JP2000216930A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce necessary storage areas to a minimum by shifting a facsimile equipment from a use limit state to a usable state, when the box retrieval information that matches an inputted password number is registered. SOLUTION: A facsimile equipment 1 stores a received document in an image memory 7, which making it correspondent to a box ID having a registered F code, i.e., the box identification information on a box management table stored in a RAM 4 that matches the subaddress signal that is received, when the document is received. Then the equipment 1 reads a box management information file having a registered F code, included in the box management information that matches an input subaddress out of the memory 7 to record it on the recording paper by means of a plotter 6 or to send it to a caller device. In such a constitution where the documents are managed with boxes, the equipment 1 is normally kept in a use limit state where only a password number can be inputted and then can be shifted to a usable state, when an input password number matches the password number that has been registered previously.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus, and more particularly, to a facsimile apparatus having a box.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a facsimile apparatus such as a G3 facsimile machine, a receiving apparatus simply records a document received from a transmitting apparatus on a recording sheet by a plotter, or a calling apparatus calls a called apparatus. Requesting polling transmission, and the called device reads the document set on the scanner for polling transmission, or
Facsimile communication between devices has been performed such that a document stored in a memory in advance for polling transmission is transmitted to a caller, received by the caller, and recorded on a recording sheet by a plotter.

On the other hand, a facsimile machine is rarely used by one user and is often shared by many users. Therefore, a document transmitted from a transmitting apparatus is received by a specific user on a receiving side. There was a request for a confidential communication function. Also, there has been a request for a selective polling communication function in which the calling device specifies a specific document among a plurality of documents and wants to perform polling reception from the called device.

[0004] However, in the conventional G3 facsimile, ITU-T Recommendation T. Since the control signal for the confidential communication function and the selective polling function is not defined in the standard in 30, each maker independently supports the confidential communication function and the selective polling communication function by a non-standard method.

More specifically, with regard to the confidential communication function, when transmitting a document from the transmitting apparatus to the receiving apparatus, a confidential ID as normal confidential information is embedded in an information field such as a non-standard function setting signal NSS. Notify, the receiving side stores the received document in association with the notified confidential ID,
This has been achieved by recording a document that matches the confidential ID input in the confidential document extraction operation using a plotter. As for the selective polling communication function, when a call is made from a calling device to a called device, a polling ID is embedded in an information field such as a non-standard function command signal NSC to notify the called device. This is achieved by transmitting the document corresponding to the notified polling ID among the plurality of documents stored in association with each polling ID to the calling side.

However, recently, ITU-T Recommendation T. At 30, the sub-address signal SUB, the selective polling signal SEP, the password signal PWD, and the SID (the password PWD when using the sub-address signal SUB)
Standard control signals usable for the confidential communication function and the selective polling communication function are defined. The sub-address signal SUB is a digital identification signal DIS, a digital transmission command signal DTC, or a digital transmission command signal D
Only transmitted when bit 49 of the CS information field is set, the selective polling signal SE
Similarly, P is transmitted only when bit 47 is set, and password signals PWD and SID are similarly transmitted only when bit 50 is set.

[0007] The SUB, SEP, and PWD (SID) control signals are considered for effective use by the Telecommunications Industry Association.
At that seat those control signals were collectively named F-codes. The concept of a box is also determined on the table, and the use of the box for the box confidential communication function and the bulletin board communication function is presented. When box search information is previously registered in the box in association with it, and the box search information notified by SUB, SEP, and PWD or SID as required matches the registered box search information. Only the user can access the box.

[0008] Those having these boxes are called F-code center machines. Transmission of documents to the boxes of the F-code center machine (referred to as F-code transmission) and retrieval of documents from the boxes of the F-code center machine (Referred to as F-code extraction), and are classified as F-code compatible machines.

As described above, a document can be transmitted to the F-code center machine by designating a box, and a document can be received from the F-code center machine by designating a box. In addition to the box confidential communication function and bulletin board communication function using the center machine, the relay communication function via the box of the F code center machine, and the document via the box to the terminal on the network connected to the F code center machine Has also been proposed.

[0010]

In a facsimile apparatus having such a box, since a box is opened for each purpose or individual for confidential communication, bulletin board communication, etc., many storage areas for box management are provided. Need.

In a facsimile apparatus having a box, if the apparatus can be used unconditionally, there is a problem in protecting documents associated with the box. A plurality of personal identification numbers are stored in advance, and when the input personal identification number matches the personal identification number stored in advance when the apparatus is in the restricted use state, the restricted use state is released to use the apparatus. May be possible.

For this reason, when the use is restricted in a facsimile apparatus having a box, a storage area for box management and a storage area for a plurality of passwords stored in advance for the use restriction function are required, and many storage areas are required. There was a problem that it was necessary.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus which has a box and can minimize a necessary storage area even when the use is restricted.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above object, a facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 stores in advance box management information in which at least box search information is registered corresponding to each box. For received documents that are accompanied by a notification of box search information from the transmission source device at the time of reception, the same box search information as the notified box search information is stored in the memory in association with the registered box management information. On the other hand, if there is a notification of box search information from the calling device at the time of polling transmission, the same box search information as the notified box search information is stored in the memory in association with the registered box management information. In a facsimile apparatus which reads and transmits a document, a password input means for inputting a password when the state of the apparatus is in a restricted use state, and sequentially searches the box management information. PIN search means for judging whether or not box search information matching the entered password is registered, and utilizing the state of the apparatus when box search information matching the entered PIN is registered And a use restriction release unit for shifting from the restricted state to the usable state.

