Web browser operation method and operation apparatus

There is provided a web browser operation method and operation apparatus capable of preferably setting an access restriction function for restricting access of a web browser to be used by an unspecified number of users. First, content acquired from a web server is displayed on a display based on a format described in the content. An operation tool for performing operations related to processing of the content is also displayed on the screen. When an operation instruction is inputted by a user with the use of the operation tool, processing related to the displayed content is performed based on the operation instruction. In this case, restrictions are set on operation instructions by the user among operation instructions, and selection by the user of tool portions corresponding to the set restrictions, among tool portions which can be specified by the operation tool, are set as disabled.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a web browser operation method and operation apparatus for restricting functions such as a content display operation in a web browser.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Now, a web browser is mounted on various equipment, including a personal computer (PC). The web browser can acquire content described in HTML, XML or the like from a web server and display the acquired content in layout based on the format described in the content.

Access to content on a web server is enabled by URL addressing, in which a URL address is specified by directly inputting a URL address with the use of a keyboard or the like, or by registering a URL address as a bookmark in advance and specifying the bookmark.

In addition, the web browser also has functions of storing content on a server in a local storage device and printing out content by means of a printing apparatus.

Such a web browser is not only used on a PC, PDA or the like used by a particular person but also used by an unspecified number of users, on a PC shared by a lot of users, an information terminal installed in a public facility, a copying machine or a printer installed in an office and the like (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-65853, for example).

In this case, access to pages which can be browsed by a web browser may be restricted for the purpose of inhibiting access to content other than content considered to be required for work, enhancing security, enabling browsing only via an intranet, inhibiting access to paid content, and the like.

Commonly, as a method for page access restrictions, equipment on a network path, such as a proxy and a gateway, may be used to restrict access, or the user management function of the OS on which a web browser is operating is used to place access restrictions.

However, if a page access restriction method as described above is used, setting of the equipment such as a proxy and a gateway is complicated, and all pieces of equipment connecting to a network via the equipment are influenced.

Furthermore, in the case of the access restriction method utilizing the user management function of the OS of a general-purpose PC, a user is required to perform user switching at the OS level every time he uses the PC. In the case of using software-embedded equipment, such as a household electrical appliance and a copying machine, it is impossible to perform such an operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above situation, and its object is to provide a web browser operation method and operation apparatus capable of preferably setting an access restriction function of restricting access of a web browser to used by an unspecified number of users.

In order to solve the above problems, a web browser operation method of the present invention is a web browser operation method comprising a content display step of displaying content acquired from a web server on a predetermined screen based on a format described in the content, a tool display step of displaying an operation tool for performing operation related to processing of the content on the screen, an input step of inputting an operation instruction by a user with the use of the operation tool, and a processing step of performing processing related to the content displayed on the screen based on the operation instruction, the method further comprising: a first setting step of setting restrictions on operation instructions by the user; and a second setting step of setting selection by the user of tool portions corresponding to the restrictions set by the first setting step, among tool portions to be specified by the operation tool, as disabled.

Other feature and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like references characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a block diagram showing configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 1, a controller unit100is connected to a scanner170which is an image input device and a printer195which is an image output device. Meanwhile, it is connected to a LAN111or a public line (WAN)151to input/output image information or device information.

In the controller unit100, a CPU101is a controller for controlling the entire system. A RAM102is a system work memory where the CPU101operates, and it is also an image memory where image data is to be temporarily stored. A ROM103is a boot ROM, in which a boot program of the system is stored. Furthermore, an HDD104is a hard disk drive, in which system software, image data and the like are to be stored. A real-time OS which is to be embedded in equipment is incorporated in the controller unit100, and the system is controlled by the OS. This OS does not have a user management function.

A VRAM105is a memory in which an operation section display image is stored, which is generated by the CPU101and is to be displayed on an operation section112. An operation section I/F106is an interface section to the operation section (UI)112and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation section112, which is stored in the VRAM105, to the operation section112. The operation section I/F106plays a role of communicating information inputted from the operation section112by a user of this system, to the CPU101.

A network interface (Network1/F)110connects to the LAN111to input/output information. A modem150connects to the public line (WAN)151to input/output information.

The network interface110and the modem150are used to access the LAN111, the public line (WAN)151, a web server or the like to input information such as web content or request web content from a web server or the like.

The devices described above are arranged on a system bus107.

