JP4201735B2 - Data processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus capable of appropriately executing data protection or improvement of data processing efficiency in accordance with usage conditions.

  In recent years, image processing apparatuses having a copying function for scanning a document image and copying the image have been made more complex 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 a storage unit such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory that temporarily stores image data to be processed. The image processing apparatus stores input image data in order in the storage unit, and processes the image data stored in the storage unit when the processing order comes, so that a large amount of image data is not stagnated. It can be processed efficiently.

The image data after being processed by the image processing apparatus is stored in the storage means until it is overwritten when the storage means stores new image data. The image data processed by the image processing apparatus when copying a document image or outputting an image may include confidential information such as a document describing personal information or a trade secret. When image data including confidential information is stored in the storage unit of the image processing apparatus for a long time, there is a risk that the image data stored in the storage unit is illegally extracted and information is leaked. . Therefore, a technique for preventing image data from being illegally extracted from the storage means is required. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151867 discloses a technique that makes it impossible to retrieve image data by erasing image data stored in a storage unit or overwriting other data when image data processing is completed. It is disclosed. In this way, an image processing apparatus has been developed that can protect image data from unauthorized use by invalidating the image data by erasing or overwriting.
JP-A-9-284572

  As described above, in an image processing apparatus that invalidates image data by erasing or overwriting, it takes time proportional to the amount of image data to invalidate the image data. Since the processing of other image data is stagnant or impossible while the image data is invalidated, the image processing apparatus processes the image data when the image data to be processed is continuously received. There is a problem that the ability decreases.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data processing apparatus capable of appropriately executing data protection or improvement of data processing efficiency in accordance with usage conditions. Is to provide.

A data processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a data receiving unit that receives data, a storage unit that stores data received by the data receiving unit, a processing unit that processes data stored in the storage unit, and the storage unit In a data processing apparatus comprising invalidation means for invalidating data stored in the memory, priority is given to either processing of unprocessed data by the processing means or invalidation of processed data by the invalidation means Priority instruction receiving means for receiving a priority instruction, and when the priority instruction receiving means receives the priority instruction and the data receiving means receives data, unprocessed data according to the priority instruction received by the priority instruction receiving means Means to preferentially execute either the processing of data or invalidation of processed data, and processing or processing of unprocessed data A history storage unit that is either disable over data stored as the use history or is preferentially executed, according to the contents of the use history stored in the subsequent history storage means, and processing by the processing means of the raw data Setting means for setting which one of the invalidation by the invalidation means to prioritize processed data, and when the data reception means accepts data without the priority instruction acceptance means accepting the priority instruction, according to the setting result by the setting unit, characterized in that it comprises a manual step that perform any of the invalidation processing or processed data unprocessed data preferentially.

In the present invention, a data processing device that performs data processing and invalidation of processed data receives a priority instruction that instructs which of data processing and data invalidation should be performed with priority. priority indication any processing and disabling data in the data store or not preferentially executed as usage history according to, according to the contents of the usage history stored, and the processing and disabling data data Set which one has priority.

The data processing apparatus according to the present invention, prior Symbol setting means, according to a result of comparison between the priority number of the processing of the priority number and the raw data of the disabling of the processed data stored as the use history, Not It is characterized in that it is set whether to give priority to processing of processed data or invalidation of processed data.

In the present invention, according to a result of comparison between the priority number of the disabling of the priority number and data processing data sets to prioritize which of the processing and disabling data of the data.

In the data processing device according to the present invention, the setting unit sets whether to prioritize processing of unprocessed data or invalidation of processed data according to the number of usage histories stored in the history storage unit . It is characterized by having it done.

  In the present invention, it is set whether to give priority to data processing or data invalidation in accordance with the data processing amount in the data processing device included in the usage history. For example, when the amount of data processing is large, priority is given to data processing so that data can be processed efficiently.

