JP3636282B2 - Facsimile device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a facsimile machine, and more particularly to a facsimile machine having a box.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a facsimile apparatus such as a G3 facsimile, a receiving apparatus simply records a document received from a transmitting apparatus on a recording sheet by a plotter, or a calling apparatus calls a called apparatus to perform polling transmission. The callee device sends a document obtained by reading a document set in the scanner for polling transmission or a document previously stored in the memory for polling transmission to the caller. Thus, device-to-device facsimile communication is performed, such as receiving on the calling side and recording on recording paper with a plotter.
[0003]
On the other hand, since a facsimile machine is rarely used by one user and is often shared by many users, he wants a specific user on the receiving side to receive a document transmitted from the sending apparatus. There was a request for confidential communication function. Further, there has been a request for a selective polling communication function in which the calling side device designates a specific document among a plurality of documents and wants to receive polling from the called side device.
[0004]
However, in the conventional G3 facsimile, the ITU-T recommendation T.30. Since the control signal for the confidential communication function and the selective polling function is not stipulated in the standard, the confidential communication function and the selective polling communication function are individually supported by the non-standard method.
[0005]
Specifically, regarding the confidential communication function, when a document is transmitted from the transmission side device to the reception side device, the confidential ID as normal confidential information is embedded in an information field such as a non-standard function setting signal NSS and notified, The receiving side stores the received document in association with the notified confidential ID, and records the document that matches the confidential ID input in the confidential document extraction operation by using a plotter. As for the selective polling communication function, when a call is made from a calling side device to a called side device, a polling ID is embedded in an information field such as a non-standard function command signal NSC and notified. Multiple stored in association with each polling ID Sentence of The correspondence was made by transmitting to the calling side the one corresponding to the notified polling ID.
[0006]
However, recently, ITU-T recommendation T.I. 30 defines standard control signals that can be used for the confidential communication function and the selective polling communication function, such as the sub address signal SUB, the selective polling signal SEP, the password signal PWD, and the SID (password PWD when using the sub address signal SUB). It was. The subaddress signal SUB is transmitted only when the bit 49 of the information field of the digital identification signal DIS, the digital transmission command signal DTC, or the digital transmission command signal DCS is set. Similarly, password signals PWD and SID are transmitted only when bit 50 is set.
[0007]
The SUB, SEP, and PWD (SID) control signals were studied for effective use by the Telecommunications Equipment Manufacturers Association, and at those seats, these control signals were generically named F codes. Also, on the seat, the concept of the box is determined, and the use of the box for the box confidential communication function and the bulletin board communication function is presented. Box search information is registered in advance in association with the box, and the box search information notified by SUB or SEP and, if necessary, PWD or SID matches the registered box search information. Only the box can be accessed.
[0008]
Those having these boxes are called F-code center machines, sending documents to F-code center machine boxes (referred to as F-code transmission), and taking out documents from F-code center machine boxes (F-codes). It is referred to as an F-code compatible machine that only needs to be able to carry out).
[0009]
As described above, since a document can be transmitted by designating a box to an F code center machine, and a document can be received from a F code center machine by designating a box, In addition to the box confidential communication function and bulletin board communication function used, the relay communication function via the box of the F code center machine, and the function of distributing the document via the box to the terminal on the network connected to the F code center machine Etc. are also proposed.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In a facsimile apparatus having such a box, a box is opened for each purpose or individual for confidential communication, bulletin board communication, and the like, and thus a large storage area for box management is required.
[0011]
Also, in a facsimile machine with a box, if the machine can be used unconditionally, there is a problem in terms of protecting the document associated with the box. A plurality of devices are stored in advance, and when the password entered when the device is in a usage-restricted state matches the password stored in advance, the usage-restricted state is canceled and the device can be used. There is a case.
[0012]
Therefore, when restricting use in a facsimile machine having a box, a storage area for box management and a plurality of PIN code storage areas stored in advance for the use restriction function are required, and a lot of storage areas are required. There was a problem.
[0013]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a facsimile apparatus having a box and capable of minimizing a necessary storage area even when the use is restricted.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the claims 1 The facsimile apparatus described in (2) stores in advance box management information in which at least box search information is registered corresponding to each box, and notifies the box search information from the transmission source device at the time of reception of the received document. For the accompanying items, the same box search information as the notified box search information is stored in the memory in association with the registered box management information, and the box search information is notified from the calling source device at the time of polling transmission. In the facsimile apparatus that reads and transmits a document stored in the memory in association with the box management information in which the same box search information as the notified box search information is registered, the box management information corresponds to the box's Box showing usage pattern Type Information A search target box type setting means for setting a search target box type in advance, a password input means for inputting a password when the apparatus is in a use-restricted state, and the box management information A password search means for sequentially searching for a box type whose search type is a preset search target box type and determining whether or not box search information that matches the input password is registered; It is characterized by comprising usage restriction releasing means for shifting the state of the apparatus from the usage restricted state to the usable state when box search information matching the personal identification number is registered.
