JP7484129B2 - Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program - Google Patents

Description

This application relates to technology for externally storing configuration information set in an information processing device.

Patent document 1 describes an electrical device that can edit parameter information according to instructions input by a user when writing parameter information stored in a parameter information storage unit to an external memory connected to an interface unit.

JP 2005-303845 A

However, in the electrical device described in Patent Document 1, the user must select the parameter information to be written out one by one. Therefore, there is a risk that the user may select inappropriate parameter information to be written out due to an erroneous operation, and inappropriate information may be written out to the external memory.

Therefore, the present application aims to provide a technology that enables more appropriate management of configuration information stored in an external storage device.

In order to achieve the above object, the information processing device of the present application includes a storage unit that stores first setting information, a control unit that operates based on the first setting information, and a communication interface. When the control unit receives authentication information, it determines whether or not the authentication is successful based on the authentication information, and when it determines that the authentication is successful, it transitions the state of the device from a logged-out state to a logged-in state. When the control unit receives a storage instruction to store second setting information in an external storage device connected to the communication interface in the logged-in state, it extracts the second setting information from the first setting information stored in the storage unit based on the authentication information and stores it in the external storage device.

This application makes it possible to more appropriately manage the setting information stored in the external storage device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. 2 is a diagram showing an example of setting information stored in the USB memory shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure from when a user intends to export setting information to when the export is completed. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 from the PC side shown in FIG. 1 using a web browser. 2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating examples of various tables used by the multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG. 1 . 2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating an example of various user interfaces (UIs) displayed on a panel of the multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG. 1 . 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of an Export process executed by the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1, particularly by a CPU. 8 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of Export processing when an authentication function is enabled, which is included in the Export processing of FIG. 7;

The following describes the embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the control configuration of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication system 1 includes a PC (Personal Computer) 10, a multifunction device 100, and a router 32. Hereinafter, the multifunction device 100 will be referred to as an MFP 100. Note that MFP is an abbreviation for Multifunction Peripheral.

The PC 10 mainly comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12, a memory unit 14, a panel 16, a mouse 18, and a communication IF (Interface) 20. The CPU 12, the memory unit 14, the panel 16, the mouse 18, and the communication IF 20 are capable of communicating with each other via an input/output port 22.

The communication IF 20 connects the PC 10 to a communication network. In this embodiment, the communication network is assumed to be a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), so the communication IF 20 is a LANIF (Local Area Network Interface) or WLAN IF (Wireless LAN Interface). Of course, there are cases where a wired LAN and a wireless LAN exist simultaneously, in which case the communication IF 20 includes both a LANIF and a WLAN IF. In this embodiment, the PC 10 is mutually connected to the MFP 100 via a router 32. This allows the PC 10 to send and receive various data to and from the MFP 100.

The panel 16 has a display surface on which various information is displayed. The mouse 18 is used to move a cursor displayed on the display surface of the panel 16, and accepts dragging, clicking, and other operations by the user.

The CPU 12 executes processing according to the control program 26 in the memory unit 14. The control program 26 is a program for causing the MFP 100 to execute scanning, copying, printing, faxing, and the like.

The storage unit 14 is configured by combining RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a buffer provided by the CPU 12, and the like. The storage unit 14 also includes a data storage area 28. The data storage area 28 is an area for storing scan data acquired from the MFP 100, data required for executing the control program 26, and the like.

The MFP 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, and a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) 104.

The CPU 101 is responsible for controlling the entire MFP 100, but in this embodiment, it controls the print engine 111 and the read engine 112 via the engine IF (Interface) 110 in accordance with setting information. The setting information, the engine IF 110, the print engine 111, and the read engine 112 will be described later.

ROM 102 is a memory that stores the control program executed by CPU 101. CPU 101 reads the control program stored in ROM 102 and executes various processes.

RAM 103 is a memory that temporarily stores image data and the like. RAM 103 is also used as a storage area that temporarily stores data and signals used when CPU 101 executes a control program, or as a working area for data processing.

NVRAM 104 is a non-volatile memory that stores configuration information, etc.

The MFP 100 also includes a panel 105 and keys 106.

In this embodiment, the panel 105 is a touch panel, and various screens are displayed on the panel 105 depending on the state of the MFP 100. The user can perform input operations by pressing input buttons (not shown) on the screen.