In the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, at least box management information in which at least box search information is registered is stored in advance for each box. For the information accompanied by the notification of the box search information, the same box search information as the notified box search information is stored in the memory in association with the registered box management information, and the box search is performed from the calling device at the time of polling transmission. In the facsimile apparatus which, when notified of the information, reads out and transmits the document stored in the memory in association with the box management information in which the same box search information as the notified box search information is registered, The management information also includes the type of the corresponding box, while a search target box type setting means for setting the search target box type in advance, and a security code when the status of the device is the use restricted state. And the personal identification number input means for input,
A password for sequentially searching the box management information for a box type that is a preset search target box type and determining whether box search information that matches the input password is registered. It is characterized by comprising search means and use restriction release means for shifting the state of the apparatus from the use restricted state to the usable state when box search information matching the input password has been registered.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the facsimile apparatus stores at least box management information in which at least box search information is registered, corresponding to each box. For the information accompanied by the notification of the box search information, the same box search information as the notified box search information is stored in the memory in association with the registered box management information, and the box search is performed from the calling device at the time of polling transmission. When the information is notified, the facsimile apparatus reads and transmits a document stored in the memory in association with the box management information in which the same box search information as the notified box search information is registered. For each of the box management information, a search permission / non-permission setting means for setting in advance whether or not to be a search target of a password, and a password when the status of the apparatus is a use restriction state. And the personal identification number input means to be a force,
A password search means for sequentially searching for each of the box management information that is set as a password search target, and determining whether or not box search information matching the input password is registered; And a use restriction canceling means for shifting the state of the apparatus from the use restricted state to the usable state when box search information matching the input personal identification number is registered.

A facsimile apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the facsimile apparatus according to any one of the first, second, and third aspects, wherein the box management information includes a name of each box, When box search information that matches the number is registered, the box search information is further provided with name display means for displaying a box name included in the box management information in which the box search information is registered.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to any one of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects, the personal identification number input means may be used when the state of the apparatus is a restricted use state. When a password is input, the input password is not displayed, but a display for recognizing the number of digits of the input password is performed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to any one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects, box search information that matches the input password is not registered. In this case, a password mismatching means is provided for displaying the password mismatch and for allowing the password input means to re-enter the password.

A facsimile apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the facsimile apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein: When the count value reaches a predetermined value, the apparatus further includes a use-prohibited state transition unit that changes the state of the apparatus from the use-restricted state to the use-prohibited state.

The facsimile apparatus according to claim 8 is the facsimile apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, when the count value of the number-of-mismatches counting means has reached a predetermined value, a password number erroneous input notifying means for indicating that fact. Is further provided.

A facsimile apparatus according to a ninth aspect is the facsimile apparatus according to any one of the seventh and eighth aspects, wherein a specific use prohibition release operation input is performed when the state of the apparatus is a use prohibition state. And a use prohibition canceling means for changing the state of the apparatus from the use prohibition state to the quantity restriction state when the specific use prohibition canceling operation is performed.

[0023]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

First, FIG. 1 shows a block configuration of a facsimile apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a facsimile apparatus 1 includes a system control unit 2, a ROM 3, a RAM 4, a scanner 5, a plotter 6, an image memory 7, a clock circuit 8, an operation display unit 9,
It comprises an encoding / decoding section 10, a modem 11, a network control section 12, and a system bus 13.

The system control unit 2 controls each unit of the apparatus according to the control program written in the ROM 3 while using the RAM 4 as a work area.

As described above, the ROM 3 is a read-only memory in which a control program for the system control unit 2 to control each unit of the apparatus is stored. Also, R
The OM 3 stores a font table 3a in which font data is associated with each character code. The system control unit 2 refers to the font table 3a when converting a character string into image information.

The RAM 4 is a random access memory used as a work area of the system control unit 2 as described above. The RAM 4 is backed up by a backup circuit (not shown), and the stored contents are retained even when the power of the apparatus is turned off.

The scanner 5 is 3.85 lines / mm, 7.7
This is for obtaining image information by reading a document image at a predetermined reading line density such as book / mm and 15.4 book / mm. The plotter 6 is for recording and outputting the received image information according to its line density, and for recording and outputting (copying operation) the image information read by the scanner 5 according to its line density.

The image memory 7 temporarily stores image information (document) read by the scanner 5 as a file for transmission to the memory, or temporarily stores the received document as a file until it is recorded by the plotter 6. It is for accumulating.

The clock circuit 8 measures the time. The system control unit 2 can read the clock circuit 8 to know the current time.

