JP4794366B2 - Data communication system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a data communication system using a multi-function electronic device such as a multifunction peripheral device (MFP) connected to a network.

In recent years, multifunctional electronic devices (MFPs) having composite functions such as a copy function, a FAX function, a scanner function, and a printer function are connected to a network and installed in convenience stores.
These multifunctional electronic devices are often used by unspecified people, so the operation method is simplified so that anyone can easily operate them. The operation method to be used is proposed

  As a first conventional technique, there is an image forming apparatus operating system that enables an image forming apparatus to be operated from a mobile phone. In this image forming apparatus operating system, short-range wireless data communication means called Bluetooth is provided in each of the image forming apparatus and the mobile phone, thereby enabling communication between the two and using the mobile phone. The image forming apparatus can be operated. Even if the key arrangement or operation method of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus is different, the image forming apparatus can be operated by a mobile phone owned by the user of the image forming apparatus, so that the operation of the image forming apparatus becomes easy. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  As a second conventional technique, there is an image forming apparatus that performs user authentication using a mobile phone. This image forming apparatus wirelessly communicates with a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone to acquire a user name and an identification ID from the mobile terminal and perform user authentication. User authentication can be performed without forcing the user to input a user name and an identification ID each time printing is performed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

As a third conventional technique, there is an authentication device that uses an image obtained by capturing an identification code. This authentication device captures an identification code such as a barcode with a digital camera or the like, transmits the captured identification code to an identification code decoding device, and determines whether or not the transmitted identification code is registered. Authentication is performed. Since user authentication can be performed without using an expensive bar code reader, user authentication using an identification code can be performed even in stores with a small number of visitors (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
JP 2003-107962 A JP 2003-94777 A JP 2004-297440 A

  In the first conventional technique, an image forming apparatus is operated from an operation unit of a single mobile phone. The second prior art acquires user name and identification ID from a portable terminal and performs user authentication. The third conventional technique performs user authentication using an identification code such as a barcode imaged by a digital camera or the like.

  Any of the conventional techniques has been proposed to reduce the burden on the user and allow the user to easily operate the electronic device. However, recent copiers, especially multifunctional electronic devices, have become more multifunctional, and instead of using a single multifunctional electronic device alone, multiple multifunctional electronic devices are connected to the network via the Internet or the like. The form to use is becoming common.

  However, as described above, it is indispensable to use the network communication function in order to fully utilize the functions of the multi-function electronic devices connected to the network. The improvement of operability is not disclosed. For example, when data scanned by the multifunctional electronic device X is transmitted to the multifunctional electronic device Y at a remote location and the transmitted data is printed by the multifunctional electronic device Y, the network of the multifunctional electronic device Y that is the transmission destination The user must enter the address into the multi-function electronic device X. However, since this input work is complicated, mistakes in input frequently occur.

  For this reason, when performing network communication between each multifunctional electronic device, there is an increasing need to simplify operations that must be performed when connecting to the network. Therefore, although it is necessary to simplify this input work, none of the three conventional techniques discloses an improvement in operability during long-distance communication.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a user can easily perform operations using a multifunctional electronic device connected to a network represented by a copy machine installed in many convenience stores. It is an object of the present invention to provide an operation system for data communication that can be used as a transmission / reception device that performs data transmission / reception via a network.

The first technical means includes output means for generating identification information for identifying the device and outputting the generated identification information , a password input means, a means for outputting the input password, and a data storage device. A multifunctional electronic device connected to a network, an auxiliary device having transmission means for receiving at least identification information output from the multifunctional electronic device and transmitting the received identification information, and identification information transmitted by the auxiliary device And receiving the identification information output from the transmission-side auxiliary device, and identifying the multi-function identified by the identification information via the network establishing a communication connection with the electronic apparatus consists of a transmitting apparatus for transmitting data to the multi-function electronic device communication connection is established, the multi-function Child device, a wherein the data transmitted from the transmitting apparatus and stored in said data storage device, and outputs the data stored in the memory means by the password is entered via the password input means To do.

