JP2005109988A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor capable of providing a convenient function such as recopying function while ensuring confidentiality with respect to the image processor many and unspecified persons can operate. <P>SOLUTION: The processor is provided with an image reading means for reading image information of an original, an image storage means for storing the read image information per job, an image processing means for reading the stored image information and executing predetermined processing, a reading mode switching means capable of switching the reading operation of the image information by the image processing means between a first reading mode for reading the image information stored in the image storage means first and a second reading mode for re-reading the image information, and an image erasing means for erasing the image information stored in the image storage means. The processor is provided with a charging management means for directly and indirectly permitting or prohibiting the operation of the image processing means, and the apparatus is constituted so that the image erasing means may operate in a predetermined period from the operation prohibited state until the permitted state of the image processing means by the charge management means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus mounted on a copying machine or the like, an image reading unit that reads document image information, an image storage unit that stores image information read by the image reading unit in units of jobs, and the image storage An image processing means for reading out the image information stored in the means and executing a predetermined process; a read operation of the image information by the image processing means; a first reading out of the image information stored in the image storage means; The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus including a reading mode switching unit that can switch between a reading mode and a second reading mode that is read again, and an image erasing unit that erases image information stored in the image storage unit.

  An image processing apparatus including an image reading unit that reads document image information and an image storage unit that stores image information read by the image reading unit in units of jobs, such as a digital copying machine, reads and records a document image. After a predetermined job such as copying to paper is executed, the image information stored in the image storage means is read again, and processing such as copying to recording paper (hereinafter referred to as “re-copying function”) is executed. By providing the image processing means, when it is necessary to copy again the same original as the original used in the copying job executed in the past, all the originals used in the job are again read by the image reading means. It is configured so that the trouble of reading it is omitted.

  However, in the above-described prior art, since the original image information is stored in the image storage means, even if the content is confidential information that cannot be disclosed to a third party, the third party can read and copy in the second reading mode. Etc., there is a problem that the document information stored in the image storage means can be recognized.

Therefore, after the completion of a series of jobs such as copying, the original image information stored in the storage means is automatically deleted, the device is left alone after a predetermined time has elapsed, or the erase switch is manually operated. There has been proposed an image processing apparatus provided with an image information erasing means for erasing by inputting.
JP 2003-37719 A

  However, with manual erasure, there is a risk of easy leakage to a third party when the user does not know the erasure operation or forgets the erasure operation. In this case, there is a possibility of leakage until the time has elapsed. Further, in the case of automatic deletion after completion of the job, processing in the second reading mode cannot be performed, and a complicated operation of reading the document again is performed. There was also a problem that was required.

  The information leakage prevention function described above needs to be effectively realized especially in an image processing apparatus installed in a shop such as a copy center or a convenience store that can be operated by an unspecified number of people.

  In view of the above-described conventional drawbacks, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus that can provide convenient functions such as a re-copying function while ensuring confidentiality with respect to an image processing apparatus that can be operated by an unspecified number of people. It is in.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first characteristic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an image reading unit for reading document image information, and the image reading unit as described in claim 1 of the document of the claims. Image storage means for storing the image information read by the means in units of jobs, image processing means for reading out the image information stored in the image storage means and executing a predetermined process, and the image information by the image processing means A reading mode switching means capable of switching between a first reading mode in which image information stored in the image storage means is first read out and a second reading mode in which the image information is read out again, and storing in the image storage means. An image processing apparatus comprising an image erasing unit for erasing the image information that has been deleted, wherein the charge management operator directly or indirectly allows or prohibits the operation of the image processing unit Provided with a, the image erasing means at a predetermined time from the disabled state of operation until the migration permissive said image processing means by the charge management means is in a point that is configured to operate.

  According to the above configuration, for example, the operating state of the image processing apparatus is managed by the charge management unit, and the image processing unit can indirectly read image information from the image storage unit in a state where the operation is permitted. While a convenient function such as a re-copying function is realized, reading of image information from the image storage means by the image processing means is indirectly prohibited when the operation of the image processing apparatus is prohibited by the charge management means. Therefore, there is no possibility that the image information stored in the image storage means in this state is leaked to a third party. Note that the charging unit may directly permit or prohibit reading of image information from the image storage unit by the image processing unit.

  In addition, the image information stored in the image storage means is erased by the erasing means at a predetermined time until the charge management means moves from the prohibited state of the image processing means to the permitted state. In a permissible state in which the processing device can be operated, a highly convenient function such as a re-copying function can be realized, and after a desired output is obtained, the charging unit prohibits all persons including the person from operating the device. . Even after the transition to the permissible state, since the image information already stored in the image storage means is erased by the erasing means, it is possible to reliably avoid leakage of confidential information and the like.

  The second characteristic configuration is that, as described in claim 2, the charge management means is configured by any one of a coin vendor, a key counter, and a register.