Keys 106 are hard keys, i.e. keys formed by hardware. In this embodiment, keys 106 include a stop key (not shown).

The stop key is pressed to stop various operations or to end various settings.

In addition to the stop key, other keys that belong to the key 106 include a power switch and a reset switch (neither shown).

The MFP 100 further includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) IF 107 and a communication IF 108.

USBIF107 is an IF (Interface) for connecting an external USB device, and in this embodiment, a USB memory 200 is connected. A USB memory is also called a USB flash memory or a USB flash drive.

The communication IF 108, like the communication IF 20, connects the MFP 100 to a communication network. As described above, in this embodiment, the MFP 100 and the PC 10 are connected to each other via the router 32.

The MFP 100 also includes an engine IF 110. A print engine 111 and a reading engine 112 are connected to the engine IF 110.

The print engine 111 is an engine for printing an image on a sheet, and may use an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, a thermal method, or the like.

The reading engine 112 is an engine for reading images from a document, and includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) and a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), etc.

The engine IF 110 is a control circuit for controlling the print engine 111 and the read engine 112, and the CPU 101 controls the print engine 111 and the read engine 112 via the engine IF 110.

The engine IF 110 has a first engine IF (not shown) for controlling the print engine 111, and a second engine IF (not shown) for controlling the read engine 112. The first engine IF performs operations such as outputting control signals to the print engine 111 and outputting image data to the print engine 111 based on instructions from the CPU 101. The second engine IF performs operations such as outputting control signals to the read engine 112 and inputting image data from the read engine 112 based on instructions from the CPU 101.

The MFP 100 further includes an image processing circuit 120.

The image processing circuit 120 has a first image processing circuit (not shown) and a second image processing circuit (not shown). The first image processing circuit rasterizes image data related to a print job. The rasterized image data is temporarily stored in RAM 103 and output to the print engine 111. The second image processing circuit processes image data read from a document by the reading engine 112 into digital data. The image data processed into digital data is sent to the outside via the communication IF 108 or is supplied to the print engine 111 and output to a sheet. The image data read from a document by the reading engine 112 is temporarily stored in RAM 103 and output to the second image processing circuit. Here, in this embodiment, "read" may also be described as "scan".

The CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, NVRAM 104, panel 105, keys 106, USB IF 107, communication IF 108, engine IF 110 and image processing circuit 120 are interconnected by a bus 130.

In the MFP 100 of this embodiment, the export of the setting information is performed via the USB memory 200. The export is started when the user connects the USB memory 200 to the USBIF 107 while pressing the stop key. The export is completed when the CPU 101 stores the setting information stored in the NVRAM 104 in the USB memory 200.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of setting information 210 stored in USB memory 200. The setting information 210 shown in FIG. 2 is, for example, exported setting information stored in the NVRAM of another MFP (not shown) different from MFP 100. When exporting setting information 210 to USB memory 200, in this embodiment, it is actually stored in JSON (JavaScript (registered trademark) object notation) format. For ease of viewing, FIG. 2 uses a notation other than JSON format for convenience. Of course, the storage format of the setting information is not limited to this, and may be another format such as CSV (Comma-Separated Values) format.

The configuration information 210 is stored in the USB memory 200 under a file name such as “backup.json”.

The setting information 210 shown in FIG. 2 includes the MFP installation location: Team1, MFP user contact information: team1@mail.co.jp, MFP IP (Internet Protocol) address: 123.456.123.456, mail server IP address: 123.123.123.456, scan settings, copy settings, model name, and serial number.

The scan settings are settings for processing related to the reading engine 112, and include display name: ScanToMike, scan sending settings: file://server1/share, scan resolution: 300 dpi, double-sided scanning: On, and color: On.

The display name is information used to display the setting name on the MFP panel.

The scan transmission setting is the destination when image data related to a scanned image is transmitted from the communication IF 108 to the communication network. The scan transmission setting is not limited to the URL shown in FIG. 2, but may be an IP address or an email address.

"Double-sided scanning: On" means that the setting to scan images from both sides of the document is enabled, while "Double-sided scanning: Off" means that the setting to scan images from both sides of the document is disabled, and images are scanned from only one side of the document.

"Color: On" means that the setting for reading color images from the document is enabled, while "Color: Off" means that the setting for reading color images from the document is disabled and the setting for reading monochrome images from the document is enabled.

