JPH09261486A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transfer information from a peripheral input device to the storage destination different for each user on a network. SOLUTION: A preservation part 1-5 inside this device stores the information specifying the user, to which the use permission of this device is applied, and the output destination (such as the storage device and directory name of a client on the network) for each user. When the user connects a PCMCIA card, for example, storing the information specifying himself/herself to a PCMCIA card control part 1-3 of this device, that information is read out and the preservation part 1-5 is retrieved. Next, an original image is read by operating an image scanner connected to peripheral input equipment 1-4, these image data are transferred to the storage destination on the network peculiar for the retrieved user as a file.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing device, and more particularly to an information processing device connected to a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A printer is a peripheral device connected to a network. This printer allows a plurality of clients (information processing devices connected to a network) to output print data to the devices and perform printing, and each client can share the device. ing.

However, input peripherals such as image scanners have not yet been connected to the network.

The reason is that when an input peripheral device such as an image scanner is connected to a network, it is not clearly defined to which client of the network the input information (read image) is transmitted.

[0005]

Therefore, the input peripheral device such as an image scanner is usually connected not to the network itself but to a client machine connected to the network. When reading a document image, a client machine having an image scanner is operated to read the image, and the read image is stored as a file. It then does the tedious task of transferring that file to your client machine.

Considering electronic mail used on a network, generally, a user of a client logs in to a mail server using his / her own mail account, and then, if there is mail, the work of downloading it is performed. . However, when another person is using the device functioning as a client, he / she cannot read mail addressed to himself / herself.

Further, when the client gives a print instruction,
It is possible to print from a remote printer or the like, but if you do not want to show the print result to others or a third party, you need to rush to the printing device immediately after issuing a print instruction.

[0008]

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides
It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing device that allows information from an input peripheral device to be transferred to different storage destinations for each user on the network.

In order to solve such a problem, the information processing apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, an information processing device that connects peripheral devices and functions as a shared resource of a network, including connecting means for connecting the peripheral devices, identification information for specifying a permitted user, and a network for each user. Based on storage means for storing user information composed of storage destination information indicating a storage destination, setting means for setting a storage medium storing information for specifying a user, and information stored in the set storage medium ,
Search means for searching the storage means and transfer means for transferring the information input from the peripheral device to a storage destination on the network specified by the storage destination information in the user information selected by the search means. Prepare

A second aspect of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus that enables electronic mail to be downloaded by a simple operation.

Therefore, the second invention has the following structure. That is, a storage unit that is a device connected to a network and that stores user information including identification information for specifying a permitted user and account address information of a mail server on the network for each user, Input means for inputting information identifying the user,
At least a connection unit for connecting a rewritable storage medium, a search unit for searching the storage unit based on the information input by the input unit, and an account address in the user information selected by the search unit are used. A mail storage means for accessing a mail server to receive a mail for the user and storing the mail in a storage medium connected to the connection means.

Further, the third invention provides an information processing apparatus which enables a user to print the information to be printed when the printing process receives the information to be printed, instead of printing it immediately. Is what you are trying to do.

Therefore, the third invention has the following structure. That is, an information processing apparatus that connects a facsimile device to function as a shared resource of a network, and stores a storage unit that stores identification information for specifying a permitted user, and the confidential information when the facsimile device receives the confidential information. Based on the identification information in the received information, a storage holding unit that stores and holds the received image in association with the corresponding user, an input unit that inputs information that identifies the user, and the storage unit that is based on the input information. A search means for searching, and an output means for outputting an image stored and held in a predetermined visible image output device when there is a received image sent to the user searched by the search means.

Alternatively, an information processing apparatus connected to a network and having at least a printing function, the information processing apparatus storing identification information for specifying a permitted user, and printing from a client on the network Receiving means for receiving information, storing means for storing the received print information in association with a corresponding user, input means for inputting information for specifying a user, and the storage using the information for specifying the input user Search means for searching means, and output means for outputting the print information to a device having the print function when print information from a corresponding user is stored in the storage means based on the search result. Prepare

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a block configuration of the apparatus according to the embodiment, and FIG. 5 shows its external appearance and operation section.

