JP4397344B2 - Function providing apparatus and image processing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a function providing apparatus and an image processing system, and more particularly, to a function providing apparatus capable of providing a data processing function to an image processing apparatus by connecting to an image processing apparatus such as a digital multi-function peripheral. The present invention relates to an image processing system.

  In recent years, digital multi-function peripherals equipped with a plurality of functions such as a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and a printer function, and a function for communicating with external devices via a network and transmitting / receiving various data ( MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) have been commercialized. In particular, some recent digital multi-function peripherals are provided with storage means such as a hard disk for storing document data and image data so that each function can be executed in parallel.

  The digital multi-function peripherals are roughly classified into low-speed machines, medium-speed machines, and high-speed machines according to the processing speed (sheets / minute) for copying and the like, and the data processing functions included in each are different. For example, functions such as a tint block adding function for adding a tint block to image data may be provided in a high speed machine but not in a low and medium speed machine. In such a case, the function cannot be used by the user of the low / medium speed machine. When a user of a low / medium speed machine wants to use a function that is not provided in the user's own machine, it is necessary to purchase a higher-order model having the function or to perform special customization.

Conventionally, an external device is connected to supplement the function of the own device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an auxiliary storage device that externally connects to a main device and provides the storage function and the encryption / decryption function in order to supplement the storage function and the encryption / decryption function in the main device. Yes. This is because an auxiliary storage device that stores data used in the computer main body includes a hard disk for storing data, and an encryption / decryption device that encrypts data written to the hard disk and decrypts data read from the hard disk. And the processing load on the central processing unit (CPU) of the computer main body can be reduced.
JP-A-5-143247

  Although the invention described in Patent Document 1 includes an encryption / decryption device in an auxiliary storage device, it is not necessary to perform encryption processing and decryption processing in the computer main body, and the load on the computer main body can be reduced. The auxiliary storage device is not intended for an image processing apparatus such as a digital multifunction peripheral, and the functions that can be provided from the auxiliary storage device are limited to the encryption / decryption function.

  Here, when an external device that can provide a plurality of functions is connected to the main device, the function of the external device may overlap with the function that the main device originally has. In this case, there is a problem that the user needs to select either the external device or the main device to execute the function, and the operation for that purpose is troublesome.

  In addition, when an external device is removed from the main unit and connected to another main unit, the functions of the external device are also effective in other main units, and the functions can be shared and used by multiple main units. It will end up. In this case, for example, there is a problem that a third party can take out the external device without permission and connect it to its own main unit to use the function.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in a function providing apparatus capable of providing a data processing function to an image processing apparatus by connecting to an image processing apparatus such as a digital multifunction peripheral, the image processing By acquiring information related to the data processing function included in the image processing apparatus from the apparatus, control is performed so that functions other than the data processing function included in the image processing apparatus are enabled when the connection with the image processing apparatus is established. In addition, the object is to provide a data processing function only to a specific image processing apparatus.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a first technical means of the present invention includes a means for connecting to an image processing apparatus that processes image data, and a function providing apparatus capable of providing a data processing function to the image processing apparatus. Means for acquiring information on a data processing function included in the image processing apparatus from the image processing apparatus; means for comparing the acquired data processing function information with data processing function information included in the function providing apparatus; and a comparison result thereof And a means for controlling the data processing function other than the data processing function provided in the image processing apparatus at the stage when the connection with the image processing apparatus is established. .

The second technical means is characterized by comprising means for notifying the data processing function enabled by the function providing apparatus in the first technical means.

According to a third technical means, in the first technical means, means for acquiring identification information of the image processing apparatus from the image processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus are connected based on the acquired identification information. And a means for confirming.

According to a fourth technical means, in the third technical means, when the connection with the image processing apparatus cannot be confirmed, the data processing function provided in the function providing apparatus is limited.

The fifth technical means is characterized in that in the third technical means, when connection with the image processing apparatus cannot be confirmed, means for notifying that is provided.

A sixth technical means includes the means for connecting to an external device capable of transmitting image data via a network in any one of the first to fifth technical means, and the data processing function provided in the function providing device includes: A function for temporarily storing image data transmitted from an external device via the network, a function for permitting reception of only image data transmitted from a specific external device via the network, and confidential data for image data And a function of adding information indicating that the image data is included and a function of encrypting or decrypting image data.

A seventh technical means is an image processing system in which an image processing apparatus that processes image data and a function providing apparatus capable of providing a data processing function to the image processing apparatus are connected. The function providing apparatus includes: From the processing unit, the means for acquiring information about the data processing function provided in the image processing device, the means for comparing the acquired data processing function information and the data processing function information provided in the function providing device, and the comparison result, And a means for controlling to enable a data processing function other than the data processing function provided in the image processing apparatus when a connection with the image processing apparatus is established.