An image bus I/F109is a bus bridge for connecting the system bus107and an image bus108which transfers image data at a high speed to convert a data structure.

The image bus108is configured by a PCI bus or an IEEE 1394 bus. The following devices are arranged on the image bus108.

A raster image processor (RIP)160develops a PDL code into a bitmap image. A device I/F section120connects the scanner170or the printer195, which is an image input/putout device, to the controller unit100to perform synchronous/asynchronous conversion.

A scanner image processing section180performs image processing, such as correction, processing and editing, for inputted image data. A printer image processing section190performs image processing, such as correction of a printer and resolution conversion, for image data to be printed out.

An image rotation section130rotates image data. An image compression section140performs JPEG compression/expansion processing for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR or MH compression/expansion processing for binary image data.

The above devices are configured in an embedded form.

FIG. 2is an external view of the operation section112of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. An LCD display section202is an LCD on which a touch panel sheet201is stuck. A system operation screen and softkeys are displayed on the LCD display section202, and when a displayed portion of a displayed key is pressed, location information about that is communicated to the CPU101which is a controller.

A start key203is used to start operation of reading an original image. At the center of the start key203, there is an LED215which can be displayed in two colors of green and red. The colors indicate whether the start key203is effective or not.

A stop key204performs a function of stopping operation being performed. A reset key205is used to initialize the settings for the operation section112. A ten key group206is used to input a numeric value. A clear key207is used to clear an inputted numeric value.

An ID key208is used to input a user ID of a user. The ID key208is also used as a key for an administrator of this apparatus (system) to switch to an administrator mode in which he is specially authorized to make various setting for the apparatus. The ID key208is also used as a key for exiting the administrator mode when the state is the administrator mode. Transition to the administrator mode will be described later in detail.

A guide key209is used to display a help screen, which is an auxiliary screen for explaining setting and input methods. A user mode key210is used to make special settings or detailed settings related to operation of the apparatus. A counter key211is used to confirm the number of sheets of paper printed by the apparatus. A power saving key212is used to switch the apparatus to a standby state to suppress power consumption. A power supply key213is used to turn on or off the power supply of the apparatus. Tally lamps216and217flicker or light up when the apparatus is in operation and when some abnormality has occurred in the apparatus, respectively. A power supply lamp218lights up when the power supply for the apparatus is turned on by the power supply key213.

FIG. 3is a block diagram for illustrating detailed configuration of the operation section112of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 3, in the image processing apparatus according to this embodiment, the CPU101performs overall control of access to various devices connected to the system bus107based on a control programs and the like stored in the ROM103for programs, reads inputted information from the scanner170connected via an image input section interface171, and outputs an image signal as output information to the printer195connected via a printer interface196.

In the ROM103for programs, there are stored control programs for performing processings shown by flowcharts inFIG. 5AtoFIG. 6Dto be described later. The RAM102functions as a main memory, a work area and the like for the CPU101. The RAM102receives a user input from the touch panel sheet201or various hardkeys203to213and acquires content of operation via an input device controller301. Then, display screen data is generated based on the acquired content of operation and the control programs described above on the CPU101. The control programs include a program for realizing a web browser function, and a user management function is provided at the application level (not at the OS level).

Furthermore, the generated screen data is stored in the VRAM105, and after that, it is outputted to the LCD202via an output device controller302for controlling a screen output device.

Furthermore, a signal is given to the output device controller302from the CPU101in accordance with the control programs based on a user input or the apparatus condition to appropriately light up or light out the LED215, the tally lamps216and217, the power supply lamp218and the like.

Detailed description will be made below on examples in which an image processing apparatus configured as described above is used, with reference to drawings.

FIRST EXAMPLE

FIGS. 4A to 4Jshow examples of a display screen to be displayed on the LCD display section202in a first example of the present invention.FIG. 4Ashows an example of a display screen to be displayed when a web browser function is selected in the image processing apparatus according to this embodiment described above, in which restrictions are not set on the web browser function. InFIG. 4A, reference numeral4001denotes a content display area.

The content display area4001is an area in which a so-called web page, such as HTML content, acquired from a web server via the LAN111or the public line (WAN)151is formed and displayed based on a format in accordance with the description. As shown inFIG. 4A, scroll bars are displayed at the right and bottom portions of the display area as necessary to enable display of content with a size larger than the size of this display area. If a symbol on the content displayed in the display area is linked to some page, it is possible to acquire and display content on the page to which the symbol is linked by pressing the symbol on the touch panel201.

