JP2009192860A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability for user authentication in an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 1 includes: an apparatus body 2 having an image processing unit that executes a specified job; an operation panel 6 mounted on the apparatus body 2; a biological information reader 8 attached to the operation panel 6 via a support base 7 and used to read the biological information of a user; and a CPU 10 that authenticates a user based on the biological information acquired from the biological information reader 8 and permits the execution of various function relating to an image processing unit 5 when the user can be specified. The biological information reader 8 is attached to the operation panel 6 so as to be rotatable around a specific axis relative to the operation panel 6, and the position of this reader 8 relative to the operation panel 6 is adjustable. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a function of specifying a user using biological information.

  2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses called multifunction peripherals and MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) have recently been used in a network environment. For example, image data obtained when a document is read by an image forming apparatus can be transferred to another image via a network. It is possible to output to a computer, or an image forming apparatus can access a computer on a network and read and output image data stored therein. Therefore, in order to prevent the outflow or disappearance of information due to the use of the image forming apparatus, in recent years, a high security function has been required when using the image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, as a technique for improving the security of an image forming apparatus, for example, a technique for performing user authentication by reading biometric information such as a user's fingerprint and permitting use of various functions in the image forming apparatus according to the authentication result is known. (For example, Patent Document 1). According to this technique, the biological information reading device that reads the biological information of the user is configured to be incorporated inside the operation panel, and the biological information reading device is fixed to the operation panel. Therefore, conventionally, when performing user authentication, it is necessary for the user to place his / her finger on the biometric information reading apparatus fixed to the operation panel so that the biometric information can be read.

JP 2005-123699 A

  However, the height of the user who uses the image forming apparatus, the length of the arm, the size of the hand, and the like vary greatly, and when the biometric information reader is fixed to the operation panel, the biometric information reading is performed in order to perform user authentication. When placing a finger on the device, some users may be forced into an unreasonable posture. Therefore, the conventional image forming apparatus has a problem that the operability when performing user authentication is poor.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides an image forming apparatus with improved operability when performing user authentication.

  In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus, comprising: an apparatus main body including an image processing unit that executes a specified job; an operation panel attached to the apparatus main body; A biometric information reading unit that is attached to the operation panel and reads the biometric information of the user, and the user authentication is performed based on the biometric information obtained from the biometric information reading unit, and the image can be specified when the user can be identified. Control means for permitting execution of various functions relating to the processing unit, and the biological information reading means is attached to be rotatable about a predetermined axis.

  According to this configuration, since the biological information reading unit attached to the operation panel can be rotated around a predetermined axis, the posture of the biological information reading unit with respect to the operation panel can be changed. Therefore, when performing user authentication, it is possible to perform an operation on the biometric information reading unit after appropriately adjusting the biometric information reading unit to a posture in which the user can easily operate without taking an excessive posture. The operability when performing user authentication in the apparatus is improved.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the biological information reading unit is attached to the operation panel so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction and / or the horizontal direction. Yes.

  According to this configuration, the biological information reading unit can be rotated in the vertical direction and / or the horizontal direction with respect to the operation panel. Therefore, when performing user authentication, the posture of the biometric information reading unit can be appropriately adjusted to be easily operated by rotating the biometric information reading unit in the vertical direction and / or the horizontal direction. Note that the biometric information reading unit may be rotatable in two directions, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, with respect to the operation panel, or may be rotatable only in any one direction. Further, in addition to the two directions of the up and down direction and the left and right direction, it may be rotatable in other directions.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, a support base attached to the operation panel via a first rotation mechanism that rotates in the vertical direction and / or the horizontal direction is further provided. And the biological information reading means is arranged on the support base.

  According to this configuration, the biological information reading means is provided on the support base, and the support base is attached to the operation panel via the first rotating mechanism that rotates in the vertical direction and / or the horizontal direction. Therefore, the posture of the biological information reading unit with respect to the operation panel can be adjusted by adjusting the first rotation mechanism to adjust the posture of the support base with respect to the operation panel.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the first rotation mechanism stops the rotation at a predetermined rotation position and maintains the posture of the support base. It is characterized in that holding means is provided.

  According to such a configuration, since the holding means provided in the first rotation mechanism holds the attitude of the support base that has been adjusted for rotation, the attitudes of the support base and the biological information reading means are stabilized, and user authentication is performed. The operability when performing is further improved.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, the biological information reading unit is configured to read biological information from a finger of a user's hand. When the biometric information reading unit reads biometric information from the finger of the user's hand, the biometric information reading unit includes an auxiliary member for supporting the user's hand as an auxiliary.

  According to such a configuration, when the user places his / her finger on the biometric information reading unit in order to perform user authentication, the user's hand can be placed on and supported by the auxiliary member. Therefore, the user's hand is stabilized and the finger placed on the biometric information reading unit can be prevented from shaking, so that biometric information reading errors and the like are reduced, and stable user authentication can be performed.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, the support base includes a regulating unit provided around the biological information reading unit, and the biological information The reading means is movable within a range defined by the restricting means.

  According to such a configuration, since the biological information reading means can move on the support base within the range defined by the regulating means, the postures that the biological information reading means can take are further diversified. The means can be adjusted to a posture that makes it easier to operate.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the third to sixth aspects, a cable for outputting the read biometric information is connected to the biometric information reading unit, A fixing means for fixing the cable extending from the biological information reading means at a position of a predetermined length is provided.

  Even in such a configuration, since the biological information reading means can move on the support base within the range defined by the cable of a predetermined length, the postures that the biological information reading means can take are further diversified. The biological information reading means can be adjusted to a posture that is easier to operate.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the third to seventh aspects, the operation panel is provided via a second rotation mechanism that rotates in the vertical direction and / or the horizontal direction. It is characterized by being attached to the apparatus main body.

