JP4699306B2 - Electronics - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus such as an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, a digital multifunction machine, and more particularly to a technique for storing and outputting history information of the electronic apparatus.

For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is an image forming apparatus in which the contents of executed operations are stored in a memory as history information.
In such an image forming apparatus, history information in the memory can be used for tracking illegal use of the apparatus and information leakage, so that the history information is output and displayed on the display unit so that the user or administrator can refer to it. Is also going.
JP 2005-229162 A

  By the way, the usage of the history information itself and the item to be referred to vary depending on the user who refers to the history information. For example, if the administrator wants to refer to it, it is useful for preventing unauthorized use as described above. However, from the viewpoint of the designer, it is possible to grasp what functions are frequently used, and for later customization etc. Can be useful.

However, in the conventional image forming apparatus as described above, the history information stored in the memory is a part of the history information of countless usage modes and cannot be selected. Further, the contents included in the history information include confidential information that must not be leaked to other companies, and the confidentiality of the history information itself is also increasing. However, there are no restrictions on the use of such history information.
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to make it possible to efficiently use history information in an electronic apparatus such as an image forming apparatus.

The present invention is an electronic apparatus having history information storage means for storing history information, and history information output means for outputting the history information stored in the history information storage means in a referable manner. In order to achieve this, it is characterized as follows.
The electronic apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 is a user authentication unit that, when information that matches preset authentication information is input, determines an operator who has performed the input operation as an authenticated user; A storage information item selection means for selecting a history information item to be stored in the history information storage means for each authenticated user, and a history information storage means selectable by the storage information item selection means for each authentication user. Selectable storage information item setting means for setting history information items to be stored, and history to be stored in the history information storage means on the basis of the setting contents by the selectable storage information item setting means for each authentication user a storage information item selected limiting means for limiting the selection by entry of the stored information item selecting means information provided, the history information storage means, operating by the authenticated user Therefore, when the specified processing mode and function are used, the information corresponding to the authenticated user selected by the stored information item selection means is the same among the used processing mode and function and user information. Only item information is used as history information, and is stored in association with a preset history information level .

An electronic apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the electronic apparatus according to the first aspect , further comprising level setting means for setting the history information level to be changeable.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus according to the first or second aspect , further comprising history information output restriction means for restricting output of history information by the history information output means for each of the authenticated users.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus according to the third aspect , further comprising: an outputable information item setting unit for setting an item of history information that can be output by the history information output unit for each of the authenticated users. The history information output restricting means restricts the output of history information by the history information output means based on the setting contents by the outputable information item setting means for each authentication user.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the first or second aspect , history information output restricting means for restricting output of history information by the history information output means for each authenticated user based on the history information level. Is provided.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device according to the fifth aspect , further comprising an outputable information item setting means for setting an item of history information that can be output by the history information output restricting means for each authentication user. The history information output restricting means restricts the output of history information by the history information output means for each authenticated user based on the history information level and the setting contents by the outputable information item setting means.

An electronic device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the electronic device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein when there are a plurality of items of history information that can be output by the history information output means, an output of each item is output. Output information item specification means for specifying an item of history information to be output, and output information item information extraction for extracting only history information of the item specified by the output item specification means so as to be output by the history information output means Means.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus according to the seventh aspect , further comprising: an output information item designation restricting unit that restricts designation of the history information item to be output by the output information item designation unit for each authentication user. It is provided.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device according to the eighth aspect , further comprising extractable information item setting means for setting an item of history information that can be extracted by the output item information extracting means for each of the authenticated users. The output information item designation restricting means restricts designation of the history information item to be output by the output information item specifying means based on the setting contents by the extractable information item setting means for each authenticated user. is there.

Electronic equipment according to the invention of claim 10 is the electronic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, when the history information the level of the output can be history information by the history information output means are a plurality, of its respective history information level Output information level specifying means for specifying the history information level of the history information to be output, and extraction so that only history information at the history information level specified by the output information level specifying means is output by the history information output means Output level information extracting means is provided.
An electronic device according to an eleventh aspect of the invention is the electronic device according to the tenth aspect , wherein the output information level designation restriction for restricting designation of the history information level of the history information to be output by the output information level designation means for each of the authenticated users. Means are provided.

An electronic device according to a twelfth aspect of the invention is the extractable information level setting means for setting the history information level of the history information that can be extracted by the output level information extraction means for each of the authenticated users in the electronic device of the eleventh aspect. The output information level designation limiting means designates the history information level of the history information to be output by the output information level designation means on the basis of the setting contents by the extractable information level setting means for each authenticated user. It is a limitation.

According to the electronic apparatus of the present invention, by previously selecting the items required taking the authentication user as an item in the history information to be stored in the history information storage unit, only the history information accumulating history information of the item Since it is stored in the means, it is possible to output only the history information of the items required by the authenticated user so that they can be referred to as necessary. Therefore, the history information can be used efficiently. Further, the confidentiality of the history information is increased by restricting the selection of items that become the history information to be accumulated. Furthermore, since the importance of history information differs depending on the user (general user or administrator), if selectable items among the items that become history information are set for each authenticated user, the selection of items that become history information is restricted. Can be performed for each authenticated user, the versatility of using history information is enhanced. Furthermore, by setting the history information level in the history information itself, it becomes possible to easily disclose and handle the history information.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example in which an image forming apparatus, in particular, a digital multifunction peripheral (hereinafter, also referred to as “MFP”) having a plurality of functions such as a copying machine, a scanner device, a printer, and a facsimile device is used as an electronic device will be described. To do.