Furthermore, inFIG. 4A, by pressing each of symbols4002to4011on the touch panel sheet201, it is possible to perform operation corresponding thereto.

That is, reference numeral4002denotes a return key. By pressing this return key4002, it is possible to switch the content currently displayed on the content display area4001to the content displayed immediately before the current content. Reference numeral4003denotes a forward key. If content display history is traced with the use of the above-described return key4002, it is possible to display content immediately after the traced content on the content display area4001by pressing this forward key4003.

Furthermore, reference numeral4004denotes a stop key. When web content is being read, it is possible to stop the reading by pressing this stop key4004. Furthermore, reference numeral4005denotes a reread key. By pressing this reread key4005, the web content currently displayed is reread from a web server indicated by the URL and displayed. Reference numeral4006is a home key. By pressing this home key4006, it is possible to acquire content from a URL address set as a home page and display it.

Reference numeral4007denotes a tool key. By pressing this tool key4007, it is possible to display a screen for using special functions related to web browsing. These functions include, for example, a bookmark function capable of storing a URL address in advance to quickly specify a web page by specifying the stored URL address, a page storage function of downloading the web content currently displayed from a web server and storing it in a storage device such as the HDD104, a history function capable of listing up URL addresses of web content displayed in the past and displaying a web page of a specified URL, and the like.

Furthermore, reference numeral4008denotes a display key, which is a tool making it possible to, by pressing the display key4008, display a screen for making settings related to web content display, such as specification of interpretation of character codes of the web content being displayed in the content display area4001, specification of Japanese hyphenation and a justification function, specification about whether an image such as a JPEG image is to be displayed or not, and the like.

Furthermore, reference numeral4009denotes a setting key, which is a tool making it possible to, by pressing the setting key4009, display a screen for making settings related to web browsing, such as setting of a proxy address, setting of the URL address of a home page, setting of cache size or a certification, and setting of restriction on operation and display.

Furthermore, reference numeral4010denotes a print key. By pressing this print key4010, a setting screen for printing out the web content currently displayed in the content display area4001from the printer195is displayed. This tool makes it possible to print out web content from the printer195by instructing start of printing from this setting screen. When web content is printed by this print key4010, the printing is performed after layout is adjusted so that the web content is appropriately fit in the paper size specified for printing.

Furthermore reference numeral4011denotes an address bar. In this address bar4011, the URL address of the web content currently displayed in the content display area4001is displayed. By pressing this address bar4011, a software keyboard is displayed on the screen, and a user is enabled to input a URL address.

FIG. 4Bshows an example of a screen to be displayed when the address bar4011is pressed on the screen shown inFIG. 4A. InFIG. 4B, reference numeral4101denotes an input character display area. Reference numeral4012denotes a software keyboard. The user can input characters indicating a URL address or the like by pressing keys displayed on the software keyboard4102. The input character display area4101is an area for displaying characters inputted by the software keyboard4102.

Reference numeral4103denotes a stop key. By pressing this stop key4103, it is possible to discard characters inputted by the software keyboard4102and stop display of the software keyboard4102. Reference numeral4104denotes an end key. By pressing this end key4104, a character string inputted by the software keyboard4102and displayed in the input character display area4101is reflected in the address bar4011, and display of the software keyboard4102is terminated.

FIG. 4Cshows an example of a screen to be displayed when the tool key4007is pressed on the screen shown inFIG. 4A. As shown inFIG. 4C, a tool selection screen4201is displayed above the tool key4007. In the tool selection screen4201, there are keys for selecting three functions denoted by reference numerals4202to4204.

InFIG. 4C, reference numeral4202denotes a bookmark key. By pressing this key, it is possible to display a bookmark editing screen. Reference numeral4203denotes a page storage key. By pressing this key, it is possible to display a page storage editing screen. Reference numeral4204denotes a history key. By pressing this key, it is possible to display a history editing screen.

FIG. 4Dshows an example of a screen to be displayed when the bookmark key4202is pressed on the screen shown inFIG. 4C. On the screen shown inFIG. 4D, it is possible to specify and display a URL stored as a bookmark in advance, edit a URL address stored as a bookmark or a title associated with the address, delete a stored bookmark, or register the URL of web content currently displayed in the content display area4001as a bookmark.