  As described above, according to the present invention, with respect to an image processing apparatus that can be operated by an unspecified number of people, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus that can provide convenient functions such as a re-copying function while ensuring confidentiality. Can now.

  Embodiments of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. As shown in FIG. 1, a digital copying machine 1 as an image processing apparatus performs copying on an upper surface of a main body on which an exposure mechanism 2, a printing mechanism 3, and a recording paper transport mechanism 4 are arranged as image reading means for reading document image information. A contact glass 5 for placing a document to be copied (copy document) and an operation display unit 6 are provided. An automatic document feeder 7 is disposed on the contact glass 5, and a paper feed cassette 8 is provided on one side of the main body. Arranged and configured.

  The exposure mechanism 2 includes a first slider 2A including an exposure lamp 21 for exposing and scanning a document placed on the contact glass 5, and a first mirror 22 for reflecting reflected light from the document, and a first mirror. A second slider 2B having second and third mirrors 23 and 24 for guiding the light reflected by the lens 22 to the lens 25, and a CCD for converting the optical information obtained by the condenser lens 25 into an electrical signal. And the like, a control unit 27 to which image information obtained by the solid-state image sensor 26 is input, and a laser unit 28 that converts image data from the control unit 27 into an optical signal.

  The first slider 2A and the second slider 2B are reciprocally driven in the sub operation direction by a scan drive motor (not shown). The second slider 2B is configured to move a distance that is ½ of the moving distance of the first slider 2A at a speed that is 1/2 the scanning moving speed of the first slider 2B.

  The print mechanism 3 includes a photosensitive drum 31 that is driven to rotate in the direction of an arrow by a main drive motor (not shown). The photosensitive drum 31 has a photosensitive drum 31 around the photosensitive drum 31 in the order of the rotation direction. A charger 32 for charging the layer, a developing device 33 for visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive layer as a toner visible image, and a transfer device for transferring the toner visible image formed on the photosensitive layer to recording paper Discharger 34, separation discharger 35 for separating the recording paper from the photosensitive drum 31, cleaning device 36 for removing toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 31 after transfer, and charge on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 Each of the static eliminators 37 is disposed to irradiate the photosensitive layer uniformly charged by the charger 32 with the laser beam output from the laser unit 28, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image.

  The recording paper transport mechanism 4 feeds the recording paper in the paper feed cassette 8 and feeds the recording paper sent by the paper feed roller 41 to the photosensitive drum 31 at a predetermined timing. A conveyance belt 43 is provided for conveying the recording paper on which the toner image formed on the registration roller 42 and the photosensitive drum 31 is transferred and peeled off from the photosensitive drum 31 to the fixing roller 44. The transfer paper subjected to the fixing process by the fixing roller 44 is discharged onto a discharge tray through a discharge mechanism (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 27 includes a ROM 103 that stores various operation programs of the digital copying machine 1, and a CPU 101 that controls required operations of the digital copying machine 1 based on the programs stored in the ROM 103. , RAM 104 as image storage means for storing data necessary for processing by CPU 101 and storing image information read by image reading means in units of job, and image information stored in image storage means is read out for predetermined processing As an image processing means for executing the above, an image processing circuit 102 that performs predetermined processing on the image information obtained by the solid-state imaging device 26 to generate output image information to the laser unit 28 is configured.

  Image data obtained by the image processing circuit 102 is temporarily stored in the RAM 104, read out, and sent to the laser unit 28. The RAM 104 stores image information in a predetermined job unit for a series of continuous document information, and the CPU 101 stores each element of a process processing unit including the exposure mechanism 2, the print mechanism 3, and the recording paper transport mechanism 4. Drive information is controlled at a predetermined timing, and the image information sent to the laser unit 28 is recorded on a recording sheet and output. Further, the ROM 103 stores an image erasing program for erasing image information stored in the RAM 104, and an image erasing unit is constituted by the CPU 101 that executes the image information erasing operation of the RAM 104.

  The CPU 101 is further provided with various mode setting keys for setting the operation mode of the digital copying machine 1, a display unit for displaying the set operation mode, and a print switch for starting the operation. A coin vendor 9 is connected as a charge management unit that directly or indirectly permits or prohibits the operation display unit 6 and the operation of the image processing unit.

  The coin vendor 9 manages a money input unit for inserting coins and banknotes, and the amount of money input from the money input unit, receives a recording paper output signal from the CPU 101, and is determined for each recording paper size. A charge management device that subtracts the amount of money recorded each time the recording paper is discharged by the digital copying machine 1 and an allowance signal that allows the operation of the device to the CPU 101 when an amount that exceeds the minimum charge of the recording paper is input And an operation permission signal output means for outputting a prohibition signal for prohibiting the operation of the apparatus to the CPU 101 when the amount is less than the minimum charge and when the refund lever is operated and the balance is settled. Configured.