Based on "display name: ScanToMike", the CPU 101 displays "ScanToMike" as the setting name on the panel 105. Here, the setting information shown in FIG. 2 that is associated with "display name: ScanToMike" refers to setting information related to settings that the user can select from multiple settings on the panel 105. However, regardless of the above, the present invention may also be setting information related to settings that are fixedly set in the MFP. "Fixed" means, for example, that the user is restricted or not allowed to select other settings.

Based on "Scan Sending Settings: file://server1/share", the CPU 101 sends image data relating to the image read by the reading engine 112 to file://server1/share. Based on "Scan Resolution: 300 dpi", the CPU 101 controls the reading engine 112 to read the image at a resolution of 300 dpi. Based on "Double-Sided Scan: On", the CPU 101 controls the reading engine 112 to read images from both sides of the document. Based on "Color: On", the CPU 101 controls the reading engine 112 to read color images from both sides of the document.

The copy settings are settings for processes related to the reading engine 112 and the printing engine 111, and include display name: Copy1, scan resolution: 200 dpi, double-sided scanning: On, color: On, and double-sided printing: On.

"Color: On" means that the setting for forming a color image on the sheet is enabled, while "Color: Off" means that the setting for forming a color image on the sheet is disabled and a monochrome image is formed on the sheet.

"Double-sided printing: On" means that the setting for forming images on both sides of the sheet is enabled, while "Double-sided printing: Off" means that the setting for forming images on both sides of the sheet is disabled, and the setting for forming images on only one side of the sheet is enabled.

Based on the copy setting "Color: On," the CPU 101 controls the print engine 111 to form a color image on a sheet. Based on the copy setting "Double-sided printing: On," the CPU 101 controls the print engine 111 to form an image on both sides of a sheet.

Figure 3 shows the steps from when a user decides to export configuration information to when the export is completed.

In FIG. 3, first, the administrator enables the authentication function (SQ1). The setting to enable this authentication function is performed, for example, by using a login password related setting screen (not shown) that is displayed by pressing the "Login Password" button 16a9 in the restriction function setting screen 16a shown in FIG. 4(a).

Next, the administrator sets the restriction information for each user (SQ2). The restriction function setting screen 16a shown in FIG. 4(a) is a screen for setting the restriction information for each user. When a web browser is started on the PC 10 and the IP address of the MFP 100 is entered, a web page with links to various management functions is displayed on the browser. The management functions include, for example, basic settings, address book settings, fax settings, copy settings, print settings, scan settings, administrator settings, and network settings. To perform administrator settings and network settings, authentication using an administrator password is required, and to perform other settings, authentication using a general user password is required. Note that when authentication using the administrator password is performed, all settings can be performed. FIG. 4(a) shows a state in which the user selects the Administrator tab 16a7 after authenticating using the administrator password.

The other setting groups, specifically, basic settings (General), address book settings (Address Book), fax settings (Fax), copy settings (Copy), print settings (Print), scan settings (Scan) and network settings (Network), are also assigned to the General tab 16a1, Address Book tab 16a2, Fax tab 16a3, Copy tab 16a4, Print tab 16a5, Scan tab 16a6 and Network tab 16a8, respectively, and by selecting any of the tabs, you can transition to the setting screen of the corresponding setting group.

Figure 5 (a) shows a table that specifies whether or not there is corresponding restriction information for each setting group. As shown in Figure 5 (a), Fax settings (Fax), Copy settings (Copy), Print settings (Print) and Scan settings (Scan) each have information that restricts the corresponding function, so that the function can be restricted or permitted for each user. Note that there is no corresponding restriction information for General settings (General), Address Book settings (Address Book), Administrator settings (Administrator), Network settings (Network) and Shortcut settings (Short Cut), and therefore "-" is added. Whether or not to export the setting information of a setting group that does not have corresponding restriction information is determined on a case-by-case basis.

As shown in FIG. 4(a), function restrictions and permissions for each user are set by checking or unchecking the check boxes provided for each user and function. For example, in the case of User1, the check boxes for print settings (Print), copy settings (Copy), scan settings (Scan), and fax settings (Fax) are not checked, so as shown in FIG. 5(c), the setting information for print settings, copy settings, scan settings, and fax settings is permitted to be exported. Note that FIG. 5(c) is a list display of an example when restrictions or permissions for each function are set for each user, as in the function restriction setting screen 16a in FIG. 4(a). In the list in FIG. 5(c), "Public" means public access.