[0015]
Claim 2 The facsimile apparatus described in (2) stores in advance box management information in which at least box search information is registered corresponding to each box, and notifies the box search information from the transmission source device at the time of reception of the received document. For the accompanying items, the same box search information as the notified box search information is stored in the memory in association with the registered box management information, and the box search information is notified from the calling source device at the time of polling transmission. In the facsimile apparatus that reads and transmits a document stored in the memory in association with the box management information in which the same box search information as the notified box search information is registered, each of the box management information , A search permission setting means for setting whether or not to search for a password, and a password input for inputting a password when the apparatus is in a restricted use state. And a password that sequentially searches for a set of password search targets among the box management information to determine whether box search information that matches the input password is registered. A facsimile comprising: search means; and use restriction releasing means for shifting the state of the apparatus from a use restriction state to an available state when box search information that matches the input password is registered. apparatus.
[0016]
Claim 3 The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 1 or 2 In the facsimile apparatus according to any one of the above, when each box management information includes the name of each box, the box search information is registered when box search information that matches the input password is registered. It further comprises name display means for displaying the name of the box included in the box management information.
[0017]
Claim 4 The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 1, 2 or 3 In the facsimile apparatus according to any one of the above, when the personal identification number input means causes the personal identification number to be input when the state of the apparatus is in a use-restricted state, the input personal identification number is not displayed without being displayed. The display is such that the number of digits can be recognized.
[0018]
Claim 5 The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 1, 2, 3 or 4 In the facsimile apparatus according to any one of the above, if the box search information that matches the entered password is not registered, a message indicating that the password does not match is displayed and the password is re-entered in the password input means. It is further characterized in that it further includes a means for dealing with a secret code number to be performed.
[0019]
Claim 6 The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 5 In the facsimile apparatus described in 1., the number of times of input of a secret number having no matching box search information is counted, and when the count value by the number of times of mismatch count reaches a predetermined value, use of the status of the apparatus is restricted. The apparatus further comprises a use prohibition state transition means for shifting from the state to the use prohibition state.
[0020]
Claim 7 The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 6 The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a wrong PIN number input notifying means for displaying when the count value by the non-matching number counting means reaches a predetermined value.
[0021]
Claim 8 The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 6 or 7 In the facsimile apparatus according to any one of the above, a release operation monitoring unit that monitors whether a specific use prohibition release operation input is made when the state of the apparatus is a use prohibition state, and the specific use prohibition release operation is performed. Then, change the device state from Use It is further characterized by further comprising a use prohibition releasing means for shifting to the restricted state.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0024]
First, FIG. 1 shows a block configuration of a facsimile apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025]
In the figure, a facsimile apparatus 1 includes a system control unit 2, ROM 3, RAM 4, scanner 5, plotter 6, image memory 7, clock circuit 8, operation display unit 9, encoding / decoding unit 10, modem 11, network control unit. 12 and a system bus 13.
[0026]
The system control unit 2 controls each unit of the apparatus while using the RAM 4 as a work area according to a control program written in the ROM 3.
[0027]
As described above, the ROM 3 is a read-only memory in which a control program for the system control unit 2 to control each unit of the apparatus is stored. The ROM 3 stores a font table 3a in which font data is associated with each character code, and the system control unit 2 refers to the font table 3a when converting a character string into image information.
[0028]
The RAM 4 is a random access memory used as a work area for the system control unit 2 as described above. Note that the RAM 4 is backed up by a backup circuit (not shown), and the stored contents are retained even when the apparatus power is shut off.
[0029]
The scanner 5 is for obtaining image information by reading a document image at a predetermined reading line density such as 3.85 lines / mm, 7.7 lines / mm, and 15.4 lines / mm. The plotter 6 records and outputs the received image information according to its linear density, and records and outputs (copying) the image information read by the scanner 5 according to the linear density.
[0030]
The image memory 7 temporarily stores the image information (document) read by the scanner 5 as a file for transmission to the memory, or temporarily stores the received document as a file until it is recorded by the plotter 6. Is to do.
[0031]
The clock circuit 8 measures time, and the system control unit 2 can know the current time by reading the clock circuit 8.
[0032]
The operation display unit 9 is provided with a numeric keypad for designating a destination facsimile number, a transmission start key, a one-touch dial key, and other various keys, and is provided with a display such as a liquid crystal display device to notify the user. It displays the operating status of the power device and various messages.
[0033]
FIG. 2 shows an arrangement configuration example of the operation display unit 9 that is not shown except for the portion directly related to the present embodiment. In the figure, a numeric keypad 9a is used for inputting a number when directly specifying a destination fax number or the like. [Yes] key 9b and [No] key 9c are keys for allowing the user to make various selections of decision or cancellation. [Stop] key 9d is used to instruct forcible stop of various operations. The [Start] key 9e is used to instruct the start of a facsimile transmission operation or the start of a copy operation. [Function] key 9f is used for a time designation transmission, a department code designation transmission, a function other than a one-touch dial registration function, a speed dial registration function, a user parameter setting function, and a function as a standard facsimile apparatus of facsimile apparatus 1. Calling up and executing each function by pressing this [function] key 9f and inputting the number corresponding to each function with the numeric keypad 9a. Can do.
