 6, and the "print from external memory" function 807 when the remainder when the number i is divided by 7 is 0.

[0053] When the target processing function 810 is selected, if user US0 faces the imaging device 500 with their face F0, the imaging device 500 non-contactually captures user US0's face F0 and transmits the captured image IM1 of face F0 to the face authentication server 400 (S118). When the face authentication server 400 receives the captured image IM1 from the imaging device 500, it performs authentication processing to perform face authentication based on the captured image IM1 as the second authentication information IN2 (S120). If the face authentication server 400 finds that a feature quantity in the face image contained in the captured image IM1 has a similarity greater than a threshold and is registered in the face image database DB2, it generates authentication success information IN3 containing information that identifies user US0 and transmits this authentication success information IN3 to the authentication printing server 100 (S122).

[0054] When the authentication printing server 100 receives authentication success information IN3 from the facial recognition server 400, it performs a consistency check to verify whether the user associated with the first authentication information IN1 stored in the storage unit 104 is the same as the user identified in the authentication success information IN3 (S124).

[0055] If the authentication success information IN3 is based on the second authentication information IN2 which is associated with user US0, which is associated with the first authentication information IN1, the authentication print server 100 determines that user US0 is consistent and allows user US0 to log in. In this case, the authentication print server 100 generates print data to execute printing based on print job J0 associated with user US0 identified by the first authentication information IN1 and authentication success information IN3, and sends this print data to the image processing device 200 (S126). When the image processing device 200 receives the print data from the authentication print server 100, it executes a print function 801 as the target processing function 810 to perform printing according to this print data (S128). As a result, printing based on print job J0 is performed. For example, suppose user "US2" as shown in Figure 2 registers print job "J2" with the authentication print server 100, holds ID card 350 over card reader 300 to select print function 801 as the target processing function 810, and then points face F0 towards imaging device 500. In this case, printing based on print job "J2" associated with user "US2" will be performed. Based on the above, when the authentication printing server 100 obtains authentication success information IN3 based on the second authentication information IN2 associated with user US0, which is associated with the first authentication information IN1, it causes the image processing device 200 to execute the target processing function 810.

[0056] If the user associated with the first authentication information IN1 stored in the storage unit 104 is different from the user identified in the authentication success information IN3, the authentication print server 100 determines that user US0 is inconsistent and does not allow user US0 to log in. In this case, the authentication print server 100 sends authentication error screen information to the image processing device 200, which will display an authentication error screen (not shown) indicating that an authentication error has occurred on the display unit 206 (S130). When the image processing device 200 receives the authentication error screen information from the authentication print server 100, it performs display processing to display the authentication error screen on the display unit 206 (S132).

[0057] Figure 6 schematically illustrates the processing performed by the selection execution unit U12 when the acquisition unit U11 first acquires the first authentication information IN1. In Figure 6, the processing S202, which receives the first authentication information IN1, corresponds to the processing S108, which is performed first in Figure 4. When the authentication print server 100 receives the first authentication information IN1 from the image processing device 200 in S202, it stores the received first authentication information IN1 in the storage unit 104 (S204). The process in S204 corresponds to the storage process in S110 in Figure 4.

[0058] Next, the authentication print server 100 selects the first processing function from among several types of processing functions 800 as the target processing function 810 (S206). The process in S206 corresponds to the selection process in S112, which is performed first in Figure 4. After selecting the target processing function 810, the authentication print server 100 displays the pre-login screen D1, which indicates the selected target processing function 810, on the display unit 206 (S208). The process in S208 corresponds to the transmission process in S114 in Figure 4.

[0059] After the pre-login screen D1 is displayed, the authentication print server 100 proceeds to S212 if it receives the first authentication information IN1 from the image processing device 200 again, and proceeds to S216 (S210) if it has not received the first authentication information IN1.

