JP5131044B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a user authentication function.

  An image forming apparatus called a multifunction peripheral or MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) has a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a FAX function, and a scanner function. In recent years, these functions have become more complex and diversified. For example, a storage unit is provided in the image forming apparatus, and document data such as confidential documents can be stored therein. In addition, since the image forming apparatus is used in a network environment, for example, when a user operates the image forming apparatus, a computer on the network is accessed, and image data stored in the computer is read out and printed out. Is possible. Under such circumstances, in order to prevent the leakage or disappearance of information due to the use of the image forming apparatus, the user who uses the image forming apparatus is registered in advance, and user authentication is performed when the user uses it. There is known an image forming apparatus configured to perform (for example, Patent Document 1). If the user authentication function is provided in the image forming apparatus, the user who intends to use the image forming apparatus needs to perform user authentication and log in, thereby preventing an unspecified person from accessing data with a high confidentiality level. become able to.

  There are various methods for performing user authentication in the image forming apparatus. For example, the general method is a method for allowing a user to input a pre-registered password when user authentication is required, for example, when a function with a high security level is used. In addition, there is a method in which a recording medium such as an IC card or a memory card is attached to a reading device provided in the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus reads information from the recording medium and performs user authentication. Furthermore, as an authentication method with higher security, there is a method of performing user authentication using biometric information such as fingerprint authentication or vein pattern authentication.

  However, any of the above-described user authentication methods requires an operation for performing user authentication separately from an operation for a function of the image forming apparatus when the user uses the image forming apparatus, and the operability is poor. It has become a thing.

JP 2007-98922 A JP 2002-222169 A

  By the way, in the image forming apparatus as described above, for example, when the first user logs in to the image forming apparatus and scans a document, a second user other than the first user connects to the network. In some cases, print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. In such a case, the image forming apparatus processes each of the scanner function and the print function in parallel, so that each job can be executed at the same time, thereby improving efficiency. That is, in this case, a plurality of users use the image forming apparatus at the same time.

  Further, since there may be various cases other than the above as a case where a plurality of users use the image forming apparatus at the same time, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus be configured so that a plurality of users can log in simultaneously.

  However, when the configuration is such that a plurality of users can log in to the image forming apparatus, the conventional user authentication method has poor operability, and thus each user cannot log in to the image forming apparatus promptly. Therefore, for example, when the first user logs in to the image forming apparatus and performs an operation, if the second user attempts to log in to the image forming apparatus to instruct execution of confidential printing, the second user Since it takes time and effort for the user to perform user authentication, the first user must interrupt the operation during that time, and the usability is deteriorated.

  Therefore, in order to improve the operability at the time of user authentication, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, it can be considered to have a configuration in which electrodes are provided on each operation key of the operation panel. In this case, if the user operates the operation key with the human body side communication device attached to the human body, the fingertip touches the electrode, so that the image forming apparatus communicates with the human body side communication device via the human body. The stored information can be read, and user authentication can be performed based on the information. That is, in this case, an operation for performing user authentication can be performed simultaneously with an operation on the function of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, even if the first user logs in to the image forming apparatus and performs an operation, the second user performs the key operation on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus at least once, and at the same time, the user Since the authentication is performed, the first user does not need to interrupt the operation, and a plurality of users can quickly log in to the image forming apparatus with a simple operation.

  On the other hand, however, when a plurality of users easily log in to the image forming apparatus at the same time, a security problem of the image forming apparatus occurs. For example, when the preceding first user is copying a document with a high confidentiality level, a second user who does not have viewing authority for the document comes later and tries to copy another document. If the second user can easily log in to the image forming apparatus, there is a possibility that the second user will see a document with a high confidentiality level, which is problematic from the viewpoint of preventing information leakage.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above-described problems, and adopts a configuration in which a plurality of users can log in to the image forming apparatus at the same time, but the preceding first It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of solving a security problem caused by a second user who logs in later when a user is in a login state.

  In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus, comprising an operation panel having display means for displaying various types of information and having operation keys operable by a user; User authentication means for performing authentication processing by collating user information input with an authentication request with information registered in advance, and when user authentication in the user authentication means is successful, the user is set in a login state, Control means for causing the display means to display a display screen relating to a function that can be operated by the user, and when the first user is in a login state, a second user different from the first user issues an authentication request. If performed, the second user is permitted or not permitted to log in according to the level of confidentiality of the function being operated by the first user. .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the confidential level of the function being operated by the first user is higher than a predetermined level, the second user is not permitted to log in. It is characterized by that.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the confidential level of the function being operated by the first user is higher than a predetermined level, the user attribute of the second user is further set. Accordingly, the login of the second user is permitted or not permitted.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the user attribute includes information on a right to use a function having a high security level.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, when the second user has a right to use a function having a high security level, the security level of the function being operated by the first user is determined. The second user is allowed to log in even when the level is higher than a predetermined level.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the operation keys are provided on a surface of the image forming apparatus via a human body side communication device attached to the user and the user's human body. An electrode for performing communication is provided, and the user authentication means accepts an authentication request from a user by operating the operation key, and communicates with the human body side communication device via the electrode. By performing the authentication process, user information is acquired from the human body side communication device.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the control unit is configured to display the display unit according to a result of permission or non-permission of login by the second user. It is characterized by updating the display.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the first user is in the login state and the second user different from the first user makes an authentication request, the first user is operating. Depending on the level of the security level of the function, the second user is permitted or not permitted to log in. Therefore, if the preceding first user uses a function with a high security level, it will come later. Since the second user can be restricted from logging in to the image forming apparatus at the same time as the first user, the security problem caused by the second user logging in can be solved.