[0034]
The cursor key group 9g includes a [down arrow] key 9gd, a [left arrow] key 9gl, a [right arrow] key 9gr, and an [up arrow] key 9gu. [Down arrow] key 9gd and [Up arrow] key 9gu change the display content of display 9h or scroll the display content up and down in response to pressing of each key. The [Left arrow] key 9gl and the [Right arrow] key 9gr are used to select items, functions, and the like displayed on the display 8h in response to pressing of each key. The display 9h displays the operation state of the apparatus to be notified to the user and various messages.
[0035]
Returning to FIG. 1, the encoding / decoding unit 10 encodes and compresses transmission image data with a predetermined encoding method such as an MH encoding method, an MR encoding method, or an MMR encoding method that is compatible with a G3 facsimile. On the other hand, the received image data is decoded and expanded by a predetermined decoding method corresponding to the MH encoding method, the MR encoding method, the MMR encoding method, or the like.
[0036]
The modem 11 is a G3 facsimile modem that modulates data transmitted to the public network via the network control unit 12 and demodulates signals received from the public network via the network control unit 12. The modem 11 also sends out a DTMF signal corresponding to the dial number. The network control unit 12 is connected to the public network, and closes / releases the DC loop of the line, detects polarity inversion of the line, detects line release, detects a dial tone, detects a tone signal such as a busy tone, Connection control with a line such as signal detection and generation of dial pulses are performed. The system bus 13 is a signal line for the above units to exchange data.
[0037]
With the configuration described above, the facsimile apparatus 1 stores a box management table 4a in the RAM 4 as shown in FIG. The box management table 4a is configured as a set of box management information corresponding to the box ID assigned to identify each box with each other in the configuration as shown in FIG. An opened flag Fo indicating whether each box has been opened (value 1) or not (value 0) is also stored corresponding to each box. Further, the currently accessed box is pointed by the pointer P.
[0038]
FIG. 5 shows the contents of the box management information associated with the box ID.
[0039]
In the figure, the box management information includes at least a registration F code, a registration password, and a box name as contents.
[0040]
The “registered F code” is collated with the F code received as the subaddress signal SUB or the selective polling signal SEP from the transmission source device when the document is received, and the “registration password” is the subaddress signal from the transmission source device when the document is received. The password is collated with the password received as the password signal PWD (SID) together with the SUB and the selective polling signal SEP. The “box name” is a name given to the box, in which the name of the user who has been assigned the box is registered.
[0041]
The transmission / reception document (image information) includes an image information file stored in the image memory 7 as shown in FIG. 6, and a file number for identifying each image information file and a box ID in the configuration shown in FIG. And an image information main body. The box ID is for associating the image information file with each box management information constituting the box management table 4a, and is attached to each box information corresponding to each box management information constituting the box management table 4a and each image information file. The box and the document are associated with each other by the box ID.
[0042]
Thereby, the facsimile machine 1 performs a confidential communication function and a bulletin board communication function using the F code. Specifically, when the subaddress is notified by the subaddress signal SUB when the document is received, the notified subaddress and the box management table 4a. Each When there is a document retrieval operation with input of a sub address after collating the registered F code which is box identification information in the box management information, storing the received document in the image memory in association with the matching box ID, The registered F code in each box management information is checked against the input sub-address and the image information file associated with the matching box management information is recorded on a recording sheet by the plotter 6, or selectively sent from the calling source device at the time of polling transmission. When the SEP number is notified by the polling signal SEP, the notified SEP number is compared with the registered F code, which is the box identification information, in each box management information of the box management table 4a and corresponds to the matching box ID. The image information file in the image memory is read and transmitted to the caller device. As communication using the F code, relay communication, network distribution, etc. can be considered in addition to confidential communication and bulletin board communication.
[0043]
In this way, the facsimile apparatus 1 that manages documents by using a box is normally in a use-restricted state, that is, only when a personal identification number can be entered, and is used only when the inputted personal identification number matches a personal identification number registered in advance. It is in a state where it can move to a possible state.
[0044]
The use restriction state release processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0045]
In the figure, the facsimile machine 1 in the usage restricted state displays the display D01 shown in FIG. 9 on the display 9h to indicate that the usage is restricted and to prompt the input of a personal identification number (processing) 101).
[0046]
Then, the personal identification number input process (process 102) and the personal identification number search process are performed (process 103), it is determined whether the value of the flag Fa is 1 (determination 104), and the value of the flag Fa is 1. (Yes in decision 104), the state shifts to an available state and the user can use the device.
[0047]
When the value of the flag Fa is 0 (No in the determination 104), the process returns to the process 102 and the password input process is performed again.
[0048]
Here, a specific processing procedure of the password input process in the process 102 of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0049]
In FIG. 11, the system control unit 2 monitors whether or not a number is input by the numeric keypad 9a (No loop of determination 201), and if a number is input (Yes of determination 201), the display 9h displays the number in FIG. The displayed display D10 is displayed (process 202), the number sequence that has been input so far is stored, and the input number sequence is displayed as shown in display D10 (process 203). In the display D10, if the input number string is acceptable as the password, the [Yes] key 9b is pressed, and if the input number string is cancelled, the display prompts the user to press the [No] key 9c. Yes.
