JP2007259307A - Image processing apparatus, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an image processing apparatus capable of recognizing a use-restricted program as a general-purpose user before starting the use of the image processing apparatus and determining whether a function desired to be used can be used.
An image processing apparatus includes a user-specific program usage authority storage unit 506, a general-purpose user identification unit 507, a general-purpose user program usage authority storage unit 508, and a general-purpose user available program list display unit 509. When the image processing apparatus identifies that the user is a general-purpose user whose use authority is restricted, the image processing apparatus displays a list of programs that can be used by the general-purpose user and clearly indicates programs that have use restrictions. Further, the image processing apparatus deletes a program in which all modules cannot be used from the program list. In addition, when the user fails in user authentication, the image processing apparatus performs display that enables selection of using only a limited function as a general-purpose user.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method, and a program applied to a digital multi-function peripheral that can use a plurality of application programs.

  In recent years, image processing apparatuses typified by digital multifunction peripherals have advanced in functionality. The digital multi-functional peripheral has not only a function of copying a paper original image but also a function of saving image data as a file in a database and a function of transmitting an image by various network protocols such as e-mail transmission. In the digital multi-function peripheral, each function is realized and stored as a plurality of application programs according to the situation, and the corresponding application program is executed when the user uses the function.

  As described above, a digital multi-function peripheral equipped with a high-function application program is generally shared by a plurality of users. Various users such as a user who uses only a specific function or a user who performs a higher-level job to perform maintenance of the multifunction device share one digital multifunction device. For this reason, it is necessary to limit only application programs that can be used by each user in the digital multi-function peripheral, so that only processing according to the use authority is performed.

  In order to deal with such a problem, a technique for associating an application program with authentication information input from a user based on conditions under which the application program can be activated has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  The application program described above is composed of many submodules. Therefore, it is necessary not only to control usage authority in units of programs but also to control usage authority in units of smaller modules.

  On the other hand, it is sometimes necessary to allow a non-registered user to temporarily use the digital multifunction peripheral. For this purpose, a general-purpose user called a guest user is registered in the digital multi-function peripheral.

  In order to deal with such a problem, a technique for switching services provided by distinguishing two types of users, i.e., a specific user and a general-purpose user, has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2).

Unlike general users, general-purpose users target a large number of unspecified users. Therefore, it is necessary to present to the user what functions are available before the use of the digital multi-function peripheral is started.
JP-A-7-13842 JP 2005-135327 A

  However, the conventional techniques have various problems as listed below. First, when there are usage restrictions on submodules of application programs that can be used by general-purpose users, there is a first problem that it is impossible to know which submodules cannot be used without executing the application programs. .

  Moreover, the general-purpose user cannot use all the submodules constituting the application program. For this reason, there is a second problem that even if an application program cannot be used to receive an effective service, it is impossible to know which submodule cannot be used unless the application program is once executed as a general-purpose user. .

  Furthermore, when a person who intends to use a digital multifunction peripheral fails to authenticate a registered user and uses the digital multifunction peripheral as a general-purpose user in a limited state, the following complicated operation is required. . That is, there is a third problem that a complicated procedure of returning to the authentication menu on the display screen of the digital multi-function peripheral and performing a login operation as a general-purpose user again has to be performed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, a control method, and a program that enable a general-purpose user to recognize a program that is restricted in use before the start of use of the image processing apparatus and determine whether a function that the user wants to use can be used There is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that can use a plurality of programs that realize a plurality of functions, and a program that can be used by a user who uses the image processing apparatus. And a use authority storage means for storing a correspondence relationship with the modules constituting the program, an identification means for identifying a user who uses the image processing apparatus, and a general-purpose user whose use authority is restricted by the identification means Control means for displaying on the display means a list of programs that can be used by the general-purpose user based on the use authority storage means, and for clearly indicating the programs with use restrictions. Features.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus that can use a plurality of programs that realize a plurality of functions, and an identification unit that identifies a user who uses the image processing apparatus When the identification means identifies the user as a general-purpose user whose usage authority is limited, the correspondence relationship between the user who uses the image processing apparatus, the available program, and the modules constituting the program And a control means for displaying a list of programs that can be used by the general-purpose user on the display means based on the stored inquiry to the external device, and for clearly indicating the programs that are restricted in use.