In the figure, reference numeral 1.1 is a network connection portion composed of a network adapter (eg, Ethernet which is a LAN having a bus structure jointly developed by Xerox Corporation, DEC Corporation and Intel Corporation). 1.2 is CP
The control unit is composed of U, ROM, RAM and the like. 1.
3 is a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card In)
abbreviation for ternational Association) Card slot and P
A PCMCIA card control unit configured by a PCMCIA control unit configured by a CMCIA controller.

Reference numeral 1.4 is a peripheral device connecting section composed of an interface capable of connecting with an input peripheral device.
In this embodiment, SCSI (Small Computer System Inte
rface) Interface. In the apparatus according to this embodiment, an image scanner is connected. A storage unit 1.5 stores a file, which may be a hard disk or the like, but is a RAM disk in this embodiment.
Reference numeral 1.6 is an operation unit including a display device and an input device. In this embodiment, the display device is an LCD and the input device is a button.

The outline of the operation of the embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration will be described below. The network user has a PCMCIA card that stores unique information (identification number) for identifying himself / herself. Then, this PCMCIA card is set in the PCMCIA card control unit 1.3 of this apparatus. When the device detects this PCMCIA card set, the device compares it with the information stored in advance in the storage unit 1.5 to identify which client machine the user is, and also to confirm the user name. Etc. are displayed on the operation unit 1.6.

After that, when the image scanner connected to the input peripheral device connection section 1.4 is operated to read the original image, the read image data is PCM of the user.
Transfer as a file in a specific directory on a specific machine on the network specified by the CIA card.

As described above, the data content of the storage unit 1.5 and the method of utilizing the data in order to perform the above operation will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 1.5 stores a user name 2.1 (for management, a user name is easier to understand than a number), an identification number 2.2, and a network address (user's network Address) 2.3, control information 2.4 that stores save destination information such as the drive name and directory name of the save destination, and option setting information (number of colors, reading resolution, etc.) of the application that controls the image scanner. Has been. Information (hereinafter, referred to as user information) including a set of these information items 2.1 to 2.4 is stored in advance according to the number of registered users.

When a user sets a PCMCIA card in the PCMCIA card control section 1.3, C
The PU retrieves the identification number stored in the PCMCIA card and searches for the one that matches the identification number in each user information stored in the storage unit 1.5. If you can search, retrieve the user name from the user information,
The information is displayed on the display unit provided in the operation unit 1.6 for confirmation. Next, when a reading instruction is issued from the operation unit, the fact is sent to the image scanner to drive the image scanner. As a result, the image information is sent via the input peripheral device connection section 1.4, so that it is temporarily stored in the RAM.
Alternatively, after being stored in the storage unit 1.5, it is transferred as a file to the storage destination specified by the corresponding storage destination information (the specified directory on the hard disk of the user's client machine on the network).

Next, an operation processing procedure of the apparatus of the embodiment when a document is scanned by the shared scanner will be described with reference to FIG. The program based on the flowchart is stored in the ROM in the control unit.

First, in step S3.1, the apparatus monitors whether or not a predetermined button of the operation unit 1.6 has been pressed. If it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S3.2. If not, the process returns to step S3.1 to wait for the button being pressed.

When the process proceeds to step S3.2, the PCM
It is detected whether or not a card is inserted in the CIA card controller 1.3. If there is a card, the process proceeds to step S3.4, and if not, the process proceeds to step S3.3.

In step S3.3, scanning is performed with default settings, and the image data obtained by scanning is transferred as a file to the default directory of the default machine (for example: file server). This is a case where the user operates the reading switch of the image scanner and the input permission button of the present device without inserting his / her card.

On the other hand, if it is detected that the PCMCIA card is inserted and the process proceeds to step S3.4,
The identification number of the user in the PCMCIA card set via the PCMCIA card control unit 1.3 is read.

Next, in step S3.5, the user identification number read in step S3.4 is compared with the identification number in all the user information stored in the storage unit 1.5, and the matching user information is retrieved. .

The result of this search processing is the result of step S3.6.
If the matching user information is found in step S3.7, it is determined in step S3.7.
Go to 9.

