JP4592483B2 - Image processing system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention includes an image processing apparatus that performs image processing on the image data received, between a network to which the transmission device is connected to transmit the image data, an image processing system in which external processing apparatus is connected.

  2. Description of the Related Art Image processing apparatuses that process an image recorded on a sheet are often used connected to a network. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the multifunction peripheral (image processing apparatus) 1 connected to the network. The multi-function device 1 is connected to an internal network N1, and a plurality of personal computers (hereinafter referred to as personal computers) 32 are connected to the internal network N1. The internal network N1 is connected to an external network N2, and an Internet fax machine (hereinafter referred to as iFAX machine) 34, a personal computer 32, and the like are connected to the external network N2.

  The multifunction device 1 includes an image reading unit 2 having a CCD 2a, an operation unit 4 having an input unit 4a and a display unit 4b, a memory 6a for storing image data, and a printing unit (LSU) 6b for forming an image on recording paper. The forming unit 6, the communication unit 10 for controlling communication with the internal network N1, the FAX modem 11 connected to the telephone network N3, the management unit 14 for storing control programs and various settings, and the like in the apparatus according to the control program The control part 8 which controls each structure part is provided. The multifunction device 1 can print data received by the communication unit 10 from the personal computer 32 on the recording paper by the image forming unit 6, and can transmit image data read by the image reading unit 2 from the communication unit 10 to the personal computer 32. It is.

In addition, as the performance of an image processing apparatus such as the multifunction machine 1 improves, the types of processing performed by the image processing apparatus tend to increase. For example, an image that performs processing for adding or removing a watermark pattern to an image (see Patent Document 1) or processing for holding (holding) data in which a password is set until a password is input (see Patent Document 2). There is a processing device.
JP-A-7-212712 JP-A-2-268321

  However, there is a problem that the image processing of Patent Document 1 has a heavy load and takes time. In addition, the accumulation of data in Patent Document 2 has a problem of squeezing the memory capacity. In order to cope with such a problem, a method of adding an expansion board by providing an expansion slot in the image processing apparatus is used. By providing an expansion slot, it is possible to add dedicated hardware for processing of Patent Document 1 or add an additional memory for Patent Document 2. Further, by providing an expansion slot, it becomes possible to newly add the processing function to an image processing apparatus that does not have the processing function of Patent Document 1 or 2.

  However, the expansion slot is a vacant space and a useless space when no expansion board is added. Therefore, when the expansion slot is provided, there arises a problem that the image processing apparatus cannot be reduced in size. Further, the downsized space-saving image processing apparatus cannot be provided with an expansion slot, and there is a problem that expandability is low.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. An image processing apparatus that performs image processing on received image data, a network to which a transmission apparatus that transmits image data is connected, and communication with the network are performed. First communication means for receiving image data addressed to the image processing apparatus, processing means for processing the image data received by the first communication means, and transmitting the image data processed by the processing means to the image processing apparatus by providing an external processing apparatus having a second communication unit, and an object thereof is to provide an image processing system that can add extensions external to the image processing apparatus.

  In addition, the present invention provides an image processing system in which the processing means is configured to perform processing that cannot be performed by the image processing apparatus, so that a new function can be added externally to the image processing apparatus. For other purposes.

  In addition, the present invention includes a confirmation unit that confirms that the external processing device can communicate with the image processing device, and when confirming that the external processing device can communicate with the image processing device, An image processing system that can identify image data addressed to an image processing device based on the identification information acquired from the image processing device by providing the processing device with identification information of the image processing device. To do other purposes.

  In addition, the present invention is configured such that the first communication means accepts image data addressed to the image processing apparatus after it has been confirmed that communication with the image processing apparatus is possible. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image processing system that can prevent the reception of image data addressed to an image processing apparatus in a state where it cannot be performed.

  Further, the present invention is configured to confirm that communication with the image processing apparatus is possible after power-on, so that communication between the image processing apparatus after startup and the external processing apparatus can be started quickly. It is another object to provide an image processing system capable of

  Further, in the present invention, the external processing device includes a receiving unit that receives an input of an authentication code, and the second communication unit is configured to transmit the authentication code received by the receiving unit to the image processing device, The image processing device includes a communication unit that communicates with the external processing device and receives an authentication code from the external processing device, and an authentication unit that authenticates the received authentication code. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system capable of restricting transmission of identification information of an image processing apparatus by transmitting the identification information of the processing apparatus from the communication means to the external processing apparatus. To do.