The operation display unit 9 includes a numeric keypad for designating a destination facsimile number, a transmission start key, a one-touch dial key, and various other keys, and includes a display such as a liquid crystal display device. It displays the operating state of the device to be notified to the user and various messages.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the arrangement configuration of the operation display unit 9 not shown except for those directly related to the present embodiment. In the figure, a numeric keypad 9a is used for inputting a number when directly specifying a destination fax number or the like. [Yes] key 9b and [N
The o] key 9c is a key for allowing the user to make various selections of determination or cancellation. [Stop] key 9d is for instructing forcible stop of various operations.
The [Start] key 9e is for instructing the start of a facsimile transmission operation or the start of a copy operation.
The [Function] key 9f is used to perform a time-designated transmission, a department code-designated transmission, other than a one-touch dial registration function, a speed dial registration function, a user parameter setting function, and a function of the facsimile apparatus 1 as a standard facsimile apparatus. This function is for calling an extended function such as a confidential transmission. By pressing this [Function] key 9f and inputting a number corresponding to each function using the numeric keypad 9a, each function is called and executed. Can be.

The cursor key group 9g includes a [down arrow] key 9
gd, [left arrow] key 9gl, [right arrow] key 9gr,
And an [up arrow] key 9gu.
The [Down Arrow] key 9gd and the [Up Arrow] key 9gu are used to change the display content of the display 9h or to scroll the display content up and down in accordance with the depression of each key. In addition, the [left arrow] key 9gl and the [right arrow] key 9
gr selects an item, a function, or the like displayed on the display 8h in accordance with the depression of each key. The display 9h is
It displays the operating state of the device to be notified to the user and various messages.

Returning to FIG. 1, the encoding / decoding unit 10 converts the transmission image data into a predetermined encoding system such as an MH encoding system, an MR encoding system, and an MMR encoding system, which is compatible with G3 facsimile. While encoding and compressing, the received image data is decoded and decompressed by a predetermined decoding method corresponding to the MH coding method, the MR coding method, the MMR coding method, or the like.

The modem 11 is a G3 facsimile modem, which modulates data transmitted to the public network via the network control unit 12 and demodulates a signal received from the public network via the network control unit 12. . The modem 11 also sends a DTMF signal corresponding to the dial number. The network control unit 12 is connected to a public network, and closes / releases a DC loop of a line, detects line polarity reversal, detects line release, detects a dial tone, detects a tone signal such as a busy tone, and calls. It controls connection with a line, such as signal detection, and generates dial pulses. The system bus 13 is
These are signal lines through which each section exchanges data.

The facsimile apparatus 1 having the above configuration
Stores the box management table 4a in the RAM 4 as shown in FIG.
I remember. The box management table 4a has a configuration as shown in FIG. 4, and is a box I attached to identify each box.
It is configured as a set of box management information corresponding to D.
An opened flag Fo indicating whether each box has been opened (value 1) or not (value 0) is also stored corresponding to each box. The box currently being accessed is indicated by the pointer P.

FIG. 5 shows the contents of the box management information associated with the box ID.

In the figure, the box management information includes at least a registration F code, a registration password, and a box name as contents.

The “registered F-code” is checked against the F-code received as the subaddress signal SUB or the selective polling signal SEP from the transmission source device when the document is received, and the “registration password” is the transmission source device when the document is received. And a password signal PWD (SID) together with a sub-address signal SUB and a selective polling signal SEP.
The password is compared with the received password.
The “box name” is a name given to the box, in which the name of the user who has been assigned to the box is registered.

The transmitted / received document (image information) is, as shown in FIG. 6, an image information file stored in the image memory 7 having a configuration shown in FIG. 7 and a file number for mutually identifying each image information file. , Box ID, and image information body. The box ID is for associating the image information file with each box management information constituting the box management table 4a. A box ID corresponding to each box management information constituting the box management table 4a and a box ID are assigned to each image information file. The box and the document are associated with each other by the box ID.

Thus, the facsimile machine 1 performs a confidential communication function and a bulletin board communication function using the F code. More specifically, when a document is received, the sub-address signal SUB
Is notified of the sub-address, the notified sub-address is compared with the registered F code which is the box identification information in each box management information of the box management table 4a, and the corresponding box I
D, the received document is stored in the image memory, and when a document retrieval operation involving the input of a subaddress is performed, the registered F code in each box management information is compared with the input subaddress to match the received box management information. The plotter 6 records the image information file associated with the
At the time of polling transmission, when the SEP number is notified by the selective polling signal SEP from the calling apparatus, the notified SEP number and the registration F code which is the box identification information in each box management information of the box management table 4a are transmitted. The image information file in the image memory corresponding to the matching box ID is read out and transmitted to the calling device. As the communication using the F code, in addition to confidential communication and bulletin board communication, relay communication and network distribution can be considered.

In the facsimile apparatus 1 which manages documents by a box as described above, normally, the use restriction state, that is, only the input of the password is possible, and when the input password matches the password registered in advance. It is in a state where it can shift to the available state for the first time.

Referring to FIG. 8, a description will be given, with reference to FIG. 8, of a use restriction state release processing procedure in the facsimile machine 1.

In the figure, the facsimile apparatus 1 in the use restricted state has a display D01 shown in FIG.
Is displayed to indicate that the use is being restricted, and the user is prompted to input a password (process 101).

