JP2013187836A - Information processing system, information processing device, and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing system, an information processing device constituting the information processing system, and an information processing method, in which safety of information processing that executes processing in response to an execution request from each of a plurality of communication devices can be improved, in consideration of simultaneous connection from the communication devices.SOLUTION: A multifunctional peripheral (information processing device) issues an access key (S102), and only when determining reception of the execution request from an information terminal device (communication device) (S105: YES) and a reception of the access key issued in step S102 (S106: YES, S107: YES), permits executing to perform scanning (predetermined information processing)(S109).

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system in which a communication device and an information processing device transmit and receive information by wireless communication. In particular, the present invention relates to an information processing system capable of improving the safety of connection, an information processing apparatus constituting the information processing system, and an information processing method between a communication apparatus and the information processing apparatus.

  A portable communication device called a so-called smartphone is widely used. This type of communication device is highly convenient in that it can have various functions by adding various applications in addition to the functions of cameras, games, media players, and the like.

  In recent years, a technology in which a communication device is connected by wireless communication to a network to which a multifunction device (MFP) having a wireless communication function is connected, and the communication device transmits / receives information to / from the multifunction device has become widespread. doing. In particular, image data is transmitted from a communication device having a camera function to a multifunction device in the network by wireless communication, and directly printed out by the multifunction device without using a storage medium, a USB cable, or a personal computer. A system that can do this is realized. There has also been proposed a mechanism for transmitting image data of an image obtained by reading a document with a multifunction peripheral to a communication device.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which image data and setting information for processing are transmitted from a mobile phone (communication device) to a printer (multifunction machine) for printing.

JP 2011-056888 A

  Various systems for transmitting and receiving data such as image data between a communication device and a multifunction device have been proposed in Patent Document 1 or the like. However, a communication device owned by a plurality of users and a single multifunction device are provided. Consideration about the security of the communication connection between them is insufficient.

  For example, at the very moment when user A wants to execute a scan on the multifunction device, when another user B transmits setting information including a transmission destination related to the scan execution process from the communication device to the multifunction device, A situation may occur in which the image data obtained as a result of the scan executed by the operation is transmitted to the communication device of the user B.

  Therefore, there is a need for a technology that considers safety, such as exclusively processing connections from a plurality of communication devices.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and considers simultaneous connection from a plurality of communication devices, and improves the safety of information processing executed in response to an execution request from each communication device. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing system, an information processing apparatus constituting the information processing system, and an information processing method.

  An information processing system according to the present invention transmits / receives information by wireless communication, transmits / receives information to / from the communication device that transmits an information processing execution request for the information, and receives the information from the communication device In an information processing system including an information processing apparatus that executes predetermined information processing in response to an execution request, the information processing apparatus includes generation means for generating permission information relating to permission to execute the predetermined information processing, The communication apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires the permission information, and a unit that transmits the acquired permission information together with an execution request. The information processing apparatus further includes the permission information generated by the generation unit along with the received execution request. Means for determining whether or not the information has been received, and if it is determined that the permission information has been received by the means, the execution of the predetermined information processing based on the execution request is permitted. Characterized in that it comprises a stage.

  The information processing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the information processing apparatus further includes display means for displaying permission information generated by the generation means.

  The information processing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the information processing apparatus further includes means for invalidating the permission information after a certain period of time has elapsed since the generation means has generated permission information.

  In the information processing system according to the present invention, the communication device includes means for transmitting a response request to a device connected to a network to which the communication device is connected, and the information processing device responds to the response request. On the other hand, the information processing apparatus further includes means for responding to its own information and permission information generated by the generating means.

  An information processing system according to the present invention receives authentication information and authenticates an operation based on the authentication information, and prohibits transmission / reception of information to / from the communication device when the authentication unit does not authenticate And a means for performing.

  The information processing system according to the present invention is further characterized by further comprising means for storing information specifying the transmission source of the execution request in association with the authentication information.

  In the information processing system according to the present invention, the predetermined information processing is a plurality of different information processing, and the communication device transmits an execution request by adding specific information specifying the content of the information processing. And, when receiving an execution request, the information processing apparatus stores the content specified by the specific information added to the execution request for each authentication information associated with information specifying the transmission source of the execution request It is characterized by further comprising means for performing.