When the process proceeds to step S3.7, the original image is read in order to drive the image scanner according to the setting information stored in the control information 2.4 in the matched user information, and the read image is input. The image information is transferred as a file according to the address of the save destination and the storage directory name stored in the control information 2.4, which is input from the peripheral device connection unit 1.4.

When the transfer is completed in this way, the process proceeds to step S3.8, a message such as "Please remove the card" is displayed on the display of the operation unit 1.6, and the message is displayed in step S3.10. Wait for it to be taken out.

On the other hand, if there is no match with the identification information of the set PCMCIA card, the result of the determination in step S3.6 is "No", and the process proceeds to step S3.9.

At this time, since there is no matched password (identification number) and the user is not registered in this apparatus, an error message (message indicating that the device cannot be used) is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit. , Step S3.1
Proceed to 0, display a message to remove the inserted PCMCIA card, and wait for it to be removed.

Next, in the embodiment, the processing procedure for setting the scanner option from the client on the network will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

This processing is to set the control information 2.4 in the corresponding user information in the storage unit 1.5 in this apparatus from the client machine via the network.

First, in step S4.1, the user causes the client (personal computer or the like) on the network to execute the option setting application of the scanner. This application is assumed to be included in all clients.

Next, in step S4.2, the application notifies the device of the network address of the client and a predetermined command via the network. When this address and command are received, the user information corresponding to that user is searched for, and the control information therein is transmitted to that user (client).

The application on the client side displays the current settings received from the apparatus in a form that makes it easy to confirm, and also allows the user to change this option (step S4.3). For example, the saving directory, the number of colors, and the reading resolution are displayed, and the editable state is set.

When the user changes various settings displayed on his / her device and performs a predetermined operation, the changed information is transmitted to this device. In response to this, the CPU of this device rewrites the control information of the corresponding user information in the storage unit 1.5,
save.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the information (image information) input from the input peripheral device such as the image scanner device can be obtained by a simple operation on the network suitable for the user. It can be stored as a file in a desired directory in the device.

In this embodiment, the reading instruction of the apparatus of the image scanner is issued on the apparatus side, but the reading operation button on the image scanner apparatus side may be operated to read.

<Second Embodiment> In the above embodiment, the image scanner is described as an example of the input peripheral device, but the present invention is limited to the above embodiment because it may be a facsimile machine. is not. In that case, instead of directly transmitting the fax from the client, the scanner unit of the fax may be used similarly.

Even when the fax number is not dialed, that is, when the facsimile machine is used as an image scanner, the above-mentioned O is sent to the facsimile machine.
If an A interface is provided and a read image is sent to the apparatus via the A interface, the same operation as in the above embodiment is performed.

In the present embodiment, an example of using the card with the PCMCIA control unit 1.3 has been described. However, since it is only necessary to know what the authorized user is, it is not necessary to use the PC.
It does not have to be an MCIA card. For example, various keys may be provided on the apparatus to input the identification number. Further, instead of providing physical keys, for example, a touch panel (provided on the display screen) may be used to display various buttons according to the situation and set according to the buttons.

<Third Embodiment> Generally, when a network is constructed and e-mails are exchanged through the network, a unique address assigned to each information processing device (eg, personal computer) on the network. Use to send mail to the desired destination. The mail itself is stored in a storage device (hard disk or the like) of a dedicated machine serving as a mail server, and each client can see only the mail addressed to itself.

Now, in order to view mails, an application dedicated to the mails is started up, the server is logged in through the application, and the mails addressed to oneself are viewed, but there are people who rarely utilize the mails. Those who do not utilize the device itself often have to turn on the device and wait until the system and applications are activated.

Also, when the mail can be viewed only by the dedicated workstation, only the user can utilize the mail, so that it cannot be used by other people, which is inconvenient. The third embodiment eliminates such a problem.

The outline of the third embodiment will be described below. That is, P having a rewritable memory
By utilizing the CMCIA card and setting it in this device, the contents of the mail addressed to the user are transferred to the PCMCIA card. The user has already transferred this PCM
The CIA card is taken out of this device and set in the device used by the user (need not be connected to the network) to check the contents of the mail.