  According to the present invention, when the user is a general-purpose user whose use authority is restricted, a list of programs that can be used by the general-purpose user is displayed and a program with use restriction is specified. As a result, it is possible to recognize programs with usage restrictions before starting to use the image processing apparatus as a general-purpose user. In addition, it is possible to determine whether or not a function desired to be used as a general-purpose user can be used.

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

  5A and 5B are views showing the appearance of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 5A is a diagram viewed from the right diagonal front side, and FIG. 5B is a diagram viewed from the diagonal left rear side. It is.

  In FIG. 5, the image processing apparatus is configured as a digital multi-function peripheral including a scanner unit that reads an image of a document and converts it into digital image data, a printer unit that prints image data on paper and outputs it as a printed matter, and a control unit. Has been. The control unit can communicate with the network, and incorporates software and hardware for performing various digital data processing and network communication.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functions of services provided by the image processing apparatus.

  In FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus includes a print function 2001, a copy function 2002, a fax function 2003, a management function 2004, and a scan / image transmission function 2005. Further, the image processing apparatus has a box function 2006, a Web function 2007, a MEAP (R) (software extension) function 2008, a factory assembly work function 2009, and an investigation log function 2010.

  A print function 2001 can receive print data transmitted from a host computer in a PDL (Page Description Language) language such as PostScript or LIPS (LBP Image Processing), and can print on paper at high speed. The print function 2001 can receive BMLinks, which is a format common to various printers, from outside and print it on paper. Further, the print function 2001 can directly receive application data such as PDF (Portable Document Format) from the outside without using a printer driver, and can print on paper.

  The copy function 2002 enables high-speed and high-quality copying by using a high-resolution scanner and a printer capable of high-speed printing. The copy function 2002 can also copy a large number of documents by continuous reading by using a hard disk mounted on the control unit. Furthermore, with the copy function 2002, it is possible to perform continuous copying by transmitting scanned image data to a plurality of image processing apparatuses via a network.

  The fax function 2003 can not only send and receive G3 faxes and G4 faxes, but also use the transfer function to convert the fax received data into a protocol such as e-mail and transfer it. In addition, the fax function 2003 can be an Internet fax that transmits and receives faxes using the Internet instead of a conventional telephone line.

  The management function 2004 has a department management function capable of registering a plurality of users (for example, 3000) of image processing apparatuses, a personal authentication function, and a management data automatic distribution function for synchronizing various settings between the plurality of image processing apparatuses. The management function 2004 has a remote UI (User Interface) function that allows the administrator to operate the image processing apparatus from a personal computer, and an unauthorized access blocking function to prevent network access from a malicious user. The management function 2004 has a data encryption function for encrypting image data in the image processing apparatus. Furthermore, the management function 2004 also has a transmission address length management function for sending e-mails.

  The scan / image transmission function 2005 has a universal send function that can simultaneously distribute images to a plurality of destinations using a plurality of network protocols. The scan / image transmission function 2005 can also generate and transmit encrypted image data, and transmit authenticated data to a server protected from misuse.

  A box function 2006 has a function of storing scanned image data or image data received via a network in a hard disk in the control unit, and a preview confirmation function that allows the stored image data to be confirmed by an operation unit. The box function 2006 allows processing such as combining and editing stored image data.

  The Web function unit 2007 can browse an Internet site using a Web browser, or can perform direct printing in which an image file on a network is designated and printing is performed by an image processing apparatus.