Then, a password input process (process 10)
2), a password search process is performed (process 103), and it is determined whether or not the value of the flag Fa is 1 (0) (determination 104).
If the value of the flag Fa is 1 (Ye of the judgment 104)
s) Transition to an available state so that the user can use the device.

If the value of the flag Fa is 0 (No in the judgment 104), the process returns to the process 102, and the password input process is performed again.

Here, a specific processing procedure of the personal identification number input processing in the processing 102 of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, the system control unit 2 monitors whether a number is input by the ten keys 9a (decision 20).
If the number is input (Yes in decision 201), the display 9h displays the display D10 shown in FIG. 11 (process 202), and stores the input number sequence up to that point. Then, the input number sequence is displayed as shown in display D10 (process 203). In the display D10, the user presses the [Yes] key 9b if the input number string is acceptable as the password, and [N] if the input number string is to be canceled.
[o] A display urging the user to press the key 9c is also displayed.

Then, while monitoring whether the [Yes] key 9b or the [No] key 9c is pressed, the judgment 201, the processing 202 and the processing 203 are performed (No in the judgment 204, No loop of decision 205).

When the [No] key 9c is pressed (Yes in decision 205), the input number string stored in the process 203 is cleared (process 206), and the display 9h is displayed on the display 9h.
The display D11 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed, the display of the input number sequence is also cleared (process 207), and the process returns to the judgment 201.

If the [Yes] key 9b has been pressed (Yes in decision 204), the number sequence that has been input so far is substituted into the variable Code (process 208). This allows
The input personal identification number can be obtained as the value of the variable Code.

Next, a specific processing procedure of the personal identification number search processing in the processing 103 of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, the system control unit 2 first initializes a box search pointer P to 1 (step 30).
1) It is determined whether the value of the opened flag Fo corresponding to the box pointed to by the pointer P (the box ID is the box of the value of the pointer P) is 1 and whether the box is open or not (determination 302). If it has not been opened (No in decision 302), it is determined whether there is a next box to be searched (decision 305). If there is no next box (No in decision 305), the flag Fa is set to 0. (Step 307). If there is a next box (Yes in decision 305), the pointer P is incremented (process 306) and the process returns to decision 302.

If it is determined in the decision 302 that the box has been opened (Yes in the decision 302), the registration F code in the box management information pointed to by the pointer P is read and the variable Fco
de (process 303), and the value of the variable Fcode,
It is determined whether the value of the variable Code set in the process 208 of FIG. 10 is the same (determination 304). If they are not the same (No in decision 304), the process moves to decision 305, and if they are the same (Yes in decision 304), the value of the flag Fa is set to 1 (process 308). The flag Fa reset in the process 307 and set in the process 308 is referred to in the process 104 of FIG.

As described above, by performing the use restriction state release processing of FIG. 8, the password required to be registered for collation with the input password is referred to for communication using the F code. The registered F code in each box management information can also be used, and there is no need to separately store a password for collating with the entered password, and for the user, a password for releasing the use restriction is not required. Need not be stored separately from the registered F code of the box for the user.
In addition, since the password input process of the process 102 is repeatedly performed until the flag Fa becomes 1, that is, until a correct password is input, the password is securely input without fear of erroneous input of the user's password. Can be entered.

As the personal identification number search process of the process 103 in the use restriction release process procedure of FIG. 8, the process procedure shown in FIG. 15 may be performed instead of the process procedure shown in FIG.

As a premise of the personal identification number search processing procedure concretely shown in FIG. 15, as shown in FIG. 13, each box management information in the box management table 4a includes "registration F code", "registration password" and "registration password". "Box type" in addition to "Box name"
Are registered in advance. The “box type” indicates a usage mode of each box such as “confidential communication”, “bulletin board communication”, and “relay communication”, and is registered as a value corresponding to each type. As shown in FIG. 14, a search target box type setting variable B is stored in the storage area 4b of the RAM 4 in advance. The search target box type setting variable B corresponds to the “box type” in each box management information, and is a variable for presetting the type of the box to be searched for the personal identification number. It is set in advance by a search target type setting function by pressing 9f and inputting a predetermined number.

In FIG. 15, in FIG. 15, the system control unit 2 first initializes a box search pointer P to 1 (processing 401), and sets a box indicated by the pointer P (the box ID is the value of the pointer P to the value of the pointer P). Read out the type (value) of the box in the box management information corresponding to the
It is determined whether the value of the box is equal to the value of the search target box type setting variable B (determination 403). If the value of the variable Fbox is not equal to the value of the variable B (No in determination 403), the next to be searched is determined. It is determined whether there is a next box (decision 407), and if there is no next box (No in decision 407), the flag Fa is reset to 0 (process 409). If there is a next box (Yes in decision 407), the pointer P is incremented (step 408), and the process returns to step 402.

When the value of the variable Fbox is equal to the value of the variable B in the judgment 403 (Yes in the judgment 403), the opened box corresponding to the box indicated by the pointer P (the box whose box ID is the value of the pointer P) is further opened. If the value of the flag Fo is 1 and it is determined that the box or the box is already opened (decision 404), and if the box is not opened (No in decision 404), the decision 40 is made.
Move to 7.