[0060] When the first authentication information IN1 is received, the authentication print server 100 determines whether the user associated with the first authentication information IN1 read this time is the same as the user associated with the first authentication information IN1 read last time (S212). If the current user and the previous user are the same, the authentication print server 100 selects a target processing function 810 corresponding to the number of consecutive readings i of the first authentication information IN1 from among the multiple types of processing functions 800 (S214), and proceeds to S216. Therefore, when the first authentication information IN1 is read consecutively by the card reader 300, the selection execution unit U12 switches the target processing function 810 from among the multiple types of processing functions 800 if user US0 is associated with the first authentication information IN1 read this time and the first authentication information IN1 read last time. On the other hand, if the current user and the previous user are different, the authentication print server 100 returns to processing S204.

[0061] In S216, the authentication print server 100 proceeds to S218 if it receives authentication success information IN3 from the face recognition server 400, and returns to S210 if it has not received authentication success information IN3 from the face recognition server 400. Therefore, the selection process of the target processing function 810 in S210 to S214 is repeated until authentication success information IN3 is received. When authentication success information IN3 is received, the authentication print server 100 determines whether the user associated with the first authentication information IN1 stored in the storage unit 104 is the same as the user identified by authentication success information IN3 (S218). The process in S218 corresponds to the consistency check process in S124 in Figure 4.

[0062] If the user identified by the authentication success information IN3 is linked to the first authentication information IN1, the authentication print server 100 allows user US0 to log in and causes the image processing device 200 to execute the selected target processing function 810 (S220). If the selected target processing function 810 is the printing function 801, the process shown in S126 in Figure 4 is performed. After that, the authentication print server 100 terminates the process shown in Figure 6. If the user identified by the authentication success information IN3 is not associated with the first authentication information IN1, the authentication print server 100 does not allow user US0 to log in and displays an authentication error screen on the display unit 206 (S222). The process in S222 corresponds to the transmission process in S130 in Figure 4. After that, the authentication print server 100 terminates the process shown in Figure 6.

[0063] As explained above, user US0 can select a target processing function 810 to be executed by the image processing device 200 based on the state in which the first authentication information IN1 recorded on the ID card 350 is read by the card reader 300. When facial recognition is performed without touching the operation unit 205 of the image processing device 200, the image processing device 200 executes the selected target processing function 810. Therefore, user US0 can have the image processing device 200 execute a desired processing function 800 without touching the operation unit 205 of the image processing device 200. Furthermore, if the user identified by the ID card 350 does not match the user whose face recognition was performed, the selected target processing function 810 will not be executed. Therefore, impersonation, such as a fraudulent user illegally using someone else's ID card 350 to log in or a fraudulent user illegally using someone else's facial photograph to log in, is suppressed.

[0064] (4) Variations: Various modifications of this invention are conceivable. For example, the authentication print server 100 may include an authentication unit U4 together with the processing unit U1. The authentication performed by the authentication unit U4 is not limited to facial recognition; it may also include iris recognition or other methods. The processes described above can be modified as appropriate, such as by changing the order of operations. For example, in the process shown in Figure 6, the authentication print server 100 may perform the save process in S204 after the selection process in S206. Furthermore, the processes described above are not limited to those executed by a CPU, but may also be executed by electronic components such as ASICs. Here, ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. In addition, the processes described above may be performed in a distributed manner by multiple CPUs, or they may be performed by a CPU and electronic components such as ASICs working together.

[0065] As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the reading unit U2 may be divided into multiple information reading units. Figure 7 schematically illustrates the configuration of a system including a processing system SY1 configured such that the reading unit U2 includes multiple information processing units. Figure 8 schematically illustrates the processing performed by the selection execution unit U12 when the reading unit U2 includes multiple information processing units. In Figures 7 and 8, the same elements as those shown in Figures 1 and 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The processing system SY1 shown in Figure 7 differs from the processing system SY1 shown in Figure 1 in that the card reader 300 is replaced by a first card reader 301, a second card reader 302, a third card reader 303, ... Therefore, the reading unit U2 includes the first card reader 301, the second card reader 302, the third card reader 303, ... The process shown in Figure 8 differs from the process shown in Figure 6 in that S202 is replaced by S302, S206 is replaced by S304, and S210 to S214 are omitted.

