JP2007015323A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device by which each user can surely access the data for forming images and which has high confidentiality of the data for forming the images. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming device 1 comprises a generating means (a CPU 190, a generating program 192C) generating passwords for canceling accessible to the data for forming images, a transmission control means (a CPU 190, a transmission control program 192D) transmitting the passwords for canceling generated by the generating means to a user terminal, and a password for canceling determining means (a CPU 190, a password for canceling determining program 192G) determining whether or not the input passwords for canceling and the generated passwords for canceling coincide with each other, wherein the control means (the CPU 190) is constituted so as to allow to access to the data for forming images when the password for canceling determining means determines that the input passwords for canceling coincides with the generated password for canceling. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, a device for setting a password is known as a device for controlling access to image forming data stored in an image forming apparatus or the like. However, if you forget your password, you will not be able to access even those who are originally allowed access. Thus, it is known that a specific user such as a super user (administrator) can access all image forming data by using a super password (administrator password) (for example, Patent Document 1).
In addition, even if you forget the secret ID for decrypting the image formation data, you can access the image formation data by inputting the release data assigned to the individual user from the system administrator. Is also known (for example, Patent Document 2).
In addition, when the user forgets the card for using the image forming apparatus, the user can access the image forming data of the department by inputting the department code to which the user belongs. Known (for example, Patent Document 3).
JP 2004-104411 A JP 2003-099328 A JP 2003-259045 A

By the way, in the image forming apparatus, since a different password can be set for each folder provided for each user and a plurality of boxes provided in the folder, and a user authentication password can be set, a large number of passwords are set. Therefore, it is difficult for each user to memorize all the passwords.
Therefore, even if each user forgets the password, an image forming apparatus that can reliably access the image forming data of the user and has high confidentiality of the image forming data is desired.
However, in the invention of Patent Document 1, if a person other than the super user forgets the password, the image forming data cannot be accessed. Further, when the super user is malicious, all the image forming data may be illegally accessed, and there is a problem in confidentiality of the image forming data.
Further, in the invention of Patent Document 2, if the release data is lost, the encrypted image forming data cannot be decrypted.
In addition, in the invention of Patent Document 3, when the department code is forgotten as in the case of the password, access to the image forming data of the department becomes impossible.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which each user can reliably access image forming data and the confidentiality of the image forming data is high.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is connected to a user terminal via a network,
Storage means for storing image forming data and a password for accessing the image forming data in association with each other;
An input means for entering a password;
Password determination means for determining whether or not the password input by the input means matches the password stored in the storage means;
In the image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that permits access to the image forming data when the password determining unit determines that the input password matches the password stored in the storage unit ,
When a password is set, it is characterized by comprising transmission control means for transmitting the set password inputted from the input means to the user terminal.

The invention according to claim 2 is connected to the user terminal via a network,
Storage means for storing image forming data and a password for accessing the image forming data in association with each other;
An input means for entering a password;
Password determination means for determining whether or not the password input by the input means matches the password stored in the storage means;
In the image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that permits access to the image forming data when the password determining unit determines that the input password matches the password stored in the storage unit ,
Generating means for generating a password for releasing that enables access to the image forming data;
Transmission control means for transmitting the release password generated by the generation means to the user terminal;
A cancellation password determination unit that determines whether or not the cancellation password input by the input unit matches the cancellation password generated by the generation unit;
With
When the release password determination unit determines that the release password input from the input unit matches the release password stored in the storage unit, the control unit adds the image formation data to the image formation data. It is characterized by allowing access.

The invention according to claim 3 is connected to the user terminal via a network,
Access to image forming data composed of at least first layer data and second layer data lower than the first layer data, a first password for accessing the first layer data, and the second layer data. Storage means for storing the second password for each in association with each other,
An input means for entering a password;
Whether the first password input by the input means matches the first password stored in the storage means, and the second password input by the input means and the second password stored in the storage means Password judging means for judging whether or not two passwords match,
When the password determining unit determines that the input first password matches the first password stored in the storage unit, the password determining unit permits access to the first hierarchical data and the password determining unit. And a control unit that permits access to the second hierarchical data when it is determined that the input second password matches the second password stored in the storage unit. ,
When the first password and / or the second password is set, the apparatus includes transmission control means for transmitting the first password and / or the second password set by inputting from the input means to the user terminal. It is said.

The invention according to claim 4 is connected to the user terminal via a network,
Access to image forming data composed of at least first layer data and second layer data lower than the first layer data, a first password for accessing the first layer data, and the second layer data. Storage means for storing the second password for each in association with each other,
An input means for entering a password;
Whether the first password input by the input means matches the first password stored in the storage means, and the second password input by the input means and the second password stored in the storage means Password judging means for judging whether or not two passwords match,
When the password determining unit determines that the input first password matches the first password stored in the storage unit, the password determining unit permits access to the first hierarchical data and the password determining unit. And a control unit that permits access to the second hierarchical data when it is determined that the input second password matches the second password stored in the storage unit. ,
Generating means for generating a release password that allows access to both the first tier data and the second tier data;
Transmission control means for transmitting the release password generated by the generation means to the user terminal;
A cancellation password determination unit that determines whether or not the cancellation password input by the input unit matches the cancellation password generated by the generation unit;
With
The control means, when the release password judging means judges that the release password input from the input means matches the release password stored in the storage means, It is characterized by permitting access to two-tier data.