In addition, the present invention includes prohibiting means for prohibiting image processing on image data not processed by the external processing apparatus after the image processing apparatus transmits identification information of the image processing apparatus to the external processing apparatus. Accordingly, another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system capable of preventing the image processing apparatus from processing image data that has not been processed by the external processing apparatus.

An image processing system according to the present invention receives image data, performs image processing on the received image data, a network to which a transmission device that transmits image data is connected, and communicates with the network. First communication means for receiving image data addressed to the image processing apparatus, processing means for processing the image data received by the first communication means, and image processed by the processing means in communication with the image processing apparatus An external processing device having second communication means for transmitting data to the image processing device, the external processing device having confirmation means for confirming that communication with the image processing device is possible, and the second communication The means is configured to request the image processing apparatus for identification information of the image processing apparatus when the confirmation means confirms that communication is possible, and the image processing apparatus After sending the identification information of the image processing apparatus to the external processing device, characterized in that it has a prohibiting means for prohibiting the image processing for the image data processing unit is not performing processing of the external processing device.

  The image processing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the processing means is configured to perform processing that cannot be performed by the image processing apparatus.

  The image processing system according to the present invention is configured such that the first communication means accepts image data addressed to the image processing apparatus after it is confirmed that the first communication means can communicate with the image processing apparatus. Features.

  The image processing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the confirmation unit is configured to confirm that communication with the image processing apparatus is possible after power-on.

  In the image processing system according to the present invention, the external processing device includes a receiving unit that receives an input of an authentication code, and the second communication unit transmits the authentication code received by the receiving unit to the image processing device. The image processing apparatus includes a communication unit that communicates with the external processing device and receives an authentication code from the external processing device, and an authentication unit that performs authentication for the authentication code received by the communication unit, When the authentication is successful, the identification information of the image processing apparatus is transmitted from the communication means to the external processing apparatus.

  In the present invention, the first communication means of the external processing device communicates with the network to which the transmission device is connected, and accepts image data addressed to the image processing device. The received image data is subjected to predetermined processing by the processing means. The processed image data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus by the second communication means that communicates with the image processing apparatus. Therefore, the image data transmitted to the image processing apparatus is subjected to predetermined processing by the processing means. The processing performed by the processing means is, for example, high-load image processing such as processing for adding a tint block to image data, or processing such as data storage processing using a storage device having a larger capacity than the built-in memory of the image processing device. Further, since the first communication unit accepts image data addressed to the image processing apparatus, the transmission apparatus does not need to transmit data to the external processing apparatus, and it is not necessary to notify or set the address of the external processing apparatus to the transmission apparatus. .

  In the present invention, the processing means performs processing that cannot be performed by the image processing apparatus. Therefore, when viewed from the transmission device, an external processing device is added to the image processing device, and a new function is added to the image processing device. The processing that cannot be performed by the image processing apparatus is, for example, encryption / decryption processing. Alternatively, various image processing that cannot be performed by the image processing apparatus.

  In the present invention, when the confirmation unit of the external processing device confirms that communication with the image processing device is possible, and confirms that communication with the image processing device is possible, the second communication unit transfers the image processing device. The identification information of the image processing apparatus is requested. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent requesting identification information from the image processing apparatus in a state where the image processing apparatus is not connected or operated and cannot communicate with the image processing apparatus. Further, the image data addressed to the image processing apparatus can be identified based on the identification information acquired from the image processing apparatus.

  In the present invention, after it is confirmed that the external processing apparatus can communicate with the image processing apparatus, the first communication means accepts image data addressed to the image processing apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to prevent image data addressed to the image processing apparatus from being received in a state where the image processing apparatus is not connected or operated and cannot communicate with the image processing apparatus.

  In the present invention, the confirmation unit confirms that communication with the image processing apparatus is possible after power-on. The confirmation unit confirms that communication with the image processing apparatus is possible as soon as possible after the power is turned on and started.

  In the present invention, the input of the authentication code is received by the receiving means of the external processing apparatus, and the authentication code received by the receiving means is transmitted from the second communication means to the image processing apparatus. The authentication means of the image processing apparatus authenticates the authentication code received from the external processing apparatus by the communication means, and transmits the identification information of the image processing apparatus from the communication means to the external processing apparatus when the authentication is successful. Therefore, it is possible to restrict transmission of identification information of the image processing apparatus.

