JP2005184398A - Data processor and image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data processor and an image processor capable of protecting security information such as a destination of data contained in the state information representing process state of data. <P>SOLUTION: An image processor (data processor) 1 stores the state information representing a process state of image data (data) according to the process instruction that is received in a managing part 17, and the state information can be displayed on the touch panel of an operation unit 13. The image processor 1 limits display content when the state information is displayed, and prohibits displaying of security information such as a destination of image data contained in the state information. The image processor 1, when receiving a valid discrimination information, releases the limit on display content of the state information, to display even the security information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus that protect information related to processing and limit output contents when outputting internal information.

  Facsimile device that reads an image from a document, performs processing for transmitting image data to another device by facsimile communication via a public line network, and similarly performs processing for receiving image data from another device and outputting an image An image processing apparatus is known. In recent years, image processing apparatuses that perform processing for transmitting and receiving image data via a communication network such as the Internet have been put into practical use. In addition, an image processing apparatus that is a printer apparatus that receives image data from an external apparatus such as a personal computer (PC) via a communication network and performs image print processing, and a process of copying an image read from a document. An image processing apparatus that is a copying apparatus is known. Furthermore, a composite function type image processing apparatus capable of performing the above-described image processing by a single unit has been put into practical use.

The image processing apparatus as described above receives an image output instruction together with image data, or accepts an image data transmission instruction together with information indicating a transmission destination of the image data. A processing instruction is received, and processing is performed according to the received processing instruction. However, when the next processing instruction is received before the processing of one image data is completed, the image processing apparatus stores the processing instructions in the order received, and sequentially stores the image data according to the stored processing instructions. Process. In addition, the image processing apparatus stores a processing history including information related to processing contents such as processing time, information indicating a transmission destination of image data or a reception destination of image data, for the completed processing. That is, the conventional image processing apparatus stores status information indicating a processing status of image data, which includes a schedule of processing of image data and a processing history. The image processing apparatus can output the stored status information in response to a user's request, and the user can check the processing status of image data in the past and the present.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-19756

  By the way, the above-described status information stored in the image processing apparatus may include confidential information that should be kept secret from others, such as a facsimile number of a customer to whom image data is transmitted. However, the conventional image processing apparatus is configured so that anyone can confirm the contents of the situation information including confidential information by operating according to the instruction on the operation screen, and it is difficult to protect the confidential information. is there. In business establishments that use image processing devices, there are many cases where there are many outsiders such as business partners, or where image processing devices are installed in places where multiple departments are jointly using them. In these cases, there is a problem that it is particularly difficult to protect confidential information included in the situation information.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to include the situation information by limiting the output contents of the situation information output by the image processing apparatus (data processing apparatus). It is an object of the present invention to provide a data processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus that can protect confidential information.

  A data processing apparatus according to the present invention includes: a receiving unit that receives a data processing instruction; a processing unit that processes data according to the processing instruction received by the receiving unit; and a data processing status by the processing unit according to the processing instruction A data processing apparatus comprising: means for storing status information indicating the status information; and an output means for outputting the status information stored by the means; and a limiting means for limiting the output contents of the status information output by the output means. It is characterized by that.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives a processing instruction for image data, a processing unit that processes image data according to the processing instruction received by the receiving unit, and image data generated by the processing unit according to the processing instruction. In an image processing apparatus comprising: means for storing status information indicating the processing status of: and output means for outputting the status information stored by the means--a restriction for limiting the output contents of the status information output by the output means Means are provided.