The invention according to claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 4,
An authentication password storage means for storing the user name of the user and an authentication password for authenticating the user in association with each other;
The release password functions as the authentication password.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, even if the user forgets the password, the image forming data can be accessed by the transmitted password, and each user can reliably access the image forming data. Can do. In addition, compared to the conventional method of allowing super users to access all image forming data, the possibility of unauthorized access to all image forming data when the super user is malicious can be eliminated. The confidentiality of the image forming data can be improved.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, even if the user forgets the password, the user can access the image forming data by inputting the transmitted cancellation password. Data can be accessed reliably. In addition, compared to the conventional method of allowing super users to access all image forming data, the possibility of unauthorized access to all image forming data when the super user is malicious can be eliminated. The confidentiality of the image forming data can be improved.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, even if the user forgets the first password and / or the second password, the image forming data can be accessed by the transmitted first password and / or second password. Thus, each user can reliably access the image forming data. In addition, compared to the conventional method of allowing super users to access all image forming data, the possibility of unauthorized access to all image forming data when the super user is malicious can be eliminated. The confidentiality of the image forming data can be improved.

  According to invention of Claim 4, even if a user forgets a 1st password or a 2nd password, by inputting the cancellation | release password transmitted, 1st hierarchy data and / or 2nd hierarchy data Thus, each user can reliably access the image forming data. In addition, compared to the conventional method of allowing super users to access all image forming data, the possibility of unauthorized access to all image forming data when the super user is malicious can be eliminated. The confidentiality of the image forming data can be improved.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 2 or 4 can be obtained. In particular, even if the user forgets the password for authentication, the password for release is released. By inputting, user authentication can be performed, and each user can reliably perform user authentication.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated example.
<Configuration of image forming apparatus>
First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus 1 includes, for example, an image reading unit 20, an operation unit 30 as an input unit, a printer unit 40, a paper feed unit 50, a post-processing unit 70, and the like.

  The image reading unit 20 includes, for example, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) unit 21 that is an automatic paper feeding mechanism, a scanner unit 22, and the like. The ADF unit 21 transports the document placed on the document table and sends it to the scanner unit 22, and the scanner unit 22 optically scans the transported document and performs CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 23 (line image sensor). The original image is read by performing photoelectric conversion according to the method described later.

  The operation unit 30 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 31 to be described later and other operation key groups (not shown).

  The printer unit 40 performs laser type image formation, and includes a transport mechanism 41 that transports transfer paper fed from the paper feed unit 50, an image writing unit 42 that writes an image on the transfer paper, and a transfer paper formed on the transfer paper. The image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit 43 that fixes the toner image formed by heating and pressing.

  The paper feed unit 50 is configured to include, for example, four trays 51 to 54 for accommodating various transfer papers for paper feed. In the present embodiment, four trays are provided, but the number is not particularly limited. Each of the trays 51 to 54 can accommodate transfer papers having different paper types such as plain paper, recycled paper, and high-quality paper, sizes, colors, presence / absence of perforations, and the like. In the present embodiment, transfer paper is described as an example of the recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be made of a material other than paper such as an OHP (Over Head Projector) sheet. .

  The post-processing unit 70 performs, for example, sorting processing, cutting processing, punching processing for punching holes, stapling processing for stopping staples, and the like on transfer paper on which images have been formed. In the post-processing unit 70, the transfer paper that has been or has not been subjected to post-processing is discharged to a discharge tray 71.

Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus 1 includes, for example, a main body 1a, a print controller 1b, a paper feed unit 50, a post-processing unit 70, and the like.
The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a user terminal PC via a network as shown in FIG. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a user terminal PC on the LAN through a LANIF (Local Area Network Interface) 62 (described later) of the print controller 1b so as to be able to transmit and receive information to and from each other.

  First, the main body 1a will be described. The main body unit 1a includes, for example, a control main body unit 10, an image reading unit 20, an operation unit 30, a printer unit 40, and the like.

  The control main unit 10 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory 11 as a storage unit and an authentication password storage unit, a reading processing unit 12, a compression IC (Integrated Circuit) 13, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control IC 14, an image memory 15, an expansion An IC 16, a writing processing unit 17, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) 18 as a storage unit, an image control unit 19, and the like are configured.

The non-volatile memory 11 is, for example, a rewritable and non-volatile memory, and stores, for example, a user name and an authentication password for specifying a user in association with each other as shown in FIG. The nonvolatile memory 11 stores, for example, a user name and a cancellation password in association with each other.
Here, the cancellation password is a password generated when the CPU 190 of the image control unit 19 executes a generation program 192C described later.