[0066] Each card reader included in the reading unit U2 is assigned to a processing function 800 as shown in Figure 5, and can read the first authentication information IN1 from the ID card 350. In the example shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first card reader 301 is assigned to the print function 801, the second card reader 302 is assigned to the copy function 802, the third card reader 303 is assigned to the scan-to-folder function 803, the fourth card reader (not shown) is assigned to the facsimile function 804, the fifth card reader (not shown) is assigned to the favorites function 805, the sixth card reader (not shown) is assigned to the read function 806, and the seventh card reader (not shown) is assigned to the "print from external memory" function 807. Here, any one of the seven card readers included in the reading unit U2 can be assigned to the first information reading unit U21, and any one of the remaining can be assigned to the second information reading unit U22. In the examples shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first card reader 301, to which the printing function 801 is assigned, is matched to the first information reading unit U21, and the second card reader 302, to which the copying function 802 is assigned, is matched to the second information reading unit U22. Here, the printing function 801 is an example of the first processing function, and the copying function 802 is an example of the second processing function. As shown in Figure 8, the authentication print server 100 maintains an information table T1 showing the correspondence between the information processing unit and the processing function 800 in a storage unit 104, for example, as shown in Figure 2. When the image processing device 200 receives the first authentication information IN1 from any of the card readers included in the reading unit U2, it sends the first authentication information IN1 to the authentication print server 100 along with information identifying the card reader that received the first authentication information IN1.

[0067] In the process shown in Figure 8, when the authentication print server 100 receives the first authentication information IN1 from the image processing device 200 along with information identifying the card reader in S302, it stores the received first authentication information IN1 in the storage unit 104 (S204). Next, the authentication print server 100 selects the processing function 800 corresponding to the card reader that read the first authentication information IN1 as the target processing function 810 (S304). For example, according to the information table T1, when the first authentication information IN1 is read by the first card reader 301, the authentication print server 100 selects the print function 801 as the target processing function 810, and when the first authentication information IN1 is read by the second card reader 302, it selects the copy function 802 as the target processing function 810. After selecting the target processing function 810, the authentication print server 100 displays the pre-login screen D1 showing the selected target processing function 810 on the display unit 206 (S208). After the pre-login screen D1 is displayed, the authentication print server 100 waits until it receives authentication success information IN3 from the face recognition server 400 (S216). When authentication success information IN3 is received, the authentication print server 100 determines whether the user associated with the first authentication information IN1 stored in the storage unit 104 is the same as the user identified in authentication success information IN3 (S218). If the user identified in authentication success information IN3 is associated with the first authentication information IN1, the authentication print server 100 causes the image processing device 200 to execute the selected target processing function 810 (S220). If the user identified in authentication success information IN3 is not associated with the first authentication information IN1, the authentication print server 100 does not allow user US0 to log in and displays an authentication error screen on the display unit 206 (S222).

[0068] Based on the above, user US0 can select different target processing functions 810 depending on the information reading unit that reads the ID card 350. Therefore, the examples shown in Figures 7 and 8 are suitable examples of causing the image processing device 200 to execute a desired processing function 800.

[0069] As illustrated in Figure 9, a configurable processing function 820 whose settings can be changed may be included in multiple types of processing functions 800. The user US0 may set the contents of the configurable processing function 820 by gesture. Figure 9 schematically illustrates the processing performed by the selection execution unit U12 when gesture information G0 corresponding to the settings of the configurable processing function 820 is acquired. The processing shown in Figure 9 has the processing from S312 to S314 added to the processing shown in Figure 6. The configuration for realizing the processing shown in Figure 9 is the same as the configuration shown in Figure 1.

[0070] The facial recognition server 400 shown in Figure 1 detects the gesture of user US0 if the captured image IM1 received from the imaging device 500 contains the gesture of user US0, and obtains gesture information G0 indicating the gesture of user US0. For example, if user US0 extends a hand with one or more fingers raised next to their face F0 and faces the imaging device 500, a captured image IM1 is generated that includes both the face image and the hand image. Upon receiving this captured image IM1, the facial recognition server 400 can extract the hand image from the captured image IM1 and detect the number of raised fingers. Once the facial recognition server 400 detects the number of raised fingers, it sends the number of raised fingers as gesture information G0 along with authentication success information IN3 to the authentication printing server 100.

