JP2002044356A - Scanner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a scanner that provides IDs different in confidential levels to personal computers so as to allow the personal computers to share scanned data depending on the confidential levels. SOLUTION: The scanner 1 that is connected to a LAN and outputs scanned data to personal computes pcA-pcD to download is provided with an ID provision section 22a that sets confidential levels with different layers and provides an ID corresponding to each confidential level to the respective personal computers and with a scanned data processing section 21a that applies image processing corresponding to the confidential level to the data, and outputs the data subjected to the image processing by the data processing section and having different layers to the personal computers corresponding to the confidential level of each layer for downloading so as to allow the personal computers to share in common the data via a network.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a scanner device connected to a network having a plurality of network terminals, and more particularly, to different security levels of different hierarchies for each network terminal, and according to the security level. The present invention relates to a measure for protecting the confidentiality and copyright of a scanned document by downloading scan data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 80, a scanner device used as image data input means is connected to a network, and scan data (image data) obtained by scanning a document on a platen can be downloaded to a plurality of network terminals. Is known. In this scanner device, by assigning a specific ID of the network terminal and the name of the scan data to the scan data, a network terminal that can be downloaded on the network is specified, and download of the scan data is restricted. The security of scan data is ensured.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional device, a network terminal having no specific ID cannot download or share the scan data scanned by the scanner device, and the network terminal does not have a specific ID. Therefore, the scan data can be shared only by a specific network terminal set in advance.

[0004] For this reason, the scan data is shared only by all or not. Even when only a part of the scan data is confidential, a part (secret part) of the network terminal having no specific ID is used. Excluded scan data cannot be shared on the network, and even the minimum necessary information that does not expose confidential information cannot be shared.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to assign different IDs to a plurality of network terminals for each confidential level so that each network terminal can respond to the confidential level. Scanner device capable of sharing scanned data.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is connected to a network having a plurality of network terminals and downloads scan data obtained by scanning a document on a document table to each network terminal. It is assumed that the scanner device outputs data as possible. An ID for setting different confidential levels at different levels and assigning an ID corresponding to each confidential level to the network terminal.
And an image processing unit that applies image processing in accordance with the confidential level assigned by the ID assigning unit to the scan data. The scan data that has been image-processed by the image processing unit is assigned by the ID assigning unit. Output is made to be downloadable to each network terminal corresponding to the assigned confidentiality level.

According to this specific matter, when only a part of the scan data is confidential, the network terminals to which IDs corresponding to the confidential levels of different hierarchies are respectively assigned are provided with scan data subjected to image processing corresponding to the confidential level. Will be shared on the network.
As a result, in the lower security level network terminal, the scan data excluding the upper security level security part is shared on the network, and the lower security level (minimum necessary information) that does not touch the upper security level ) Scan data can be shared.

[0008] On the other hand, the scan data of the upper security level is shared only by the network terminal to which an ID corresponding to the security level of the upper hierarchy is assigned, and the confidentiality and copyright of the scan data are smoothly protected. It becomes possible.

In particular, the following configuration is listed as a specific method of performing image processing on scan data of a lower hierarchy.

In other words, image processing for changing the color information of the original is performed on the scan data of the lower security level by the image processing means.

According to this specific matter, the original image can be changed from, for example, color to monochrome in the network terminal to which the ID of the lower confidential level is assigned,
In this way, the scan data changed to monochrome is shared, the confidentiality and copyright of the original image, which is the upper level of confidentiality, are protected smoothly, and the amount of scan data is reduced and the download speed is increased. Becomes possible.

On the other hand, if the image processing means for deleting the character data information of a specific portion of the original from the scan data of the lower security level by the image processing means, the lower security level ID is used. Network terminals to which the character data information such as address, name, telephone number, etc. can be deleted, the scan data from which the character data information that is easily abused is deleted is shared, Address, name,
The confidentiality of undesired character data information such as telephone numbers is smoothly protected.

When image processing for lowering the resolution of a document is performed by image processing means on scan data at a lower security level in a lower hierarchy, in a network terminal to which an ID at a lower security level is assigned, In addition, the scan data with the lower resolution of the original image is shared, the confidentiality and copyright of the original image, which is the upper level of confidentiality, are protected smoothly, and the amount of scan data is reduced and the download speed is high. Becomes possible.