  The MEAP® (software extension) function 2008 provides a customized application development environment based on an open platform that can develop an application using the function of the image processing apparatus using the Java (registered trademark) language. .

  The factory assembly work function 2009 is a function used in the assembly work of the image processing apparatus in the factory, and is configured so that the assembly work can be performed efficiently. Specifically, the factory assembly work function 2009 can display the status of sensors mounted in the image processing apparatus, change adjustment values such as image density, and confirm the operation of operating parts such as motors. An operation screen (not shown) of the factory assembly work function can be displayed on the operation unit of the image processing apparatus, and for example, adjustment values related to laser adjustment for image formation can be input. Yes.

  The investigation log function 2010 is a function that handles investigation history data (hereinafter referred to as “log”) for investigating the image processing apparatus during product development or durability testing. On the operation unit of the image processing apparatus, it is possible to display a screen (not shown) in which events that occurred in the image processing apparatus, timings that occurred, and the like are listed in time series. Specifically, the log function for investigation 2010 can display the log on the operation screen of the image processing apparatus and store the log in the nonvolatile memory.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus has a plurality of service functions. The service function consists of a software program and hardware. Service functions can be used by general users, can be used only when purchasing image processing device options (sold separately, etc.), used when developing image processing devices, and factory assembly of image processing devices Each uses different things, such as what is sometimes used.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control module structure of the image processing apparatus.

  In FIG. 3, the image processing apparatus 100 includes a control device (controller unit) 110, an operation unit 150, a reader unit (image input unit) 200, and a printer unit (image output unit) 300. The image processing apparatus 100 provides various basic image processing functions such as an image input (scan) function, an image output (print) function, a document filing function, a document transmission / reception function, and an image conversion function.

  The reader unit 200 optically reads an image of a document and converts it into image data, and includes a scanner unit 210 and a document feeding unit (DF (Document Feeder) unit) 250. The scanner unit 210 has a function of reading an image from a document conveyed to a reading position. The document feeding unit 250 has a function of transporting a document set on the document stacking unit to a reading position.

  The printer unit 300 conveys a sheet, prints image data as a visible image on the sheet, and discharges the sheet outside the apparatus. The printer unit 300 includes a sheet feeding unit 360, a marking unit 310, and a sheet discharging unit 370. The paper feed unit 360 has a plurality of types of paper cassettes. The marking unit 310 has a function of transferring and fixing an image onto a sheet. The paper discharge unit 370 has a function of post-processing (sorting / stapling) paper on which an image has been printed and discharging the paper out of the apparatus.

  The control device 110 is electrically connected to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300 and further connected to the LAN 400. The control device 110 provides a copy function for controlling the reader unit 200 to read image data of a document and controlling the printer unit 300 to print the image data on a sheet. The control device 110 provides a universal send function and a reception print function. The universal send function is a function of converting image data read from a document by the reader unit 200 into code data and transmitting the code data to a host computer (not shown) via the LAN 400. The reception print function is a function that converts code data received from the host computer via the LAN 400 into image data, and prints it out by the printer unit 300.

  The operation unit 150 is connected to the control device 110 and includes a liquid crystal display unit and the like as will be described later. The operation unit 150 provides a user interface for operating the image processing apparatus.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the control device 110 of the image processing apparatus.

  4, the control device 110 includes a main controller 111, an external communication interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F) 121, an I / O (Input / output) control unit 126, a scanner I / F 140, a printer I / F 145, and the like. ing. The main controller 111 mainly includes a CPU 112, a bus controller 113, and various I / F controller circuits (not shown). The CPU 112 and the bus controller 113 control the operation of the entire control device 110.

  The CPU 112 operates based on a program read from the ROM 114 via the ROM I / F 115. Further, the CPU 112 executes processing shown in flowcharts of FIGS. 11 to 13 described later. The above program also describes an operation for interpreting the PDL code data received from the host computer and developing it into raster image data, and is processed by software. The bus controller 113 controls the transfer of data input / output from each I / F, and performs arbitration at the time of bus contention and DMA (Direct Memory Access) data transfer control.