[Example network environment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a network environment using an MFP which is an electronic apparatus according to the present invention.
The plurality of MFPs 1 (1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d) includes a plurality of LANs (local area networks) 2 (2 a, 2 b) and a WAN (wide area network) network environment that connects the LANs 2. It is connected together with an external device (other electronic device) such as a server 3 (3a, 3b) or a PC (personal computer) (not shown) so that each electronic device can communicate with each other.

A communication line 4 is an IEEE 1394 communication line for individually connecting the MFP 1.
Each MFP 1 uses (sets) the processing mode (color printing mode that can be set by operation on the operation unit) and functions (normal printing, FAX transmission / reception, etc.), and their users (authenticated users and FAX transmission / reception) This is an electronic device having a function of storing information on the other party) as history information in a memory.
The server 3 is a high function information processing apparatus.

[Hardware configuration example of MFP]
Next, a hardware configuration example of the MFP 1 in FIG. 1 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the MFP 1 in FIG.
The MFP 1 can realize various functions including functions (services) as a digital copying machine, a printer, a FAX apparatus, and a scanner apparatus, that is, a copy function, a document box function, a scanner function, a printer (normal printing) function, and a FAX function. As shown in FIG. 2, the forming apparatus includes a controller 11, an FCU (fax control unit) 12, an engine interface (hereinafter, “interface” is also referred to as “I / F”) 13, an engine 14, and the like. . These configurations are hardware resources for performing image processing such as image reading, printing (image formation), and image information transmission of a document.

The controller 11 comprehensively controls each unit of the MFP 1. Various functions can be realized by the control.
The FCU 12 controls communication with an external device, for example, a FAX apparatus or an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine having a modem function (FAX communication function) or another MFP (digital multifunction peripheral) via a public line.
The engine I / F 13 is an interface for connecting the engine 14 to a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus.

  The engine 14 is a scanner (image reading means) that reads an image of a document, and a plotter that prints image information read by the scanner or print information received from an external device on a sheet (may be another recording medium) as a visible image. (Image forming means), automatic document feeder (ADF) that automatically feeds the document to the image reading position of the scanner, and after post-processing such as sorting, stacking, and stapling on the paper printed by the plotter This corresponds to a hardware device such as a processing apparatus. If print information received from an external device such as a PC (not shown) is not image information for printing but character code or drawing information, the controller 11 converts the information into image information for printing.

The controller 11 includes a CPU 101, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 102, SDRAM 103, ROM 104, NVRAM 105, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 106, operation unit 107, modem 108, USB (Universal Serial Bus) / I / F 109, IEEE (Institute of Institute). Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394 / I / F110, MAC (Media Access Controller) / I / F111, and the like. Note that the operation unit 107 is actually disposed outside the controller 11.
The CPU 101 is an arithmetic processing unit that performs data processing (control of each function) via the ASIC 102.

The ASIC 102 is a multi-function device board composed of a CPU interface, SDRAM interface, local bus interface, PCI interface, HDD interface, etc., and is designed to share devices to be controlled by the CPU 101 and develop applications and the like from the viewpoint of architecture. It supports high efficiency.
The ASIC 102 is directly connected to an operation unit 107 that receives an operation command of the engine 14 and the like, and a modem 108 is also directly connected thereto. The USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111, FCU 12, and engine I / F 13 are connected via the PCI bus 112.

The SDRAM 103 is a main memory used as a program memory for storing various programs, a work memory used when the CPU 101 performs data processing, and the like. In place of the SDRAM 103, a DRAM or SRAM may be used.
The ROM 104 is a fixed memory that stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and fixed data. Note that various applications (application programs) can be stored in the ROM 104.

The NVRAM 105 is a non-volatile memory that stores a history information item list composed of each item of the history information described above and data such as various parameters that can be changed, and retains the stored contents even when the power is turned off. It has become. As the NVRAM 105, a nonvolatile RAM in which a backup circuit using a RAM and a battery is integrated, or a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory can be used.
The HDD 106 is a storage device (recording medium) that stores and saves data regardless of whether the power is on or off, and stores and saves various data including the OS and various applications for realizing various services and the history information described above. Therefore, the HDD 106 functions as a history information storage unit. The HDD 106 can also store the data in the SDRAM 103 and the data in the NVRAM 105 described above.

Here, when the MFP 1 is powered on, the CPU 101 reads out the OS in the HDD 106 in accordance with a boot loader (boot program) in the ROM 104, loads it into the SDRAM 103 and expands it, and then activates the OS. Further, other data such as an application in the HDD 106 is loaded into the SDRAM 103 and developed as necessary. The functions in the present invention (history information output means, stored information item selecting means, user authentication means, stored information items are executed by executing the program in the SDRAM 103 as necessary and controlling the device including the operation unit 107. Selection restriction means, selectable accumulated information item setting means, level setting means, history information output restriction means, output possible information item setting means, output information item designation means, output information item information extraction means, output information item designation restriction means, extraction A function as possible information item setting means, output information level designation means, output level information extraction means, output information level designation restriction means, and extractable information level setting means).