Although the USB settings are listed on the restriction function setting screen 16a in FIG. 4(a), they are not defined as a setting group in the table in FIG. 5(a). However, this is done for convenience only, and they may be defined as a setting group in the table in FIG. 5(a). Here, "Direct Print" is a function that prints a file in the USB memory 200 directly with the MFP 100 without going through the PC 10. "Scan to" is a function that stores scan data acquired by the scan function in the USB memory 200.

Users 1 to 4 in the restriction function setting screen 16a correspond to the user groups (UserGroup) in the table in FIG. 5(b). Multiple users can be assigned to each user group. In the example in FIG. 5(b), "YAMADA" and "TANAKA" are assigned to User1, "SUZUKI" is assigned to User2, "YAMAMOTO", "NAKAMURA", and "ITO" are assigned to User3, and "UENO" is assigned to User4.

The association of users with user groups is performed using the user list display screen 16b shown in FIG. 4(b). The user list display screen 16b is accessed by pressing a user list selection button (not shown) provided in the restriction function setting screen 16a.

The user list display screen 16b includes a user registration field (User List) 16b1, a PIN (Personal Identification Number) input field (PIN Number) 16b2, and a user group selection field 16b3. The administrator can associate a user with a user group by registering a user ID (user name in this embodiment) in the user registration field 16b1, registering a PIN in the PIN input field 16b2, and selecting a user group in the user group selection field 16b3. For example, the user ID "YAMAMOTO" is associated with the user group "03 USER3", and a PIN of "7890" is set.

Returning to FIG. 3, the general user enters a user ID and password (PIN in this embodiment) (SQ3).

In response, the MFP 100 performs authentication based on the input user ID and password (SQ4). If the MFP 100 determines that the authentication is OK, the general user inserts the USB memory 200 into the USB IF 107 and issues an export command (SQ5).

In response to this, the MFP 100 temporarily outputs the setting information of the setting group that is permitted to be exported by the user group to which the user ID belongs. Here, "temporary output" means storing the setting information in a temporary area (not shown) temporarily provided in the RAM 103.

Next, the MFP 100 edits the temporary output information into export information and stores it in the USB memory 200 (SQ7). Here, "export information" is information converted into the above-mentioned JSON format.

Then, the general user removes the USB memory 200 from the USBIF 107 (SQ8). This completes the export.

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the steps of the Export process executed by the MFP 100, particularly the CPU 101. Hereinafter, in the explanation of each process step, steps will be abbreviated as "S".

In FIG. 7, the CPU 101 first determines whether the authentication function is enabled (S1). If it is determined that the authentication function is enabled (S1: YES), the CPU 101 executes Export processing when the authentication function is enabled (S2) and then ends the Export processing.

Figure 8 shows the detailed procedure of the Export process when the authentication function is enabled. In Figure 8, first, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a login start operation has been performed (S21). Here, a "login start operation" is, for example, an operation in which the login authentication screen 105a of Figure 6(a) is displayed on the panel 105 of the MFP 100, the user inputs a user ID and a password in the user ID input field 105a1 and password input field 105a2 in the login authentication screen 105a, respectively, and then presses the OK button 105a3. Note that not only the user ID but also the administrator ID is input in the user ID input field 105a1.

If it is determined in step S21 that a login start operation has not been performed (S21: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S21.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S21 that a login start operation has been performed (S21: YES), the CPU 101 inputs the user ID or administrator ID/password input by the user, for example, into a specified area (not shown) of the RAM 103 (S22).

Next, the CPU 101 performs authentication (S23) and determines whether the authentication is successful (S24). If it is determined that the authentication is not successful (S24: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to S23.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S24 that the authentication is OK (S24: YES), the CPU 101 determines whether or not an Export start operation has been performed (S25). In this embodiment, the "Export start operation" refers to an operation in which the user connects the USB memory 200 to the USB IF 107 while pressing the stop key.

Figure 6(d) shows an example of a display screen displayed on panel 105 when logging in with user ID "YAMADA". Also, Figure 6(c) shows an example of a display screen displayed on panel 105 in public mode (when the authentication function is enabled). Furthermore, Figure 6(b) shows an example of a display screen displayed on panel 105 in standby mode.