  In the present invention, it is possible to receive a processing instruction for image data (data), store status information indicating a processing status of image data (data) according to the received processing instruction, and output the stored status information. Possible image processing devices (data processing devices) limit the output contents of the situation information.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives a processing instruction for image data, a processing unit that processes image data according to the processing instruction received by the receiving unit, and image data generated by the processing unit according to the processing instruction. Means for storing status information indicating the processing status of the processing, output means for outputting the status information stored by the means, protection means for protecting the image data processed by the processing means, and enabling the operation of the protection means Or an image processing apparatus including a switching unit capable of switching to invalidity, further comprising a limiting unit that limits an output content of the situation information output by the output unit when the operation of the protection unit is valid. Features.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives a processing instruction for image data, a processing unit that processes image data according to the processing instruction received by the receiving unit, and image data generated by the processing unit according to the processing instruction. Effective when the apparatus is mounted with means for storing status information indicating the processing status of the image, output means for outputting the status information stored by the means, and protection of image data processed by the processing means. In the image processing apparatus comprising the protection means that can be attached and detached, when the protection means is attached and the operation of the protection means is effective, the output contents of the status information output by the output means It is characterized by comprising limiting means for limiting.

  In the present invention, an image processing apparatus capable of receiving an image data processing instruction, storing status information indicating a processing status of image data according to the received processing instruction, and outputting the stored status information is provided. If the protection means that protects image data from being illegally used by encrypting the image data can be switched between valid and invalid, and the protection means is valid, the output contents of the status information Limit. The protection means switches between a state where operation can be performed and a state where operation cannot be performed by setting, so that the operation can be performed, or can be operated by attaching a removable protection unit.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the protection means includes means for encrypting image data processed by the processing means and / or means for decrypting the encrypted image data.

  In the present invention, the protection means performs processing for encrypting and / or decrypting the image data.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the protection means includes means for invalidating image data processed by the processing means.

  In the present invention, the image data related to the processing is invalidated by a method such as erasing the image data or overwriting other data on the image data.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the status information includes unprocessed information related to a processing instruction received by the receiving unit and not processed by the processing unit, and the limiting unit includes the output unit that is not yet processed. It is characterized in that the output content of the unprocessed information is restricted when processing information is output.

  Further, in the present invention, the output content of the status information related to the processing instruction that is in an unprocessed state is limited.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the processing unit includes a transmission unit that transmits image data to an external device, and the status information includes transmission destination information indicating a transmission destination of the image data transmitted by the transmission unit. And the restricting means prohibits the output of the transmission destination information by the output means.

  In the present invention, the image processing apparatus can perform processing for transmitting image data to an external device, and prohibits output of information indicating the transmission destination of the image data.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes receiving means for receiving image data, wherein the situation information includes transmission source information indicating a transmission source of the image data received by the receiving means, and the limiting means includes the The output unit is prohibited from outputting the transmission source information.

  In the present invention, the image processing apparatus can process image data received from the outside, and prohibits output of information indicating the transmission source of the received image data.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an identification information storage unit that stores predetermined identification information, an identification information reception unit that receives identification information, and an identification information that is received by the identification information reception unit. A means for determining whether or not the identification information matches one of the stored identification information, and when the identification information is determined to match by the means, the restriction on the output contents of the status information by the restriction means is released. And a means.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the image processing apparatus stores identification information, and when the identification information that matches the stored identification information is received, the restriction on the output contents of the situation information is released.

  In the present invention, when outputting the status information indicating the processing status of the image data (data) according to the processing instruction received by the image processing device (data processing device), the output content of the status information is limited. By preventing some of the information from being displayed, it is possible to prevent the confidential information from being known to an unspecified number of people when the status information includes confidential information.

  In the present invention, the image processing apparatus includes a protection unit that protects image data by encryption or invalidation, and follows the processing instruction received by the image processing apparatus when the operation of the protection unit is valid. By restricting the output contents of the status information indicating the processing status of the image data, the confidential information included in the status information can be protected together with the image data itself, so that the security of the image processing apparatus is improved.

  In addition, in the present invention, the display content of unprocessed information, which is status information related to unprocessed processing instructions, is limited, so that confidential information contained in unprocessed information is prevented from being known to an unspecified number of people. can do.

  Also, in the present invention, when image data is transmitted to or received from the outside by facsimile communication or the like, when receiving destination information or image data when transmitting image data The sender information is customer information, and by restricting the display of the destination information or the sender information, it is possible to prevent important customer information from being known to an unspecified number of people. .