A second technical means is connected to a network having an output means for outputting the generated identification information and generates the identification information for identifying the device, and means for outputting the password input means and the input password a multifunctional electronic device, wherein the receiving the identification information and password multi-function electronic device outputs, and an auxiliary device having a transmitting means for transmitting the received the identification information and the password, the identification information and transmitted by the auxiliary equipment receiving a password, and a receiving-side auxiliary device having an output means for outputting the identification information and the password received, receives the identification information and the password the receiving side auxiliary device output, identified by the identification information via the network wherein establishing a communication connection with the multi-function electronic devices, the multifunctional electronic device, to establish a communication connection Ri, and transmit data to the receiving apparatus, the receiving apparatus is characterized in that the storing the data transmitted, and outputs the data stored by the password is entered.

According to a third technical means, in the first technical means, the transmitting device is a multi-function electronic device.

According to a fourth technical means, in the second technical means, the receiving device is a multi-function electronic device.

According to a fifth technical means, in the first technical means, the multifunctional electronic device and the transmission side auxiliary device output the at least identification information by displaying it on a display panel, and the auxiliary device and the transmission device include: The identification information is received by reading the identification information displayed on the display panel.

A sixth technical means is the second technical means, wherein the multifunctional electronic device and the receiving side auxiliary device output the identification information and the password by displaying them on a display panel, and the auxiliary device and the receiving device, The identification information and password are received by reading the identification information and password displayed on the display panel.

According to a seventh technical means, in the first technical means, the multi-function electronic device transmits a billing payment rate designated by a user to the transmitting device after establishing a communication connection, and the transmitting device Data is transmitted when the user of the transmitting device accepts the billing payment ratio specified by the user of the functional electronic device.

According to an eighth technical means, in the first technical means, the multi-function electronic device transmits a billing payment rate designated by a user to the receiving device after the communication connection is established, and the receiving device is transmitted. The response information of the user regarding the payment rate of the charging is transmitted, and when the response information includes information indicating acceptance of the payment rate of the charging, the multi-function electronic device transmits data. Is.

A third technical means is any one of the first to fourth technical means, wherein the multifunctional electronic device has at least one of a document reading function and an image forming function. .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a user can perform transmission / reception of data by simple operation using the multifunctional electronic device connected to the network represented by the copy machine installed in many convenience stores.

  Further, according to the present invention, the user can set a password for outputting the received data, so that it is possible to prevent the third party from browsing or outputting the received data without permission.

  Further, according to the present invention, the user can specify whether the received data is printed using the image forming apparatus or stored as electronic data in the storage medium.

  According to the present invention, the user of the multi-function electronic device (or the user of the communication destination of the multi-function electronic device) pays various charges such as a communication fee and a copy fee, or the user designates the payment rate of each user. can do.

FIG. 1 is a network diagram of a data communication system to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunctional electronic device A, the transmission device B, and the reception device C are connected via a network such as the Internet. The auxiliary device a, the transmission side auxiliary device b, and the reception side auxiliary device c are devices used to operate the multi-function electronic device A, the transmission device B, and the reception device C, respectively.
In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which a multifunctional electronic device is used as a receiving device, a network address of the device is set in a transmitting device, and data is transmitted and received.
Example 1
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the data communication system of the above embodiment.
The data communication system includes a multifunctional electronic device A such as an MFP, a transmission device B such as a server and a PC, an auxiliary device a such as a mobile phone and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a transmission side auxiliary device b, and the like.

  The multi-function electronic device A includes a control unit 1 including an identification information generation unit 1a, an identification information output unit 2 that outputs identification information, a password input unit 3 that inputs a password, a password reception unit 4 that receives a password, and a password that is output. Password output means 5, communication means 11 for communicating with other electronic devices via a network such as a communication line or the Internet, an image forming apparatus 12 a having a print function and a copy function, and data recording for recording received data and the like The memory 13 and the storage medium 15 such as a flash memory are configured by a storage medium connection unit 14 that can be detachably connected.

  The identification information generating unit 1a generates identification information (for example, QR code: Quick Response Code) including the network address (for example, IP address, URL, etc.) of the multi-function electronic device A.

  The identification information output means 2 outputs the identification information generated by the identification information generation means 1a to a liquid crystal panel or the like.

  The identification information output means 2 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, an infrared LED, and the like. When the identification information output means 2 is constituted by an infrared LED, the identification information is output by infrared rays.

  The password input means 3 is a means for inputting a password set by the user so that a third party cannot access the received data without permission.

  The password input means 3 is composed of a touch panel, a keyboard, and the like. The password can also be input using an operation unit (not shown) such as a numeric keypad of the auxiliary device.