  The data processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes identification information receiving means for receiving identification information of users classified into a plurality of types, and the history storage means uses the identification information received by the identification information receiving means as a use history. The setting means gives priority to either processing of unprocessed data or invalidation of processed data according to the frequency of each type of the identification information stored as the use history. It is characterized by the fact that it is necessary to set this.

  Further, in the present invention, identification information for identifying a user is stored as a usage history, and when officers use a lot, priority is given to invalidation of data. In accordance with the above, it is set whether to give priority to data processing or data invalidation.

  The data processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes identification information receiving means for receiving user identification information, and the history storage means stores a use history in association with each of the identification information received by the identification information receiving means. According to the usage history stored in the history storage unit in association with each of the identification information received by the identification information receiving unit, the setting unit may process unprocessed data or has been processed. It is characterized in that it is set to give priority to data invalidation.

  Further, in the present invention, identification information for identifying a user is received, a use history is stored in association with each identification information, and whether to prioritize data processing or data invalidation is used for each user. Set according to the history.

  In the data processing apparatus according to the present invention, the setting unit gives priority to either processing of unprocessed data or invalidation of processed data according to a usage history stored by the history storage unit within a predetermined period in the past. It is characterized by the fact that it is necessary to set this.

  Further, in the present invention, which of data processing and data invalidation is prioritized according to the usage history stored within a predetermined period in the past such as one month after the operation of the data processing apparatus is started. Set.

  The data processing apparatus according to the present invention further comprises means for outputting the contents of the setting result set by the setting means.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, a setting result indicating whether to prioritize data processing or data invalidation is output to allow the user to confirm.

  In the present invention, a data processing apparatus that performs data processing and invalidation of processed data stores a usage history and determines whether to give priority to data processing or data invalidation. By setting according to the contents of the data processing apparatus, the data processing apparatus can exhibit appropriate capability according to the use environment.

  Further, according to the present invention, which of data processing and data invalidation is preferentially executed is stored as a usage history, and when the priority of invalidation of data indicated by the usage history is high, Whether to give priority to data processing or data invalidation is set according to the comparison result of the number of priorities, such as priority to invalidation. As a result, the data processing apparatus can exhibit appropriate capability depending on whether the processing speed is used with emphasis or the security is used with emphasis on the environment in which the data processing apparatus is used.

  In the present invention, the priority is given to either data processing or data invalidation according to the data processing amount included in the usage history, so the data processing amount is large and the processing is stagnant. Based on the data processing amount, such as emphasizing the processing speed if there is a problem, and if the processing amount does not stagnate even if priority is given to invalidation of image data due to the small amount of data processing, etc. Balance between processing speed and security.

  In the present invention, according to the content of the user identification information included in the use history, which of data processing and data invalidation is prioritized is set, so there is an opportunity to handle confidential information. The data processing apparatus can exhibit appropriate capabilities according to the type of user, such as giving priority to invalidation of data when many users are using the data.

  In the present invention, the use history is stored for each user in association with the identification information of the user, and it is set for each user whether to give priority to image data processing or image data invalidation. Therefore, an appropriate usage method can be finely adjusted according to the environment in which each user uses the data processing apparatus.

  In the present invention, since data processing or data invalidation is prioritized according to the usage history stored in the past predetermined period, the data processing apparatus is a general Appropriate ability can be demonstrated according to the usage environment.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, a setting result indicating whether to prioritize processing of image data or invalidation of image data is output, so that the user can confirm the usage environment of the data processing apparatus, etc. Has an excellent effect.