  The operation unit 107 is an operation unit having various operation keys (also referred to as operation switches or operation buttons) for inputting data such as operation instructions for the engine 14 and the like and a character display of an LCD or CRT. The character display has a touch panel on its surface. In this embodiment, an operation screen for making various functions available is displayed on the touch panel, and a corresponding operation can be instructed by selectively touching (pressing) each key on the screen. it can. Also, history information stored in the HDD 106 can be displayed (output) so that it can be referred to by the user. The history information may be stored in the NVRAM 105.

The modem 108 is modulation / demodulation means. When data is transmitted to an external device (not shown) via a public line, the modem 108 modulates the data so that it can flow through the public line. In addition, when modulated data sent from an external device is received, the data is demodulated.
The USB I / F 109 and the IEEE 1394 I / F 110 are USB standard and IEEE 1394 standard interfaces (direct interfaces) for directly connecting to and communicating with external devices (peripheral devices), respectively.

The MAC / I / F 111 is a network interface for communicating with each external device including another MFP 1 via the LAN 2.
A direct interface other than the USB I / F 109 and the IEEE 1394 I / F 110 can be added to the controller 11.

Here, the copy function is a function that causes a scanner to read an image of an original, sends the image information to a plotter, and prints (forms) the image on a sheet as a visible image. An application for realizing this copy function is called a copy application.
The scanner function is a function for causing a scanner to read an image of a document and transmitting (distributing) the image information to a preset external device by e-mail or the like. An application for realizing the scanner function is called a scanner application.

The printer function is a function for printing the print information from the server 3 or the PC as it is or after performing the conversion process to the plotter and printing it as a visible image on the paper. An application for realizing this printer function is called a printer application.
The FAX function causes the scanner to read an image of an original and transmits the image information to an external device set in advance by FAX using the FCU 12, or similarly stores image information already stored in the HDD 106 (or other memory) in advance. The FCU 12 sends a fax to the set external device, or the FCU 12 receives the fax information from the external device, and the image information is sent to the HDD 106 or sent to a plotter to be printed as a visible image on paper. It is a function. An application for realizing the FAX function is called a FAX application.

  The document box function allows a scanner to read an image of a document and store the image information in the HDD 106, or call (read) the image information stored in the HDD 106, send it to a plotter, and print it as a visible image on paper. It is a function that makes an action.

[Operation unit configuration and display examples]
FIG. 3 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of the operation unit 107 of FIG.
The operation unit 107 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 31, a numeric keypad 32, a clear / stop key 33, a start key 34, a preheating key 35, a reset key 36, an initial setting key 37, a copy key 38, a document box key 39, a scanner key 40, A printer key 41 and a FAX key 42 are provided.
The liquid crystal touch panel 31 displays various function keys, the number of copies set, and a message indicating the status of the digital multi-function peripheral.

  By pressing an initial setting key 37, the initial state of the MFP 1 can be arbitrarily customized. For example, it is possible to set the size of paper (transfer paper) stored in the apparatus, or to arbitrarily set the state set when the mode clear key of the copy function is pressed. In addition, select applications that are preferentially selected when there is no operation for a certain period of time, set the time to shift to a low power state according to the International Energy Star Plan, and set the time to shift to auto-off / sleep mode. Setting is also possible.

  When the preheating key 35 is pressed, the MFP 1 shifts from a standby state to a power reduction state (preheating state), lowers the fixing temperature, or turns off the display of the operation unit 107. This preheating state means a low power state as referred to in the International Energy Star Program. In order to cancel the preheating state and the off / sleep state and shift to the standby state, the preheating key may be pressed again.

The numeric keypad 32 is a key for inputting numerical values such as the number of copies (number of copies) and magnification. The clear / stop key 33 is a key for clearing the number of copies (number of copies to be printed) or stopping the operation being executed.
When the copy key 38 is pressed, the copy function is used, when the document box key 39 is pressed, the document box function is used, when the scanner key 40 is pressed, the scanner function is used, and when the printer key 41 is pressed, the printer function is used. By pressing the FAX key 42, the FAX function (FAX transmission) can be used.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31 of FIG. This operation screen is displayed when the copy key 38 is pressed.
When the operator touches each key on the operation screen, the display of the key indicating the selected mode is highlighted in black. When the details of the mode must be specified (for example, the type of page printing or the scaling value in the scaling mode), the detailed mode setting screen is displayed when the key is touched. Therefore, the liquid crystal touch panel 31 uses a dot display and can perform an optimal display graphically.

  In the upper center of the operation screen shown in FIG. 4, there is a message area for displaying messages such as “Can copy” and “Please wait”. In the area on the right side, the number of scanned originals, the number of copies set, the number of copies displayed, the number of copies displayed, the sort key for setting the sort mode, which is the processing mode for aligning the copies part by page, and the copy A stack key for setting a stack mode, which is a processing mode for sorting pages, a staple key for setting a staple mode, which is a processing mode for binding a part of the sorted data, and an index sheet at a predetermined position of a copy (printed material) A copy partition key for setting a copy partition mode, which is a processing mode for inserting a certain partition paper, is displayed.