[0071] As shown in Figure 9, each setting of the configurable processing function 820 is associated with a gesture of the user US0. In the example shown in Figure 9, the print function 801 is the configurable processing function 820, where printing one copy corresponds to a gesture of holding up one finger, printing two copies corresponds to a gesture of holding up two fingers, and printing three copies corresponds to a gesture of holding up three fingers. Therefore, the face recognition server 400 is both an example of an authentication unit U4 and an example of a detection unit that detects gestures corresponding to the settings of the configurable processing function 820. The authentication print server 100 maintains an information table T2 showing the correspondence between gestures and setting contents in a storage unit 104, for example, as shown in Figure 2.

[0072] In the process shown in Figure 9, when the authentication print server 100 receives the first authentication information IN1 from the image processing device 200 in S202, it performs the processing S204 to S218 shown in Figure 6. If the user identified by the authentication success information IN3 is associated with the first authentication information IN1, the authentication print server 100 determines whether or not there is gesture information G0 in the information received from the face recognition server 400 (S312). If there is gesture information G0, the authentication print server 100 sets the target processing function 810 to correspond to the gesture of user US0 based on the gesture information G0 (S314). If the target processing function 810 is the printing function 801, the authentication print server 100 sets the printing function 801 to correspond to the gesture of user US0. For example, according to the information table T2, the authentication print server 100 sets the print function 801 to print one copy if the gesture information G0 indicates one finger, sets the print function 801 to print two copies if the gesture information G0 indicates two fingers, and sets the print function 801 to print three copies if the gesture information G0 indicates three fingers. After setting the contents of the target processing function 810, the authentication print server 100 causes the image processing device 200 to execute the target processing function 810 (S220).

[0073] As described above, the authentication print server 100 selects the configurable processing function 820 as the target processing function 810, obtains the authentication success information IN3, and obtains the gesture information G0, then causes the image processing device 200 to execute the configurable processing function 820, which is configured to correspond to the gesture of user US0. Furthermore, if the user identified by the successful authentication information IN3 is not linked to the first authentication information IN1, the authentication print server 100 displays an authentication error screen on the display unit 206 (S222).

[0074] Based on the above, user US0 can have the image processing device 200 execute the configurable processing function 820, which is set to correspond to gestures. Therefore, the example shown in Figure 9 can improve the convenience of user US0. Furthermore, the settings for the configurable processing function 820 can include not only the number of copies for the printing function 801, but also the paper size, whether to print in color or monochrome, the number of copies for the copying function 802, and so on.

[0075] As illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, presets for the processing function 800 may be provided. Multiple types of processing functions 800 may include a presettable processing function 830 that can provide presets. The provided presets may be associated with the gestures of the user US0. Figure 10 schematically illustrates the preset screen D2 displayed on the terminal 600. Figure 11 schematically illustrates the processing performed by the selection execution unit U12 when gesture information G0 corresponding to a preset of the presettable processing function 830 is acquired. The processing shown in Figure 11 has the processing from S322 to S324 added to the processing shown in Figure 6. The configuration for realizing the processing shown in Figure 11 is the same as the configuration shown in Figure 1.

[0076] The authentication print server 100 can display a preset screen D2 for preparing presets for the preset processing function 830 on the display device of the terminal 600 in response to a request from the terminal 600. As shown in Figure 10, each preset of the preset processing function 830 is associated with a gesture of user US0. In the example shown in Figure 10, the copy function 802 is the preset processing function 830, where A4 monochrome copying corresponds to a one-finger gesture, A4 color copying corresponds to a two-finger gesture, and A3 monochrome copying corresponds to a three-finger gesture. Therefore, the face recognition server 400 is both an example of an authentication unit U4 and an example of a detection unit that detects gestures associated with the presets of the preset processing function 830. The terminal 600 receives the presets to be associated with each gesture via an input device in the information table T3 included in the preset screen D2. When terminal 600 receives an input from the input device for the operation of the OK button 831 on preset screen D2, it sends a request to the authentication print server 100 to save the information table T3 created on preset screen D2. When the authentication print server 100 receives the request to save the information table T3 from terminal 600, it saves the information table T3, which shows the correspondence between gestures and presets, to the storage unit 104. Furthermore, the operation to prepare the presets is not limited to operations from the terminal 600, but may also be performed from the display unit 206 of the image processing device 200, etc.