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 an image processing apparatus which is a data processing apparatus of the present invention. The image processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11 including a CPU that performs a calculation and a RAM that stores temporary information associated with the calculation. Connected to the control unit 11 are a ROM 172 that stores a control program for controlling the image processing apparatus 1 and a management unit 171 that is a memory for storing management information for managing processing performed by the image processing apparatus 1. Has been. The control unit 11 is connected to an image reading unit 14 that reads an image recorded on a recording sheet and generates image data. The control unit 11 is connected to a modem unit 151 that performs facsimile communication, and the modem unit 151 is connected to the public line network N2. The image processing apparatus 1 can transmit the image data generated by the image reading unit 14 to the other facsimile apparatus 3 by facsimile communication via the public line network N2 connected to the modem unit 151. The control unit 11 is connected to an image memory 162 that temporarily stores image data and an image forming unit 161 that forms an image from the image data and records the image on a recording sheet. The image processing apparatus 1 receives image data transmitted by facsimile communication from another facsimile apparatus via the public line network N2 by the modem unit 151, stores the received image data in the image memory 162, and stores the stored image data. An image is formed from the data by the image forming unit 161. In this way, the image processing apparatus 1 functions as a facsimile machine. Further, by forming an image read by the image reading unit 14 by the image forming unit 161, the image processing apparatus 1 functions as a copying apparatus.

  The control unit 11 is connected to a communication unit 152 connected to the communication network N1. Are connected to the communication network N1, the communication unit 152 receives image data from the PCs 2, 2,... Via the communication network N1, and the image forming unit 161 An image is formed from the received image data. In this way, the image processing apparatus 1 functions as a printer apparatus.

  Further, a mounting unit 18 to which a portable recording medium M such as a semiconductor memory card or a magneto-optical disk can be mounted is connected to the control unit 11. The mounting unit 18 is a reader / writer for the recording medium M, and can read data stored in the recording medium M and write data to the recording medium M. The image processing apparatus 1 can read out data from the recording medium M and output the data from the image forming unit 161, the modem unit 151, or the communication unit 152. Further, the image processing apparatus 1 accepts the data from the image reading unit 14, the modem unit 151, or the communication unit 152. It is possible to write the data to the recording medium M. As described above, the image reading unit 14, the modem unit 151, the communication unit 152, and the mounting unit 18 function as a data receiving unit according to the present invention.

  The control unit 11 is connected to a storage unit (storage unit) 19 made of a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 19 stores image data generated by the image reading unit 14, image data received by the modem unit 151 or the communication unit 152, and data read from the recording medium M by the mounting unit 18. The control unit 11 is connected to an operation unit 13 that receives an operation from the user. The operation unit 13 includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel that displays information necessary for the operation, and a user's operation. It consists of an input means such as a touch panel or a numeric keypad for inputting information such as control commands by operation.

  Furthermore, a user detection unit (user detection means) 12 for detecting the presence of the user is connected to the control unit 11. The user carries an ID card C, which is a memory card storing user identification information. The user detection unit 12 is configured to be able to communicate with the ID card C in a non-contact manner, and can read the user ID information stored in the ID card C. In addition, the communication between the user detection unit 12 and the ID card C has a limited communication distance, and the communication between the user detection unit 12 and the ID card C is performed by the user in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus 1. Must be present. Therefore, the user detection unit 12 can detect the presence of the user based on whether or not communication with the ID card C is possible.

  The ROM 172 stores a control program for performing processing for protecting image data from unauthorized use simultaneously with processing of image data. The control unit 11 performs processing for invalidating the processed image data stored in the storage unit 19 after processing is performed by overwriting meaningless data in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 172. Do. When the process of invalidating image data is always performed with priority, the security of information is improved, but the processing efficiency of image data is reduced. Therefore, the image processing apparatus 1 of the present invention performs processing for setting which of image data processing and image data invalidation is to be preferentially performed based on the past usage history of the image processing device 1 itself.

