JP2008113428A - Communication device, search device, address inquiry method, address search method, address inquiry program, and address search program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication device, a search device, an address inquiry method, and an address search method in which a user can receive a document at a place where the user desires to receive the document, and electronic data can be surely transmitted and received to and from an opposite communication party by preventing a communication destination from being made wrong by a user's operation error or preventing a document from being distributed unilaterally from an unknown transmission source without forcing complicated operation to the user. <P>SOLUTION: During a talk between a user A and a user B, a copying machine 100a acquires the telephone number of a telephone set 71a and the telephone number of a telephone set 71b from the telephone set 71a. The copying machine 100a transmits the two acquired telephone numbers and the IP address of the copying machine 100a itself to a server 200. The server 200 searches the IP address of a copying machine 100b used by the user B from the two telephone numbers and transmits it to the copying machine 100a. The copying machine 100a transmits electronic data to the copying machine 100b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device that transmits / receives electronic data via a network, a search device that searches for an address of a communication device that transmits / receives electronic data, an address inquiry method, an address search method, an address inquiry program, and an address search program. .

  The most widely used means of conveying information is the telephone. Since you can only make voice calls on the phone, anyone who has thought of "I want to immediately exchange paper documents with the other party" to make up for inadequate conversation when I'm on the phone. .

  For example, when a sales representative talks with a customer over the phone, he / she does not read the contents of the pamphlet over the phone so that the person who gave the copy of the actual product understands exactly what he / she wants to convey. If you feel that you want to continue the business negotiations while looking at the brochure immediately after passing it to the customer.

  In addition, during a conference call, unscheduled materials are often made public through questions and answers, and in this case, the conference materials are immediately exchanged with participants in the conference room. A similar desire arises to continue discussion while viewing the material together.

  In such a case, in order to easily transmit the document, the facsimile on the receiving side acquires the telephone number of the connected facsimile using the telephone number information notification service (TSI), and the acquired facsimile of the other party's facsimile is obtained. A technique for registering a telephone number in a telephone number registration table is disclosed (see Patent Document 1). Thus, the user can register and use the facsimile telephone number of the other party with a simple operation.

JP 2000-69133 A

  However, such a conventional technique can acquire and register a telephone number when a facsimile to be used such as an office is decided. However, when the user goes out, a new facsimile telephone number is input. Must.

  In the 1990s, technologies called IpV6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) and UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) were proposed, and research and development are still in progress. If these technologies become widespread, it is said that all devices connected to the IP network will recognize each other and exchange information. Of course, image processing apparatuses are no exception, and it is expected that in the near future, all image processing apparatuses will be able to recognize each other and exchange image information end-to-end. For example, it is possible to realize an application (called "Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine" function) that prints an image read by a scanner of a certain copier in real time from a copier printer located far away. Become.

  In realizing the "Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine" function, the process of determining the communication destination greatly affects usability. Taking facsimile as an example of existing technology as an example, the owner of a document determines the communication destination by inputting the telephone number of the other party's facsimile. When this method is diverted to the “Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine” function, the communication destination is determined by inputting the IP address and MAC address of the other copier and a unique name that can be resolved by the owner of the document.

  The input method of the destination in the “Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine” function that is going to be realized on such an IP network is to input an IP address, a MAC address, or a unique character string that can be resolved. Therefore, there is a problem that the user's operation is troublesome and easy to make mistakes. Another problem is that if an address such as an IP address that directly designates an image processing apparatus is disclosed, a document can be sent unilaterally from an unknown party. Therefore, it is inevitable that a communication destination is mistaken due to an operation mistake or that a document is unilaterally delivered from an unidentified partner, which is necessarily suitable for this "Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine" function. It can not be said.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention provides a communication device, a search device, an address inquiry method, an address search method, an address inquiry program, and an address search program that can receive a document at a place where a user wants to receive the document. There is. Also, without complicating the user's troublesome operations, it is possible to prevent mistaken communication destinations due to user's operation mistakes and to prevent unilateral distribution of documents from unknown senders. It is an object to provide a communication device, a search device, an address inquiry method, and an address search method that can securely transmit and receive electronic data.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a search device connectable to a first device and a second device that handle electronic data via a communication network. The first telephone number of the first telephone used by the user of the apparatus, the second telephone number of the second telephone used by the user of the second apparatus, and the first telephone number of the first apparatus User information storage means for associating and storing the communication address of the user, user information for receiving the second telephone number, the first telephone number, and the second communication address of the second device Address for retrieving the first communication address corresponding to the first telephone number and the second telephone number received by the user information receiving means by searching the receiving means and the user storage means Search means and the address searcher Characterized in that it comprises a address transmitting means for transmitting the extracted first communication address to the second device by.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication device that inquires a search device about a communication address of the other communication device when transmitting electronic data to the other communication device via a communication network. Telephone number acquisition means for acquiring a telephone number of a telephone used by a user who uses another communication apparatus, and a telephone number of a telephone used by a user using the communication apparatus, and the telephone Address inquiry means for inquiring about the other communication device address by transmitting the two telephone numbers acquired by the number acquisition means and the communication address of the communication device to the search device, To do.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the second aspect, electronic data transmission is performed for transmitting electronic data to a communication address of the other communication device acquired by an inquiry by the address inquiry means. Means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the third aspect, authentication information acquisition means for acquiring user authentication information which is authentication information decided between users, and transmission from the other communication device Authentication information receiving means for receiving counterpart authentication information that is the authentication information, the user authentication information acquired by the authentication information acquisition means, and the counterpart authentication information received by the authentication information receiving means Authentication information collating means for collating whether or not they match, wherein the electronic data transmitting means is determined by the authentication information collating means that the user authentication information and the destination authentication information match. The method is characterized in that the electronic data is transmitted to the other communication device.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the fourth aspect, when the authentication information collating unit determines that the user authentication information and the counterpart authentication information match, a predetermined time is given. And a communication disconnecting unit that disconnects communication with the other communication device after the elapse of time.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, when a plurality of communication addresses are received by the address inquiry unit, transmission is performed from the plurality of communication addresses. Transmission target setting means for setting a target communication address, wherein the electronic data transmission means transmits the electronic data to the transmission target communication address set by the transmission target setting means, It is characterized by.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the communication device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the communication device charges when the electronic data transmission unit charges the electronic data. A charging rate setting unit that sets a rate for charging a device and the other communication device, and a charging collection unit that charges according to the rate set by the charging rate setting unit.

  The invention according to claim 8 is used by a user of the first device in an address search method in a search device connectable to the first and second devices handling electronic data via a communication network. Associating the first telephone number of the first telephone, the second telephone number of the second telephone used by the user of the second apparatus, and the first communication address of the first apparatus User information storage means for storing, receiving second user information including the second telephone number, the first telephone number, and a second communication address of the second device. The user storage means is searched, the first communication address corresponding to the received first telephone number and the second telephone number is extracted, and the extracted first communication address is extracted. Is transmitted to the second device.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an address inquiry method in which a communication device that transmits electronic data to another communication device via a communication network inquires a search device about a communication address of the other communication device. A telephone number of a telephone used by a user using the other communication apparatus, a telephone number of a telephone used by a user using the communication apparatus, and a communication address of the communication apparatus. , And inquiring about the address for the other communication device by transmitting to the search device.

  The invention according to claim 10 causes a computer to execute the method described in claim 8 or claim 9.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first telephone number of the first telephone used by the user of the first device and the second telephone used by the user of the second device are stored in the user information storage means. The second telephone number of the telephone and the first communication address of the first apparatus are stored in association with each other, and the second telephone number, the first telephone number, and the second The second communication address of the device is received, the user storage means is searched by the address search means, and the first telephone number and the second telephone number corresponding to the first telephone number received by the user information receiving means are received. 1 communication address is extracted, and the address transmission means transmits the first communication address extracted by the address search means to the second apparatus, whereby the address of the communication apparatus used by both parties is determined by the telephone number. To identify Kill For, without building a system of complex address resolution new, an effect that the user can use the communication device at the close of the user when you want to use.

  According to the invention of claim 2, the telephone number acquisition means uses the telephone number of the telephone used by a user who uses another communication device and the user who uses the communication device. The address of the other telephone is obtained by transmitting the telephone number of the telephone that is being used and transmitting the two telephone numbers obtained by the telephone number obtaining means and the communication address of the communication apparatus to the search device by the address inquiry means. Since the communication address of the communication device used by the other party can be specified by the telephone number, the user can specify the communication apparatus used by the other party with a simple operation. Play. Further, since the communication address of the communication device is not disclosed, there is an effect that the communication address of the communication device is not known to others and unnecessary advertisements are not transmitted.