  Further, when the confidential level of the function being operated by the first user is higher than a predetermined level, the login of the second user is permitted or not permitted according to the user attribute of the second user. As a result, a more convenient image forming apparatus is realized.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, members common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an external configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is a so-called multifunction device or MFP, and has a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a FAX function, a printer function, and a scanner function. The image forming apparatus 1 can be connected to a network such as a LAN, and can also be connected to a communication network such as a telephone line. The image data read from the original can be output to another computer via the network, or the image data can be input from another computer via the network, and the print output can be performed based on the image data. Yes. In addition, FAX data can be transmitted and received via a communication network.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit 4 including a scanner unit 2 and an automatic document feeder (so-called ADF) 3 on an upper portion of the apparatus main body 1a. The image reading unit 4 is an image reading unit that reads a document and generates image data. The image reading unit 4 is configured such that, for example, a plurality of documents set on the automatic document feeder 3 are sent to the scanner unit 2 one by one, and the scanner unit 2 reads the document and outputs image data. Yes. In the example shown in the figure, the automatic document feeder 3 is provided on the scanner unit 2, but the automatic document feeder 3 is not particularly essential.

  In addition, a sheet feeding unit 5 is provided inside the lower part of the apparatus main body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1, and an image forming unit 6 is further provided on the upper part. The paper feeding unit 5 accommodates paper as an image forming medium and supplies the paper to the image forming unit 6 one by one. The image forming unit 6 is an image forming unit that forms an image based on input image data. The image forming unit 6 forms an image on a sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit 5 based on the input image data, and performs print output. Configured to do.

  On the front side (front side) of the apparatus main body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1, an operation panel 10 that can be operated by the user is provided. The user can log in to the image forming apparatus 1 by operating the operation panel 10. Further, the user operates the operation panel 10 to select a function to be used from among a plurality of functions of the image forming apparatus 1, perform various setting operations regarding the selected function, and perform the operation on the image forming apparatus 1. The job execution can be instructed. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, an authentication request operation for a user to log in to the image forming apparatus 1 and an operation for selecting a function to be used by the user from among a plurality of functions of the image forming apparatus 1. Can be performed with one operation.

  The operation panel 10 includes a display unit 11 that displays various types of information to the user. The display unit 11 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and has a configuration in which touch panel type operation keys 12 that can be operated by a user are arranged on the display screen. The operation panel 10 has a plurality of push button type operation keys 13 that can be operated by the user around the display unit 11.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the operation panel 10 of the image forming apparatus 1. In the illustrated example, the display unit 11 on which the touch panel type operation keys 12 are arranged is arranged on the left side of the operation panel 10, and the plurality of push button type operation keys 13 are arranged on the right side of the operation panel 10. The touch panel type operation key 12 is provided on the entire display screen of the display unit 11. When the user presses one point on the display screen, only the operation key provided on that portion is turned on, and the user can Coordinates indicating which part has been operated are detected. The push button type operation key 13 is operated when using the COPY key operated when using the copy function of the image forming apparatus 1, the FAX key operated when using the FAX function, and the scanner function. Utility keys that operate when using functions other than the SCAN key, copy function, FAX function, and scanner function, or when performing various settings of the image forming apparatus, a reset key for resetting the setting state, and instructing job execution A numeric key is included in addition to a START key that is operated when setting or confirming the setting state, a STOP key that is operated when stopping execution of a job, and the like. The operation keys 12 and 13 are provided on the operation panel 10 as operation keys 14 that can be operated by the user, although there are differences between the touch panel type and the push button type.

  Various functions of the image forming apparatus 1 are assigned to the operation keys 14 (12, 13) described above according to the operation stage. For example, in the case of the touch panel type operation key 12, button images corresponding to various functions of the image forming apparatus 1 are displayed on the display screen of the display unit 11, and functions corresponding to the button images are displayed on the button image. It is assigned to the operation key 12 positioned above. Various functions of the image forming apparatus 1 are also assigned to the push button type operation keys 13. Various functions of the image forming apparatus 1 assigned to the operation keys 14 (12, 13) are effectively operated when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 1.

  The operation panel 10 includes areas R1, R2, and R3 among the above-described operation keys 14 (12, 13) as authenticable areas, and the operation keys 14 included in these areas are on the surface of the user's human body. The authenticating key 15 is provided with an electrode for communicating with the human body side communication device mounted on the human body through the human body. In the case of the illustrated example, two authenticable areas R1 and R2 are set for the push button type operation key 13, and the COPY key, FAX key, SCAN key and utility included in these areas R1 and R2 are set. The four operation keys 13 of the key are authenticable keys 15. For the touch panel type operation key 12, an authenticable region R <b> 3 is set on the entire display screen of the display unit 11, and the entire operation key 12 has an authenticable key 15 having a transparent electrode disposed on the upper surface thereof. It has become. Therefore, if the user 9 operates the operation key 14 (authenticable key 15) included in the authenticable region R1, R2 or R3 of the operation panel 10 with the human body side communication device 8 attached as shown in FIG. The key operation is an operation that combines an authentication request to the image forming apparatus 1 and an operation to select and activate a function of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 communicates with the human body side communication device 8 through the human body of the user 9 simultaneously with the key operation, acquires user information stored in the human body communication device 8, and performs user authentication. Will be able to. This eliminates the need for the user to input a password or to attach an IC card or memory card to a dedicated reader, thus improving operability during user authentication.