In addition, when the image processing means for inserting a watermark into a specific portion of the original is performed by the image processing means on the scan data of the lower security level, the ID of the lower security level is assigned. For example, it is also possible to insert a watermark such as confidential in the network terminal, scan data with such a watermark inserted is shared, and confidentiality is raised at the individual level for downloaded confidential documents, The confidentiality and copyright of the manuscript at the upper level of confidentiality will be protected by each person.

Further, in the case where image processing for deleting a page having a higher security level from the scan data composed of a plurality of originals is performed by the image processing means, an ID of the lower security level is assigned. In the network terminal, the scan data that is only the lower-level confidential level pages is shared, the confidentiality of the original document with the upper-level confidential level is smoothly protected, and the data amount of the scan data is reduced. Downloading can be performed at high speed.

[0016] In particular, the following configuration is provided as one that can acquire scan data of a higher security level from scan data of a lower security level.

That is, the setting of the security level is canceled so that the scan data subjected to image processing according to the lower security level is changed to image processing according to the upper security level so that it can be transferred to a higher hierarchy. Release means.

According to this specific matter, in the network terminal to which the ID of the lower security level is assigned, the setting of the security level is released by the release means so that it can be transferred to the upper level, so that desired information such as an original picture can be obtained. Is extracted, and it becomes possible to share the scan data of the higher security level as needed.

In particular, as a specific setting method for canceling the confidential level so that it can be shifted to a higher level, the following configuration is listed.

That is, by inputting a specific ID release key, the setting of the security level can be released by the release means, and the specific ID release key is transmitted to the network terminal corresponding to the lower level security level to the network terminal. To be sent through.

According to this specific matter, by inputting a specific ID release key transmitted via the network in the network terminal to which the ID of the lower confidential level is assigned, desired information such as an original picture is extracted. As a result, it becomes possible to share the scan data of the higher security level as needed. In addition, the acquired scan data of the security level of the upper layer can be output so as to be downloadable in a state where the restriction is again applied to the other network terminals, that is, the ID of the security level of the lower layer is added.

On the other hand, by inputting a specific ID release key, the setting of the confidential level can be released by the release means, and the specific ID release key is displayed on the display section of the scanner device main body. In such a case, by inputting a specific ID release key displayed on the display unit of the scanner device main body at the network terminal to which the ID of the lower hierarchical level is assigned, desired information such as an original image can be input as necessary. (Scan data of a higher-level security level) can be shared, and an ID of a lower-level security level can be assigned to another network terminal and output so as to be downloadable.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a scanner device provided with a scanner unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Is a LAN (network) equipped with four personal computers pcA to pcD as network terminals
, And scan data obtained by scanning a document on the document table 11 is downloadably output to each of the personal computers pcA to pcD.
In this case, the scan data scanned by the scanner unit 12 is transmitted to the scanner unit main body 10 (scanner device main body).
Is stored in a storage unit (not shown).

The scanner device 1 is provided with a control box 2. This control box 2
Has a control unit 21 for controlling the operation of the scanner unit 12. The control box 2 includes a data management unit 22 that manages data for each layer according to the confidential level of the scan data, an operation display unit 23 that operates required data for the data management unit 22, and a personal computer. A mail creation unit 24 that creates emails for pcA to pcD, respectively, and an interface unit 25 (hereinafter, referred to as an I / F unit) that enables input and output of scan data to personal computers pcA to pcD outside the scanner device 1. ) And a power supply unit (not shown) for supplying electric power to these units. The data management unit 22, the operation display unit 23, the mail creation unit 24, and the I / F unit 25 are connected so that signals can be input to and output from the control unit 21.

The data management unit 22 sets different confidential levels of the hierarchies, and provides ID codes according to the confidential levels of the respective hierarchies to the personal computers pcA to pcD as ID assigning means.
The storage unit 22 includes a D assigning unit 22a and a storage unit 22b that stores image processing content (method) according to the confidential level assigned by the ID assigning unit 22a. The storage unit 22b stores a method of changing the color information of the original from color to monochrome for the scan data of the upper security level and performing image processing of the lower security level, and a method of processing the scan data of the upper security level. In contrast, a method for deleting character data information such as a telephone number and an e-mail address of a specific portion of a document and performing image processing at a lower level of security level, and a resolution of 1200 dpi for scan data at an upper level of security level
i to 600 dpi to perform image processing at the lower confidential level, and inserting a watermark, such as confidential, into a specific portion of the original document at the upper confidential level with respect to the scan data. A method of performing image processing and a method of performing page control image processing in which a page having a higher security level is deleted from scan data including a plurality of originals and only a page having a lower security level is stored are stored. Have been.