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the image processing apparatus accepts identification information, and when legitimate identification information is accepted, the restriction on the display contents of the status information is lifted, so that the authorized user is unlimited. In addition, the present invention has an excellent effect that the contents of the situation information can be confirmed and the confidential information included in the situation information can be used while being protected from an unspecified number of people.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an internal functional configuration of an image processing apparatus (data processing apparatus) according to the present invention. The image processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit (processing unit) 11 including a CPU that performs calculation and a RAM that stores temporary information associated with the calculation. A ROM 18 storing a control program for controlling the image processing apparatus 1 is connected to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 controls the entire image processing apparatus 1 according to the control program stored in the ROM 18. Control. The control unit 11 is connected to a management unit 17 that is a memory that stores management information for managing processing performed by the image processing apparatus 1. The control unit 11 refers to the management information stored in the management unit 17 and controls the image processing apparatus 1 based on the referenced information.

  The control unit 11 is connected to an image reading unit 12 that scans and reads an image recorded on a recording sheet and generates electronic image data based on the read image. The control unit 11 is connected to an image memory 14 that temporarily stores image data and an image forming unit 16 that forms an image from the image data, records the formed image on a recording sheet, and outputs the image. . The image processing apparatus 1 stores image data generated by reading an image by the image reading apparatus in the image memory 14, forms an image from the stored image data in the image forming unit 16, and outputs the image. In this way, the image processing apparatus 1 functions as a copying apparatus.

  The control unit 11 is connected to a modem unit 151 that performs facsimile communication, and the modem unit 151 is connected to the public network N2. The image processing apparatus 1 can transmit the image data generated by the image reading unit 12 to the other facsimile apparatus 3 by facsimile communication via the public line network N2 connected to the modem unit 151. Further, the image processing apparatus 1 receives image data transmitted from the facsimile apparatus 3 by facsimile communication via the public network N2 by the modem unit 151, and an image is formed by the image forming unit 16 from the received image data. Form and output. In this way, the image processing apparatus 1 also functions as a facsimile machine.

  The control unit 11 is connected to a communication unit 152 connected to a communication network N1 such as an in-house LAN. To the communication network N1, information processing devices 2,... Such as a personal computer or a server device are connected. The communication unit 152 can transmit the image data generated by the image reading unit 12 to the information processing apparatus 3 via the communication network N1. The information processing device 3 stores the transmitted image data therein. In this way, the image processing apparatus 1 functions as a scanner device. The communication unit 152 can receive image data from the information processing apparatus 3 via the communication network N1, and the image forming unit 13 can form and output an image from the received image data. By outputting the image data received from the information processing device 3 as an image, the image processing device 1 functions as a printer device.

  The communication network N1 is connected to an external wide area communication network N3 such as the Internet. The communication unit 152 uses a method such as transmission / reception of an e-mail attached with image data via the communication network N1 and the wide area communication network N3, and other facsimile apparatuses 4 connected to the wide area communication network N3. Image data can be sent and received. In this way, the image processing apparatus 1 functions as an Internet facsimile machine.

  The control unit 11 is connected to a storage unit 19 made of a hard disk or a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 19 temporarily stores image data related to processing when the image processing apparatus 1 performs processing of image data.

  Furthermore, an operation unit 13 that receives an operation from a user is connected to the control unit 11. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an appearance of the operation unit 13. The operation unit 13 includes a touch panel 131 that displays necessary information and receives various instructions from the user, a numeric keypad 133, and a start key 134 that receives a process start instruction from the user. The operation unit 131 also includes a printer key 135 that accepts an instruction relating to processing for outputting an image, a fax / image transmission key 136 that accepts an instruction relating to processing for transmitting image data to the outside, and a copy that accepts an instruction relating to copy processing. A key 137 and a job status key 132 for receiving an instruction to display status information indicating the processing status of image data are provided.

  The control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 receives a processing instruction such as a copy instruction via the operation unit 13. In addition, when the modem unit 151 and the communication unit 132 receive image data, the control unit 11 simultaneously receives a processing instruction such as an image data output instruction. In this way, the operation unit 13, the modem unit 151, and the communication unit 132 function as a reception unit according to the present invention.

