JP4187639B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of storing processed image data, and more specifically, a reduction in security due to important image data being stored in the apparatus without the user's awareness. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that can prevent the above.

  In recent years, image processing apparatuses having a copying function for copying an image by scanning an image recorded on a sheet have been combined in function. A network printer function connected to a communication network such as a LAN, receiving image data from an external device such as a personal computer (PC) and outputting the image, and an image with an external facsimile device using facsimile communication An image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions in addition to a copying function, such as a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving data, has been put into practical use. Such an image processing apparatus includes means for storing the processed image data therein, and forms and outputs an image from the stored image data, or stores the stored image data to an external apparatus. Some have a function of reusing image data as necessary, such as transmission.

  An image processing apparatus that stores image data inside as described above is highly convenient because the processed image data can be reused. On the other hand, when important image data such as a document describing a trade secret is used in the image processing device, it may be caused by unauthorized access from outside, unauthorized user operation or user operation error, etc. There is a risk that important image data may be transmitted to the outside, and illegal use of image data such as leakage of confidential information or falsification of important information may occur.

Therefore, the user who can operate the image processing device is restricted, the access to the image data stored in the image processing device is restricted, the image data stored in the image processing device is encrypted, or input / output is performed. A technique for protecting image data stored in an image processing apparatus has been developed by a method such as monitoring image data. For example, in Patent Document 1, when received image data has confidentiality, image data having confidentiality is deleted by deleting the image data from the storage means or encrypting and storing the image data. A technique for making it impossible to retrieve via a communication network is disclosed.
JP 7-295934 A

  However, even in the case of the image processing apparatus as described above that restricts the user, if identification information such as a password is leaked or if the authorized user himself / herself has made unauthorized use, Unable to prevent unauthorized use. For the same reason, even an image processing apparatus that restricts access to image data or encrypts image data cannot prevent unauthorized use of image data. Even when monitoring image data input / output to / from the image processing apparatus, there is a limit to the contents of monitoring, and it is difficult to completely prevent unauthorized use of image data. Furthermore, it is impossible to eliminate any user operation errors that lead to unauthorized use of image data.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to store only the image data instructed by the user that the user may store the image unless the user instructs to store the image data. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that prohibits illegal use by storing important image data in a situation where the user is not conscious by prohibiting storage of image data.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes image receiving means for receiving image data , condition storage means for storing setting of processing conditions for image data, and processing means for processing image data received by the image receiving means. The image processing apparatus includes a temporary storage unit that temporarily stores image data to be processed by the processing unit, and a storage unit that stores the image data in order to store the image data. Predetermined standard settings of conditions are stored, and the standard settings are settings for prohibiting storage of image data by the storage unit, and further, image data received by the image reception unit is stored in the storage unit. A storage instruction receiving means for receiving a storage instruction for causing the image data to be stored when the storage instruction receiving means receives the storage instruction. The processing condition setting is stored in the condition storage means, and the processing condition setting stored in the condition storage means is not a setting for storing image data in the storage means. Means for erasing the image data stored in the temporary storage means without storing it in the storage means after the means has processed the image data; and setting of processing conditions stored in the condition storage means Means for storing the image data stored in the temporary storage means in the storage means after the processing means has processed the image data in a state in which the image data is stored in the storage means; Returning means for returning the setting of the processing condition stored in the condition storing means to the setting for prohibiting the storage of the image data by the storing means after being stored in the storing means The image data after storing in the storage means, characterized in that it comprises a means for erasing the image data to which the temporary storage means is storing.

In the present invention, an image processing apparatus for processing image data received, comprising a storage means for storing to store image data accepted, standard setting processing conditions of the image data, storing the image data by the storage means And a storage instruction for storing the image data in the storage means can be accepted. When receiving the storage instruction, the image processing apparatus changes the setting of the processing condition so that the image data is stored in the storage unit. The image processing apparatus stores the processed image data in the storage unit when the image data is processed in a state in which the image data is stored in the storage unit, and sets the processing condition to prohibit the storage of the image data by the storage unit Restore the setting. Therefore, the image processing apparatus saves only the image data for which a storage instruction has been accepted during processing. Further, the image processing apparatus temporarily stores the image data when processing the image data, and erases the temporarily stored image data after the processing of the image data is completed.

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is configured to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the processing of the image data by the processing means, and to determine that the predetermined time has elapsed by the means. In this case, the apparatus further comprises means for returning the setting of the processing condition stored in the condition storage means to the standard setting.

  In the present invention, the image processing apparatus returns the setting of the processing condition to the standard setting when a predetermined time has elapsed after processing the image data according to the processing condition whose setting has been changed from the standard setting.

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a protection unit capable of switching the operation for protecting the image data between valid and invalid, and the return unit operates when the operation of the protection unit is valid. It is characterized by being.

In the present invention, the operation for protecting the image data to be processed can be switched between valid and invalid, and when the operation for protecting the image data is valid, the setting of the processing condition is prohibited from storing the image data. The action to return to the setting is enabled.