The data management unit 22 changes the setting of the security level to a higher level so that the scan data subjected to the image processing according to the lower level of the security level is changed to the image processing corresponding to the upper level of the security level. A release section 22c is provided for releasing the layer so that it can be shifted to a hierarchical level. In the release unit 22c, the setting of the confidential level is released by inputting a specific ID releasing key code, and the specific ID releasing key code is transmitted to the personal computer corresponding to the lower level confidential level. Is transmitted by e-mail via the LAN.

The operation display section 23 has a liquid crystal monitor screen 23a (see FIG. 3) as a display section, and the storage section 22b of the data management section 22 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor screen 23a.
The content of the image processing stored in is stored.

The mail creator 24 is a personal computer pcA-p according to the ID code corresponding to the confidential level assigned by the ID assigner 22a of the data manager 22.
An e-mail is created for the cD.

The control section 21 includes a scan data processing section 21a as image processing means for performing image processing on the scan data according to the security level given by the ID giving section 22a. This scan data processing unit 2
In 1a, an image processing method instructed on the liquid crystal monitor screen 23a of the operation display unit 23 is selected from the storage unit 22b of the data management unit 22, and a process corresponding to the selected image processing content is converted to scan data. Each of them is performed.

Next, the personal computers pcA-p
FIGS. 2 to 1 show a control procedure performed by the control unit 21 when transmitting scan data corresponding to each layer to the cD.
4 and the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 to 19. In this case, the IDAs corresponding to the upper-level confidential level are the personal computers pcA, pcB,
IDB assigned to pcD and according to the lower confidential level
Is given to the personal computer pcC.

-Description when Storing Scan Data SCDAT1-First, when storing the scan data SCDAT1 scanned by the scanner device 1 in the storage unit of the scanner unit 12, in step SA1 of the flowchart of FIG. After scanning the original document 11, in step SA 2, it is determined whether an ID code corresponding to the confidential level has been assigned to the scan data scanned in step SA 1 by the ID assigning unit 22 a of the data management unit 22. I do. At this time, SCDAT1 is given to the scan data as a file name.

If the determination in step SA2 is YES, which is the scan data SCDAT1 (file name) to which the ID code has been added, in step SA3, the image processing designated on the liquid crystal monitor screen 23a of the operation display unit 23 is performed. Is selected from the storage unit 22b of the data management unit 22. In this case, the scan data SCDA is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor screen 23a of the operation display unit 23.
A method of inserting a watermark, such as confidential, into a specific portion of an upper-level confidential level document with respect to T1 to perform image processing at a lower-level confidential level, and a method of performing upper-level scan data SCDAT1 consisting of four originals A method of performing a page control image process in which a page having a security level is deleted and only a page of a lower security level is performed is instructed, and the scan data management unit 21a transmits the data from the storage unit 22b of the data management unit 22 according to the instruction. Selected.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the scan data SCDAT1 is composed of four originals, of which the first page, the second page, and the fourth page have a higher security level A. On the other hand, since the third page is set to the lower security level B, the first page, the second page, and the fourth page are deleted from the upper security level A, and the lower security level B is deleted. The page control image processing for only the third page is performed by the scan data SCDAT1.
Will be applied to Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, an operation of performing image processing of page control on the scan data SCDAT1 is performed on the liquid crystal monitor screen 23a of the operation display unit 23. That is, the first page, the second page, and the fourth page are set to the upper layer security level A, and the third page is set to the lower layer security levels A and B (including the upper layer security level A).

Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the scan data SC is transmitted by the ID assigning section 22a of the data management section 22.
ID codes (IDs) corresponding to the confidential levels A and B of each layer of DAT1 are respectively assigned to personal computers pcA to pcA.
Give to pcD. More specifically, “xxxxxx” is assigned to the personal computers pcA, pcB, and pcD as the IDA code corresponding to the security level A of the upper hierarchy, and “XXX” is assigned to the personal computers pcA, pcB, and pcD as the IDB code corresponding to the security level B of the lower hierarchy. ○
“×××” is assigned to the personal computer pcC.