If it is determined in step S25 that no Export start operation has been performed (S25: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S25.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S25 that an Export start operation has been performed (S25: YES), the CPU 101 acquires the restriction information of the logged-in user (S26). For example, assume that the logged-in user is "SUZUKI." Since the user ID "SUZUKI" belongs to the user group "User2" as shown in FIG. 5(b) above, the restriction information acquired indicates that exporting of each setting information of the fax settings and print settings is permitted, and exporting of each setting information of the copy settings and scan settings is prohibited, as shown in FIG. 5(c) above.

Next, the CPU 101 acquires the setting information of the first setting group (S28). At this time, the table in FIG. 5(a) is referenced to determine the first setting group. In the table in FIG. 5(a), the first setting group is the basic settings (General), so the CPU 101 acquires the setting information included in the basic settings.

Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the functions related to the acquired setting group are restricted (S28). This determination is made based on the restriction information of the logged-in user acquired in S26 above. Since the functions related to basic settings are not export-restricted (see FIG. 5(a)), the determination in S28 is "NO."

If it is determined in S28 that the functions related to the setting group are not restricted (S28: NO), the CPU 101 temporarily outputs the setting information of the acquired setting group (S29) and then proceeds to S30.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S27 that the functions related to the set group are restricted (S27: YES), the CPU 101 skips S29 and proceeds to S30.

In S30, the CPU 101 acquires the setting information of the next setting group. Then, the CPU 101 judges whether or not there is a next setting group (S31). Since the next setting group is the address book setting, the CPU 101 acquires the setting information of the address book setting in S30 and judges in S3 that there is a next setting group (S31: NO).

If it is determined in step S31 that there is a next setting group (S31: NO), the CPU 101 returns to step S27 and repeats steps S27 to S31.

As the process progresses, when CPU 101 acquires the copy settings in S30, the export of the functions related to the copy settings is restricted (prohibited), so the determination in S27 is "YES" and CPU 101 skips S29 and acquires the setting information of the next setting group, that is, the setting information of the print settings (Print). The export of the functions related to the print settings is not restricted, so the determination in S27 is "NO" and CPU 101 temporarily outputs the setting information of the print settings in S29.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S31 that there is no next setting group (S31: YES), the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is temporary output information (S32). If it is determined in this determination that there is temporary output information (S32: YES), the CPU 101 edits the temporary output information into export information, stores it in the USB memory 200 (S33), and then ends (returns) the Export process when the authentication function is enabled.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that there is no temporary output information (S32: NO), the CPU 101 skips step S33 and ends (returns) the Export process when the authentication function is enabled.

As described above, assume that the user logs in with user ID "SUZUKI." As described above, the restriction information for user ID "SUZUKI" permits the export of setting information for fax settings and print settings, but prohibits the export of setting information for copy settings and scan settings. Therefore, since the export of setting information for fax settings and print settings is not restricted, when the Export process ends while the authentication function is enabled, the setting information for copy settings and scan settings is not exported. Specifically, for example, the setting information 210 shown in FIG. 2 above, with the copy settings excluded, is stored in USB memory 200.

Returning to FIG. 7, if it is determined in the above S1 that the authentication function is not valid (S1: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether or not an Export start operation has been performed (S3), in the same manner as in S25 above. If it is determined in this determination that an Export start operation has not been performed (S3: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to S3. On the other hand, if it is determined in this determination that an Export start operation has been performed (S3: YES), the CPU 101 determines whether or not an administrator ID/password has been input (S4).

If it is determined in S4 that an administrator ID/password has been input (S4: YES), the CPU 101 executes authentication (S5) and determines whether the authentication is OK (S6). If it is determined in this determination that the authentication is not OK (S6: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to S5.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S6 that the authentication is OK (S6: YES), the CPU 101 temporarily outputs the setting information of the setting group based on the corresponding restriction information of the Administrator (S7), and then proceeds to S8. As shown in FIG. 5(c), the corresponding restriction information of the Administrator permits the export of each setting information of the fax setting, copy setting, print setting, and scan setting.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the judgment in S4 above that the administrator ID/password was not entered (S4: NO), that is, if it is determined that authentication using the administrator ID was skipped, the CPU 101 temporarily outputs the setting information of the setting group based on the corresponding restriction information of Public (when the authentication function is disabled) (S9), and then proceeds to the process of S8. As shown in FIG. 5(c), the corresponding restriction information of Public (when the authentication function is disabled) prohibits the export of each setting information of the fax setting, copy setting, print setting, and scan setting.