  The DRAM 116 is connected to the main controller 111 via a DRAM I / F 117, and is used as a work area for operating the CPU 112 and an area for storing image data. An Ethernet (registered trademark) controller (hereinafter referred to as a controller) 150 is a network controller for connecting to a LAN, and allows the main controller to access the network.

  The codec 118 compresses the raster image data stored in the DRAM 116 by the following compression method, and conversely decompresses the code data stored by compression into raster image data. Examples of compression methods include MH (Modified Huffman) / MR (Modified Read) / MMR (Modified Modified Read) / JBIG (Joint Bi-level Experts Group) / JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). The codec 118 is connected to the main controller 111 via the I / F 120, and data transfer to and from the DRAM 116 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and DMA-transferred.

  The SRAM 119 is used as a temporary work area for the codec 118. The graphic processor 135 performs processing such as image rotation, scaling, and color space conversion. The external communication I / F 121 is connected to the main controller 111 by the I / F 122 and is connected to the external network (LAN 400) by the connector 122. An expansion connector 124 for connecting an expansion board and an I / O control unit 126 are connected to the general-purpose high-speed bus 125. As a general-purpose high-speed bus, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus can be generally cited.

  The I / O control unit 126 is equipped with two channels of asynchronous serial communication controllers 127 for transmitting and receiving control commands to and from the CPUs of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300. The I / O control unit 126 is connected to the scanner I / F 140 and the printer I / F 145 via the I / O bus 128. The panel I / F 132 is connected to the LCD controller 131 and includes an I / F for displaying on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 150 and a key input I / F 130 for inputting hard keys and touch panel keys. Is done.

  The operation unit 150 includes a liquid crystal display unit, a touch panel input device pasted on the liquid crystal display unit, and a plurality of hard keys. A signal input from the touch panel input device or the hard key of the operation unit 15 is transmitted to the CPU 112 via the panel I / F 132. The liquid crystal display unit displays image data sent from the panel I / F 132, functions for operating the image processing apparatus, and the like.

  The real-time clock module 133 is for updating / saving the date and time managed in the image processing apparatus, and is backed up by a backup battery 134. E (Enhanced) -IDE I / F 161 is an interface for connecting an external storage device. In this embodiment, the hard disk drive 160 is connected via the E-IDE I / F 161, and image data is stored in the hard disk 162 or image data is read from the hard disk 162.

  The connector 142 and the connector 147 are connected to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300, respectively. The connector 142 includes a tuned step synchronization serial I / F 143 and a video I / F 144. The connector 147 has a synchronized step-synchronous serial I / F 148 and a video I / F 149.

  The scanner I / F 140 is connected to the reader unit 200 via the connector 142 and is connected to the main controller 111 via the scanner bus 141. The scanner I / F 140 has a function of performing predetermined processing on the image received from the reader unit 200. Further, the scanner I / F 140 has a function of outputting a control signal generated based on a video control signal sent from the reader unit 200 to the scanner bus 141. Data transfer from the scanner bus 141 to the DRAM 116 is controlled by the bus controller 113.

  The printer I / F 145 is connected to the printer unit 300 via the connector 147 and is connected to the main controller 111 via the printer bus 146. The printer I / F 145 has a function of performing predetermined processing on the image data output from the main controller 111 and outputting the processed data to the printer unit 300. Further, the printer I / F 145 has a function of outputting a control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the printer unit 300 to the printer bus 146. Transfer of raster image data developed on the DRAM 116 to the printer unit 300 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and DMA-transferred to the printer unit 300 via the printer bus 146 and the video I / F 149.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus.

  In FIG. 1, a program 501 holds a plurality of modules 502. Specifically, the program 501 is a software program that provides services of the image processing apparatus, and is software for realizing functions such as a copy function, an image transmission function, and a box function for storing images. The module 502 is a software program that provides processing for configuring the program 501.