  The image data and processing instructions received by the image processing apparatus 1 are stored in the storage unit 19 in the order received. The control unit 11 performs the processing of the image data in accordance with the processing instructions stored in the storage unit 19 in the order stored in the storage unit 19. In addition, the control unit 11 performs a plurality of types of processes in parallel depending on the content of the image data processing, such as a combination of a process of outputting an image and a process of transmitting image data from the modem unit 151 by facsimile communication. You can also.

  The control unit 11 generates status information indicating the processing status of the image data including the history of the completed processing and the execution schedule of the processing. The management unit 17 stores the status information generated by the control unit 11. Further, the control unit 11 can display the status information stored in the management unit 17 on the touch panel 131 of the operation unit 13. The user can check the processing status of the image data by looking at the contents of the status information displayed on the touch panel 131.

  Various functions of the image processing apparatus 1 as described above are controlled by the control unit 11 in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 18.

  By the way, the image processing apparatus 1 of the present invention is configured such that the control unit 11 can perform processing in accordance with a security program for improving the security of the image processing apparatus 1 in addition to the control program described above. Specifically, the ROM 18 stores a security program together with the control program so that the security program can be switched between a valid state and an invalid state. When the operation unit 13 receives an instruction to enable the security program, the control unit 11 switches to an operation in accordance with the security program and the operation of the protection unit of the present invention is in an effective state. Further, the image processing apparatus 1 is configured so that the ROM 18 storing the control program is detachable, and the ROM 18 is exchanged, and the ROM 18 storing the security program in addition to the control program is mounted, thereby providing security. There may be a form in which the operation of the control unit 11 according to the program becomes effective and the operation of the protection means of the present invention becomes effective. Further, the image processing apparatus 1 is configured so that other ROMs that store security programs can be mounted in addition to the ROM 18 that stores control programs, and further ROMs that store security programs are mounted. Accordingly, the operation of the control unit 11 according to the security program may be effective.

  When the security program is invalid, the management unit 17 stores management information indicating that the operation of the security program is invalid. When the security program is valid, the control unit 11 causes the management unit 18 to store management information indicating that the operation according to the security program is valid.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed when the image processing apparatus 1 of the present invention is activated. The control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 performs the following processing according to the control program stored in the ROM 18. After the image processing apparatus 1 is turned on (S101), the control unit 11 checks various devices and programs in the image processing apparatus 1 (S102). The control unit 11 determines whether or not an abnormality is confirmed by an internal check (S103). If any abnormality is confirmed (S103: YES), error information is displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 13. (S104), the activation process is stopped.

  If no abnormality is confirmed by the internal check in step S103 (S103: NO), the control unit 11 starts warming up the image processing apparatus 1 (S105). The control unit 11 monitors the detection of an error such that each internal device does not start up normally during warm-up (S106). If an error is detected (S106: YES), the touch panel 21 of the operation unit 13 is detected. The error information is displayed (S107), and the activation process is stopped. If no error is detected (S106: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the warm-up has been completed (S108). If the warm-up has not been completed (S108: NO), the process is stepped. Returning to S106, the process of monitoring the detection of the error is continued.

  When the warm-up is completed without detecting an error (S108: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether the operation of the control unit 11 according to the security program is in a valid state (S109). At this time, if the image processing apparatus 1 has a configuration in which the security program stored in the ROM 18 can be switched between valid and invalid, the control unit 11 checks whether or not the security program is set to be valid. When the image processing apparatus 1 is configured to enable the operation of the security program by installing a ROM that stores the security program, the control unit 11 is mounted with the ROM 18 that stores the security program. Check whether there is any. When the operation of the control unit 11 according to the security program is valid (S109: YES), the control unit 11 records information indicating that the security program is valid in the management information stored in the management unit 17 (S110).