  The operation display unit 6 switches the image information reading operation from the RAM 104 by the image processing means between the first reading mode in which the image information stored in the RAM 104 is first read and the second reading mode in which the image information is read again. A copy mode selection key is arranged as a possible read mode switching means. When the normal copy mode key is selected, the first read mode is executed, and when the most copy mode key is selected, the second read mode is selected. It is configured to be.

  The operation of the recopy mode function and the image erasing means by the digital copying machine 1 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 3, when the coin vendor 9 is charged with a money of an amount equal to or more than the minimum charge and an allowance signal for permitting operation of the apparatus is output (S 1), a copy provided on the operation display unit 6. The state of the mode selection key is determined, and if the normal copy mode which is the default state is selected (S2), it is determined whether various setting keys such as recording paper size and copy magnification have been operated (S3). If operated, the setting contents are stored in the RAM 104 (S4). When the copy job start key is operated (S5), the image information of the document placed on the contact glass 5 or the automatic document feeder 7 is read by the exposure mechanism 2 and stored in the RAM 104, and the print mechanism 3 and the recording paper. The transport mechanism 4 is operated, and the output image information obtained by processing the image information corresponding to the document stored in the RAM 104 and read in the first reading mode based on the set contents is copied onto the recording paper. Output (S6).

  If the re-copy mode is selected in step S2, it is determined whether various setting keys such as recording paper size and copy magnification have been operated (S7), and the setting contents are stored in the RAM 104 (S8). When the copy job start key is operated (S9), the print mechanism 3 and the recording paper transport mechanism 4 are operated to set image information corresponding to the original stored in the RAM 104 and read in the second reading mode. The output image information obtained by processing based on the above is copied onto a recording sheet and output (S10).

  When a prohibition signal for prohibiting the operation of the apparatus is output in step S1, the image information of the document stored in the RAM 104 is erased by the image erasing means at the on-edge of the signal (S11, S12). When no image information for the original is stored in the RAM 104 in step S2, the re-copy mode selection is not accepted.

  In addition to performing the erasing operation of the RAM 104 by the image erasing means at the on-edge of the prohibition signal, it may be configured to always execute when the prohibition signal is output, or to be performed at the on-edge of the permission signal. It may be configured. In other words, the image erasing unit may be configured to operate at a predetermined time until the charging management unit shifts from the prohibited state of the operation of the image processing unit to the allowable state.

  In the embodiment described above, the image information stored in the RAM 104 has been described as being erasable by the erasing unit. However, here, the image information stored in the RAM 104 is the image information stored in the temporarily stored area. The image data may be overwritten with respect to the next job, or the image data may be stored in a dedicated area for re-copying and the like and not easily lost due to overwriting.

  In the above-described embodiment, the RAM 104 managed by the CPU 101 is configured as the image storage unit. However, an image processing CPU and RAM are separately provided in the image processing circuit, and the RAM is configured as the image storage unit. It may be a thing. Further, a large-capacity memory such as a hard disk may be used as the image storage means. Furthermore, other configurations are possible within the scope of the effects of the present invention.

  In the above-described embodiment, the accounting management means is configured by the coin vendor 9. However, besides the coin vendor, a key counter capable of managing charges such as copying with a mechanical counter, a magnetic card, an IC card, It is possible to employ a register installed at a counter for clearing the copying fee as a charge management means. In the case of using the key counter, an allowance signal is input to the CPU 101 by being attached to the digital copying machine, and a prohibition signal is input to the CPU 101 by being detached from the digital copying machine. May be configured such that an allowance signal or a prohibition signal is input to the CPU 101 by a remote operation by an operator of the register.

  In the above-described embodiment, a digital copying machine as an example of an image processing apparatus has been described. However, document information that has been read once is stored in a storage unit, and is read again and subjected to predetermined processing. The present invention can also be applied to other image processing apparatuses such as facsimile machines.

Explanatory drawing of the main part of the image processing device Configuration diagram of control unit of image processing apparatus flowchart

Explanation of symbols

1: Digital copier 2: Image reading means (exposure mechanism)
3: Print mechanism 4: Recording paper transport mechanism 5: Contact glass 6: Operation display unit 7: Automatic document transport device 8: Paper feed cassette 9: Billing management means (coin vendor)
28: Control unit 101: CPU (erasing means)
102: Image processing circuit 103: ROM
104: RAM (erasing means)

Claims (2)

Image reading means for reading document image information, image storage means for storing image information read by the image reading means in units of jobs, and reading out image information stored in the image storage means to execute predetermined processing The image processing means and the image information reading operation by the image processing means can be switched between a first reading mode in which the image information stored in the image storage means is first read and a second reading mode in which the image information is read again. An image processing apparatus comprising: a reading mode switching unit; and an image erasing unit that erases image information stored in the image storage unit,
A charge management means for directly or indirectly permitting or prohibiting the operation of the image processing means is provided, and a predetermined time until the operation of the image processing means by the charge management means is shifted from the prohibited state to the permitted state. An image processing apparatus configured to operate the image erasing means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the charge management unit is configured by any one of a coin vendor, a key counter, and a register.

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