  According to this configuration, since the operation panel attached to the apparatus main body can be rotated in the vertical direction and / or the left-right direction, the attitude of the operation panel with respect to the apparatus main body can be changed. Therefore, the biometric information reading unit attached to the operation panel can show various postures with respect to the apparatus main body, and when performing user authentication, the biometric information reading unit does not take an excessive posture by the user himself / herself. The living body information reading means can be operated after appropriately adjusting the posture to be easy to operate.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the second rotation mechanism stops the rotation at a predetermined rotation position and maintains the posture of the operation panel. It is characterized in that holding means is provided.

  According to such a configuration, since the holding means provided in the second rotation mechanism holds the attitude of the operation panel that has been adjusted for rotation, the attitudes of the support base and the biological information reading means are also stably held. As a result, operability when performing user authentication is further improved.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the support base is foldable with respect to the operation panel.

  According to such a configuration, when the support base interferes with the work, such as during maintenance work on the image forming apparatus, the support base can be folded with respect to the operation panel, and workability can be improved. .

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the biometric information reading unit is a vein pattern reading device that reads a vein pattern of a finger of a user's hand. It is characterized by that.

  With this configuration, it is easy to use and user authentication can be performed at a high security level.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the posture of the biometric information reading unit can be adjusted according to the height, arm length, hand size, etc. of the user who uses the image forming apparatus. A finger or the like can be appropriately placed on the biological information reading means without taking an unreasonable posture. Therefore, the operability when performing user authentication is improved.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the member which is mutually common in some embodiment demonstrated below, and the description which repeats about them is abbreviate | omitted.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is a so-called MFP or MFP, and has a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a FAX function, a printer function, and a scanner function, and can be connected to a network such as a LAN. At the same time, it can be connected to a communication network such as a telephone line. Then, the image data when the original is read in the image forming apparatus 1 is output to another computer via the network, or the image forming apparatus 1 accesses the computer on the network and reads the image data stored therein. And the like, and data such as FAX data can be transmitted / received via a communication network. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit 3 provided in the upper part of the apparatus main body 2 and an image forming unit 4 provided almost in the center of the apparatus main body 2. The forming unit 4 constitutes an image processing unit 5 that executes a job designated by the user.

  The image reading unit 3 is an image reading unit that reads a document and generates image data, and operates when, for example, the copy function, the FAX function, or the scanner function of the image forming apparatus 1 is used. The image reading unit 3 reads a document placed on the reading glass 3a and generates image data. Note that a cover member 3b that rotates so as to be movable toward and away from the reading glass 3a is provided on the upper part of the reading glass 3a. Instead of the cover member 3b, a plurality of documents are placed one by one. An automatic document feeder (so-called ADF) for feeding to the image reading unit 3 may be provided.

  For example, when execution of a job related to a copy function is instructed in the image forming apparatus 1, the image reading unit 3 reads an original to generate image data, and outputs the image data to the image forming unit 4. When the execution of a job related to the FAX function or the scanner function is instructed, the image reading unit 3 reads an original to generate image data, and the image data is output to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The image forming unit 4 is an image forming unit that forms an image based on input image data, and operates when, for example, the copy function, the FAX function, or the printer function of the image forming apparatus 1 is used. The image forming unit 4 forms an image on a sheet serving as an image forming medium based on input image data, and performs print output.

  For example, when execution of a job related to a copy function is instructed in the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming unit 4 forms an image on a sheet based on the image data input from the image reading unit 3 and outputs the sheet. When the execution of a job related to the FAX function or the printer function is instructed, the image forming unit 4 forms an image on a sheet based on image data input from the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 and outputs it.

  A working table 9 is provided on the side surface of the apparatus main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 at substantially the same height as the image reading unit 3. This working table 9 is used as a temporary work space by the user, and for example, a document to be read or a printed sheet can be temporarily placed thereon. In the example shown in the figure, the working table 9 is provided on the right side surface of the apparatus main body 2. However, the working table 9 may be provided on the left side surface. Such a working table 9 may be an optional part for the image forming apparatus 1.

  An operation panel 6 is provided on the front side (front side) of the apparatus main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 as operation input means for performing various settings and operations when the user uses the image forming apparatus 1. The operation panel 6 includes a display unit 61 for displaying various information, and a touch panel 62 is provided on the front surface of the display unit 61. A plurality of operation buttons 63 for performing various setting operations on the image forming apparatus 1 and instructing job execution are arranged around the display unit 61. Such an operation panel 6 is attached to the tip of an overhang portion 2a that protrudes from the front side of the apparatus main body 2, and is supported by the overhang portion 2a at an angle at which the user can easily see and operate.

  A flat support 7 is attached to the operation panel 6, and a biological information reader 8 is installed on the upper surface of the support 7. In the illustrated example, the support base 7 is attached adjacent to the right side of the operation panel 6, but it can also be attached adjacent to the left side. Further, a support plate 8 may be attached adjacent to the front side of the operation panel 6. In the following embodiment, an example will be described in which the support 7 is attached adjacent to the right side of the operation panel 6 as shown in the figure.

  The biological information reader 8 is attached, for example, by fixing its bottom surface to the upper surface of the support base 7. Therefore, the biological information reader 8 is indirectly attached to the operation panel 6 via the support base 7. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the biological information reader 8 is attached to the operation panel 6 so as to be rotatable around a predetermined axis, and the posture of the biological information reader 8 with respect to the operation panel 6 can be changed. It is configured as follows.

  The biometric information reader 8 is a biometric information reader that reads biometric information from a specific part of the user. In this embodiment, the biometric information reader 8 is configured as a vein pattern reader that reads a vein blood vessel pattern from the finger of the user's hand. The biological information reading device 8 includes a reading unit 8a formed in a concave groove shape to place a user's finger to be read, and reads a vein pattern of the finger arranged in the reading unit 8a. . The biometric information read by the biometric information reader 8 is output to the inside of the apparatus main body 2, and user authentication is performed in the image forming apparatus 1. That is, in the present embodiment, in the user authentication, vein authentication is performed to determine whether or not the vein pattern read by the biometric information reading device 8 matches the vein pattern of the user registered in advance in the image forming apparatus 1.

  Since vein authentication uses a biometric feature called a vein pattern to authenticate a user, it can be compared with the case of reading and authenticating features that appear in the user's appearance, such as fingerprint authentication and face authentication. There is little psychological resistance given to the user, and it has the advantage that counterfeiting is extremely difficult. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is easy to use and can perform user authentication at a high security level.