InFIG. 4D, reference numeral4301denotes a bookmark list display area. In this example, a bookmark is stored as a pair of a URL address and a title character string indicating the content. In the bookmark list display area4301, the title character strings and the URL's are displayed as a list. The user can select any one bookmark from this list, and can perform various operations for the selected bookmark with the use of bookmark operation keys4302to4305.

First, reference numeral4302denotes a display key. By pressing this display key4302, it is possible to acquire web content from the URL address of the bookmark currently selected and display it in the content display area4001. Reference numeral4303denotes an edit key. By pressing this key, a screen for editing the URL address or the title character string of the bookmark currently selected is displayed.

Reference numeral4304denotes a delete key. By pressing this delete key4304, the bookmark currently selected is deleted from the bookmark list display area4301, and information corresponding to the deleted bookmark, which is stored in the HDD104or the like, is also deleted.

Furthermore, reference numeral4305is an add key. By pressing this add key4305, it is possible to store the URL address of the web content currently displayed in the content display area4001in a storage area of the HDD104or the like as a new bookmark and add it to the bookmark list display area4301. Furthermore, reference numeral4306denotes an end key. By pressing this end key4306, it is possible to close this bookmark editing screen.

FIG. 4Eshows an example of a screen to be displayed when the setting key4009is pressed on the screen inFIG. 4A. However, this screen is displayed only when an administrator password is set. When the an administrator password is not set, the screen shown inFIG. 4Fis displayed.

As shown inFIG. 4E, if the setting key4009is pressed, a password input screen4401is displayed. This screen is displayed to determine whether the user attempting to make settings is an administrator or not so that a user who can make settings related to web browsing may be limited only to a user authorized as an administrator before the settings related to web browsing are made.

InFIG. 4E, reference numeral4402denotes a password input display area. The user inputs a password configured by about five numeric characters with the use of the ten key group206described above. The inputted password is displayed as symbols such as “*****” in the password display area4402.

Reference numeral4403denotes a cancel key. If this cancel key4403is pressed, this screen is closed without performing password authentication. In this case, the display screen returns to the display screen inFIG. 4A.

Furthermore, reference numeral4404denotes an OK key. By pressing this OK key4404, it is determined whether or not an inputted password corresponds to an administrator password set in advance. If it is determined that they correspond to each other, then a web browsing function setting screen shown inFIG. 4Fis displayed. On the other hand, if it is determined that they do not correspond to each other, then the user is notified to that effect, the inputted password is cleared, and then input of a password is requested again.

FIG. 4Fis an example of a screen to be displayed when it is determined that a password inputted on the screen shown inFIG. 4Ecorresponds to an administrator password. The screen shown inFIG. 4Fis also displayed if the setting key4009inFIG. 4Ais pressed when an administer password is not set. The screen shown inFIG. 4Fis a part of a screen for making various settings for web browsing, and there are various kinds of setting items other than those shown inFIG. 4F. On the screen inFIG. 4F, reference numerals4501to4505denote checkboxes for setting selection of operations and displays which users are inhibited to perform in web browsing. Reference numeral4506denotes a checkbox for setting an administrator password.

Reference numeral4501denotes a URL input inhibition check key. By pressing this URL input inhibition check key4501to give a checkmark in the checkbox, it is possible to set inhibition of input of a URL address by a user. Reference numeral4502denotes a bookmark editing inhibition check key. By pressing this bookmark editing inhibition check key4502to give a checkmark in the checkbox, it is possible to set inhibition of operations such as addition, editing, and deletion of a bookmark. Furthermore, reference numeral4503denotes a print inhibition check key. By pressing this print inhibition check key4503to give a checkmark in the checkbox, it is possible to set inhibition of an printing operation.

Reference numeral4504denotes a page storage inhibition check key. By pressing this page storage inhibition check key4504to give a checkmark in the checkbox, it is possible to set inhibition of a page storage operation. Reference numeral4505denotes a home page setting inhibition check key. By pressing this home page setting inhibition check key4505to give a checkmark in the checkbox, it is possible to set inhibition of an operation of editing a home page. Reference numeral4506denotes an administrator password setting display area. The user uses the ten key group206to set a password with the use of, for example, about five numeric characters. The set password is displayed as symbols such as “*****” in the setting display area4506so that it is not read even if it is snooped by a third person.