[0050]
Then, while monitoring whether the [Yes] key 9b is pressed or whether the [No] key 9c is pressed, the determination 201, the processing 202, and the processing 203 are performed (No in the determination 204, in the determination 205). No loop).
[0051]
When the [No] key 9c is pressed (Yes in determination 205), the input number sequence stored in the process 203 is cleared (process 206), and the display D11 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display 9h. Thus, the display of the input number string is also cleared (processing 207), and the processing returns to the judgment 201.
[0052]
When the [Yes] key 9b is pressed (Yes in decision 204), the number string that has been input so far is substituted into the variable Code (process 208). Thereby, the input personal identification number can be obtained as the value of the variable Code.
[0053]
Next, a specific processing procedure of the password search process in the process 103 of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0054]
In the figure, the system control unit 2 first initializes a box search pointer P to 1 (process 301), and an established flag corresponding to the box pointed to by the pointer P (the box whose box ID is the value of the pointer P). If the value of Fo is 1 and it is determined whether the box is already opened (decision 302), and if it is not opened (No in decision 302), it is determined whether there is a next box to be searched. If there is no next box (No in decision 305), the flag Fa is reset to 0 (process 307). If there is a next box (Yes in decision 305), the pointer P is incremented (processing 306), and the procedure returns to decision 302.
[0055]
If it is determined at decision 302 that the box has been opened (Yes at decision 302), the registered F code in the box management information pointed to by the pointer P is read and substituted into the variable Fcode (processing 303). Then, it is determined whether the value of the variable Code set in the process 208 of FIG. 10 is the same (determination 304). If they are not the same (No in decision 304), the process proceeds to decision 305. If they are the same (Yes in decision 304), the value of the flag Fa is set to 1 (process 308). The flag Fa that is reset in the process 307 and set in the process 308 is referred to in the process 104 of FIG.
[0056]
In this way, by performing the use restriction state cancellation processing of FIG. 8, as a password that needs to be registered in order to collate with the input password, it is originally referred for communication using the F code. The registered F-code in each box management information can also be used, and there is no need to store a password for collation with the entered password. There is no need to store it separately from the registered F code of the box. Further, since the password input process of the process 102 is repeatedly performed until the flag Fa becomes 1, that is, until the correct password is input, the password can be safely input without fear of erroneous input of the user's password. Can be entered.
[0057]
As the personal identification number search process of the process 103 in the use restriction release process procedure of FIG. 8, the process procedure shown in FIG. 15 may be performed instead of the process procedure shown in FIG.
[0058]
As a premise of the password number search processing procedure specifically shown in FIG. 15, as shown in FIG. 13, each box management information in the box management table 4a includes “registered F code”, “registered password”, and “box In addition to “name”, “box type” is registered in advance. This “box type” indicates the usage form of each box such as “confidential communication”, “bulletin board communication”, “relay communication”, and is registered as a value corresponding to each type. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, a search target box type setting variable B is stored in advance in the storage area 4b of the RAM 4. The search target box type setting variable B corresponds to the “box type” in each box management information, and is a variable for setting in advance the type of box to be searched for the password. It is preset by a search target type setting function by pressing 9f and inputting a predetermined number.
[0059]
In FIG. 15, the system control unit 2 first initializes the box search pointer P to 1 (process 401), and points to the box pointed to by the pointer P (the box whose box ID is the value of the pointer P). The box type (value) in the box management information corresponding to is read and substituted into the variable Fbox, and it is determined whether the value of Fbox is equal to the value of the search target box type setting variable B (determination 403). If the value is not equal to the value of variable B (No in decision 403), it is determined whether there is a next box to be searched (decision 407). If there is no next box (No in decision 407). The flag Fa is reset to 0 (process 409). If there is a next box (Yes in decision 407), the pointer P is incremented (process 408), and the process returns to process 402.
[0060]
In the determination 403, if the value of the variable Fbox is equal to the value of the variable B (Yes in the determination 403), the opened flag Fo corresponding to the box indicated by the pointer P (the box whose box ID is the value of the pointer P) is further set. It is determined whether the value is 1 and the box is already opened (decision 404). If the box is not opened (No in decision 404), the process proceeds to decision 407.
[0061]
If it has been established (Yes in decision 404), the registered F code in the box management information pointed to by the pointer P is read and substituted into the variable Fcode (process 405), and the value of the variable Fcode and the process 208 in FIG. It is determined whether or not the value of the variable Code set in is the same (determination 406). If they are not the same (No in decision 406), the process proceeds to decision 407. If they are the same (Yes in decision 406), the value of the flag Fa is set to 1 (process 410). The flag Fa that is reset in the process 409 and set in the process 410 is referred to in the process 104 of FIG.