Thereafter, in step SA4, a header is registered. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, scan data SCDAT1 as a data name, security levels A and B of each hierarchy, IDA codes and IDB codes assigned according to security levels A and B of each hierarchy, and The e-mail addresses for the personal computers pcA to pcD created according to the ID codes corresponding to the confidential levels A and B of each hierarchy are registered as headers. As shown in FIG. 6, the page control image processing is not performed on the first to fourth pages at the upper level security level A, and the page control image processing is performed on the third page at the lower level security level B. Only the header that is not applied is registered as a header.

Thereafter, in step SA5, the scan data SCDAT1, the security levels A and B of each hierarchy,
IDA codes and IDs corresponding to the confidential levels A and B of each hierarchy
Data such as e-mail addresses to the personal computers pcA to pcD created according to the B code and the ID code are stored in the storage unit in the scanner unit main body 10. On the other hand, if the determination in step SA2 is NO, which is not the scan data SCDAT1 (file name) to which the ID code is added, in step SA6,
The scan data without the ID code is stored.

In step SA6, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to end the scan data SCDAT1, and if there is no instruction to end the scan, the flow returns to step SA1.
The document on the platen 11 is scanned.

-Description of the case where the scan data SCDAT2 is successively stored-The scan data S scanned by the scanner device 1
When the CDAT2 is also stored in the storage unit of the scanner unit 12, after scanning the original on the original platen 11 in step SB1 of the flowchart of FIG.
In B2, it is determined whether or not an ID code corresponding to the confidential level has been assigned to the scan data scanned in step SB1 by the ID assigning unit 22a of the data management unit 22. At this time, SCDAT2 is given to the scan data as a file name.

If the determination in step SB2 is YES, that is, the scan data SCDAT2 (file name) to which the ID code has been added, in step SB3, the image processing designated on the liquid crystal monitor screen 23a of the operation display unit 23 is performed. Is selected from the storage unit 22b of the data management unit 22. In this case, the scan data SCDA is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor screen 23a of the operation display unit 23.
T2 is instructed to delete character data information such as a telephone number and a mail address of a specific portion of the original document of the upper security level and to perform image processing of the lower security level, and in accordance with this instruction, the scan data management unit The selection is made from the storage unit 22b of the data management unit 22 by 21a.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the scan data SCDAT2 is data unique to the employee, and among those, the one having all of the address, name, telephone number and e-mail address is the upper level of the confidential level. While A
As shown in FIG. 8, image processing for deleting the telephone number and the e-mail address from the data unique to the employee is performed on the scan data SCDAT2 as the lower security level B. Therefore, on the liquid crystal monitor screen 23a of the operation display unit 23, an operation of performing image processing on the scan data SCDAT2 so as to delete the character information of the telephone number and the e-mail address is performed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the scan data SC is transmitted by the ID assigning section 22a of the data management section 22.
ID codes (IDs) corresponding to the confidential levels A and B of each layer of DAT2 are respectively assigned to personal computers pcA to pcA.
Give to pcD. More specifically, “XXXXX” is used as an IDA code corresponding to the upper-level confidential level, and “XXXXX” is used as an IDB code corresponding to the lower-level confidential level.
"Xxx" represents the personal computers pcA to p, respectively.
Assigned to cD.

Then, in step SB4, the release section 22c of the data management section 22 performs the scan data SC on which the image processing has been performed in accordance with the lower level of security level B.
It is determined whether or not to register a specific ID release key code for changing DAT2 to image processing corresponding to the security level A of the upper hierarchy. If the determination in step SB4 is YES for registering a specific ID release key code, step SB
In 5, the ID for the IDB of the lower confidential level
Register the release key code.

Then, as in the case where the determination in step SB4 is NO, ie, no registration of a specific ID release key code, in step SB6, the secret levels A,
E of the personal computers pcA to pcD corresponding to B
A mail address is selected, and a header is registered in step SB7. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, scan data SCDAT2 as a data name, security levels A and B of each hierarchy, IDA codes, IDB codes assigned according to security levels A and B of each hierarchy, security A specific I that releases the setting of level B so that it can be transferred to the upper level of security level A
The D release key code and the e-mail addresses for the personal computers pcA to pcD created according to the ID codes corresponding to the confidential levels A and B of each hierarchy are registered as headers. As shown in FIG. 11, image processing for scan data SCDAT2 is not performed at upper level security level A, and image processing for deleting character information of telephone numbers and e-mail addresses is performed at lower level security level B. Is registered as a header.