The device configuration and its appearance in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment described above,
The description is omitted.

The contents of the data stored in the storage unit 1.5 in the third embodiment and how to utilize the data will be described with reference to FIG.

In the storage unit 1.5 in the third embodiment, as shown in the figure, the user name 6.1 and the identification number 6.
2. User information that includes a set of e-mail account addresses 6.3 is stored in advance according to the number of registered users.

The operation will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In the third embodiment, the ROM of the control unit 1.3 stores the program corresponding to the illustrated flowchart.

First, in step S7.1, the P
By operating the CMCIA card control unit 1.3, it is detected whether a PCMCIA card is set in this apparatus, and the process waits until the card is detected.

When the PCMCIA card is detected, the process proceeds to step S7.2, and the PCMCIA card controller 1.3 is used to read the user number (identification number) attached to the card.

Next, in step S7.3, the PCMC
The user information (identification number therein) in the storage unit 1.5 that matches the identification number read from the IA card is searched.

In step S7.4, the search result is judged. That is, if the presence of the corresponding identification number is detected, the process proceeds to step S7.5, and if the presence cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step S7.7.

When the process proceeds to step S7.5, the mail account address of the retrieved user information is used to log in to the mail server, retrieve the mail information of the corresponding user, and write it in the set PCMCIA card. .

If there are a plurality of mails, all of them will be downloaded and written in the PCMCIA card.

When the writing of the mail information to the PCMCIA card is completed in this way, the process proceeds to step S7.6, and a message indicating that the writing is completed and a message prompting the user to remove the card are displayed on the display screen of the operation unit. ,
In step S7.8, the removal of the PCMCIA card is awaited. However, if the mail does not exist, a message indicating that there is no corresponding mail is displayed. As a result, even if there is no mail information in the PCMCIA card, the content is confirmed by another device (information processing device having a PCMCIA card interface).
The useless work is unnecessary.

If the user information that matches the identification number in the PCMCIA card that has been set cannot be retrieved, it means that the user is not permitted to use the apparatus, and the process proceeds to step S7.7. . Here, an error message stating that it is not permitted is displayed, and step S
At 7.8, it waits for the PCMCIA card to be taken out.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the user can be identified by identifying the user only by performing the work of setting a writable storage medium such as a PCMCIA card in the apparatus. It becomes possible to write to a PCMCIA card. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the user, after that, the contents of the mail can be confirmed by setting the PCMCIA card in an apparatus having an interface for setting the card (there is no need to be connected to the network). .

The third embodiment may be adapted to the first embodiment. In this case, it is necessary to register information in each case in the storage unit in advance. And when you set the PCMCIA card,
At least the processing of downloading and writing the mail may be automatically performed (however, it is necessary to notify whether or not there is a mail).

Further, although the PCMCIA card has been described as an example in the embodiment, an area in which user identification information (recognition information) is stored (is storable) and which has a writing and storage holding function. Any storage medium may be used as long as the storage medium has.

<Fourth Embodiment> In the third embodiment, a PCMCIA card is used, and the PCMCIA card is used.
The contents of the mail were confirmed by setting it in a device having a card interface. However, the contents of the mail may be directly confirmed by providing a display unit such as a liquid crystal display on the PCMCIA card or a storage card similar thereto and further providing a function switch such as scrolling. Of course, in this case, a memory storing a CPU and a display program is provided in the card.

For example, the pager may be provided with the above functions (connection interface etc.) and used.

In some cases, the contents of the mail may be displayed on the display unit of this device.

<Fifth Embodiment> Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Next, a device for connecting the facsimile device will be described.

Generally, in a facsimile machine, the received image is printed out upon reception. In this respect, in the case of a confidential facsimile, it is impossible to print out the password unless the password is input, and it is excellent in maintaining confidentiality when it is not desired to be seen by others.

However, if the password is forgotten, the contents can no longer be seen.

Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, it is possible to connect the facsimile apparatus to the network and solve the security problem.

FIG. 8 shows a block configuration of a device (electronic lock device) according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 9 shows a connection relationship with a network and a facsimile device.

