JP2008134854A - Image forming apparatus, authentication method and authentication processing program in same apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus for authenticating a user who accesses to an image forming apparatus even when an external authentication device becomes unavailable due to failure. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming apparatus is provided with a transmission means 18 for transmitting authentication information input by a user to an authentication device 2 connected through a network 3; a reception means 18 for receiving an authentication result from the authentication device; a temporary authentication means 19 for executing temporary authentication based on temporary authentication information input by the user when the authentication is not available; and a control means 11 for determining the propriety of use based on the authentication result from the authentication device and the temporary authentication result by the temporary authentication means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) which is a multifunction digital multi-function peripheral, for example, an authentication method for permitting a user to use the apparatus, and an authentication processing program.

  Conventionally, as an authentication system for permitting a user to use an image forming apparatus, an external authentication apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus via a network is provided, and the authentication information input by the user who has accessed the image forming apparatus is authenticated. There is known a system in which an image is transmitted to an apparatus, authenticated by an authentication apparatus, and the result is returned to an image forming apparatus.

  However, if some trouble occurs in the external authentication device and the authentication device does not operate, the image forming device itself can operate normally but cannot receive authentication, so the image forming device cannot actually be used. There was a problem that. In such a case, when urgent printing or urgent facsimile transmission occurs, there may be a situation where urgent printing or facsimile transmission is more important than strict management of the user to be used.

Patent Document 1 discloses an authentication system that performs authentication when temporary authentication data is transferred from the authentication server to the image forming apparatus when the authentication server cannot perform authentication due to power-off or a connection error. ing.
JP 2005-63146 A

  However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, if communication with the image forming apparatus becomes impossible before the authentication server transmits temporary authentication data, the image forming apparatus is in communication until communication is possible. For this reason, the conventional problem described above that still cannot be dealt with even if urgent printing or urgent facsimile transmission occurs is still occurring.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and authenticates a user who has accessed an image forming apparatus even when the external authentication apparatus cannot be used due to a failure, communication abnormality, or the like. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing authentication, an authentication method and an authentication processing program in the apparatus.

The above problem is solved by the following means.
(1) An image forming apparatus connected to an external authentication device via a network, and a transmission unit that transmits authentication information input by a user to the authentication device, and reception that receives an authentication result from the authentication device And a temporary authentication unit that performs temporary authentication based on temporary authentication information input by a user when the authentication device is not usable, an authentication result from the authentication device, and a temporary authentication result by the temporary authentication unit And an image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that determines whether or not the user can use the image forming apparatus.
(2) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 above, further comprising setting means capable of setting whether or not provisional authentication is performed by the authentication means.
(3) If the display means is provided and provisional authentication is set, the control means causes the display means to display a temporary authentication screen for inputting temporary authentication information. The image forming apparatus described.
(4) Display means, means for determining whether or not to display external authentication apparatus unusable on the display means when the authentication apparatus is unusable, and when the authentication apparatus is unusable, When receiving authentication information from the external terminal device, a reply means for returning an authentication failure to the external terminal device, and receiving facsimile data or receiving print data that does not require authentication when the authentication device is not usable. An image forming apparatus, further comprising: a printing unit that prints the received facsimile data or print data.
(5) The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein after the authentication information is transmitted by the transmitting unit, if the authentication apparatus does not return a result of authentication for a predetermined time, the authentication apparatus determines that the authentication apparatus cannot be used.
(6) The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the control unit restricts a function that permits use in provisional authentication as compared to authentication by an authentication apparatus.
(7) The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein there are a plurality of types of temporary authentication information, and the control unit expands a function of permitting use each time authentication success using different temporary authentication information is repeated.
(8) The image forming apparatus according to item 1, wherein there are a plurality of types of temporary authentication information, and the control unit changes a function of permitting use according to the input temporary authentication information.
(9) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 above, wherein the temporary authentication is recognized only by a user registered in the image forming apparatus.
(10) The image forming apparatus according to item 1, wherein the temporary authentication is performed based on reading of a vein pattern.
(11) Registering a plurality of finger vein patterns or vein patterns of palms of both hands as vein patterns, and increasing the number of fingers or palms to be authenticated increases the functions allowed to be used The image forming apparatus described.
(12) As a form of temporary authentication, card authentication, vein authentication, authentication by identification information and password input is possible, and the control unit changes the function to permit use according to each authentication form. Image forming apparatus.
(13) Functions that are permitted to be used in temporary authentication include color printing prohibition, single-sided printing prohibition, transmission function prohibition, copy job image conversion prohibition, output exceeding a predetermined number of copies, and a predetermined number of copies exceeding 7. The image forming apparatus according to item 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is at least one of output prohibition.
(14) transmitting authentication information input by a user to an external authentication device via a network; receiving an authentication result from the authentication device; and when the authentication device is unusable, the user A step of performing temporary authentication based on the temporary authentication information input by the step, and a step of determining whether or not the user can be used based on the authentication result from the authentication device and the temporary authentication result. Authentication method in an image forming apparatus.
(15) a step of transmitting authentication information input by a user to an external authentication device via a network; a step of receiving an authentication result from the authentication device; and when the authentication device is not usable, A step of performing temporary authentication based on the temporary authentication information input by the user, and a step of determining whether or not the user can be used based on the authentication result from the authentication device and the temporary authentication result. An authentication processing program to be executed.