Thereafter, in step SB8, the scan data SCDAT2 and each personal computer p
Data such as an e-mail address addressed to cA to pcD and a header are stored in a storage unit in the scanner unit main body 10.
On the other hand, if the determination in step SB2 is NO, which is not the scan data SCDAT2 (file name) to which the ID code is added, in step SB8, the scan data SCDAT2 to which no ID code is added is stored.

Then, in step SB9, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the ID assignment unit 22a of the data management unit 22
The e-mail creation unit 24 creates an e-mail addressed to the personal computers pcA to pcD according to the ID codes corresponding to the confidential levels A and B given by the e-mail, and sends the e-mails to the personal computers pcA to pcD respectively.
Send the IDB code by e-mail. At this time, in step SA5 of the flowchart for storing the above-described scan data SCDAT1, the scanner unit main body 10 is stored.
Scan data SCDAT1 stored in the storage unit
IDA code corresponding to the confidential levels A and B of each hierarchy
According to DB code, personal computers pcA-p
The e-mail address to the cD is created by the e-mail creating unit 24, and the IDA code and the IDB code are transmitted to the personal computers pcA to pcD by e-mail.

In step SB10, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to end the scan data SCDAT2. If there is no instruction to end the scan, the flow returns to step SB1 to scan the original on the original platen 11.

The scan data SCDAT1 has a specific I
Description of the case where a D release key code is provided-When a specific ID release key code is subsequently provided to the scan data SCDAT1, the ID code is provided in advance in step SC1 of the flowchart of FIG. Scan data SCDAT1, SCD
A file of the scan data SCDAT1 is selected from AT2.

Next, at step SC2, the scan data SCD subjected to image processing in accordance with the lower level security level B by the release unit 22c of the data management unit 22
It is determined whether or not to register a specific ID release key code for changing AT1 to image processing corresponding to the confidential level A of the upper hierarchy. If the determination in step SC2 is YES to register a specific ID release key code, step SC3
, An ID release key code is registered.

Then, in step SC 4, the e-mail addresses to the personal computers pcA to pcD according to the ID codes corresponding to the confidential levels A and B assigned by the ID assigning section 22 a of the data management section 22 are sent by the mail creating section 24. create. In this case, the security level B of the lower hierarchy is only the personal computer pcC. Therefore, only the e-mail address of the personal computer pcC is created by the mail creating section 24.

After that, as in the case where the determination in step SC2 is NO in which no specific ID release key code is registered, in step SC5, the scan data SCDA
Data such as T1, an e-mail address addressed to each personal computer pcC, and an ID release key code are stored in the storage unit in the scanner unit main body 10, and the process ends.

Description of Accessing Scanner Device from Personal Computer When accessing the scanner device 1 from the personal computers pcA to pcD, first, in step SD1 of the flowchart of FIG. 18, the scanner device 1 is addressed to the personal computers pcA to pcD. Scan data SCDAT1,
ID according to the security level A, B of each hierarchy of SCDAT2
After waiting until the e-mail attached with the A code and the IDB code is received, in step SD2, as shown in FIG. 13, the scan data SCDAT1 or SCDAT2
And the selected scan data SCDAT2
Request download of (SCDAT1).

Next, in step SD3, the ID is displayed on the operation screen of each of the personal computers pcA to pcD.
It is determined whether or not a code has been input, and if NO in which an ID code has not been input, the process ends without downloading the scan data SCDAT2.

On the other hand, the judgment in step SD3 is
If the code has been entered and the answer is YES, then step SD4
After the ID level of each of the personal computers pcA to pcD is analyzed by the data management unit 22, in step SD5, the scan data SSCDAT2 is subjected to image processing at the security level A according to the upper hierarchy, or the security level according to the lower hierarchy. B image processing is performed. More specifically, in the personal computers pcA, pcB, and pcD to which the image processing of the security level A is performed, the scan data SCDAT2 is image-processed as a document. On the other hand, in the personal computer pcC on which the image processing of the security level B is performed, image processing for deleting the character information (telephone number and e-mail address) of the scan data SCDAT2 is performed.

Thereafter, in step SD6, the scan data SCD image-processed on the screen of each of the personal computers pcA to pcD according to the security levels A and B.
Download AT2.