  In addition to the management information for managing the operation of the image processing apparatus 1, the management unit 171 has priority information 17 a indicating which of image data processing and image data invalidation is to be prioritized, and the image processing apparatus 1. The user information 17b in which the identification information of the user who can use is recorded, and the history information 17c in which the usage history of the image processing apparatus 1 is recorded are stored. The priority information 17a indicates a result of the image processing apparatus 1 setting which of the image data processing and the image data invalidation is to be prioritized. The user information 17b identifies a user who can use the image processing apparatus 1 such as ID information stored in the ID card C carried by the user or the IP address of the PC 2 used by the user. The identification information is recorded. Furthermore, the user information 17b records information indicating the rank of the user according to the importance of the data handled by the user in association with the identification information.

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the contents of the history information 17c. The identification information for identifying the user in association with the date and time when the image data was processed and the processing contents of the image data such as copy or printer output, and the usage recorded in the user information 17b in association with the identification information Person rank is recorded. The user rank is determined such that the higher the possibility that the user causes the image processing apparatus 1 to process highly important data, the higher the rank. For example, the rank of the user is determined according to the role of the user, such as A for an officer who frequently handles confidential information, and C for a part-time job that cannot handle confidential information. Further, the history information 17c records priority information that indicates which of the image data processing and the image data invalidation was prioritized when the image data was processed. In this way, the management unit 171 functions as history storage means according to the present invention.

  Next, a procedure of processing performed by the image processing apparatus 1 which is the data processing apparatus of the present invention will be described using a flowchart. The image processing apparatus 1 accepts a priority instruction from the user that instructs whether to prioritize image data processing or image data invalidation before the image data processing at the beginning of operation, such as immediately after installation. In accordance with the received priority instruction, it is set whether to give priority to image data processing or image data invalidation. The image processing apparatus 1 records a use history in the history information 17c each time image data is processed. After a sufficient period of use has been accumulated after a predetermined period such as one month has elapsed since the operation was started, the image processing apparatus 1 performs image data processing and image data according to the contents of the accumulated use history. Set whether to prioritize or disable.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing in which the image processing apparatus 1 accepts image data before a sufficient usage history is accumulated. The control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 executes the following processing according to the control program stored in the ROM 172.

  The control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 stores the ID stored in the ID card C by communication between the ID card C carried by the user in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus 1 and the user detection unit 12. The reception of information by the user detection unit 12 is monitored (S11). When the user detection unit 12 receives the ID information (S11: YES), the control unit 11 monitors the reception of the image data processing instruction by the user operating the operation unit 13 (S12). At this time, an instruction relating to reception of image data, such as whether the image reading unit 14 reads an image or the mounting unit 18 reads image data stored in the recording medium M, and copies the image or performs facsimile communication. An instruction relating to image processing, such as whether to transmit image data to another facsimile apparatus 3, write image data to the recording medium M, or transmit image data to the PC 2, is accepted as a processing instruction. When the image data processing instruction is received (S12: YES), the control unit 11 determines which of the image data processing and the image data invalidation is given priority to the display unit such as the touch panel of the operation unit 13. A reception screen for receiving the priority instruction to be instructed is output (S13).

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a priority instruction acceptance screen. Each selection button is displayed on the reception screen so that either the processing speed priority that prioritizes the processing of the image data or the security priority that prioritizes the invalidation of the image data can be selected. When either one is specified by the user's operation and OK is specified, the operation unit 13 receives a priority instruction indicating which of the image data processing and the image data invalidation is to be prioritized.

  If no ID information is received by the user detection unit 12 in step S11 (S11: NO), or if no image data processing instruction is received in step S12 (S12: NO), the control unit 11 The communication unit 152 monitors reception of processing instructions for image data transmitted from the PC 2 operated by the user (S14). At this time, a processing instruction such as whether to output an image, transmit image data to another facsimile apparatus 3 by facsimile communication, or write image data to the recording medium M is received. If no processing instruction has been received (S14: NO), the control unit 11 returns the processing to step S11. When the communication unit 152 receives an image data processing instruction (S14: YES), the control unit 11 uses, as identification information for identifying the user, an IP address or the like indicating the PC 2 that is the source of the processing instruction. Information is read (S15). Next, the control unit 11 causes the communication unit 152 to transmit a request for a priority instruction indicating which of the image data processing and the invalidation of the image data is prioritized to the PC 2 that is the transmission source of the image data ( S16). The PC 2 outputs a priority instruction reception screen as shown in FIG. 4, receives a priority instruction by a user operation, and transmits the received transmission instruction to the image processing apparatus 1.