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention further comprises means for outputting information indicating that the storage means stores image data when the storage instruction acceptance means accepts the storage instruction .
The image processing apparatus according to the present invention further comprises means for accepting designation of image data stored in the storage means, and means for processing the image data accepted for designation.

Further, in the present invention, when the image processing apparatus accepts a storage instruction to store the image data after processing the image data, the image processing apparatus outputs information indicating storage of the image data.

In the present invention, when the setting for prohibiting the storage of the image data by the storage unit is set as a standard setting and the storage instruction for storing the image data in the storage unit is received, the processed image data is stored in the storage unit. Then, the setting is returned to the setting for prohibiting the storage of the image data by the storing means. Therefore, in order to store the image data, it is necessary to instruct the user to store the image data to be stored one by one. Image data is not automatically stored in an unconfirmed state. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent important image data from being stored in the image processing apparatus and being illegally used without the user's knowledge.

  In the present invention, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the processing of the image data, the processing condition setting is returned to the standard setting including the setting for prohibiting the storage of the image data. Even if the process is interrupted in the middle, the image data is not automatically stored in an unconfirmed state by the user when the next image data process is performed.

Further, in the present invention, a switchable operation to protect the image data to be processed to enable or disable automatic when the operation for protecting the image data is valid, the setting of the processing conditions of the image data Thus, the operation of returning to the setting for prohibiting the storage of the image data is performed, so that it is possible to protect the image data related to the processing and to prevent the image data from being automatically stored in an unconfirmed state by the user.

  Further, in the present invention, the image data temporarily stored for processing the image data is erased after the image data processing, which may cause unauthorized use while the image data is stored. Can be prevented.

Also, in the present invention, when an image data storage instruction is received, information indicating that the image data is stored is output, so that the image data is automatically stored in an unconfirmed state by the user. The present invention has an excellent effect such that important image data can be stored and illegally used without being known by the user.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an internal functional configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The image processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit (processing unit) 11 including a CPU that performs calculation and a RAM that stores temporary information associated with the calculation. The control unit 11 is connected to a ROM 16 that stores a control program for controlling the image processing apparatus 1. The control unit 11 controls the entire image processing apparatus 1 according to a control program stored in the ROM 16. The control unit 11 is connected to a management unit 17 that is a memory that stores management information for managing processing performed by the image processing apparatus 1. The control unit 11 refers to the management information stored in the management unit 17 and controls the image processing apparatus 1 based on the referenced information.

  The control unit 11 is connected to an image reading unit 12 that scans and reads an image recorded on a recording sheet and generates electronic image data based on the read image. The control unit 11 is connected to an image memory 15 that temporarily stores image data, and an image forming unit 13 that forms an image from the image data, records the formed image on a recording sheet, and outputs the image. . The image processing apparatus 1 stores image data generated by the image reading unit 12 reading an image in the image memory 15, forms an image from the stored image data in the image forming unit 13, and outputs the image. In this way, the image processing apparatus 1 functions as a copying apparatus.

  The control unit 11 is connected to a modem unit 141 that performs facsimile communication, and the modem unit 141 is connected to the public network N2. The image processing apparatus 1 can transmit the image data generated by the image reading unit 12 to another facsimile apparatus 5 by facsimile communication via the public line network N2 connected to the modem unit 141. Further, the image processing apparatus 1 receives image data transmitted from the facsimile apparatus 5 by facsimile communication via the public network N2 by the modem unit 141, and an image is formed by the image forming unit 13 from the received image data. Form and output. In this way, the image processing apparatus 1 also functions as a facsimile machine.

  The control unit 11 is connected to a communication unit 142 connected to a communication network N1 such as the Internet or an in-house LAN. , And other facsimile apparatuses 4, 4,... Such as a personal computer (PC) or a server device are connected to the communication network N1. The communication unit 142 can transmit the image data generated by the image reading unit 12 to the information processing apparatus 3 or the facsimile apparatus 4 via the communication network N1 by attaching image data to an e-mail. The information processing device 3 stores the transmitted image data therein, and the facsimile device 4 outputs the transmitted image data as an image. The communication unit 142 can receive image data from the information processing device 3 or the facsimile device 4 via the communication network N1, and the image forming unit 13 can form and output an image from the received image data. . By outputting the image data received from the information processing device 3 as an image, the image processing device 1 functions as a printer device. The image reading unit 12, the modem unit 141, and the communication unit 142 function as an image receiving unit according to the present invention.