  According to the present invention, in a function providing apparatus capable of providing a data processing function to an image processing apparatus by connecting to an image processing apparatus such as a digital multifunction peripheral, the data processing function included in the image processing apparatus from the image processing apparatus Data processing function originally provided in the image processing apparatus, since it is possible to control functions other than the data processing function provided in the image processing apparatus at the stage when the connection with the image processing apparatus is established. Can be smoothly performed in cooperation with the image processing apparatus without bothering the user. In addition, since the data processing function is provided only to a specific image processing apparatus, a third party can take out the function providing apparatus without permission and use the data processing function by connecting to another image processing apparatus. Can not be.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is an image processing apparatus, and 10 is a function providing apparatus that provides the image processing apparatus 1 with a data processing function. , 20 is a telephone line network, 30 is a network constituted by a LAN, 21 is a facsimile machine connected to the telephone line network 20, 31 and 32 are terminal devices connected to the network 30, 40 is the Internet, and 41 is the Internet. A facsimile machine connected to 40 and a terminal device 42 connected to the Internet 40 are shown. The image processing apparatus 1 can send and receive image data by FAX to and from the facsimile apparatuses 21 and 41 and can send and receive image data to and from the terminal apparatuses 31, 32 and 42 by using e-mail or the like. . Here, the image data of the present invention is not limited to image data, and includes document data or data composed of an image and a document.

  The image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a case where a digital multi-function peripheral having any one of a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and a printer function is applied as a representative example. This will be described as machine 1.

  In FIG. 1, a digital multifunction device 1 includes an image reading unit 2 that reads a document and inputs image data, a device control unit 3 that controls each function of the digital multifunction device 1, and an operation unit 4 that receives user input. The communication unit 5 for communicably connecting to the function providing device 10, the image forming unit 6 that is a data processing unit that performs image data print processing, and control information and setting information of the digital multifunction device 1 are stored. A management unit 7 serving as a memory and a FAX modem 8 for communicating with a facsimile machine 21 via a telephone line network 20 are provided. The function providing device 10 connected to the communication unit 5 communicates with the terminal devices 31 and 32 via the network 30 such as a LAN, and can communicate with the facsimile device 41 and the terminal device 42 via the Internet 40. The digital multi-function peripheral 1 and / or the function providing device 10 may include a storage unit such as a hard disk for temporarily storing image data.

  Hereinafter, each part of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail. First, the image reading unit 2 is an input unit that reads a document and inputs image data. For example, the image reading unit 2 is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 2a serving as an image reading unit, a document table, an automatic document feeder ( A document detection sensor 2b for detecting a document set on the ADF).

  The operation unit 4 includes an input unit 4a having various input keys and a display unit 4b such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display: liquid crystal display). Enter the settings. Further, an authentication information input unit for inputting authentication information of a user who uses the digital multifunction device 1 may be arranged in the input unit 4a. There are various user authentication information input methods such as direct input of a user code, ID card information reading input, and user biometric information (such as fingerprint) reading input. The user authentication of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 can be performed by any one of these methods.

  The image forming unit 6 is a data processing (output) unit that processes (outputs) image data, and includes a memory 6a that is a page memory and a printing unit 6b such as an LSU (Laser Scanning Unit). ing. The image forming unit 6 transfers the image data once stored in the memory 6a to the printing unit 6b and prints it out.

Hereinafter, an operation example related to the image processing mode mounted on the digital multi-function peripheral 1 will be briefly described.
(Copy mode)
When the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a copying machine, image data of a document read by the image reading unit 2 is output from the image forming unit 6 as a copy.

  The image reading unit 2 includes a CCD 2a, and can electronically read an image of a document set at a reading position. Then, the read image data of the document is completed as output data on the memory 6a, and then the image data is stored in the memory in accordance with the writing timing to the printing unit 6b based on the processing mode instructed from the operation unit 4. The data is transferred from 6a to the printing unit 6b.

(Printer mode)
Next, when the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a printer, the image data received from the communication unit 5 is output from the image forming unit 6 via the memory 6a or the like.

  The communication unit 5 is connected to the network 30 using wired or wireless, and receives image data from the terminal devices 31 and 32 which are external devices connected on the network 30. The image data received in this way is sent to the memory 6a page by page as image data to be output, and transferred to the printing unit 6b in the same manner as when used as a copying machine described above.