The difference between FIG. 8 and FIG. 1 is that the peripheral device connecting portion 1.4 'is provided in FIG. 8 (in FIG. 1, the input peripheral device connecting portion is used). Since the other components are the same, the description thereof will be omitted.

However, since the storage unit 1.5 has a relatively large capacity for storing the facsimile received image,
A hard disk drive that is advantageous in cost performance. Of course, other than this, a magneto-optical disk or the like may be used, or another storage medium may be used.

FIG. 10 shows the data contents of the storage unit 1.5 in the fifth embodiment. As shown in the figure, the user information is composed of a confidential facsimile password 10.1 and file management information 10.2 that stores a directory name set for each user. This file information is retained for the number of registered users. There is.

The operation of the embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described below. When the facsimile device performs confidential reception, the received image is sent to this device (electronic lock device) together with the confidential password via the peripheral device connection unit 1.4 '. The apparatus receives this and saves it as a file in the saving unit 1.5, and at this time, searches for the corresponding user information according to the confidential password. Then, according to the directory name (user directory 10.3, 10.4, etc. shown in the figure) stored in the file management information 10.2 of the corresponding user information selected by searching, the received image is stored under that directory. The file is stored with an appropriate file name (for example, date and time information is used as the file name).

Thus, the confidential facsimile is stored in the storage unit 1.
5, when a regular user inserts a PCMCIA card storing his / her own password into this apparatus, the user information matching the password is retrieved. Then, the file management information in the retrieved user information is checked, and if there is a file that has not been output in the corresponding directory, it is transferred to the facsimile device and printed out.

As a result of the above, for the user, simply P
By simply setting the CMCIA card in this device, the image received for that person can be printed out at any time, and even if there is no password, it is possible to solve the security problem.

The operation of this apparatus will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S11.1, it is determined using the peripheral device connection section 1.4 whether or not the facsimile apparatus currently connected to this apparatus is receiving.
If it is being received, the process proceeds to step S11.2, and if not, the process proceeds to step S11.6.

In step S11.2, the received information is input using the peripheral device connecting section 1.4 ', and it is determined whether or not there is a confidential password in it. If there is no password, the flow advances to step S11.5 to transfer the received facsimile image to the facsimile device for printing.

If a password associated with confidential communication is detected, the flow advances to step S11.3 to search for user information having the corresponding password in the storage unit 1.5. Process 5 is performed.

If it is detected that there is user information that matches the confidential communication password, a file is stored in that directory according to the directory name stored in the fill management information 10.2 in the user information. Store as.

As described above, when the password attached to the confidential image matches the password of the user registered in the electronic lock device of the embodiment, the received images are sequentially stored in the storage unit 1.5.

On the other hand, if the facsimile apparatus does not receive the data, the process advances to step S11.6 to determine whether a PCMCIA card is set in the apparatus.

When it is detected that the PCMCIA card is set, the process proceeds to step S11.7,
Read the user's password stored in the PCMCIA card. Then, the next step S11.8
At, the user information matching the read password is searched.

This search result is determined in step S11.9. That is, when there is user information having a matching password, the process proceeds to step S11.10, the directory name stored in the file management information 10.2 is extracted, and all the directory names stored in that directory are retrieved. The files are sequentially output to a facsimile machine to be printed.

When the series of printing processes is completed, the process proceeds to step S11.11 to display a message indicating that there is no information to be printed, and in step S11.13 the PC
Wait for the MCIA card to be removed. At this time, the print-completed file is deleted from the storage unit.

Further, when the user information in the storage unit 1.5 is searched and it is determined that there is no corresponding information, the user of the PCMCIA card has not been registered and has not been permitted to use the PCMCIA card. Therefore, step S11.
At 12, an error message indicating that the use is not permitted is displayed, and the process proceeds to step S11.13.

As a result of the above, the user simply uses the confidential facsimile received by himself / herself as the PCMCI which he / she is using.
It is possible to print by simply setting the A card in this device.