  The password receiving unit 4 receives the password output by the password output unit 25 of the auxiliary device described later.

  The password receiving means 4 is constituted by a digital camera, an infrared sensor or the like. When the password receiving means 4 is constituted by a digital camera, the password output means 25 of the auxiliary device described later captures the password displayed on the liquid crystal panel or the like by the digital camera to receive the password. When the password receiving means 4 is configured by an infrared sensor, the password output by the password output means 25 via the infrared LED is received via this infrared sensor.

  The password output means 5 outputs the password input via the password input means 3 to a liquid crystal panel or the like. As with the identification information output unit 2, the password output unit 5 is configured by a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, an infrared LED, or the like. When the password output means 5 is constituted by an infrared LED, the password is output by infrared rays.

The control means 1 is composed of a CPU (not shown) and a storage device such as a semiconductor memory. The CPU executes a program stored in the storage device, whereby the identification information generating means 1a, the identification information output means 2, the password input means 3 , Password receiving means 4, password output means 5, communication means 11, image forming apparatus 12a, data recording memory 13, storage medium connecting portion 14 and the like.
If the multifunctional electronic device is an MFP, the control unit 1 controls various processes such as copying, printing, scanning, facsimile transmission, or e-mail transmission that are separately operated via a liquid crystal touch panel or the like. .

  The transmitting device B includes a control unit 1 including a network address extracting unit 1b, an identification information receiving unit 6 that receives the above-described identification information, a communication unit 11, an image reading device 12b such as a scanner, a storage medium connecting unit 14, and a storage medium 15. The control unit 1 is configured to control these functional blocks.

  The network address extracting unit 1 b extracts the network address of the multifunction electronic device A from the identification information received via the identification information receiving unit 6.

  The identification information receiving unit 6 receives identification information such as a QR code output from the identification information output unit 22 of the transmission side auxiliary device described later.

  The identification information receiving means 6 is constituted by a digital camera, an infrared sensor or the like. When the identification information receiving means 6 is constituted by a digital camera, the identification information output means 22 of the auxiliary device described later receives the identification information displayed on the liquid crystal panel by taking an image with the digital camera. When the identification information receiving means 6 is constituted by an infrared sensor, the identification information output means 22 receives the identification information output via the infrared LED via the infrared sensor.

  The control unit 1 includes a network address extraction unit 1b and controls each functional block in the same manner as the control unit of the multi-function electronic device A.

  The auxiliary device a communicates with a password receiving unit 24 for receiving a password, a password output unit 25 for outputting a password, an identification information receiving unit 26 for receiving identification information, and a transmitting side auxiliary device b via a wireless / telephone line or the like. The communication means 31 for performing the above, the control means 21 for controlling these functional blocks, and the like.

  The password receiving unit 24 receives the password output by the password output unit 5 of the multi-function electronic device and stores it in a memory (not shown).

  The password receiving means 24 is constituted by a digital camera, an infrared sensor or the like. When the password receiving unit 24 is configured by a digital camera, the password output unit 5 receives the password by imaging the password displayed on the liquid crystal panel by the digital camera. When the password receiving unit 24 is configured by an infrared sensor, the password output by the password output unit 5 via the infrared LED is received via the infrared sensor.

  The password output means 25 outputs a password stored in a memory (not shown) to a liquid crystal panel or the like.

  The password output means 25 is configured by a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, an infrared LED, or the like. When the password output means 25 is constituted by an infrared LED, the password is output by infrared rays.

  The identification information receiving unit 26 receives the identification information of the multifunctional electronic device output from the identification information output unit 2 of the multifunctional electronic device, and stores the received identification information in a memory (not shown).

  The identification information receiving means 26 is constituted by a digital camera, an infrared sensor or the like. When the identification information receiving unit 26 is configured by a digital camera, the identification information output unit 2 receives the identification information displayed on the liquid crystal panel by imaging the digital camera. Further, when the identification information receiving means 26 is configured by an infrared sensor, the identification information output means 2 receives the identification information output via the infrared LED via this infrared sensor.

  The transmission-side auxiliary device b includes an identification information output unit 22 that outputs identification information received from the auxiliary device a via the communication unit 31, a control unit 21 that controls these functional blocks, and the like.