(Scanner mode)
Further, when the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a network scanner, image data of a document read by the image reading unit 2 is transferred from the communication unit 5 via the network 30 to any terminal device 31, 32 can be transmitted. Also here, the original is electronically read by the CCD 2 a provided in the image reading unit 2. Then, the read image data of the document is completed as output data on the memory 6a, establishes communication with the transmission destination instructed via the operation unit 4, and then communicates from the communication unit 5 to the target transmission destination. Is sent.

(Facsimile mode)
Further, the communication unit 5 is connected to the facsimile apparatus 41 via the network 30 and the Internet 40. Further, the FAX modem 8 may be connected to the facsimile apparatus 21 via the telephone line network 20. The same operation is performed when the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a facsimile apparatus, and image data can be transmitted to and received from an external device.

  Each component of the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment is controlled by the device control unit 3 and monitors operation instructions from the input unit 4a such as a tablet and a key group provided in the operation unit 4, and a display unit. Information that should be notified to the user, such as information relating to the state of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 via 4b, is accurately displayed. The management unit 7 manages information about each component controlled by the device control unit 3, and the device control unit 3 controls the operation of the entire digital multi-function peripheral 1 based on the information. To do.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the function providing apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. The function providing apparatus 10 includes a notification unit 11 that performs various notifications to a user, an operation unit 12 that performs various operations, A communication interface (communication I / F) 13 for detachably connecting to the digital multifunction peripheral 1, a network I / F 14 for connecting to the network 30, an ID management unit 15 for storing user information, device information, and the like, various data A data processing unit 16 for processing, a memory 17 such as a flash memory or a hard disk for temporarily storing image data, log data, and the like, and a communication control unit 18 for controlling the function providing device 10 are provided.

  The function providing device 10 is connected to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 via the communication I / F 13 and further connected to a terminal device or a facsimile machine on the network via the network I / F 14. As an example of the operation of the function providing apparatus 10, it is assumed that the digital multifunction peripheral 1 does not have a decoding function and the function providing apparatus 10 has a decoding function. In this case, when encrypted image data is sent from the terminal device or the facsimile device, the function providing device 10 decrypts the image data and passes it to the digital multifunction device 1.

  The notification unit 11 includes display means such as an LCD for displaying a list of data processing functions that can be provided by the function providing device 10 when the connection with the digital multifunction peripheral 1 is established. In addition, a means for outputting a sound such as a buzzer or a light emitting means such as an LED may be provided. For example, when a third party tries to remove the function providing device 10 from the digital multifunction peripheral 1 without permission. In addition, a warning such as sounding a buzzer or lighting or blinking an LED may be given. The operation unit 12 includes various operation keys such as a power key for turning on / off the power and a reset key for resetting the function providing apparatus 10.

  The communication I / F 13 is a means for connecting to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 via wired (USB or LAN cable) or wireless (wireless LAN, Bluetooth, etc.). The network I / F 14 is means for connecting to a network 30 such as a LAN and connecting to a terminal device or a facsimile machine on the network 30 or 40.

  The ID management unit 15 registers in advance identification information (for example, IP address, MAC address, etc.) of a terminal device or a facsimile device connected via the network I / F 14 as user information, and also communicates as device information as communication information. Identification information (equipment unique information (serial number, etc.), IP address, MAC address, etc.) of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 connected via the I / F 13, information on the data processing function provided in the digital multifunction peripheral 1, and If an optional device is attached to the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the optional device information is registered. The device information is acquired from the digital multifunction device 1 when it is first connected to the digital multifunction device 1, and is retained in the ID management unit 15 unless it is reset.

  The data processing unit 16 is means for executing various data processing such as the decryption function described above. As a specific example of the data processing function, image data sent from a terminal device or a facsimile device via the network 30 is temporarily stored in the memory 17, and a password or the like is output to the operation unit 12 or the digital multifunction device 1 at the time of output. A function for outputting image data by inputting from the operation unit 4 (hereinafter, print hold function), only image data transmitted from a specific address (IP address, MAC address, etc.) registered in advance in the ID management unit 15 A function that permits the reception of data (hereinafter referred to as an address filter function), a function that adds confidential information to the image data (for example, a background pattern or a secret) (hereinafter referred to as a background pattern addition function), and image data encryption Or any one of the functions for decrypting encrypted image data (hereinafter referred to as encryption / decryption function) See, it is possible to provide these data processing functions in the digital multifunction peripheral 1.