Furthermore, reference numeral4507denotes a previous key. By pressing this previous key4507, it is possible to display a screen immediately before the current screen, among screens for setting various setting items for web browsing. Reference numeral4508denotes a next key. By pressing this next key4508, it is possible to display a screen immediately after the current screen, among the screens for setting various setting items for web browsing. Furthermore, reference numeral4509denotes an end key. By pressing this end key4509, it is possible to close the setting screen shown inFIG. 4F.

FIG. 4Gshows an example of a display screen corresponding to the screen shown inFIG. 4Ain the case of having made the web browsing function restriction settings as shown on the screen inFIG. 4F. Since inhibition of printing is set by the print inhibition check key4503inFIG. 4F, the print key4010inFIG. 4Gis displayed as disabled (for example, reverse display indicating impossibility of selection) so that a user cannot operate it. Even if the user presses the print key4010in this condition, nothing occurs (because it cannot be operated), and the user cannot print web content.

Furthermore, since inhibition of operation of inputting a URL address is set by checking the checkbox of the URL input inhibition check key4501inFIG. 4F, the address bar4011inFIG. 4Gis displayed as disabled (for example, reverse display) so that a user cannot operate it. Even if the user performs an operation of pressing the address bar4011in this condition, the software keyboard as shown inFIG. 4Bis not displayed, and the user cannot specify a URL to display a web page.

FIG. 4Hshows an example of a display screen corresponding toFIG. 4Din the case of having made settings as shown on the screen inFIG. 4F. By the checkmark set for the bookmark editing inhibition check key4502on the screen shown inFIG. 4F, operations such as editing, deletion and addition of a bookmark are inhibited. Thereby, as shown inFIG. 4H, all of the page edit key4203, the delete key4304and the add key4305are displayed as disabled (for example, reverse display) so that they cannot be selected. Thereby, the administrator can enable a user, who is permitted to perform an operation of displaying a bookmark, to browse only particular bookmarks specified by the administrator.

As described above, the administrator of this apparatus (system) can freely set items to be inhibited for users in web browsing, and thereby, it is possible to preferably perform management for limitation browsing only to particular servers, protection of apparatus hardware resources and the like, suppression of printing cost.

Herein, items to be operated are restricted depending on whether the operator is an administrator or a common user (whether the operation is performed in the administrator mode or in a normal state). However, restrictions may differ for each user. In this case, though user management is complicated, it is possible to set more detailed use restrictions. Content of restrictions is held in the RAM102as user management information.

Next, the content of the processing performed on each of the screens shown inFIGS. 4A to 4Hwill be described with the use of each of flowcharts shown inFIGS. 5A to 5D. The procedures are stored in the ROM103for programs or the HDD104and executed as necessary in this apparatus.

FIG. 5Ais a flowchart for illustrating main processing to be performed when a web browser is activated in the first example. First, the input device controller301monitors input by a user from the touch panel sheet201and the various hardkeys203to213(step S5101).

Next, it is determined whether there is an instruction (input) from the user (step S5102). As a result, if it is determined that there is not an instruction from the user (No), then the procedure returns step S5101and continues monitoring of input. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an instruction from the user at step S5102(Yes), then it is determined what the user instruction was through steps S5103to S5107. Then, after performing processing corresponding to the instruction input through steps S5108to S5113, the procedure returns to step S5101and monitors the next input from the user.

If it is determined at step S5103that the instruction from the user is an instruction to input a password (Yes), then the password input screen as shown inFIG. 4Eis displayed, and a password is inputted in the password display area4402(step S5109). After that, the procedure returns to the processing of step S5101.

If the instruction is not to input a password at step S5103(No), then it is determined whether the instruction input from the user is an instruction to set a password (step S5104). As a result, if it is determined that the instruction is to set a password (Yes), then the screen shown inFIG. 4Fis displayed, and a password is set in the password setting display area4506(step S5110). After that, the procedure returns to the processing of step S5101.

If the instruction is not to set a password at step S5104(No), then it is determined whether the instruction from the user is an instruction to finish input of a password (step S5105). As a result, if it is determined that the instruction is an instruction to finish input of a password (Yes), that is, if it is determined that the OK key4404inFIG. 4Ehas been pressed, then, password determination processing is performed (step S5111). After that, the procedure returns the processing of step S5101.