  According to the invention described in item (1) above, when the authentication device is not usable, the image forming apparatus is provided with temporary authentication means for performing temporary authentication based on temporary authentication information input by the user. Even when the external authentication device cannot be used due to a failure or the like, temporary authentication can be performed for a user who has accessed the image forming device. If the authentication is successful, the image forming device can be used. it can. Therefore, when urgent printing or urgent facsimile transmission occurs, it is possible to perform the printing or facsimile transmission while ensuring security by temporary authentication.

  According to the invention described in item (2) above, since it is possible to set whether or not to perform temporary authentication by the authentication means, it is possible to determine whether or not to perform temporary authentication according to the use environment.

  According to the invention described in item (3) above, when provisional authentication is set, a temporary authentication screen for inputting temporary authentication information is displayed on the display means. Temporary authentication can be performed from the screen, making it easy to use.

  According to the invention described in (4) above, when the authentication device is not usable, it is possible to determine whether or not to display the external authentication device unusable on the display means, and to authenticate from the external terminal device. When information is received, authentication failure can be returned to the external terminal device, and when facsimile data is received or print data not requiring authentication is received, the received facsimile data or print data Can be printed.

  According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (5), it is possible to determine that the authentication device is unusable when there is no reply from the authentication device about the authentication result for a predetermined time after the transmission of the authentication information by the transmission means. .

  According to the invention described in item (6) above, since the function for permitting use is limited in the temporary authentication as compared with the authentication by the authentication device, the convenience of the user is prevented while preventing the security from being deteriorated by the temporary authentication. Can be secured.

  According to the invention described in the preceding item (7), there are a plurality of types of temporary authentication information, and each time authentication success using different temporary authentication information is repeated, the trust of the user increases, so the function of permitting use is expanded. Is done.

  According to the invention described in item (8) above, the function permitted to be used can be changed according to the security level of the temporary authentication information.

  According to the invention described in item (9) above, provisional authentication is permitted only to users registered in the image forming apparatus, so that it is possible to prevent a decrease in security due to provisional authentication.

  According to the invention described in item (10), provisional authentication can be performed based on reading of a vein pattern.

  According to the invention described in the preceding item (11), the number of fingers or palms for performing authentication increases, so that the security is further ensured, so that the functions permitted to be used are expanded.

  According to the invention described in the preceding item (12), the function permitted to be used can be changed according to the authentication mode by card authentication, vein authentication, identification information and password input.

  According to the invention described in (13) above, at the time of provisional authentication, at least one of color printing, single-sided printing, a transmission function, image conversion in a copy job, output of a predetermined number of copies, output of a predetermined number of copies or more is performed. Can be prohibited.

  According to the invention described in the above item (14), even when the external authentication apparatus cannot be used due to a failure or the like, provisional authentication can be performed for a user who has accessed the image forming apparatus, and the authentication is successful. In this case, since the image forming apparatus can be used, when urgent printing or urgent facsimile transmission occurs, it is possible to perform the printing or facsimile transmission while ensuring security by temporary authentication.

  According to the invention described in item (15), when the authentication apparatus is not usable, the computer of the image forming apparatus can execute a process of performing temporary authentication based on temporary authentication information input by the user. it can.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an authentication system using an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this authentication system, an image forming apparatus 1 comprising an MFP and an external authentication server 2 are connected via a network 3 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a temporary authentication unit 19 for performing temporary authentication, as will be described later.