  The control unit 11 is connected to a storage unit (image storage unit) 18 composed of a hard disk or a nonvolatile memory. The storage unit 18 includes a work area (temporary storage unit) 181 that temporarily stores image data related to processing when the image processing apparatus 1 processes image data, and image data that has been processed so that it can be reused. Is stored for storing the image data for a short period of time, and a storage area 183 for storing the image data for a longer period of time. In the work area 181, image data to be processed is stored when the image processing apparatus 1 performs image data processing such as image output, image data transmission, or image data reception, and is stored after the processing is completed. The processed image data is erased from the work area 181. In the temporary storage area 182, image data designated by the user is stored, and when a large amount of image data is stored and the storage capacity is insufficient, new image data is stored and deleted sequentially from the old image data. Is done. The storage area 183 includes a plurality of folders such as folders created for each user, and image data is recorded by the user's designation. The image processing apparatus 1 can read and reuse the image data stored in the temporary storage area 182 and the storage area 183 by the storage unit 18.

  Furthermore, the control unit 11 is connected to an operation unit 2 that receives an operation from a user. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit 2. The operation unit 2 includes a touch panel 21 that displays necessary information and receives various instructions from the user, a numeric keypad 24, and a start key 25 that receives a process start instruction from the user. The operation unit 2 is also a fax that accepts an instruction to transmit image data to the outside using the document filing key 22, the modem unit 141, or the communication unit 142 that accepts an instruction to use image data stored in the storage unit 18. / Image transmission key 26, copy key 23 for receiving a copy instruction, and job status key 26 for receiving an instruction to display information indicating the processing status of image data.

  The display screen of the touch panel 21 shown in FIG. 2 is a copy operation screen, and this operation screen is displayed when the user operates the copy key 23. The copy operation screen includes a manuscript key 216 for accepting designation of a copy manuscript such as a size, a copy density key 213 for accepting designation of copy density, a paper key 214 for accepting designation of a recording sheet for recording a copied image, and a copy magnification. Is displayed on the right side of the screen. Each key displays the contents designated by the user's operation on the upper half of the key. The copy operation screen further includes a special function key 217 for accepting specification of special processing condition settings such as division of a copied image or combination of a plurality of images, a duplex copy key 218 for accepting specification of double-sided copy conditions, and stapling. A finishing key 219 that receives designation of finishing processing such as stopping or bending, a filing key 211 that receives an instruction to store the image data in the storage area 183, and an automatic temporary storage key 212 that receives an instruction to store the image data in the temporary storage area 182 Is displayed on the left side of the screen. The filing key 211 and the automatic temporary storage key 212 function as a storage instruction receiving unit according to the present invention.

  Next, processing performed by the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described using a flowchart and an example of an operation screen of the touch panel 21. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed when the image processing apparatus 1 of the present invention is activated. The control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 performs the following processing according to the control program stored in the ROM 16. After the image processing apparatus 1 is turned on (S101), the control unit 11 checks various devices and programs in the image processing apparatus 1 (S102). The control unit 11 determines whether or not an abnormality has been confirmed by an internal check (S103). If any abnormality is confirmed (S103: YES), error information is displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 2. (S104), the activation process is stopped. When no abnormality is confirmed by the internal check (S103: NO), the control unit 11 starts warm-up of the image processing apparatus 1 (S105). The control unit 11 monitors the detection of an error such that each internal device does not start up normally during warm-up (S106). If an error is detected (S106: YES), the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 2 is monitored. The error information is displayed (S107), and the activation process is stopped. If no error is detected (S106: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the warm-up has been completed (S108). If the warm-up has not been completed (S108: NO), the process is stepped. Returning to S106, the process of monitoring the detection of the error is continued.

  When the warm-up is completed without detecting an error (S108: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the image data is set to be erased at startup (S109). When it is set to delete the image data (S109: YES), the control unit 11 deletes the image data stored in the work area 181 and the temporary storage area 182 of the storage unit 18 (S110). At this time, the image data stored in the storage area 183 is not erased. Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the erasure of the image data to be erased is completed (S111). If the erasure is not completed (S111: NO), the process returns to step S110 to return the image. Continue erasing data. When it is not set to delete the image data at the start in step S109 (S109: NO), or when the deletion of the image data is completed in step S111 (S111: YES), the control unit 11 Then, waiting for reception of the processing instruction is started (S112), and the processing at the time of starting is ended. The setting for erasing image data at startup can be set by the operation unit 2 receiving an operation by the user.

  The management unit 17 stores predetermined standard settings for image data processing conditions, and stores image data processing condition settings as condition storage means according to the present invention. In this standard setting, the temporary storage area 182 and the storage area 183 of the storage unit 18 are prohibited from storing image data that has undergone processing such as copying. For this reason, when the image processing apparatus 1 processes the image data according to the standard processing conditions stored in the management unit 17, the image data is only stored in the work area 181 and after the processing is finished, the work area 181. Is erased from. When the operation unit 2 receives an instruction to change the processing condition setting from the user, the control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 functions as the condition changing unit according to the present invention, and sets the processing condition of the image data as a standard. Change from settings. Thus, the operation unit 2 can accept a storage instruction for storing the image data in the temporary storage area 182 or the storage area 183 of the storage unit 18.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 2 when an instruction to store image data in the temporary storage area 182 is given. When the user touches the automatic temporary storage key 212 on the operation screen of the touch panel 21 shown in FIG. 2, the touch panel 21 displays a message for confirming that the processed image data is stored in the temporary storage folder in FIG. Display as shown in a). Here, the temporary storage folder is a folder corresponding to the temporary storage area 182. When the user touches an OK key for confirmation on the touch panel 21 shown in FIG. 4A, the touch panel 21 displays an operation screen showing in reverse display that the automatic temporary storage key 212 is selected. Displayed as shown in (b). The selection of the automatic temporary storage key 212 indicates that the storage of the image data in the temporary storage area 182 is instructed.