  The identification information output means 22 is configured by a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, an infrared LED, or the like. When the identification information output means 22 is constituted by an infrared LED, the identification information is output by infrared rays.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing for transmitting and receiving data according to the present embodiment.

  In S101, the identification information generating unit 1a of the multifunctional electronic device A generates identification information such as a QR code including the network address (IP address or the like) of the device, and the generated identification information is displayed on the liquid crystal of the identification information output unit 2. Output to a panel (identification information display).

  In S102, the user of the multi-function electronic device A operates the auxiliary device a, receives the identification information displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the multi-function electronic device A via the identification information receiving means 26 (reads the identification information), In S103, the received identification information is transmitted to the transmitting side auxiliary device b via the communication means 31 (identification information transmission).

  Next, in S104, the user of the transmission apparatus B operates the transmission side auxiliary device b to receive the identification information transmitted by the auxiliary device a (identification information reception). In S105, the received identification information is transmitted to the transmission side. The information is output to the liquid crystal panel or the like via the identification information output means 22 of the auxiliary device b (identification information display).

  Next, in S106, the transmitting apparatus B receives the identification information output from the identification information output unit 22 of the transmitting auxiliary device b using the identification information receiving unit 6 (reads the identification information), and in S107, the network address The extraction unit 1b extracts the network address (IP address or the like) of the multifunctional electronic device A from the received identification information, and the control unit 1 refers to the extracted network address of the multifunctional electronic device A to communicate with the communication unit 11 Is used to send a connection request to the multi-function electronic device A (access to the multi-function electronic device read from the identification information).

  Next, in S108, the multifunctional electronic device A receives the connection request (connection request reception), and transmits a response signal to accept the connection request. When the transmission device B receives this response signal, communication between the multifunction electronic device A and the transmission device B is established (communication establishment) in S109.

  After the communication is established, in S110, the user of the transmission apparatus B transmits the transmission data by reading the document with the image reading apparatus 12b of the transmission apparatus B or taking in the electronic data stored in the storage medium 15. (Read the transmission data). Next, in S111, the input data is transmitted to the multi-function electronic device A via the communication means 11 (data transmission).

  When the multi-function electronic device A receives the data sent from the transmitting device B (data reception) in S112, the received data is recorded in the data recording memory 13 in S113, and the recorded data is recorded in the image forming device. At 12a, the document is output as a print document or output to the storage medium 15 via the storage medium connection unit 14 (output to the image forming apparatus or storage medium). Note that the user can select which output method to use.

  As described above, for example, data can be easily received by using a multifunctional electronic device installed in a convenience store or the like as a receiving device. In addition, the network address (IP address, URL, etc.) of a multifunctional electronic device necessary for data communication can be set in the transmitting device via an auxiliary device such as a mobile phone, and the user directly sets the network address. Since there is no need to do this, the input operation is simplified and there is no mistake in inputting the network address.

  In addition, the user can specify whether the data received by the multi-function electronic device is output as a printed matter by the image forming apparatus or output to the storage medium as electronic data.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the data communication system when the password setting function is added.
In S121, the user who uses the multifunctional electronic device A inputs a password for preventing a third party from accessing the received data without permission through the password input means 3 of the multifunctional electronic device A (password). input).

  In S122, the identification information generating unit 1a of the multifunction electronic device A generates identification information such as a QR code, and the identification information output unit 2 outputs the generated identification information to a liquid crystal panel or the like. Similarly, the password output means 5 outputs the password input by the user in S121 to the liquid crystal panel or the like (display of identification information / password).

  Next, in S123, the user of the multifunctional electronic device A operates the auxiliary device a and receives the identification information displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the multifunctional electronic device A via the identification information receiving unit 26. Similarly, a password is received via the password receiving means 24 (reading of identification information / password). The received password is stored in a memory (not shown) in the auxiliary device a.

  Next, as described in S103 to S112 of FIG. 3, the communication between the multi-function electronic device A and the transmission device B is established, and the data transmitted by the transmission device B is received and received by the multi-function electronic device A. Data is stored in the data recording memory 13 (S124 to S133).

Next, when the user of the multi-function electronic device A operates the auxiliary device a and outputs the password stored in the memory of the auxiliary device a to the multi-function electronic device A via the password output means 25 in S134. (Password output), a password is received via the password receiving means 4 of the multi-function electronic device A, and if the password is correct, the received data can be accessed.
If the user does not have the auxiliary device a at the time of data retrieval, the password can be directly input using the password input means 3.