[0077] In the process shown in Figure 11, when the authentication printing server 100 receives the first authentication information IN1 from the image processing device 200 in S202, it performs the processing S204 to S218 shown in Figure 6. If the user identified by the authentication success information IN3 is associated with the first authentication information IN1, the authentication printing server 100 determines whether or not there is gesture information G0 in the information received from the face recognition server 400 (S322). If there is gesture information G0, the authentication printing server 100 applies a preset corresponding to the gesture of user US0 to the target processing function 810 based on the gesture information G0 (S324). If the target processing function 810 is the copy function 802, the authentication printing server 100 applies a preset corresponding to the gesture of user US0 to the copy function 802. For example, according to the information table T3, the authentication print server 100 applies an A4 monochrome copy to the copy function 802 if the gesture information G0 indicates one finger, an A4 color copy to the copy function 802 if the gesture information G0 indicates two fingers, and an A3 monochrome copy to the copy function 802 if the gesture information G0 indicates three fingers. After applying the preset, the authentication print server 100 causes the image processing device 200 to execute the target processing function 810 (S220).

[0078] As described above, the authentication print server 100 selects the presettable processing function 830 as the target processing function 810, obtains the authentication success information IN3, and obtains the gesture information G0, then causes the image processing device 200 to execute the presettable processing function 830 according to the preset corresponding to the gesture of user US0. Furthermore, if the user identified by the successful authentication information IN3 is not linked to the first authentication information IN1, the authentication print server 100 displays an authentication error screen on the display unit 206 (S222).

[0079] Based on the above, user US0 can cause the image processing device 200 to execute the presettable processing function 830 according to the preset corresponding to the gesture. Therefore, the examples shown in Figures 10 and 11 can improve convenience. Furthermore, the presets for the presettable processing function 830 may also include the paper size for printing, the preset for color or monochrome printing in the printing function 801, and the destination for sending scanned data in the scanning function 806. Possible destinations for scanned data include folders and email addresses.

[0080] The gestures that correspond to the settings of the configurable processing function 820 and the presets of the presettable processing function 830 are not limited to the number of fingers held up. The gestures may also be finger shapes, arm shapes, facial expressions, etc. Finger shapes include the shapes of letters such as the alphabet, animal shapes such as foxes, etc. Arm shapes include circles, crosses, etc. Facial expressions include expressions with wide-open eyes and mouth, expressions with one eye closed, etc. The face recognition server 400 may generate gesture information G0 based on the captured image received from the imaging device 500 separately from the captured image IM1 which includes the face image. Gestures may also be actions such as shaking the hand from side to side and back and forth, bending and straightening fingers, neck and shoulder movements, blinking a predetermined number of times, etc.

[0081] As illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, the processing system SY1 may include an authentication information reading unit U3 that reads the first authentication information IN1 from the ID card 350 separately from the reading unit U2. Figure 12 schematically illustrates the configuration of a system including the processing system SY1 equipped with the authentication information reading unit U3. In Figure 12, the same elements as those shown in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Figure 13 schematically illustrates the processing performed by the selection execution unit U12 when the processing system SY1 is equipped with the authentication information reading unit U3. The user US0 may, by causing the authentication information reading unit U3 to read the first authentication information IN1 from the ID card 350, perform an operation on the operation unit 205 of the image processing device 200 to select a target processing function 810 from a plurality of processing functions 800, and then cause the image processing device 200 to execute the target processing function 810.

[0082] The processing system SY1 shown in Figure 7 is the processing system SY1 shown in Figure 1 with the addition of a direct login card reader 310. The direct login card reader 310 is an example of an authentication information reading unit U3 that reads the first authentication information IN1 from the ID card 350 separately from the card reader 300. When the image processing device 200 receives the first authentication information IN1 from the card reader 300, it sends the first authentication information IN1 along with information identifying the card reader 300 to the authentication print server 100. Also, when the image processing device 200 receives the first authentication information IN1 from the direct login card reader 310, it sends the first authentication information IN1 along with information identifying the direct login card reader 310 to the authentication print server 100.