  The biometric information reader 8 may read the vein pattern of the user's palm, but in that case, the apparatus becomes larger. Therefore, in terms of downsizing the apparatus, it is more preferable to use an apparatus that reads the vein pattern of the finger of the user's hand as described above.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the configuration of the operation panel 6 and the like provided on the front side of the apparatus body 2. As shown in FIG. 2, a first rotation mechanism 20 extending from the operation panel 6 is provided on the back surface side of the support base 7, and the first rotation mechanism 20 supports the operation panel 6 with respect to the support base 7. 7 is rotatably supported. The first rotation mechanism 20 includes two rotation axes R1 and R2 as shown in FIG. The rotation axis R1 is a substantially horizontal axis provided along the horizontal direction, and the support base 7 rotates in the direction of the arrow M1 around the rotation axis R1. The rotation axis R2 is provided at substantially the center of the support base 7, and is an axis substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the support base 7. The support base 7 rotates about the rotation axis R2 in the direction of the arrow M2. Therefore, the support base 7 rotates in the vertical direction by rotating around the rotation axis R1 relative to the operation panel 6, and rotates in the left-right direction by rotating around the rotation axis R2.

  FIG. 3 is a view of the operation panel 6 and the support base 7 viewed from the side facing the panel surface of the operation panel 6. The support base 7 is attached adjacent to the side surface of the operation panel 6 via the first rotation mechanism 20 described above. In order to prevent the support base 7 and the operation panel 6 from coming into contact with each other when the support base 7 rotates in the left-right direction, a surface 7a of the support base 7 facing the operation panel 6 is formed as shown in FIG. It is formed in a curved surface shape. Therefore, the support base 7 and the operation panel 6 do not interfere with each other, and the support base 7 is allowed to rotate in the left-right direction. Thereby, the support base 7 can be arrange | positioned in the position closer to the operation panel 6, and the structure which consists of the support base 7 and the operation panel 6 can be arrange | positioned compactly.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of the first rotation mechanism 20, and is an enlarged view of a main part in the AA cross section of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the first rotation mechanism 20 has one end fixed to the operation panel 6 and extending from the operation panel 6 to the back side of the support base 7, and is rotatably mounted on the shaft member 21. The support member 22 and a shaft portion 7b formed so as to protrude from the substantially central position on the back surface side of the support base 7 are configured.

  The shaft member 21 corresponds to the above-described rotation axis R1. As shown in FIG. 4, a through hole 21a perpendicular to the axial direction is formed at a predetermined position of the shaft member 21, and a screw 24, a spring 25 and a spherical body 26 are provided in the through hole 21a. Yes. The screw 24 is mounted and fixed inside the through hole 21a from one side of the through hole 21a. The spring 25 is inserted into the through hole 21a from the other side of the through hole 21a, and the spherical body 26 is disposed on the outer side of the spring 25. The spring 25 is provided in a contracted state between the screw 24 and the spherical body 26 and applies a biasing force to the spherical body 26. The biasing force of the spring 25 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the screw 24 in the through hole 21a. Further, in the illustrated example, the hole diameter of the portion where the screw 24 is fixed in the through hole 21a is large, and the hole diameter of the portion where the spring 25 and the spherical body 26 are inserted is small. However, it is not always necessary to have such a form.

  The support member 22 is provided with a plurality of holes 22 a in the circumferential direction of the shaft member 21 corresponding to the positions where the through holes 21 a of the shaft member 21 are formed. These holes 22 a have a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the spherical body 26. Therefore, when a certain amount of external force acts on the support member 22 in the direction of rotation around the shaft member 21, the spherical body 26 sinks inside the through hole 21 a, and the support member 22 rotates around the shaft member 21. To do. When the spherical body 26 reaches the next hole 22a positioned in the rotation direction, the spherical body 26 is pushed toward the hole 22a by the urging force of the spring 25, and the spherical body 26 and the hole 22a are engaged with each other to support the member. The rotation of 22 stops. In this state, the posture of the support member 22 is maintained, and as a result, the posture of the support base 7 is also maintained. When a further external force is applied to the support member 22, the spherical body 26 sinks again inside the through hole 21a, the support member 22 rotates around the shaft member 21, and the spherical body 26 further moves to the next. When the hole 22a is reached, the rotation of the support member 22 stops.

  Therefore, the screw 24, the spring 25, the spherical body 26, and the plurality of holes 22a provided in the first rotation mechanism 20 stop the support member 22 at a predetermined rotation position and maintain the posture of the support base 7. It is provided as holding means 20a. The holding unit 20a is not limited to the above-described structure as long as it can hold the posture of the support base 7 that is rotatable with respect to the operation panel 6.

  Further, a cylindrical support portion 23 is erected on the support member 22 so as to substantially correspond to the center of the back surface side of the support base 7. The support portion 23 supports the support base 7 by mounting a shaft portion 7 b protruding from the back surface side of the support base 7 on the inside thereof. The shaft portion 7b attached to the support portion 23 corresponds to the above-described rotation axis R2 and rotates inside the support portion 23. As shown in FIG. 4, the shaft portion 7b is formed with a through hole 7c passing through the shaft core and perpendicular to the axial direction, and a screw 27, a spring 28 and a spherical body 29 are provided in the through hole 7c. Yes. The screw 27 is mounted and fixed inside the through hole 7c from one side of the through hole 7c. The spring 28 is inserted into the through hole 7c from the other side of the through hole 7c, and a spherical body 29 is disposed further outside the spring 28. The spring 28 is provided in a contracted state between the screw 27 and the spherical body 29 and applies a biasing force to the spherical body 29. The biasing force of the spring 28 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the screw 27 in the through hole 7c. Also in this case, the hole diameter of the portion where the screw 27 is fixed in the through hole 7c is large, and the hole diameter of the portion where the spring 28 and the spherical body 29 are inserted is small. However, it is not always necessary to have such a form.