[0062]
As described above, as the password search process of the process 103 in the use restriction state release process of FIG. 8, the password that needs to be registered to collate with the input password by performing the processing procedure shown in FIG. The registration F code in each box management information that is originally referred to for communication using the F code can be used as the number, and the processing until the flag Fa becomes 1, that is, until the correct password is input Since the personal identification number input process 102 is repeatedly performed, the personal identification number can be safely input without fear of erroneous input of the personal identification number. Furthermore, by setting the type of the box to be searched in advance, only the box of the set type is set as the search target for the personal identification number, and the boxes of other types not set are not set as the search targets. The search time can be shortened, and the accidental coincidence frequency of the password can also be reduced.
[0063]
As the password search process of the process 103 in the use restriction release process procedure of FIG. 8, the process procedure shown in FIG. 17 may be performed instead of the process procedure shown in FIG.
[0064]
As a premise of the password number search processing procedure specifically shown in FIG. 17, as shown in FIG. 16, each box management information in the box management table 4a includes “registered F code”, “registered password”, and “box In addition to “name”, “password search possibility” is registered in advance. This “password search possibility” is registered as a value indicating whether the box is a password search target (value 1) or not (value 0).
[0065]
In FIG. 17, in FIG. 17, the system control unit 2 first initializes a box search pointer P to 1 (process 501), and a box pointed to by the pointer P (a box whose box ID is the value of the pointer P). It is determined whether the value of the established flag Fo corresponding to 1 is 1 and the box is already established (decision 502). If it is not established (No in decision 502), the next to be searched is determined. It is determined whether there is a box (determination 507). If there is no next box (No in determination 507), the flag Fa is reset to 0 (process 509). If there is a next box (Yes in decision 507), the pointer P is incremented (process 508), and the procedure returns to decision 502. In the determination 502, if it has been established (Yes in the determination 502), whether or not the password search possibility (value) in the box management information corresponding to the box indicated by the pointer P (the box whose box ID is the value of the pointer P) is determined. It is read and assigned to the variable Fok, and it is determined whether the value of Fok is 1 (0) (decision 504). If the value of the variable Fok is not 1 (No in decision 504), the process proceeds to decision 507.
[0066]
If the value of the variable Fok is 1 (Yes in decision 504), the registered F code in the box management information pointed to by the pointer P is read and substituted into the variable Fcode (process 505), and the value of the variable Fcode It is determined whether or not the value of the variable Code set in step 208 is the same (determination 506). If they are not the same (No in decision 506), the process proceeds to decision 507. If they are the same (Yes in decision 506), the value of the flag Fa is set to 1 (process 510). The flag Fa that is reset in processing 509 and set in processing 510 is referred to in processing 104 in FIG.
[0067]
As described above, the password search process of the process 103 in the use restriction state cancellation process of FIG. 8 performs the processing procedure shown in FIG. 17 so that the password that needs to be registered in order to collate with the input password. The registration F code in each box management information that is originally referred to for communication using the F code can be used as the number, and the processing until the flag Fa becomes 1, that is, until the correct password is input Since the personal identification number input process 102 is repeatedly performed, the personal identification number can be safely input without fear of erroneous input of the personal identification number. Furthermore, by setting in advance whether or not each box may be a search target for a password, only the boxes that are set as search targets are set as search targets for the password. Since the box is not a search target, the search time can be shortened, and the accidental coincidence frequency of the password can be further reduced.
[0068]
Instead of the use restriction state release processing procedure shown in FIG. 8, the use restriction state release processing procedure shown in FIG. 18 may be performed.
[0069]
In FIG. 18, the facsimile apparatus 1 in the usage restricted state displays the display D01 shown in FIG. 9 on the display 9h to indicate that the usage is being restricted and prompts the user to enter a personal identification number ( Process 601).
[0070]
Then, a password input process (process 602) and a password search process are performed (process 603), it is determined whether the value of the flag Fa is 1 (determination 604), and the value of the flag Fa is 0. If it is (No in the determination 604), the process returns to the process 602, and the password input process is performed again. The personal identification number input process of the process 602 is the process procedure specifically shown in FIG. 10, and the personal identification number search process of the process 603 is the process procedure specifically shown in FIG. 12, FIG. 15 or FIG. is there.
[0071]
If the value of the flag Fa is 1, that is, if a registered F code that matches the password entered by the password input process of the process 602 is found by the password search process of the process 603 (Yes in decision 604). ), The name of the box indicated by the pointer P is read (process 605). The value of the pointer P is a value at the time when the process 308 in FIG. 12, the process 410 in FIG. 15, or the process 510 in FIG. 17 is performed, and a registration F code that matches the input password is registered. Pointed box management information.
[0072]
Then, the display D20 shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the display 9h to indicate the name of the box read in the process 605 (in the figure, “Ricoh Taro”), and after confirmation, the [Yes] key 9b is pressed. (Processing 606). Whether or not the [Yes] key 9b is pressed is monitored (No loop of the determination 607), and when the [Yes] key 9b is pressed (Yes of the determination 607), the state shifts to an available state, and the user switches the device. Make it available.