  The reading processing unit 12 performs various processing such as analog processing and shading processing on the analog image signal input from the reading control unit 24 of the image reading unit 20, and then performs A / D conversion processing to obtain digital image data. Generate. The generated image data is output to the compression IC 13.

  The compression IC 13 performs compression processing on the input image data and outputs it to the DRAM control IC 14.

  The DRAM control IC 14 controls image data compression processing by the compression IC 13 and decompression processing of compressed image data by the decompression IC 16 in accordance with instructions from the image control unit 19, and performs input / output control of image data to the image memory 15. . For example, when an instruction to store the image data read by the image reading unit 20 is given, the compression processing of the image data input from the reading processing unit 12 is executed by the compression IC 13, and the compressed image data is compressed in the image memory 15. It is stored in the memory 15a. When the print output of the compressed image data stored in the compression memory 15a is instructed, the compressed image data is read from the compression memory 15a, and decompressed by the decompression IC 16 and stored in the page memory 15b. Furthermore, when printing of uncompressed image data stored in the page memory 15 b is instructed, the uncompressed image data is read from the page memory 15 b and output to the writing processing unit 17.

  The image memory 15 includes, for example, a DRAM and stores a compression memory 15a, a page memory 15b, and the like. The compression memory 15a is a memory for storing, for example, compressed image data. The page memory 15b is a memory for temporarily storing uncompressed image data to be printed before printing, for example.

  The decompression IC 16 performs decompression processing on the input compressed image data.

  The write processing unit 17 generates print data for image formation based on the image data to be printed input from the DRAM control IC 14 and outputs the print data to the printer unit 40.

For example, the HDD 18 stores user image forming data. The HDD 18 has a hierarchical structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the folder F as the first hierarchy provided for each user, the box B as the second hierarchy provided below the folder F, Each box forming data is stored in the box B. In the present embodiment, the folder F is stored in the HDD 18 with a user name.
Further, the folder F and the box B can be set with a folder password as a first password and a box password as a second password, respectively. When a folder password is set, the data in the folder F as the first hierarchy data can be accessed only when the folder password is input. Similarly, when a box password is set, the data in the box B as the second hierarchy data can be accessed only when the box password is input.
Also, the HDD 18 stores a folder name and a cancellation password in association with each other as in the nonvolatile memory 11 shown in FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the image control unit 19 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 190, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 191 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 192 as control means. The CPU 190 of the image control unit 19 reads a system program and various processing programs stored in the ROM 192, develops them in the RAM 191, and centrally controls the operations of the respective units of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the developed programs.

  The RAM 191 expands a processing program or the like executed by the CPU 190 into a program storage area (not shown) in the RAM 191 and also displays input data and a processing result generated when the processing program is executed in a data storage area (not shown). (Omitted).

  The ROM 192 includes, for example, a recording medium (not shown) in which programs, data, and the like are stored in advance, and this recording medium is configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory. In addition, the ROM 192 stores various data, various processing programs, data processed by executing these programs, and the like for realizing a function of the CPU 190 controlling the entire image forming apparatus 1. More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the ROM 192 includes a display control program 192A, a user name determination program 192B, a generation program 192C, a transmission control program 192D, a password setting determination program 192E, a password match determination program 192F, A cancellation password determination program 192G and the like are stored.

  For example, the display control program 192A controls the CPU 190 by outputting a display signal to the LCD 31 to display an operation screen for inputting a printing condition, various processing results, and the like on the display screen of the LCD 31. It is a program that realizes the function.

  The user name determination program 192B refers to, for example, the user name assigned to the folder F stored in the HDD 18 and the user name stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 in the CPU 190, and the folder stored in the HDD 18 This is a program that realizes a function for determining whether or not there is a match between the user name given to F and the user name stored in the nonvolatile memory 11.

  In the generation program 192C, for example, the user name determination program 192B is executed by the CPU 190 so that the user name assigned to the folder F stored in the HDD 18 matches the user name stored in the nonvolatile memory 11. Only when it is determined that there is no password, this is a program that realizes a function of generating a password for cancellation different from the authentication password, the folder password, and the box password and storing it in the nonvolatile memory 11 or the HDD 18. The CPU 190 functions as a generation unit by executing the generation program 192C.

  For example, the transmission control program 192D causes the CPU 190 to realize a function of transmitting the release password generated by executing the generation program 192C to the user terminal PC on the LAN via the LANIF 62 of the printer controller 1b by e-mail or the like. It is a program. The CPU 190 functions as a transmission control unit by executing the transmission control program 192D.

  For example, when the user accesses the folder F or the box B of the HDD 18, the password setting determination program 192E determines whether the folder password or the box password is set in the folder F or the box B, and the user. Is a program that realizes a function of determining whether or not an authentication password for specifying the user is set when performing user authentication.