  Specifically, the module 502 is a software module specialized for specific processing such as e-mail transmission, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) transmission, and fax transmission in the transmission function. E-mail using the always-on Internet is allowed, but in order to specify detailed usage rights such as not using fax transmissions that generate telephone line charges, not only the program 501 unit but also a more detailed module unit A distinction is made.

  The display unit 503 displays the internal state and guidance of the image processing apparatus to the user of the image processing apparatus. Specifically, the display unit 503 is a display using an LCD panel, and corresponds to the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 150. The program storage unit 504 is for storing the program 501 as a file in a hard disk or a non-volatile memory provided in the image processing apparatus.

  The user identification unit 505 is for identifying which user among the plurality of registered users uses the image processing apparatus. Specifically, the user identification unit 505 is a function of logging in to the image processing apparatus and performing inquiry / collation, and in this embodiment, a login authentication process for displaying a login authentication screen on the display unit 503. It is.

  The user-specific program use authority storage unit 506 stores a correspondence relationship between each user who performs login authentication and which of the program 501 and the module 502 each user can use. The user-specific program use authority storage unit 506 may be realized as a database in the internal HDD of the image processing apparatus. Alternatively, a system in which a server is installed and an inquiry is made to the server via a network may be used.

  The general-purpose user identification unit 507 is for recognizing that the user uses the image processing apparatus as a general-purpose user (guest user: user other than an individual user). Specifically, the general-purpose user identification unit 507 is a software process for starting use as a general-purpose user when the user presses the guest mode button 606 on the login authentication screen of FIG. 6 of the image processing apparatus. . The general-purpose user is a usage form prepared for a user who temporarily uses the image processing apparatus.

  When a user who is not registered in the general-purpose user identification unit 507 uses the function of the image processing apparatus, it is necessary to authenticate as a general-purpose user. That is, a user who is not registered in the general-purpose user identification unit 507 can use the functions of the image processing apparatus by pressing the guest mode button 606 on the login authentication screen in FIG. In general, a general-purpose user has only a limited use authority with respect to the functions of the image processing apparatus than a general user.

  The general-purpose user program use authority storage unit 508 stores programs and modules that can be used by general-purpose users. The general-purpose user program use authority storage unit 508 may be realized as a database in the internal HDD of the image processing apparatus, similarly to the user-specific program use authority storage unit 506. Alternatively, a system in which a server is installed and an inquiry is made to the server via a network may be used.

  The general-purpose user available program list display unit 509 displays programs and modules that can be used by general-purpose users. Specifically, the general-purpose user usable program list display unit 509 is a list in which icons indicating program names and functions are displayed on the login authentication screen of the image processing apparatus. A user who uses the image processing apparatus can know whether a desired function can be used by a general-purpose user before using the program.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a login authentication screen of the image processing apparatus.

  In FIG. 6, a user name field 601 is used to input a user name of an account used for using the image processing apparatus. The password field 602 is for inputting a password corresponding to the user name input in the user name field 601. A login button 605 is used for collating user accounts. If the image processing apparatus authenticates that the user name and password are correct when the user presses the login button 605, the image processing apparatus can be used with the user account.

  The login destination list 603 is used to select a management destination that manages user accounts. Since “this device” is shown in FIG. 6, login authentication is performed using login account information defined in the image processing apparatus. In an environment in which a plurality of image processing apparatuses are managed together, an account server is often installed. In this case, an account server is selected in the login destination list 603.

  The general-user-usable program list display unit 604 displays a list of programs that can be used by general-purpose users who do not require authentication. FIG. 6 shows that seven programs such as copy, transmission / fax, box, remote scanner, print, web browser, and Meap can be used. A program that is not designated to be usable by a general user by the user account management destination is not displayed on the general user usable program list display unit 604. The general-purpose user can use the image processing apparatus by confirming that there is a program to be used and pressing the guest mode button 606.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a login authentication screen of the image processing apparatus.