[0073]
Thereby, it is possible to make the user recognize whether the registered F-code input by the user as the personal identification number for canceling the use restriction relates to the user box.
[0074]
As the password input process of the process 102 in FIG. 8 or the process 602 in FIG. 18, the process procedure specifically shown in FIG. 20 may be performed instead of the process procedure specifically shown in FIG. .
[0075]
In FIG. 20, the system control unit 2 monitors whether or not a number is input using the numeric keypad 9a (No loop of determination 701). If a number is input (Yes of determination 701), the display unit 9h displays FIG. A display D30 is displayed (process 702), and the number string input so far is stored (process 703), and the symbol "*" is displayed as shown in the display D30 by the number of digits of the input number string. (Process 704). In the display D30, if the input number string is acceptable as the password, the [Yes] key 9b is pressed, and if the input number string is cancelled, the display prompts the user to press the [No] key 9c. Yes.
[0076]
Then, determination 701, processing 702, processing 703, and processing 704 are performed while monitoring whether the [Yes] key 9b is pressed or the [No] key 9c is pressed (No in the determination 705). No loop of decision 706).
[0077]
When the [No] key 9c is pressed (Yes in decision 706), the input number sequence stored in step 703 is cleared (step 707), and the display D31 shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on the display 9h. Thus, the display of the symbol “*” corresponding to the number of digits in the input number sequence is also cleared (processing 708), and the processing returns to the determination 701.
[0078]
If the [Yes] key 9b is pressed (Yes in decision 705), the number string that has been input so far is substituted into the variable Code (process 709).
[0079]
Thereby, the input personal identification number can be obtained as the value of the variable Code. Further, since the entered password number itself is not displayed, the entered password number is not seen by others.
[0080]
Instead of the usage restriction state cancellation processing procedure shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 18, the usage restriction state cancellation processing procedure shown in FIG. 22 may be performed.
[0081]
In FIG. 22, the facsimile apparatus 1 in the usage restricted state displays the display D01 shown in FIG. 9 on the display 9h to indicate that the usage is being restricted and to prompt the input of a personal identification number ( Process 801).
[0082]
Then, the personal identification number input processing (processing 802) and the personal identification number search processing are performed (processing 803), it is determined whether the value of the flag Fa is 1 (determination 804), and the value of the flag Fa is 0. (No in decision 804), display D41 shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the display 9h to notify the user that the password entered in process 802 is incorrect (process 805). The display of the display D41 is continued for a certain time (process 806), the process returns to the process 802, and the password input process is performed again. The password input process of the process 802 is the process procedure specifically shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 20, and the password search process of the process 803 is specifically shown in FIG. 12, FIG. 15 or FIG. It is a processing procedure.
[0083]
If the value of the flag Fa is 1, that is, if a registered F code that matches the password entered by the password input process of process 802 is found by the password search process of process 803 (Yes in decision 804). ), The name of the box indicated by the pointer P is read (step 807). The value of the pointer P is a value at the time when the process 308 in FIG. 12, the process 410 in FIG. 15, or the process 510 in FIG. 17 is performed, and a registration F code that matches the input password is registered. Pointed box management information.
[0084]
Then, the display D40 shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the display 9h to indicate the name of the box read out in the processing 807 (in the figure, “Ricoh Taro”), and after confirmation, the [Yes] key 9b is pressed. (Processing 808). Whether or not the [Yes] key 9b is pressed is monitored (No loop of the determination 809), and when the [Yes] key 9b is pressed (Yes of the determination 809), the state shifts to an available state, and the user moves the device. Make it available.
[0085]
Thereby, when there is an incorrect input of a password, it is displayed and a warning can be given to the user.
[0086]
Instead of the usage restriction state cancellation processing procedure shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 18, or FIG. 22, the usage restriction state cancellation processing procedure shown in FIG. 24 may be performed.
[0087]
In FIG. 24, the facsimile apparatus 1 in the use restriction state first initializes the counter variable n to 0 (process 901), and then displays the display D01 shown in FIG. In addition, the user is prompted to enter a personal identification number (step 902).
[0088]
Then, the personal identification number input process (process 903) and the personal identification number search process are performed (process 904), it is determined whether the value of the flag Fa is 1 (determination 905), and the value of the flag Fa is 0. (No in decision 904), display D51 shown in FIG. 25 is displayed on the display 9h to notify the user that the password entered in step 903 is incorrect (step 906). The display of display D51 is continued for a certain time (process 907), the counter n is incremented (process 908), and it is determined whether n has reached a predetermined upper limit value Nmax (determination 909). (No in decision 909), the process returns to step 903, and the password input process is performed again. The password input process of the process 903 is the process procedure specifically shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 20, and the password search process of the process 903 is specifically shown in FIG. 12, FIG. It is a processing procedure.
[0089]
If the value of the flag Fa is 1, that is, if a registered F code that matches the password entered by the password input process of the process 903 is found by the password search process of the process 904 (Yes in decision 905). ), The name of the box indicated by the pointer P is read (process 910). The value of the pointer P is a value at the time when the process 308 in FIG. 12, the process 410 in FIG. 15, or the process 510 in FIG. 17 is performed, and a registration F code that matches the input password is registered. Pointed box management information.