If it has been established (Y in decision 404)
es), read the registered F code in the box management information pointed to by the pointer P, and substitute it for the variable Fcode (process 40)
5) It is determined whether the value of the variable Fcode is the same as the value of the variable Code set in the process 208 of FIG. 10 (determination 406). If they are not the same (No in decision 406),
The process moves to decision 407, and if they are the same (decision 406).
Yes), the value of the flag Fa is set to 1 (Process 4)
10). The flag Fa reset in the process 409 and set in the process 410 is referred to in the process 104 of FIG.

As described above, the personal identification number search processing of the processing 103 in the use restriction state release processing of FIG. 8 is performed as shown in FIG.
By performing the processing procedure shown in (1), the password in each box management information, which is originally referred to for communication using the F-code, as a password required to be registered in order to collate with the input password. The F code can also be used, and the password input process of the process 102 is repeatedly performed until the flag Fa becomes 1, that is, until a correct password is input. You can enter your PIN with your heart. Further, by setting the type of the box to be searched in advance, only the box of the set type is set as the search target of the password, and the other types of boxes which are not set are not set as the search targets. In addition, the search time can be reduced, and the frequency of accidental coincidence of the personal identification numbers can be reduced.

FIG. 12 or FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the security code search process of the process 103 in the use restriction release process procedure of FIG.
17 may be performed instead of the processing procedure shown in FIG.

As a premise of the personal identification number search processing procedure concretely shown in FIG. 17, as shown in FIG. 16, each box management information in the box management table 4a includes "registration F code", "registration password" and "registration password". “Password searchability” is registered in advance in addition to “box name”. This “PIN search” is registered as a value indicating whether the box is to be searched for a PIN (value 1) or not (value 0).

In FIG. 17, in FIG. 17, the system control unit 2 first initializes a box search pointer P to 1 (process 501), and sets the box indicated by the pointer P (box ID is the value of the pointer P to the value of the pointer P). Flag F corresponding to the box
The value of o is 1 and it is determined whether or not the box is an opened one (determination 502). If the box is not opened (determination 50)
2), it is determined whether there is a next box to be searched (decision 507). If there is no next box (N in decision 507)
o), the flag Fa is reset to 0 (step 509).
If there is a next box (Yes in decision 507), the pointer P is incremented (process 508), and the decision 502 is made.
Return to If it is determined in decision 502 that the box has been opened (Yes in decision 502), the password search possibility (value) in the box management information corresponding to the box indicated by the pointer P (the box whose box ID is the value of the pointer P) is determined. It is read and substituted into the variable Fok, and it is determined whether or not the value of Fok is 1 (0) (decision 50).
4) If the value of the variable Fok is not 1 (No in the judgment 504), the processing shifts to the judgment 507.

When the value of the variable Fok is 1 (judgment 5
04, the registration F code in the box management information pointed to by the pointer P is read and assigned to the variable Fcode (process 505), and the value of the variable Fcode and the process 20 in FIG.
It is determined whether the value of the variable Code set in step 8 is the same (determination 506). If they are not the same (N in decision 506)
o) The process moves to decision 507, and if they are the same (Yes in decision 506), the value of the flag Fa is set to 1 (process 510). The process is reset in the process 509 and the process 51
The flag Fa set at 0 is referred to in the process 104 of FIG.

As described above, the personal identification number search processing of the processing 103 in the use restriction state release processing of FIG.
By performing the processing procedure shown in (1), the password in each box management information, which is originally referred to for communication using the F-code, as a password required to be registered in order to collate with the input password. The F code can also be used, and the password input process of the process 102 is repeatedly performed until the flag Fa becomes 1, that is, until a correct password is input. You can enter your PIN with your heart. Further, by setting in advance whether or not each box can be searched for a password, only the box set as a search target can be searched for a password. Since the box is not a search target, the search time can be reduced, and the frequency of accidental matching of the password can be further reduced.

Instead of the use-restricted state release processing procedure shown in FIG. 8, a use-restricted state release processing procedure shown in FIG. 18 may be performed.

In FIG. 18, the facsimile apparatus 1 in the restricted use state displays the display D shown in FIG.
01 is displayed, indicating that the use is being restricted, and the user is prompted to input a password (process 601).

Then, a password input process (process 60)
2), a password search process is performed (process 603), and it is determined whether or not the value of the flag Fa is 1 (0) (determination 604).
If the value of the flag Fa is 0 (N of the judgment 604)
o) Returning to the process 602, the password input process is performed again. The password input process of the process 602 is a process procedure specifically shown in FIG. 10, and the password search process of the process 603 is a process procedure specifically shown in FIG. 12, FIG. 15 or FIG. is there.

If the value of the flag Fa is 1, that is, if a registered F code that matches the password input by the password input process of the process 602 is found by the password search process of the process 603 (determination) 604 Ye
s) The name of the box pointed to by the pointer P is read (process 605). It should be noted that the value of the pointer P is determined by the processing 30 in FIG.
8, process 410 in FIG. 15 or process 510 in FIG.
Is performed, and indicates the box management information in which the registered F code that matches the input password is registered.