  In the lower area of the message area in the center, a paper selection key group for selecting transfer paper automatically or by designating, an equal magnification key for designating the magnification to the same magnification, and scaling by designating the paper In the processing mode for double-sided copy of double-sided original, double-sided / double-sided key to set double-sided / double-sided mode, which is the processing mode for double-sided copying of single-sided originals Double-sided / double-sided key to set a certain duplex / single-sided mode, an aggregation key to set an aggregation mode which is a processing mode for single-sided original copy of a single-sided document, a slightly smaller mode to set a slightly smaller mode for processing a slightly smaller copy Editing to set the cover / interleaf key, the binding margin mode, etc. for setting the cover / interleaf mode etc. Chromatography, two-sided / aggregation / duplex for setting one of the processing mode of the split copies / aggregation / division key, such as zooming key for setting a magnification copy mode is displayed.

The left area has a document type key for specifying the type of document such as a text document or a photo document, an automatic density key for specifying that the print density is set automatically, and for manually changing the density. Density adjustment keys “light” and “light”, a special document feed key for specifying use of a special document, and the like are displayed.
In the message area, a connection key for setting that a large number of printing operations (printing operations) are divided into other MFPs 1 via the LAN 2 to which the MFP 1 is connected, and a system state are known. The system status key is also displayed.

Although not shown in the operation screen shown in FIG. 4, it is also possible to specify the color of the print color. Examples of the color designation include designation of one color or two colors, or designation of automatic color selection (ACS).
The plotter of the engine 14 has an automatic color selection function. When automatic color selection is designated, the CPU 101 determines the image color of the image information read by the scanner, and determines the image color according to the determination result. Let them print. For example, in the case of full color, the plotter is caused to print each color (full color) of CMYK. If the image is monochrome, the plotter is caused to form a K (monochrome) image.

Hereinafter, different examples (embodiments) of the operation of the MFP 1 related to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[First embodiment]
First, a first example of the operation related to the present invention by the MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a first example of the operation of the MFP 1 relating to the present invention.

The CPU 101 of the MFP 1 stores, for example, a history information item list including various items that can be left as a variety of history information as shown in FIG. 5 in the NVRAM 105 (or HDD 106). When a reference request for the history information item list is issued by a key operation on the operation unit 107 by the user, the history information item list is read from the NVRAM 105 and displayed on the operation unit 107 (actually, the liquid crystal touch panel 31).
The general user or the administrator touches and specifies only the items that he / she wants to leave from the history information item list.

The CPU 101 of the MFP 1 selects the touch-designated item, and stores the item as a necessary item in the NVRAM 105 (or HDD 106) and registers it.
Thereafter, when the processing mode and function designated by a predetermined key operation on the operation unit 107 by a general user or an administrator are used, the necessary items registered in advance among the processing mode and function used and the user information Only information on matching items is stored in the HDD 106 as history information.

Thereafter, when a reference request for history information is issued by a key operation on the operation unit 107 by a general user or an administrator, the history information stored in the HDD 106 is read, and the history information stored in the HDD 106 can be referred to by the general user or the administrator. Displayed on the unit 107.
In other words, since there are a wide variety of items as history information, only the information of items required by general users or administrators is stored in the HDD 106 as history information and can be referred to by general users or administrators as necessary. Can be displayed on the operation unit 107.
Therefore, it is possible to avoid resource pressure for storing history information, and it is possible to efficiently use history information.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second example of the operation related to the present invention by the MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a second example of the operation related to the present invention by the MFP 1.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user authentication screen displayed on the operation unit 107.
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the accumulation and reference of history information.

The CPU 101 of the MFP 1 is information for performing user authentication as shown in FIG. 7 when a reference request for a history information item list is issued by a predetermined key operation on the operation unit 107 by a general user or an administrator. A user authentication screen requesting input of a user ID and password is displayed on the operation unit 107.
When a user ID and password are input by an operation on the operation unit 107 by a general user or an administrator, and the “authentication” key is touched, a user authentication request including the user ID and password is issued to the CPU 101. The

  When the CPU 101 receives the user authentication request, the CPU 101 performs a user authentication process for a user ID and a password that are authentication information in the user authentication request. In other words, it is checked whether or not an item that matches the authentication information is registered in the NVRAM 105 (or HDD 106). If the authentication information in the received authentication request is registered, the authentication is successful, and the general user or administrator who has performed the operation for inputting the authentication information is determined as the authentication user. If the authentication information in the received authentication request is not registered, authentication fails.

When the authentication is successful, a history information item list (see FIG. 5) including each item serving as history information stored in the NVRAM 105 is read and displayed on the operation unit 107.
An authenticated user (serviceman or the like) touches and designates only items to be left from the history information item list.
The CPU 101 of the MFP 1 selects the touch-designated item, and stores and registers the item in the NVRAM 105 as a necessary item in association with the authenticated user.
For example, if the authenticated user is the authenticated user A, as shown in FIG. 6A, the item touch-designated by the authenticated user A is selected, and the item is associated with the authenticated user A in the NVRAM 105 as a necessary item. Remember and register. If the authenticated user is the authenticated user B, as shown in FIG. 6B, the item touch-designated by the authenticated user B is selected, and the item is stored as a necessary item in the NVRAM 105 in association with the authenticated user B. And register.