  FIGS. 5 to 9 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 2 when an instruction to store image data in the storage area 183 is given. When the user touches the filing key 211 on the operation screen of the touch panel 21 shown in FIG. 2, the touch panel 21 displays an operation screen for accepting the storage conditions for the storage area 183 as shown in FIG. In the operation screen shown in FIG. 5, the touch panel 21 has a confidential check box 611 that accepts designation of whether or not to protect image data with a password, a password key 612 that accepts password designation, and a user name that accepts user designation. Key 613, a file name key 614 for accepting designation of the file name of the image data, and a save destination key 615 for accepting designation of the folder name in the storage area 183 for storing the image data. Immediately after the user touches the filing key 211, the standard setting is displayed as shown in FIG. In the standard setting, the confidential check box 611 is unchecked. In this case, since the password is unnecessary, the password key 612 cannot be used. In addition, the user name is specified as a user name unknown, the file name is a file name automatically generated from the time and the like, and the standard folder is specified as the save destination.

  When the user touches the user name key 613 on the operation screen shown in FIG. 5, the touch panel 21 displays a user name selection screen as shown in FIG. The name of the user registered in advance is displayed on this screen, and the user name is specified by the user specifying one of the user names and touching the OK key 621.

  When the user touches the file name key 614 on the operation screen shown in FIG. 5, the touch panel 21 displays a file name input screen as shown in FIG. 6B. In this input screen, the touch panel 21 displays a plurality of input keys for inputting characters such as hiragana or alphabets, and a file name is input by the user touching each input key. By touching an OK key 622 after the user inputs the file name, the file name is designated.

  When the user touches the save destination key 615 on the operation screen shown in FIG. 5, the touch panel 21 displays a folder selection screen as shown in FIG. In this screen, folder names registered in advance are displayed. When the user designates one of the folder names and touches an OK key 623, a folder for saving image data is designated. . In the figure, a folder in which a key mark is added to the folder name is a folder protected by a password, and it is necessary to input a password to specify this folder.

  When the user touches the confidential check box 611 on the operation screen shown in FIG. 5, the touch panel 21 displays the operation screen as shown in FIG. 8A in which the password key 612 can be used. . When the user touches the password key 612 shown in FIG. 8A, the touch panel 21 displays a password input screen as shown in FIG. 8B. When the user inputs a password using the numeric keypad 24 on this screen and touches the OK key 624, the password is designated.

  When the necessary storage conditions for storing the image data in the storage area 183 are accepted, the touch panel 21 displays a password, a user name, a file name, and a storage folder name as shown in FIG. 9A. Display the operation screen. When the user touches the OK key 616 on the operation screen shown in FIG. 9A, the touch panel 21 displays an operation screen showing in reverse display that the filing key 212 has been selected as shown in FIG. 9B. To do. By selecting the filing key 211 on this screen, it is indicated that storage of image data in the storage area 183 is instructed.

  When the user touches other keys on the operation screen shown in FIG. 4B or 9B, the setting of other processing conditions such as copy density or magnification can be designated. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 2 when the setting change of the processing conditions of the image data is completed. FIG. 10A shows an operation screen when the automatic temporary storage key 212 is designated, and FIG. 10B shows an operation screen when the filing key 211 is designated. In the operation screens shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a change in copy density is designated by the copy density key 213, and a change in copy magnification is designated by the magnification key 215. When the user presses the start key 25 in this state, the image processing apparatus 1 performs image copy processing under the specified processing conditions.