  The information processing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined information processing includes reading a document and generating image data, or receiving image data and printing output based on the image data.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention connects to an external apparatus by wireless communication, transmits and receives information, receives an information processing execution request for the information from the external apparatus, and performs predetermined information processing in response to the execution request. A generating unit configured to generate permission information related to the execution permission of the predetermined information processing; and a unit configured to determine whether the permission information generated by the generating unit is received together with the received execution request. And means for permitting execution of the predetermined information processing based on the execution request when it is determined that the permission information has been received by the means.

  The information processing method according to the present invention transmits / receives information by wireless communication, transmits / receives an information processing execution request for the information, and transmits / receives information to / from the communication device. In an information processing method in an information processing system including an information processing device that executes predetermined information processing in response to an execution request, the information processing device generates permission information related to execution permission of the predetermined information processing, and The communication apparatus acquires the permission information and transmits the acquired permission information together with an execution request. When the information processing apparatus receives the execution request, whether or not the generated permission information is received together with the execution request. When it is determined that the information has been received, execution of predetermined information processing according to the execution request is permitted.

  In the present invention, the information processing apparatus executes predetermined information processing in response to an execution request from the communication device only when legitimate permission information (permission information generated by the generation unit) is received from the communication device. In addition, as a form in which the communication apparatus transmits the permission information together with the execution request, the permission information may be included in the execution request for transmission, or the execution request and the permission information may be transmitted continuously. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which transmits including the number common to both an execution request and permission information.

  In the present invention, the permission information generated by the information processing apparatus is displayed by the display means. The communication device may acquire the permission information by receiving an input of permission information by the user who has recognized the permission information displayed on the information processing device. Thereby, only information processing with respect to the execution request from the communication apparatus that has acquired the displayed permission information is permitted.

  In the present invention, the permission information generated by the information processing apparatus is invalidated after a certain period of time has elapsed since it was generated. As a result, information processing with respect to an execution request in which permission information that has been illegally acquired is transmitted together is not permitted.

  In the present invention, when a communication device transmits a response request to acquire information on each device connected to a network to which the communication device is connected, the information processing device responds to the response request with its own address, etc. It responds by adding permission information to the information including. As a result, the communication device can automatically obtain permission information.

  In the present invention, when the information processing apparatus has an authentication function, transmission / reception of information is prohibited even if an execution request is transmitted from the communication apparatus while the information processing apparatus is not authenticated. This makes it possible to prevent information processing from being executed in response to an unauthorized execution request.

  In the present invention, information specifying the transmission source of the execution request and authentication information are stored in association with each other. The information specifying the transmission source may be identification information of the communication device or identification information such as a user name. Thereby, a record of predetermined information processing from a communication device connected by wireless communication can be associated with authentication information in the information processing device and can be managed.

  In the present invention, the content of the execution request is recorded in association with the authentication information associated with the transmission source of the execution request. Thereby, it is possible to record what information processing is executed for each user. As a record of the content of the execution request, the number of executions may be recorded for each log information or information processing content.

  In the present invention, the predetermined information processing is reading of a document and transmission of image data or printing output of received image data. When these information processes are executed in response to an execution request from the communication device, execution is permitted only when permission information is transmitted together.

  According to the present invention, predetermined information processing for an execution request from a communication device is executed only when valid permission information (permission information generated by the generation unit) is received from the communication device. Therefore, it is possible to improve the safety related to the execution request from the communication device. Even when an execution request is sent simultaneously from a plurality of communication devices, information processing for the execution request is executed only when valid permission information is sent together at that time, and the process is erroneously executed. It is possible to prevent this.

1 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the multi-function peripheral when performing a scan in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen displayed on the display unit of the multifunction peripheral. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen of the operation screen of a mobile transmission function. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the information terminal device when executing a scan in the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the input screen of an access key and setting information in an information terminal device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen of the reception start waiting state of image data. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen of the reception completion waiting state of image data. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen showing completion of reception of image data. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in a multifunction machine when performing a scan in the second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the information terminal device when executing a scan in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system in a third embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in a multifunction machine when performing a scan in the third embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen of the input screen of authentication information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the content of an execution history.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. The information processing system includes a multifunction device 1 connected to a network N that is an in-house or home LAN via an access point AP, and a plurality of information terminal devices 2. In addition to the multifunction device 1 and the information terminal device 2, a PC 3 or a multifunction device 4 is connected to the network N. The network N may be connected to the external Internet.