  In FIG. 7, as an example, a login authentication screen when there is a restriction on the e-mail module of the transmission program is shown. When transmission by e-mail is prohibited among program modules that can be used by a general-purpose user, the general-purpose user cannot transmit image data of a scanned document by e-mail.

  At this time, an icon indicating that the electronic mail cannot be used is displayed in the transmission / fax portion in the general-purpose user usable program list display unit 701. Thereby, the general-purpose user who intends to use the image processing apparatus can know that the corresponding program module does not have the use authority before intentionally starting the use. As a result, the user can immediately give the administrator the authority to use the image processing apparatus without using unnecessary time, or can use another image processing apparatus with the authority to use the image processing apparatus. .

  Although not shown in the figure, when the fax module is prohibited, or when no fax hardware is installed in the image processing apparatus, “Send / Fax” is displayed in the program list display unit 701. The part that has been displayed is displayed as "Send". As a result, the user can immediately recognize that the fax cannot be used.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a MEAP operation screen of the image processing apparatus.

  In FIG. 8, the MEAP operation screen is one of the programs 501 shown in FIG. When the user authentication is correctly performed from the login authentication screen or the MEAP program is selected after the use is started by the general-purpose user, the MEAP operation screen is displayed on the display unit 503. MEAP is an abbreviation for Multifunctional Embedded Application Platform, and is an application platform that operates on the digital multifunction peripheral manufactured by the present applicant. Specifically, it is a software environment that enables a Java (registered trademark) program created for an end user to operate on a digital multifunction peripheral.

  FIG. 8 shows a state in which no MEAP program is registered. A user can register a MEAP program in the digital multi-function peripheral by operating a MEAP program registration screen (not shown). When the MEAP program is registered, a button indicating the registered program is listed on the upper part of the screen and can be selected. Here, the MEAP program is the same software as the module 501 shown in FIG.

  As described above, when no MEAP program is registered even if an attempt is made to use the MEAP program, the MEAP program cannot be used. Since an effective service cannot be received in this state, it is convenient in terms of usability to notify a user who is used as a general-purpose user in advance.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a login authentication screen of the image processing apparatus.

  In FIG. 9, when no MEAP program is registered, the MEAP is deleted from the general-purpose user usable program list display unit 901 on the login authentication screen. As a result, it can be known that the MEAP program cannot be used due to limitations in advance.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a login authentication failure screen of the image processing apparatus.

  In FIG. 10, when a correct account is not specified when login is executed on the login authentication screen, a login authentication failure screen is displayed on the display unit 503. When a cancel button 1001 is pressed, the user can return to the original login authentication screen and enter the account again.

  The guest mode button 1002 is a button for using the image processing apparatus as a general-purpose user. When the authentication fails, the use of the image processing apparatus can be started without returning to the login authentication screen again. Users who realize that they have no account when login authentication fails can start using this function with little effort.

  Next, the display processing procedure of the general-purpose user available program list display unit 509 in the image processing apparatus and the general-purpose user (guest user) login processing procedure at the time of authentication failure will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS.

  Specifically, the general user usable program list display unit 509 in FIG. 1 is the same as the general user usable program list display unit 604 in FIG.

  11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the display processing procedure of the general-purpose user available program list display unit 509.

  11 and 12, first, the CPU 112 of the image processing apparatus connects to an available application program (hereinafter referred to as program) table. That is, the available program table is read out from the image processing apparatus or the server (not shown) (step S1101). The available program table implements the general-purpose user program use authority storage unit 508 of FIG. 1, and stores a list of programs that can be used by general-purpose users (guest users).

  When the available program table is realized as a database or a file in the image processing apparatus, the available program is opened. When the available program table is realized on the server, the image processing apparatus makes an inquiry to the server to start using the available program.