A display D20 shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the display 9h to show the name of the box ("Ricoh Taro" in the figure) read out in the process 605, and after confirming, the [Yes] key 9b Is pressed (process 60).
6). It is monitored whether the [Yes] key 9b is pressed (No loop of decision 607), and when the [Yes] key 9b is pressed (Yes of decision 607), the state shifts to an available state, and the user switches the device. Make it available.

Thus, it is possible for the user to recognize whether the registered F code input as the password for releasing the use restriction is related to the box for the user.

As the personal identification number input processing of the processing 102 in FIG. 8 or the processing 602 in FIG. 18, the processing procedure specifically shown in FIG. 20 is performed instead of the processing procedure specifically shown in FIG. You may.

In FIG. 20, the system control unit 2 monitors whether a number has been input through the ten keys 9a (determination 7).
01 (No loop of 01), if there is a number input (decision 701)
Yes), the display D30 shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on the display 9h (process 702), the number sequence that has been input so far is stored (process 703), and the number of digits of the input number sequence is represented by a symbol. “*” Is displayed as shown in the display D30 (process 704). In the display D30, if the entered number string is acceptable as the password, the [Yes] key 9b is pressed,
When canceling the input number string, a message prompting the user to press the [No] key 9c is also displayed.

Then, while monitoring whether the [Yes] key 9b is pressed or the [No] key 9c is pressed, the judgment 701, the processing 702, the processing 703, and the processing 7 are performed.
04 (No in decision 705, No loop in decision 706).

When the [No] key 9c is pressed (Yes in the judgment 706), the input number string stored in the process 703 is cleared (process 707), and the display 9h is displayed.
The display D31 shown in FIG. 21 is displayed, and the display of the symbol "*" for the number of digits of the input number sequence is also cleared (step 70).
8) Return to decision 701.

If the [Yes] key 9b is pressed (Yes in decision 705), the number string that has been input so far is substituted into the variable Code (step 709).

Thus, the input personal identification number can be obtained as the value of the variable Code. In addition, since the input personal identification number is not displayed, the input personal identification number is not seen by others.

Instead of the use restriction state release processing procedure shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 18, a use restriction state release processing procedure shown in FIG. 22 may be performed.

In FIG. 22, the facsimile apparatus 1 in the usage restricted state has the display D shown in FIG.
01 is displayed, indicating that the use is being restricted, and prompting the input of a password (process 801).

Then, a password input process (step 80)
2), a password search process is performed (process 803), and it is determined whether or not the value of the flag Fa is 1 (0) (determination 804).
If the value of the flag Fa is 0 (N in decision 804)
o), the display 9h displays the display D41 shown in FIG. 23 on the display 9h, notifies the user that the password input in the process 802 is incorrect (process 805), and continues the display of the display D41 for a certain period of time. (Process 806), the process returns to process 802, and the password input process is performed again. Note that the password input process of process 802 is the process procedure specifically shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 20, and the password search process of process 803 is the process of FIG.
2, the processing procedure specifically shown in FIG. 15 or FIG.

If the value of the flag Fa is 1, that is, if a registered F code that matches the password input in the password input process of the process 802 is found by the password search process of the process 803 (determination) 804 Ye
s) The name of the box indicated by the pointer P is read (process 807). It should be noted that the value of the pointer P is determined by the processing 30 in FIG.
8, process 410 in FIG. 15 or process 510 in FIG.
Is performed, and indicates the box management information in which the registered F code that matches the input password is registered.

Then, a display D40 shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the display 9h to show the name of the box ("Ricoh Taro" in the figure) read out in the processing 807, and after confirming, the [Yes] key 9b Is pressed (process 80).
8). It is monitored whether the [Yes] key 9b is pressed (No loop of judgment 809). When the [Yes] key 9b is pressed (Yes of judgment 809), the state shifts to an available state and the user disconnects the device. Make it available.

Thus, if there is an erroneous input of the personal identification number, the fact is displayed to warn the user.

Instead of the use restriction state release processing procedure shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 18, or FIG. 22, a use restriction state release processing procedure shown in FIG. 24 may be performed.

In FIG. 24, the facsimile apparatus 1 in the use restricted state first initializes the counter variable n to 0 (process 901), and displays the display D01 shown in FIG. 9 on the display 9h. This indicates that the use is being restricted, and prompts the input of a password (process 902).

Then, a password input process (process 90)
3), a security code search process is performed (process 904), and it is determined whether or not the value of the flag Fa is 1 (0) (determination 905).
If the value of the flag Fa is 0 (N in decision 904)
o) The display D51 shown in FIG. 25 is displayed on the display 9h to notify the user that the password input in the process 903 is incorrect (process 906), and the display of the display D51 is continued for a certain period of time. (Step 907), the counter n is incremented (Step 908), and it is determined whether or not n has reached a predetermined upper limit value Nmax (Step 909). Returning to step 903, the personal identification number input process is performed again. Note that the password input process of the process 903 is the process procedure specifically shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 20, and the password search process of the process 903 is the process of FIG.
2, the processing procedure specifically shown in FIG. 15 or FIG.