  In the present invention, even when there are a plurality of information terminal devices 2, the scan is executed only for the execution request including the access key (permission information) issued by the multi-function device 1, and the information terminal device for the obtained image data The transmission process to 2 is executed without error and the safety is improved.

  The multifunction machine 1 is an information processing apparatus having a printer function, a scanner function, a fax function, an electronic mail communication function, and the like. The multifunction device 1 stores a control unit 10 that controls each component, an input / output unit 11 that uses a touch panel and an LCD (Liquid Cristal Display), a temporary storage unit 12 that temporarily stores information, and various types of information. A storage unit 13, a communication unit 14 for realizing communication, an access key issuing unit 15, an image reading unit 16 for realizing a scanner function, and an image forming unit 17 for realizing a printer function.

  The control unit 10 uses a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls each component based on a control program stored in a built-in ROM (Read Only Memory).

  The input / output unit 11 includes a display unit 11a using an LCD and an input unit 11b using a touch panel. The input unit 11b may use a hardware key as well as a touch panel. The input unit 11b detects the position on the touch panel touched by the user with respect to the display unit 11a displaying various icons or buttons. Based on the position information touched by the user and the position information of the icon or button displayed on the display unit 11a, the control unit 10 can specify which icon or button is touched. The control unit 10 can specify which hardware key is pressed.

  The temporary storage unit 12 uses a RAM such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). The temporary storage unit 12 stores temporary information for various processes generated by the process of the control unit 10. The temporary storage unit 12 also stores an access key (permission information) for accessing the scan or printer function of the multifunction device 1 via wireless communication. The access key will be described in detail later.

  The storage unit 13 uses an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 13 may store address information for a fax function, an electronic mail communication function, and an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) communication function. The storage unit 13 may store image data read by the image reading unit 16 or image data received via the communication unit 14.

  The communication unit 14 implements a wireless communication function. The control unit 10 can transmit and receive various commands, image data, and the like between the information terminal device 2 connected to the network N and other communication devices via the access point AP by the communication unit 14. is there.

  The access key issuing unit 15 issues an access key for permitting an information processing execution request from the information terminal device 2 based on an instruction from the control unit 10. The access key issuing unit 15 randomly creates an access key made up of, for example, seven digits of alphanumeric characters based on a random number. The access key is effective for one scan execution. The access key generation method can be realized by various methods. The access key issuing unit 15 is realized by software. Of course, the access key issuing unit 15 may be configured as a hardware circuit.

  The image reading unit 16 uses a scanner unit. The scanner unit is a reading device for optically reading a document placed on the document table 16a or the document tray, and a control unit for controlling a reading operation by the optical unit and the optical unit inside the main body of the multifunction device 1. Including. The image reading unit 16 outputs image data obtained by reading the document to a predetermined image memory, and the control unit 10 can acquire the image data from the image memory.

  The image forming unit 17 uses a printer unit. The printer unit is disposed inside the main body of the multifunction device 1 and below the scanner unit. The printer unit generates a toner image based on the image data given from the control unit 10, and forms an image by transferring the toner image onto a sheet.

  The information terminal device 2 is a mobile phone called a so-called smartphone. The information terminal device 2 may be a tablet PC (personal computer). The information terminal device 2 may be a PC or the like connected by wire.

  The information terminal device 2 realizes communication with the multifunction device 1 through the control unit 20 that controls each component, the input / output unit 21 using a touch panel, the storage unit 22 that stores various information, and the access point AP. And a communication unit 23.

  The control unit 20 uses a CPU to control each component based on a control program stored in a built-in ROM.

  The input / output unit 21 includes a display unit 21a using an LCD and an input unit 21b using a touch panel and hardware keys. For the display unit 21a displaying various icons or buttons, the input unit 21b detects the position on the touch panel touched by the user, and the input unit 21b notifies the control unit 20 of the position information touched by the user. The control unit 20 can specify which icon or button is touched based on the position information of the icon or button displayed on the display unit 21a. When the hardware key is pressed, the input unit 12b notifies the control unit 20 together with information specifying which key is pressed.

  The storage unit 22 uses a RAM and a flash memory. The flash memory of the storage unit 22 stores an application program (hereinafter referred to as a print scan application) that is used to print out image data or read a document in the multifunction device 1 connected to the network N. . The control unit 20 reads out and executes the print scan application stored in the storage unit 22, thereby realizing communication with the multifunction device 1 described later and reception of image data from the multifunction device 1. The control unit 20 temporarily stores the image data received by the communication unit 23 in the RAM of the storage unit 22 or stores it in a flash memory for storage.