  Next, the CPU 112 designates a user ID as a general-purpose user (assigns a general-purpose user ID), and acquires a list of programs that can be used by the general-purpose user from the image processing apparatus or the server (step S1102). Next, the CPU 112 repeats the process for all programs using the acquired list of programs available to the general-purpose user (step S1103). First, the CPU 112 extracts one program from the list of programs that can be used by the general-purpose user (step S1104), and adds the program name and icon to the display list (step S1105).

  When the extracted program does not have a submodule (internal module), the CPU 112 performs processing of the next program (step S1106). Next, the CPU 112 turns on an all module unusable flag indicating that all modules of the program are unusable (step S1107). Then, the CPU 112 performs the following confirmation for all modules constituting the program for each program (step S1108). Each module is previously assigned a unique ID.

  First, the CPU 112 takes out one module (step S1109), and determines whether the module is usable (no usage restriction) (step S1110). If the module has authority to use (available: no usage restriction), the CPU 112 turns off the all-module unavailable flag that was turned on in step S1107 (step S1112). If there is no authority to use the module (unusable: use restricted), the CPU 112 adds an icon corresponding to the module ID to the display list (step S1111).

  When all the modules have been checked (YES in step S1108), the CPU 112 determines whether all the modules are unavailable (step S1113). If all modules are unavailable, the CPU 112 deletes the corresponding program from the display list previously registered so that the program cannot be used (step S1114). That is, the corresponding program is hidden. Thereafter, the process returns to step S1103. If all the modules are not usable, the process returns to step S1103.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a general-purpose user (guest user) login processing procedure when authentication fails.

  In FIG. 13, first, the CPU 112 of the image processing apparatus displays the login authentication screen (user authentication screen) of FIG. 6 on the display unit 503. This prompts the user to input a user name, password, and login destination (step S1201). Next, when detecting that the user has pressed the login button 605, the CPU 112 performs user authentication (step S1202), and determines whether the user is permitted to use the image processing apparatus by the user identification unit 505 (step S1203). ).

  If the user name / password input by the user matches the registered user account, the CPU 112 continues the login process using the user account (ID). As a result, the user can use the program designated as available (step S1205). On the other hand, when the authentication (verification) of the user name / password input by the user has failed, the CPU 112 first displays on the display unit 503 that the user authentication has failed (step S1204).

  That is, the CPU 112 displays the login authentication failure screen in FIG. 10 on the display unit 503. Accordingly, the user is prompted to select whether to press the cancel button 1001 to receive re-authentication or to use only a limited function as a general-purpose user. Next, when the CPU 112 detects that there is a key input on the login authentication failure screen (step S1206), it determines which process (re-authentication / use of limited functions only) the user has selected (step S1206). S1207).

  When the cancel button 1001 is pressed on the login authentication failure screen, the CPU 112 returns to the process of step S1201 to perform user authentication again. When the guest mode button 1002 is pressed on the login authentication failure screen, the CPU 112 sets the user account (ID) as a general-purpose user (guest user) and continues the login process (step S1208). As a result, it is possible to use program modules that are permitted to be used by general-purpose users.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the image processing apparatus identifies that the user is a general-purpose user whose use authority is limited, the image processing apparatus displays and uses a list of programs that can be used by the general-purpose user. Specify programs with restrictions. As a result, it is possible to recognize programs with usage restrictions before starting to use the image processing apparatus as a general-purpose user. In addition, it is possible to determine whether or not a function desired to be used as a general-purpose user can be used.

  Further, the image processing apparatus deletes (hides) a program in which all modules cannot be used from the program list. As a result, it is possible to prevent the program from being activated even though all the modules that are configured cannot be used.

  In addition, when the user fails in user authentication, the image processing apparatus performs display that enables selection of using only a limited function as a general-purpose user. Thus, the user can use the image processing apparatus as a general-purpose user with a minimum operation from the authentication failure state.