FIG. 5Bis a flowchart for illustrating details of the password determination processing of step S5111. The processing is performed when it is determined that the input instruction from the user is an instruction to finish input of a password.

First, it is determined whether the inputted password corresponds to an administrator password stored in advance (step S5201). As a result, if the passwords correspond to each other (step S5202: Yes), then the function setting screen shown inFIG. 4Fis displayed (step S5203). On the other hand, if the passwords do not correspond to each other (step S5202: No), then password re-input processing is performed (step S5204). This is processing for notifying the user that the passwords do not correspond to each other, clearing the inputted password, and prompting the user to re-input a password.

If it is determined that the instruction is not an instruction to finish input of a password at step S5105(No), then it is determined whether the instruction input from the user is an instruction to perform operation of a web browser screen (step S5106). As a result, if it is determined that the instruction input from the user is an instruction to perform operation of a web browser screen (Yes), then browser screen operation processing is performed (step S5112). After that, the procedure returns to the processing of step S5101.

FIG. 5Cis a flowchart for illustrating details of the browser screen operation processing of step S5112. This processing is performed when the input instruction from the user is determined to be an instruction to perform operation of a browser screen, at step S5106inFIG. 5A.

First, screen information about which keys and display areas the currently displayed screen is configured by is read (step S5301). Next, settings of an item for which input or operation is inhibited (restriction information) are read (step S5302). Then, it is determined, from the screen configuration information, which key or display area the operation corresponds to, and then it is determined whether display of the key or display area is functionally restricted (step S5303).

As a result, if it is determined at step S5303that display is functionally restricted (Yes), then the processing is terminated without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined that display is not functionally restricted (No), then processing corresponding to the specified key or display area is performed (step S5304).

Furthermore, if the display screen is switched as a result of the processing of step S5304, it is determined whether there is any restricted function item (step S5305). As a result, if it is determined that there is no such restricted item (No), then the screen being displayed is immediately displayed (step S5307). On the contrary, if it is determined that there is any restricted item (Yes), then the restricted item is changed to be displayed as disabled (for example, reverse display) so that the screen is displayed under restriction (step S5306).

If it is determined at step S5106that the instruction input is not an instruction to operate a browser screen (No), then it is determined whether or not the instruction input from the user is an instruction to display the function setting screen (step S5107). As a result, if it is determined that the setting key4009inFIG. 4Ahas been pressed (Yes), then function setting screen display processing is performed (step S5113). After that, the procedure returns to the processing of step S5101.

FIG. 5Dis a flowchart for illustrating details of the function setting screen display processing of step S5113. That is, the flowchart shown inFIG. 5Dshows processing to be performed when it is determined at step S5107inFIG. 5Athat the input instruction from the user is an instruction to display the function setting screen.

First, it is determined whether or not an administrator password is currently set (step S5401). As a result, if it is determined that an administrator password is not set (No), then the function setting screen is displayed (step S5402). On the other hand, if it is determined that an administrator password is set (Yes), then the password input screen is displayed (step S5403).

If it is determined at step S5107that the instruction input from the user is not an instruction to display the function setting screen (No), that is, if it is determined that it does not correspond to any of the above-described steps, then processing (default processing) to the instruction is performed (step S5108). This default processing is not directly related to this invention, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted. After this processing, the procedure returns to the processing of step S5101.

As described above, in this embodiment, in the case where page access restrictions are to be placed on a web browser used by an unspecified number of users, such as a web browser mounted on a software-embedded equipment, an administrator of each equipment can easily place the access restrictions without making complicated and troublesome settings like those for a proxy and a gateway.

SECOND EXAMPLE

Next, a second example of an image processing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 4A to 4JandFIGS. 6A to 6D. In the second example, difference from the first example will be described in detail, and description of portions common to the first example will be omitted.

In the second example, state transition to an administrator mode is further added to the processing of the first example. This administrator mode is a state indicating that an administrator is operating, to which the mode transitions when a user authorized as an administrator is determined to be certainly an administrator after authentication. The user can perform various operations and settings with authority as an administrator until he exits from this state. It is possible to exit the administrator mode by pressing a particular key.

When the state is the administrator mode, some symbol or the like indicating that the state is the administrator mode is displayed on anywhere on the screen so that the user can confirm the state. In order to transition to the administrator mode, the password input screen4401as shown inFIG. 4Eis displayed to authenticate whether the user is an administrator, and authentication is performed there. The password input screen can be displayed by pressing a particular key such as the ID key208.