  Next, as described in S113 of FIG. 3, the data stored in the data recording memory 13 is output as a print document by the image forming apparatus 12a or output to the storage medium 15 (S135).

  In this way, a password can be set for the received data, so that the data received by a multifunctional electronic device installed in a convenience store or the like and used by an unspecified number of people can be accessed by a third party without permission. Can be prevented.

  In addition, since the password required to access the received data can be entered by operating the auxiliary device, not only the password entry is simplified, but the user does not need to memorize the set password. , Improve convenience.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a data communication system in the case of adding a payment rate designation function of a usage fee of a multi-function electronic device and a transmission device paid by a user.
As described in S101 to S109 of FIG. 3, when communication between the multifunctional electronic device A and the transmission device B is established (S141 to S149), the user of the multifunctional electronic device A uses a liquid crystal panel or the like in S150. To specify the payment ratio (payment ratio specification). When the data related to the designated payment ratio is transferred to the transmission apparatus B and the user of the transmission apparatus B agrees (accepts) the designated payment ratio, as described in S110 and S111 of FIG. The user B transmits data from the transmission device B to the multi-function electronic device A (S151, S152). If the payment ratio is not agreed (accepted), no data is transmitted.

  After that, as described in S112 and S113 of FIG. 3, the multi-function electronic device A performs reception data output processing (S153 and S154). The user of the multi-function electronic device A is charged according to the payment ratio after the data is output, and the user of the transmitting device B is charged after the data is transmitted.

  Thus, since the user can specify the payment ratio, the convenience of the user using the electronic device is improved.

In the first embodiment, the case where the multifunctional electronic device is used as the receiving device has been described. In the second embodiment, the multifunctional electronic device is used as the transmitting device, and the network address of the device is set in the receiving device. explain.
(Example 2)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the data communication system of the above embodiment.

  As the multifunctional electronic device A, devices installed in a convenience store or the like can be used as in the first embodiment, but the control unit 1 including the identification information generating unit 1a, the identification information output unit 2, the password input unit 3, and the password output Means 5, communication means 11, image reading device 12 b, storage medium connection unit 14, storage medium 15, control means 1 for controlling these functional blocks, and the like are required.

  The receiving device C includes a password input unit 3, a password receiving unit 4, an identification information receiving unit 6, a communication unit 11, an image forming apparatus 12 a, a storage medium connection unit 14 that can be detachably connected to the storage medium 15, and these It is necessary to have the control means 1 etc. for controlling the functional block.

  The auxiliary device a includes a password receiving unit 24, an identification information receiving unit 26, a communication unit 31, and a control unit 21 that controls these functional blocks.

  The receiving side auxiliary device c includes an identification information output unit 22, a password output unit 25, a control unit 21 for controlling these functional blocks, and the like.

  The function of each block is the same as the function of the corresponding block described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing for transmitting and receiving data according to the second embodiment.

  In S201, the identification information generating unit 1a of the multi-function electronic device A generates identification information such as a QR code including the network address (IP address or the like) of the device, and the identification information output unit 2 outputs the generated identification information to the liquid crystal. Output to a panel (identification information display).

  In S202, the user of the multi-function electronic device A operates the auxiliary device a, receives the identification information displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the multi-function electronic device A via the identification information receiving means 26 (reads the identification information), In S203, the received identification information is transmitted to the receiving side auxiliary device c via the communication means 31 (identification information transmission).

  Next, in S204, the user of the receiving apparatus C operates the receiving side auxiliary device c to receive the identification information transmitted by the auxiliary device a (identification information reception). In S205, the received identification information is received by the receiving side. The information is output to the liquid crystal panel or the like via the identification information output means 22 of the auxiliary device c (identification information display).

  Next, in S206, the receiving device C receives the identification information output from the identification information output means 22 of the receiving side auxiliary device c using the identification information receiving means 6 (reading the identification information), and in S207, the network address The extraction unit 1b extracts the network address (IP address or the like) of the multifunctional electronic device A from the received identification information, and the control unit 1 refers to the extracted network address of the multifunctional electronic device A to communicate with the communication unit 11 Is used to send a connection request to the multi-function electronic device A (access to the receiving device read from the identification information).