-Description of Access from Personal Computer to Scanner Device with or without ID Release Key Code-When the personal computers pcA to pcD access the scanner device 1 with or without the ID release key code, FIG. In step SE1 of the flowchart of FIG. 7, after waiting until an e-mail to which the IDA code and the IDB code corresponding to the confidential levels A and B of the respective layers of the scan data SCDAT1 and SCDAT2 are attached to the personal computers pcA to pcD is received, In step SE2, the scan data SCDAT1 or SCD
AT2 is selected and the selected scan data SCD
Request download of AT2 (SCDAT1).

Next, in step SE3, the IDs are displayed on the operation screens of the personal computers pcA to pcD.
It is determined whether a code has been input or not. If the ID code has not been input (NO), the scan data SCDAT1
Exit without having to download. On the other hand, the determination in step SE3 is YES when the ID code is input.
In step SE4, the data management unit 22 analyzes the ID levels of the personal computers pcA to pcD in step SE4.

Thereafter, in step SE5, it is determined whether or not an ID release key code has been input on the operation screen of each of the personal computers pcA to pcD. If NO in step SE6, the flow advances to step SE6. Then, image processing 1 corresponding to the upper security level A and the lower security level B is performed on the scan data SCDAT1. Specifically, in the image processing of the security level A, the first page to the scan data SCDAT1
Image processing is performed on the fourth page as it is in the original document. On the other hand, in the image processing of the security level B, the first page, the second page, and the fourth page of the scan data SCDAT1 are deleted and the third page is deleted.
Image processing is performed to leave only the page as an original.

On the other hand, if the determination in step SE5 is YES that the ID release key code has been input, the process proceeds to step S5.
At E7, image processing 2 for changing the lower security level B to the upper security level A is performed on the scan data SCDAT1. That is, the scan data SCDAT1
Image data according to the security level A in the upper hierarchy, and scan data SCDAT1 subjected to image processing in accordance with the security level B in the lower hierarchy. Change to In particular,
As shown in FIG. 14, scan data SCDA obtained by changing the image processing of the security level B by the ID release key code
In T1, the first page and the second
A watermark such as confidential is inserted into the page and the fourth page, and image processing is performed without deleting the first to fourth pages.

Thereafter, in step SE8, the scan data SCDAT1 image-processed on the screen of each of the personal computers pcA to pcD according to the security level A or B or the security level changed to the upper hierarchy by the ID release key code. to download.

As described above, when only a part of the scan data is confidential, the personal computer pcC to which the IDB is assigned according to the lower-level security level B performs image processing corresponding to the lower-level security level B. Scan data SCDAT1 and SCDAT2, specifically, scan data SCDAT1 has first and second pages.
The image processing for deleting the page and the fourth page and leaving only the third page as the original is performed by the scan data SCDAT.
In L2, the scan data subjected to image processing for deleting character information (telephone number and e-mail address) is L
It will be shared by the AN. As a result, the personal computer pcC at the lower security level B
Then, the confidential part of the upper security level A (the first page, the second page and the fourth page of the scan data SCDAT1, and the character information of the scan data SCDAT2)
The scan data excluding the above is shared by the LAN, and the scan data of the lower security level B (required minimum information) of the lower hierarchy that does not touch the upper security level A can be shared.

On the other hand, the scan data of the security level A of the upper hierarchy is the personal computer pcA, pcB, pc to which the IDA corresponding to the security level A of the upper hierarchy is assigned.
D is shared only, and the confidentiality and copyright of the scan data can be smoothly protected.

In addition, the first, second and fourth pages of the upper level security level A are deleted from the scan data SCDAT1 composed of four originals and only the third page of the lower level security level B is set. By performing the control image processing, it is possible to smoothly protect the confidentiality of the first, second, and fourth pages of the document having the upper confidential level A.
Furthermore, the scan data SCD of the lower security level B
By subjecting the AT2 to image processing for deleting character information (telephone number and e-mail address) of a specific portion of the document, the scan data from which the character information that is easily misused is deleted is shared, and the confidential level A becomes higher. It is possible to smoothly protect the confidentiality of undesired character information such as telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. In addition, the data amount of both scan data SCDAT1 and SCDAT2 is reduced, so that the download speed can be increased.