  The password match determination program 192F includes, for example, an authentication password, a folder password, and a box password input from the operation unit 30 to the CPU 190, respectively, an authentication password stored in the nonvolatile memory 11, and a folder password stored in the HDD 18. , A program for realizing a function for determining whether or not the box password matches. The CPU 190 functions as a password determination unit by executing the password match determination program 192F.

  For example, the cancellation password determination program 192G causes the CPU 190 to realize a function of determining whether or not the cancellation password input from the operation unit 30 matches the cancellation password stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 or the HDD 18. It is a program. More specifically, the cancellation password determination program 192G extracts the cancellation password corresponding to the user name with reference to the nonvolatile memory 11 and the HDD 18 at the time of user authentication, and extracts the cancellation password and the extracted password. This is a program that realizes a function of determining whether or not a cancellation password input from the operation unit 30 matches. Further, the cancellation password determination program 192G extracts the cancellation password corresponding to the folder name selected as the storage destination with reference to the nonvolatile memory 11 and the HDD 18 when the data is stored, and extracts the extracted cancellation password. Is a program that realizes a function of determining whether or not the cancellation password input from the operation unit 30 matches. The CPU 190 functions as a cancellation password determination unit by executing the cancellation password determination program 192G.

  The image reading unit 20 includes, for example, a CCD 23, a scanner unit 22 including a reading control unit 24 that drives and controls the CCD 23, an ADF 21, and the like, and reflects light that has been exposed and scanned on a document surface placed on a document table. The original image is read by photoelectrically converting light by the CCD 23. An analog image signal of the read document image is output to the reading processing unit 12 of the control main body unit 10.

  The operation unit 30 includes, for example, an LCD 31, an operation unit control unit 32, and other operation key groups (not shown). A touch panel is provided on the LCD 31 so as to cover the LCD 31, and the operation unit control unit 32 operates an operation screen for inputting a print condition in accordance with a display signal input from the image control unit 19, various processing results, and the like. Is displayed on the LCD 31. Further, the operation unit control unit 32 outputs an operation signal input from the operation key group or the touch panel to the image control unit 19.

  The printer unit 40 includes, for example, a printer control unit 45 that controls the image forming operation of the image forming unit 44 in accordance with instructions from the image forming unit 44 and the image control unit 19. The image forming unit 44 includes, for example, a transport mechanism 41, an image writing unit 42, a fixing unit 43, and the like. In the present embodiment, an example in which a laser type printer unit is applied to the printer unit 40 will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other printing methods such as an ink jet type, a thermal transfer type, a dot impact type, etc. are applied. It is good to do. The transfer paper on which the image is formed by the printer unit 40 is conveyed to the post-processing unit 70, and is discharged with or without post-processing.

  Next, each part of the print controller 1b will be described. The print controller 1b manages and controls print jobs input to the image forming apparatus 1 from the user terminal PC connected to the LAN when the image forming apparatus 1 is used as a network printer. Receiving the output data to be printed (including text data and image data), and allocating the output data as a print job according to the operating state of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The print controller 1b includes, for example, a controller control unit 61, a LANIF 62, a DRAM control IC 63, an image memory 64, and the like.

  The controller control unit 61 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the print controller 1b, and distributes output data input from the user terminal PC via the LAN as a print job according to the operation state of the image forming apparatus 1. Is realized.

  The LANIF 62 is a communication interface for connecting to a LAN such as a network interface card (hereinafter referred to as NIC: Network Interface Card) or a modem, and receives output data to be printed from the user terminal PC via the LAN. The received output data is output to the DRAM control IC 63.

  The DRAM control IC 63 controls storage of output data received by the LANIF 62 in the image memory 64 and reading of output data from the image memory 64. The DRAM control IC 63 is connected to the DRAM control IC 14 of the control main body 1a via a PCI bus. In accordance with an instruction from the controller control unit 61, output data to be printed is read from the image memory 64 and output to the DRAM control IC 14. To do.

  The image memory 64 includes, for example, a DRAM and temporarily stores input output data.

<Operation of Image Forming Apparatus>
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Password setting operation when saving image forming data)
First, a password setting operation when storing image forming data in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  7 to 16 show examples of screens displayed on the LCD 31 in the image forming mode of the image forming apparatus 1. On the screen of the image forming mode, for example, buttons for selecting various functions in the image forming mode of the image forming apparatus 1 are displayed on the upper portion. For example, as shown in FIGS. A copy button B1, a scanner button B2, a save button B3, a read button B4, a job management button B5, a machine status button B6, and the like are displayed.

  First, when an operation signal by selecting the save button B3 on the screen displayed on the LCD 31 of the operation unit 30 is input, the CPU 190 executes the display control program 192A so that, for example, FIG. 7 is displayed. On the save screen G1, folders F of each user are displayed side by side, and a key mark K is displayed on the left side of the folder F in which a folder password is set. Further, for example, a new registration button B7 is displayed at the lower left on the save screen G1. The CPU 190 determines whether or not a new registration operation signal due to the selection of the new registration button B7 has been input (step S1).