Next, an example in which a facsimile device (or a printing device) connected to the electronic lock device of the fifth embodiment prints a document from a client will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S 12.1, it is determined whether print data has been sent from the client on the network to this apparatus (electronic lock apparatus). When the reception of print data is detected, the process proceeds to step S12.2.
The user (identification number) of the sender of the print data is identified, and in step S12.3, the user information is searched based on the identified result, and the storage destination of the storage unit 1.5 is determined. Then, in step S12.4, the received print data is stored as a file in the determined storage destination.

If it is determined in step S12.1 that print data has not been received, step S1
Proceed to step 2.5 to determine if a PCMCIA card is set.

When it is determined that the PCMCIA card is set, the processing from step S12.6 is performed, which is the step S11.7 of FIG. 11 described above.
It is the same as the following. In brief, the user can be identified by setting the PCMCIA card, and the file in the corresponding directory is printed out.

As a result of the above, when the print processing is performed by the client on the network, the print processing is not immediately output to the printing apparatus but is temporarily stored in this apparatus. Then, a PCM that stores information for identifying the user
When the CIA card is set in this device, actual printing starts. Therefore, there is no need to immediately rush to the location of the printing device when a printing instruction is given, such as when the distance between the client device and the device having the printing function is large.

Next, the procedure for exchanging information between the client and PCMCIA between the client and PCMCIA when changing the password in the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

Step 13.1: Execute the password change application on the client side. As a result, the application transfers the current password to the device along with a predetermined command to change the password.

Step 13.2: When the electronic lock device receives this information, it verifies whether or not the password is stored in the storage unit 1.5, and whether the client trying to change is a legitimate registered user. Determine whether or not. here,
The change permission is notified to the user who matches the registered password.

Step 13.3: Upon receipt of this, the user inputs a new password and sends the information to the electronic lock device.

Step 13.4: The electronic lock device updates the information for verifying the new password, and updates the user information stored in the storage unit. Then, it notifies the client that the password change is completed.

Step 13.5: When the client receives this notification, the P set in the client is received.
Update the password in your CMCIA card.

By the above processing, the user can freely change his / her own password.

Next, the operation processing contents of the electronic lock device of this embodiment in the above processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S14.1, the password change instruction command and the current password information are received from the client side. After that, the process proceeds to step S14.2, the user information of the corresponding password is searched, and it is determined whether or not the user information exists.

If it is determined that such a password does not exist, the process advances to step S14.7 to notify the client of information that the password cannot be changed.

On the other hand, if the presence of the matching password can be confirmed, the process advances to step S14.3 to notify the client to give the password change right.

After that, the process advances to step S14.4 to receive the new password from the client, and update the corresponding user information accordingly. When the update process is completed, the update completion is notified to the client, and this process ends.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, an image received from a facsimile machine or a client can be printed when desired by a user who was supposed to obtain the output result. become.

When changing the password in the PCMCIA card in the above process, the card was set in the client.
The password in the A card may be changed on the electronic lock device side.

<Sixth Embodiment> In the fifth embodiment described above, the facsimile apparatus is taken as an example of the connected apparatus, but the printer apparatus may be a single apparatus. In this case, this device functions as a network printer.

In the above embodiment, the image received by facsimile is printed by the facsimile device.
It may be printed by another printer on the network. In this case, the functions of the first embodiment may be developed so that the printer set for each user prints.

If the peripheral equipment connected to the apparatus is not a facsimile machine but a printer, security printing can be performed as described above (see FIG. 4). Also,
In that case, the connecting portion may be a parallel port instead of the OA interface. Further, when printing the received image, the user sets his / her PCMCIA card as an electronic lock. At this time, information useful for the user (eg, received fax list, etc.) may be written on the card. Since the PCMCIA standard is widespread, the information can be read by the client at the convenience of the user.

Although each of the embodiments has been described above, it is assumed that information for determining whether or not the user is a legitimate user is stored in the device (device for connecting peripheral equipment) in each of the embodiments. explained. In order to give a new use permission, for example, only a specific user (administrator) of the network needs to be able to update the contents of the storage unit in this device.

Even if the present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (eg, host computer, interface device, reader, printer, etc.), a device composed of one device (eg, copying machine, facsimile, etc.) May be applied to.