  According to the invention of claim 3, the electronic data transmission means transmits the electronic data to the communication address of the other communication device acquired by the inquiry by the address inquiry means. Since the communication apparatus of the other party can be specified and electronic data can be transmitted, the operability can be improved.

  According to the invention of claim 4, user authentication information, which is authentication information decided between users, is acquired by the authentication information acquisition means, and transmitted from another communication device by the authentication information receiving means. Whether or not the user authentication information received by the authentication information receiving means matches the user authentication information received by the authentication information receiving means by receiving the other party authentication information as authentication information When the authentication information matching means determines that the user authentication information and the counterpart authentication information match, the electronic data transmission means transmits the electronic data to another communication device, for example, Since the electronic data is transmitted only when the authentication information of the user and the other party that are defined verbally is the same, it is possible to send and receive highly secure electronic data. There is an effect that.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when it is determined by the communication disconnecting means that the user authentication information matches the other party authentication information by the authentication information collating means, after the predetermined time has passed, By disconnecting communication with the communication device, if the user forgets to disconnect the communication line, the communication device itself disconnects the communication line, so that unauthorized use due to forgetting to disconnect the communication line can be prevented. Play.

  According to the invention of claim 6, when a plurality of communication addresses are received by the address inquiry unit by the transmission target setting unit, the communication address to be transmitted is set from the plurality of communication addresses, and the electronic The data transmission means sets at a time whether or not to transmit electronic data to a plurality of communication devices by transmitting the electronic data to the transmission target communication address set by the transmission target setting means. As a result, the operation burden on the user can be reduced.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the charging rate setting unit sets the charging rate for the communication device and other communication devices when charging the electronic data transmission by the electronic data transmission unit. Then, by charging according to the rate set by the charging rate setting unit by the charging collection unit, the result of the telephone negotiation can be immediately reflected in the system, so that the subsequent work load due to the negotiation result is reduced. There is an effect that can be.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the first telephone number of the first telephone used by the user of the first apparatus and the first telephone number used by the user of the second apparatus are stored in the user information storage means. The second telephone number of the two telephones and the first communication address of the first device are stored in association with each other, and the second telephone number, the first telephone number, and the second phone number of the second device are stored. The second user information including the communication address is retrieved, the user storage means is searched, and the first communication address corresponding to the received first telephone number and second telephone number is extracted. By sending the extracted first communication address to the second device, the address of the communication device used by both parties can be specified by the telephone number, so a new complicated address resolution mechanism is built Without having to do it, when the user wants to use it, An effect that it is possible to use a communication device.

  According to the invention of claim 9, a telephone number of a telephone used by a user who uses another communication apparatus, a telephone number of a telephone used by a user who uses the communication apparatus, And by sending the communication address of the communication device to the search device, it is possible to identify the communication address of the communication device used by the other party by the telephone number by inquiring about the address for the other communication device. The user can specify the communication device used by the other party with a simple operation. Further, since the communication address of the communication device is not disclosed, there is an effect that the communication address of the communication device is not known to others and unnecessary advertisements are not transmitted.

  According to the invention of claim 10, by causing a computer to execute the method described in claim 8 or claim 9, the respective effects of the method described in claim 8 or claim 9 are exhibited. .

  Embodiments of a data transmission / reception system including a communication device and a search device according to the present invention will be described below. In this embodiment, the communication device is a copying machine, and the data transmission / reception system searches a telephone on which a user and a callee are talking, a copying machine that transmits and receives image information, and a communication address of the copying machine. It consists of a server. In this embodiment, users of a data transmission / reception system that implements the “Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine” function on an IP network can communicate with each other using a communication tool such as a landline or mobile phone (during a call) Keep it. When the copier transmits and receives image information, the telephone number of the telephone with which the user is talking and the telephone number of the telephone of the other party (an example of inputting the telephone user and the telephone number of the other party There is a method of acquiring the outgoing / incoming call information by the telephone interface unit), and the server determines the communication addresses of the copying machines of both the user and the called party. A case will be described in which the copiers are linked by determining the communication address of the copier, and image information input by scanner input or the like is transmitted.

  In the following example, an example that enables "Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine" is shown. However, as a communication device that constitutes a data transmission / reception system, image information capture, print output, and image transfer to a network are possible. An information processing terminal such as a scanner, a network printer, or a PC connected to the scanner or printer may be used.

  This embodiment will be described in the following order. First, the configuration of a copier that can be connected to an IP network according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to an example shown in the drawing. Next, basic operations executed by the copying machine will be described. Furthermore, the operation of the “Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine” function will be described as an example of an application realized by combining basic operations. Finally, an example of a data transmission / reception system that includes the copying machine of this embodiment as an element will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the copier according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, a copying machine is described as an example of a communication device. However, instead of the copying machine, a scanner, a printer, a multifunction machine, a PC connected to the printer, or a scanner may be used. Referring to FIG. 1, an SBU (sensor board unit) 24 is a unit for optically reading a document. Here, the irradiation light from the light source illuminates the original, and the reflected light is collected on the light receiving element. The light receiving element is a device for converting the intensity of the collected light into an analog electric signal, and in this example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Element) is used. The analog electrical signal output from the CCD is quantized and then output from the SBU 24 as digital image data.

  The IPP 27 is a unit for performing image processing on digital image data. Here, the frequency characteristics and gradation characteristics of the digital image data are optimized in accordance with the conditions set by the user and the device characteristics specific to the device itself.

  The CDIC (communication controller) 25 is a unit for smoothly transmitting and receiving digital image data performed between the units. When the SBU 24 or the IPP 27 transmits / receives digital image data, the CDIC 25 is always relayed.

  An IMAC (memory controller) 14 converts the format of digital image data and accesses the MEM 15. The MEM 15 is a unit for storing digital image data. An image read by the SBU 24 or an image sent from an information processing terminal such as another copier or a PC via the IP network 50 is temporarily stored here. Accumulated in. In addition, the MEM 15 stores a verification result as to whether or not the password input from the liquid crystal touch panel 16 matches the password transmitted from the destination copier.

  The NCU (network control unit) 19 is a unit for transmitting / receiving digital data to / from other information processing terminals such as a copying machine and a PC connected to the IP network 50. At the time of transmission, the data is processed according to the communication protocol of the IP network 50 and output to the IP network 50. At the time of reception, original received data is reproduced from data processed according to the communication protocol of the IP network 50. Further, the NCU 19 can receive the IP address of the destination copier.

  Further, the NCU 19 transmits a user telephone number and a destination telephone number acquired from the TIFU 17 and the liquid crystal touch panel 16 to be described later, and an IP address stored in the ROM (1) 12 to the server 200 to be described later. Here, the user telephone number is the telephone number of the telephone 71 on which the user who uses the copying machine 100 is currently talking, and is user identification information for identifying the user. The called telephone number is the telephone number of the telephone 71 of the called party with which the user is calling, and is called party identification information for identifying the called party. The IP address is an address for identifying the copying machine 100 in the IP network. In this embodiment, the case where an IP address is used as the communication address is described. However, instead of the IP address, a MAC address, an e-mail address, or a unique character string that can be resolved is used. Also good.

  Further, the NCU 19 receives the destination password transmitted from the copying machine 100 used by the destination.

  The TIFU (telephone interface unit) 17 is a unit for transmitting and receiving digital data to and from the telephone 71 (see FIG. 13) used by the user of the copying machine 100 for a call. Information relating to the call, such as the user phone number (call destination phone number) and the incoming / outgoing status, is obtained from the telephone 71.

  For communication between the copying machine 100 and the telephone 71, it is preferable to adopt a standard for short-range communication using radio (for example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Bluetooth, etc.). Employing this standard has the advantage that there is no need to connect the two with a communication cable or the like, and there is no work that obstructs the call. In addition, in the case of short-range communication, it is possible to avoid interference with other telephones. In recent years, attempts have been made by multiple companies / organizations to implement functions such as electronic money and electronic tickets on mobile phones, but wireless was used as a method for acquiring money information and ticket information from mobile phones. A standard for near field communication is adopted. For this reason, there is a high possibility that telephones equipped with a short-range communication interface using wireless communication will be distributed in the market in the near future.

  The telephone 71 holds the telephone number of the telephone 71 itself, and acquires and holds the telephone number of the telephone of the telephone with which the telephone call is currently made from the telephone of the other party by the other party number notification function. When the telephone 71 receives a signal from the TIFU 17 of the copying machine 100, the telephone 71 transmits the telephone number of the telephone 71 and the telephone number of the other party's telephone.

  A VCU (video control unit) 28 is a unit for reproducing an image on a paper surface. From the digital image data received from the IPP 27, the position, size, and color of the dots to be printed on the paper surface are determined, and the dots are printed by the plotter, whereby the image is printed and reproduced on the paper surface.