  The authentication server 2 performs personal authentication of the user, and has an authentication information storage unit 21 in which personal authentication information is stored.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

In FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the above-described MFP, and includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a scanner unit 4, a storage unit 15, a printer unit 16, an operation panel 17, and a network controller (NIC). 18 and a temporary authentication unit 19.
Etc.

  In addition to the overall control of the entire image forming apparatus 1, the CPU 11 transmits authentication data input by the user to the authentication server 2 and causes the authentication server 2 to perform personal authentication or authentication. When the server cannot be used, the temporary authentication unit 19 in the image forming apparatus 1 performs temporary authentication for the user.

  The ROM 12 is a memory for storing an operation program of the CPU 11 and the like.

  The RAM 13 is a memory that provides a work area when the CPU 11 operates based on an operation program.

  The scanner unit 14 is a reading unit that reads an image of a document placed on a document table (not shown) and outputs image data.

  The storage unit 15 is configured by a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 15 stores image data of a document read by the scanner unit 4. Further, the storage unit 15 stores a plurality of types of temporary authentication information for performing temporary authentication, permission information regarding functions permitted when the temporary authentication is successful (for example, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like). A temporary authentication information storage unit 151 is included.

  The printer unit 16 prints image data of a document read by the scanner unit 14, print data from a user terminal, and the like according to an instructed mode.

  The operation panel 17 is used for various input operations, and includes, for example, a display unit 171 made of liquid crystal or the like, a start key, a numeric keypad unit (not shown), and the like, as shown in FIG.

  The network controller 18 controls communication with the authentication server 2 on the network 3 and other external devices such as user terminals.

  The temporary authentication unit 19 performs temporary authentication by comparing the temporary authentication information input by the user with the temporary authentication information stored in the temporary authentication information storage unit 151 of the storage unit 15 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 11. . The authentication unit 19 includes an authentication device 191 having a function of reading temporary authentication information in a state where a user's card is placed or reading a vein pattern of a user's finger or palm as temporary authentication information.

  Next, an authentication method in the authentication system shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus 1 when a user who accesses the image forming apparatus 1 inputs authentication information to the image forming apparatus 1. The operation shown in this flowchart is executed by the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 operating according to a program recorded in a recording medium such as the ROM 12.

  In step S01, when the user inputs an authentication ID and password as authentication information from the operation panel 17, the input authentication information ID and password are transmitted to the authentication server 2 in step S02.

  The authentication server 2 performs authentication by comparing the transmitted authentication information with the stored authentication information, and returns the result to the image forming apparatus 1. When the authentication server 2 cannot be used due to failure or communication abnormality, there is no response.

  In step S03, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether an authentication result has been returned. If the authentication is successful or unsuccessful (success / failure in step S03), the image forming apparatus 1 performs an operation according to the authentication result in step S104. Do.

  On the other hand, if there is no response as an authentication result (no response in step S03), it is determined in step S05 whether or not provisional authentication permission is set by an administrator or the like.

  If no setting has been made (NO in step S05), the image forming apparatus 1 is left in a use-prohibited state in step S06. If provisional authentication permission has been set (YES in step S05), in step S07, as shown in FIG. 18, a message indicating that connection to the authentication server 2 cannot be made is displayed, and provisional authentication ID that is provisional authentication information is displayed. A screen for inputting the password and the password is displayed on the display unit 171 of the operation panel 17.

  When the user inputs the temporary authentication ID and password, in step S08, the CPU 11 causes the temporary authentication unit 19 to execute temporary authentication. If the temporary authentication is successful (YES in step S08), the use of a predetermined function is permitted. To do. If the provisional authentication is not successful (NO in step S08), the use state prohibition is continued in step S09.

  Thus, in this embodiment, when the authentication server 2 is not usable, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with the temporary authentication unit 19 that performs temporary authentication based on the temporary authentication information input by the user. Even when the authentication server 2 becomes unusable due to a failure or the like, provisional authentication can be performed for a user who has accessed the image forming apparatus 1, and if the authentication is successful, the image forming apparatus 1 is used. be able to. Therefore, when urgent printing or urgent facsimile transmission occurs, it is possible to perform the printing or facsimile transmission while ensuring security by temporary authentication.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a setting process when an administrator or the like sets whether or not to perform a temporary authentication operation.

  In step S21, a temporary authentication setting screen is displayed on the display unit 171 of the operation panel 17, and in step S22, it is determined according to an instruction from an administrator or the like whether to perform setting. When the setting is not performed (“No” at Step S22), the prohibition of temporary authentication is stored at Step S23, and when the setting is performed (“Yes” at Step S22), the permission of temporary authentication is stored at Step S24. .