The scan data subjected to the image processing in accordance with the lower security level B is transferred to the upper security level A.
And a canceling unit 22c for canceling the setting of the lower-level security level B so that the setting can be shifted to the upper-level security level so as to change the image processing to the upper-level security level. The personal computer pcC transmits the image from the scanner apparatus 1 via the LAN. By inputting the specified ID release key code, the lower level security level B is released, so that the personal computer pcC retrieves the scan data corresponding to the upper level security level and, if necessary, the upper level. Scan data at the confidential level A of the hierarchy can be shared. In addition, the acquired upper level security level A scan data is again restricted to other personal computers (personal computers to which the upper level security level A ID is not assigned), that is, the lower level hierarchy It is also possible to output the scan data so as to be downloadable with the security level B ID assigned.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but includes various other modifications. For example, in the above embodiment, the setting of the lower confidential level B can be released by inputting the specific ID release key code transmitted from the scanner device 1 via the LAN to the personal computer pcC. May be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor screen of the operation display unit of the scanner unit body. In this case, in the personal computer to which the ID of the lower confidential level is assigned, by inputting a specific ID release key code displayed on the operation display unit (liquid crystal monitor screen) of the scanner unit main body, if necessary, The scan data at the upper confidential level can be shared.

Further, in this embodiment, the security level is divided into two levels, an upper level and a lower level. However, the security level may be divided into three or more levels. In this case, the ID release key code may be an ID cancellation key code that allows the user to shift to the upper layer one by one, or may be an ID cancellation key code that allows the user to shift to the upper layer two or more layers. .

[0067]

As described above, according to the present invention, image data corresponding to different confidential levels of hierarchies are respectively applied to scan data and shared on the network, so that the network terminal of the lower confidential level has an upper level. The scan data of the lower security level except for the security part of the higher security level can be shared on the network, while the scan data of the upper security level can be shared only by the network terminals according to the upper security level. In addition, the confidentiality and copyright of the scan data can be smoothly protected.

In particular, as a specific method of performing image processing on scan data of a lower layer, image processing for changing color information of a document is performed so that an original image can be converted from color to monochrome at a network terminal at a lower level of security. In addition to sharing the changed scan data, it is possible to smoothly protect the confidentiality and copyright of the original image, which is the upper level of confidentiality, and to reduce the amount of scan data and download at high speed it can.

On the other hand, by performing image processing for deleting the character data information of a specific portion of the original from the scan data of the lower confidential level of the scan data of the lower confidential level, an address, which is likely to be misused at the lower confidential level network terminal, Scan data from which character data information such as names and telephone numbers have been deleted can be shared, and the confidentiality of character data information that one does not want to be known can be smoothly protected.

Further, by performing image processing for lowering the resolution of the original on the lower-level confidential level scan data, a lower-level confidential level network terminal can be used.
Scan data with a reduced resolution of the original image can be shared, the confidentiality and copyright of the original image can be smoothly protected, and the download speed can be increased by reducing the amount of scan data.

Further, by applying image processing for inserting a watermark to a specific portion of the original to the scan data of the lower security level, a watermark such as confidential is inserted in the network terminal of the lower security level. By sharing scan data and raising confidentiality at the individual level for downloaded confidential documents,
Individuals can protect the confidentiality and copyright of the manuscript at the upper level of confidentiality.

Further, by performing image processing on the scan data composed of a plurality of originals to delete the page having the upper security level, the network terminal having the lower security level can execute the page processing of the lower security level at the network terminal having the lower security level. Only shared scan data can be shared, the confidentiality of the original document having the upper confidential level can be smoothly protected, and the download speed can be increased by reducing the amount of scan data.

In particular, in the lower-layer confidential-level network terminal, by releasing the confidential-level setting so that it can be transferred to a higher-level tier by the release means, desired information such as an original picture is taken out as needed, and Can share scan data of a confidential level.

In particular, as a specific setting method for releasing the security level so that the security level can be shifted to a higher level, a specific ID release key for releasing the security level setting is provided to a network terminal corresponding to the lower level security level by the network terminal. , The lower-level security level network terminal can share the upper-level security level scan data as needed, and the acquired upper-level security level scan data can be An ID of a lower confidential level can be assigned to another network terminal and output so as to be downloadable.