[0090]
Then, the display D50 shown in FIG. 25 is displayed on the display 9h to indicate the name of the box read out in the processing 910 (in the figure, “Ricoh Taro”), and after confirmation, the [Yes] key 9b is pressed. (Processing 911). Whether or not the [Yes] key 9b is pressed is monitored (No loop of the determination 912), and if the [Yes] key 9b is pressed (Yes of the determination 912), the state shifts to an available state, and the user moves the device. Make it available.
[0091]
When n reaches the predetermined upper limit value Nmax in the determination 909, that is, when the wrong input of the password is repeated the predetermined upper limit value Nmax (for example, 5 times) (Yes in determination 909), the display 9h 25, the display D52 shown in FIG. 25 is displayed to notify the user that the wrong password has been repeatedly input (process 913), and the display of the display D52 is continued for a predetermined time (process 914). The display D53 shown in FIG. 25 is displayed on the device 9h, and since the wrong input of the password is repeated, the password cannot be re-entered any more, and the device cannot be used at all. In addition, it indicates that it is necessary to contact the administrator in order to cancel the use prohibition state (process 915), and shifts to the use prohibition state. In this use-prohibited state, the device cannot be used at all in a state where even the password cannot be entered.
[0092]
As a result, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use restriction release without performing unlimited re-input when a wrong password is entered.
[0093]
When the use prohibition state is entered by the processing procedure shown in FIG. 24, the facsimile apparatus 1 performs the use prohibition state release processing procedure shown in FIG.
[0094]
In other words, in FIG. 26, the facsimile apparatus 1 in the usage-prohibited state monitors whether there is a specific release operation from the operation display unit 9 (No loop of determination 1001). The specific release operation is known only to the administrator. For example, the “*” key of the numeric keypad 9a is pressed within 2 seconds after the [Function] key 9f is pressed, and the “#” key of the numeric keypad 9a is further pressed within 2 seconds. This is a non-trivial operation such as pressing.
[0095]
If it is determined at decision 1001 that there is a specific release operation (Yes at decision 1001), the state returns to the use restriction state where the password can be entered.
[0096]
As a result, even if the use of the personal identification number is repeated and the use is prohibited, the original use restriction state can be restored.
[0097]
In the embodiment described above, the present invention is applied to a facsimile apparatus that transmits and receives image information as a document. However, the present invention is not limited by the content of the document, and is an extended protocol of G3 facsimile. The present invention can also be applied to a communication terminal that exchanges other types of documents such as binary data transfer (BFT) to send and receive binary data as documents.
[0098]
【The invention's effect】
Claim 1 According to the invention according to , Enter In order to use the box search information registered in each box management information as a password registered in advance for collation with the entered password, a password for use restriction is separately provided from each box management information. There is no need to store, and even when holding a box and restricting the use, the necessary storage area can be minimized. In addition, since it is not necessary for the user to individually remember the box identification information for accessing the box and the personal identification number for canceling the use restriction, there is an advantage that the operability is improved. And further The box identification information registered in each box management information is not checked unconditionally with the entered password, but only the box type that has been set as the search target in advance is searched. It is also possible to reduce the accidental coincidence frequency.
[0099]
Claim 2 According to the invention concerning , Enter Since the box search information registered in each box management information is also used as a password registered in advance for collation with the entered password, a password for use restriction is separately provided from each box management information. There is no need to store, and even when holding a box and restricting the use, the necessary storage area can be minimized. In addition, since it is not necessary for the user to individually remember the box identification information for accessing the box and the personal identification number for canceling the use restriction, there is an advantage that the operability is improved. And further Since the box management information to be searched can be set for each box, the search time can be shortened and the accidental matching frequency is also charged. 1 As compared with the invention according to the present invention, there is an advantage that it can be further reduced and management becomes easy.
[0100]
Claim 3 According to the invention, since the name of the box that matches the entered personal identification number is displayed, the box identification information entered by the user as the personal identification number for canceling the use restriction is related to the user box. The user can be made to recognize whether the operation is safe, and there is an advantage that the sense of security in operation is improved.
[0101]
Claim 4 According to the invention according to the present invention, only the display capable of recognizing the number of digits of the input personal identification number is performed, and the input personal identification number itself is not displayed, so that the personal identification number being input can be seen by others. There is no effect and it is possible to improve the confidentiality.
[0102]
Claim 5 According to the invention according to the present invention, since the password can be input again even if the password is entered incorrectly, there is an effect that it is possible to input the password without worrying about an input error. .
[0103]
Claim 6 According to the invention according to the present invention, the number of re-inputs is determined by setting the state of the device to the use-prohibited state when the wrong input of the code number is repeated without unlimited re-input when the code number is erroneously input. By restricting, it is possible to prevent the unauthorized use restriction from being released.
[0104]
Claim 7 According to the invention concerning this, when the wrong input of the personal identification number is repeated, the effect that it is possible to display that fact and warn the user is obtained.