If the value of the flag Fa is 1, that is, if a registered F code that matches the password input in the password input process of the process 903 is found by the password search process of the process 904 (determination 905 Ye
s) The name of the box indicated by the pointer P is read (process 910). It should be noted that the value of the pointer P is determined by the processing 30 in FIG.
8, process 410 in FIG. 15 or process 510 in FIG.
Is performed, and indicates the box management information in which the registered F code that matches the input password is registered.

Then, a display D50 shown in FIG. 25 is displayed on the display 9h to show the name of the box ("Ricoh Taro" in the figure) read out in the process 910, and after confirming, the [Yes] key 9b Is pressed (process 91).
1). It is monitored whether the [Yes] key 9b is pressed (No loop in decision 912), and when the [Yes] key 9b is pressed (Yes in decision 912), the state shifts to an available state and the user switches the device. Make it available.

If n reaches the predetermined upper limit value Nmax in the judgment 909, that is, if the incorrect input of the personal identification number is repeated the predetermined upper limit value Nmax times (for example, 5 times) (Yes in the judgment 909), The display D52 shown in FIG. 25 is displayed on the display 9h to notify the user that an incorrect password has been repeatedly input (process 913), and the display D5 is displayed.
After the display of No. 2 is continued for a certain period of time (process 914), the display D53 shown in FIG. 25 is displayed on the display 9h, and the erroneous input of the personal identification number is repeated. Cannot be used, indicating that the device has been put into a use-prohibited state in which use of the device cannot be performed at all, and that the administrator must be contacted to release the use-prohibited state (step 91).
5), the state shifts to the use prohibition state. This use prohibited state,
The device cannot be used at all without inputting the password.

Thus, if there is an incorrect input of the personal identification number, reentry is not performed indefinitely, and unauthorized release of the use restriction can be prevented.

When the facsimile apparatus 1 enters the use prohibited state according to the processing procedure shown in FIG. 24, it performs the use prohibited state release processing procedure shown in FIG.

That is, in FIG. 26, the facsimile machine 1 in the use-prohibited state monitors the operation display section 9 for a specific release operation (No loop of the judgment 1001). The specific release operation is known only to the administrator, for example,
This is a non-trivial operation in which the "*" key of the numeric keypad 9a is pressed within 2 seconds after the [Function] key 9f is pressed, and the "#" key of the numeric keypad 9a is pressed within 2 seconds. .

If it is determined in the judgment 1001 that there is a specific release operation (Yes in the judgment 1001), the state returns to the use restriction state in which a password can be input.

Thus, even if the use prohibited state is caused due to repeated incorrect input of the personal identification number, it is possible to return to the original use restricted state.

In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to a facsimile apparatus which transmits and receives image information as a document. However, the present invention is not limited to the contents of a document, and is an extension of G3 facsimile. BFT (Binary File Transf)
The present invention is also applicable to communication terminals that exchange documents of other formats, such as transmitting and receiving binary data as documents according to (er).

[0098]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the box search information registered in each box management information is also used as the password registered in advance for collation with the input password, There is no need to store a password for use restriction separately from the box management information, and the effect that the necessary storage area can be minimized even when a box is used and use is restricted is obtained. . In addition, since the user does not need to individually memorize the box identification information for accessing the box and the password for releasing the use restriction, there is an advantage that the operability is improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same effect as the first aspect of the invention, the box identification information registered in each box management information is unconditionally collated with the input personal identification number. Instead, only the box type set in advance as a search target is set as the search target, so that there is an advantage that the search time can be reduced and the frequency of accidental matches can be reduced.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the same effects as those of the first aspect, the box management information to be searched can be set for each box, so that the search time can be reduced, and There is an advantage that the matching frequency can be further reduced as compared with the invention according to claim 2 and management becomes easy.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the name of the box that matches the input password is displayed, the box identification information input by the user as the password for releasing the use restriction is replaced by the user ID. There is an advantage that the user can be made to recognize whether or not the item is related to a box for use, and a sense of security in operation is improved.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, only the display of the number of digits of the input security code is performed and the input security code itself is not displayed. The effect that the confidentiality can be improved without being seen in the confidential information is obtained.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, even if a security code is incorrectly input, the security code can be input again, so that the security code can be input without fear of an input error. The following effect can be obtained.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when an incorrect input of a personal identification number is made, re-input is not performed without limitation.
When the incorrect input of the personal identification number is repeated, the state of the apparatus is set to the use prohibition state, and the number of re-inputs is limited, whereby an effect that it is possible to prevent the unauthorized use restriction from being released.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, when an incorrect input of a personal identification number is repeated, it is possible to display the fact and warn the user.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, even when the use prohibited state is entered due to repeated input of the personal identification number, it is possible to return to the original use restricted state by a specific use prohibition release operation. A possible effect is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement configuration of the operation display unit of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, except for parts directly related to the present embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contents stored in a RAM of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing specific contents of a box management table.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the contents of box management information associated with a box ID.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing storage contents of an image memory of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image information file.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a use restriction state release processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example in the processing procedure illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of a password input process;

11 is a diagram showing a display example in the processing procedure shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of a password search process;

FIG. 13 is a diagram different from FIG. 5, showing the contents of box management information associated with a box ID.