  Next, the control unit 11 determines whether image data is set to be erased at the time of activation (S112). When it is set to delete the image data (S112: YES), the control unit 11 deletes the image data stored in the storage unit 19 (S113). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the erasure of the image data to be erased has been completed (S114). If the erasure has not been completed (S114: NO), the process returns to step S113 to return the image. Continue erasing data. When it is not set to delete the image data at the start in step S112 (S112: NO), or when the deletion of the image data is completed in step S114 (S114: YES), the control unit 11 Then, waiting for reception of the processing instruction is started (S115), and the processing at the time of starting is ended. The setting for erasing image data at the time of activation can be set by the operation unit 13 receiving an operation by the user.

  If the operation of the control unit 11 according to the security program is not valid in step S109 (S109: NO), the control unit 11 stores information indicating that the security program is invalid in the management unit 17 (S111). Next, the control unit 11 starts waiting for reception of a processing instruction (S115), and ends the processing at the time of activation.

  The control unit 11 operates as protection means according to the present invention in accordance with the security program stored in the ROM 18. Specifically, the control unit 11 encrypts image data stored in the storage unit 19. As a result, the image data can be protected from being taken out of the image processing apparatus 1 and illegally used. Further, the control unit 11 performs a process of invalidating the image data by erasing the image data stored in the storage unit 19 as necessary or by overwriting other data on the image data. Furthermore, even if the image data is erased, the image data may be restored due to the magnetism remaining in the storage unit 19, so when erasing the image data, random data is overwritten a predetermined number of times. It is also possible to perform erasing multiple times.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing image data protection processing performed by the image processing apparatus 1 of the present invention when the operation according to the security program is valid. In FIG. 4, the flow of image data is indicated by thick arrows. In the image processing apparatus 1, image data is received by the image reading unit 12, the modem unit 151, or the communication unit 152. The control unit 11 sequentially encrypts the received image data, stores the encrypted image data in the image memory 14 in units of pages, and stores the encrypted image data in the storage unit 19. When performing processing to output an image, the control unit 11 reads the image data stored in the storage unit 19 into the image memory 14, decodes the read image data, and transmits the decoded image data to the image forming unit 16. An image is formed and output. When performing processing for transmitting image data, the control unit 11 causes the modem unit 151 or the communication unit 152 to transmit the decoded image data. After the processing of the image data is completed, the control unit 11 erases the image data stored in the storage unit 19.

  Further, in the present invention, when the security program is valid, the control unit 11 displays the status information stored in the management unit 17 on the touch panel 131 of the operation unit 13 according to the control program and the security program. Performs processing to limit the display contents of status information. Thus, the control unit 11 functions as a limiting unit according to the present invention.

  FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure in which the image processing apparatus 1 of the present invention outputs status information indicating the processing status of image data. The control unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 performs the following process according to the control program stored in the ROM 18 and further according to the security program when the security program is valid.

  The control unit 11 monitors reception of an instruction to display status information when the user presses the job status key 132 of the operation unit 13 (S201). When the display instruction for the status information is not received (S201: NO), the control unit 11 continues monitoring the reception of the display instruction for the status information. When the display instruction of the status information is received (S201: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether or not information indicating that the security program is valid is recorded in the management information stored in the management unit 17. Determine (S202). When information indicating that the security program is valid is recorded (S202: YES), the control unit 11 uses the operation unit 13 to store the status information stored in the management unit 17 while limiting the display content. It is displayed on the touch panel 131 (S203).

  7 and 8 are schematic views showing examples of display screens on which the touch panel 131 displays status information while restricting display contents. The touch panel 131 displays a print job key 51, an E-MAIL job key 52, a FAX transmission job key 53, and a FAX reception job key 54 for selecting processing contents of image data. In the standard state, the print job key 51 is selected, and the touch panel 131 displays information indicating the processing status of image output as shown in FIG. For each processing instruction received from the information processing apparatus 2, the processing time, the size of the output image, and the number of pages are displayed. In addition, a progress status is displayed indicating whether the output process is complete, whether the output process is being executed, or whether the output process is waiting in an unprocessed state. Further, the user name indicating from which information processing apparatus 2 the processing instruction is received is hidden and cannot be viewed by the user. Further, the touch panel 131 displays an arrow key 55 for scrolling display contents. When the status information cannot be displayed at a time because the number of processing instructions received by the image processing apparatus 1 is large, the user can press the arrow key to scroll the display contents and to display the status information related to each processing instruction. Are displayed in order.