In S8, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is temporary output information. If it is determined that there is temporary output information (S8: YES), the CPU 101 edits the temporary output information into export information, stores it in the USB memory 200 (S10), and then ends the Export process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that there is no temporary output information (S8: NO), the CPU 101 skips step S10 and ends the Export process.

For example, if you log in with an administrator ID when the authentication function is disabled, the setting information for all setting groups is exported. On the other hand, if you skip authentication using the administrator ID when the authentication function is disabled, the operation mode of the MFP 100 transitions to public mode (when the authentication function is disabled), and the setting information for, for example, basic settings (General) and shortcut settings (ShortCut) is exported. Note that in FIG. 5(a), there is no corresponding restriction information for the address book settings (Address Book), administrator settings (Administrator), and network settings (Network), but when the operation mode is public mode (when the authentication function is disabled), the setting information for these setting groups is not exported.

In this embodiment, if the determination of "Authentication OK?" in S6 or S24 is "NO", the CPU 101 executes authentication until the authentication is OK, that is, until the determination is "YES". However, this is not limited to the above, and if the authentication fails, the CPU 101 may transition the operation mode of the MFP 100 to, for example, a public mode. In this embodiment, there are two types of public mode: a public mode when the authentication function is enabled, and a public mode when the authentication function is disabled. Therefore, if the determination of S6 is "NO", the CPU 101 transitions to the public mode when the authentication function is disabled. On the other hand, if the determination of S24 is "NO", the CPU 101 transitions to the public mode when the authentication function is enabled.

In addition, in this embodiment, the Export process when the authentication function is enabled does not include the process corresponding to the process of S9, that is, the process when authentication using the user ID or administrator ID is skipped. In this case, similar to the process of S9, the setting information of the setting group can be temporarily output based on the corresponding restriction information of Public (when the authentication function is enabled). However, in this case, the corresponding restriction information obtained is not the corresponding restriction information of Public (when the authentication function is disabled), but the corresponding restriction information of Public (when the authentication function is enabled).

As described above, the MFP 100 of this embodiment includes an NVRAM 104 that stores first setting information, a CPU 101 that operates based on the first setting information, and a USBIF 107.

When the CPU 101 receives authentication information, it determines whether the authentication is successful based on the authentication information, and if it determines that the authentication is successful, it transitions the state of its own device from a logout state to a login state. If the CPU 101 receives a storage instruction to store the second setting information in the USB memory 200 connected to the USB IF 107 in the login state, it extracts the second setting information from the first setting information stored in the NVRAM 104 based on the authentication information, and stores it in the USB memory 200.

In this way, the MFP 100 of this embodiment can more appropriately manage the setting information stored in the USB memory 200.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, the MFP 100 is an example of an "information processing device." The NVRAM 104 is an example of a "storage unit." The CPU 101 is an example of a "control unit." The USBIF 107 is an example of a "communication interface." The USB memory 200 is an example of an "external storage device." The user ID and administrator ID are examples of "authentication information."

In addition, if the CPU 101 determines that the device is in a logged-out state when it receives a storage instruction, it requests the input of authentication information, and when it receives the authentication information in response to the input request, it determines whether or not the authentication is successful based on the authentication information, and if it determines that the authentication is successful, it transitions the state of the device from the logged-out state to the logged-in state, extracts the second setting information from the first setting information based on the authentication information, and stores it in the USB memory 200.

If the CPU 101 determines that the authentication has failed, it extracts the second setting information from the first setting information based on a predetermined condition and stores it in the USB memory 200.

Incidentally, the restriction information in public mode is an example of a "prescribed condition."

When the CPU 101 determines that authentication has been omitted, it extracts the second setting information from the first setting information based on a predetermined condition and stores it in the USB memory 200.

Incidentally, the restriction information in public mode is an example of a "prescribed condition."

In addition, if the CPU 101 determines that the device is in a logged-in state when it receives a storage instruction, it extracts the second setting information from the first setting information based on the authentication information at the time of transition to the logged-in state, and stores the second setting information in the USB memory 200.

The second setting information also includes the setting values of the functions that the logged-in user is permitted to use.

The function is at least one of the following: print function, scan function, copy function, and fax function.

The second setting information also includes address book information that the logged-in user is permitted to view or read.