In step S1, when the user selects one of the folders F of each user displayed on the save screen G1, and the CPU 190 determines that a new registration operation signal has not been input (step S1). ; No), it progresses to step S8.
When the CPU 190 determines in step S1 that a new registration operation signal has been input (step S1; Yes), the CPU 190 executes the display control program 192A, thereby causing the LCD 31 to display, for example, the folder shown in FIG. A registration screen G2 is displayed (step S2).
In the folder registration screen G2, for example, a folder name input button B8 for inputting a folder name, a password input button B9 for inputting a folder password, and display fields H and OK for displaying the input folder name and password. Button B10, cancel button B11, etc. are displayed.

Next, the CPU 190 executes the display control program 192A to select the folder name input button B8 and the password input button B9 displayed on the folder registration screen G2, and input an operation signal as shown in FIG. The screens shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 are displayed, and folder name and password input control is performed (step S3). More specifically, when the folder name input button B8 on the folder registration screen G2 is selected, the CPU 190 causes the LCD 31 to display, for example, a keyboard screen G3 shown in FIG.
On the keyboard screen G3, for example, there is an input field N in which alphabet keys B12 arranged in the same manner as a known keyboard are displayed in the center, and a character string input by selecting the alphabet key B12 is displayed on the upper side. A cancel button B11, an OK button B10, etc. are displayed on the lower side.

Then, on the keyboard screen G3, when the alphabet key B12 is selected and the folder name is input by the user and the OK button B10 is selected, the CPU 190 causes the LCD 31 to display the folder registration screen G2 again. The displayed folder registration screen G2 is shown in FIG. Here, on the folder registration screen G2, as shown in FIG. 10, the folder name is displayed in the display field H for displaying the folder name.
Next, when the user selects the password input button B9 on the folder registration screen G2 shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 190 causes the LCD 31 to display, for example, a keyboard screen G3 similar to the keyboard screen G3 shown in FIG. The displayed keyboard screen G3 is shown in FIG. Here, the input folder password is displayed with an asterisk in the input field N.

Then, on the keyboard screen G3 shown in FIG. 11, when the user selects the alphabet key B12 and inputs the folder password, and selects the OK button B10, the CPU 190 associates the input folder name with the folder password. Is stored in the HDD 18 (step S4).
Next, the CPU 190 refers to the nonvolatile memory 11 by executing the user name determination program 192B to determine whether or not the input folder name matches the user name stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 ( Step S5).

If the CPU 190 determines in step S5 that the input folder name matches the user name stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 (step S5; Yes), the process proceeds to step S8.
In step S5, if the CPU 190 determines that the input folder name does not match the user name stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 (step S5; No), the CPU 190 executes the display control program 192A. Thus, for example, a mail address input screen G4 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the LCD 31 (step S6).

The mail address input screen G4 is, for example, the same screen as the folder registration screen G2 shown in FIG. 8, and the mail address input button B13 is displayed below the folder name input button B8 and the password input button B9. A display field H for displaying the input mail address is displayed below the input folder name and password display field H.
When the user selects the mail address input button B13 on the mail address input screen G4, the CPU 190 displays a keyboard screen G3 similar to the keyboard screen G3 shown in FIG. The displayed keyboard screen G3 is shown in FIG.

  Then, on the keyboard screen G3 shown in FIG. 13, when the user selects the alphabet key B12 and inputs the mail address, and selects the OK button B10, the CPU 190 displays the mail address input screen shown in FIG. G4 is displayed again. Here, as shown in FIG. 14, the mail address displayed in FIG. 13 is displayed in the mail address display field H of the mail address input screen G4. In FIG. 14, when the OK button B10 is selected, the CPU 190 executes the generation program 192C to generate a release password, stores it in the HDD 18 in association with the folder name, and then transmits the transmission control program 192D. By executing the above, the generated password for cancellation is transmitted to the mail address displayed on the mail address input screen G4 in FIG. 14 (step S7).

Next, the CPU 190 displays the box selection screen G5 shown in FIG. 15, for example, on the LCD 31 by executing the display control program 192A. In the box selection screen G5, for example, the boxes B in the folder F registered for each user are displayed side by side. When a box password is set in the box B, the box B is displayed on the left side of the box B. The key mark K is displayed, and the name of the box B is displayed in the box B.
In the box selection screen G5, a new box registration button B14, an OK button B10, a cancel button B11, and the like are displayed below the boxes B displayed side by side.
And it is judged whether the new registration operation signal by the user selecting new box registration button B14 of box selection screen G5 was inputted (Step S8).

In step S8, when the box B is selected by the user and the CPU 190 determines that a new registration operation signal has not been input (step S8; No), the process proceeds to step S10.
If the CPU 190 determines in step S8 that a new registration operation signal has been input (step S8; Yes), the CPU 190 causes the LCD 31 to display the box registration screen G6 shown in FIG. 16 (step S9).