  In addition, the storage unit 22 corresponds to the print scan application, as setting information, resolution setting when reading received image data, file type (format), color / monochrome setting, size of original to be read, and creation Setting information such as the size (presence / absence of reduction) of image data to be stored is stored. The setting information is initially set by the print scan application, and can be edited later by the user via the print scan application. The setting information may be separately stored for each different multifunction device. The setting information may include the user name (user ID) of the information terminal device 2.

  The communication unit 23 implements a wireless communication function. Based on an instruction from the control unit 20, the communication unit 23 connects to the access point AP and connects to the network N. The control unit 20 can transmit and receive commands and image data between the multifunction device 1 connected to the network N and other communication devices via the access point AP by the communication unit 23.

  In the information processing system configured as described above, the information terminal device 2 causes the multifunction device 1 to scan a document, requests transmission of image data, and the information terminal device 2 receives image data. Will be described with reference to a flowchart and an example of an operation screen.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the multi-function device 1 when scanning is performed in the first embodiment. The processing procedure shown below corresponds to the processing procedure in the communication terminal device 2 shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the multifunction device 1, the following processing is executed in a state where the initial screen is displayed on the display unit 11a and is in a standby state.

  In the initial screen displayed on the display unit 11a, the control unit 10 selects a function for transmitting image data obtained by scanning to the information terminal device 2 (hereinafter referred to as a mobile transmission function) on the input unit 11b. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S101).

  When it is determined that the mobile transmission function is not selected (S101: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S101 and waits until it is determined that the mobile transmission function is selected.

  When determining that the mobile transmission function is selected (S101: YES), the control unit 10 instructs the access key issuing unit 15 to issue an access key (step S102). The control unit 10 stores the access key issued by the access key issuing unit 15 in the temporary storage unit 12 (step S103). The control unit 10 causes the display unit 11a to output the mobile transmission function operation screen and display the acquired access key in the screen (step S104). Here, the MFP 1 is in a standby state with respect to the mobile transmission function.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of an initial screen displayed on the display unit 11a of the multifunction device 1, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen for the mobile transmission function. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, in addition to the copy and fax functions, operation screens corresponding to the function “mobile transmission” are displayed as tabs on the initial screen. The operation screen of “mobile transmission” is displayed on the tab 110. When the user touches the touch panel on the “mobile transmission” tab 110 displayed on the display unit 11a, the input unit 11b detects this, and the control unit 10 determines that the mobile transmission function is selected (S101: YES), the “mobile transmission” operation screen is displayed on the display unit 11a (S104).

  As shown in FIG. 5, an access key is output on the “mobile transmission” operation screen displayed on the display unit 11a. Thereby, the user of the information terminal device 2 can recognize the access key. In the example of FIG. 5, the character string of the access key is displayed, but not limited to this, a bar code corresponding to the character string of the access key or a two-dimensional bar code may be used. When displayed as a barcode, instead of the user performing an access key input operation on the information terminal device 2 to be described later, the user may image the barcode with the camera function of the information terminal device 2. At this time, the control unit 20 of the information terminal device 2 acquires the access key by decoding the captured bar code.

  Next, the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 determines whether or not a scan execution request has been received by the communication unit 14 (step S105).

  When it is determined that the scan execution request has been received (S105: YES), the control unit 10 determines whether an access key has been received together with the execution request (step S106). If the control unit 10 determines that the access key has been received (S106: YES), does the received access key match the access key issued by the access key issuing unit 15 stored in the temporary storage unit 12? It is determined whether or not (step S107).

  If the control unit 10 determines that they match in step S107 (S107: YES), the control unit 10 transmits a response permitting execution to the information terminal device 2 (step S108).

  When the control unit 10 permits execution (S108), the image reading unit 16 performs scanning (reading) by the image reading unit 16 based on the received setting information (step S109), and generates image data based on the setting information. (Step S110). The control unit 10 transmits the generated image data to the information terminal device 2 (step S111). The control unit 10 ends the process when the transmission of the image data is completed.

  When it is determined that the scan execution request has not been received (S105: NO), the control unit 10 determines whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed since the issuance of the access key in step S102 (step S112). When it is determined that the predetermined period has not elapsed (S112: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S105 and continues the standby state.