  Next, the control unit 11 causes the image data when the user touches any one of the print job key 51, the E-MAIL job key 52, the FAX transmission job key 53, or the FAX reception job key 54 on the touch panel 131. The reception of the selection of the processing content is monitored (S204). When the selection of the processing content of the image data is received (S204: YES), the control unit 11 returns the processing to step S203, and displays the status information related to the processing content that has received the selection while limiting the display content. (S203).

  For example, when the user touches the E-MAIL job key 52, the touch panel 131 displays status information related to processing in which an e-mail attached with image data is transmitted from the communication unit 152 to another facsimile apparatus 4 (FIG. Display as shown in b). The transmission destination (transmission destination information) indicating to which facsimile apparatus 4 the electronic mail is transmitted is hidden and cannot be viewed by the user.

  When the user touches the FAX transmission job key 53, the touch panel 131 displays status information relating to processing for transmitting image data from the modem unit 151 to another facsimile apparatus 3 via the public line network N2 by facsimile communication. Displayed as shown in FIG. The transmission destination (transmission destination information) indicating to which facsimile apparatus 3 the image data is transmitted is hidden and cannot be viewed by the user.

  When the user touches the FAX reception job key 54, the touch panel 131 causes the modem unit 151 to receive the image data transmitted from the other facsimile apparatus 3 by facsimile communication, and the image forming unit 16 uses the received image data. The status information related to the process of forming and outputting the image is displayed as shown in FIG. The transmission source (transmission source information) indicating from which facsimile apparatus 3 the image data is received is hidden and cannot be viewed by the user.

  When the selection of the processing content of the image data is not accepted in step S204 (S204: NO), the control unit 11 releases the restriction by the user touching the display of the status information currently displayed on the touch panel 131. The reception of the instruction is monitored (S205). Note that the touch panel 131 may further display a key for receiving a restriction release instruction, and a process of monitoring reception of the restriction release instruction when the user touches the key may be performed.

  When the restriction release instruction is not accepted (S205: NO), the control unit 11 accepts the completion instruction when the user touches the completion key 56 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 displayed on the touch panel 131. Is monitored (S206). When the completion instruction is not accepted (S206: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S204. When the completion instruction is received (S206: YES), the control unit 11 deletes the display content of the touch panel 131 and ends the process.

  When an instruction to release the restriction is received in step S205 (S205: YES), the control unit 11 displays an input instruction of a password for releasing the restriction on the touch panel 131 (S207). This password is identification information according to the present invention. The management unit 17 stores a valid password and functions as identification information storage means according to the present invention.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a password input instruction displayed on the touch panel 131. A message prompting the input of a password is displayed, and a cancel key 57 for canceling the input of the password is displayed. FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen when the print job key 51 is selected, but when any of the E-MAIL job key 52, the FAX transmission job key 53, or the FAX reception job key 54 is selected. However, a message prompting you to enter the password is displayed in the same way. The numeric keypad 133 of the operation unit 13 functions as identification information receiving means according to the present invention.

  Next, the control unit 11 monitors the reception of the password input by the user operating the numeric keypad 133 (S208). When the password input is not received (S208: NO), the control unit 11 monitors the cancellation received when the user touches the cancel key 57 (S209). If the cancel is accepted (S209: YES), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S205. If the cancel is not accepted (S209: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S208 to accept the password input. Continue monitoring.

  When a password is accepted in step S208 (S208: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the accepted password matches a valid password stored in the management unit 17 (S210). If the password does not match the valid password (S210: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S207. When the password matches the valid password (S210: YES), the control unit 11 releases the restriction on the display content and displays the status information on the touch panel 131 (S211).