  Next, in S208, the multi-function electronic device A receives the connection request (connection request reception) and transmits a response signal to accept the connection request. When the receiving device C receives this response signal, communication between the multi-function electronic device A and the receiving device C is established (communication establishment) in S209.

  After the communication is established, in S210, the user of the multi-function electronic device A reads the document with the image reading device 12b of the multi-function electronic device A, or takes in the electronic data stored in the storage medium 15, etc. Is input to the multi-function electronic device A (reading of transmission data), and the input data is transmitted to the receiving device C via the communication means 11 (S211).

  In S212, when the receiving device C receives the data sent from the multi-function electronic device A (data reception), in S213, the receiving device C records the received data in the data recording memory 13, and the recorded data is the image forming device. At 12a, the document is output as a print document or output to the storage medium 15 via the storage medium connection unit 14 (output to the image forming apparatus or storage medium). Note that the user can select which output method to use.

  In this way, the network address (IP address, URL, etc.) of the multifunctional electronic device necessary for data communication can be set in the receiving device via the auxiliary device such as a mobile phone. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to directly set the network address, the input operation is simplified, and there is no input error of the network address.

  In addition, the user can specify whether the data received by the receiving device is to be output as a printed matter by the image forming device or to the storage medium as electronic data.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the data communication system when the password setting function is added.
In S221, the user who uses the multi-function electronic device A uses the password input means 3 of the multi-function electronic device A as a password for preventing a third party from accessing the data received by the receiving device C without permission. Enter the password (password input).

  In S222, the identification information generating unit 1a of the multi-function electronic device A generates identification information such as a QR code including an IP address, and the identification information output unit 2 outputs the generated identification information to a liquid crystal panel or the like. Similarly, the password output means 5 outputs the password input by the user in S221 to the liquid crystal panel or the like (display of identification information / password).

  Next, in S223, the user of the multifunctional electronic device A operates the auxiliary device a and receives the identification information displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the multifunctional electronic device A via the identification information receiving unit 26. Similarly, a password is received via the password receiving means 24 (reading of identification information / password).

Next, in S224, the received identification information / password is transmitted to the receiving side auxiliary device c via the communication means 31 (identification information / password transmission). In S225, the user of the receiving device C operates the receiving side auxiliary device c to receive the identification information / password transmitted by the auxiliary device a (identification information reception), and in S226, the received identification information is received as the receiving side auxiliary device. The information is output to the liquid crystal panel or the like via the identification information output means 22 of the device c (identification information display).
The received password is stored in a memory (not shown) in the receiving side auxiliary device c.

  Next, as described in S206 to S212 in FIG. 7, the communication between the multi-function electronic device A and the receiving device C is established, and the data transmitted by the multi-function electronic device A is received and received by the receiving device C. Data is stored in the data recording memory 13 (S227 to S233).

  Next, in S234, when the user of the receiving device C operates the receiving auxiliary device c and outputs the password stored in the memory of the receiving auxiliary device c to the receiving device C via the password output means 25. (Password output), a password is received via the password receiving means 4 (password reception), and if this password is the correct password, the received data can be accessed.

  Next, as described in S213 of FIG. 7, the data stored in the data recording memory 13 is output as a printed document by the image forming apparatus 12a or output to the storage medium 15 (S235).

  Thus, since a password can be set with respect to the received data, it is possible to prevent a third party from accessing the data received by the receiving device without permission.

  In addition, the user of the multi-function electronic device sets a password, and the user of the receiving device can input the set password to the receiving device simply by operating the auxiliary auxiliary device on the receiving device. The user can access the received data without being aware of the setting, and convenience is improved.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a data communication system in the case where a payment ratio designation function for usage charges of a multi-function electronic device and a receiving apparatus paid by a user is added.
As described in S201 to S209 in FIG. 7, when communication between the multifunction electronic device A and the receiving device C is established (S241 to S249), the user of the multifunction electronic device A uses a liquid crystal panel or the like in S250. To specify the payment ratio (payment ratio specification). When the data related to the designated payment ratio is transferred to the receiving apparatus C and the user of the receiving apparatus C agrees (accepts) the designated payment ratio, as described in S210 and S211 of FIG. The user of the multifunctional electronic device A transmits data from the multifunctional electronic device A to the receiving device C (S251, S252).

  After that, as described in S212 and S213 of FIG. 7, the reception device C performs reception data output processing (S253, S254). The user of the multi-function electronic device A is charged according to the payment ratio after the data is transmitted and the user of the receiving device C is output the data.