[0083] When the authentication printing server 100 receives the first authentication information IN1 from the image processing device 200 along with information identifying the card reader 300 or the direct login card reader 310 in S332, it starts the process shown in Figure 13. First, the authentication printing server 100 determines whether the direct login card reader 310 was used to read the first authentication information IN1 (S334). If the card reader 300 was used to read the first authentication information IN1, the authentication printing server 100 performs the processes S204 to S222 shown in Figure 6 and then terminates the process shown in Figure 13.

[0084] If the login card reader 310 is used directly to read the first authentication information IN1, the authentication print server 100 performs authentication processing based on the first authentication information IN1 (S336). If the first authentication information IN1 is registered in the authentication database DB1, the authentication print server 100 allows user US0 to log in. Once user US0 is authenticated, the authentication print server 100 sends selection screen information to the image processing device 200 to display selection screen D3 on the display unit 206, as illustrated in Figure 13 (S338). Upon receiving the selection screen information from the authentication print server 100, the image processing device 200 performs display processing to display selection screen D3 on the display unit 206, which has an operation unit 205 on its surface. The selection screen D3 has processing function buttons 840 corresponding to each processing function 800 shown in Figure 5. Figure 13 shows the print function button 841 corresponding to the print function 801, the copy function button 842 corresponding to the copy function 802, the scan-to-folder function button 843 corresponding to the scan-to-folder function 803, and the facsimile function button 844 corresponding to the facsimile function 804. Although not shown, the favorites function button corresponding to the favorites function 805, the read function button corresponding to the read function 806, and the "print from external memory" function button corresponding to the "print from external memory" function 807 are also displayed on selection screen D3. Note that the processing function button 840 is a general term for the print function button 841, the copy function button 842, the scan-to-folder function button 843, the facsimile function button 844, the favorites function button, the read function button, and the "print from external memory" function button. As described above, when the authentication printing server 100 reads the first authentication information IN1 directly from the login card reader 310, it displays a selection screen D3 on the display unit 206 that accepts the selection of the target processing function 810 from among several types of processing functions 800.

[0085] The operation unit 205 of the image processing device 200 receives operation of a processing function button corresponding to the target processing function 810 to be executed by the image processing device 200 from a plurality of processing function buttons 840, and transmits selection information indicating the operated processing function button to the authentication print server 100. When the authentication print server 100 receives the aforementioned selection information from the image processing device 200, it causes the image processing device 200 to execute the target processing function 810 corresponding to the processing function button 840 indicated by the selection information (S340), and terminates the process shown in Figure 13.

[0086] Based on the above, user US0 can select a processing function 800 to be executed in the image processing device 200 by directly having the login card reader 310 read the first authentication information IN1 recorded on the ID card 350. Therefore, the examples shown in Figures 12 and 13 can improve convenience.

[0087] As illustrated in Figure 14, the processing system SY1 may not have an authentication print server 100, and the processing unit U1 may be included in the image processing device 200. Figure 14 schematically illustrates another configuration of a system including the processing system SY1. This system includes an image processing device 200, a card reader 300, a facial recognition server 400, an imaging device 500, and a terminal 600. The processing system SY1 includes the image processing device 200 and the card reader 300. The image processing device 200 includes an operation unit 205, a display unit 206, a processing unit U1, etc. The control program PR1, which causes the image processing device 200 to function as the processing unit U1, implements an acquisition function FU1 for acquiring first authentication information IN1 and authentication success information IN3, etc., and a selection execution function FU2 for executing processing functions 800. The acquisition function FU1 and the network I / F 107 constitute the acquisition unit U11. The selection execution function FU2 corresponds to the selection execution unit U12.

[0088] The acquisition unit U11 can acquire the first authentication information IN1 read from the ID card 350 by the card reader 300. The acquisition unit U11 can also acquire authentication success information IN3 from the face recognition server 400, indicating that authentication based on the second authentication information IN2 has been performed without touching the operation unit 205. The selection and execution unit U12 selects the target processing function 810 from among several types of processing functions 800 based on the reading status of the first authentication information IN1 by the card reader 300. Furthermore, when the authentication success information IN3 is acquired by the acquisition unit U11, the selection and execution unit U12 executes the target processing function 810. Based on the above, the image processing device 200 shown in Figure 14 can execute the desired processing function 800 without touching the operation unit 205. Of course, the image processing device 200 may also include an authentication unit U4.