FIG. 14 is a diagram different from FIG. 3, showing the contents stored in the RAM of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of a password search process, which is different from FIG.

FIG. 16 is a diagram different from FIG. 5 or FIG. 13, showing the contents of box management information associated with a box ID.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of a password search process, which is different from FIG. 12 or FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a use restriction state release processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
3 is another flowchart.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a display example in the processing procedure illustrated in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of a password input process, which is different from FIG.

21 is a diagram showing a display example in the processing procedure shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a use restriction state release processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;
19 is a flowchart different from FIG. 18.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display example in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart different from that of FIG. 8, FIG. 18, or FIG. 22, showing a use restriction state release processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

25 is a diagram showing a display example in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a use prohibition state release processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 facsimile apparatus 2 system control unit 3 ROM 3a font table 4 RAM 4a box management table 4b storage area for search target box type setting variable 5 scanner 6 plotter 7 image memory 8 clock circuit 9 operation display unit 9a numeric keypad 9b [Yes] Key 9c [No] key 9d [Stop] key 9e [Start] key 9f [Function] key 9g Cursor key group 9gd [Down arrow] key 9gl [Left arrow] key 9gr [Right arrow] key 9gu [Up arrow] key 9h Display 10 Encoding / decoding unit 11 Modem 12 Network control unit 13 System bus

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5C062 AA02 AB20 AB23 AB42 AC05 AC22 AC51 AE14 AF12 BA00 BC06 5C073 AA03 BB02 CD12 CD22 CD23 CE10 5C075 AA02 BB11 CA15 CA90 CD22 CF05 EE02

Claims (9)

[Claims] At least box management information in which at least box search information is registered corresponding to each box is stored in advance, and a received document accompanied by notification of box search information from a transmission source device at the time of reception is received. Is stored in the memory in association with the registered box management information, and the same box search information as the notified box search information is stored in the memory. In a facsimile apparatus that reads out and transmits a document stored in a memory in association with box management information in which the same box search information as the notified box search information is registered, when the state of the apparatus is a use restricted state A password input means for inputting a password, and a password for sequentially searching the box management information to determine whether or not box search information matching the input password is registered. Number search means, and use restriction release means for changing the state of the apparatus from the use restricted state to the usable state when box search information matching the input password is registered. Facsimile machine. 2. Box management information in which at least box search information is registered corresponding to each box is stored in advance, and the received document is accompanied by notification of the box search information from the transmission source device at the time of reception. Is stored in the memory in association with the registered box management information, and the same box search information as the notified box search information is stored in the memory. A facsimile apparatus for reading and transmitting a document stored in a memory in association with box management information in which the same box search information as the notified box search information is registered, wherein the box management information is A search target box type setting unit for setting a search target box type in advance, a password input unit for inputting a password when the status of the apparatus is in a restricted use state, A password search that sequentially searches for each box management information whose box type is a preset search box type and determines whether or not box search information that matches the input password is registered. A facsimile apparatus comprising: means for use, and use restriction release means for shifting the state of the apparatus from the use restricted state to the usable state when box search information matching the input password has been registered. . 3. Box management information in which at least box search information is registered corresponding to each box is stored in advance, and a received document accompanied by notification of box search information from a transmission source device at the time of reception is received. Is stored in the memory in association with the registered box management information, and the same box search information as the notified box search information is stored in the memory. A facsimile apparatus for reading and transmitting a document stored in a memory in association with box management information in which the same box search information as the notified box search information is registered; Search permission / non-permission setting means for setting in advance whether or not to be a number search target,
A password input means for inputting a password when the status of the apparatus is in a restricted use state; and sequentially searching the box management information for those set as a search target of the password, and inputting the password. PIN search means for determining whether box search information that matches the password is registered, and use of the device status from the restricted state if box search information that matches the entered password is registered A facsimile apparatus comprising: a use restriction canceling unit for shifting to a usable state. 4. The box management information including the name of each box, and when box search information that matches the input password is registered, the box management information is registered. 4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising name display means for displaying a name of a box included in the information. 5. The password input means recognizes the number of digits of the input password without displaying the input password when the user inputs the password in a case where the state of the apparatus is the restricted use state. 5. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the facsimile apparatus performs a possible display. 6. If the box search information that matches the entered password is not registered, a message indicating that the password is not matched is displayed and the password input means is required to re-enter the password. 6. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a corresponding unit. 7. A number-of-mismatches counting means for counting the number of times of input of a personal identification number having no matching box search information, and when the count value of the number-of-mismatches counting means reaches a predetermined value, the state of the apparatus is changed from the use restriction state. 7. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a use prohibition state transition unit for transiting to a use prohibition state. 8. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a password number erroneous input notifying means for displaying when the count value of said mismatch number counting means reaches a predetermined value. 9. A release operation monitoring means for monitoring whether a specific use prohibition release operation input is performed when the status of the device is a use prohibition state, and when the specific use prohibition release operation is performed, the device is activated. 9. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a use prohibition canceling unit for changing a state from a use prohibition state to a quantity restriction state.