  An APU (automatic payment unit) 18 is a unit for collecting a usage fee of the copying machine 100 from a user. With a bill and coin slot and a tray to return change, the user can prepay the usage fee. It is collected each time a fee is generated, and if there is a balance at the end of all work, it is returned as change. The APU 18 charges according to the set charging rate. Further, the APU 18 can apply a method of collecting at an arbitrary ratio from both or one of the copying machine 100 used by the user and the copying machine 100 used by the other party.

  The liquid crystal touch panel 16 displays information necessary for the user to use the copier 100 (operation guidance display, etc.), and allows the user to perform various setting operations by touching the liquid crystal display screen. Is possible.

  In addition, the liquid crystal touch panel 16 accepts an input of a charge rate for transmitting image data of a user and a call destination. In addition, the liquid crystal touch panel 16 receives an input as to whether or not to transmit image information to the other party.

  The process controller 20 controls operations of the SBU 24, CDIC 25, IPP 27 and VCU 28. For this purpose, necessary operating conditions are set for each, and the activation, termination, processing progress, etc. are monitored.

  The system controller 10 controls operations of the IMAC 14, the NCU (network communication controller) 19, the MEM 15, the liquid crystal touch panel 16, the TIFU 17, and the APU 18. For this purpose, necessary operating conditions are set for each, and the activation, termination, progress of processing, and the like are monitored.

  Further, the system controller 10 collates whether or not the user password input from the liquid crystal touch panel 16 matches the partner password transmitted from the partner copier. Further, the system controller 10 stores “mismatch” in the collation result when a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when “match” is stored as the collation result stored in the MEM 15. The system controller 10 instructs disconnection of the communication line when a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when “mismatch” is stored as the verification result stored in the MEM 15 and the password does not match in the password verification process. .

  The RAM (1) 11 and the ROM (1) 12 connected to the IMAC 14 by the local bus store information necessary for the system controller 10, the IMAC 14, the liquid crystal touch panel 16, the MEM 15, the NCU 19, the TIFU 17, and the APU 18 to perform processing. Is saved. For example, character information and bitmap information for displaying characters and symbols on the liquid crystal touch panel 16, total amount and remaining amount of digital image data that can be stored in the MEM 15, protocol information for the NCU 19 to access an external information processing terminal, In addition, information input from the liquid crystal touch panel 16 by the user is stored. When the processor is mounted in the IMAC 14, the liquid crystal touch panel 16, the MEM 15, the NCU 19, the TIFU 17, the APU 18, and the system controller 10, a program describing the operation is also stored in the ROM (1) 12. The IP address of the copier according to the present embodiment is also stored.

  In the RAM (2) 21 and ROM (2) 22 connected to the serial bus, information required when the SBU 24, CDIC 25, IPP 27, VCU 28, and process controller 20 perform processing is stored. For example, the size of the image read by the SBU 24, the optical characteristics of the CCD, the parameters of the image processing executed by the IPP 27, and the like are stored. When a processor is mounted in the SBU 24, CDIC 25, IPP 27, VCU 28 and process controller 20, a program describing the operation is also stored in the ROM (2) 22.

  A print unit (not shown) outputs image information transmitted from the copier of the call destination.

  Note that the transmission / reception destination setting program, the authentication information collation program, and the communication line disconnection program executed by the copying machine 100 of the present embodiment are provided by being preinstalled in the ROM (1) 12 or the ROM (2) 22.

  A transmission / reception destination setting program, an authentication information collation program, and a communication line disconnection program executed by the copying machine 100 according to the present embodiment are files in an installable format or an executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), and a CD. -R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. may record and provide on computer-readable recording media.

  Furthermore, the address inquiry program, the authentication information verification program, and the communication line disconnection program executed by the copying machine 100 of the present embodiment are stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. May be. Further, the transmission / reception destination setting program, the authentication information collation program, and the communication line disconnection program executed by the copying machine 100 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The address inquiry program, the authentication information collation program, and the communication line disconnection program executed by the copying machine 100 according to the present embodiment include each unit (identification information acquisition unit, user information transmission unit, user information reception unit, authentication information acquisition unit). Authentication information receiving unit, authentication information collating unit, image information transmitting unit, collation result invalid unit, communication line disconnecting unit, etc.).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server connected to the copying machine via the IP network 50. Not only the IP network 50 but also various communication networks such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and a wireless communication network may be used. The server 200 includes a user information reception unit 201, a call destination search unit 202, an address search unit 203, an address transmission unit 204, and a user information database 210. The server 200 constitutes an address search device according to the present invention.

  The user information receiving unit 201 receives a user telephone number, a call destination telephone number, and an IP address of the copying machine 100 used by the user, transmitted from the copying machine 100. The call destination search unit 202 searches the user information database 210 for user information transmitted by the destination copier based on the call destination telephone number and user phone number received by the user information receiving unit 201.

  The address search unit 203 searches the IP address of the copier 100 used by the call destination from the user information of the call destination searched by the call destination search unit 202. The address transmission unit 204 transmits the IP address of the destination copying machine 100 searched by the address searching unit 203 to the copying machine 100 used by the user. The user information database 210 stores the user telephone number, the destination telephone number, and the IP address of the copier 100 used by the user as user information in association with each other received by the user information receiving unit 201. An example of the contents of the user information database 210 is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server 200 according to the present embodiment. The server 200 includes a control device such as a CPU 31, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32 and a RAM 33, an external storage device such as an HDD 34 and a CD drive device 35, a display device such as a display device 36, and a keyboard 38. And an input device such as a mouse 39. Each unit is connected via a bus controller 40 and connected to an IP network 50 via a network interface 37, and has a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

  The address search program executed by the server 200 of the present embodiment is a file in an installable or executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like. And can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium that can be read by the user. Further, the address search program of the present embodiment may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a built-in ROM or the like.

  Further, the address search program executed by the server 200 of this embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to the IP network 50 and downloaded via the IP network 50. In addition, the address search program executed by the server 200 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The address search program executed by the server 200 according to the present embodiment can cause a computer to realize the above-described units (user information reception unit, call destination search unit, address search unit, address transmission unit, etc.).

  Next, the above-described copying machine 100 performs as basic operations “Scan to Memory operation”, “Memory to Print operation”, “Memory to Network operation”, “Network to Memory operation”, “Find operation”, “Compare operation”. An operation example will be described for each of “,“ Negotiation operation ”, and“ Disconnect operation ”.

"Scan to Memory operation"
The “Scan to Memory operation” is an operation in which the copying machine 100 reads an original with the SBU 24 and accumulates the obtained digital image data in the MEM 15. The user places a document on a document table provided in the SBU 24 and sets variable reading conditions by an input operation to the liquid crystal touch panel 16. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen 16 a for reading conditions displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 16. In FIG. 3, there are eight types of options for specifying the reading range and three types of options for setting the reading resolution, and each selection key, setting confirmation button, and cancel button are displayed.

  When the reading range is specified and the reading resolution is set by operating the selection key, and the confirm button is pressed, the reading conditions determined by the user setting are transferred to the process controller 20 and the system controller 10.

  The process controller 20 stores the transferred reading conditions in the RAM (2) 21, and instructs the SBU 24, the CDIC 25, and the IPP 27 to perform operations in accordance with the reading conditions.

  The system controller 10 stores the transferred reading conditions in the RAM (1) 11, and instructs the IMAC 14 and the MEM 15 to perform an operation according to the reading conditions. When the instruction to each unit is completed, the SBU 24 reads the document placed on the platen and transfers the digital image data to the CDIC 25. The CDIC 25 transfers the digital image data transferred from the SBU 24 to the IPP 27. The IPP 27 performs image processing for compensating the optical characteristics of the SBU 24, and the digital image data subjected to the image processing is transferred to the CDIC 25. The CDIC 25 transfers the digital image data transferred from the IPP 27 to the IMAC 14 via the parallel bus. The IMAC 14 converts the digital image data into a storage format that can be stored in the MEM 15 and stores it in the MEM 15.

  During the operation, the states of the SBU 24, the IPP 27, and the CDIC 25 are sequentially notified to the process controller 20, and the states of the IMAC 14 and the MEM 15 are sequentially notified to the process controller 20. When the storage of the digital image data is completed, the process controller 20 displays that fact on the liquid crystal touch panel 16 and ends the Scan to Memory operation.