  After step S13 or step S16 is completed, the control unit 11 monitors the reception of the priority instruction by receiving the priority instruction by the operation unit 13 or by receiving the priority instruction by the communication unit 152 by the user's operation. (S17). When the priority instruction is not received (S17: NO), the control unit 11 continues monitoring the reception of the priority instruction. When the priority instruction is accepted (S17: YES), the original image is read by the image reading unit 14, the image data is read from the recording medium M by the mounting unit 18, or the image data is received by the communication unit 152. The image data is received (S18). Next, the control unit 11 stores the image data processing instruction including the priority instruction, the identification information, and the processing target image data received in the above processing in the storage unit 19 (S19), and ends the processing. After the process of accepting image data is completed, the control unit 11 starts the process of step S11.

  The image processing apparatus 1 processes the image data stored in the storage unit 19 in parallel with the process of receiving the image data. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image data processing performed by the image processing apparatus 1. The control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 executes the following processing according to the control program stored in the ROM 172.

  The control unit 11 determines whether unprocessed image data is stored in the storage unit 19 together with the image data processing instruction and identification information (S201). When the unprocessed image data is stored in the storage unit 19 (S201: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether the priority instruction included in the image data processing instruction instructs the invalidation of the image data. It is determined whether or not (S202). When the priority instruction indicates priority of invalidation of image data (S202: YES), the control unit 11 causes the image forming unit 161 to form an image from the image data stored in the storage unit 19, or the image data Is transmitted to the modem unit 151 to the other facsimile apparatus 3, the image data is written to the recording medium M in the mounting unit 18, or the image data is transmitted to the communication unit 152 to the PC 2. (S203). After the processing of the image data in step S203 is completed, the image data is invalidated by overwriting meaningless data on the processed image data stored in the storage unit 19 (S204). At this time, the image data may be invalidated by deleting the image data from the storage unit 19. Next, the control unit 11 records the usage history as shown in FIG. 2 including the processing date / time and priority information of the image data in the history information 17c (S205), and returns the processing to step S201.

  When the priority instruction included in the image data processing instruction in step S202 instructs the priority of the image data processing (S202: NO), the control unit 11 processes the image data (S206), and the image data The use history is recorded in the history information 17c without invalidating (S207), and the process returns to step S201.

  When unprocessed image data is not stored in the storage unit 19 in step S201 (S201: NO), in the control unit 11, the user detection unit 12 can receive the user ID information from the ID card C. It is determined whether or not (S208). When the user detection part 12 can receive ID information (S208: YES), the control part 11 returns a process to step S201. When the user detection unit 12 cannot receive the ID information (S208: NO), it is a case where the user is not in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus 1, and the control unit 11 stores the processed image data in the storage unit 19. It is determined whether or not it is performed (S209). If the processed image data is not stored in the storage unit 19 (S209: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S201. When the processed image data is stored in the storage unit 19 (S209: YES), the control unit 11 invalidates the processed image data stored in the storage unit 19 (S210). Exit. After the processing of the image data is completed, the control unit 11 starts the process of step S201.

  The image processing apparatus 1 processes image data and image data according to the contents of the accumulated usage history when a sufficient usage history is accumulated after a predetermined period such as one month has elapsed since the operation was started. Set whether to prioritize or disable. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the image processing apparatus 1 in order to set which of image data processing and image data invalidation is to be prioritized. The control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 executes the following processing according to the control program stored in the ROM 172.