The second setting information also includes communication setting values that the logged-in user is permitted to read.

The communication setting value is also an IP (Internet Protocol) address.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

(1) In the above embodiment, the MFP 100 was used as an example of an information processing device, but the information processing device is not limited to the MFP 100 and may be a standalone printer, scanner, or copier.

(2) In the above embodiment, the CPU 101 is described as an example of the control unit, but the control unit may have a CPU and a dedicated circuit. Examples of the dedicated circuit include an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

(3) In the above embodiment, USBIF 107 is given as an example of a communication interface, but this is not limiting. A wireless interface such as an NFC interface or a Bluetooth interface may also be used as the communication interface. Also, a secure digital input/output (SDIO) may also be used as the communication interface. In these cases, the external storage device is a device having an interface corresponding to the communication interface used.

(4) In the above embodiment, the unit for exclusion is the setting group, but this is not limiting and the exclusion may be performed in smaller units, for example, by dividing one setting group into multiple groups and then performing the exclusion for each of the divided units. Conversely, the exclusion may be performed in larger units, for example, by combining multiple setting groups into one group and then performing the exclusion for each of the combined groups.

10 PC
16a Restriction function setting screen 16b User list display screen 100 MFP
101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 NVRAM
105 Panel 105a Login authentication screen 106 Key 107 USBIF
110 Engine interface
111 Print engine 112 Read engine 120 Image processing circuit 200 USB memory

Claims (18)