  Of the operation keys 14 (12, 13) provided on the operation panel 10, other operation keys not included in the authenticable areas R1, R2, and R3 (in the example of FIG. 2, ten keys, START key, STOP key). The four operation keys of the reset key and the reset key are not provided with electrodes like the authenticable key 15, and are non-authenticated keys that cannot perform user authentication simultaneously with the key operation. However, electrodes may be provided on these operation keys, and all the operation keys 14 on the operation panel 10 may be used as the authenticable keys 15.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of the push button type operation key 13 provided in the authenticable regions R1 and R2. A substrate 21 on which a wiring pattern is formed is provided inside the surface cover 27 of the operation panel 10, and a switch member 22 that is turned on / off in accordance with a key operation is mounted on the substrate 21. An elastic member 28 is provided above the switch member 22, and a key top 23 is provided above the elastic member 28. The elastic member 28 urges the key top 23 upward. When the key top 23 is pressed against the urging force, contacts (not shown) provided on both the switch member 22 and the key top 23 are joined to each other. Thus, the switch member 22 is turned on. The switch unit 22 is connected to an operation panel control unit 41 which will be described in detail later. When the switch unit 22 is turned on, an input operation for a function assigned to the operation key is performed. Detect that. Further, an electrode 24 such as a transparent electrode is provided on the upper portion of the key top 23, and the fingertip always touches the electrode 24 when the user presses the key top 23. The electrode 24 is electrically connected to a connection portion 25 provided in the vicinity of the switch member 22 by a conductive member 26 such as a flexible substrate. The connection unit 25 is connected to a human body communication unit 42, which will be described in detail later. The human body communication unit 42 performs data communication with the human body side communication device 8 via the electrode 24 and the user's human body when the user operates a key. Configured to do. In the example shown in the figure, the electrode 24 is separately provided on the top of the key top 23. For example, the key top 23 itself is made of a conductive member, and the key top 23 and the electrode 24 are integrated. The structure is not particularly limited as long as it has a function similar to the above.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a part of the structure of the touch panel type operation key 12 in the authenticable region R3. The operation key 12 disposed on the entire display screen of the display unit 11 includes a pair of transparent electrode films 31 and 32 disposed above and below. A spacer (not shown) or the like is disposed between the transparent electrode films 31 and 32, and the electrodes 31a and 32a provided on the transparent electrode films 31 and 32 when the pressing force F does not act on the operation key 12 from above. Are spaced apart from each other, and the operation key 12 is off. When a pressing force F is applied to the operation key 12 from above, the electrodes 31a and 32a provided on the transparent electrode films 31 and 32 are joined to each other, and the operation key 12 corresponding to the position is turned on. The electrode 31a is connected to an operation panel control unit 41 that will be described in detail later. The operation panel control unit 41 changes the function assigned to the coordinate position by changing the potential of the electrode 31a to a potential indicating an ON state. Detects that an input operation has been performed. As shown in FIG. 5, in the authenticable region R <b> 3, a transparent insulating sheet member 33 is disposed on the transparent electrode film 32, and the transparent electrode 35 is disposed on the surface further above the insulating sheet member 33. An electrode sheet member 34 is disposed. The electrode sheet member 34 is provided with, for example, one transparent electrode 35 that covers the authenticable region R3 (that is, the entire screen of the display unit 11), and when the user presses the touch panel type operation key 12. The fingertip always touches the transparent electrode 35. The transparent electrode 35 provided on the electrode sheet member 34 is connected to a human body communication unit 42 described in detail later. The human body communication unit 42 is configured to perform data communication with the human body side communication device 8 via the transparent electrode 35 and the user's human body when the user operates the touch panel type operation key 12.

  Next, FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration for the image forming apparatus 1 to communicate with the human body side communication device 8. First, the human body side communication device 8 includes a control unit 61 that controls data communication with the image forming apparatus 1, a storage unit 62 that stores user information 62a, a transmission unit 63 that transmits and receives data to and from the image forming apparatus 1, and The receiving unit 64 includes an electrode 65 that contacts the human body (for example, skin) of the user 9 in a state where the human body side communication device 8 is attached to the human body of the user 9.

  In addition to the operation panel 10 described above, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation panel control unit 41, a human body communication unit 42, a storage unit 43, and a main control unit 44.

  The operation panel control unit 41 is a control unit that controls a display screen displayed on the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10 or performs a process corresponding to a key operation performed on the operation key 14 (12, 13). is there.

  The human body communication unit 42 is connected to the operation panel control unit 41 and is configured to be able to communicate with the human body side communication device 8 via the human body of the user 9 touching the electrodes 24 and 35 described above. The human body communication unit 42 includes a human body communication control unit 51, a user authentication unit 52, a storage unit 53 including a memory and a hard disk, a transmission unit 54 and a reception unit that transmit and receive data to and from the human body side communication device 8. 55. The human body communication control unit 51 is configured to perform data communication with the human body side communication device 8 based on a command from the operation panel control unit 41 and acquire user information 62 a from the human body side communication device 8. The user authentication unit 52 performs user authentication based on the acquired user information 62a, and determines whether the user who has operated the key on the operation panel 10 logs in the image forming apparatus 1 is permitted or not permitted. Configured as follows. The storage unit 53 stores user registration data 56 and confidential level determination data 57 as data to be referred to when the user authentication unit 52 performs user authentication. Details of the user authentication process in the user authentication unit 52 will be described later.

  The storage unit 43 includes a memory, a hard disk, and the like. The storage unit 43 stores data referred to by the various functions when various functions are used while the user is logged in to the image forming apparatus 1. Has been. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the storage unit 43 stores document data 58 input by the image forming apparatus 1 via a network or the like. The document data 58 includes a general document 58a having a low security level and an important document (confidential document) 58b having a high security level. The storage unit 43 stores FAX destination data 59 registered in advance for using the FAX function. The FAX destination data 59 includes a general destination 59a having a low security level that can be referred to by any user who has logged in to the image forming apparatus 1, and a security level that can be referred to only by a specific user such as a manager. High confidential address 59b.

  When the main control unit 44 executes a job related to each function such as a copy function, a FAX function, a printer function, and a scanner function in the image forming apparatus 1, each unit of the image reading unit 4, the sheet feeding unit 5, and the image forming unit 5. Is a control mechanism for controlling The main control unit 44 accesses the storage unit 43 as necessary, reads out the document data 58, the FAX destination data 59, etc., and uses these data when executing the job. The main control unit 44 is configured to operate each function based on an instruction from the operation panel control unit 41.