  The control unit 11 sums up user ranks included in the history information 17c stored in the management unit 171 when a predetermined period has elapsed since the use history began to be accumulated (S31), and the rank indicated by the user rank is high. It is determined whether or not the proportion of the user is greater than a predetermined proportion (S32). When the proportion of users with higher ranks is greater than the predetermined proportion (S32: YES), there is a high possibility that image data including confidential information will be processed, so the control unit 11 is to improve security. Then, the priority information 17a indicating the priority of invalidation of the image data is stored in the management unit 171 (S38), and the process ends.

  If the ratio of users with higher ranks is less than or equal to the predetermined ratio in step S32 (S32: NO), the control unit 11 includes the number of cases in which invalidation of image data is prioritized included in the history information 17c. The number of cases where image data processing has been prioritized is totaled (S33). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the ratio indicated by the number of cases where invalidation of image data is prioritized is greater than a predetermined ratio in the total number of cases included in the history information 17c (S34). When the ratio indicated by the number of cases in which invalidation of image data is prioritized is greater than a predetermined ratio (S34: YES), the control unit 11 sends priority information 17a indicating the priority of invalidation of image data to the management unit 171. Store (S38), and the process ends.

  When the ratio indicated by the number of cases in which invalidation of image data is prioritized in step S34 is equal to or less than a predetermined ratio (S34: NO), the control unit 11 counts the number of usage histories included in the history information 17c ( S35), it is determined whether or not the total number of cases is greater than the predetermined number (S36). When the total number of cases is larger than the predetermined number (S36: YES), the control unit 11 manages the priority information 17a indicating the priority of the image data processing so that the image data can be processed efficiently. The data is stored in the unit 171 (S37), and the process ends. In step S35, the number of processing instructions received per unit time is calculated, and in step S36, it is set whether to give priority to image data processing or image data invalidation according to the number of processing instructions per unit time. You may perform the process to do. When the total number of cases is equal to or less than the predetermined number (S36: NO), priority information 17a indicating the priority of invalidation of image data is stored in the management unit 171 (S38), and the process is terminated. Note that the process of setting which of the image data processing and the invalidation of the image data is prioritized may be performed only once after a predetermined period elapses after the operation of the image processing apparatus 1 is started. Alternatively, it may be performed periodically such as every month using a trial history of a recent predetermined period.

  After setting whether to prioritize processing of image data or invalidation of image data, the image processing apparatus 1 performs processing according to the setting result. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by the image processing apparatus 1 after setting which of image data processing and image data invalidation is to be prioritized is set. The control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 executes the following processing according to the control program stored in the ROM 172.

  The control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 stores the ID stored in the ID card C by communication between the ID card C carried by the user in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus 1 and the user detection unit 12. Information reception by the user detection unit 12 is monitored (S401). When the user detection unit 12 receives the ID information (S401: YES), the control unit 11 monitors the reception of an image data processing instruction when the user operates the operation unit 13 (S402). When the image data processing instruction is received (S402: YES), the control unit 11 gives priority to either the image data processing or the image data invalidation when the user operates the operation unit 13. The reception of the request on the priority instruction reception screen for instructing is monitored (S403).

  If no ID information is received by the user detection unit 12 in step S401 (S401: NO), or if no image data processing instruction is received in step S402 (S402: NO), the control unit 11 The communication unit 152 monitors the reception of the image data processing instruction transmitted from the PC 2 operated by the user (S404). If no image data processing instruction has been received (S404: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S401. When the communication unit 152 receives an image data processing instruction (S404: YES), the control unit 11 uses, as identification information for identifying the user, an IP address or the like indicating the PC 2 that is the source of the processing instruction. Information is read (S405). Next, the control unit 11 monitors the reception by the communication unit 152 of a priority instruction indicating which of the image data processing and the image data invalidation transmitted from the PC 2 is prioritized (S406).