  Thus, since the user can specify the payment ratio, the convenience of the user using the electronic device is improved.

  It is obvious that the transmission device B and the reception device C may be configured by an MFP, a server such as a file server, or a PC.

1 is a network diagram of a data communication system to which the present invention is applied. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the data communication system of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a process of transmitting and receiving data according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the data communication system at the time of adding a password setting function. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the data communication system at the time of adding the payment ratio designation | designated function of the usage fee of the multifunctional electronic device and transmission apparatus which a user pays. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the data communication system of Example 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a process of transmitting and receiving data according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the data communication system at the time of adding a password setting function. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the data communication system at the time of adding the payment ratio designation | designated function of the usage fee of the multifunctional electronic device and receiving device which a user pays.

Explanation of symbols

A ... multifunctional electronic device, B ... transmitting device, C ... receiving device, a ... auxiliary device, b ... transmitting side auxiliary device, c ... receiving side auxiliary device, 1 ... control means, 1a ... identification information generating means, 1b ... Network address extracting means, 2 ... identification information output means, 3 ... password input means, 4 ... password receiving means, 5 ... password output means, 6 ... identification information receiving means, 11 ... communication means, 12a ... image forming apparatus, 12b ... Image reading device, 13 ... Data recording memory, 14 ... Storage medium connection unit, 15 ... Storage medium, 21 ... Control means, 22 ... Identification information output means, 24 ... Password receiving means, 25 ... Password output means, 26 ... Identification Information receiving means, 31... Communication means.

Claims (9)

Multi-function connected to a network having output means for generating identification information for identifying a device and outputting the generated identification information , password input means and means for outputting an input password, and a data storage device Electronic equipment,
An auxiliary device having a transmission means for receiving at least the identification information output by the multifunctional electronic device and transmitting the received identification information;
Receiving the identification information transmitted by the auxiliary device, transmitting side auxiliary device having output means for outputting the received identification information;
Receiving the identification information which the transmission-side auxiliary device output, via the network to establish a communication connection with the multi-function electronic apparatus that is identified by the identification information, data to the multi-function electronic device communication connection has been established And a transmission device that transmits
The multi-function electronic device stores data transmitted from the transmission device in the data storage device, and outputs data stored in the storage device when a password is input via the password input device. A data communication system. And output means for outputting the generated identification information and generates the identification information for identifying a device, and a multi-function electronic device connected to the network and means for outputting the password input means and the input password,
Auxiliary equipment having transmission means for receiving the identification information and password output by the multifunctional electronic device and transmitting the received identification information and password ;
Receiving side auxiliary equipment having an output means for receiving the identification information and password transmitted by the auxiliary equipment and outputting the received identification information and password ;
Receiving the identification information and password output by the receiving auxiliary device , establishing a communication connection with the multi-function electronic device identified by the identification information via the network;
The multi-function electronic device transmits data to the receiving device by establishing a communication connection , the receiving device stores the transmitted data, and outputs the stored data when the password is input A data communication system. The data communication system according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission device is a multifunction electronic device. The data communication system according to claim 2 , wherein the receiving device is a multifunctional electronic device. The multifunctional electronic device and the transmission side auxiliary device output the at least the identification information by displaying it on a display panel,
The data communication system according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary device and the transmission device receive the identification information by reading the identification information displayed on the display panel. The multifunctional electronic device and the receiving side auxiliary device output the identification information and password by displaying them on a display panel,
The data communication system according to claim 2, wherein the auxiliary device and the receiving device receive the identification information and the password by reading the identification information and the password displayed on the display panel. The multi-function electronic device, after establishing a communication connection, transmits a billing payment ratio designated by a user to the transmitting device,
2. The data communication system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission device transmits data when the user of the transmission device accepts the billing payment ratio specified by the user of the multi-function electronic device. The multi-function electronic device, after establishing a communication connection, transmits the billing payment rate specified by the user to the receiving device,
The receiving device transmits user response information about the payment rate of the transmitted billing,
3. The data communication system according to claim 2, wherein the multi-function electronic device transmits data when the response information includes information indicating acceptance of the billing payment ratio. 5. The data communication system according to claim 1, wherein the multi-function electronic device has at least one of a document reading function and an image forming function.

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