  In this manner, since it is possible to set whether or not to perform temporary authentication, it is possible to determine whether or not to perform temporary authentication according to the use environment.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation when displaying the temporary authentication information input screen of FIG.

  In step S31, it is determined whether or not provisional authentication is possible (is set). If not (NO in step S31), the process ends. If possible (YES in step S31), the temporary authentication information input screen of FIG. 18 is displayed in step S32.

  As described above, when provisional authentication is set, a provisional authentication screen for inputting provisional authentication information is displayed, and the user can perform provisional authentication from this screen. Is good.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing when there is no response from the authentication server that has transmitted the temporary authentication information.

  If it is determined in step S41 that there is no response from the authentication server 2, it is determined in step S42 whether to display that the authentication server cannot be used. If the setting is not for displaying (“NO” in step S42), the process is terminated without displaying. If the setting is to perform display (“Yes” in step S42), a message indicating that the authentication server cannot be used is displayed on the display unit 171 of the operation panel 17, and the process ends. Thereby, the user can recognize that the authentication server 2 cannot be used.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing when an authentication request is made from, for example, a user terminal device connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network 3 when there is no response from the authentication server 2.

  In step S51, when it is confirmed that there is no response from the authentication server 2, when an authentication request from other than the image forming apparatus 1 is received in step S52, an authentication failure response is returned to the request destination in step S53. Thereby, the user can recognize that the authentication server 2 cannot be used.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing when facsimile data is received when there is no response from the authentication server 2.

  When it is confirmed in step S61 that there is no response from the authentication server 2, if facsimile data is received in step S62, it is determined in step S63 that authentication is not required, and then the received facsimile data is printed in step S64. . As a result, a facsimile reception job that does not require authentication can be executed.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing when a print job that does not require authentication is received when there is no response from the authentication server 2.

  When it is confirmed in step S71 that there is no response from the authentication server 2 and a print job that does not require authentication is received in step S72, it is determined in step S73 that authentication is not required, and in step S74, the received print job is received. Execute. As a result, it is possible to execute a print job that does not require authentication.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a determination process for determining that the authentication server 2 cannot be used.

  When an authentication operation by the user is accepted in step S81, authentication information is transmitted to the authentication server 2 and an authentication request is made in step S82.

  In step S83, it is determined whether there is a response from the authentication server 2 regarding the authentication result. If there is a response (YES in step S83), the response is received in step S86. If there is no response (NO in step S83), it is determined in step S84 whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S84), the process returns to step S83 and waits for a response. When the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S84), it is determined in step S85 that the authentication server 2 cannot be used.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing when the use permission function of the image forming apparatus is restricted during temporary authentication.

  In step S91, authentication is performed by provisional authentication, and then, in step S92, the use is permitted to the user in a state where usable functions are limited as compared with the case where authentication is obtained by the authentication server 2. In addition, it is good also as a structure which restricts the user permitted use by provisional authentication to the user previously registered into the image forming apparatus, and raises security further.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process in the case of expanding the function permitted to be used every time successful authentication using different types of temporary authentication information is repeated.

  In step S101, in a state where the authentication with the temporary authentication information A is successful, it is determined whether or not the authentication with the temporary authentication information B is performed in step S102, and if it is performed, it is determined whether the authentication is successful.

  If the authentication by the temporary authentication information B has not been performed, or if the authentication has failed ("No authentication / authentication failure" in step S102), the process is terminated. In this case, the user can use a function that is permitted by successful authentication with the temporary authentication information A.

  When the authentication by the temporary authentication information B is successful (“authentication successful” in step S102), the use state is set to B in step S103. In this state, usable functions are expanded as compared with the case of using only temporary authentication information A.

  Next, in step S104, it is determined whether authentication by the temporary authentication information C has been performed, and if it has been performed, has succeeded.

  If the authentication based on the temporary authentication information C has not been performed, or if the authentication has failed (“No authentication / authentication failure” in step S104), the processing is terminated. In this case, the use state B is maintained.

  If the authentication by the temporary authentication information C is successful (“authentication successful” in step S104), the use state is set to C in step S105. In this state, the usable functions are further expanded as compared with the case of using the temporary authentication information B.

  As described above, since there are a plurality of types of temporary authentication information and each time authentication success using different temporary authentication information is repeated, the user's trust increases, so the function of permitting use is expanded.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process in the case of changing a function that is permitted to be used in response to input of a plurality of types of temporary authentication information.