  When the request for the priority instruction acceptance screen is not received at step S403 (S403: NO), or when the priority instruction is not received at step S406 (S406: NO), the control unit 11 causes the image reading unit 14 to copy the document. Image data is received by reading an image, reading image data from the recording medium M by the mounting unit 18, or receiving image data by the communication unit 152 (S407). Next, the control unit 11 reads the priority information 17a stored in the management unit 171 (S408) and displays the priority information 17a on the display unit of the operation unit 13 or transmits it to the PC 2 from the communication unit 152. The contents of the priority information 17a indicating which of processing and image data invalidation is to be prioritized are output (S409). Next, the control unit 11 selects an image data processing instruction including a priority instruction that indicates which of the image data processing and the image data invalidation is to be given in accordance with the content of the priority information 17a, identification information, The image data to be processed is stored in the storage unit 19 (S410), and the process ends. After the process of accepting image data ends, the control unit 11 starts the process of step S401.

  When a request for a priority instruction reception screen is received in step S403 (S403: YES), the control unit 11 outputs a priority instruction reception screen as shown in FIG. 4 to display means such as a touch panel of the operation unit 13. (S411), the reception of the priority instruction by the operation of the user at the operation unit 13 is monitored (S412). When the priority instruction is not received (S412: NO), the control unit 11 continues monitoring the reception of the priority instruction.

  When the priority instruction is received in step S412 (S412: YES), or when the priority instruction is received in step S406 (S406: YES), the control unit 11 reads the document image by the image reading unit 14 or the mounting unit. The image data is received by reading the image data from the recording medium M in 18 or receiving the image data in the communication unit 152 (S413). Next, the control unit 11 stores the processing instruction of image data including the received priority instruction, identification information, and image data to be processed in the storage unit 19 (S410), and ends the process. After the process of accepting image data ends, the control unit 11 starts the process of step S401.

  The procedure of the image data processing performed by the image processing apparatus 1 in parallel with the processing for receiving the image data is the same as the procedure shown in FIG. In the above processing, the processing of storing the priority information 17a by setting in advance which of the image data processing and the image data invalidation is used is used. Accordingly, processing for setting which of image data processing and image data invalidation is to be prioritized may be performed. In this case, when the image processing apparatus 1 receives image data, the image processing apparatus 1 performs a process combining the process shown in FIG. 6 and the process shown in FIG.

  As described in detail above, in the present invention, the image processing apparatus 1 that performs processing of image data and invalidation of processed image data stores a usage history when processing the image data. Whether to give priority to processing or invalidation of image data is set according to the contents of the usage history. Accepts a priority instruction that indicates whether to prioritize image data processing or image data invalidation, and stores as a usage history whether image data processing or image data invalidation was prioritized However, if the priority of invalidation of image data indicated by the usage history is large, priority is given to invalidation of image data, such as processing of image data or invalidation of image data according to the comparison result of the number of priorities. Set whether to give priority. As a result, the image processing device 1 can be used with an emphasis on processing speed or with an emphasis on security, or exhibit appropriate capabilities depending on the environment in which the image processing device 1 is used. it can.

  In the present invention, since priority is given to either image data processing or image data invalidation according to the processing amount of the image data included in the usage history, the processing amount of the image data is large. Data processing, such as emphasizing the processing speed when there is a stagnation of the data, and if the processing does not stagnate even if priority is given to invalidation of the image data because the processing amount of the image data is small A balance between processing speed and security can be achieved based on the amount.

  In the present invention, according to the content of the user identification information included in the use history, which of the image data processing and the invalidation of the image data is prioritized is set, so there is an opportunity to handle confidential information. The image processing apparatus 1 can exhibit appropriate abilities according to the type of user, such as giving priority to data invalidation when many officers are using many.