FIG. 4Ishows an example of a screen to be displayed when a password inputted on the screen shown inFIG. 4Eis determined to correspond to an administrator password. In the figure, the state has transitioned to the administrator mode because the user has been authenticated as an administrator. InFIG. 4I, reference numeral4801denotes display indicating that the state is currently the administrator mode.

FIG. 4Icorresponds to the screen inFIG. 4Gbefore transition to the administrator mode. However, when the state transitions to the administrator mode, the address bar4011and the print key4010are not displayed as disabled (for example, reverse display) and can be operated similarly to the case where inhibition settings are not made, even if the URL input inhibition check key4501and the print inhibition check key4503have been set on the function setting screen shown inFIG. 4F.

FIG. 4Jshows an example of a screen to be displayed when a password inputted on the screen shown inFIG. 4Eis determined to correspond to an administrator password. InFIG. 4J, since the state has transitioned to the administrator mode the same as the above-described example, a symbol indicating that the state is currently the administrator mode is displayed as shown as display4901.

FIG. 4Jcorresponds to the screen inFIG. 4Hbefore transition to the administrator mode. However, since the state has transitioned to the administrator mode, the edit key4303, the delete key4304and the add key4305are not displayed as disabled and can be operated the same as the case where the inhibition settings are not made, even if the bookmark editing inhibition check key4502has been set on the function setting screen shown inFIG. 4F.

When the state is the administrator mode, it is possible to exit the administrator mode by pressing the ID key208. By exiting the administrator mode on the display screen inFIG. 4Iwhen function restrictions have been set on the function setting screen shown inFIG. 4F, the display screen is switched to a display screen as shown inFIG. 4G.

As described above, even when various function restrictions have been set for a web browse, it is possible for only an administrator to use all functions in spite of the restrictions by means of state transition to the administrator mode, and thereby, the administrator's management work can be facilitated.

The procedure for performing such processing will be described with the use of flowcharts shown inFIGS. 6A to 6D. In the description of each flowchart, difference from the first example will be described in detail, and description of portions common to the first example will be omitted.

FIG. 6Ais a flowchart for illustrating main processing to be performed when a web browser is activated in a second embodiment. First, an instruction (input) from a user is monitored at steps S6101and S6102, the same as the first example. As a result, if it is determined that there is an instruction from the user, then what was the input is determined through steps S6103to S6109, and processing corresponding to the instruction input is performed through steps S6110to S6117.

Here, the processing through steps S6103to S6107and the processing of step S6110are similar to those in the above-described first example, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

InFIG. 6A, steps S6108and S6109are processings which are newly added in the second example. At step S6108, it is determined whether the instruction input from the user is a request to input a password, that is, whether it is an instruction to transition to the administrator mode by pressing the ID key. As a result, if it is determined that the instruction input is a request to input a password (Yes), then the password input screen4401shown inFIG. 4Eis displayed (step S6116). After that, the procedure returns to the processing of step S6101.

Meanwhile, at step6109, it is determined whether the instruction input from the user is a request to release the administrator mode if it is determined at step S6108that the instruction input is not a request to input a password (No). As a result, if it is determined that the instruction input is a request to release the administrator mode (Yes), then the administrator mode is released, and the display indicating that the state is the administrator mode, such as the display4801inFIG. 4Iand the display4901inFIG. 4J, is deleted (step S6117). After that, the procedure returns the processing of step S6101.

Next, each of processings at steps S6113to S6115will be described with the use of each of flowcharts shown inFIGS. 6B to 6D.

FIG. 6Bis a flowchart for illustrating details of the password determination processing of step S6113. This processing is performed when the input instruction from a user is determined to be an instruction to finish input of a password at step S6105in the flowchart inFIG. 6A.

At the password determination processing of step S6113, the same processing as shown by the flowchart inFIG. 5Bin the above-described first example is performed, and only the processing of step S6203is different. At step S6203, if it is determined that the password inputted by the user and an administrator password stored in advance correspond to each other, the state transitions to the administrator mode, and display indicating that the state has transitioned to the administrator mode is shown.

FIG. 6Cis a flowchart for illustrating details of the browser screen operation processing of step S6114. The processing is performed when it is determined at step6106in the flowchart inFIG. 6Athat the input instruction from the user is an instruction to operate a browser screen. In this processing, though the same processing of the flowchart shown inFIG. 5Cin the above-described first example is performed, processings of steps S6303, S6309and S6310are newly added.