  The support portion 23 of the support member 22 is provided with a plurality of holes 22b in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 7b corresponding to the positions where the through holes 7c of the shaft portion 7b are formed (only one is shown in the figure). ing.). These holes 22 b have a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the spherical body 29. Accordingly, when a certain amount of external force is applied to the shaft portion 7b in the direction around the axis, the spherical body 29 sinks inside the through hole 7c, and the shaft portion 7b rotates around the axis. When the spherical body 29 reaches the next hole 22b positioned in the rotation direction, the spherical body 29 is pushed toward the hole 22b by the urging force of the spring 28. The rotation of 7b stops. In this state, the posture of the shaft portion 7b is maintained, and as a result, the posture of the support base 7 is also maintained. When a further external force is applied to the shaft portion 7b, the spherical body 29 sinks again inside the through hole 7c, the shaft portion 7b rotates around its axis, and the spherical body 29 further moves to the next hole 22b. The rotation of the shaft portion 7b is stopped when reaching.

  Therefore, the screw 27, the spring 28, the spherical body 29, and the plurality of holes 22b provided in the first rotation mechanism 20 stop the shaft portion 7b at a predetermined rotation position and maintain the posture of the support base 7. It is provided as holding means 20b. The holding means 20b is not limited to the structure described above as long as it can hold the posture of the support base 7 that is rotatable with respect to the operation panel 6.

  The support table 7 is supported by the first rotation mechanism 20 as described above so as to be capable of rotating in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction with respect to the operation panel 6, and a living body installed on the support table 7. The information reading device 8 can change the attitude with respect to the operation panel 6. Since the changed posture of the biological information reader 8 is held as it is by the holding means 20a and 20b described above, the user can read the biological information reader 8 in a stable state in which the biological information reader 8 does not rotate. A finger can be placed on the unit 8a, and biometric information for user authentication can be read.

  Next, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the apparatus main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a CPU 10, a memory 11, and a data communication unit 13 in addition to the image reading unit 3 and the image forming unit 4 described above. As described above, the image reading unit 3 and the image forming unit 4 constitute the image processing unit 5 in the image forming apparatus 1, and the image processing unit 5 performs various images in the copy function, FAX function, printer function, and scanner function. Processing is performed and a job designated by the user is executed. The data communication unit 13 includes a communication interface therein, and is connected to a network or a communication network to transmit / receive data to / from an external apparatus (for example, a computer or a FAX apparatus).

  The biological information reading device 8 includes a light projecting unit 81 disposed on the side surface of the concave groove-shaped reading unit 8a and an imaging unit 82 disposed on the bottom surface of the reading unit 8a. Infrared light is irradiated from the side surface of the user's finger arranged in the unit 8a, and light that passes through the finger and travels toward the bottom surface of the reading unit 8a is incident on the imaging unit 82. The biological information reader 8 is always supplied with power from a power source (not shown) of the apparatus main body 2 so that the light projecting unit 81 continuously emits infrared light and the imaging unit 82 can always detect infrared light. It has become. The information output by the imaging unit 82 includes two types of information, one is detection information output when an object is placed on the reading unit 8a, and the other is when a reading command is received from the CPU 10, for example. It is biometric information which reads and outputs the vein pattern of the finger of a user's hand. Therefore, the biological information reading device 8 constantly monitors whether or not any object such as a finger of the user's hand is placed on the reading unit 8a, and outputs detection information when it is detected and reads it from the CPU 10. When the command is received, the vein pattern is read in response to the command and the biological information is output. The biological information is image data obtained by imaging a vein pattern, but the detection information does not need to be image data, and may be a simple on / off signal.

  The biological information reading device 8 is not necessarily capable of outputting the two types of information described above, and may output only biological information when a reading command is received from the CPU 10. Absent.

  The memory 11 is a storage unit that stores various information, programs, and the like, and stores user management data 12 in this embodiment. The user management data 12 is data for managing users who can use the image forming apparatus 1 in order to improve the security of the image forming apparatus 1. In the user management data 12, biometric information registration data 12a and function registration data 12b are associated with each other and registered in advance for each user who is permitted to use the image forming apparatus 1. The biometric information registration data 12a is data in which biometric information read by the biometric information reading device 8 at the time of user registration is registered in advance. The function registration data 12b is data in which functions of the image forming apparatus 1 that can be used by registered users are registered in advance. For example, one user can use only the copy function of the image forming apparatus 1, while another user can use the copy function and the scanner function, and another user can use all the functions of the image forming apparatus 1. In the function registration data 12b, functions that are permitted to be used for each user are registered.

  The CPU 10 is a control unit that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 by executing a predetermined program. The CPU 10 inputs the user's biometric information (vein pattern) from the biometric information reader 8 and authenticates the user. If the user can be identified as a result of the authentication, the CPU 10 permits the user in advance. One or a plurality of functions that have been made are set to an execution-permitted state, and the user can use these functions.

  For example, when the detection information is input from the biometric information reading device 8, the CPU 10 sends a reading command to the biometric information reading device 8, and from the finger of the user's hand placed on the reading unit 8 a of the biometric information reading device 8. Read biometric information. The CPU 10 also sends a read command to the biometric information reading device 8 even when an authentication key (an operation button for instructing start of user authentication) included in the operation button 63 is operated, and the biometric information reading device 8. The biometric information is read from the finger of the user's hand placed on the reading unit 8a. And CPU10 acquires biometric information from the biometric information reader 8, performs biometric information authentication, ie, authentication of a user, collating the acquired biometric information with the biometric information registration data 12a stored in the memory 11, When the biometric information acquired from the biometric information reader 8 matches any one of the biometric information of a plurality of users included in the biometric information registration data 12a, the registered user of the matched biometric information is specified.