  If the control unit 10 determines in step S112 that a certain period of time has passed without receiving a scan execution request (S112: YES), the control unit 10 discards (invalidates) the access key issued in step S102 ( Step S113) and the process is terminated. At this time, the control unit 10 returns to the state where the initial screen is displayed on the display unit 11a. Thereafter, even if the control unit 10 receives the execution request transmitted together with the access key issued in step S102, the control unit 10 determines in step S107 that it does not match the issued access key.

  The control unit 10 determines that the access key has not been received in step S106 (S106: NO), and determines that the access key is received but is not the same as the access key stored and issued. (S107: NO), a response to prohibit execution is transmitted to the information terminal device 2 (step S114), the process returns to step S105, and the standby state is returned.

  In the above-described processing, the scan is executed immediately in response to the execution request. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and after transmitting an execution permission response (S108), the user outputs a screen for accepting editing of setting information on the multi-function device 1, displays a start button on the screen, and displays a touch panel on the start button It is good also as a structure which performs a scan when is touched.

  Processing in the information terminal device 2 corresponding to the processing in the multifunction machine 1 described above will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the information terminal device 2 at the time of execution of scanning in the first embodiment. In the information terminal device 2, the following processing is executed when the control unit 20 reads and activates the print scan application by a user operation.

  The control unit 20 of the information terminal device 2 activates the communication unit 23 and validates wireless communication (step S201). Then, the control unit 20 inputs information about the MFP 1 that is the execution request destination of the processing of scanning and image data transmission, specifically, the IP address information and the access key related to the execution request in the MFP 1. Accept (step S202).

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing an example of an access key and setting information input screen in the information terminal device 2. In FIG. 7, an access key and setting information, and a button 210 for instructing start of a scan execution request are displayed. When the user touches the touch panel on the access key, the control unit 20 outputs an input screen. The user recognizes the access key displayed on the display unit 11a of the multifunction device 1 with respect to the input screen, and can input the access key by performing an alphanumeric input operation on the touch panel. .

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, as setting information of image data received by the information terminal device 2, resolution (300 dpi), image data format (pdf), color / monochrome (monochrome) setting (color), and scanning are performed. Information on the document size (A4) and the size (A4) of the image data to be transmitted is shown. When the user touches the touch panel on each item, the control unit 20 outputs an input screen and acquires input information. Thereby, the user can edit the setting information.

  The control unit 20 acquires the input IP address information and access key (step S203). Note that the IP address may be automatically acquired by the communication unit 23.

  Next, the control unit 20 reads the setting information for scanning stored in the storage unit 22 (step S204), and in response to the scan execution request to the multifunction device 1 based on the acquired IP address information, in step S204. The information including the read setting information and the access key information acquired in step S23 is transmitted (step S205).

  In the information terminal device 2, the control unit 20 determines whether an execution permission response to the execution request has been received (step S206). When the control unit 20 receives a response indicating that the execution is permitted (S206: YES), the control unit 20 determines whether the communication unit 23 has started receiving image data from the multifunction device 1 (step S207). When the control unit 20 determines that the reception of the image data has not started (S207: NO), the control unit 20 outputs a screen indicating the standby state for starting the reception of the image data (step S208), and returns the process to the step S207. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a standby state for starting reception of image data. FIG. 8 shows a sentence and an image indicating that scanning (reading) execution is waiting.

  In the information terminal device 2, when the control unit 20 determines that reception has started in step S207 (S207: YES), the received image data is temporarily and temporarily stored in the RAM of the storage unit 22 (step S209). ), It is determined whether the reception is completed (step S210). If the control unit 20 determines in step S210 that reception has not been completed (S210: NO), the control unit 20 enters a reception completion standby state for image data. At this time, the control unit 20 outputs a screen indicating that the image data reception completion standby state is set to the display unit 21a (step S211), and returns the process to step S209. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a standby state for completion of reception of image data. FIG. 9 shows a sentence and an image indicating that scan data (image data) is being received.

  When determining that the reception is completed in step S210 (S210: YES), the control unit 20 temporarily stores the image data stored in the RAM in the flash memory of the storage unit 22 (step S212). At this time, the control unit 20 outputs a screen indicating that the reception is completed to the display unit 21a (step S213). FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen indicating completion of reception of image data. FIG. 10 shows a sentence indicating completion of reception and an image.