  It should be noted that the above processing condition change can be performed even when performing facsimile transmission or printer output processing. The standard setting of processing conditions for facsimile transmission or printer output is not set to store the processed image data in the storage unit 18 as in the case of copy processing. In the case of facsimile transmission, when the user presses the fax / image transmission key 26 of the operation unit 2 shown in FIG. 2, the touch panel 21 displays an operation screen for facsimile transmission similar to that in the case of copy processing. The processing device 1 accepts a change in processing condition setting. In the case of printer output, when the information processing apparatus 3 transmits image data to the image processing apparatus 1, an instruction to store the image data in the temporary storage area 182 or the storage area 183 can be accepted on the screen of the printer driver. Is possible. The information processing device 3 transmits the received storage instruction information together with the image data to the image processing device 1 via the communication network N1, and the control unit 11 of the image processing device 1 sets the processing conditions according to the information received from the information processing device 3. Change the setting.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image processing performed by the image processing apparatus 1 of the present invention. The control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 performs the following processing according to the control program stored in the ROM 16. The management unit 17 of the image processing apparatus 1 stores the setting of the processing conditions of the image data, and the control unit 11 monitors the reception of the processing condition setting change instruction by the operation unit 2 by the method described above. (S201). When the processing condition setting change instruction is received (S201: YES), the control unit 11 causes the management unit 17 to store the processing condition setting changed in accordance with the received change instruction (S202). When the change instruction is not received in step S201 (S201: NO), or after the process in step S202 is completed, the control unit 11 causes the user to press the start key 25 of the operation unit 2. The start reception of start key 25, which is an instruction to start copy processing or facsimile transmission processing, is monitored (S203).

  When the start key 25 is turned on (S203: YES), the control unit 11 causes the image reading unit 12 to read an image of the document (S208). When the start key 25 is not turned on (S203: NO), the control unit 11 monitors reception of the image data transmitted from the information processing device 3 at the communication unit 142 (S204). If the communication unit 142 has received the image data (S204: YES), the control unit 11 causes the management unit 17 to store the print output processing condition setting received by the communication unit 142 together with the image data (S205).

  If no image data is received in step S204 (S204: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous image data processing (S206). When the predetermined time has not elapsed (S206: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S201. If the predetermined time has elapsed since the previous image data processing (S206: YES), the control unit 11 returns the processing condition setting to the standard setting, and the image data processing condition setting is the standard setting. Is stored in the management unit 17 (S207), and the process returns to step S201.

  After step S208 or step S205 is completed, the control unit 11 stores the image data read by the image reading unit 12 or the image data received by the communication unit 142 in the work area 181 of the storage unit 18 (S209). Image data processing such as image output at the forming unit 13 or facsimile transmission from the modem unit 141 is performed (S210). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not necessary image data processing has been completed (S211). If the processing has not been completed (S211: NO), the process returns to step S210 to return the image data. Continue processing.

  If the processing of the image data has been completed in step S211 (S211: YES), the control unit 11 is set to store the image data in the storage area 183 in the setting of the processing conditions stored in the management unit 17. It is determined whether or not there is (S212). When the setting is a setting for storing the image data in the storage area 183 (S212: YES), the control unit 11 stores the work area in the folder of the storage area 183 specified by the processing conditions stored in the management unit 17. The image data stored in 181 is stored (S213). Next, the control unit 11 cancels the setting of the storage in the image data storage area 183 from the setting of the processing condition (S214), and causes the management unit 17 to store the setting of the processing condition for which the storage setting has been canceled (S214). S215). Next, the control unit 11 deletes the image data stored in the work area 181 of the storage unit 18 (S216), and ends the process.

  If the setting of the processing condition is not the setting for storing the image data in the storage area 183 in step S212 (S212: NO), the control unit 11 sets the processing condition stored in the management unit 17 to the image data. It is determined whether or not the setting is stored in the temporary storage area 182 (S217). If the processing condition is not set to store the image data in the temporary storage area 182 (S217: NO), the control unit 11 erases the image data stored in the work area 181 of the storage unit 18 (S216). ), The process is terminated.

  When the processing condition is set to store the image data in the temporary storage area 182 in step S217 (S217: YES), the control unit 11 stores the work area 181 in the temporary storage area 182 of the storage unit 18. The stored image data is stored (S218). Next, the control unit 11 cancels the setting of the storage of the image data in the temporary storage area 182 from the setting of the processing condition (S219), and causes the management unit 17 to store the setting of the processing condition for which the storage setting has been canceled. (S215) The image data stored in the work area 181 of the storage unit 18 is erased (S216), and the process is terminated.

  In the above processing, the control unit 11 cancels the setting for storing the image data in the temporary storage area 182 or the storage area 183 after the processing of the image data, and sets the processing conditions other than the processing conditions indicating the necessity of storing the image data. The setting of the processing conditions that are the original settings is stored in the management unit 17, and in this state, the system waits for reception of the next processing instruction. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display screen example displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 2 after the processing of the image data is completed. Both the filing key 211 and the automatic temporary storage key 212 are in a non-designated state, indicating that the setting is not made to store image data. On the other hand, in the copy density key 213 and the magnification key 215, the designation of the copy density and the designation of the magnification are maintained, and it is shown that the setting of processing conditions other than the necessity of storing the image data is maintained. ing.

  The image processing apparatus 1 can perform processing such as image output or facsimile transmission by reusing image data stored in the storage unit 18. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for reusing image data performed by the image processing apparatus 1 of the present invention. The control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 performs the following processing according to the control program stored in the ROM 16. The control unit 11 monitors whether the document filing key 22 is turned on, which is an instruction to start reusing image data, when the user presses the document filing key 22 of the operation unit 2 shown in FIG. 2 (S301). When the document filing key 22 is not turned on (S301: NO), the control unit 11 continues to monitor whether the document filing key 22 is turned on. When the document filing key 22 is turned on (S301: YES), the control unit 11 displays a filing operation screen on the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 2 (S302).

  FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a filing operation screen displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 2. On the filing operation screen, the touch panel 21 displays a scan save key 631 that accepts a save instruction for only saving image data without processing image data such as copying or facsimile transmission. In addition, the touch panel 21 displays a filing folder key 632 and an automatic temporary storage folder key 633 that receive an instruction to call image data stored in the storage area 183 and the temporary storage area 182 of the storage unit 18. Further, the touch panel 21 displays an HDD usage status key 634 that receives an instruction to display information indicating the usage status of the storage unit 18 and a data search key 635 that receives an instruction to search for image data to be reused.

  When the user touches the scan save key 631 on the operation screen shown in FIG. 14, the touch panel 21 displays a scan save operation screen. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for scan storage displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 2. The touch panel 21 displays keys for accepting the density, resolution, and document specification when the image reading unit 12 reads an image. The touch panel 21 also has a special function key 641 for accepting designation of special processing such as division of a read image or combination of a plurality of images, and image data such as designation of a file name of image data and designation of a save destination folder. A save detail setting key 642 for accepting a setting necessary for saving is displayed. After each condition for saving the image data is set, when the user presses the start key 25, the image reading unit 12 reads the image, and the storage unit 18 stores the image data.

  When the user touches the HDD usage status key 634 on the operation screen illustrated in FIG. 14, the touch panel 21 displays the usage status of the storage unit 18. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display screen that displays the usage status of the storage unit 18. On this display screen, the touch panel 21 displays the occupancy ratio between the used area and the free area of the storage area 183 including the standard folder and the user folder. Similarly, the touch panel 21 displays the occupancy ratio between the used area and the free area of the temporary storage area 182 including the temporary storage folder.

  Next, the control unit 11 monitors whether the automatic temporary storage folder key 633 is turned on when the user touches the automatic temporary storage folder key 633 on the operation screen shown in FIG. 14 (S303). When the automatic temporary storage folder key 633 is turned on (S303: YES), the control unit 11 displays images stored in the temporary storage folder in the temporary storage area 182 of the storage unit 18 on the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 2. A list of data is displayed (S304). FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a list display screen example of image data in the temporary storage folder displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 2. A list of image data specified by file name, user name, and date information is displayed. When the user touches the display portion of each file on the display screen, image data to be reused is designated.

  If the automatic temporary storage folder key 633 is not turned on in step S303 (S303: NO), the control unit 11 causes the user to touch the filing folder key 632 on the operation screen shown in FIG. The reception of the filing folder key 632 is monitored (S305). If the filing folder key 632 is not turned on (S305: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S303.

  FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are schematic diagrams illustrating a list display screen example of image data stored in the storage area 183 of the storage unit 18 displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 2. When the filing folder key 632 is turned on (S305: YES), the control unit 11 lists the image data stored in the standard folder in the storage area 183 of the storage unit 18 on the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 2. Is displayed (S306). FIG. 18A shows a list display screen of image data in the standard folder, in which a list of image data specified by file name, user name, and date information is displayed.

  On the list display screen in the standard folder, a user folder key 636 and a data search key 635 for receiving designation of a folder other than the standard folder are further displayed. When the user touches the user folder key 636 on the list display screen shown in FIG. 18A, the touch panel 21 displays a list of folders included in the storage area 183 in addition to the standard folder as shown in FIG. indicate. When the user touches the display portion of each folder on the display screen, the folder is specified.

  Next, the control unit 11 monitors the reception of the designation of a folder other than the standard folder (S307). When the designation of the folder is accepted (S307: YES), the designated folder is displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 2. A list of the image data is displayed (S308). FIG. 19C shows a list display screen of the image data in the designated folder, and the storage area 183 displays a list of image data stored in the folder.

  When step S304 is completed, when folder designation is not accepted in step S307 (S307: NO), or when step S308 is completed, the control unit 11 displays the file on the image data list display screen. The reception of designation of image data by touching is monitored (S309). The control unit 11 continues to monitor the reception of the designation of the image data when the designation of the image data is not accepted (S309: NO), and when the designation of the image data is accepted (S309: YES), the operation is performed. An operation screen for reusing the designated image data is displayed on the touch panel 21 of the unit 2 (S310).

  FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for reusing image data displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 2. In the operation screen for reusing image data, the touch panel 21 displays the file name of the selected image data, and further receives a print key 651 for receiving an image output instruction, and an instruction for moving the image data between folders. A move key 652, a transmission key 653 for receiving an instruction to transmit image data to the information processing apparatus 3 or the facsimile apparatus 3 or 4, a delete key 654 for receiving an instruction to delete image data from the storage unit 18, and protecting the image data with a password An attribute change key 655 for receiving an instruction to change the attribute of whether or not, and a detailed information key 656 for receiving an instruction to display more detailed information regarding the image data.