In the present invention, the prohibiting means of the image processing apparatus prohibits image processing on the image data not processed by the processing means of the external processing apparatus after transmitting the identification information of the image processing apparatus to the external processing apparatus. Therefore, the image data processed by the image processing apparatus is always processed by the external processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, an external processing apparatus can be added externally to the image processing apparatus, and for example, the processing efficiency can be improved by distributing the load. Also, part of the processing performed by the image processing apparatus can be performed by the external processing apparatus, and for example, the load on the image processing apparatus can be reduced. Further, an external processing device can be added without notifying or setting the address of the external processing device to the transmission device.

  According to the present invention, since processing that cannot be performed by the image processing apparatus is performed by the external processing apparatus, a new function can be added externally to the image processing apparatus. Further, since the external processing apparatus is connected to the image processing apparatus, for example, it is not necessary to provide an expansion slot or the like in the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus can be downsized. In addition, since the external processing device is connected to the image processing device, for example, even a small-sized image processing device that does not include an expansion slot can be externally expanded.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the image processing apparatus from requesting identification information in a state where the image processing apparatus is not connected or operated and cannot communicate with the image processing apparatus. Further, the image data addressed to the image processing apparatus can be identified based on the identification information acquired from the image processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent image data addressed to an image processing apparatus from being received in a state where the image processing apparatus is not connected or operated and cannot communicate with the image processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to confirm that communication with the image processing apparatus is possible after power-on, and to quickly start communication between the image processing apparatus and the external processing apparatus after activation.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to restrict the transmission of identification information of the image processing apparatus and prevent the identification information from being transmitted to an unspecified number.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the image processing apparatus from processing image data that has not been processed by the external processing apparatus.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an image processing system including an external processing device. An external processing device (hereinafter referred to as an external device) 40 is connected between a multifunction peripheral (image processing device) 1 and an internal network N1 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) built in the company. A plurality of personal computers (hereinafter referred to as personal computers) 32 are connected to the internal network N1. Further, the internal network N1 is connected to an external network N2 such as the Internet constructed outside the company, for example. An Internet fax machine (hereinafter referred to as iFAX machine) 34 and a personal computer 32 are connected to the external network N2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 1 includes an image reading unit 2 such as an image scanner having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 2a, an input unit 4a such as an input key, and a display unit 4b such as a liquid crystal display panel. Unit 4, an image forming unit 6 having a memory 6a such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for storing image data and a printing unit (LSU: Laser Scanning Unit) 6b for forming an image on recording paper (sheet), externally attached A communication unit (communication means) 10 such as a LAN interface for controlling communication with the apparatus 40; a FAX modem 11 connected to the telephone line network N3; a management unit 14 such as a flash memory for storing control programs and various settings; A control unit 8 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for controlling each component in the apparatus according to the control program is provided.

  Each component of the multifunction device 1 is controlled by the control unit 8, and receives an operation instruction from the input unit 4a such as a touch panel or an input key, and executes processing according to the accepted operation instruction, or the operation of the multifunction device 1. It is possible to notify the user of necessary information by displaying information on the state on the display unit 4b. Further, the management unit 14 stores information related to operation settings of the respective components, and the control unit 8 controls the operation of the entire multifunction device 1 based on the information. In the present embodiment, the multifunction device 1 can operate as a copying machine, a printer, a network scanner, and a facsimile.

  When the multifunction device 1 is used as a copying machine by accepting a selection of a copying function by the operation unit 4 or the like, the original set on the image reading unit 2 is electronically read and read by the control of the control unit 8 Data is stored in the memory 6a, and image data is sent from the memory 6a to the printing unit 6b in accordance with the printing timing of the printing unit 6b.

  When the multifunction device 1 is used as a printer by receiving image data transmitted from a personal computer (transmission device) 32 connected to the internal network N1 via the external device 40, for example, as a printer, the control unit Under the control of No. 8, the received image data is sent to the memory 6a, and is sent to the printing unit 6b in the same manner as in the case of use as a copying machine described above.

  When the multifunction device 1 is used as a network scanner by accepting the selection of data transmission by the operation unit 4 or the like, the original set on the image reading unit 2 is electronically read and read by the control of the control unit 8 The image data is stored in the memory 6 a and then transmitted from the communication unit 10 to the transmission destination received by the operation unit 4. As the image data transmission destination, the personal computer 32 in the internal network N1, the personal computer 32 in the external network N2, and the iFAX machine 34 can be designated. It is also possible to designate the FAX number as the transmission destination and transmit the image data from the FAX modem 11 to the external FAX machine 38 via the telephone line network N3.