  The box registration screen G6 displays, for example, a box name input button B15, a password input button B9 for inputting a box password, a box number input button B16 for inputting a box number, and the like, as in step S3. By selecting the box name input button B15, the password input button B9, and the box number input button B16, the keyboard screen G3 is displayed so that the box name, box password, and box number can be input from the keyboard screen G3. It has become. The box registration screen G6 displays a display field H that displays the input box name, box password, and box number. The user enters the box name, box password, and box number, and the OK button B10 is displayed. When selected, the box name, box password, and box number are associated with each other and stored in the folder F newly registered in the HDD 18.

  Next, the CPU 190 displays the newly registered box B by executing the display control program 192A, and assigns a file name to the image forming data according to the operation signal input from the operation unit 30. (Step S10), and this process is terminated.

(Password authentication operation when accessing data stored in the folder)
Next, a folder password authentication operation when accessing data stored in the folder F in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the CPU 190 determines whether or not the folder F is selected by the user on the save screen G1 shown in FIG. 7 (step S101).
In step S101, when the CPU 190 determines that the folder F is not selected (step S101; No), the process of step S101 is repeated every predetermined time.
If the CPU 190 determines in step S101 that the folder F has been selected (step S101; Yes), the CPU 190 refers to the HDD 18 by executing the password setting determination program 192E, and stores the folder F in the folder F. It is determined whether or not a password is set (step S102).

If the CPU 190 determines in step S102 that no folder password is set for the folder F (step S102; No), the process proceeds to step S106.
In step S102, when the CPU 190 determines that a folder password is set for the folder F (step S102; Yes), the CPU 190 executes the display control program 192A, whereby the password input screen ( (Not shown) is displayed, and password input control is performed to prompt the user to input a folder password (step S103).

  In step S103, when the folder password is input by the user, the CPU 190 executes the password matching determination program 192F, so that the folder password input from the operation unit 30 matches the folder password stored in the HDD 18. Whether or not (S104).

If the CPU 190 determines in step S104 that the input folder password matches the folder password stored in the HDD 18 (step S104; Yes), the process proceeds to step S106.
In step S104, when the CPU 190 determines that the input folder password does not match the folder password stored in the HDD 18 (step S104; No), the CPU 190 executes the cancellation password determination program 192G. Thus, it is determined whether or not the cancellation password input from the operation unit 30 matches the cancellation password stored in the HDD 18 or the nonvolatile memory 11 (S105).

In step S105, when the CPU 190 determines that the input cancellation password does not match the cancellation password stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 (step S105; No), the process returns to step S103.
In step S105, when the CPU 190 determines that the input cancellation password matches the cancellation password stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 (step S105; Yes), the CPU 190 stores the password into the folder F. Control to permit access is performed (step S106), and this process is terminated.

  Further, the box password authentication operation at the time of accessing the data stored in the box B in the image forming apparatus 1 is performed by the same processing as the above-described folder F password authentication operation, and when the user forgets the box password. The user can access the data in the box B by inputting the release password.

(Operation for setting authentication password during user registration)
Next, the setting operation of the authentication password at the time of user registration in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
19 to 24 show examples of screens displayed on the LCD 31 in the user authentication mode of the image forming apparatus 1. On the screen of the user authentication mode, for example, a utility button B17 is displayed at the top thereof.

  First, when an operation signal is input by selecting the utility button B17 on the screen displayed on the LCD 31 of the operation unit 30, the CPU 190 executes the display control program 192A, thereby causing the LCD 31 to display, for example, FIG. A user authentication screen G7 shown in FIG. 19 is displayed. Each user name is displayed side by side on the user authentication screen G7, and the usage status of the image forming apparatus 1 of the user is displayed on the right side of the user name. For example, an add button B18 and the like are displayed at the lower left of the user authentication screen G7. The CPU 190 determines whether or not a user addition signal due to the selection of the addition button B18 has been input (step S201).

If the CPU 190 determines in step S201 that the user addition signal has not been input (step S201; No), the process ends.
If the CPU 190 determines in step S201 that a user addition signal has been input (step S201; Yes), the CPU 190 causes the LCD 31 to display the user registration screen G8 shown in FIG. 20 (step S202).

The user registration screen G8 includes a user number input button B19 for inputting a user number, a user name input button B20, a password input button B9 for inputting an authentication password, an input user number, a user name, and authentication A display field H for displaying a password, an OK button B10, a cancel button B11, and the like are displayed. Then, when the user selects the user number input button B19, the user name input button B20, the password input button B9, etc., the CPU 190 displays the keyboard screen G3 shown in FIGS. 21 and 23, and the keyboard screen G3. The user number, user name, and authentication password can be entered.
20, when the user selects a user name input button B20, the CPU 190 causes the LCD 31 to display a keyboard screen G3 shown in FIG. Then, in FIG. 21, when the user name is input by the user, the CPU 190 displays the user registration screen G8 again as shown in FIG. Here, the input user number and user name are displayed in the display field H of the user registration screen G8.