  When the user touches the print key 651, the touch panel 21 displays an operation screen for accepting setting of output processing conditions such as the number of output copies, and the control unit 11 accepts setting of processing conditions. When the user touches the move key 652, the touch panel 21 displays an operation screen that accepts designation of a destination folder, and the control unit 11 accepts designation of the folder. When the user touches the transmission key 653, the touch panel 21 displays an operation screen for accepting designation of a destination of the facsimile machine 5 or the like, and the control unit 11 accepts designation of the destination. When the user touches the delete key 654, the touch panel 21 displays an operation screen for accepting confirmation of deletion. When the user touches the movement key 652, the touch panel 21 displays an operation screen for accepting the change contents of the attribute of the image data, and the control unit 11 accepts the change contents. When the user touches the detailed information key 656, the touch panel 21 displays a display screen that displays the detailed information of the image data.

  The control unit 11 receives setting of processing conditions such as output or transmission, and monitors reception of a processing start instruction when the user presses the start key 25 of the operation unit 2 (S311). When the process start instruction has not been received (S311: NO), the control unit 11 continues monitoring the reception of the process start instruction. When a process start instruction is accepted (S311: YES), the control unit 11 performs processes such as image output or image data transmission (S312), and ends the reuse process.

  Note that when designating image data to be reused, a process of designating an image after searching for image data may be performed. When the user touches the data search key 635 on the operation screen shown in FIG. 14, FIG. 17, FIG. 18 or FIG. 19, the touch panel 21 displays an operation screen for searching for image data.

  21 and 22 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of an operation screen for searching for image data displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 2. The touch panel 21 first displays a user name key 661 that accepts designation of a user name as a search condition and a file or folder name key 662 that accepts designation of a file name or folder name as shown in FIG. Display the operation screen. When the user touches the user name key 661, the touch panel 21 displays a user name selection screen as shown in FIG. The name of the user registered in advance is displayed. When the user designates one of the user names and touches the OK key 663, the user name as the search condition is designated. When the user touches the file or folder name key 662, the touch panel 21 displays a file name or folder name input screen as shown in FIG. In this input screen, the touch panel 21 displays a plurality of input keys for inputting characters, and a file name or folder name is input by the user touching each input key. A folder name is specified.

  When the user touches the search start key 664 on the operation screen shown in FIG. 21A with the search condition specified, the control unit 11 stores the temporary storage area 182 and the storage area 183 in the storage unit 18. The image data corresponding to the search condition is searched from the stored image data. Next, the control unit 11 displays a display screen for displaying the search result on the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 2. FIG. 22D is a search result display screen on which a list of searched image data files or folders is displayed. When the user touches a file name on the display screen, image data to be reused is designated.

  As described above in detail, in the present invention, the image processing apparatus 1 capable of storing image data processes the image data in accordance with the set processing conditions, and the processing conditions indicating whether the image data needs to be stored. If the setting is a setting for storing image data, the image data is stored after the process, and if the setting is not to store the image data, the image data is not stored. When receiving image data to be processed, an image data storage instruction is received. After the image data processing is completed, the processing condition setting is changed to a setting for prohibiting image data storage. As a result, in order to store the image data in the image processing apparatus, it is necessary for the user to instruct the storage of the image data to be stored one by one. Therefore, if the storage of the image data is not instructed, the image data is not stored. . Therefore, only the image data instructed by the user that it may be stored in the image processing apparatus is stored in the image processing apparatus. Since image data is automatically stored without confirmation by the user, and image data is not stored against the user's will, important image data is processed without the user's knowledge. It is possible to prevent unauthorized use by being stored in the apparatus.

  In the present invention, after the processing of the image data is completed, the setting of the processing conditions other than the processing condition indicating whether or not the image data needs to be stored is saved, so that the processing of the image data is continued. In addition, it is not necessary for the user to instruct processing conditions from the beginning, and the convenience of operation of the image processing apparatus is maintained while preventing unauthorized use of image data.

  Further, in the present invention, the storage of image data is prohibited in the standard setting of the processing condition, and the processing condition is automatically set to the standard setting when a predetermined time has elapsed after the processing of the image data. Return. As a result, even if the user who used the image processing apparatus has interrupted the processing of the image data in the middle, even if the next user uses the image processing apparatus, the new user has not been confirmed. The image data is not automatically stored in the state.

  In the present invention, the image data temporarily stored in the work area 181 by the image processing apparatus 1 for processing the image data is deleted after the processing, so that unauthorized use of the image data can be prevented. it can.