"Memory to Print operation"
The “Memory to Print operation” is an operation in which the copying machine 100 prints out digital image data stored in the MEM 15 on a paper surface as a reproduced image. The user sets variable printing conditions by an input operation to the liquid crystal touch panel 16. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print condition setting screen 16 b displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 16. In FIG. 4, there are eight types of options for specifying the printing paper and two types of options for setting the print image quality, and each selection key, setting confirmation button, and cancel button are displayed.

  The copying machine 100 sets the printing paper designation and the printing image quality by operating the selection key, and when the confirm button is pressed, the printing conditions set by the user are transferred to the process controller 20 and the system controller 10.

  The process controller 20 stores the transferred printing conditions in the RAM (2) 21, and instructs the CDIC 25, the IPP 27, and the VCU 28 to perform operations in accordance with the printing conditions. Further, the system controller 10 stores the transferred printing conditions in the RAM (1) 11, and instructs the IMAC 14 and the MEM 15 to perform an operation according to the printing conditions.

  When the instruction to each unit is completed, the IMAC 14 reads out the digital image data used for the print output from the MEM 15 and returns it to the image format before saving. Next, the image data is transferred to the CDIC 25 via the parallel bus. The CDIC 25 transfers the image data from the IMAC 14 to the IPP 27.

  The IPP 27 performs image processing for compensating printing conditions set by the user and printing characteristics of the VCU 28, and transfers the image-processed digital image data to the VCU 28. The VCU 28 uses the digital image data transferred from the IPP 27 to plot on the paper and reproduces the image. During operation, the states of the CDIC 25, the IPP 27, and the VCU 28 are sequentially notified to the process controller 20, and the states of the IMAC 14 and the MEM 15 are sequentially notified to the process controller 20. When the reproduction of the image by the VCU 28 is finished, the process controller 20 displays that fact on the liquid crystal touch panel 16 and finishes the “Memory to Print operation”.

"Memory to Network operation"
The “Memory to Network operation” is an operation in which the copying machine 100 transmits the digital image data stored in the MEM 15 to an external copying machine connected to the IP network 50.

  The IMAC 14 reads out the digital image data from the MEM 15 and returns it to the image format before being stored, and then transfers the digital image data to the CDIC 25 via the parallel bus.

  The CDIC 25 transfers the digital image data transferred from the IMAC 14 to the IPP 27. In the IPP 27, image processing for converting to an image format that can be transferred to the IP network 50 is performed on the digital image data. The digital image data subjected to the image processing by the IPP 27 is transferred to the CDIC 25 again.

  The CDIC 25 transfers the digital image data transferred from the IPP 27 to the NCU 19 via the parallel bus. The NCU 19 divides the digital image data into packet data and outputs the packet data to the IP network 50. During operation, the statuses of the IMAC 14, MEM 15, and NCU 19 are sequentially notified to the system controller 10.

  When the output of the digital image by the NCU 19 is completed, the system controller 10 displays the fact on the liquid crystal touch panel 16 and ends the “Memory to Network operation”. Since the digital image data output on the IP network 50 is processed so as to comply with the communication protocol of the IP network 50, the digital image data reaches the connection destination copying machine via various information processing terminals.

"Network to Memory operation"
The “Network to Memory operation” is an operation in which the copying machine 100 receives digital image data sent from an external copying machine or information processing terminal connected to the IP network 50 and stores it in the MEM 15.

  The NCU 19 restores the digital image data from the packet data transmitted via the IP network 50, and transfers the restored digital image data to the CDIC 25 via the parallel bus.

  The CDIC 25 transfers the digital image data transferred from the NCU 19 to the IPP 27. The IPP 27 performs image processing for converting the digital image data transferred from the CDIC 25 into a convenient image format for use in the apparatus, and transfers the processed digital image data to the CDIC 25 again.

  The CDIC 25 transfers the digital image data transferred from the IPP 27 to the IMAC 14 via the parallel bus. The IMAC 14 converts this digital image data into a storage format designated by the MEM 15 and stores it in the MEM 15. During operation, the states of the IMAC 14, MEM 15 and NCU 19 are sequentially notified to the system controller 10. When the storage of the digital image in the MEM 15 is completed, the system controller 10 displays that fact on the liquid crystal touch panel 16 and ends the “Network to Memory operation”.

"Find action"
“Find operation” refers to an operation in which the copying machine 100 acquires destination information of a destination copying machine. That is, in the “Find operation”, the copying machine 100 acquires the user telephone number and the called telephone number, and the acquired copying apparatus 100 and the called telephone number and the copying machine 100 itself holds. 100 communication addresses are transmitted to the server 200. The server 200 retains the received user telephone number, call destination telephone number, and communication address of the user's copying machine in association with each other, and uses the other party based on the user telephone number and the call destination telephone number. In this operation, the communication address of the copying machine is searched, and the communication address of the destination copying machine is transmitted to the copying machine 100.

  Here, when the users of this data transmission / reception system are making phone calls, the IP address of the copier used by each user is determined from the user phone number and the call destination phone number of each phone that is calling. A unique method is used in which the destination information is determined and the destination information is acquired.

  There are two methods for the copying machine 100 to acquire the user telephone number and the telephone number of the called party. One is a method in which the user himself / herself manually inputs the user telephone number and the telephone number of the other party to the copying machine 100. The other is a method in which the copier 100 and the telephone 71 communicate with each other using the TIFU 17 and the copier 100 acquires the user telephone number and the telephone number of the other party.

  The processing procedure of the first manual input method will be described. The user inputs the user phone number and the destination phone number by an input operation on the liquid crystal touch panel 16.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the input screen 16 c displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 16. FIG. 5 shows a message prompting the user to enter a user telephone number and a destination telephone number, an input box for the telephone number of the user and the other party, a numeric keypad for input, an “enter button” and an “stop button” for input. Is displayed.

  The user uses the numeric keypad provided on the input screen to input the user telephone number and the destination telephone number, and presses the “confirm button” when all the inputs are completed. When the “confirm button” is pressed, the liquid crystal touch panel 16 notifies the system controller 10 of the confirmed input result. After receiving the notification, the system controller 10 stores the user telephone number and the called telephone number in the RAM (1) 11.

  The processing procedure for the method of inputting using the second TIFU 17 will be described. The liquid crystal touch panel 16 displays a button written as “acquire from telephone” on the input screen 16c (FIG. 5). When this button is pressed, the liquid crystal touch panel 16 switches to a screen for instructing communication between the copying machine 100 and the telephone 71.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an input screen 16 d for instructing an input from the telephone 71. FIG. 6 displays a “start button” and a “cancel button” for instructing execution / cancellation together with a message notifying that the copier 100 and the telephone set 71 used for a call communicate with each other.

  When the user executes this input method, according to the guidance displayed on the input screen of FIG. 6, the user places the telephone 71 in the vicinity of the copying machine 100 and displays the input screen on the liquid crystal touch panel 16. Operate the “start button”. When the start button is operated, the liquid crystal touch panel 16 notifies the system controller 10 of an input result instructing execution.

  After receiving this notification, the system controller 10 communicates with the telephone 71 using the TIFU 17 to obtain the user telephone number and the telephone number of the called party. Next, the acquired user telephone number and destination telephone number are stored in the RAM (1) 11.

  The system controller 10 stores the user telephone number and the called telephone number in the RAM (1) 11. Using the NCU 19, the system controller 10 uses the IP address unique to the copying machine 100, the user telephone number obtained as described above, the destination telephone number, and the communication address of the copying machine 100 as external information sources. Transfer to server. The server 200 checks the information to be managed, and searches for destination information of the copying machine used by the other party that is necessary when performing the “Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine” operation on the IP network 50. The server 200 transmits the searched destination information to the copying machine 100.

  Next, Find processing by the data transmission / reception system including the telephone set, the copying machine, and the server configured as described above will be described. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are flowcharts showing the Find processing procedure.

  First, a user A and a user B who are going to transmit and receive image data are in a call state using the telephones 71a and 71b. The copying machine 100a used by the user A obtains the user telephone number and the telephone number of the called party (step S701). Specifically, the user telephone number “029-361-tttt” of the telephone 71a with which the user A is talking from the telephone 71a with which the user A is talking and the user B who is the destination of the user A The telephone number “053-442-sss” of the telephone 71b is acquired. Note that the telephone 71a holds the telephone number of the telephone 71b of the user B who is the call destination of the user A by the other party number notification function provided in the telephone 71a.

  Since the copying machine 100a inquires about the communication address of the copying machine 100b of the other party, the two acquired telephone numbers (user telephone number and called telephone number) and the IP address of the copying machine 100a held by itself are stored. Is transmitted to the server 200 (step S702). Specifically, the user telephone number “029-361-tttt”, the destination telephone number “053-442-sss”, and the IP address of the copying machine 100a are transmitted to the server 200. The server 200 receives the user telephone number, call destination telephone number, and IP address of the copier 100a transmitted from the copier 100a (step S703). The server 200 stores the received user telephone number, destination telephone number, and IP address of the copying machine 100a in the user information database 210 (step S704).