  The communication unit 10 of the multifunction machine 1 can also communicate with the internal network N1. Therefore, the state where the communication unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 and the internal network N1 are connected is changed to a state where the external device 40 is added between the communication unit 10 of the multifunction device 1 and the internal network N1. Is possible.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an external device (external processing device). The external device 40 includes a first communication unit 52 such as a LAN interface connected to the internal network N1, a second communication unit 54 such as a LAN interface connected to the multifunction device 1, an operation unit 56 having an input key and the like. Management of a notification unit 58 having a liquid crystal display panel or LED (Light Emitting Diode), a storage unit 44 such as a hard disk drive, a data processing unit 48 for processing data, a flash memory for storing control programs and various settings, etc. In accordance with the unit 46 and the control program, for example, a control unit 42 such as a CPU that controls each component in the apparatus, such as controlling data transfer between the first communication unit 52 and the second communication unit 54, is provided.

  The first communication unit (first communication unit) 52 of the external device 40 communicates with the internal network N1 under the control of the control unit 42, and accepts image data addressed to the multifunction peripheral (image processing device) 1. Under the control of the control unit 42, the data processing unit (processing unit) 48 performs predetermined processing on the image data received by the first communication unit 52. The second communication unit (second communication unit) 54 communicates with the multifunction device 1 under the control of the control unit 42 and transmits the image data processed by the data processing unit 48 to the multifunction device 1.

  The data processing unit 48 performs processing that cannot be performed by the multifunction device 1 or performs part of the processing performed by the multifunction device 1 instead. For example, data destined for the multifunction device 1 is decrypted, data transmitted from the multifunction device 1 is encrypted, data is stored in the storage unit (hard disk) 44, Image processing for adding a background pattern to image data can be performed. The processing to be performed is set in the management unit 46 in advance.

  When the control unit 42 of the external device 40 controls the second communication unit 54 to operate as a confirmation unit for confirming whether communication with the multifunction device 1 is possible, and confirms that communication with the multifunction device 1 is possible The second communication unit 54 requests the MFP 1 for identification information of the MFP 1. The identification information of the MFP is, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address, a device model code, or a manufacturer code. Confirmation that communication with the multifunction device 1 is possible can be performed after power-on, for example, or at predetermined time intervals.

  When the communication unit 10 receives a request for identification information, the multifunction device 1 requests an authentication code such as a password from the communication unit 10 to the external device 40 under the control of the control unit 8. When the second communication unit 54 receives an authentication code request, the external device 40 displays an authentication code input screen on the liquid crystal display panel of the notification unit 58 under the control of the control unit 42. The operation unit 56 of the external device 40 operates as a reception unit that receives an input of an authentication code, and the received authentication code is transmitted from the second communication unit 54 to the multifunction device 1 under the control of the control unit 42.

When the communication unit 10 accepts the authentication code, the control unit (authentication unit) 8 of the multifunction device 1 authenticates the authentication code received from the external device 40 based on the authentication code stored in advance in the management unit 14. I do. When the authentication is successful, identification information such as an IP address stored in advance in the management unit 14 is transmitted from the communication unit 10 to the external device 40 under the control of the control unit 8. Further, when transmitting the identification information to the external device 40, the control unit (prohibiting means) 8 of the multifunction device 1 prohibits image processing on image data that has not been processed by the data processing unit 48 of the external device 40. .

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for acquiring identification information of a multifunction peripheral. With the external device 40 connected between the multifunction machine 1 and the internal network N1, the power is turned on. Note that it is preferable that the power of the multi-function device 1 is on, and the power of the external device 40 is also turned on in conjunction with the power on of the multi-function device 1. The external device 40 is installed in the vicinity of the multifunction device 1, more preferably in close contact with the multifunction device 1. The control unit 42 of the external device 40 controls, for example, the second communication unit 54 after activation to check whether communication with the multifunction device 1 is possible. When communication is possible (S10: YES), the control unit 42 requests identification information from the second communication unit 54 to the multifunction device 1 (S12). The control unit 8 of the multifunction device 1 that has received the request for the identification information by the communication unit 10 requests an authentication code from the communication unit 10 to the external device 40 (S14).

  The control unit 42 of the external device 40 that has received the request for the authentication code by the second communication unit 54 displays an authentication code input screen on the liquid crystal display panel of the notification unit 58, for example, and receives and receives the authentication code by the operation unit 56. The authentication code is transmitted from the second communication unit 54 to the multifunction device 1 (S16). The control unit 8 of the MFP 1 that has received the authentication code by the communication unit 10 performs authentication based on the authentication code stored in the management unit 14, and if the authentication fails (S18: NO), the communication unit 10 When the authentication code is requested again to the external device 40 (S14) and the authentication is successful (S18: YES), the identification information stored in the management unit 14 is read and transmitted from the communication unit 10 to the external device 40. (S20).