  Next, in FIG. 22, when the password input button B9 is selected by the user, the CPU 190 causes the LCD 31 to display the keyboard screen G3 shown in FIG. In FIG. 23, when the authentication password is input by the user, the CPU 190 displays the user registration screen G8 again as shown in FIG. Here, the input user number and the user name are displayed in the display field H of the user registration screen G8, and the input authentication password is displayed by an asterisk in the display field H. ing.

Then, when the user selects the OK button B10 in FIG. 24, the CPU 190 stores the input user number, user name, and authentication password in the nonvolatile memory 11 in association with each other (step S204).
Next, the CPU 190 refers to the HDD 18 by executing the user name determination program 192B, and determines whether or not the input user name matches the folder name stored in the HDD 18 (step S205).

In step S205, if the CPU 190 determines that the input user name matches the folder name stored in the HDD 18 (step S205; Yes), the process is terminated.
In step S205, when the CPU 190 determines that the input user name does not match the folder name stored in the HDD 18 (step S205; No), the CPU 190 executes the display control program 192A, thereby For example, a mail address input screen (not shown) is displayed on the LCD 31 (step S206).

  Next, when an e-mail address is input by the user on the e-mail address input screen, the CPU 190 generates a password for cancellation by executing the generation program 192C, and associates the user name with the non-volatile memory 11. Then, by executing the transmission control program 192D, the generated password for cancellation is transmitted to the mail address input in step S206 (step S207), and this process is terminated.

(Password authentication operation during user authentication)
Next, a password authentication operation at the time of user authentication in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the CPU 190 determines whether or not a user name has been selected by the user on the user authentication screen G7 shown in FIG. 19 (step S301).
In step S301, when the CPU 190 determines that the user name is not selected (step S301; No), the process of step S301 is repeated every predetermined time.
When the CPU 190 determines in step S301 that the user name has been selected (step S301; Yes), the CPU 190 refers to the nonvolatile memory 11 by executing the password setting determination program 192E, and the user name It is determined whether or not an authentication password is set in (step S302).

If the CPU 190 determines in step S302 that an authentication password is not set for the user name (step S302; No), the process proceeds to step S306.
If the CPU 190 determines in step S302 that an authentication password has been set for the user name (step S302; Yes), the CPU 190 executes the display control program 192A, whereby the password input screen is displayed on the LCD 31. (Not shown) is displayed, and password input control is performed to prompt the user to input an authentication password (step S303).

  In step S303, when an authentication password is input by the user, the CPU 190 executes the password match determination program 192F, whereby the authentication password input from the operation unit 30 and the authentication password stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 are stored. It is determined whether or not the password matches (S304).

If the CPU 190 determines in step S304 that the input authentication password matches the authentication password stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 (step S304; Yes), the process proceeds to step S306.
When the CPU 190 determines in step S304 that the input authentication password and the authentication password stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 do not match (step S304; No), the CPU 190 executes the cancellation password determination program. By executing 192G, it is determined whether or not the cancellation password input from the operation unit 30 matches the cancellation password stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S305).

In step S305, when the CPU 190 determines that the input cancellation password and the cancellation password stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 do not match (step S305; No), the process returns to step S303.
In step S305, when the CPU 190 determines that the input cancellation password matches the cancellation password stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 (step S305; Yes), the CPU 190 displays the user name on the LCD 31. The usage status of the image forming apparatus 1 corresponding to the above is displayed (step S306), and this process is terminated.

  According to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention described above, the cancellation password that allows the CPU 190 to access both the data in the folder F and the data in the box B by executing the generation program 192C. When the CPU 190 executes the transmission control program 192D, the generated cancellation password is transmitted to the user terminal PC, and the CPU 190 executes the cancellation password determination program 192G, and is input from the operation unit 30. It is determined whether the generated cancellation password matches the generated cancellation password, and the CPU 190 determines that the input cancellation password matches the cancellation password stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 or the HDD 18. Data in folder F and / or B box Since the access to the data in the folder F is permitted, even if the user forgets the folder password and / or the box password, the data in the folder F and / or the box B can be entered by inputting the transmitted release password. Thus, each user can reliably access the image forming data. In addition, compared to the conventional method of allowing super users to access all image forming data, the possibility of unauthorized access to all image forming data when the super user is malicious can be eliminated. The confidentiality of the image forming data can be improved.

  In addition, the user name of the user and an authentication password for authenticating the user are stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 in association with each other, and the release password functions as an authentication password, so the user forgets the authentication password. Even if the user enters the release password, user authentication can be performed, and each user can be surely authenticated.