In each of the second and subsequent embodiments, when the MFP 1 performs some processing, the user authentication screen is always displayed on the operation unit 107 as described above before the processing. It is necessary to perform user authentication processing by issuing authentication information and to make user authentication successful, but for the sake of explanation, the explanation is omitted hereinafter.
Each time the CPU 101 of the MFP 1 uses the processing mode and function designated by the key operation on the operation unit 107 by the authenticated user, the processing mode and function used and the user (use date and time, user name, etc.). Among these pieces of information, only the information of items that match the necessary items corresponding to the previously registered authenticated user is accumulated in the HDD 106 (history information storage area) as history information ((a in FIG. 8). )reference).

Thereafter, when a reference request for history information is issued by a key operation on the operation unit 107 by a general user or an administrator, the history information stored in the HDD 106 is read out and can be referred to by an authenticated user on the operation unit 107 (See FIG. 8B).
In other words, since there are a wide variety of items of history information, only the information of the items required by the authenticated user is stored in the HDD 106 as history information and displayed on the operation unit 107 so that it can be referred to by the authenticated user as necessary. can do.
Therefore, it is possible to avoid resource pressure for accumulating history information, and it is possible to more efficiently utilize history information.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third example of the operation related to the present invention by the MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the third embodiment, selection of items to be retained as history information itself is limited by the authority of the authenticated user. That is, the restriction content is predetermined for each authenticated user.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a third example of the operation of the MFP 1 relating to the present invention.
When a reference request for a history information item list is issued by a key operation on the operation unit 107 by a general user or an administrator, the CPU 101 of the MFP 1 issues a history information item list including items serving as history information stored in the NVRAM 105. (Refer to FIG. 5) is read and displayed on the operation unit 107. At this time, an item that can be selected by the authenticated user is distinguished from an item that cannot be selected. For example, it is preferable to change the display color, for example, by making a non-selectable item translucent. The setting for enabling (or disabling) selection of each item is performed by the CPU 101 by the corresponding key operation on the operation unit 107 for each authenticated user, and the setting content is stored in the NVRAM 105. Can do.

The authenticated user touches and designates only items to be left from the history information item list on the operation unit 107.
The CPU 101 of the MFP 1 selects the touch-designated item. At this time, the selection is limited based on the setting content corresponding to the authenticated user. That is, only when the touch-designated item is set to be selectable, the item is selected and stored as a necessary item in the NVRAM 105 in association with the authenticated user.

  For example, if the authenticated user is the authenticated user A (administrator), as shown in (a) of FIG. 9, among the selectable items corresponding to the authenticated user A, the items touch-designated by the authenticated user A are displayed. The selected item is stored as a necessary item in the NVRAM 105 in association with the authenticated user A and registered. If the authenticated user is an authenticated user B (general user), as shown in FIG. 9B, an item that is touch-designated by the authenticated user B is selected from the selectable items corresponding to the authenticated user B. The item is stored and registered as a necessary item in the NVRAM 105 in association with the authenticated user B.

Thereafter, when a reference request for history information is issued by a key operation on the operation unit 107 by a general user or an administrator, the history information stored in the HDD 106 is read out and can be referred to by an authenticated user on the operation unit 107 To display.
Therefore, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. In other words, the confidentiality of the history information is increased by restricting the selection of items that become the history information to be accumulated. In addition, since the importance of history information varies depending on the user (general user or administrator), if selectable items among the items that become history information are set for each user, the selection of items that become history information is limited. Since this can be done for each user, the versatility of using history information is enhanced.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth example of the operation related to the present invention by the MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 10 shows each item as history information stored in the NVRAM 105 in FIG. 2 (available processing mode and function described in the history information item list as shown in FIG. 5 and each item of the user). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between the levels and their levels (hereinafter referred to as “history information levels”).
FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining accumulation and reference of history information classified according to history information levels.

This fourth embodiment is only slightly different from the third embodiment.
In the fourth embodiment, the CPU 101 of the MFP 1 includes each item of history information stored in the NVRAM 105, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, the content, type, importance, or confidentiality of the information. Since the corresponding history information level is set in consideration of such factors as the following, the following processing is performed.

That is, when the processing mode and function designated by a predetermined key operation on the operation unit 107 by the authenticated user are used, it is necessary to correspond to the previously registered authenticated user among the used processing mode and function and user information. Only the information of the item that matches the item is used as history information, and the history information level corresponding to the history information level is stored in the HDD 106 by determining the corresponding history information level from the NVRAM 105 (see FIG. 11A). ).
Thereafter, when a reference request for history information at a certain history information level is issued by a key operation on the operation unit 107 by a general user or an administrator, the history information at the history information level is read from the HDD 106 and is referred to by the authenticated user. Display on the operation unit 107 as possible (see FIG. 11B).

  Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the same effects as the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, for example, when the scanner function or the FAX function is used as the history information, in addition to the history information accumulated by the operation on the operation unit 107 (operation history information), the name and address of the transmission / reception partner, etc. Therefore, by setting the level in the history information itself, it becomes possible to make it easier to disclose and handle the history information.

[Fifth embodiment]
Next, a fifth example of the operation related to the present invention by the MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the relationship between each item that is history information stored in the NVRAM 105 of FIG. 2 and their history information level.

This fifth embodiment is only slightly different from the fourth embodiment.
In the fifth embodiment, the CPU 101 of the MFP 1 sets each item as history information stored in the NVRAM 105, for example, as shown in FIG. The history information level being changed can be changed.
Therefore, according to the fifth embodiment, in addition to the same effects as in the fourth embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained. In other words, since the usage, importance, or confidentiality of history information differs depending on the authenticated user, the setting of the history information level for the history information is arbitrarily set according to the usage, importance, or confidentiality of the history information for each user. If it can be performed, the versatility of using history information is further enhanced.