On the other hand, by displaying a specific ID release key on the display unit of the scanner device main body, desired information such as an original picture can be shared as necessary with a network terminal of a lower confidential level. Can do
It is possible to output to another network terminal so as to be downloadable with the restriction being applied again.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a scanner device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows scan data SCDAT composed of four originals.
FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a liquid crystal monitor screen of an operation display unit when performing an operation of performing image processing of page control on scan data SCDAT1.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram in a case where an ID code and an ID release key code corresponding to the confidential levels A and B of each layer of the scan data SCDAT1 are assigned to a personal computer.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram in the case of registering a header of scan data SCDAT1.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a case in which page control image processing is performed on scan data SCDAT1 and header registration is performed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing scan data SCDAT2.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing scan data SCDAT2 on which image processing for deleting character information has been performed.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram in a case where ID codes corresponding to the security levels A and B of each layer of the scan data SCDAT2 are respectively provided.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram in the case of registering a header of scan data SCDAT2.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a case where image processing for deleting character information is performed on scan data SCDAT2 and header registration is performed.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram in the case of creating e-mail addresses addressed to the personal computers pcA to pcD according to the ID codes corresponding to the confidential levels A and B.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a case where scan data SCDAT2 is selected on the operation screen of the personal computer.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing scan data SCDAT1 subjected to image processing for changing image processing at a security level B by an ID release key code.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure performed by a control unit when scan data SCDAT1 is stored.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure performed by a control unit when scan data SCDAT2 is successively stored.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure performed by a control unit when a specific ID release key code is added to scan data SCDAT1.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure performed by a control unit when the scanner device is accessed from a personal computer.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure performed by the control unit when the personal computer accesses the scanner device with or without an ID release key code.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Scanner apparatus 10 Scanner part main body (scanner main part) 11 Document table 21a Scan data processing part (image processing means) 22a ID provision part (ID provision part) 22c Release part (release part) 23a Display monitor screen (display part) A , B Security level SCDAT1, SCDAT2 scan data pcA-pcD personal computer (network terminal)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Kaori Mori, Inventor F-term (reference) in 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 5B057 AA11 BA02 BA23 CA01 CA08 CA12 CA16 CB01 CB08 CB12 CB16 CB19 CD05 CE08 CE17 CE20 CG07 CH18 5B085 AA08 AE04 AE06 5C062 AA05 AA14 AA35 AB17 AB20 AB25 AB38 AB42 AC08 AC21 AC24 AC43 AE15 AF00 BA00 5C075 CD05 EE01 EE02 5C076 AA03 AA14 AA22 AA26 BA06 CA02 CB05

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A scanner device connected to a network having a plurality of network terminals and outputting scan data obtained by scanning a document on a platen to each network terminal in a downloadable manner. ID assigning means for setting a level and assigning an ID corresponding to each confidential level to the network terminal, and image processing means for applying image processing according to the confidential level assigned by the ID assigning means to each scan data Wherein the scan data subjected to the image processing by the image processing means is output in a downloadable manner to each of the network terminals corresponding to the confidential level given by the ID giving means. Scanner device. 2. The scanner device according to claim 1, wherein the image processing means performs image processing at a lower security level by changing color information of the document with respect to the scan data at the upper security level. A scanner device characterized in that the scanner device is configured to perform the following. 3. The scanner device according to claim 1, wherein the image processing means deletes character data information of a specific portion of the original from the scan data of the upper security level to delete the lower security level of the document. A scanner device wherein image processing is performed. 4. The scanner device according to claim 1, wherein the image processing means performs image processing at a lower confidential level by lowering the resolution of the document with respect to scan data at an upper confidential level. A scanner device characterized in that: 5. The scanner device according to claim 1, wherein the image processing means inserts a watermark in a specific portion of the original with respect to the scan data of the upper security level, thereby forming an image of the lower security level. A scanner device, wherein a process is performed. 6. The scanner device according to claim 1, wherein the image processing means deletes a page having a higher security level from the scan data including a plurality of originals to thereby lower the security level of the lower hierarchy. A scanner device wherein image processing is performed. 7. The scanner device according to claim 1, wherein the security level is set so that the scan data subjected to the lower-level security level image processing is changed to image processing according to the upper-level security level. A scanner device comprising a release unit for releasing a transfer to a higher hierarchy. 8. The scanner according to claim 7, wherein the canceling means cancels the setting of the confidential level by inputting a specific ID cancel key. A scanner device configured to be transmitted via a network to a network terminal corresponding to a lower-level confidential level. 9. The scanner device according to claim 7, wherein the canceling means cancels the setting of the confidential level by inputting a specific ID cancel key. A scanner device characterized by being displayed on a display unit of a scanner device body.