  In the present invention, either processing of the image data or invalidation of the image data is performed according to the use history stored in the past predetermined period such as one month after the operation of the image processing apparatus 1 is started. Since priority is set, the image processing apparatus 1 can exhibit an appropriate capability according to a general use environment.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, a setting result indicating whether to prioritize processing of image data or invalidation of image data is output, so that the user can check the usage environment of the image processing apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 1 is configured to output the setting result to the display unit of the operation unit 13. However, the setting result is transmitted from the communication unit 152 to the administrator by e-mail. Form may be sufficient.

  In the present embodiment, the setting of whether to prioritize processing of image data or invalidation of image data is a mode in which the same setting result is applied to all users. Not limited to this, use history is recorded for each user in association with identification information for identifying the user, and whether to prioritize image data processing or image data invalidation for each user is set The form which performs the process to perform may be sufficient. In this case, an appropriate usage method can be finely adjusted according to the environment in which each user uses the image processing apparatus 1.

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

It is a functional block diagram showing an internal functional configuration of an image processing apparatus which is a data processing apparatus of the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the example of the content of log | history information. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing in which the image processing apparatus 1 receives image data before a sufficient usage history is accumulated. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the reception screen of a priority instruction | indication. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the image data processing which an image processing apparatus performs. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the image processing apparatus to set which of image data processing and image data invalidation is to be prioritized. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the image processing apparatus after setting which of image data processing and image data invalidation is to be prioritized is set.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image processing device (data processing device)
11 Control unit 12 User detection unit (user detection means)
14 Image reading unit (data receiving means)
151 Modem part (data receiving means)
152 Communication unit (data receiving means)
171 management unit (history storage means)
18 Wearing part (data receiving means)
19 Storage unit (storage means)
2 PC
N1 communication network

Claims (7)

Data receiving means for receiving data, storage means for storing data received by the data receiving means, processing means for processing data stored in the storage means, and invalidation of data stored in the storage means In a data processing apparatus comprising invalidation means for performing
Priority instruction receiving means for receiving a priority instruction to prioritize either processing by the processing means for unprocessed data or invalidation by the invalidation means for processed data;
When the priority instruction accepting unit accepts the priority instruction and the data accepting unit accepts data, processing of unprocessed data or invalidation of processed data is performed according to the priority instruction received by the priority instruction accepting unit. Means for preferentially executing one of them,
History storage means for storing, as a usage history , whether processing of unprocessed data or invalidation of processed data is preferentially executed ;
Setting means for setting which of the processing of the unprocessed data by the processing means and the invalidation of the processed data by the invalidating means to be prioritized according to the contents of the usage history stored in the history storage means;
When the data receiving unit receives data without the priority instruction receiving unit receiving the priority instruction, priority is given to either processing of unprocessed data or invalidation of processed data according to the setting result by the setting unit. data processing apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a manual step to run to. Before Symbol setting means, according to a result of comparison between the priority number of the processing of the priority number and the raw data of the disabling of the processed data stored as the use history, the process or the processed raw data data The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein priority is given to invalidation. The setting means is configured to set whether to give priority to processing of unprocessed data or invalidation of processed data in accordance with the number of usage histories stored in the history storage means. The data processing device according to claim 1 or 2. It further comprises identification information receiving means for receiving identification information of users classified into a plurality of types,
The history storage means is adapted to store the identification information received by the identification information receiving means as a use history,
The setting means is configured to set whether to give priority to processing of unprocessed data or invalidation of processed data according to the frequency for each type of the identification information stored as the use history. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the data processing device is a data processing device. An identification information receiving means for receiving the identification information of the user;
The history storage means is adapted to store a use history in association with each of the identification information received by the identification information receiving means,
The setting means may process either unprocessed data or invalidate processed data according to the usage history stored in the history storage means in association with each of the identification information received by the identification information receiving means. The data processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein whether to give priority to the data is set.   The setting means should set whether to give priority to processing of unprocessed data or invalidation of processed data according to the usage history stored in the history storage means within a predetermined period in the past. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   7. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for outputting the contents of the setting result set by the setting means.

Images