  In the above configuration, each time the operation key 14 (12, 13) is operated by the user 9, the operation panel control unit 41 determines whether or not the operated operation key is the authenticable key 15, and the authenticable key. If it is 15, an authentication command is output to the human body communication unit 42. At this time, the operation panel control unit 41 identifies a function designated by the key operation of the user 9 among various functions of the image forming apparatus 1, and sends information related to the function being operated by the user 9 to the human body communication unit 42. Output.

  When receiving the authentication command from the operation panel control unit 41, the human body communication unit 42 causes the human body communication control unit 51 to function, and sends it to the human body side communication device 8 via the transmission unit 54, the electrode 24 or 35, and the human body of the user 9. A user information transmission request is transmitted. When the human body side communication device 8 receives the user information transmission request via the electrode 65 and the receiving unit 64, the control unit 61 reads the user information 62 a from the storage unit 62, and the user information is transmitted via the transmitting unit 63 and the electrode 65. 62a is transmitted. The signals output from the image forming apparatus 1 and the human body side communication device 8 to the human body are weak electric signals that do not affect the human body.

  When the human body communication unit 42 receives the user information 62 a transmitted from the human body side communication device 8 via the electrode 24 or 35, the human body communication control unit 51 gives the user information 62 a to the user authentication unit 52. When the user authentication unit 52 receives the user information 62a from the human body communication control unit 51, the user authentication unit 52 performs user authentication processing of the user 9 who operates the authenticable key 15 based on the user information 62a.

  The user authentication process performed by the user authentication unit 52 includes a process performed when the first user makes an authentication request in a state in which no one is logged in to the image forming apparatus 1, and the preceding first user has already performed an image. This process is different from the case where the second user who came later makes an authentication request while logged in to the forming apparatus 1. In the user authentication process when the first user makes an authentication request, the user authentication unit 52 performs user authentication with reference to only the user registration data 56 stored in the storage unit 53, and the second user authenticates. In the user authentication process when a request is made, the user authentication unit 52 refers to both the user registration data 56 and the confidential level determination data 57 stored in the storage unit 53 and performs user authentication.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user registration data 56. In the user registration data 56, a user ID 56a, a user name 56b, user information 56c, and a user attribute 56d are recorded for each user registered in advance in the image forming apparatus 1. The user ID 56a is identification information individually given to the user, and the user name 56b is the name of the user. The user information 56c is information corresponding to the user information 62a stored in the human body side communication device 8. Furthermore, the user attribute 56d is attribute information related to the user, and includes, for example, information related to the right to use the function of the image forming apparatus 1 having a high security level. In the example shown in the figure, a user who is a manager is given a rank A indicating that the use authority is granted to all functions having a high confidentiality level, and a user who is a general employee is given one of the functions having a high secret level. A rank B indicating that the right to use is granted to a part and a rank C indicating that the right to use a function with a high secret level is not granted are given separately. It is assumed that a function with a high confidentiality level in which use authority is granted to a rank B user is set in the image forming apparatus 1 in advance.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the confidential level determination data 57. The security level determination data 57 is table data in which the function 57a of the image forming apparatus 1 is associated with the security level 57b set in the function 57a. In the case of the illustrated example, the confidential level is set to “low” for the copy function, FAX transmission function, and scan function, and the confidential level is “high” for the important document preview function, FAX confidential destination browsing function, and confidential print function. Is set to In addition to this, security levels are set for all the functions of the image forming apparatus 1. Here, a user whose user attribute 56d is rank C can use all the functions whose security level is “low”, but cannot use the functions whose security level is “high”. It has become. A user whose user attribute 56d is rank B can use all the functions whose security level is “low”, but use only a part of the functions whose security level is “high”. It is set to be able to. Further, the user attribute 56d is set to be able to use all of the functions whose security level is “low” and the functions whose security level is “high”.

  In the user authentication process when the first user makes an authentication request, the user authentication unit 52 reads all user information 56c registered in the user registration data 56 and acquires the user information from the human body side communication device 8 It is checked whether or not there is user information 56c that matches the information 62a. As a result, if there is user information 56c that matches the user information 62a, the user is specified based on the matched user information 56c, and the authentication result is regarded as successful authentication. Then, the first user is permitted to log in, and a signal indicating that the authentication is successful is output to the operation panel control unit 41. If the user information 56c that matches the user information 62a does not exist, the first user is not permitted to log in, and a signal indicating that the authentication has failed is output to the operation panel control unit 41.

  On the other hand, in the user authentication process when the second user makes an authentication request, the user authentication unit 52 receives the user information 56c that matches the user information 62a acquired from the human body side communication device 8 as described above. A function that the first user who is logged in in advance does not succeed in the authentication even if the user information 62a and the user information 56c match, but the function that the first user who has logged in is operating is performed. Whether to log in or not the second user is determined according to the level of the security level.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a determination criterion for determining permission / non-permission of login of the second user, (A) illustrates the first determination criterion, and (B) illustrates the second criterion. The judgment criteria are shown. First, as shown in FIG. 9A, the first criterion is that the authentication result of the second user is the authentication success when the security level of the function being operated by the first user is “low”. When the confidential level of the function being operated by the first user is “high”, the authentication result of the second user is set to be an authentication failure. Therefore, in this case, if the first user who has previously logged in uses a function with a high security level, other users cannot log in to the image forming apparatus 1 at the same time, and the first user It is possible to prevent the leakage of highly confidential information used by the.

  The image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to implement only the first determination criterion. In this case, for example, the user attribute 56d of the first user is rank B, and the user of the second user If the attribute 56d is rank A, the second user has the right to use the function being operated by the first user, and there is no possibility that information leakage will occur. It becomes impossible to log in to the forming apparatus 1. Therefore, in addition to the first determination criterion, when the confidential level of the function being operated by the first user is “high”, the second determination criterion is further adopted to log in the second user. It is preferable to determine permission / non-permission.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, when the confidential level of the function being operated by the first user is “high”, the second determination criterion is further determined based on the user attribute 56d of the second user. This is a criterion for determining permission / non-permission of login of the user. That is, when the rank of the user attribute 56d given to the second user is high and there is a right to use a function with a high confidentiality level used by the first user, the authentication result of the second user is successfully authenticated. If the rank of the user attribute 56d given to the second user is low and there is no authority to use a function with a high confidentiality level used by the first user, the authentication result of the second user is failed. It is set to be. Therefore, in this case, even if the first user who has logged in in advance uses a function with a high confidentiality level, if the second user has use authority for the function, image formation is performed. It becomes possible to log in to the apparatus 1 at the same time, and the usability of the image forming apparatus 1 is improved.