  In the present invention, when the image processing apparatus 1 stores image data in the temporary storage area 182, the user is prompted to store the image data, so that the image data is automatically checked without the user being confirmed. Can be prevented from being stored.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a protection unit that can switch an operation for protecting image data by encryption or the like to be valid or invalid, and restricts storage of image data when the operation of the protection unit is valid. Form may be sufficient. In the image processing apparatus according to this aspect, the protection means switches between a state in which the operation is valid and a state in which the operation is invalid according to the setting so that the operation is valid, or is equipped with a removable protection means. Thus, the operation is configured to be effective. In a state where the operation of the protection means is valid, this image processing apparatus stores the processed image data in the storage unit only when an image data storage instruction is received, and does not store image data that has not received a storage instruction. . Thereby, also in this embodiment, the image processing apparatus of the present invention protects the image data related to the processing, and at the same time, prevents the user from automatically storing the image data in an unconfirmed state, which the user does not know. It is possible to prevent important image data from being stored in the image processing apparatus and being used illegally.

  In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present invention is a multi-function machine having a plurality of functions such as a facsimile apparatus, a copying apparatus, and a printer apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be a device having a single function such as a facsimile device, a copying device, and a printer device.

2 is a functional block diagram showing an internal functional configuration of the image processing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an operation part. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed when the image processing apparatus of the present invention is activated. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the operation screen which the touch panel of an operation part displays when instruct | indicating the memory | storage to the temporary storage area | region of image data. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of an operation screen which the touch panel of an operation part displays when the memory | storage to the preservation | save area | region of image data is instruct | indicated. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of an operation screen which the touch panel of an operation part displays when the memory | storage to the preservation | save area | region of image data is instruct | indicated. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of an operation screen which the touch panel of an operation part displays when the memory | storage to the preservation | save area | region of image data is instruct | indicated. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of an operation screen which the touch panel of an operation part displays when the memory | storage to the preservation | save area | region of image data is instruct | indicated. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of an operation screen which the touch panel of an operation part displays when the memory | storage to the preservation | save area | region of image data is instruct | indicated. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the operation screen which the touch panel of an operation part displays, when the setting change of the process conditions of image data is completed. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the image processing which the image processing apparatus of this invention performs. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display screen which the touch panel of an operation part displays after the process of image data is complete | finished. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of reusing image data performed by the image processing apparatus of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the operation screen of filing which the touch panel of an operation part displays. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a scan preservation | save operation screen which the touch panel of an operation part displays. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display screen which displays the use condition of a memory | storage part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a list display screen of the image data in the temporary preservation folder which the touch panel of an operation part displays. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example list display screen of the image data which the preservation | save area | region of the memory | storage part which the touch panel of an operation part displays. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example list display screen of the image data which the preservation | save area | region of the memory | storage part which the touch panel of an operation part displays. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of an operation screen for reuse of the image data which the touch panel of an operation part displays. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of an operation screen of the image data search which the touch panel of an operation part displays. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of an operation screen of the image data search which the touch panel of an operation part displays.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing apparatus 11 Control part 16 ROM
18 Storage Unit 181 Work Area 182 Temporary Storage Area 183 Storage Area 2 Operation Unit 21 Touch Panel 25 Start Key N1 Communication Network N2 Public Line Network

Claims (5)

Image receiving means for receiving image data;
Condition storage means for storing setting of processing conditions of image data;
In an image processing apparatus comprising: processing means for processing image data received by the image receiving means ;
Temporary storage means for temporarily storing image data to be processed by the processing means;
Storage means for storing the image data for storage;
The condition storage means stores a predetermined standard setting of processing conditions for image data, and the standard setting is a setting for prohibiting storage of image data by the storage means,
A storage instruction receiving means for receiving a storage instruction for storing the image data received by the image receiving means in the storage means;
Means for causing the condition storage means to store the setting of the processing condition changed so that image data is stored in the storage means when the storage instruction receiving means receives the storage instruction;
Image data stored in the temporary storage means after the processing means has processed the image data in a state where the setting of the processing conditions stored in the condition storage means is not a setting for storing the image data in the storage means. Means for erasing without storing in the storage means;
The image data stored in the temporary storage means after the processing means has processed the image data in a state where the setting of the processing conditions stored in the condition storage means is a setting for storing the image data in the storage means. Means for storing in the storage means;
A return means for returning the setting of the processing conditions stored in the condition storage means to the setting for prohibiting the storage of the image data by the storage means after storing the image data in the storage means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: means for erasing image data stored in the temporary storage means after storing the image data in the storage means . Means for determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the processing of the image data by the processing means;
The image according to claim 1, further comprising: means for returning the setting of the processing condition stored in the condition storage means to a standard setting when it is determined by the means that a predetermined time has elapsed. Processing equipment. A protection means capable of switching the operation for protecting the image data between valid and invalid,
Said return means, the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a configuration in which the operation of the protective means is operated if it is valid. When the storage instruction receiving unit receives the storage indication to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the storage means, characterized by further comprising means for outputting information indicating that storing image data The image processing apparatus described. Means for accepting designation of image data stored in the storage means;
Means for processing the image data that has been accepted;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

Images