[Sixth embodiment]
Next, a sixth example of the operation related to the present invention by the MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the sixth embodiment, the reference (output) for each item of history information is restricted by the authority of the authenticated user. That is, the restriction content is predetermined for each authenticated user.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a sixth example of the operation related to the present invention by the MFP 1.
This sixth embodiment is only slightly different from any of the second to fifth embodiments.
In the sixth embodiment, the CPU 101 of the MFP 1 includes an authentication user (general user, system administrator, etc.) in each item of history information stored in the NVRAM 105 as shown in FIG. Since another reference (o) or not (x) information is set (security administrator, etc.), the following processing is performed.

  When a reference request for history information is issued by a key operation on the operation unit 107 by a general user or an administrator, the history information stored in the HDD 106 is read and displayed on the operation unit 107 so that it can be referred to by an authenticated user. To do. At this time, for example, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the items that can be referred to by the authenticated user (general user A, system administrator B) are distinguished from the items that cannot be referred to and cannot be referred to. Make a reference impossible state by performing a process such as filling a certain item. Alternatively, display of items that cannot be referred to may be prohibited. The setting for enabling (or disabling) reference to each item is performed by the CPU 101 by operating the corresponding key on the operation unit 107 for each authenticated user, and the setting contents are shown in FIG. It can be stored in NVRAM 105 as shown.

  Therefore, according to the sixth embodiment, in addition to the same effects as any of the second to fifth embodiments, the following effects can also be obtained. That is, by restricting the reference of history information by the authenticated user, the confidentiality and convenience of the history information can be further improved.

[Seventh embodiment]
Next, a seventh example of the operation of the MFP 1 relating to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In the seventh embodiment, depending on the authority of the authenticated user, the reference (output) for each item of history information is restricted based on the history information level. That is, the restriction content is predetermined for each authenticated user.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a seventh example of the operation of the MFP 1 relating to the present invention.
This seventh embodiment is only slightly different from the fourth or fifth embodiment.
In the seventh embodiment, the CPU 101 of the MFP 1 has a history information level set in each item (history information group) serving as history information stored in the NVRAM 105, for example, as shown in FIG. As shown, since referenceable (O) or not (X) information is set for each authenticated user (general user, system administrator, security administrator, etc.), the following processing is performed.

  When a reference request for history information is issued by a key operation on the operation unit 107 by a general user or an administrator, the history information stored in the HDD 106 is read and displayed on the operation unit 107 so that it can be referred to by an authenticated user. To do. At this time, for example, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the information is classified into history information levels 1 and 2 (or 1 to 3) that can be referred to by the authenticated user (general user A, system administrator B). And the history information group classified into the history information level that cannot be referred to and the history information group classified into the history information level that cannot be referred to are filled in. Perform a process such as to make it unreferenceable. Or you may make it prohibit the display of the historical information group classified into the historical information level which cannot be referred. The setting for enabling (or impossible) referring to the history information group classified into each history information level is performed by the CPU 101 by the corresponding key operation on the operation unit 107 for each authenticated user. The contents can be stored in the NVRAM 105 as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, according to the seventh embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the fourth or fifth embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained. That is, by restricting the reference of history information by the history information level for each authenticated user, the confidentiality and convenience of the history information can be further improved.

[Eighth embodiment]
Next, an eighth example of the operation of the MFP 1 relating to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The eighth embodiment is characterized by a filtering function for selectively extracting only items to be referred to from among a variety of history information items.

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining an eighth example of the operation related to the present invention by the MFP 1.
This seventh embodiment is only slightly different from the second or third embodiment.
When a reference request for history information is issued by a key operation on the operation unit 107 by a general user or an administrator user, the CPU 101 of the MFP 1 checks the number of items of history information stored in the HDD 106, and If the number is singular (one), the history information of the item is read and displayed on the operation unit 107 so that it can be referred to by the authenticated user. If there are a plurality of items of history information stored in the HDD 106, each item is read and displayed on the operation unit 107 so that it can be referred to by the authenticated user.

Then, when an item to be filtered (referenced) is specified by a key operation on the operation unit 107 by the authenticated user, only history information of the specified item is filtered and read out from each history information in the HDD 106, It is displayed on the operation unit 107 so that it can be referred to by the authenticated user.
For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the items of history information stored in the HDD 106 are “processing mode history information”, “function history information”, “user history information”, “transmission / reception destination name history information”, “transmission / reception destination address”. If there are five items of “phone number history information”, these items are displayed on the operation unit 107, so “processing mode history” is an item to be filtered by key operation on the operation unit 107 by the authenticated user. When filtering of two items “information” and “function history information” is designated, only the designated two items of history information are filtered and read out, and displayed on the operation unit 107 so as to be referred to by the authenticated user.

  Therefore, according to the eighth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the same effects as those of the second or third embodiment. That is, when history information covers a wide variety, only the history information to be referred to can be referred to efficiently.

[Ninth embodiment]
Next, a ninth example of the operation of the MFP 1 relating to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In the ninth embodiment, the filtering (reference) for each item of history information is restricted by the authority of the authenticated user. That is, the restriction content is predetermined for each authenticated user.