  10 and 11 are schematic diagrams illustrating display screen examples in which the touch panel 131 displays the status information without limiting the display content. FIG. 10A shows a display screen when the print job key 51 is selected, and displays a user name indicating the information processing apparatus 2 that has transmitted the image output instruction. FIG. 10B is a display screen when the E-MAIL job key 52 is selected, and an e-mail address of an e-mail attached with image data is displayed as a transmission destination. FIG. 11C shows a display screen when the FAX transmission job key 53 is selected. The facsimile telephone number of the destination facsimile apparatus 3 that has transmitted the image data by facsimile communication is displayed as the transmission destination. . FIG. 11D shows a display screen when the FAX reception job key 54 is selected. The facsimile telephone number of the facsimile apparatus 3 that is the transmission source of the image data received by facsimile communication is displayed as the transmission source. .

  Next, the control unit 11 causes the image data when the user touches any one of the print job key 51, the E-MAIL job key 52, the FAX transmission job key 53, or the FAX reception job key 54 on the touch panel 131. The reception of selection of the processing content is monitored (S212). When the selection of the processing content of the image data is received (S212: YES), the control unit 11 returns the processing to step S203. When the selection of the processing content of the image data is not received (S212: NO), the control unit 11 monitors the reception of the completion instruction when the user touches the completion key 56 displayed on the touch panel 131 ( S213). When the completion instruction is not accepted (S213: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S212. When the completion instruction is accepted (S213: YES), the control unit 11 deletes the display content of the touch panel 131 and ends the process.

  When information indicating that the security program is valid is not recorded in the management information stored in the management unit 17 in step S202 (S202: NO), the control unit 11 does not limit the display content. Then, the status information stored in the management unit 17 is displayed on the touch panel 131 of the operation unit 13 as shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11 (S214). Next, the control unit 11 monitors the selection of the processing content of the image data (S215). If the selection of the processing content of the image data is received (S215: YES), the control unit 11 returns the processing to step S214 and displays it. Without limiting the content, the touch panel 131 displays status information related to the processing content for which the selection has been accepted. When the selection of the processing content of the image data has not been accepted (S215: NO), the control unit 11 monitors the acceptance of the completion instruction when the user touches the completion key 56 displayed on the touch panel 131. (S216). When the completion instruction is not accepted (S216: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S215. When the completion instruction is received (S216: YES), the control unit 11 deletes the display content of the touch panel 131 and ends the process.

  As described above in detail, in the present invention, the image processing apparatus 1 stores the status information indicating the status such as whether the processing of the image data according to the received processing instruction has already been performed or not processed, The stored status information can be displayed. When the status information is displayed, the display content is limited so that a part of the display is not displayed. Since the situation information stored in the image processing apparatus 1 may include confidential information, the image processing apparatus 1 of the present invention restricts the display of confidential information included in the situation information, thereby preventing an unspecified number of people. Confidential information can be prevented from being known. In particular, in the case of the image processing apparatus 1 that performs processing for transmitting / receiving image data to / from an external customer by facsimile communication or the like, transmission at the time of receiving image data and transmission destination information and image data. The original information is likely to be customer information. Therefore, in such a case, it is possible to prevent important customer information from being viewed by an unspecified number of people by prohibiting the display of the information indicating the transmission destination and the information indicating the transmission source. In the present invention, since the image data itself can be protected by encryption and invalidation, the security of the image processing apparatus 1 is improved.

  Further, in the present invention, the image processing apparatus 1 accepts identification information, and when legitimate identification information is accepted, the restriction on the display contents of the situation information is released. Accordingly, since a user having a legitimate authority can confirm the contents of the situation information without limitation, it is possible to use the confidential information included in the situation information while protecting it from an unspecified number of people.