  When the user is specified in this way, the CPU 10 shifts the function permitted in advance to the specified user among various functions in the image forming apparatus 1 to a usable state. Specifically, the function registration data 12b is read from the memory 11, one or more functions registered in the function registration data 12b are specified for the specified user, and those functions are specified in the image forming apparatus 1. An execution-permitted state that can be executed is set. Accordingly, the CPU 10 updates the display screen of the display unit 61 of the operation panel 6 from the initial screen, and operates an operation guidance screen (for example, a menu screen) for operating various functions that are in the execution-permitted state in the image forming apparatus 1. And the setting screen are received, and input operations on the touch panel 62 and the operation buttons 63 are accepted, and the input information is reflected on the permitted various functions. Thereby, for example, when the copy function of the image forming apparatus 1 is used, setting of the number of copies, selection setting of duplex / single-sided copy, and the like can be performed. When the user operates an execution key (an operation button for instructing execution of a job) included in the operation button 63, the CPU 10 controls the image processing unit 5 and the data communication unit 13 to execute the designated job.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the biometric information of the user who uses the image forming apparatus 1 is read by the biometric information reading device 8 and the user authentication is performed based on the biometric information, the user can be specified. Since the image forming apparatus 1 is shifted to a state in which various functions of the image forming apparatus 1 can be used, the use of the image forming apparatus 1 by an unspecified person can be prevented, and the security of the image forming apparatus 1 is ensured. It has become.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the support base 7 provided with the biological information reading device 8 can rotate in the vertical and horizontal directions with respect to the operation panel 6 as described above. The posture of can be set freely. Therefore, even if the height, arm length, hand size, etc. are different for each user, the user who uses the image forming apparatus 1 changes the posture of the biometric information reading device 8 to change the user. Since the user can set the finger on the reading unit 8a of the biometric information reading device 8 according to his / her height, the user does not need to take an unreasonable posture, and the operability when performing user authentication is improved. . Since the user can place his / her finger at an appropriate angle with respect to the reading unit 8a of the biological information reading device 8 whose posture has been adjusted, reading errors in the biological information reading device 8 are reduced, and the image forming apparatus 1 can User authentication is performed. Therefore, the reliability of user authentication can also be improved.

  In this embodiment, the configuration in which the support base 7 provided with the biological information reading device 8 is rotatable in two directions, the up and down direction and the left and right direction, with respect to the operation panel 6 is illustrated. Instead, it may be configured to be rotatable in only one of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. However, in order to make the postures that the biological information reader 8 can take more diverse, it is preferable that there are more rotation shafts on which the support base 7 rotates, and this configuration is more preferable than a configuration that can rotate only in one direction. A configuration that can rotate in two directions as in the embodiment is more preferable.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the operation panel 6 attached to the front surface side of the apparatus main body 2 is attached to the apparatus main body 2 in order to make the postures that the biological information reader 8 can take more diverse than those of the first embodiment. A configuration example that can be rotated will be described. Also in this embodiment, the overall appearance configuration and functional configuration of the image forming apparatus are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the configuration of the operation panel 6 and the like provided on the front side of the apparatus main body 2 in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a second rotation mechanism 30 (see FIG. 7) is provided on the back side of the operation panel 6, and the second rotation mechanism 30 can rotate the operation panel 6 with respect to the apparatus body 2. I support it. The second rotating mechanism 30 includes two rotating shafts R3 and R4 as rotating shafts for rotating the operation panel 6, as shown in FIG. The rotation axis R3 is a substantially horizontal axis provided along the horizontal direction, and the operation panel 6 rotates in the direction of the arrow M3 around the rotation axis R3. The rotation axis R4 is an axis substantially perpendicular to the operation panel 6, and the operation panel 6 rotates in the arrow M4 direction around the rotation axis R4. Therefore, the operation panel 6 rotates in the vertical direction by rotating around the rotation axis R3 with respect to the apparatus main body 2, and rotates in the left-right direction by rotating around the rotation axis R4.

  FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing details of the second rotation mechanism 30. As shown in FIG. 7, the second rotation mechanism 30 adopts the same configuration as the first rotation mechanism 20 (see FIG. 4) described above. The second rotation mechanism 30 includes a shaft member 31 having both ends supported by the tip of the projecting portion 2a that projects from the front side of the apparatus main body 2, and a support member 32 that is rotatably mounted on the shaft member 31. And a shaft portion 6b formed to protrude from the back side of the operation panel 6.

  The shaft member 31 corresponds to the above-described rotation axis R3. As shown in FIG. 7, a through hole 31a perpendicular to the axial direction is formed at a predetermined position of the shaft member 31, and a screw 34, a spring 35 and a spherical body 36 are provided in the through hole 31a. Yes. The screw 34 is mounted and fixed inside the through hole 31a from one side of the through hole 31a. The spring 35 is inserted into the through-hole 31a from the other side of the through-hole 31a, and the spherical body 36 is disposed further outside the spring 35. The spring 35 is provided in a contracted state between the screw 34 and the spherical body 36 and applies a biasing force to the spherical body 36. The biasing force of the spring 35 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the screw 34 in the through hole 31a.

  The support member 32 is provided with a plurality of holes 32 a in the circumferential direction of the shaft member 31 corresponding to the positions where the through holes 31 a of the shaft member 31 are formed. These holes 32 a have a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the spherical body 36. Therefore, when a certain amount of external force acts on the support member 32 in the rotation direction around the shaft member 31, the spherical body 36 sinks inside the through hole 31 a, and the support member 32 rotates around the shaft member 31. To do. When the spherical body 36 reaches the next hole 32a positioned in the rotation direction, the spherical body 36 is pushed toward the hole 32a by the biasing force of the spring 35, and the spherical body 36 and the hole 32a are engaged with each other to support the member. The rotation of 32 stops. In this state, the support member 32 maintains its posture, and as a result, the posture of the operation panel 6 is also maintained. When a further external force acts on the support member 32, the spherical body 36 sinks again inside the through hole 31a, the support member 32 rotates around the shaft member 31, and the spherical body 36 further moves to the next. When the hole 32a is reached, the rotation of the support member 32 stops.

  Therefore, the screw 34, the spring 35, the spherical body 36, and the plurality of holes 32a provided in the second rotation mechanism 30 stop the support member 32 at a predetermined rotation position and maintain the posture of the operation panel 6. It is provided as holding means 30a. The holding unit 30a is not limited to the above-described structure as long as it can hold the posture of the operation panel 6 that can rotate with respect to the apparatus main body 2.