At step S6303, it is determined whether the mode is currently the administrator mode. As a result, if it is determined that the state has not transitioned to the administrator mode (No), then the processings at step S6304and subsequent steps are performed. These processings are the same as described in the flowchart inFIG. 5C. On the contrary, if it is determined that the state has transitioned to the administrator mode (Yes), then the processings of steps S6309and S6310are performed.

At step S6309, processing corresponding to a specified key or display area is performed. At step S6310, the display screen is immediately displayed without placing function restrictions.

FIG. 6Dis a flowchart for illustrating details of the function setting screen display processing of step S6115. That is, the flowchart shown inFIG. 6Dshows processing to be performed when it is determined at step S6107inFIG. 6Athat the input instruction from the user is an instruction to display the function setting screen. That is, though the same processing as shown by the flowchart inFIG. 5Din the first example is performed, processing of step S6401is newly added.

At step S6401, it is determined whether the mode is currently the administrator mode. As a result, if it is determined that the mode is the administrator mode (Yes), then the procedure proceeds to processing of step S6403. If it is determined that the mode is not the administrator mode (No), then the procedure proceeds to processing of step S6402. The processings of steps S6402and S6403are the same processings in the flow described in the flowchart inFIG. 5D.

As described above, according to the second example, it is further possible to easily make settings without performing processing such as re-login when an administrator makes access restriction settings, in addition to the effect described in the first example. Furthermore, it is possible for the administrator himself to access pages without access restrictions and freely browse necessary content.

In the above embodiment, description has been made on a case where a web browser is integrally incorporated in an image processing apparatus. However, the same processings may be performed by a general-purpose PC or the like. In this case, however, it is necessary to separately perform-connection of a printing apparatus, setting of a driver and the like to cause print processing to be performed.

The web browser is not limited to HTML content but is, of course, applicable to various forms such as those corresponding to XML or SOAP.

Other Embodiments

Embodiment examples have been described above. However, the present invention can be realized in embodiment aspects as a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, a storage medium (recording medium) and the like, for example. Specifically, the present invention can be applied to a system configured by multiple pieces of equipment or applied to an apparatus configured by a single piece of equipment.

There is included a case where the present invention is achieved by directly or remotely supplying software programs for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment (in the embodiment, programs corresponding to the flowcharts shown in figures) to a system or an apparatus, and by the computer of the system or the apparatus reading and executing the supplied program codes.

Accordingly, the program codes themselves, which are installed on a computer to realize the functions and processings of the present invention by the computer, also realize the present invention. That is, the present invention includes the computer programs themselves for realizing the functions and processings of the present invention.

In this case, the programs may be in the form of object codes, programs to be executed by an interpreter, script data to be supplied to an OS, and the like.

In addition, as the method for supplying the programs, it is also possible to supply the programs by connecting to an Internet web page with the use of a browser of a client computer and downloading the computer programs of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function from the web page to a recording medium such as a hard disk. It is also possible to divide the program codes constituting the programs of the present invention into multiple files so that each file may be downloaded from a different web page. That is, a WWW server enabling multiple users to download a program file for realizing the functions and processings of the present invention is also included in the present invention.

Furthermore, it is also possible to encrypt the programs of the present invention, store them in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM and distribute the CD-ROM to users in order to enable a user who satisfies predetermined conditions to download key information for decryption from a web page via the Internet, use the key information to execute the encrypted programs, install them on a computer and realize them.

Furthermore, in addition to the case where the functions of the embodiment described above are realized by a computer executing the read programs, the functions of the embodiment described above can be also realized by an OS or the like, which is operating on the computer, performing a part or all of the actual processing based on instructions of the programs.

Furthermore, the functions of the embodiment described above can be also realized by the CPU, which is provided for a feature expansion board inserted in a computer or a feature expansion unit connected to the computer, performing a part or all of the actual processing based on instructions of the programs, which have been read from a recording medium and written in the memory provided for the feature expansion board or the feature expansion unit.

According to the present invention, when page access restrictions are placed on a web browser to be used by an unspecified number of users, an administrator of each piece of equipment can easily place such access restrictions without making complicated and troublesome settings such as those for a proxy and a gateway.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-348971 filed on Dec. 1, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.