[0089] (5) Conclusion: As described above, according to the present invention, in various embodiments, it is possible to provide a technology that allows the image processing device 200 to execute a desired processing function 800 without touching the operation unit 205 of the image processing device 200. Of course, even a technology consisting only of the constituent elements of an independent claim can obtain the basic functions and effects described above. Furthermore, configurations obtained by substituting or changing the combinations of each configuration disclosed in the above-mentioned examples, configurations obtained by substituting or changing the combinations of each configuration disclosed in the prior art and the above-mentioned examples, etc., are also possible. The present invention also includes these configurations, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 100…Authentication Print Server, 104…Storage Unit, 107…Network I / F, 200…Image Processing Unit, 205…Operation Unit, 206…Display Unit, 208…Printing Unit, 300…Card Reader, 301…First Card Reader, 302…Second Card Reader, 303…Third Card Reader, 310…Direct Login Card Reader, 350…ID Card, 400…Facial Recognition Server, 500…Imaging Device, 600…Terminal, 800…Processing Function, 801…Printing Function, 802…Copy Function, 804…Facsimile Function, 806…Reading Function, 810…Target Processing Function, 820…Setting-Enabled Processing Function, 830…Presettable Processing Function, D0…Screen Information, D1…Login Front screen, D2...Preset screen, D3...Selection screen, DB1...Authentication database, DB2...Face image database, F0...Face, FU1...Acquisition function, FU2...Selection execution function, G0...Gesture information, IM1...Captured image, IN1...First authentication information, IN2...Second authentication information, IN3...Authentication success information, J0...Print job, NE1...Network, PR1...Control program, RE1...Print job registration request, SY1...Processing system, T1~T3...Information table, U1...Processing unit, U2...Reading unit, U3...Authentication information reading unit, U4...Authentication unit, U11...Acquisition unit, U12...Selection execution unit, U21...First information reading unit, U22...Second information reading unit, US0...User.

Claims

1. A processing system that permits an authenticated user to use an image processing device equipped with multiple types of processing functions and an operating unit, A reading unit that reads the first authentication information from a recording medium on which the first authentication information is recorded in a readable manner, The system can obtain authentication success information indicating that authentication has been performed based on a second set of authentication information different from the first set of authentication information without touching the operating unit, and includes a processing unit that causes the image processing device to execute the multiple types of processing functions, The processing unit selects a target processing function from among the multiple types of processing functions based on the reading status of the first authentication information by the reading unit, and when it obtains the authentication success information, it causes the image processing device to execute the target processing function. The reading unit includes a first information reading unit that reads the first authentication information from the recording medium, and a second information reading unit that reads the first authentication information from the recording medium separately from the first information reading unit. The aforementioned multiple types of processing functions include a first processing function and a second processing function that is different from the first processing function. The processing unit is a processing system that, when the first authentication information is read by the first information reading unit, selects the first processing function as the target processing function, and when the first authentication information is read by the second information reading unit, selects the second processing function as the target processing function.

2. The aforementioned first authentication information is associated with the user, The processing system according to claim 1, wherein when the processing unit obtains the authentication success information based on the second authentication information associated with the user, it causes the image processing device to execute the target processing function.

3. The processing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processing unit selects the target processing function from among the plurality of processing functions based on the number of times the first authentication information has been read by the reading unit.

4. The processing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processing unit switches the target processing function among the plurality of processing functions when the first authentication information is read by the reading unit.

5. The processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing unit, when the reading unit reads the first authentication information consecutively, switches the target processing function among the multiple types of processing functions if the user is associated with the first authentication information read this time and the first authentication information read last time.

6. The aforementioned image processing device is printable, The aforementioned multiple types of processing functions include a printing function, The aforementioned processing unit, The system maintains the print jobs associated with the aforementioned user, The processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the printing function is selected from the plurality of processing functions and the authentication success information is obtained, the image processing device is made to execute the printing function based on the print job.