  The support member 32 is provided with a cylindrical support portion 33 corresponding to the shaft portion 6 b protruding from the back side of the operation panel 6. The support portion 33 supports the operation panel 6 by mounting the shaft portion 6b on the inside thereof. The shaft portion 6b attached to the support portion 33 corresponds to the above-described rotation axis R4 and rotates inside the support portion 33. As shown in FIG. 7, the shaft portion 6b is formed with a through hole 6c that passes through the shaft core and is perpendicular to the axial direction. A screw 37, a spring 38, and a spherical body 39 are provided in the through hole 6c. Yes. The screw 37 is attached and fixed to the inside of the through hole 6c from one side of the through hole 6c. The spring 38 is inserted into the through hole 6 c from the other side of the through hole 6 c, and a spherical body 39 is disposed further outside the spring 38. The spring 38 is provided in a contracted state between the screw 37 and the spherical body 39 and applies a biasing force to the spherical body 39. The biasing force of the spring 38 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the screw 37 in the through hole 6c.

  The support portion 33 of the support member 32 is provided with a plurality of holes 32b in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 6b corresponding to the position where the through hole 6c of the shaft portion 6b is formed (only one is shown in the figure). ing.). These holes 32 b are formed so that the diameter thereof is slightly smaller than the diameter of the spherical body 39. Therefore, when a certain amount of external force is applied to the shaft portion 6b in the direction around the axis, the spherical body 39 sinks inside the through hole 6c, and the shaft portion 6b rotates around the axis. When the spherical body 39 reaches the next hole 32b positioned in the rotational direction, the spherical body 39 is pushed toward the hole 32b by the biasing force of the spring 38, and the spherical body 39 and the hole 32b are engaged with each other to form a shaft portion. The rotation of 6b stops. In this state, the posture of the shaft portion 6b is maintained, and as a result, the posture of the operation panel 6 is also maintained. When a further external force is applied to the shaft portion 6b, the spherical body 39 sinks again inside the through hole 6c, the shaft portion 6b rotates around its axis, and the spherical body 39 further moves to the next hole 32b. The rotation of the shaft portion 6b is stopped when reaching.

  Therefore, the screw 37, the spring 38, the spherical body 39, and the plurality of holes 32b provided in the second rotation mechanism 30 stop the shaft portion 6b at a predetermined rotation position and maintain the posture of the operation panel 6. It is provided as holding means 30b. The holding means 30b is not limited to the above-described structure as long as it can hold the posture of the operation panel 6 that can rotate with respect to the apparatus main body 2.

  The operation panel 6 is supported by the second rotation mechanism 30 as described above so as to be able to rotate in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction with respect to the apparatus main body 2. Therefore, the operation panel 6 can change its posture with respect to the apparatus main body 2, and can be held as it is by the holding means 30 a and 30 b described above.

  Also in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a first rotating mechanism 20 extending from the operation panel 6 is provided on the back surface side of the support base 7. The first rotation mechanism 20 is the same as that described in the first embodiment. Accordingly, the support base 7 rotates in the vertical direction (arrow M1 direction) by rotating about the rotation axis R1 with respect to the operation panel 6, and the horizontal direction (by the rotation about the rotation axis R2). It rotates in the direction of arrow M2. Also in the present embodiment, the surface of the support base 7 facing the operation panel 6 is formed in a curved shape, and the support base 7 and the operation panel 6 do not interfere with each other, and the support base 7 rotates in the left-right direction. Movement is allowed.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, in addition to the support base 7 provided with the biological information reader 8 being rotatable in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction with respect to the operation panel 6, the operation panel 6 is a device. Since it can be rotated in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction with respect to the main body 2, the posture that the biological information reading device 8 can take becomes more diverse as compared with the first embodiment. Therefore, even if the height, arm length, hand size, and the like are different for each user, the user using the image forming apparatus 1 can change the posture of the biological information reading device 8 as appropriate. The user can set the finger on the reading unit 8a of the biometric information reading device 8 according to the height of the user, and the user does not need to take an unreasonable posture, thus improving operability when performing user authentication. To do. Also in this embodiment, since the user can place his / her finger at an appropriate angle with respect to the reading unit 8a of the biological information reading device 8 whose posture has been adjusted, reading errors in the biological information reading device 8 are reduced, Appropriate user authentication is performed in the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, the reliability of user authentication can also be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the operation panel 6 is rotatable in two directions, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, with respect to the apparatus main body 2 is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the vertical direction and the horizontal direction are not limited thereto. It is good also as a structure which can be rotated only in any one direction. However, in order to make the postures that the biological information reading device 8 can take more diverse, it is preferable that the operation panel 6 is rotated more than the rotation axis, and this configuration is more preferable than a configuration that can rotate only in one direction. A configuration that can rotate in two directions as in the embodiment is more preferable.

  In addition, the configuration in which the support base 7 can be rotated in two directions, the up and down direction and the left and right direction, with respect to the operation panel 6 may be configured to be rotatable in only one of the up and down direction and the left and right direction. Is the same as in the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, description will be given of a configuration example in which the posture that the biological information reader 8 can take is more various than that of the second embodiment, and the operability at the time of user authentication is further improved. Also in this embodiment, the overall appearance configuration and functional configuration of the image forming apparatus are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the configuration of the operation panel 6 and the like provided on the front side of the apparatus main body 2 in the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a first rotation mechanism 20 similar to that of the first embodiment, and the support base 7 on which the biological information reading device 8 is disposed is located on the operation panel 6. It can be rotated in the arrow M1 direction (vertical direction) around the rotation axis R1, and can be rotated in the arrow M2 direction (left and right direction) around the rotation axis R2. Further, a second rotation mechanism 30 similar to that of the second embodiment is also provided, and the operation panel 6 can be rotated with respect to the apparatus main body 2 in the arrow M3 direction (vertical direction) around the rotation axis R3. At the same time, it can be rotated in the direction of the arrow M4 (left-right direction) around the rotation axis R4. In the present embodiment, a rotation axis R5 for rotating the support base 7 in the direction of arrow M5 (left and right direction) with respect to the operation panel 6 is further provided. The rotation axis R5 is arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal to the rotation axes R1, R3, R4, for example.