  When the second user makes an authentication request, the user authentication unit 52 applies only the first determination criterion or applies both the first determination criterion and the second determination criterion. 2 is determined, and if the authentication is successful, a signal indicating that the authentication is successful is output to the operation panel control unit 41. If the authentication fails, a signal indicating that the authentication has failed is output to the operation panel control unit 41.

  The operation panel control unit 41 updates the display screen of the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10 in accordance with the authentication result of the user authentication unit 52 described above, and when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 1, The display screen is further updated based on the key operation. Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the screen transition of the operation panel 10.

  10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating an example of screen transition of the operation panel 10 when the first user logs in and operates various functions in a state where no one is logged in to the image forming apparatus 1. . FIG. 10A shows a state in which the operation panel 10 displays the initial screen G1, and a guidance display for prompting the user to operate the operation keys 14 (12, 13) is displayed on the initial screen G1. It has been broken. When such an initial screen G1 is displayed, the user normally presses any one of the COPY key, FAX key, SCAN key, and utility key in order to select a function to be used from a plurality of functions of the image forming apparatus 1. Key operation. For example, if the user operates the FAX key 13b, since the FAX key 13b is the authenticable key 15, the above-described user authentication process is performed in the image forming apparatus 1 almost simultaneously with the key operation of the FAX key 13b. Then, the display screen of the operation panel 10 is updated according to the authentication result.

  For example, when the authentication result is unsuccessful, a display screen G2 shown in FIG. 10B is displayed on the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10, for example. On this display screen G2, a display that the user authentication has failed and a display that prompts the user to confirm the wearing state of the human body side communication device 8 are performed. Therefore, the user can grasp that the user authentication has failed, and can take appropriate measures such as adjusting the wearing state of the human body side communication device 8 to a good state.

  On the other hand, if the authentication result is successful, the first user enters a login state, and a display screen G3 shown in FIG. 10C is displayed on the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10, for example. In this display screen G3, a display related to the FAX function assigned to the FAX key 13b operated by the user is performed, and various button images for using the FAX function are displayed, and a message display field is displayed in the lower corner of the screen. MS is displayed. In this message display column MS, a display indicating that the user authentication has been successful and the user has entered the login state is performed. Therefore, when the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10 transitions from the initial screen G1 to the display screen G3, the user recognizes that the user has logged in to the image forming apparatus 1.

  When the display screen G3 is displayed, for example, when the first user operates the touch panel type operation key 12 in the portion where the button image B1 is displayed in order to designate a destination of FAX transmission, the operation key 12 is authenticated. Since it is a possible key, user authentication is performed again in response to the key operation. At this time, if the authentication fails, the display screen of the operation panel 10 transitions to a display screen G4 shown in FIG. In this display screen G4, the screen configuration does not change from that of the display screen G3, but a display indicating that user authentication has failed in the message display field MS and a display prompting the key operation again are performed. If the authentication is successful, the display screen of the operation panel 10 transitions to a display screen G5 shown in FIG. On this display screen G5, the FAX transmission destination corresponding to the button image B1 is displayed in detail, and in the message display field MS at the bottom of the screen, a display indicating that the user authentication is successful is performed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the user authentication process is performed every time the authenticable key 15 is operated even when the first user logs in the image forming apparatus 1, and the display screen of the operation panel 10 is displayed according to the authentication result. Is configured to update.

  Next, the screen transition when the second user operates the authenticable key 15 to log in to the image forming apparatus 1 while the first user is logged in to the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a screen transition when the second user performs a key operation to use the copy function while the first user is operating a function with a low security level (FAX transmission function). First, the display screen of the operation panel 10 in a state where only the first user is logged in is a display screen G6 shown in FIG. For example, if the second user operates the COPY key 13c in an attempt to use the copy function while the display screen G6 is displayed, the COPY key 13c is the authenticable key 15, and therefore the image forming apparatus 1 The user authentication process described above is performed almost simultaneously with the key operation of the COPY key 13c. At this time, if the user information 62a acquired from the human body side communication device 8 worn by the second user matches the user information 56c of the user registration data 56, the authentication is successful. That is, since the function being operated by the first user has a low confidentiality level, there is no problem such as information leakage due to simultaneous login by the second user, so that only the user information 62a of the second user logs in. Permission / non-permission is determined. When the second user authentication is successful, the display screen of the operation panel 10 is changed to a display screen G7 shown in FIG.

  On the display screen G7, the first user and the second user are logged in to the image forming apparatus 1 at the same time, and the screen is divided into the first screen 11a and the second screen 11b. For example, the first screen 11a is a display screen for the first user, and in the message display field MS1 at the bottom of the screen, a display indicating that the first user is logged in is performed. The second screen 11b is a display screen for the second user, and the message display field MS2 below the screen displays that the second user is logged in. On the display screen G7, if the first user performs a key operation on the first screen 11a, the authentication is successful, but if the key operation is performed on the second screen 11b, the authentication fails. Similarly, if the second user performs a key operation on the second screen 11b, the authentication is successful, but if the key operation is performed on the first screen 11a, the authentication fails.