  The copier 100b used by the user B obtains the user telephone number and the telephone number of the called party (step S705). Specifically, the user telephone number “053-442-sss” of the telephone 71b on which the user B is talking from the telephone 71b on which the user B is talking, and the user who is the destination of the user B The telephone number “029-361-tttt” of A's telephone 71a is acquired. Note that the telephone 71b holds the telephone number of the telephone 71a of the user A who is the call destination of the user B by the other party number notification function provided in the telephone 71b.

  Since the copying machine 100b inquires about the IP address of the destination copying machine 100a, the acquired two telephone numbers (user telephone number and called telephone number) and the IP address of the copying machine 100b held by the copying machine 100b itself are used. It transmits to the server 200 (step S706). Specifically, the user telephone number “053-442-sss”, the call destination telephone number “029-361-tttt”, and the IP address of the copying machine 100 b are transmitted to the server 200. The server 200 receives the user telephone number, call destination telephone number, and IP address of the copier 100b transmitted from the copier 100b (step S707). The server 200 associates the received user telephone number, destination telephone number, and IP address of the copying machine 100b with each other and stores them in the user information database 210 (step S708).

  In order to obtain the IP address of the copying machine 100a, the server 200 searches the user information database 210 for the IP address of the copying machine 100b used by the user B who is the other party of the user A (step S709). . That is, the server 200 searches the user database 210 using the user telephone number and the destination telephone number transmitted from the copier 100 as the search keys, and searches the user database 210 and the destination telephone with the same number. A set of numbers is acquired as a search target. The server 200 acquires the IP address of the copying machine 100b associated with the searched user telephone number and call destination telephone number as destination information. Specifically, referring to the contents of the user information database of FIG. 8, the user telephone number of user A is “029-361-tttt”, and the telephone number of the called party is “053-442-sss”. ”And the user telephone number“ 053-442-sss ”from the user information database 210 of the server 200 and the telephone number“ 029-361-tttt ”. The user information that is the destination telephone number is searched. From this user information, the IP address of the copying machine 100b used by the user B is retrieved. As a result of this processing, it is found that the IP address of the copying machine 100b used by the user B who is the other party of the user A is “ff00: 0101: 0218: 1224: 0126: 9723: 0640: xxxx”. To do.

  The server 200 transmits the IP address of the destination copier 100b to the copier 100a (step S710). The copying machine 100a receives the IP address of the destination copying machine 100b from the server 200 (step S711).

  In order to obtain the IP address of the copying machine 100b, the server 200 searches the user information database 210 for the IP address of the copying machine 100a used by the user A who is the other party of the user B (step S712). . Specifically, referring to the contents of the user information database of FIG. 8, the user telephone number of user B is “053-442-sss”, and the telephone number of the called party is “029-361-tttt”. ", The user telephone number is" 029-361-tttt "from the user information database 210 of the server 200, and the destination telephone number is" 053-442 ". The user information “ssss” is searched, and the IP address is specified from the searched user information. As a result of this processing, the IP address of the copier 100a used by the user A who is the other party of the user B is “0123: 4567: 02D8: 1324: 1068: 9453: yyyy” as described above. Prove.

  The server 200 transmits the IP address of the destination copier 100a to the copier 100b (step S713). The copying machine 100b receives the IP address of the counterpart copying machine 100a (step S714).

  Furthermore, since the copying machine 100a has acquired the IP address of the copying machine 100b, the copying machine 100a sends a connection request signal to the copying machine 100b to make a connection request (step S715). The copier 100b receives the connection request signal from the copier 100a (step S716). The copying machine 100b performs connection permission by transmitting a connection permission signal to the copying machine 100a (step S717). The copier 100a receives the connection permission signal transmitted from the copier 100b (step S718). After this, the copying machine 100a executes the “Scan to Memory operation”, and the copying machine 100b executes the “Memory to Print operation”, whereby the document data read from the copying machine 100a used by the user A is read. Is transmitted to the copying machine 100b used by the user B. As a result, the user B can obtain necessary document data from the nearest copying machine with a simple operation.

  The process of storing user information in the user information database 210 of the server 200 (steps S701 to S704 and steps S705 to S708) is an independent process performed in the copying machine 100a or the copying machine 100b. Any of them may be performed first or in parallel.

  In this way, the user's telephone number, the telephone number of the call destination and the communication address of the copier are transmitted from the copier used by the user to the server, and the communication address of the other copier is acquired at the server. Thus, when connecting copiers, the user does not specify an IP address or MAC address, which is a troublesome and error-prone operation, or a unique character string that can be resolved, and the images of the copiers Information can be easily transmitted and received.

  In addition, the copying machine obtains the user telephone number and the telephone number of the callee from the telephone by short-range communication, and transmits them to the server together with the communication address of the copying machine, so that the user can obtain the user telephone number and the call destination. Image information between copiers can be transmitted and received by a simpler operation without manually entering a telephone number.

  In addition, there is no need to enter IP addresses and MAC addresses that are very complex and difficult to remember, and unique names that can be resolved, so there is no need to enter a string of alphanumeric characters or symbols from the copier. Operation mistakes due to mistakes can be prevented. Also, by entering a familiar phone number into the copier, anyone can establish a connection with the desired copier without the user being aware of the IP address assigned to the destination copier. Therefore, it is possible to provide a system with high operability for the user.

  In addition, since the person who sends the document is already in contact with the telephone, the identity of the person who sends the document becomes clear, and the document data can be transmitted with peace of mind.

  In addition, since the IP address of the copier on the other side that the users did not know each other can be obtained by the mediation by the server 200, the document data can be obtained even between copiers that have never sent or received document data. Can be sent and received. Therefore, for example, regardless of where user A is in the company and user B is outside the company, user A sends document data from an internal copier to a copier that is close to external user B. be able to.

  In addition, since IP addresses, MAC addresses, and unique names are not disclosed, it is possible to prevent malicious acts (spam mails) that send advertisements and solicitation mails to a large number of unspecified parties.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data transmission / reception system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the data transmission / reception system of the present embodiment is constructed by connecting each of the copying machines 100a, 100b, and 100c and a server 200 that is an external information source to an IP network 50. Here, the server 200 collects a user telephone number, a destination telephone number, and an IP address from each of the copying machine 100a, the copying machine 100b, and the copying machine 100c, and manages these data as a database.

  For example, the copying machine 100 a transmits a user telephone number, a telephone number for calling, and an IP address to the server 200 in order to obtain destination information of the copying machine of the other party. When the user telephone number, the destination telephone number, and the IP address are transmitted to the server 200, the user telephone number and the destination telephone number obtained from the copying machine 100a as described above from the user information database 210. An IP address associated with the user telephone number and the telephone number of the callee that have been replaced is acquired. The server 200 sends the IP address acquired from the user information database 200 to the copying machine 100a as the IP address of the copying machine b.

  If the server 200 does not find it immediately after performing the above search, the server 200 notifies the copying machine 100a that the search is being performed and continues the search. If the destination information cannot be found from the database within a predetermined time, the copying machine 100a is notified that the search has failed and the search is stopped.

  Further, the server 200 searches for a plurality of copiers corresponding to the copier 100b in the above-described case when the telephone is making a call between three or more persons. In that case, the server 200 sends to the copier 100a as destination information for obtaining the IP addresses of all copiers obtained as search results. Further, the IP address of the searched copying machine is sent as destination information to each copying machine that has transmitted the user telephone number, the telephone number of the call destination, and the IP address.

  The copier 100a transmits the user telephone number, the telephone number of the call destination, and the IP address to the server 200, and then waits for the destination information of the other party to be sent from the server 200. When the destination information of the destination is sent from the server 200, the received destination information is stored in the RAM (1) 11, and the “Find operation” is terminated. At this time, if it is notified that the search is being performed, the copying machine 100a displays that fact on the liquid crystal touch panel 16 and continues to wait for the destination information to be sent. When notified that the search has failed, the copying machine 100a displays the fact on the liquid crystal touch panel 16 and ends the “Find operation”.

"Compare operation"
“Compare operation” means that a password is acquired from the user in order to check the image information to be transmitted / received when the copying machine 100 performs “Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine” operation on the IP network. This is an operation of exchanging it with a copy machine at the connection destination and confirming whether the password matches or does not match.

  Next, the Compare process by the two copying machines configured as described above will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the Compare processing procedure.