  FIG. 9 is a view showing a state in which the support base 7 is removed from FIG. In the present embodiment, a third rotation mechanism 40 is provided between the first rotation mechanism 20 that rotatably supports the support base 7 and the operation panel 6. The third rotation mechanism 40 is provided with a fixing member 41 fixed to the side surface of the operation panel 6, a shaft member 42 provided inside the fixing member 41, which is rotatable with respect to the fixing member 41, and the shaft member 42. A rotation member 43 connected to both ends and rotating integrally with the shaft member 42 is provided, and the shaft member 21 of the first rotation mechanism 20 is fixed to the rotation member 43.

  The shaft member 42 of the third rotation mechanism 40 corresponds to the above-described rotation axis R5. The third rotation mechanism 40 is provided with holding means including a screw, a spring, a spherical body, and a plurality of holes, like the first rotation mechanism 20 and the second rotation mechanism 30 described above. The member 42 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the fixed member 41 and to be able to hold the posture in a state where the shaft member 42 is stopped at a predetermined rotation position.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the support base 7 provided with the biological information reader 8 can be rotated in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction with respect to the operation panel 6, and the operation panel 6 is the apparatus main body. 2 can be rotated in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and the support base 7 can be rotated around the rotation axis R5 with respect to the operation panel 6. For this reason, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has a variety of postures that the biological information reader 8 can take as compared to the first and second embodiments.

  Returning to FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the biological information reading device 8 installed on the support base 7 is not fixed to the upper surface 70 of the support base 7 but is installed by placing it on the upper surface 70 of the support base 7. Is done. The support 7 is provided with a fixture 71 for fixing the cable 8b connected to output the biological information read by the biological information reader 8 at a predetermined position. FIG. 10 is a view showing a cross section of the support base 7. As shown in FIG. 10, the fixing tool 71 fixes the cable 8 b at a position of a predetermined length from the biological information reader 8 so that a certain amount of bending occurs in the cable 8 b. Therefore, the biological information reader 8 placed on the support base 7 can move on the upper surface 70 within a range allowed by the amount of bending of the cable 8b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a regulating member 72 is provided on the upper surface 70 of the support base 7 around a portion where the biological information reader 8 is placed. The restricting member 72 is provided as a restricting means for restricting the movement range of the biological information reading device 8 placed on the support base 7, and the moving range of the biological information reading device 8 allowed by the amount of bending of the cable 8 b. By restricting to a narrower range, it is possible to prevent an excessive load from being applied to the portion fixed by the fixing tool 71 of the cable 8 b and the connection portion with the biological information reader 8. In the example shown in the figure, the case where the rectangular regulating members 72 are formed to protrude at three locations around the biological information reader 8 is not limited to such a mode. The movable range of the device 8 may be formed as a recess, and the regulating member may be configured by the peripheral wall of the recess.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the biological information reading device 8 installed on the support base 7 can move vertically and horizontally within the range regulated by the regulating member 72, and its posture can also be freely changed. The posture that the biological information reader 8 can take becomes more diverse.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the auxiliary member 74 which can put a user's hand in the front side lower part of the support stand 7 is provided so that it may protrude further ahead. The auxiliary member 74 assists the user's hand when the biological information reader 8 reads the biological information from the finger of the user's hand. Therefore, the user can place his / her finger on the reading unit 8a of the biological information reading device 8 with the hand placed on the auxiliary member 74 and being stabilized. Therefore, when user authentication is performed, it is possible to suppress a finger placed on the reading unit 8a of the biometric information reading device 8 from being shaken, thereby reducing the possibility of occurrence of a reading error of the biometric information reading device 8 or an authentication error during user authentication. Will be able to. And the reliability of the image forming apparatus 1F can be improved. In addition, although the case where the auxiliary member 74 is configured in a flat plate shape is illustrated in the example of the figure, the form of the auxiliary member 74 is not limited to the flat plate shape, and the user of the biometric information reader 8 can perform user authentication. When placing a finger on the reading unit 8a, any form may be used as long as it can support the user's hand as an auxiliary.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state where a user's finger is placed on the biological information reading apparatus 8 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the biological information reader 8 can change its position and posture within the range regulated by the regulating member 72, so that the user can tilt the support base 7 from the diagonally forward side as shown in FIG. Even if the hand is placed, the biological information reader 8 can change its posture so as to be adapted to the direction. In addition, since the auxiliary member 74 described above supports the user's hand as an auxiliary, the user's finger placed on the reading unit 8a of the biological information reading device 8 is not shaken.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the posture that the biological information reader 8 can take with respect to the apparatus main body 2 is the most diverse, and the height, the length of the arm, or the size of the hand for each user. Even if they are different, the user who uses the image forming apparatus 1 changes the posture of the biological information reading device 8 as appropriate, so that the reading unit 8a of the biological information reading device 8 matches the height of the user himself / herself. It is possible to set the finger in a state where it is easy to put a finger on it, and it becomes unnecessary for the user himself to take an unreasonable posture. Also in this embodiment, the user can place his / her finger at an appropriate angle with respect to the reading unit 8a of the biological information reading device 8 whose posture has been adjusted. In addition, since the user can put the hand on the auxiliary member 74 to be stabilized, the reading error in the biological information reader 8 is particularly reduced in the case of the present embodiment, and appropriate user authentication is performed in the image forming apparatus 1. To be done. Therefore, the reliability of user authentication can be significantly improved.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a configuration example in which the support base 7 can be folded with respect to the operation panel 6 will be described. Also in this embodiment, the overall appearance configuration and functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  12 and 13 are enlarged views of the configuration of the operation panel 6 and the like provided on the front side of the apparatus main body 2 in the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a third rotation mechanism 40 similar to that of the third embodiment, and the support base 7 is attached to the third rotation mechanism 40. Therefore, the support base 7 is rotatable with respect to the operation panel 6 in the arrow M5 direction (left-right direction) around the rotation axis R5. The third rotation mechanism 40 supports the support base 7 so that it can be rotated by 180 ° or more around the rotation axis R5, and the support base 7 is folded to the back side of the operation panel 6 as shown in FIG. It is comprised so that it can be. The holding means provided in the third rotation mechanism 40 can stop the support base 7 at a predetermined rotation position and stably hold the posture. As shown in FIG. Can be stably held even when folded with respect to the operation panel 6. In the case of the present embodiment, the biological information reader 8 is preferably attached in a state where the bottom surface is fixed to the support base 7.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can appropriately adjust the mounting angle of the support base 7 with respect to the operation panel 6. When performing user authentication, the user adjusts the angle of the support base 7 to adjust the living body. It becomes possible to appropriately select a state in which a finger can be easily placed on the reading unit 8a of the information reading device 8.