  Next, FIG. 13 shows screen transitions when the second user performs a key operation to use the copy function while the first user is operating a function with a high security level (FAX confidential address browsing function). FIG. First, the display screen of the operation panel 10 in a state where only the first user is logged in is a display screen G8 shown in FIG. On this display screen G8, a confidential information display field R7 is displayed at the center of the screen, and a list of confidential destinations for FAX transmission, which is confidential information, is displayed there. If, for example, the second user operates the COPY key 13c in an attempt to use the copy function while the display screen G8 is displayed, the COPY key 13c is the authenticable key 15, so that the image forming apparatus 1, the user authentication process described above is performed almost simultaneously with the key operation of the COPY key 13 c.

  At this time, when the user information 62a acquired from the human body side communication device 8 worn by the second user matches the user information 56c of the user registration data 56, the security level of the function being operated by the first user is determined. Since it is high, the determination based on the second determination criterion described above is performed. For example, when the rank of the user attribute 56d given to the second user is low and the second user does not have the authority to use the FAX confidential address browsing function, the authentication result of the second user is an authentication failure, and the operation panel The display screen 10 changes to a display screen G9 shown in FIG. In this display screen G9, a window display W1 that hides the confidential information display field R7 in the display screen G8 is displayed in the center of the screen, and a display indicating that the second user authentication has failed is performed on this window display W1. As described above, when the first user uses a function with a high confidentiality level, if the authentication of the second user fails, the confidential information displayed on the operation panel 10 is immediately concealed, whereby the confidential information is displayed. Can be protected. The window display W1 displays a button image (OK button) B2 for erasing the window display W1, and the key operation corresponding to the button image B2 is performed by the window unless the first user performs it. The display W1 cannot be erased.

  On the other hand, when the rank of the user attribute 56d given to the second user is high and the second user has the authority to use the FAX confidential address browsing function, the authentication result of the second user is authentication success, The display screen of the operation panel 10 transitions to a display screen G10 shown in FIG. In this display screen G10, the first user and the second user are logged in to the image forming apparatus 1 at the same time, and, similar to the display screen G7 (see FIG. 12B), the first screen 11a, Screen division is performed on the second screen 11b. Therefore, the first user and the second user can use the image forming apparatus 1 at the same time.

  Next, FIG. 14 illustrates a key for the second user to log in to the image forming apparatus to instruct execution of confidential printing while the first user is operating a function with a high security level (FAX confidential address browsing function). It is a figure which shows the screen transition at the time of performing operation. Here, the confidential print temporarily stores print data such as important documents received via the network in the storage unit 43, and the user who sent the print data operates the operation panel 10 to instruct print output. This is a function for performing print output based on the print data at the time, and a function with a high confidentiality level for preventing important documents from being seen by other users.

  First, the display screen of the operation panel 10 in a state where only the first user is logged in is the same as the display screen G8 shown in FIG. In this state, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives the print data related to the confidential print transmitted by the second user, the display screen of the operation panel 10 transitions to the display screen G11 shown in FIG. In this state, the second user is not yet logged in to the image forming apparatus 1, but after transmitting the print data, the second user may move to the image forming apparatus 1 and instruct print output. Since the display screen G11 is high, the screen is divided into the first screen 11a and the second screen 11b in advance. On the first screen 11a for the first user, a confidential information display field R8 is displayed, and a list of confidential destinations of FAX transmission, which is confidential information, is displayed there. On the second screen 11b for the second user, a button image B3 corresponding to the confidential print execution function scheduled to be operated by the second user is displayed.

  For example, when the second user operates the operation key 12 corresponding to the button image B3 in the state where the display screen G11 is displayed, the operation key 12 is the authenticable key 15, and thus image formation is performed. In the apparatus 1, the above-described user authentication process is performed almost simultaneously with the key operation of the operation key 12. When the user information 62a acquired from the human body side communication device 8 worn by the second user matches the user information 56c of the user registration data 56, the confidential level of the function being operated by the first user is high. The determination based on the second determination criterion described above is performed. If the rank of the user attribute 56d assigned to the second user is high and the second user has the authority to use the FAX confidential address browsing function, the authentication result of the second user is authentication success, and the image forming apparatus The print data temporarily stored in 1 is read out and printed out. On the other hand, when the rank of the user attribute 56d given to the second user is low and the second user does not have the authority to use the FAX confidential address browsing function, the authentication result of the second user is an authentication failure. The display screen of the operation panel 10 transitions to a display screen G12 shown in FIG. On this display screen G12, a window display W8 that hides the confidential information display field R8 on the display screen G11 is displayed in the screen, and a display indicating that the second user authentication has failed is performed on this window display W2. The window display W2 displays a button image (OK button) B2 for erasing the window display W2. The key operation corresponding to the button image B2 is performed by the window display unless the first user performs it. The display W2 cannot be erased.

  Next, a processing procedure in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 15 to FIG. 18 are flowcharts showing an example of detailed processing procedures performed in the image forming apparatus 1 based on the user's key operation. Mainly after the key operation is performed, the user authentication processing is performed and the display screen is displayed. The processing procedure until the update is performed is shown.

  The operation panel control unit 41 constantly monitors whether or not the operation key 14 (12, 13) has been operated (step S10). If any one of the operation keys 14 is operated, the operated key is operated. It is determined whether or not 14 is an authenticable key 15 included in the authenticable areas R1, R2, and R3 (step S11). For example, if the touch panel type operation key 12 is operated, YES is determined in step S11. In the case of the push button type operation key 13, YES is obtained in step S <b> 11 when any of the COPY key, FAX key, SCAN key, and utility key. On the other hand, if the operated key is not the authenticable key 15, it is determined as NO in step S11, and the process of this flowchart ends.

  If YES is determined in step S11, the operation panel control unit 41 confirms whether or not the pressed state of the operation key 14 is continued (step S12). That is, when the operation key 14 operated by the user is the authenticable key 15, the user authentication is performed in the image forming apparatus 1. In order to perform the user authentication, the user's human body (for example, a fingertip) can be authenticated. It is necessary to touch the electrodes 24 and 35 provided on the surface of the key 15. In this embodiment, when the operation key 14 is continuously pressed, the human body touches the electrodes 24 and 35. Judge that For this reason, if the operation key 14 is not in the depressed state, user authentication cannot be performed, and the process proceeds to step S18 to perform authentication failure processing.