FIG. 16 is a view for explaining a ninth example of the operation related to the present invention by the MFP 1.
The ninth embodiment is only slightly different from the eighth embodiment.
In the ninth embodiment, the CPU 101 of the MFP 1 uses an authentication user (general user, system administrator, etc.) for each filtering item of the history information stored in the NVRAM 105, for example, as shown in FIG. The following processing is performed because different filtering possible (O) or not (X) information is set.

  When a reference request for history information is issued by a key operation on the operation unit 107 by a general user or an administrator, the number of items of history information stored in the HDD 106 is checked. Each item is read out and displayed on the operation unit 107 so that it can be referred to by the authenticated user. At this time, for example, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, items that can be filtered by the authenticated user (general user A, system administrator B) are distinguished from items that cannot be filtered, and filtering is impossible. By making the display color different, such as making certain items semi-transparent, it is possible for the authenticated user to determine the filtering disabled state. Alternatively, display of items that cannot be filtered may be prohibited. The setting for enabling (or disabling) the filtering of each item is performed by the CPU 101 by the corresponding key operation on the operation unit 107 for each authenticated user, and the setting contents are shown in FIG. It can be stored in NVRAM 105 as shown.

Then, when an item to be filtered is specified by the key operation on the operation unit 107 by the authenticated user, only the history information of the specified item is filtered and read out from each history information in the HDD 106, and is read by the authenticated user. It is displayed on the operation unit 107 so that it can be referred to.
Therefore, according to the ninth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the same effects as the eighth embodiment. That is, by restricting filtering of history information items by the authenticated user, the confidentiality and convenience of the history information can be further improved.

[Tenth embodiment]
Next, a tenth example of operations related to the present invention by the MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
The tenth embodiment is characterized by a filtering function for selectively extracting only history information at a history information level to be referred to from history information at various history information levels.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a tenth example of the operation of the MFP 1 relating to the present invention.
This tenth embodiment is only slightly different from the fourth or fifth embodiment.
When a reference request for history information is issued by a key operation on the operation unit 107 by a general user or an administrator user, the CPU 101 of the MFP 1 checks the number of history information levels of the history information stored in the HDD 106. If the number of history information levels is singular, the history information level history information is read and displayed on the operation unit 107 so that it can be referred to by the authenticated user. If there are a plurality of history information levels stored in the HDD 106, the history information levels are read out and displayed on the operation unit 107 so that they can be referred to by the authenticated user.

Then, when filtering (extraction) of the history information level to be referred to is specified by a key operation on the operation unit 107 by the authenticated user, only the history information at the specified history information level is read from the HDD 106 and referred to by the authenticated user. Display on the operation unit 107 as possible.
For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the history information levels of history information stored in the HDD 106 are four levels of “history information level 1”, “history information level 2”, “history information level 3”, and “history information level 4”. If there are, the history information levels are displayed on the operation unit 107. Therefore, “history information level 1”, “history information level” as the history information level to be filtered by the key operation on the operation unit 107 by the authenticated user. When the two-level filtering of “2” is designated, only the designated two-level history information is filtered and read out, and displayed on the operation unit 107 so that it can be referred to by the authenticated user.

  Therefore, according to the tenth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the same effects as the fourth or fifth embodiment. That is, when history information covers a wide variety, only the history information to be referred to can be referred to efficiently.

[Eleventh embodiment]
Next, an eleventh example of operations related to the present invention by the MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the eleventh embodiment, filtering (reference) for each history information level of the history information is restricted by the authority of the authenticated user. That is, the restriction content is predetermined for each authenticated user.

FIG. 18 is a view for explaining an eleventh example of the operation of the MFP 1 related to the present invention.
The eleventh embodiment is slightly different from the tenth embodiment.
In the eleventh embodiment, the CPU 101 of the MFP 1 has an authentication user (general user, system management) as shown in FIG. 18C for each filtering history information level of history information stored in the NVRAM 105, for example. The following processing is performed because different filtering possible (O) or not (X) information is set.

  When a reference request for history information is issued by a key operation on the operation unit 107 by a general user or an administrator, the number of history information levels of the history information stored in the HDD 106 is checked, and the number of history information levels is determined. If there are a plurality of levels, each history information level is read out and displayed on the operation unit 107 so that it can be referred to by the authenticated user. At this time, for example, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, a history information level that can be filtered by an authenticated user (general user A, system administrator B) is distinguished from an impossible history information level. The history information level that cannot be filtered is made translucent, for example, and the display color is changed so that the filtering disabled state can be identified by the authenticated user. Alternatively, display of a history information level that cannot be filtered may be prohibited. The setting for enabling (or disabling) filtering of each history information level is performed by the CPU 101 by the corresponding key operation on the operation unit 107 for each authenticated user, and the setting contents are shown in FIG. ) As shown in FIG.

When the history information level to be filtered is specified by the key operation on the operation unit 107 by the authenticated user, only the history information at the specified history information level is filtered and read out from each history information in the HDD 106. And displayed on the operation unit 107 so that it can be referred to by the authenticated user.
Therefore, according to the eleventh embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the same effects as the tenth embodiment. That is, by restricting the history information level filtering of the history information by the authenticated user, the confidentiality and convenience of the history information can be further improved.