The control unit 42 of the external device 40 that has received the identification information by the second communication unit 54 stores the received identification information (for example, IP address) in the management unit 46 (S22). Thereafter, based on the identification information, the external device 40 processes the image data addressed to the multifunction device 1 received by the first communication unit 52 (for example, decoding, adding a background pattern) by the data processing unit 48, The data processing unit 48 performs processing (for example, encryption) on the transmission data from the multifunction device 1 transmitted from the second communication unit 54 to the multifunction device 1 or received by the second communication unit 54, and the first communication unit 52. To the destination. Further, in the multi-function device 1, processing of image data that is not processed by the data processing unit 48 of the external device 40 is prohibited.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a data transfer procedure from the personal computer 32 to the multifunction device 1 via the external device 40. The control unit 42 of the external device 40 confirms whether the destination of the data received by the first communication unit is the multifunction device 1 based on the identification information stored in the management unit 46, and the destination is that of the multifunction device 1. In the case (S30: YES), the received data is stored in the storage unit 44 (S32), and the stored data is processed by the data processing unit 48 (S34). For example, decryption processing of the encrypted data, hold processing that accumulates in the storage unit 44 until an output instruction or password is received, or tint block addition processing to the image data is performed.

  When the hold processing is not necessary for the received data (S36: NO), the control unit 42 reads the processed data from the storage unit 44 and transmits it from the second communication unit 54 to the multi function device 1 (S40). . When the hold processing is necessary for the received data (S36: YES), the control unit 42 receives the output instruction or the password (transmission instruction) from the operation unit 56 (S38: YES), and the processed data Is read from the storage unit 44 and transmitted to the multifunction device 1 (S40).

  In the embodiment described above, the identification information of the multifunction device 1 is requested from the external device 40. For example, the identification information is transmitted to the external device 40 by operating the multifunction device 1, or the operation of the external device 40 is performed. It is also possible to input identification information of the multifunction device 1 from the unit 56.

Is a block diagram showing an example of an image processing system including an external processing device. It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of external device (external processing device). It is a flowchart which shows the example of the acquisition procedure of identification information. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data transfer procedure from a personal computer to a multifunction peripheral via an external device. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a multifunction peripheral (image processing apparatus) connected to a network.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multifunctional device 2 Image reading part 4, 56 Operation part 6 Image formation part 8, 42 Control part 10 Communication part 11 FAX modem 14, 46 Management part 40 External device 44 Storage part 48 Data processing part 52 1st communication part 54 1st 2 Communication Department N1 Internal Network N2 External Network N3 Telephone Line Network

Claims (5)

An image processing apparatus that receives image data and performs image processing on the received image data;
A network to which a transmission device for transmitting image data is connected;
Communicating with the network, first communication means for receiving image data addressed to the image processing apparatus, processing means for processing image data received by the first communication means, and communication with the image processing apparatus, An external processing device having second communication means for transmitting image data processed by the processing means to the image processing device;
The external processing apparatus has a confirmation unit for confirming that communication with the image processing apparatus is possible,
The second communication means is configured to request identification information of the image processing apparatus from the image processing apparatus when the confirmation means confirms that communication is possible.
The image processing apparatus includes prohibiting means for prohibiting image processing on image data not processed by the processing means of the external processing apparatus after transmitting the identification information of the image processing apparatus to the external processing apparatus. A featured image processing system.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to perform processing that cannot be performed by the image processing apparatus. The first communication means, wherein after it is confirmed that can communicate with the image processing apparatus, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that are configured to accept image data of the image processing apparatus destined Image processing system. The confirmation means, after power-on, the image processing system according to any one of claims 1 through 3, characterized in that is arranged to confirm that communication is possible with the image processing apparatus . The external processing device includes a receiving unit that receives an input of an authentication code, and the second communication unit is configured to transmit the authentication code received by the receiving unit to the image processing device,
The image processing apparatus includes a communication unit that communicates with the external processing device and receives an authentication code from the external processing device, and an authentication unit that performs authentication for the authentication code received by the communication unit, and the authentication is successful. the image processing system according to claim 1, any one of up to 4, characterized in that the identification information of the image processing apparatus is arranged to transmit from the communication means to the external processing device.

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