  On the other hand, when the pressed state of the operation key 14 continues, YES is obtained in step S12, and the operation panel control unit 41 outputs a command instructing the human body communication unit 42 to perform user authentication, Based on this command, the human body communication unit 42 transmits a user information transmission request to the human body side communication device 8 (step S13). This user information transmission request is generated by the human body communication control unit 51 and is output as a weak electric signal to the human body of the user 9 via the transmission unit 54 and the electrodes 24 and 35.

  In the human body side communication device 8, when the receiving unit 64 receives a user information transmission request for transmitting the human body of the user 9 through the electrode 65, the request is given to the control unit 61. The control unit 61 reads the user information 62 a from the storage unit 62 and outputs the user information 62 a as a weak electric signal to the human body of the user 9 via the transmission unit 63 and the electrode 65. Therefore, if the human body side communication device 8 is normally attached to the human body of the user 9, the human body communication unit 42 of the image forming apparatus 1 responds to it by transmitting a user information transmission request to the human body side communication device 8. Then, the user information 62a is received from the human body side communication device 8.

  After transmitting the user information transmission request, the human body communication control unit 51 monitors whether or not the user information 62a is received from the human body side communication device 8 for a predetermined time (step S14), via the electrodes 24 and 35. If the user information 62a is received, the process proceeds from step S14 to S15. In this case, the user authentication unit 52 functions in the human body communication unit 42 to perform user authentication processing (step S15). On the other hand, if the user information 62a is not received even after a predetermined time has passed since the user information transmission request is transmitted, user authentication cannot be performed. Therefore, the process proceeds from step S14 to S18, and authentication failure processing is performed. Do.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing procedure of the user authentication process (step S15). First, when the user authentication unit 52 functions, the user registration data 56 stored in the storage unit 53 is read (step S20), and the user information 56c recorded therein is extracted. Then, it is determined whether or not user information 56c that matches the user information 62a acquired from the human body side communication device 8 is included in the user registration data 56 (step S21). If user information 56c that matches the user information 62a is included, the user is specified based on the user registration data 56, and the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if the user information 56c that matches the user information 62a is not included in the user registration data 56, the user cannot be specified, and the process proceeds to step S29, where the authentication result is authentication failure.

  When the user information 62a matches and the user can be specified, the user authentication unit 52 determines whether or not the specified user is the first user (step S22). Here, the answer is YES if no other user has logged in to the image forming apparatus 1, and NO if another user has already logged in. If the specified user is the first user, it is not necessary to consider the first and second determination criteria described above, and the process proceeds to step S28, where the authentication result is authentication success.

  On the other hand, when the specified user is the second user, the process proceeds to steps S24 to S27 to obtain an authentication result based on the first and second determination criteria described above. The user authentication unit 52 confirms the security level of the function being operated by the first user who has already logged in to the image forming apparatus 1 (step S24). That is, the security level determination data 57 is read from the storage unit 53, and it is confirmed whether the security level set for the function being used by the first user is “high” or “low”. In step S25, it is determined whether the security level is high or low. If it is high, the process proceeds to step S26 in order to make a determination based on the user attribute of the second user. On the other hand, if the security level of the function being used by the first user is low, there will be no problem such as information leakage even if the second user logs in at the same time. It is assumed that authentication is successful.

  In step S26, the user authentication unit 52 confirms the user attribute of the second user. That is, referring to the user registration data 56, the user attribute 56c assigned to the second user is confirmed, and the second user has the use authority for the function with a high confidentiality level that is being used by the first user. It is determined whether or not it has. If the second user has the right to use, there will be no problem such as information leakage even if the second user logs in at the same time. Therefore, the result of step S27 is YES and the process proceeds to step S28. The result is authentication success. On the other hand, if the second user does not have the usage authority, it is necessary to avoid the second user from logging in at the same time, and therefore NO in step S27 and the process proceeds to step S29. Is an authentication failure.

  In step S28 or S29, each authentication result is confirmed, and the authentication result is output to the operation panel control unit 41. That is, in step S28, a signal indicating authentication success is output from the user authentication unit 52 to the operation panel control unit 41, and in step S29, a signal indicating authentication failure is output from the user authentication unit 52 to the operation panel control unit 41. Is done. Thereby, the user authentication process of FIG. 16 is completed.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 15, when the operation panel control unit 41 receives the authentication result from the user authentication unit 52, the operation panel control unit 41 determines whether the authentication is successful or unsuccessful (step S16). The process proceeds to an authentication failure process in step S18 if the authentication fails. In these processes (steps S17 and S18), a process of updating the screen display of the display unit 11 according to the authentication result is performed.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing procedure of the authentication success processing (step S17). If the authentication result is successful, the operation panel control unit 41 permits display of the display screen related to the function assigned to the operation key 14 operated in step S10 (step S30). In addition, the operation panel control unit 41 sends a command for permitting execution of a job related to the function assigned to the operation key 14 operated in step S <b> 10 to the main control unit 44. As a result, the user who performed the key operation in step S10 is logged in to the image forming apparatus 1. In particular, when the user who performed the key operation in step S10 is the second user, the first user and the second user are logged into the image forming apparatus 1 at the same time.

  Then, the operation panel control unit 41 generates an authentication success message for indicating to the user that the authentication has been successful (step S31), and displays the authentication success message on the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10 including the authentication success message. Screen configuration is performed to generate display screen data (step S32). For example, when the first user and the second user log in to the image forming apparatus 1 at the same time, here, the display screen data obtained by dividing the screen as described above is generated. Then, by outputting the generated display screen data to the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10, the screen update process of the display unit 11 is performed (step S33). With this screen update, the user can recognize that the user authentication has been successful and that the image forming apparatus 1 has been successfully logged in.