  For example, when performing maintenance work such as when a paper jam occurs in the image forming apparatus 1, a work space is provided on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 with the support base 7 folded to the back side of the operation panel 6. It can be secured widely, and it becomes easy to perform maintenance work. When the user authentication function is an optional function in the image forming apparatus 1, the support base 7 can be operated and operated by folding the support base 7 on the back side of the operation panel 6 without adding the user authentication function. In the state where the hindrance can be prevented and the user authentication function is added, the support base 7 can be rotated and placed beside the operation panel 6. Furthermore, if the biometric information reading device 8 is fixed to the support base 7, user authentication can be performed even when the support base 7 is in a folded state, so that various usage forms of the image forming apparatus 1 can be provided. it can.

(Modification)
As mentioned above, although several embodiment regarding this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the thing of the content mentioned above, A various modification is applicable to this invention.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the image forming apparatus is an apparatus having a plurality of functions called a so-called multifunction machine or MFP is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. A single-function machine such as a FAX machine, a printer machine, or a scanner machine may be used.

  Further, the foldable mechanism of the support base 7 described in the fourth embodiment (that is, the mechanism that rotates 180 ° or more around the rotation axis R5) is the third rotation described in the third embodiment. The structure can be applied to the mechanism 40 so that the support base 7 in the third embodiment can be folded with respect to the operation panel 6. In this case, the usage forms when using the image forming apparatus 1 become more diverse, and the operability is remarkably improved.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the biometric information reading device 8 is a vein pattern reading device that reads a blood vessel pattern of a vein from a finger of a user's hand is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to the vein pattern reading device, there are other devices that read biological information other than the vein pattern, such as a fingerprint reading device, and thus other devices may be employed. However, the vein pattern reading apparatus has the advantage that the psychological resistance given to the user is small as described above, and the counterfeiting is extremely difficult, so that the image forming apparatus can be easily used, and When more reliable security is required, it is preferable to employ a vein pattern reader as the biological information reader 8.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an external configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is the figure which expanded the structure of the operation panel etc. which were provided in the front side of the apparatus main body in 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which looked at the operation panel and the support stand from the side facing the panel surface of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows an example of a detailed structure of the 1st rotation mechanism which makes a support stand rotatable with respect to an operation panel. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is the figure which extracted and expanded structures, such as an operation panel provided in the front side of an apparatus main body in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the detailed structure of the 2nd rotation mechanism which can rotate an operation panel with respect to an apparatus main body. It is the figure which extracted and expanded structures, such as an operation panel provided in the front side of an apparatus main body in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state which removed the support stand from FIG. It is a figure which shows the cross section of the support stand in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the state which put the user's finger | toe with respect to the biometric information reader in 3rd Embodiment. It is the figure which extracted and expanded structures, such as an operation panel provided in the front side of an apparatus main body in 4th Embodiment. It is the figure which extracted and expanded the structure of the operation panel etc. which are provided in the front side of an apparatus main body in 4th Embodiment, and is a figure which shows the state which folded the support stand in the back surface side of the operation panel.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Apparatus main body 5 Image processing unit 6 Operation panel 7 Support stand 8 Biological information reader (Biometric information reading means)
8b Cable 10 CPU (control means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 1st rotation mechanism 20a, 20b Holding means 30 2nd rotation mechanism 30a, 30b Holding means 40 3rd rotation mechanism 71 Fixing tool (fixing means)
72 Restriction member (regulation means)
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 Rotating shaft

Claims (11)

An apparatus body having an image processing unit for executing a specified job;
An operation panel attached to the apparatus body;
A biological information reading means attached to the operation panel for reading the biological information of the user;
Control means for performing user authentication based on biometric information obtained from the biometric information reading means and permitting execution of various functions relating to the image processing unit when a user can be specified;
With
The image forming apparatus, wherein the biological information reading means is attached to be rotatable about a predetermined axis.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the biological information reading unit is attached to the operation panel so as to be rotatable in a vertical direction and / or a horizontal direction. A support base attached to the operation panel via a first rotation mechanism that rotates in the vertical direction and / or the horizontal direction;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the biological information reading unit is disposed on the support base.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first rotation mechanism is provided with a holding unit that stops the rotation at a predetermined rotation position and holds the posture of the support base. . The biological information reading means is configured to read biological information from a finger of a user's hand,
The said support stand is provided with the auxiliary member for supporting a user's hand as an auxiliary | assistant, when the said biometric information reading means reads biometric information from the finger of a user's hand. The image forming apparatus described. The support base includes a regulating means provided around the biological information reading means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the biological information reading unit is movable within a range defined by the regulating unit. The biological information reading means is connected to a cable for outputting the read biological information,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the support base includes a fixing unit that fixes the cable extending from the biological information reading unit at a position having a predetermined length.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the operation panel is attached to the apparatus main body via a second rotation mechanism that rotates in the vertical direction and / or the horizontal direction. .   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the second rotation mechanism is provided with a holding unit that stops the rotation at a predetermined rotation position and holds the posture of the operation panel. .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support base is foldable with respect to the operation panel.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the biological information reading unit is a vein pattern reading device that reads a vein pattern of a finger of a user's hand.

Images