an operation panel for accepting user input;
A storage unit that stores first setting information;
A control unit that operates based on the first setting information;
A communication interface;
Equipped with
The control unit is
When authentication information including a user ID and a password input via the operation panel is received, it is determined whether or not the authentication is successful based on the authentication information;
If it is determined that the authentication is successful, the state of the device is changed from a logout state to a login state;
when a storage instruction for storing second setting information in an external storage device connected to the communication interface is received in the logged-in state, the second setting information is extracted from the first setting information stored in the storage unit based on the authentication information, and the second setting information is stored in the external storage device.
Information processing device. A storage unit that stores first setting information;
A control unit that operates based on the first setting information;
A communication interface;
Equipped with
The control unit is
Upon receiving the authentication information, it is determined whether the authentication is successful based on the authentication information;
If it is determined that the authentication is successful, the state of the device is changed from a logout state to a login state;
when a storage instruction for storing second setting information in an external storage device connected to the communication interface is received in the logged-in state, the second setting information is extracted from the first setting information stored in the storage unit based on the authentication information, and the second setting information is stored in the external storage device;
When it is determined that the device itself is in the logged-out state when the storage instruction is received, a request for input of the authentication information is made;
When the authentication information is received in response to the input request, it is determined whether or not the authentication is successful based on the authentication information;
If it is determined that the authentication is successful, the state of the own device is transitioned from the logout state to the login state, the second setting information is extracted from the first setting information based on the authentication information, and the second setting information is stored in the external storage device;
if it is determined that the authentication has failed, extracting the second setting information from the first setting information based on a predetermined condition and storing the second setting information in the external storage device;
Information processing device. A storage unit that stores first setting information;
A control unit that operates based on the first setting information;
A communication interface;
Equipped with
The control unit is
Upon receiving the authentication information, it is determined whether the authentication is successful based on the authentication information;
If it is determined that the authentication is successful, the state of the device is changed from a logout state to a login state;
when a storage instruction for storing second setting information in an external storage device connected to the communication interface is received in the logged-in state, the second setting information is extracted from the first setting information stored in the storage unit based on the authentication information, and the second setting information is stored in the external storage device;
When it is determined that the device itself is in the logged-out state when the storage instruction is received, a request for input of the authentication information is made;
When the authentication information is received in response to the input request, it is determined whether or not the authentication is successful based on the authentication information;
If it is determined that the authentication is successful, the state of the own device is transitioned from the logout state to the login state, the second setting information is extracted from the first setting information based on the authentication information, and the second setting information is stored in the external storage device;
if it is determined that the authentication has been omitted, extracting the second setting information from the first setting information based on a predetermined condition and storing the second setting information in the external storage device;
Information processing device. A storage unit that stores first setting information;
A control unit that operates based on the first setting information;
A communication interface;
Equipped with
The control unit is
Upon receiving the authentication information, it is determined whether the authentication is successful based on the authentication information;
If it is determined that the authentication is successful, the state of the device is changed from a logout state to a login state;
when a storage instruction for storing second setting information in an external storage device connected to the communication interface is received in the logged-in state, the second setting information is extracted from the first setting information stored in the storage unit based on the authentication information, and the second setting information is stored in the external storage device;
When it is determined that the device itself is in the logged-out state when the storage instruction is received, a request for input of the authentication information is made;
When the authentication information is received in response to the input request, it is determined whether or not the authentication is successful based on the authentication information;
If it is determined that the authentication is successful, the state of the own device is transitioned from the logout state to the login state, the second setting information is extracted from the first setting information based on the authentication information, and the second setting information is stored in the external storage device;
When the device determines that the device is in the logged-in state upon receiving the storage instruction, the device extracts the second setting information from the first setting information based on authentication information at the time of transition to the logged-in state, and stores the second setting information in the external storage device.
Information processing device. A storage unit that stores first setting information;
A control unit that operates based on the first setting information;
A communication interface;
Equipped with
The control unit is
Upon receiving the authentication information, it is determined whether the authentication is successful based on the authentication information;
If it is determined that the authentication is successful, the state of the device is changed from a logout state to a login state;
when a storage instruction for storing second setting information in an external storage device connected to the communication interface is received in the logged-in state, the second setting information is extracted from the first setting information stored in the storage unit based on the authentication information, and the second setting information is stored in the external storage device;
the second setting information includes address book information that the authenticated user is permitted to view or read;
Information processing device. The control unit is
When it is determined that the device itself is in the logged-out state when the storage instruction is received, a request for input of the authentication information is made;
When the authentication information is received in response to the input request, it is determined whether or not the authentication is successful based on the authentication information;
if it is determined that the authentication is successful, the state of the own device is transitioned from the logout state to the login state, and the second setting information is extracted from the first setting information based on the authentication information, and stored in the external storage device.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The control unit is
if it is determined that the authentication has failed, extracting the second setting information from the first setting information based on a predetermined condition and storing the second setting information in the external storage device;
7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, The control unit is
if it is determined that the authentication has been omitted, extracting the second setting information from the first setting information based on a predetermined condition, and storing the second setting information in the external storage device;
8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first and second inputs are connected to the first and second inputs. The control unit is
When the device determines that the device is in the logged-in state upon receiving the storage instruction, the device extracts the second setting information from the first setting information based on authentication information at the time of transition to the logged-in state, and stores the second setting information in the external storage device.
7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, The control unit is
When the device determines that the device is in the logged-in state upon receiving the instruction to store, the device extracts the second setting information from the first setting information based on authentication information at the time of transition to the logged-in state, and stores the second setting information in the external storage device.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . the second setting information includes setting values of functions that are permitted to be used by the user who has been successfully authenticated;
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The function is at least one of a print function, a scan function, a copy function, and a FAX function.
The information processing device according to claim 11. the second setting information includes address book information that the authenticated user is permitted to view or read;
The information processing device according to claim 1 . the second setting information includes communication setting values that are permitted to be read by the user who has been successfully authenticated;
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The communication setting value is an IP (Internet Protocol) address.
The information processing device according to claim 14. the communication interface is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) communication interface,
The external storage device is a USB memory.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . When authentication information including a user ID and a password input via an operation panel of the information processing device is received, it is determined whether or not the authentication is successful based on the authentication information;
If it is determined that the authentication is successful, the state of the information processing device is transitioned from a logout state to a login state;
when a storage instruction for storing second setting information in an external storage device connected to a communication interface of the information processing device in the logged-in state is received, the second setting information is extracted from the first setting information stored in a storage unit of the information processing device based on the authentication information, and the second setting information is stored in the external storage device;
Information processing methods. An information processing apparatus including an operation panel for receiving user input, a storage unit for storing first setting information, and a communication interface,
a determination process for determining whether or not authentication is successful based on authentication information input via the operation panel, the authentication information including a user ID and a password ;
a transition process for transitioning a state of the information processing device from a logout state to a login state when it is determined that the authentication is successful;
a storage process of extracting the second setting information from the first setting information stored in the storage unit based on the authentication information and storing the second setting information in the external storage device when a storage instruction for storing second setting information in an external storage device connected to the communication interface is received in the logged-in state;
An information processing program that executes the above.

Images