  First, a user A and a user B who are going to transmit and receive image data are in a call state using the telephones 71a and 71b, and determine a password by the call. The copier 100a accepts the input of the password of the user A input by the user A (step S901). The copier 100a transmits the input password of the user A to the copier 100b (step S902). The copier 100b receives the password of the user A transmitted from the copier 100a (step S903).

  The copying machine 100b accepts the input of the user B password input by the user B (step S904). The copier 100b transmits the input password of the user B to the copier 100a (step S905). The copier 100a receives the password of the user B transmitted from the copier 100b (step S906).

  The copying machine 100a checks the password of the user A against the transmitted password of the user B in order to confirm that the user A and the user B are talking (step S907). The password verification result is stored in the verification result storage unit (step S908). Specifically, if the passwords match, “match” is stored as the verification result, and if the passwords do not match, “mismatch” is stored as the verification result. The copier 100a displays the password verification result on the liquid crystal touch panel 16 (step S909).

  The copier 100b collates the password of the user B with the transmitted password of the user A (step S910). The password verification result is stored in the verification result storage unit (step S911). The copier 100b displays the password verification result on the liquid crystal touch panel 16 (step S912).

  Note that the password transmission processing (steps S901 to S903 and steps S904 to S906) is an independent process performed by the copying machine 100a or the copying machine 100b, which may be performed first or in parallel. May be.

  As described above, since the copying machine according to the present embodiment has a Compare operation, transmission / reception of a document is not started unless a common password is input even if a connection is established by a Find operation. Document data can be exchanged between each other. Furthermore, the common password is determined on the spot by the users who are making calls, and is not stored in advance, so there is no risk of being stolen by hacking, etc. It can be carried out.

  Further, even after the connection with the desired copying machine is established, the users can confirm each other, so that document data with high security can be transmitted and received. For example, taking Internet hyperlinks as an example, even if a user browses various websites by clicking on the hyperlink displayed on the screen using a pointing device such as a mouse, Since it is possible to confirm that the document data is exchanged with the other party who is making a phone call, it is possible to prevent being involved in a crime such as a phishing scam.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an input screen 16f displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 16 for inputting a password. The copier 100 displays a message prompting the user to input a common password with the other party who transmits / receives image information, and also includes a password input box, a numeric keypad for input, an “enter” button and an “stop” button. Is displayed.

  The user inputs a common password determined using the numeric keypad. Note that this common password can be determined by users confirming each other through a telephone call. In FIG. 10, a 4-digit numerical value is used as the password. The liquid crystal touch panel 16 completes the input by pressing the “confirm button” after the user inputs the password using the numeric keypad. When the “confirm button” is pressed, the liquid crystal touch panel 16 notifies the system controller 10 to that effect.

  After receiving the notification, the system controller 10 stores the input password in the RAM (1) 11. Next, the system controller 10 exchanges the password input to the copier and the password input to the copier used by the other party, and compares the passwords. If the passwords match, a message to that effect is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 16 and the “Compare operation” is terminated. If they do not match, a message prompting the user to re-enter the password is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 16 and the “Compare operation” is performed again. Even if this operation is performed a predetermined number of times, if there is a mismatch, transmission / reception of image information is stopped.

"Negotiation operation"
“Negotiation operation” is to perform an operation reflecting the result of negotiation between the other party and the user before the copying machine 100 transmits and receives image information. For example, when a plurality of copying machines 100 are connected, it is possible to set whether to perform transmission / reception of image information for each copying machine 100 according to the negotiation result.

  Further, when the use of the copying machine 100 is charged, the payment method is determined by negotiation over a call. The APU 18 performs charging reflecting the negotiation result by setting the ratio determined by the negotiation.

  In the control of the “Negotiation operation” described above, an input screen for setting an operation condition according to the negotiation result is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 16. The liquid crystal touch panel 16 receives a setting operation input from the input screen. The system controller 10 stores the setting data confirmed by the operation of the confirmation button in the RAM (1) 11. This is realized by adding these processes.

  Next, Negotiation processing by the copying machine configured as described above will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a Negotiation process procedure.

  First, the user A and the user B who are going to transmit / receive image data are in a call state using the telephones 71a and 71b, and negotiate and determine the values of setting items to be negotiated in the call. Of course, the negotiation and determination of the value of the setting item by the telephones 71a and 71b may be performed after the setting item is displayed. The copier 100a displays the setting items on the liquid crystal touch panel 16 (step S1101). Specifically, as described above, a copying rate when the copying machine 100 is charged for use, or a copying machine that transmits image data when the copying machine 100 used by a plurality of users is connected. Setting items such as selection of 100 are displayed.

  The copier 100a accepts an input of a setting item value (step S1102). For example, in the case of the usage fee payment ratio for each copying machine, the result of negotiation with the user B is input. In the case of selecting the transmission target of the image data, the transmission target is input according to the judgment of the user A. The copier 100a stores the value of the input setting item in the memory (step S1103).

  As described above, when a plurality of copying machines are connected, it can be set at a time whether or not image information is transmitted to each copying machine, so that the operation burden on the user can be reduced. . In addition, the result of telephone negotiations such as the charge rate for the copying machine can be immediately reflected in the system, so the subsequent work load can be reduced.

"Disconnect operation"
The “Disconnect operation” is an operation for disconnecting a connection based on the judgment of the copying machine 100 itself when image information is not transmitted / received to / from the connected copying machine for a certain time or more. . This is executed as a self-defense measure when the copier is connected and left without transmission / reception.

  The “Disconnect operation” in the present embodiment is not suddenly disconnected after a certain period of time has passed since the copiers were connected, but two steps are provided until the actual disconnection, and each step is constant. Take the method of moving to the next step after a lapse of time.

  That is, in the first step, when image information is not transmitted / received to / from the copying machine 100 used by the other party for a certain period of time, the system controller 10 confirms the intention of connection on the liquid crystal touch panel 16. Display a message to do. If there is no response from the user in spite of displaying this message, the password verification result performed in the above “Compare operation” is invalidated. Thus, in order to resume transmission / reception of image information, it is necessary to perform an operation of newly inputting a password and confirming the password match.

  At this stage, a new password can be input, and image information can be transmitted and received after the password is checked. However, if a new password is not input and image information is not transmitted to or received from the connected copy machine for a certain period of time, the system controller 10 “disconnects” on the liquid crystal touch panel 16. Display a message to that effect. If there is no response from the user despite this message being displayed, the connection is actually cut off and the "Disconnect operation" is terminated.

  Next, a disconnection process performed by the two copying machines 100a and 100b configured as described above will be described. FIGS. 12A and 12B are flowcharts illustrating the disconnect processing procedure.

  The copying machine 100a determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the “match” is stored as the password verification result in the verification result storage unit (step S1201). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S1201: No), the process returns to step S1201. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S1201: Yes), the copier 100a stores “mismatch” as the password verification result (step S1202).

  The copier 100a transmits an invalid password verification result to the copier 100b (step S1203). The copier 100b receives the invalid password verification result from the copier 100a (step S1204). The copier 100b stores “mismatch” as the password verification result (step S1205). The copier 100b transmits an invalid password verification result (step S1206).

  The copier 100a receives the invalidity of the password verification result transmitted from the copier 100b (step S1207). The copier 100a displays the invalid password verification result on the liquid crystal touch panel 16 (step S1208). Also in the copying machine 100b, invalidity of the password verification result is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 16 as in the copying machine 100a (step S1209).

  The copying machine 100a determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when “mismatch” is stored as the password verification result in the verification result storage unit (step S1210). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S1210: No), it is determined whether or not a Compare operation has been performed (step S1211). If it is determined that the Compare operation has been performed (step S1211: Yes), the above-described Compare process is performed. If it is determined that the Compare operation is not performed (step S1211: No), the process returns to step S1210.

  If it is determined in step S1210 that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S1201: Yes), the copying machine 100a transmits a communication path disconnection request signal to the copying machine 100b to request disconnection (step S1212). . The copier 100b receives the communication path disconnection request signal (step S1213). The copier 100b transmits a communication path disconnection permission signal to the copier 100a to permit disconnection (step S1214). The copier 100a receives the communication path disconnection permission signal (step S1215).

  Note that user information may be deleted from the server 200 when the communication path is disconnected.

  As described above, the disconnect operation is provided with a mechanism that disconnects the connection in two stages every time a predetermined time elapses. As a result, it is possible to prevent the copiers from being left connected to each other, and when the user's request is completed, the communication connection of the copier may be forgotten even if the telephone call is disconnected. Absent. Also, a copier that is forgotten to be cut cannot be used illegally by a malicious person. Further, since the connection is disconnected step by step, the process for resuming the transmission / reception of the document can be simplified when the time for which the connection is left is relatively short.