As is apparent from the above description, according to the electronic device of the present invention, only the history information of the items required by the authenticated user can be output so that it can be referred to as necessary, so that the history information can be used efficiently. . Therefore, by using the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic device that is easy to use for many users who have different uses of history information.

It is a figure which shows an example of the network structure which uses MFP which is an electronic device by this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an MFP 1 in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation unit 107 in FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a first example of an operation related to the present invention by the MFP 1 shown in FIG. 2.

It is a figure for demonstrating the 2nd example of the operation | movement similarly related to this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user authentication screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31 of FIG. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating accumulation | storage and reference of log | history information. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a third example of the operation related to the present invention by the MFP 1 shown in FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between each item used as the history information memorize | stored in NVRAM105 of FIG. 2, and those history information levels.

It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating accumulation | storage and reference of the historical information classified according to the historical information level. It is a figure which shows the other example of the relationship between each item used as the historical information memorize | stored in NVRAM105 of FIG. 2, and those historical information levels. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a sixth example of the operation related to the invention by the MFP 1 shown in FIG. 2. It is a figure for demonstrating the 7th example of the operation | movement similarly related to this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the 8th example of the operation | movement similarly related to this invention.

It is a figure for demonstrating the 9th example of the operation | movement similarly related to this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the 10th example of the operation | movement similarly related to this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the 11th example of operation | movement similarly related to this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1: MFP 2: LAN 3: Server 4: Communication line 11: Controller 12: FCU 13: Engine I / F 14: Engine 31: Liquid crystal touch panel 32: Numeric keypad 33: Clear / stop key 34: Start key 35: Preheat key 36 : Reset key 37: Initial setting key 38: Copy key 39: Document box key 40: Scanner key 41: Printer key 42: FAX key 101: CPU 102: ASIC
103: SDRAM 104: ROM 105: NVRAM 106: HDD
107: Operation unit 108: Modem 109: USB I / F
110: IEEE 1394 I / F 111: MAC I / F 112: PCI bus

Claims (12)

An electronic device having history information storage means for storing history information, and history information output means for outputting the history information stored in the history information storage means in a referable manner,
User authentication means for determining, when information matching preset authentication information is input, an operator who has performed an operation for the input as an authenticated user;
Accumulation information item selection means for selecting an item of history information to be accumulated in the history information accumulation means for each authenticated user ;
Selectable storage information item setting means for setting items of history information to be stored in the history information storage means selectable by the storage information item selection means for each authentication user;
Accumulated information item selection restricting means for restricting selection by the accumulated information item selecting means of history information items to be accumulated in the history information accumulating means on the basis of the setting contents by the selectable accumulated information item setting means for each authenticated user the door is provided,
When the processing mode and function designated by the operation by the authenticated user are used, the history information storage means is selected by the stored information item selection means from the used processing mode and function and user information. An electronic apparatus characterized in that only information on an item that matches an item corresponding to the authenticated user is stored as history information in association with a preset history information level . The electronic device according to claim 1 ,
Electronic equipment comprising level setting means for setting the history information level to be changeable. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
An electronic apparatus comprising a history information output restricting means for restricting output of history information by the history information output means for each of the authenticated users. The electronic device according to claim 3 .
Providing outputable information item setting means for setting items of history information that can be output by the history information output means for each authenticated user;
The history information output restriction unit restricts the output of history information by the history information output unit based on the setting contents by the outputable information item setting unit for each authenticated user. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
An electronic apparatus comprising: a history information output limiting unit that limits output of history information by the history information output unit for each authenticated user based on the history information level. The electronic device according to claim 5 , wherein
Providing outputable information item setting means for setting items of history information that can be output by the history information output restriction means for each authenticated user;
The history information output restricting means restricts the output of history information by the history information output means based on the history information level and the setting contents by the outputable information item setting means for each authenticated user. Electronics. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
When there are a plurality of items of history information that can be output by the history information output means, output information item specifying means for specifying an item of history information to be output among the items,
An electronic apparatus comprising: output information item information extraction means for extracting only history information of an item designated by the output item designation means so as to be outputted by the history information output means. The electronic device according to claim 7 , wherein
An electronic apparatus comprising: an output information item designation restricting unit that restricts designation of an item of the history information to be output by the output information item designating unit for each authentication user. The electronic device according to claim 8 , wherein
An extractable information item setting unit is provided for setting an item of history information that can be extracted by the output item information extracting unit for each authenticated user;
The output information item designation restricting means restricts designation of items of the history information to be output by the output information item specifying means based on the setting contents by the extractable information item setting means for each of the authenticated users. Electronic equipment. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
An output information level specifying means for specifying the history information level of the history information to be output among the history information levels when there are a plurality of history information levels of the history information that can be output by the history information output means; ,
An electronic apparatus comprising: output level information extracting means for extracting only history information at a history information level specified by the output information level specifying means so as to be output by the history information output means. The electronic device according to claim 10 , wherein
An electronic apparatus comprising: an output information level designation restricting unit that restricts designation of a history information level of the history information to be output by the output information level designating unit for each authenticated user. The electronic device according to claim 11 , wherein
An extractable information level setting means for setting a history information level of history information that can be extracted by the output level information extracting means for each of the authenticated users;
The output information level designation limiting means limits the specification of the history information level of the history information to be output by the output information level specifying means based on the setting contents by the extractable information level setting means for each authenticated user. Electronic equipment characterized by