7. The aforementioned multiple types of processing functions include a configurable processing function whose settings can be changed, The aforementioned processing unit, The detection unit can obtain gesture information indicating the gesture from the user's gesture that corresponds to the content of the setting. A processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processing system selects the configurable processing function as the target processing function, obtains the authentication success information, and obtains the gesture information, and then causes the image processing device to execute the configurable processing function set to the content corresponding to the gesture.

8. The aforementioned multiple types of processing functions include a presettable processing function for which presets can be prepared, The aforementioned processing unit, The detection unit can obtain gesture information indicating the user's gestures that correspond to the presets. The processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the presettable processing function is selected as the target processing function, the authentication success information is obtained, and the gesture information is obtained, the image processing device is instructed to execute the presettable processing function according to the preset corresponding to the gesture.

9. The image processing device includes a display unit, The processing system further includes an authentication information reading unit that reads the first authentication information from the recording medium separately from the reading unit, The processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the authentication information reading unit reads the first authentication information, the processing unit causes the display unit to display a selection screen that accepts the selection of the target processing function from among the multiple types of processing functions.

10. The processing unit and the image processing device are connected via a network. The processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the processing unit causes the image processing device to execute the target processing function via the network.

11. The processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the processing unit is included in the image processing device.

12. An information processing device connected to an image processing device having multiple types of processing functions and an operation unit, An acquisition unit that can acquire the first authentication information read by a reading unit from a recording medium on which the first authentication information is recorded in a readable manner, and can acquire authentication success information indicating that authentication based on second authentication information different from the first authentication information has been performed without touching the operation unit, The system includes a selection and execution unit that selects a target processing function from among the multiple types of processing functions based on the reading status of the first authentication information by the reading unit, and when the authentication success information is obtained by the acquisition unit, causes the image processing device to execute the target processing function, The reading unit includes a first information reading unit that reads the first authentication information from the recording medium, and a second information reading unit that reads the first authentication information from the recording medium separately from the first information reading unit. The aforementioned multiple types of processing functions include a first processing function and a second processing function that is different from the first processing function. The selection execution unit selects the first processing function as the target processing function when the first authentication information is read by the first information reading unit, and selects the second processing function as the target processing function when the first authentication information is read by the second information reading unit.

13. A control program for authorizing an authenticated user to use an image processing device that has multiple types of processing functions and is equipped with an operating unit, The first authentication information can be obtained from a recording medium on which the first authentication information is recorded in a readable manner by a reading unit, and the acquisition function can obtain authentication success information indicating that authentication based on a second authentication information different from the first authentication information has been performed without touching the operation unit. A computer is provided with a selection and execution function that selects a target processing function from among the multiple types of processing functions based on the reading status of the first authentication information by the reading unit, and when the authentication success information is obtained by the acquisition function, causes the image processing device to execute the target processing function. The reading unit includes a first information reading unit that reads the first authentication information from the recording medium, and a second information reading unit that reads the first authentication information from the recording medium separately from the first information reading unit. The aforementioned multiple types of processing functions include a first processing function and a second processing function that is different from the first processing function. The selection execution function is a control program that, when the first authentication information is read by the first information reading unit, selects the first processing function as the target processing function, and when the first authentication information is read by the second information reading unit, selects the second processing function as the target processing function.

14. An image processing device having multiple types of processing functions, Control panel and An acquisition unit that can acquire the first authentication information read by a reading unit from a recording medium on which the first authentication information is recorded in a readable manner, and can acquire authentication success information indicating that authentication based on second authentication information different from the first authentication information has been performed without touching the operation unit, The system includes a selection and execution unit which selects a target processing function from among the multiple types of processing functions based on the reading status of the first authentication information by the reading unit, and executes the target processing function when the authentication success information is obtained by the acquisition unit, The reading unit includes a first information reading unit that reads the first authentication information from the recording medium, and a second information reading unit that reads the first authentication information from the recording medium separately from the first information reading unit. The aforementioned multiple types of processing functions include a first processing function and a second processing function that is different from the first processing function. The selection execution unit selects the first processing function as the target processing function when the first authentication information is read by the first information reading unit, and selects the second processing function as the target processing function when the first authentication information is read by the second information reading unit, in an image processing apparatus.

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