  “Scan to Memory Operation”, “Memory to Print Operation”, “Memory to Network Operation”, “Network to Memory Operation”, “Find Operation”, “Compare Operation”, “ Each of the “Negotiation operation” and “Disconnect operation” may be executed alone or in combination with a plurality of basic operations.

  In the latter case, the timing at which the user makes various settings from the liquid crystal touch panel 16 does not necessarily have to be between the basic operations. The settings may be completed collectively at an arbitrary timing. This is because the setting contents are stored in either the RAM (1) 11 or the RAM (2) 21, and the system controller 10 can read out the setting contents at any time.

["Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine" function on IP network]
Next, the “Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine” function in the data transmission / reception system including the copying machine 100 (FIG. 1) and the database server 200 as elements will be described.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the data transmission / reception system according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, in order to simplify the description, it is assumed that only three copying machines and one database server 200 are connected to the IP network 50. The respective copiers are “copier 100a”, “copier 100b”, and “copier 100c”, and the user names of the copiers are “A”, “B”, and “C”, respectively. In addition, the IP addresses of “copy machine 100a”, “copy machine 100b”, and “copy machine 100c” are “IP address A”, “IP address B”, and “IP address C”, respectively.

  In this example, it is premised that a call can be made between the users “A”, “B”, and “C” of each copier. For this purpose, each of the telephones 71 a to 71 c is connected via the telephone line 70. In possession.

  An operation in which each user gives a user telephone number and a destination telephone number to the copying machines 100a to 100c is referred to as "check in". Specifically, it refers to an operation of manually inputting a user telephone number and a destination telephone number on the liquid crystal touch panel 16. Alternatively, it refers to an operation of transmitting a user telephone number and a telephone number of a called party using wireless communication from the telephones 71a to 71c placed in the vicinity of the copying machines 100a to 100c to the TIFU 17 provided on the copying machine side (the above "Find operation"). "Description, see). Further, disconnecting the copiers 100a to 100c with the user's own intention will be referred to as "checking out". Specifically, the liquid crystal touch panel 16 is used to communicate the intention of disconnection, and the copying machines 100a to 100c disconnect according to the instruction.

  As a situation requiring the “Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine” function, first, when a call is made between “A” and “B”, “A” gives a copy of the paper document to “B”. Suppose a situation arises that must be done. At this time, “A” contacts “B” by telephone and informs that he wants to deliver a paper document.

  Next, “A” checks in the copying machine 100a, and “B” checks in the copying machine 100b. Then, the copier 100a and the copier 100b send their IP address, user telephone number, and telephone number to the database server 200 by the “Find operation”, and the destination as a destination search result from the database server 200. Get information. In this example, the copying machine 100a acquires the IP address B, and the copying machine 100b acquires the IP address A.

  When the “Find operation” is completed, the copying machine 100a and the copying machine 100b subsequently start the “Compare operation”. “A” talks to “B” over the phone and decides a common password. “A” and “B” input passwords to the copying machine 100a and the copying machine 100b, respectively. Next, the copying machine 100a and the copying machine 100b exchange passwords, confirm the password match, and if the password can be confirmed, the "Compare operation" is terminated, and image information can be transmitted and received between both apparatuses. .

  Thereafter, “A” places a paper document on the manuscript table of the copying machine 100a and instructs reading of the document. Then, “Negotiation operation” is started, and “A” performs the main setting of “Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine”. At this time, if there is an item that must be determined in consultation with “B”, for example, a payment method for the charged usage fee, etc., the setting is made according to the content determined by talking over the telephone.

  When all setting items are confirmed and the “Negotiation operation” is completed, the “Scan to Memory operation” and the “Memory to Network operation” are executed in order, and the read paper document is sent to the copier 100b as a digital image. When receiving the digital image, the copying machine 100b performs a “Network to Memory operation” and a “Memory to Print operation”, and a copy of the paper document is printed on the paper. By performing the above operation, “A” and “B” have the same paper document.

  After that, “A” and “B” continued to talk about the contents of the paper document, and because they found an unknown part, they decided to ask “C” a question. Therefore, when “A” made a phone call to “B” and conveyed the contents of the question (hereinafter referred to as a three-party call), the content of the question could not be sufficiently communicated verbally. I decided to send a copy of "C".

  Therefore, “C” checks in the copying machine 100c. Then, the copier 100c sends its own IP address, user phone number, and destination telephone number to the database server 200 by “Find operation”, and acquires destination information from the database server 200 as a search result. Specifically, IP address A and IP address B are acquired. Further, the database server 200 sends the IP address C to the copying machine 100a and the copying machine 100b based on the search result. When the “Find operation” is completed, the copying machine 100c subsequently starts the “Compare operation”. That is, “A” teaches “C” the password, and “C” inputs the password to the copying machine 100c. If the password match is confirmed between the two, the copying machine 100c ends the “Compare operation”, and image information can be transmitted and received between the copying machine 100a and the copying machine 100b.

  However, since the topic exchanged between “A”, “B”, and “C” during a call has moved to another content, “A” does not immediately send a paper document to “C”. The story of the three people was prolonged, and the copying machine 100a, copying machine 100b, and copying machine 100c were left in a connected state for a long time. As a result, each copier started a "Disconnect operation" and invalidated the password verification result. After that, “A”, “B”, and “C” notice it and input the password again. As a result, the “Compare operation” is performed again between the apparatuses, and image information can be transmitted and received again.

  Thereafter, “A” executes transmission of a paper document to “C”. “A” places a paper document on the platen of the copying machine 100a and instructs reading of the document. Then, “Negotiation operation” is started, and “A” performs the main setting of “Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine”. At this time, if there are items that must be determined in consultation with “B” or “C”, for example, payment method of the charged usage fee, etc., the setting is made according to the content determined by talking over the telephone. In this case, since transmission to “B” has already been performed, it is only necessary to send a paper document to “C”. Therefore, transmission to a plurality of copiers “B” and “C” is possible. Even in such a case, it is necessary to make a setting to transmit only to “C”.

  When all the setting items are confirmed and the “Negotiation operation” is completed, the “Scan to Memory operation” and the “Memory to Network operation” are executed in order, and the read paper document is sent to the copier 100c as a digital image. When the copying machine 100c receives the digital image, it performs “Network to Memory operation” and “Memory to Print operation”, and a copy of the paper document owned by “A” is printed on the paper.

  In this way, “B” and “C” have a paper document with the same content as “A”. After a conversation while looking at a paper document, at the end of the conversation, “A”, “B”, and “C” respectively hang up and check out from the copying machine 100a, copying machine 100b, and copying machine 100c.

  Next, another embodiment of a data transmission / reception system (see FIG. 13) that includes the above-described “CTI-compliant copier” as an element will be shown. CTI is an abbreviation for Copier Telephony Integration, which means a function realized by cooperation between a telephone and a copier. This function includes a function of searching for a copier serving as a communication partner by checking a user's call status when the copier and the copier perform image information transmission / reception via the IP network 50 in the present embodiment, The “CTI compatible copier” performs a “check in / out” operation by the TIFU 17 as exemplified above.

  The data transmission / reception system of this example is intended to be a system that functions effectively in response to the following situation.

  That is, assume that a businessman notices that he has forgotten the material to be distributed to the customer on the way to the sales office. Returning to work does not meet the time promised with the customer. Even in such a case, by executing the following processing procedure on the condition that both the copying machine located in the convenience store and the copying machine located in the office support CTI, This makes it possible to solve this problem.

  First of all, the businessman calls the office from his mobile phone and tells him that he forgot the material. Next, the employee at the workplace goes to the place where the document is stored and searches for the document. You can hang up while looking for material. Meanwhile, the businessman enters the nearest convenience store.

  After that, if the employee at work finds the document, it contacts the businessman's mobile phone and resumes the call. The employee at the office checks in to the copier in the company, and the businessman checks in to the copier in the convenience store. That is, the copier in the company and the copier in the convenience store are “CTI-compliant copiers” and constitute the data transmission / reception system of this embodiment.

  When the check-in is completed, the password is determined during the call, and the password is input to each copying machine. After that, when the copiers can communicate with each other, use the "Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine" function, and if the employee at the workplace scans the material, the copier can be copied from the copier in the convenience store. A document is output.

  In addition, the data transmission / reception system according to the present embodiment is intended to be a system that functions effectively in response to the following situation.