  Since the reception is completed, the control unit 20 invalidates the wireless communication (step S214) and ends the process.

  If it is determined in step S206 that an execution permission response has not been received and an error notification has been received (S206: NO), an error notification is output to the display unit 21a (step S215), and wireless communication is disabled. (S214), the process ends.

  In addition, when a situation such as communication interruption occurs while reception is not completed, the control unit 20 outputs an error notification to the display unit 11a (S215), invalidates the wireless communication (S214), and performs processing. Exit. Error notification may be performed by voice output.

  Through such processing, the user places the document to be scanned on the document table 16a of the multifunction device 1, activates the print scan application on the portable information terminal device 2, and performs the scan on the multifunction device 1 when performing the scan. The mobile transmission function of the multifunction device 1 can be used by performing an operation of starting by inputting an access key related to the execution request.

  In the MFP 1, only when an execution request including the access key is received from the information terminal device 2 used by the user who has recognized the access key displayed on the display unit 11a, the mobile transmission function performs scan execution and image data transmission. Executed. Therefore, for example, when there are a user A and a user B who intend to execute scanning simultaneously in the multifunction device 1, the user B issues an execution request from the information terminal device 2 when the user A intends to execute scanning. Even if it is transmitted to the multi-function device 1, the mobile transmission execution request from the user B is not accepted unless the access key is transmitted together with the execution request. In order to acquire the access key, it is necessary to confirm on the display unit 11a of the multifunction device 1, so that the user A and the user B who intend to operate the multifunction device 1 confirm each other to prevent erroneous transmission. Is possible. Even when an execution request is sent simultaneously from the information terminal device 2 owned by each of the user A and the user B, the execution request is not accepted by the multifunction device 1 unless a valid access key is sent together. Only scans for valid execution requests are performed.

  Note that an execution request from the information terminal device 2 can be applied not only to scan execution by the image reading unit 16 but also to copy function, printer function (image forming unit 17), and FAX transmission processing. May be. Control that does not execute processing may be performed for a copy function that does not include an access key, a printer function, or a fax transmission request.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the access key is displayed on the display unit 11a of the multifunction device 1. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the access key is transmitted from the communication unit 14 to the information terminal device 2, and the information terminal device 2 acquires the access key by receiving this.

  The configuration of the information processing system in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment except for the details of the processing procedure described below. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to common configurations, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the multifunction machine 1 at the time of execution of scanning in the second embodiment. In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, the processing after step S105 is the same as the processing procedure in the first embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore, common processes are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 determines whether or not a search command (response request) broadcast to search for communication devices connected to the network N has been received (step S121). .

  When it is determined that the search command has not been received (S121: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S121 and waits until it is determined that the search command has been received.

  When determining that the search command has been received (S121: YES), the control unit 10 acquires its own IP address information from the communication unit 13 (step S122), and instructs the access key issuing unit 15 to issue an access key. (S102). The control unit 10 stores the access key issued by the access key issuing unit 15 in the temporary storage unit 12 (S103). The control unit 10 transmits the access key issued in step S102 together with the IP address information acquired in step S122 from the communication unit 14 as a response to the search command (step S123). Here, the MFP 1 is in a standby state with respect to the mobile transmission function, and proceeds to the processing from step S105 onward as in the first embodiment.

  In the above-described process, the process from issuing an access key to responding to a search command from one information terminal apparatus 2 and responding to it and the process for the search command from another information terminal apparatus 2 are executed simultaneously. May be. At this time, the access keys for the respective search commands are naturally different. In this case, after receiving an execution request including one access key, the exclusive control should be performed so that the processing for the other access key cannot be executed simultaneously. Of course, after issuing one access key, exclusive control is performed so as not to respond to a search command from another information terminal device 2 until an execution request for the access key is received and scan execution and transmission are completed. It is good also as composition to do.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the information terminal device 2 at the time of execution of scanning in the second embodiment. In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 12, the processing after step S204 is the same as the processing procedure in the first embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore, common processes are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When the print scan application is activated, the control unit 20 of the information terminal device 2 activates the communication unit 23 to enable wireless communication (S201). And the control part 20 broadcasts the command which requests | requires transmission of the information which shows the kind of each apparatus itself as a search command from the communication part 23 to the apparatus connected to the network N (step S221).