[Other embodiments]
In the above embodiment, the case where the image processing apparatus has the function shown in FIG. 2 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The types of functions possessed by the image processing apparatus can be made in accordance with the specifications of the image processing apparatus.

  The object of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus and performing the following processing. That is, it is also achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium by the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention. .

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, or a magneto-optical disk can be used. Further, optical disks such as CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, and the like can be used. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the following cases are included. That is, based on the instruction of the program code, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Cases are also included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the following program code is specified based on the instruction of the next program code. This includes cases where processing is performed. That is, the case where the CPU or the like provided in the extension board or the extension unit performs the part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is included.

It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the image processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function of the service which an image processing apparatus provides. It is a block diagram which shows the control module structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the control apparatus of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of an image processing apparatus, (a) is the figure seen from the diagonally right front side, (b) is the figure seen from the diagonally left rear side. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the login authentication screen of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the login authentication screen of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the operation screen of MEAP of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the login authentication screen of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the login authentication failure screen of an image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the display processing procedure of a general user available program list display part. 12 is a flowchart showing a continuation of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the general-purpose user (guest user) login process sequence at the time of authentication failure.

Explanation of symbols

100 Image processing apparatus 112 CPU (control means)
501 Program 502 Module 503 Display unit (display means)
504 Program storage unit 505 User identification unit (identification means)
506 User-specific program usage authority storage unit (usage authority storage means)
507 General-purpose user identification unit (identification means)
508 General-purpose user program use authority storage unit (use authority storage means)
509 General-purpose user available program list display section (display means)

Claims (8)

An image processing apparatus capable of using a plurality of programs for realizing a plurality of functions,
Usage authority storage means for storing a correspondence relationship between a user who uses the image processing apparatus, an available program, and a module constituting the program;
Identification means for identifying a user who uses the image processing apparatus;
When the identification means identifies that the user is a general-purpose user whose use authority is restricted, a list of programs that can be used by the general-purpose user is displayed on the display means based on the use authority storage means, A control means to specify the program with restrictions;
An image processing apparatus comprising: An image processing apparatus capable of using a plurality of programs for realizing a plurality of functions,
Identification means for identifying a user who uses the image processing apparatus;
When the identification unit identifies the user as a general-purpose user whose usage authority is limited, the correspondence relationship between the user who uses the image processing apparatus, the available program, and the modules constituting the program is stored. Based on an inquiry to an external device, a list of programs that can be used by the general-purpose user is displayed on a display unit, and a control unit that clearly indicates a program with usage restrictions;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit hides a program in which all modules cannot be used in a list display of the program.   The control means displays, on the display means, selection means for enabling the user to select use of the image processing apparatus as the general-purpose user when the user is not authenticated by the identification means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of functions are selected from a group including a printing function, a copying function, an image transmission function, and an image storage function. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus capable of using a plurality of programs for realizing a plurality of functions,
An identification step for identifying a user who uses the image processing apparatus;
When the identification step identifies that the user is a general-purpose user whose use authority is limited, the correspondence relationship between the user who uses the image processing apparatus, the available program, and the modules constituting the program is stored. A control step for displaying a list of programs that can be used by the general-purpose user on the display means based on the usage authority storage means, and for clearly indicating the programs with usage restrictions;
A control method comprising: A method for controlling an image processing apparatus capable of using a plurality of programs for realizing a plurality of functions,
An identification step for identifying a user who uses the image processing apparatus;
When the identification step identifies that the user is a general-purpose user whose use authority is limited, the correspondence relationship between the user who uses the image processing apparatus, the available program, and the modules constituting the program is stored. Based on the inquiry to the external device, a list of programs that can be used by the general-purpose user is displayed on the display means, and a control step that clearly indicates the programs that have usage restrictions;
A control method comprising:   A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the image processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7.

Images