In the present embodiment, the authentication password is stored in the nonvolatile memory 11, but may be stored in the HDD 18.
In the present embodiment, the user name and the cancellation password are stored in association with each other in the nonvolatile memory 11, and the folder name and the cancellation password are stored in association with each other in the HDD 18. The user name, folder name, and cancellation password may be collectively stored in one storage unit, for example, the HDD 18 or the nonvolatile memory 11.
Further, the cancellation password is transmitted to the user terminal PC by the CPU 190 executing the transmission control program 192D. However, the authentication password, the folder password, and the box password may be transmitted to the user terminal PC. In that case, the password for cancellation need not be generated by the image forming apparatus 1.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the non-volatile memory which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of HDD which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the image control part which concerns on this invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a password setting operation when storing image forming data in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the screen displayed on LCD of the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the screen displayed on LCD of the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the screen displayed on LCD of the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the screen displayed on LCD of the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the screen displayed on LCD of the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the screen displayed on LCD of the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the screen displayed on LCD of the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the screen displayed on LCD of the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the screen displayed on LCD of the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the screen displayed on LCD of the image forming apparatus of this invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a folder password authentication operation when accessing data stored in a folder of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an authentication password setting operation at the time of user registration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the screen displayed on LCD of the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the screen displayed on LCD of the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the screen displayed on LCD of the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the screen displayed on LCD of the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the screen displayed on LCD of the image forming apparatus of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the screen displayed on LCD of the image forming apparatus of this invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a password authentication operation at the time of user authentication for image formation according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image forming apparatus 11 Non-volatile memory (storage means)
18 HDD (storage means)
190 CPU (control means, transmission control means, password judgment means, release password judgment means)
192C generation program (generation means)
192D transmission control program (transmission control means)
192F Password match judgment program (password judgment means)
192G Release password judgment program (Release password judgment means)
30 Operation part (input means)
PC user terminal

Claims (5)

Connected to the user terminal via the network,
Storage means for storing image forming data and a password for accessing the image forming data in association with each other;
An input means for entering a password;
Password determination means for determining whether or not the password input by the input means matches the password stored in the storage means;
In the image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that permits access to the image forming data when the password determining unit determines that the input password matches the password stored in the storage unit ,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a transmission control unit configured to transmit a password set by inputting from the input unit to the user terminal when a password is set. Connected to the user terminal via the network,
Storage means for storing image forming data and a password for accessing the image forming data in association with each other;
An input means for entering a password;
Password determination means for determining whether or not the password input by the input means matches the password stored in the storage means;
In the image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that permits access to the image forming data when the password determining unit determines that the input password matches the password stored in the storage unit ,
Generating means for generating a password for releasing that enables access to the image forming data;
Transmission control means for transmitting the release password generated by the generation means to the user terminal;
A cancellation password determination unit that determines whether or not the cancellation password input by the input unit matches the cancellation password generated by the generation unit;
With
When the release password determination unit determines that the release password input from the input unit matches the release password stored in the storage unit, the control unit adds the image formation data to the image formation data. An image forming apparatus, wherein access is permitted. Connected to the user terminal via the network,
Access to image forming data composed of at least first layer data and second layer data lower than the first layer data, a first password for accessing the first layer data, and the second layer data. Storage means for storing the second password for each in association with each other,
An input means for entering a password;
Whether the first password input by the input means matches the first password stored in the storage means, and the second password input by the input means and the second password stored in the storage means Password judging means for judging whether or not two passwords match,
When the password determining unit determines that the input first password matches the first password stored in the storage unit, the password determining unit permits access to the first hierarchical data and the password determining unit. And a control unit that permits access to the second hierarchical data when it is determined that the input second password matches the second password stored in the storage unit. ,
When the first password and / or the second password is set, the apparatus includes transmission control means for transmitting the first password and / or the second password set by inputting from the input means to the user terminal. An image forming apparatus. Connected to the user terminal via the network,
Access to image forming data composed of at least first layer data and second layer data lower than the first layer data, a first password for accessing the first layer data, and the second layer data. Storage means for storing the second password for each in association with each other,
An input means for entering a password;
Whether the first password input by the input means matches the first password stored in the storage means, and the second password input by the input means and the second password stored in the storage means Password judging means for judging whether or not two passwords match,
When the password determining unit determines that the input first password matches the first password stored in the storage unit, the password determining unit permits access to the first hierarchical data and the password determining unit. And a control unit that permits access to the second hierarchical data when it is determined that the input second password matches the second password stored in the storage unit. ,
Generating means for generating a release password that allows access to both the first tier data and the second tier data;
Transmission control means for transmitting the release password generated by the generation means to the user terminal;
A cancellation password determination unit that determines whether or not the cancellation password input by the input unit matches the cancellation password generated by the generation unit;
With
The control means, when the release password judging means judges that the release password input from the input means matches the release password stored in the storage means, An image forming apparatus that permits access to two-layer data. An authentication password storage means for storing the user name of the user and an authentication password for authenticating the user in association with each other;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the release password functions as the authentication password.

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