  The communication control unit 18 controls the data processing function (data processing unit 16) to be effective at the stage when the connection with the digital multifunction peripheral 1 is established. In other words, if the connection with the digital multifunction device 1 is not established, the data processing function of the function providing device 10 will not be effective, so that the function providing device 10 and the digital multifunction device 1 can safely operate in cooperation. In this case, all data processing functions are valid. Here, the stage where the connection with the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is established means that the function providing apparatus 10 and the digital multi-function peripheral 1 have mutual device information (device-specific information, IP address, data processing function information, options) This is when the device is ready for communication after exchanging device information.

  As another embodiment, the communication control unit 18 is one other than the data processing function provided in the digital multifunction device 1 among the data processing functions provided in the function providing device 10 when the connection with the digital multifunction device 1 is established. You may control so that the function of becomes effective. That is, since the function that overlaps the data processing function provided in the digital multifunction device 1 is not enabled, the data processing function originally provided in the digital multifunction device 1 is used as it is, and the function that the digital multifunction device 1 does not have (the digital multifunction device 1 does not have). Only the function) can be supplemented by the function providing device 10.

  In the present embodiment, the communication control unit 18 acquires, from the digital multi-function peripheral 1, information related to the data processing function included in the digital multi-function peripheral 1, acquired data processing function information, and data processing function information included in the function providing device 10. And means for controlling the functions other than the data processing function of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 at the stage when the connection with the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is established based on the comparison result. The data processing function information included in the function providing apparatus 10 is registered in advance in the ID management unit 15, and the data processing function information of the ID management unit 15 is compared with the data processing function information acquired from the digital multifunction device 1. Only data processing functions that do not overlap are valid.

Further, the function providing apparatus 10 of the present invention can provide a data processing function only to a specific digital multi-function peripheral. This will be described below.
In FIG. 2, the communication control unit 18 obtains identification information (for example, device unique information, IP address, etc.) of the digital multifunction device 1 from the digital multifunction device 1, and the digital multifunction device 1 based on the obtained identification information. And means for confirming that they are connected. The acquired identification information of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is registered in the ID management unit 15. As a means for confirming that the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is connected, for example, the IP address of the currently connected digital multi-function peripheral is acquired periodically or at an arbitrary timing, and the acquired IP address is used as an ID management unit. 15 is compared with the IP address registered in 15 (in this example, the digital multi-function peripheral 1). As a result of comparing the IP addresses, if both IP addresses match, it is determined that the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is connected. On the other hand, if both IP addresses do not match, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is not connected. That is, it is determined that another digital multi-function peripheral is connected. In addition, it is conceivable that the IP address is not acquired, but in this case, it is determined that the connection is poor or not connected.

  Note that the timing at which the function providing apparatus 10 acquires the IP address from the connected digital multifunction peripheral can be appropriately set according to the security level. If it is desired to increase the security level, the IP address may be acquired at short intervals (for example, every minute).

  As another embodiment of the means for confirming that the above-described digital multi-function peripheral 1 is connected, the function providing device 10 includes an interface unit of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 or a cable connected to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (hereinafter, referred to as a digital multifunction peripheral 1 A push button that can be pressed is provided at the connection portion with the digital multifunction device 1). When the digital multifunction device 1 is connected, the push button is held down and the digital multifunction device 1 is removed. Then, the push button is held in a state of returning to a predetermined stop position. Whether or not the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is connected can be confirmed from the state of the push button. The function providing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment acquires a device unique number or an IP address from the next connected digital multifunction peripheral after the digital multifunction peripheral 1 is disconnected and the connection is released. That is, each time a digital multi-function peripheral is connected, a device unique number or an IP address is acquired.

  The function providing apparatus 10 uses the device unique number or IP address (hereinafter referred to as IP address) acquired from the next connected digital multifunction device as the IP address (in this example, the digital multifunction device 1) registered in the ID management unit 15. ). As a result of comparing the IP addresses, if both IP addresses match, it is determined that the digital multi-function peripheral 1 has been reconnected. On the other hand, if both IP addresses do not match, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is not connected. That is, it is determined that another digital multi-function peripheral is connected. In addition, it is conceivable that the IP address is not acquired, but in this case, it is determined that the connection is poor or not connected.

  When the connection with the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is confirmed, the function providing apparatus 10 continues to provide the enabled data processing function to the digital multi-function peripheral 1. On the other hand, when the connection with the digital multifunction peripheral 1 cannot be confirmed, the function providing apparatus 10 can invalidate the data processing function provided in the function providing apparatus 10 or restrict a part of the data processing function. As a result, for example, a third party cannot take out the function providing apparatus 10 without permission and connect it to another digital multifunction peripheral to use the function.