[0105]
Claim 8 According to the invention according to the present invention, there is an effect that even when the use is prohibited due to repeated input of the password, it is possible to return to the original use restriction state by a specific use prohibition release operation. It is done.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement configuration in which an operation display unit of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is omitted from the illustration except for a portion directly related to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contents stored in the RAM of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing specific contents of a box management table.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the contents of box management information associated with a box ID.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing contents stored in an image memory of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image information file.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a use restriction state release processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a diagram showing a display example in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 8. FIG.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of a password input process.
11 is a diagram showing a display example in the processing procedure shown in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure for a password search process;
FIG. 13 is a diagram different from FIG. 5 showing the contents of box management information associated with a box ID.
FIG. 14 is a diagram different from FIG. 3, showing the stored contents of the RAM of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart different from FIG. 12, showing a specific procedure of the password search processing.
16 is a diagram different from FIG. 5 or FIG. 13 showing the contents of the box management information associated with the box ID.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart different from FIG. 12 or FIG. 15, showing a specific procedure of the password search processing.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart different from FIG. 8 showing the use restriction state release processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display example in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a flowchart different from FIG. 10 showing a specific procedure of the password input process.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a display example in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 20;
FIG. 22 is a flowchart different from FIG. 8 or FIG. 18 showing the use restriction state release processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display example in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 22;
FIG. 24 is a flowchart different from FIG. 8, FIG. 18, or FIG. 22 showing the use restriction state release processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a display example in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 24;
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a use prohibition state release processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Facsimile device
2 System controller
3 ROM
3a Font table
4 RAM
4a Box management table
4b Storage area for search target box type setting variable
5 Scanner
6 Plotter
7 Image memory
8 Clock circuit
9 Operation display
9a Numeric keypad
9b [Yes] key
9c [No] key
9d [Stop] key
9e [Start] key
9f [Function] key
9g Cursor keys
9gd [Down arrow] key
9gl [Left arrow] key
9gr [Right arrow] key
9gu [Up arrow] key
9h indicator
10 Coding / decoding unit
11 Modem
12 Network control unit
13 System bus

Claims (8)

Corresponding to each box, at least box management information in which box search information is registered is stored in advance, and received documents that are notified of box search information from the transmission source device when received are notified. The same box search information as the received box search information is stored in the memory in association with the registered box management information. On the other hand, if there is a notification of the box search information from the calling source device at the time of polling transmission, the notification is given. In a facsimile apparatus that reads and transmits a document stored in a memory in association with box management information in which the same box search information as the box search information is registered,
While the box management information also includes box type information indicating the usage pattern of the corresponding box,
Search target box type setting means for setting the search target box type in advance;
A personal identification number input means for inputting a personal identification number when the state of the device is a use restriction state;
The personal identification number that sequentially searches for the box type of the box management information among the box management information, and determines whether or not box search information that matches the input personal identification number is registered. Search means;
A facsimile apparatus, comprising: usage restriction canceling means for shifting the state of the apparatus from the usage restricted state to the usable state when box search information that matches the input password is registered. Corresponding to each box, at least box management information in which box search information is registered is stored in advance, and received documents that are notified of box search information from the transmission source device when received are notified. The same box search information as the received box search information is stored in the memory in association with the registered box management information. On the other hand, if there is a notification of the box search information from the calling source device at the time of polling transmission, the notification is given. In a facsimile apparatus that reads and transmits a document stored in a memory in association with box management information in which the same box search information as the box search information is registered,
For each of the box management information, search availability setting means for presetting whether or not to search for a password,
A personal identification number input means for inputting a personal identification number when the state of the device is a use restriction state;
Among the box management information, a password search means for sequentially searching for a set password search target and determining whether or not box search information that matches the input password is registered ,
A facsimile apparatus, comprising: usage restriction canceling means for shifting the state of the apparatus from the usage restricted state to the usable state when box search information that matches the input password is registered. While each box management information includes the name of each box, the box included in the box management information in which the box search information is registered when the box search information that matches the input password is registered 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising name display means for displaying the name of the facsimile. When the personal identification number is input when the state of the apparatus is in the use-restricted state, the personal identification number input means does not display the input personal identification number but displays the number of digits of the input personal identification number. facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that. When the box search information that matches the entered password is not registered, the password search means further includes a password mismatch handling means for displaying the password mismatch and causing the password input means to re-enter the password. facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the. Non-match count counting means for counting the number of input of a password with no matching box search information, and when the count value by the mismatch count count means reaches a predetermined value, the state of the apparatus is shifted from the use restricted state to the use prohibited state 6. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising usage prohibition state transition means. 7. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 6 , further comprising: a secret number erroneous input notification means for displaying when the count value obtained by the mismatch count count means reaches a predetermined value. Release operation monitoring means for monitoring whether a specific use prohibition release operation input is made when the state of the device is a use prohibition state, and when the specific use prohibition release operation is performed, the state of the device is set to a use prohibition state. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 6 , further comprising a use prohibition canceling unit that shifts to a use restriction state.

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