  If temporary authentication information is input in step S111 and this temporary authentication information is not appropriate, authentication fails in step S112. When the authentication information A is input and the authentication is successful, the function A can be used in step S113. In the case of the authentication information B, the function B can be used in step S114. In the case of the authentication information C, the function B can be used in step S115. Function C can be used.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process in a case where temporary authentication is performed using a finger vein pattern.

  In step S121, it is determined whether or not the authentication performed by the user with the finger A is successful. If the authentication fails (“failure” in step S121), the process ends. If the authentication is successful (“success” in step S121), use of function A is permitted in step S122.

  Next, in step S123, it is determined whether or not the authentication performed by the user with the finger B is successful. If the authentication fails (“failure” in step S123), the process is terminated. In this case, the use of the function A is ensured. If the authentication is successful (“success” in step S123), use of function B having a wider range than function A is permitted in step S124.

  Next, in step S125, it is determined whether or not the authentication performed by the user with the finger C is successful. If the authentication fails (“failure” in step S125), the process ends. In this case, the use of function B is ensured. If the authentication is successful (“success” in step S125), use of function C having a wider range than function B is permitted in step S126.

  As described above, since the security is further secured by increasing the number of fingers to perform authentication, the function for permitting use is expanded.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processing in a case where temporary authentication is performed using a palm vein pattern.

  In step S131, it is determined whether or not the authentication performed by the user with one palm A is successful. If the authentication fails (“failure” in step S131), the process is terminated. If the authentication is successful (“success” in step S131), use of function A is permitted in step S132.

  Next, in step S133, it is determined whether or not the authentication performed by the user with the other palm B is successful. If the authentication fails (“failure” in step S133), the process ends. In this case, the use of the function A is ensured. If the authentication is successful (“success” in step S133), use of function B having a wider range than function A is permitted in step S134.

  As described above, since the security is further ensured in the case of performing authentication with both hands compared to the case of using only one hand, the function for permitting use is expanded.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating processing when the function for permitting use of the image forming apparatus 1 is changed according to the form of temporary authentication. In this example, three types of temporary authentication are used: card authentication using a card, vein authentication using a vein pattern, authentication by temporary authentication ID and password input.

  In step S141, function A permitted in the case of card authentication is set, function B permitted in the case of vein authentication is set in step S142, and permitted in the case of authentication by temporary authentication ID and password input in step S143. Set function C to be performed.

  Next, in step S144, the user selects a temporary authentication form.

  If card authentication is selected in step S145, a message prompting the user to place a card on the authentication device 191 is displayed on the display unit 171 of the operation panel 17 as shown in FIG.

  When the user places a card on the authentication device 191, a reading device (not shown) reads authentication information from the card, and provisional authentication is performed based on this. Due to the success of the temporary authentication, the use of the function A is permitted in step S146.

  When vein authentication is selected in step S147, a message prompting the authentication device 191 to place a finger or palm is displayed on the display unit 171 of the operation panel 17 as shown in FIG.

  When the user places a finger (palm) on the authentication device 191, a reading device (not shown) reads the vein pattern, and provisional authentication is performed based on this. Due to the success of the temporary authentication, the use of the function B is permitted in step S148.

  When authentication by temporary authentication ID and password input is selected in step S149, a temporary authentication ID and password input screen is displayed on the display unit 171 of the operation panel 17, as shown in FIG.

  A user inputs a temporary authentication ID and a password, and temporary authentication is performed based on the ID. Due to the success of temporary authentication, the use of function C is permitted in step S150.

  As described above, since the use permission function is changed according to the authentication mode, the setting according to the security level is possible.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing when a predetermined function is prohibited at the time of temporary authentication. In this embodiment, color printing, single-sided printing, transmission function, image conversion in a copy job, output of a predetermined number or more, predetermined number of copies The above output is prohibited.

  If temporary authentication is successful in step S161, color printing is prohibited in step S162, and single-sided printing is prohibited in step S163. Further, the transmission function is prohibited in step S164, the image conversion function is prohibited in step S165, the output of a predetermined number or more is prohibited in step S166, and the output of a predetermined number or more is prohibited in step S167.

  It should be noted that color printing, single-sided printing, transmission function, image conversion, output of a predetermined number or more, and output of a predetermined number of copies or more are prohibited, but not all of them, but at least of these operations Either may be prohibited.