  The control unit 20 determines whether or not a response is received from the multifunction device 1 in response to the search command by the communication unit 23 (step S222). When the control unit 20 determines that no response has been received, such as when a response is received from a device other than the multifunction device 1 (S222: NO), the process returns to step S222, and the response from the multifunction device 1 is received. Wait until it is determined that

  When the control unit 20 determines that a response to the search command has been received from the multifunction device 1 (S222: YES), the control unit 20 acquires address information and access key information included in the received response (step S223). In the information terminal device 2, based on the acquired address information and access key, the processing from step S204 is executed as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, an access key input operation is facilitated by transmitting the access key from the multifunction device 1 to the information terminal device 2 by wireless communication as a response to the search command.

(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, when the multifunction device 1 has an authentication function, the execution of information processing for an execution request is restricted using the authentication information, and the authentication information and the content of the executed information processing are displayed. Manage in association.

  In the third embodiment, an authentication request is transmitted from the information terminal device 2 from the information terminal device 2 while the authentication by the multifunction device 1 is successful and an operation by the authenticated user is performed by the multifunction device 1. If the access key is valid, it is considered that the authenticated user matches the user who transmitted the scan execution request to the information terminal device 2. Therefore, when information processing related to each function is executed in response to an execution request from the information terminal device 2, the user who has transmitted the execution request is identified as an authenticated user.

  The configuration of the information processing system in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment except that the multifunction device 1 has an authentication function and the details of the processing procedure in the multifunction device 1 described below are different. It is. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the common configurations, and detailed description is omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information processing system according to the third embodiment. In addition to the control unit 10, the input / output unit 11, the temporary storage unit 12, the storage unit 13, the communication unit 14, the access key issuing unit 15, the image reading unit 16, and the image forming unit 17, the multifunction device 1 includes an authentication processing unit 18. Is provided.

  The authentication processing unit 18 determines whether or not the authentication information including the login name and password stored in advance in the storage unit 13 matches the input authentication information. When the control unit 10 inputs authentication information input at the input unit 11b of the input / output unit 11 to the authentication processing unit 18, and the authentication processing unit 18 determines that the authentication information does not match the authentication information stored in advance, The operation in the input unit 11b is not accepted. The authentication processing unit 18 communicates with an authentication server existing outside the multi-function device 1 via the communication unit 14 and inquires whether the input authentication information matches the authentication information stored in the authentication server. It is good.

  A processing procedure at the time of executing a scan in the third embodiment when the function of the authentication processing unit 18 is used will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the multifunction machine 1 at the time of execution of scanning in the third embodiment. Note that the processing procedure shown in FIG. 14 is obtained by adding processing before and after the processing procedure shown in FIG. 3, and therefore, the same step number is attached to a procedure common to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 3. Detailed description is omitted.

  In the third embodiment, the control unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 displays an authentication screen that prompts input of authentication information (login information) on the display unit 11a before the initial screen (step S131). The control unit 10 accepts input of authentication information by using the touch panel on the authentication information input screen displayed on the display unit 11a by the input unit 11b (step S132).

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen example of an authentication information input screen. In FIG. 15, an input of a login name and a password is accepted as authentication information. The authentication information may be input by biometric authentication, an IC card, or the like in addition to the screen shown in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 14, the description will be continued.
The control unit 10 determines whether or not the authentication processing unit 18 is authenticated based on the received authentication information (step S133). When the authentication is not performed (S133: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step 131 and returns to the state where the authentication screen is displayed.

  When authenticated in step S133 (S133: YES), the control unit 10 stores the authentication information received in step S132 in the temporary storage unit 12 (step S134), and displays the initial screen shown in FIG. It is displayed on the part 11a (step 135).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the mobile transmission function is selected on the initial screen (S101), and the processes of S102 to S114 are executed.