  That is, it is assumed that a CTI compatible copying machine is installed in a call center. Here, the call center refers to a department where companies respond to inquiries from consumers by telephone. The person who calls the call center will want to know more about the products and services that the company sells. For this reason, the call center side needs to be sufficiently explained by the consumer. However, since only verbal explanations can be made by telephone, there are many cases where sufficient information cannot be conveyed and the reception is insufficient. As a result, the contents explained by the customer may be mistakenly interpreted, or the contents themselves may be forgotten. Since the quality of the call center greatly affects CS (customer satisfaction) improvement, improvement is necessary. If explanations can be given to consumers using not only speech but also diagrams and materials, consumers' understanding of products and services will deepen and it will be possible to convey information reliably.

  If a “CTI compatible copier” is installed at both the call center and the consumer's home, this problem can be solved by the following method. First, when the consumer calls the call center and starts talking with the staff, the consumer checks in the copier at the consumer's home, and the staff checks in the copier at the call center. Next, a password is determined through a call, and the password is input to each copying machine.

Thereafter, when the copiers can communicate with each other, the staff responds to the consumer's inquiry. When it is necessary to exchange paper documents during a telephone response, if the document sender scans the document using the "Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine" function, a copy document is output from the other copier. The

  For example, if there is an inquiry about the operation of home appliances, an instruction manual can be passed from the staff to the consumer. In addition, if there are inquiries about taking or drinking medicine, materials containing precautions can be given to consumers. Paper documents remain in shape, so consumers can review the contents explained by the staff and can communicate information reliably.

  In addition, the data transmission / reception system according to the present embodiment is intended to be a system that functions effectively in response to the following situation.

  That is, assume that a businessman is on a business trip abroad. The meeting scheduled for the business trip was canceled on the day, and I was able to afford one day. I would like to go sightseeing around the town where I stayed, but I didn't have a travel guide because it was unplanned. There are few stores selling Japanese books overseas, so it is difficult to procure locally.

  In such a case, both the copy machine located at the hotel where you are staying and the copy machine located at your home or convenience store in your home country (Japan in this example) are both "CTI-compliant copy machines". Can be solved by the following method.

  First, a businessman makes a call to his / her family from his / her mobile phone. Then, tell them that you want tourist information about your destination. Next, the family goes to the nearest bookstore and looks for a tourist guide book. You can hang up while you are looking for a guidebook. When a guidebook is found and purchased at a bookstore, the telephone call is resumed, and a message to that effect is sent, and a check-in is made to a copier at home or a convenience store. Businessmen also check in at the copier at the hotel where they stay. When each check-in is completed, a password is determined in the call and entered into each copier.

  After that, when the copiers can communicate with each other, the family scans the guidebook using the "Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine" function. From the copier in the hotel where the businessman is staying, the guidebook is scanned. A copy of is printed out.

  As shown in the above-described embodiment, when a “CTI compatible copying machine” is introduced, the “Copy Machine-to-Copy Machine” function works as if it is an application with an expanded telephone function.

  This is because when the copiers 100a to 100c are connected via the IP network 50, the user is completely aware of information unique to the copiers 100a to 100c as information processing terminals such as an IP address and a MAC address. This is because there is no need to search for the copy machine of the connection destination automatically from the call status of the telephones 71a to 71c.

  In recent years, mobile phones have become widespread, so even if you do not know the location of the person you want to send image information to, you can contact them using a mobile phone, search for a CTI-compatible copier, and check in. It will be possible to send and receive image information.

  In the above-described embodiment, the copying machine connected mainly to the communication network has been described. However, the image data transmission side is a scanner that can acquire image data from a document, and the image data reception side is a printer that can output image data. If there is, image data can be transmitted and received.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the data to be transmitted / received is image data has been described. However, the electronic data to be transmitted / received is not limited to image data, and may be video data, audio data, or the like. Also, devices that transmit and receive electronic data are not limited to OA devices such as copiers, scanners, and printers, but by connecting home appliances such as DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) drive devices and monitors connected to a network, Various data may be transmitted and received.

  In the above-described embodiment, the user telephone number and the destination telephone number are transmitted from the telephone to the copier, and the copier transmits the IP address of the copier to the server. The case where the address of the copying machine is acquired has been described. Not only in this case, the telephone acquires the IP address of the copier, and sends the user telephone number and the telephone number of the call destination to the server together with the acquired IP address of the copier, so that the other party can use them. The copying machine may acquire the IP address of each other by acquiring the IP address of the copying machine to be transmitted and transmitting the acquired IP address from the telephone to the copying machine. In this case, the telephone configures the communication device according to the present invention.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copier according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a server device connected to a copying machine via a network. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting screen of the reading conditions displayed on a liquid crystal touch panel. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting screen of the printing conditions displayed on a liquid crystal touch panel. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the input screen displayed on a liquid crystal touch panel. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the input screen for instruct | indicating the input from a telephone. It is a flowchart which shows a Find process sequence. It is a flowchart which shows a Find process sequence. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the data transmission / reception system concerning this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the Compare process sequence. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the input screen displayed on a liquid crystal touch panel in order to input a password. It is a flowchart which shows a Negotiation processing procedure. It is a flowchart which shows a Disconnect processing procedure. It is a flowchart which shows a Disconnect processing procedure. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the data transmission / reception system concerning this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the server of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10. System controller 16. Liquid crystal touch panel 17. TIFU (telephone interface unit)
19. NCU (Network Controller Unit)
20. ・ Process controller 24 ・ ・ SBU (Sensor board unit)
50..IP network 70..Telephone line 71, 71a, 71b, 71c..Telephone 100, 100a, 100b, 100c..Copier 200..Database server 201..User information receiving unit 202..Call destination search Part 203 .. address search part 204 .. address transmission part 210 .. user information database

Claims (10)

In a search device connectable to a first device and a second device that handle electronic data via a communication network,
A first telephone number of a first telephone used by a user of the first device, a second telephone number of a second telephone used by a user of the second device, and the first telephone number User information storage means for storing the first communication address of the apparatus in association with each other;
User information receiving means for receiving the second telephone number, the first telephone number, and the second communication address of the second device;
Address search means for searching the user storage means and extracting the first communication address corresponding to the first telephone number and the second telephone number received by the user information receiving means;
Address transmitting means for transmitting the first communication address extracted by the address search means to the second device;
A search device comprising: When transmitting electronic data to another communication device via a communication network, in a communication device that inquires a search device for a communication address of the other communication device,
Telephone number acquisition means for acquiring a telephone number of a telephone used by a user using the other communication apparatus, and a telephone number of a telephone used by a user using the communication apparatus;
Address inquiry means for inquiring about the other communication device address by transmitting the two telephone numbers acquired by the telephone number acquisition means and the communication address of the communication device to the search device;
A communication apparatus comprising:   The communication apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising electronic data transmission means for transmitting electronic data to a communication address of the other communication apparatus acquired by the inquiry by the address inquiry means. Authentication information acquisition means for acquiring user authentication information which is authentication information negotiated between users;
Authentication information receiving means for receiving counterpart authentication information that is the authentication information transmitted from the other communication device;
The user authentication information acquired by the authentication information acquisition means and authentication information verification means for verifying whether or not the destination authentication information received by the authentication information reception means matches;
The electronic data transmitting means transmits the electronic data to the other communication device when the authentication information collating means determines that the user authentication information and the counterpart authentication information match. The communication device according to claim 3.   A communication disconnecting unit that disconnects communication with the other communication device after a predetermined time has elapsed when the authentication information collating unit determines that the user authentication information and the counterpart authentication information match; The communication device according to claim 4, further comprising: A transmission target setting means for setting a communication address to be transmitted from the plurality of communication addresses when a plurality of communication addresses are received by the address inquiry means;
The communication apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the electronic data transmission unit transmits the electronic data to the communication target communication address set by the transmission target setting unit. . A charging rate setting unit that sets a rate for charging the communication device and the other communication device when charging for transmitting the electronic data by the electronic data transmission unit;
The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, further comprising charging collection means for charging according to the rate set by the charging rate setting means. In an address search method in a search device connectable via a communication network to first and second devices handling electronic data,
A first telephone number of a first telephone used by a user of the first device, a second telephone number of a second telephone used by a user of the second device, and the first telephone number User information storage means for storing the first communication address of the apparatus in association with each other,
Receiving second user information including the second telephone number, the first telephone number, and a second communication address of the second device;
Search the user storage means, and extract the first communication address corresponding to the received first telephone number, the second telephone number,
An address search method comprising: transmitting the extracted first communication address to the second device. In an address inquiry method in which a communication device that transmits electronic data to another communication device via a communication network inquires a search device for a communication address of the other communication device.
The telephone number of the telephone used by the user using the other communication device, the telephone number of the telephone used by the user using the communication device, and the communication address of the communication device, An address inquiry method for inquiring about an address for the other communication device by transmitting to the search device.   A program that causes a computer to execute the method according to claim 8 or 9.

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