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and to supply the computer (or CPU or M of the system or apparatus).
It goes without saying that it is also achieved by the PU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

A storage medium for supplying the program code is, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD.
-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM, etc. can be used.

Moreover, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by executing the program code read by the computer, but also the OS or the like running on the computer actually operates based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where a part or all of the processing of (1) is performed and the function of the embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the extended function board inserted in the computer or the extended function unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that a case where a CPU or the like included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is also included.

[0120]

As described above, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to transfer information from an input peripheral device to a different storage destination for each user on the network.

Further, it becomes possible to download the electronic mail by a simple operation.

Further, even if the printing process receives the information to be printed, it is possible to print it when the user desires, instead of printing it immediately.

[0123]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contents and utilization method of a storage unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating operation processing contents according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of a setting program on the client side in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the contents and utilization method of a storage unit in the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the content of operation processing in the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block configuration diagram of a device according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a system configuration in a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of a storage unit according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation processing contents for a facsimile received image in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing operation processing contents for print processing in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sequence relating to password change processing in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing operation processing contents for the sequence of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1.1 Network connection part 1.2 Control part 1.3 PCMCIA card control part 1.4 Input peripheral device connection part 1.4'Peripheral device connection part 1.5 Storage part 1.6 Operation part

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus for connecting a peripheral device to function as a shared resource of a network, comprising connection means for connecting the peripheral device, identification information for specifying a permitted user, and each user. Storage means for storing user information composed of storage location information indicating a storage location on the network, setting means for setting a storage medium storing information for specifying a user, and information stored in the set storage medium Search means for searching the storage means based on the above, and transfer information input from the peripheral device to a storage destination on the network specified by the storage destination information in the user information selected by the search means. An information processing apparatus comprising: a transfer unit. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is a device that reads a document image. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage medium set in the setting means is a memory card. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the corresponding user information cannot be retrieved by the retrieval means, the transfer means is disabled. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit transfers information input from the peripheral device as a file. 6. A device connected to a network, which stores user information including identification information for specifying a permitted user and account address information of a mail server on the network for each user. Means, input means for inputting information identifying a user, connection means for connecting at least a rewritable storage medium, and searching means for searching the storage means based on the information input by the input means, A mail storage unit that accesses the mail server using the account address in the user information selected by the search unit, receives a mail for the user, and stores the mail in a storage medium connected to the connection unit. A characteristic information processing device. 7. The inputting means mounts a memory card storing information specifying a user, and inputs the information specifying the user from the mounted memory card. The information processing device according to 1. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the storage medium connected by the connecting means is a memory card. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mail storing means is disabled when the corresponding user information cannot be searched by the searching means. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the storage medium is provided with display means for displaying the content of the stored mail. 11. An information processing apparatus for connecting a facsimile device to function as a shared resource of a network, comprising: storage means for storing identification information for specifying a permitted user; and a case where the facsimile device receives confidential information. Based on the identification information in the confidentially received information, a storage holding unit that stores and holds the received image in association with the corresponding user, an input unit that inputs information that identifies the user, and A search means for searching the storage means and an output means for outputting an image stored and held in a predetermined visible image output device when there is a received image sent to the user searched by the search means. An information processing device comprising: 12. The input means mounts a memory card storing information specifying a user, and inputs the information specifying the user from the mounted memory card. The information processing device according to 1. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the output unit is disabled when the corresponding user information cannot be searched by the search unit. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the output unit outputs to the facsimile device and prints out by the facsimile. 15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the output unit outputs to a printer connected to the network. 16. An information processing apparatus connected to a network and having at least a printing function, wherein the information processing apparatus stores identification information for specifying a permitted user, and prints from a client on the network. Receiving means for receiving information, storing means for storing the received print information in association with the corresponding user, input means for inputting information for identifying the user, and storing the information by using the information for identifying the input user Search means for searching means, and output means for outputting the print information to a device having the print function when print information from a corresponding user is stored in the storage means based on the search result. An information processing device comprising: 17. The input means mounts a memory card storing information specifying a user, and inputs the information specifying the user from the mounted memory card. The information processing device according to 1. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the output unit is disabled when the corresponding user cannot be searched by the search unit.