  Next, FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing procedure of the authentication failure processing (step S18). If the authentication result is authentication failure, the operation panel control unit 41 disallows display of the display screen related to the function assigned to the operation key 14 operated in step S10 (step S40). Then, the operation panel control unit 41 generates an authentication failure message for indicating to the user that the authentication has failed (step S41), and displays the authentication failure message on the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10 including the authentication failure message. Screen configuration is performed to generate display screen data (step S42). For example, if the first user is operating a function with a high security level and the second user does not have the authority to use the function, a window display for concealing confidential information is provided here as described above. Display screen data is generated. Then, by outputting the generated display screen data to the display unit 11 of the operation panel 10, the screen update process of the display unit 11 is performed (step S43). By this screen update, the user can recognize that the user authentication has failed and the user cannot log in to the image forming apparatus 1.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that a plurality of users can log in to the image forming apparatus 1 at the same time. When the second user who is different from the first user makes an authentication request when the first user is in the login state, the security level of the function being operated by the first user is increased. Accordingly, since the second user is permitted to log in or not, the second user who came later when the first user is using a function with a high security level. It is possible to solve the security problem caused by logging in at the same time.

(Modification)
As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the thing of the content mentioned above. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a FAX function, a printer function, and a scanner function is illustrated, but the present invention does not necessarily have a plurality of functions. It is not necessary to provide it, and it is sufficient to provide at least one of the above-described functions.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the security level set for each function of the image forming apparatus 1 is a two-level setting of “high” and “low” is exemplified. Also good. In this case, when determining the security level of the function being operated by the first user, for example, it may be determined whether the security level is higher or lower than a predetermined level.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where three levels of information of ranks A, B, and C are included in the user attribute 56d as information regarding the authority to use the function with a high security level of the image forming apparatus 1 is exemplified. Even more stages may be set for the attachment.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where two users log in to the image forming apparatus 1 at the same time has been exemplified, but the number of people who can log in to the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to two. Three or more people are allowed. In this case, for example, when a plurality of users are already logged in to the image forming apparatus 1, each of the plurality of users is set as the first user described above, and the user is to log in to the image forming apparatus 1 later. May be processed as the second user described above.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the electrodes 24 and 35 are provided on the authenticable key 15 so that when the user performs a key operation, the operation becomes an operation that also serves as an authentication request and the operability can be improved. Explained. However, the form in which the user makes an authentication request is not necessarily limited to the above-described content. For example, a password is input, an IC card or a memory card is used, fingerprint authentication, or vein pattern authentication. For example, an authentication operation may be performed on the authentication device.

  In addition, it goes without saying that various modifications can be applied to the above-described embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an external configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an operation panel of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure showing one form in which a user wearing a human body side communication apparatus uses an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the cross-section of the pushbutton type operation key provided in the authenticable area of the operation panel. It is a figure which shows the structure of the touchscreen type operation key provided in the area | region which can be authenticated of an operation panel. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure for an image forming apparatus to communicate with a human body side communication apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the user registration data referred at the time of user authentication. It is a figure which shows an example of the confidential level determination data referred at the time of user authentication. It is a figure which shows an example of the determination criteria at the time of determining permission / non-permission of login of a 2nd user, (A) is a figure which shows 1st determination criteria, (B) is 2nd determination criteria. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition of an operation panel when a first user logs in to an image forming apparatus and operates various functions. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition of an operation panel when a first user logs in to an image forming apparatus and operates various functions. FIG. It is a figure which shows a screen transition when the 2nd user performs key operation in order to use a copy function while the 1st user is operating the function (FAX transmission function) with a low secret level. It is a figure which shows a screen transition when the 2nd user performs key operation in order to use a copy function, while the 1st user is operating the function (FAX confidential address browsing function) with a high security level. When the first user performs a key operation to log in to the image forming apparatus in order to instruct execution of confidential printing while the first user is operating a function with a high security level (FAX confidential address browsing function) It is a figure which shows a screen transition. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure performed in the image forming apparatus based on a user's key operation. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed process sequence of the user authentication process (step S15) in the flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed process sequence of the authentication success process (step S17) in the flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed process sequence of the authentication failure process (step S18) in the flowchart of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 8 Human body side communication apparatus 10 Operation panel 11 Display part (display means)
12 Operation keys (Touch panel operation keys)
13 Operation keys (push-button operation keys)
14 operation key 15 authenticable key 24 electrode 35 electrode 41 operation panel control unit (control means)
42 Human Body Communication Department (Communication means)
43 Storage unit (storage means)
52 User Authentication Unit (User Authentication Unit)

Claims (7)

An operation panel having display means for displaying various types of information and having operation keys operable by a user;
User authentication means for performing authentication processing by collating user information input with an authentication request from a user with information registered in advance;
When the user authentication in the user authentication unit is successful, the control unit causes the user to log in, and causes the display unit to display a display screen relating to a function operable by the user;
With
When a second user different from the first user makes an authentication request when the first user is in a login state, the first user is in accordance with the level of security level of the function being operated by the first user. An image forming apparatus that permits or disallows the login of the second user.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the confidential level of the function being operated by the first user is higher than a predetermined level, the second user is not allowed to log in.   When the confidential level of the function being operated by the first user is higher than a predetermined level, the login of the second user is permitted or not permitted according to the user attribute of the second user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the user attribute includes information related to a right to use a function having a high security level.   When the second user has a right to use a function with a high secret level, the second user is permitted to log in even when the secret level of the function being operated by the first user is higher than a predetermined level. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. The operation key is configured such that an electrode for performing communication via a human body side communication device worn by the user and the user's human body is provided on the surface thereof.
The user authentication means receives an authentication request from a user by operating the operation key, and acquires user information from the human body side communication device by communicating with the human body side communication device via the electrode. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein authentication processing is performed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit updates the display of the display unit according to a result of permitting or not permitting a second user to log in.

Images