1 is a configuration diagram of an authentication system using an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus when a user who accesses the image forming apparatus inputs authentication information to the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the setting process when an administrator etc. set whether it performs temporary authentication operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of displaying the input screen of temporary authentication information of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a process when there is no response from the authentication server which transmitted temporary authentication information. 10 is a flowchart showing processing when an authentication request is made from, for example, a user terminal device connected to the image forming apparatus via a network when there is no response from the authentication server. 10 is a flowchart showing processing when facsimile data is received when there is no response from the authentication server 2; 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing when a print job that does not require authentication is received when there is no response from the authentication server. It is a flowchart which shows the judgment process for judging that an authentication server is unusable. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing when a use permission function of an image forming apparatus is restricted during temporary authentication. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the case of expanding the function which permits use, whenever it repeats the authentication success using several different types of temporary authentication information. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the case of changing the function which permits use according to the input of multiple types of temporary authentication information. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the case of performing temporary authentication by the finger vein pattern. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the case of performing temporary authentication by the vein pattern of a palm. 4 is a flowchart showing processing when a function for permitting use of the image forming apparatus 1 is changed according to a form of temporary authentication. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the case of prohibiting a predetermined function at the time of temporary authentication. It is a figure which shows the input screen of temporary authentication information. It is a figure which shows each display screen displayed when the card | curd authentication using a card | curd, the vein authentication using a vein pattern, and authentication by temporary authentication ID and password input are selected.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image forming device (MFP)
2 Authentication server 3 Network 11 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Storage part 151 Temporary authentication information storage part 17 Operation panel 171 Display part 18 Network controller 19 Temporary authentication part 191 Authentication apparatus

Claims (15)

An image forming apparatus connected to an external authentication device via a network,
Transmitting means for transmitting authentication information input by a user to the authentication device;
Receiving means for receiving an authentication result from the authentication device;
When the authentication device cannot be used, temporary authentication means for performing temporary authentication based on temporary authentication information input by the user;
Based on the authentication result from the authentication device and the temporary authentication result by the temporary authentication means, control means for determining whether or not the user can be used,
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit capable of setting whether or not provisional authentication is performed by the authentication unit. A display means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the provisional authentication is set, the control unit causes the display unit to display a temporary authentication screen for inputting temporary authentication information. Display means;
Means for determining whether or not to display external authentication device unusable on the display means when the authentication device is unavailable;
When the authentication device is not usable, when receiving authentication information from the external terminal device, a reply means for returning an authentication failure to the external terminal device;
When the authentication apparatus is not usable, if facsimile data is received or print data not requiring authentication is received, printing means for printing the received facsimile data or print data; and
An image forming apparatus further comprising:   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after the authentication information is transmitted by the transmission unit, the authentication apparatus determines that the authentication apparatus is unusable when there is no reply from the authentication apparatus for a predetermined time.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit restricts a function to permit use in temporary authentication as compared with authentication by an authentication apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of types of temporary authentication information, and the control unit expands a function of permitting use each time authentication success using different temporary authentication information is repeated.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of types of temporary authentication information, and the control unit changes a function of permitting use according to the input temporary authentication information.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temporary authentication is permitted only to a user registered in the image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temporary authentication is performed based on reading of a vein pattern.   The function permitted to be used is expanded by registering a plurality of finger vein patterns or vein patterns of palms of both hands as the vein pattern and increasing the number of fingers or palms for authentication. Image forming apparatus.   The image according to claim 8, wherein authentication by card authentication, vein authentication, identification information, and password input is possible as a form of temporary authentication, and the control unit changes a function that permits use according to each authentication form. Forming equipment.   Restrictions on functions that are allowed to be used in temporary authentication include color printing prohibition, single-sided printing prohibition, transmission function prohibition, copy job prohibition of image conversion, prohibition of output exceeding a predetermined number of sheets, prohibition of output exceeding a predetermined number of copies The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is at least one of the above. Transmitting authentication information input by a user to an external authentication device via a network;
Receiving an authentication result from the authentication device;
When the authentication device is unusable, performing temporary authentication based on temporary authentication information input by a user;
Based on the authentication result from the authentication device and the temporary authentication result, determining whether to use the user,
An authentication method in an image forming apparatus, comprising: Transmitting authentication information input by a user to an external authentication device via a network;
Receiving an authentication result from the authentication device;
When the authentication device is unusable, performing temporary authentication based on temporary authentication information input by a user;
Based on the authentication result from the authentication device and the temporary authentication result, determining whether to use the user,
An authentication processing program for causing the computer of the image forming apparatus to execute.

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