  When the received execution request includes the access key issued by the access key issuing unit 15 (S107: YES), when the scan is executed (S109) and the image data is transmitted (S111), the control unit 10 Based on the authentication information temporarily stored in step S134 and the setting information included in the execution request received in step S105, the execution history is stored in the storage unit 13 (step S136). The execution history is the content of processing executed for each authentication information.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the contents of an execution history. In the content example of FIG. 16, authentication information and the number of executions for each function of the multifunction device 1 are stored for each user ID. In the example of FIG. 16, for example, the authentication information of the login name “User1” and the password “Pass1” is associated with the user ID “1”, and the user performs the copy function ten times and the scan function. Is used 0 times, the FAX function is used 0 times, and the print function is used 20 times. Similarly, the authentication information of the login name “User2” and the password “Pass2” is associated with the user ID “2”, and the user further copies the copy function 80 times, scan function 12 times, FAX The fact that the function is used 5 times and the print function is used 20 times is stored. The specific processing content of step S136 corresponding to the content example of FIG. 16 is that the control unit 10 acquires the user name of the setting information included in the execution request, and stores it in the temporary storage unit 12 The number of scans executed in step S109 is incremented by one in association with authentication information and further in association with the user name.

  Note that the execution history of step S136 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 16, but may be configured to store log information “scan execution by mobile transmission function” in the storage unit 13 in association with the user name or authentication information.

  By using authentication information in this way, while not authenticated (S133: NO), the processing from the information terminal device 2 is configured so as not to accept (inhibit) reception of an execution request from the information terminal device 2. Execution safety can be improved. Furthermore, it is possible to add information processing based on an execution request from the information terminal device 2 for which it is difficult to specify which process is executed by which user to the execution history for each user.

  The disclosed embodiments should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 MFP (information processing equipment)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Control part 11 Input / output part 11a Display part 11b Input part 12 Temporary storage part 13 Storage part 15 Access key issuing part (generation means)
16 Image Reading Unit 18 Authentication Processing Unit 2 Information Terminal Device (Communication Device)
20 control unit 21 input / output unit 21a display unit 21b input unit 22 storage unit 23 communication unit

Claims (10)

Information is transmitted / received by wireless communication, a communication device that transmits an execution request for information processing on the information, and information processing is transmitted / received between the communication device, and predetermined information processing is performed according to the execution request received from the communication device In an information processing system including an information processing device that executes
The information processing apparatus includes generation means for generating permission information related to execution permission of the predetermined information processing,
The communication device includes an acquisition unit that acquires the permission information;
Means for transmitting the acquired permission information together with the execution request, and
The information processing apparatus further includes:
Means for determining whether or not the permission information generated by the generating means is received together with the received execution request;
An information processing system comprising: means for permitting execution of the predetermined information processing based on the execution request when it is determined that permission information has been received by the means. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus further includes a display unit that displays permission information generated by the generation unit. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus further includes a unit that invalidates the permission information after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the generation unit generated the permission information. The communication device comprises means for transmitting a response request to a device connected to a network to which the communication device is connected,
The information processing apparatus includes:
The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising means for responding to the response request with its own information and permission information generated by the generating means. Authentication means for accepting authentication information and performing authentication for an operation based on the authentication information;
5. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that prohibits transmission / reception of information to / from the communication device when authentication is not performed by the authentication unit. The information processing system according to claim 5, further comprising means for storing information specifying a transmission source of the execution request in association with the authentication information. The predetermined information processing is a plurality of different information processing,
The communication device is configured to transmit an execution request by adding specific information specifying the information processing content,
The information processing apparatus includes:
When the execution request is received, the information processing apparatus further comprises means for storing the content specified by the specific information added to the execution request for each authentication information associated with the information specifying the transmission source of the execution request. The information processing system according to claim 6. The information according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined information processing includes reading a document and generating image data, or receiving image data and printing output based on the image data. Processing system. In an information processing apparatus that connects to an external device by wireless communication, transmits / receives information, receives an information processing execution request for the information from the external device, and performs predetermined information processing in response to the execution request,
Generating means for generating permission information relating to execution permission of the predetermined information processing;
Means for determining whether or not the permission information generated by the generating means is received together with the received execution request;
An information processing apparatus comprising: means for permitting execution of the predetermined information processing based on the execution request when it is determined that the permission information is received by the means. Information is transmitted / received by wireless communication, a communication device that transmits an execution request for information processing on the information, and information processing is transmitted / received between the communication device, and predetermined information processing is performed according to the execution request received from the communication device In an information processing method in an information processing system including an information processing device that executes
The information processing device generates permission information related to permission to execute the predetermined information processing;
The communication device
Obtaining the permission information;
Send the acquired permission information along with the execution request,
The information processing apparatus includes:
If an execution request is received, it is determined whether the generated permission information is received together with the execution request,
An information processing method characterized by permitting execution of predetermined information processing in response to the execution request when it is determined that it has been received.

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