  When the connection with the digital multi-function peripheral 1 cannot be confirmed, the function providing apparatus 10 may send a message indicating that fact to a terminal device such as a system administrator to notify it. As a means for notification, e-mail or the like can be used, for example.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing when the function providing apparatus 10 of the present invention is connected to the digital multifunction peripheral 1. In this example, a processing flow when the function providing apparatus 10 is first installed will be described. First, when the power supply is turned on, the function providing apparatus 10 confirms the connected digital multi-function peripheral 1 (hereinafter referred to as MFP1) (step S1), and information related to the MFP1 from the MFP1 (device-specific information, MAC address, An IP address, data processing function information, etc.) are acquired and registered in the ID management unit 15 (step S2). Next, based on the data processing function information acquired from the MFP 1, the function providing apparatus 10 determines operable (that is, non-overlapping) data processing functions (step S3), and displays the determined data processing functions as a list. A user such as a system administrator is notified (step S4).

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing after the function providing apparatus 10 of the present invention is connected to the digital multi-function peripheral 1. First, the function providing apparatus 10 executes processing for periodically obtaining an IP address from the MFP 1 to determine whether or not the MFP 1 has been confirmed (step S11). When the MFP 1 has been confirmed (YES), If the MFP 1 cannot be confirmed (in the case of NO), the data processing function of the function providing device 10 is limited (step S12), and a user such as a system administrator indicates that the MFP 1 cannot be confirmed. (Step S13).

  As described above, according to the present invention, in a function providing apparatus that is connected to an image processing apparatus such as a digital multi-function peripheral and can provide a data processing function to the image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus performs the image processing. By acquiring information related to the data processing function included in the apparatus, it is possible to control so that functions other than the data processing function included in the image processing apparatus become valid when the connection with the image processing apparatus is established. Therefore, the data processing function does not overlap with the data processing function originally provided, the cooperative operation with the image processing apparatus can be smoothly performed, and the user is not bothered. In addition, since the data processing function is provided only to a specific image processing apparatus, a third party can take out the function providing apparatus without permission and use the data processing function by connecting to another image processing apparatus. Can not be.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of the function provision apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the process at the time of connecting the function provision apparatus of this invention to a digital multifunctional device. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the process after connecting the function provision apparatus of this invention to a digital multifunctional device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image processing apparatus (digital multifunction device), 2 ... Image reading part, 2a ... CCD, 2b ... Document detection sensor, 3 ... Device control part, 4 ... Operation part, 4a ... Input part, 4b ... Display part, 5 ... Communication unit 6 ... Image forming unit 6a ... Memory 6b ... Printing unit (LSU) 6c ... Image processing unit 7 ... Management unit 8 ... FAX modem 10 ... Function providing device 11 ... Notification unit 12 ... Operation unit, 13 ... Communication I / F, 14 ... Network I / F, 15 ... ID management unit, 16 ... Data processing unit, 17 ... Memory, 18 ... Communication control unit, 20 ... Telephone network, 21, 41 ... Facsimile device, 30... Network, 31, 32, 42... Terminal device, 40.

Claims (7)

In a function providing apparatus comprising means for connecting to an image processing apparatus for processing image data, and capable of providing a data processing function to the image processing apparatus
Means for acquiring information on a data processing function included in the image processing apparatus from the image processing apparatus; means for comparing the acquired data processing function information with data processing function information included in the function providing apparatus; and a comparison result thereof And a means for controlling the data processing function other than the data processing function provided in the image processing apparatus to be effective when the connection with the image processing apparatus is established. . The function providing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for notifying a data processing function enabled by the function providing apparatus. The image processing apparatus comprises: means for acquiring identification information of the image processing apparatus from the image processing apparatus; and means for confirming that the image processing apparatus is connected based on the acquired identification information. The function providing apparatus according to claim 1 . The function providing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein when the connection with the image processing apparatus cannot be confirmed, a data processing function included in the function providing apparatus is limited. 4. The function providing apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising means for notifying that the connection with the image processing apparatus cannot be confirmed. The data processing function provided in the function providing device temporarily stores image data transmitted from the external device via the network. The data processing function includes a means for connecting to an external device capable of transmitting image data via the network. A function, a function for permitting reception of only image data transmitted from a specific external device via the network, a function for adding information indicating confidential data to the image data, and a function for encrypting or decrypting the image data function providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises one plurality of. In an image processing system in which an image processing device for processing image data and a function providing device capable of providing a data processing function to the image processing device are connected,
The function providing device compares, from the image processing device, means for obtaining information related to a data processing function included in the image processing device, and compares the acquired data processing function information with data processing function information provided in the function providing device. And means for controlling the data processing function other than the data processing function provided in the image processing apparatus to be effective when the connection with the image processing apparatus is established from the comparison result. A featured image processing system.

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