  In the present embodiment, a mode is shown in which the restriction on the display contents of the status information is canceled all at once by inputting a password. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A form may be adopted in which a password input is individually received for the processing instruction, and the processing for canceling the restriction on the display content is individually performed. Moreover, although only the form which uses a password as identification information which concerns on this invention was shown, it is not restricted to this, The form which utilizes other types of identification information, such as a user's fingerprint or ID information memorize | stored in IC card It may be.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 performs the image data encryption process and the invalidation process according to the security program. However, only one of the image data encryption or invalidation is shown. The form which performs is also possible.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 functions as a protection unit according to the present invention in accordance with the security program stored in the ROM 18. However, the processing for invalidating the image data or the encryption of the image data is shown. The form provided with the hardware for exclusive use which performs the process to perform as a protection means which concerns on this invention may be sufficient.

  In the present embodiment, a form for deciding whether to restrict the display contents of the status information according to whether the security program is valid or invalid is designated. However, the security program is valid or invalid. Regardless of whether or not there is a form in which the process of limiting the situation information is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present invention is a multi-function machine having a plurality of functions such as a facsimile apparatus, a copying apparatus, and a printer apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be a device having a single function such as a facsimile device, a copying device, and a printer device.

2 is a functional block diagram showing an internal functional configuration of the image processing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the external appearance of an operation part. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed when the image processing apparatus of the present invention is activated. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing image data protection processing performed by the image processing apparatus of the present invention when an operation according to a security program is valid. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process in which the image processing apparatus of this invention outputs the status information which shows the processing status of image data. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process in which the image processing apparatus of this invention outputs the status information which shows the processing status of image data. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display screen which displayed the status information on the touch panel, restrict | limiting the display content. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display screen which displayed the status information on the touch panel, restrict | limiting the display content. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a screen of the input instruction of the password which a touchscreen displays. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display screen on which the touch panel displayed the status information, without restrict | limiting display content. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display screen on which the touch panel displayed the status information, without restrict | limiting display content.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image processing device (data processing device)
11 Control Unit 13 Operation Unit 131 Touch Panel 17 Management Unit 18 ROM
2 Information processing equipment 3, 4 Facsimile equipment N1 Communication network N2 Public line network

Claims (10)

Receiving means for receiving data processing instructions;
Processing means for processing data in accordance with the processing instructions received by the receiving means;
Means for storing status information indicating a data processing status by the processing means according to the processing instruction;
In a data processing apparatus comprising: output means for outputting the status information stored in the means;
A data processing apparatus comprising: a restricting unit that restricts an output content of the status information output by the output unit. Accepting means for accepting image data processing instructions;
Processing means for processing image data in accordance with a processing instruction received by the receiving means;
Means for storing status information indicating a processing status of image data by the processing means according to the processing instruction;
An image processing apparatus comprising: output means for outputting the status information stored in the means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: restriction means for restricting output contents of the status information output by the output means. Accepting means for accepting image data processing instructions;
Processing means for processing image data in accordance with a processing instruction received by the receiving means;
Means for storing status information indicating a processing status of image data by the processing means according to the processing instruction;
Output means for outputting the status information stored in the means;
Protection means for protecting image data processed by the processing means;
In an image processing apparatus comprising: switching means capable of switching the operation of the protection means between valid and invalid,
An image processing apparatus comprising: a restriction unit that restricts an output content of the status information output by the output unit when the operation of the protection unit is valid. Accepting means for accepting image data processing instructions;
Processing means for processing image data in accordance with a processing instruction received by the receiving means;
Means for storing status information indicating a processing status of image data by the processing means according to the processing instruction;
Output means for outputting the status information stored in the means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: means for protecting the image data processed by the processing means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a restriction unit that restricts an output content of the status information output by the output unit when the protection unit is attached and the operation of the protection unit is valid.   5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the protection unit includes a unit that encrypts image data processed by the processing unit and / or a unit that decrypts the encrypted image data. .   The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the protection unit includes a unit that invalidates the image data processed by the processing unit. The status information includes unprocessed information related to a processing instruction received by the receiving unit and not yet processed by the processing unit,
The image according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the restricting unit is configured to restrict an output content of the unprocessed information when the output unit outputs the unprocessed information. Processing equipment. The processing means includes transmission means for transmitting image data to an external device,
The status information includes transmission destination information indicating a transmission destination of image data transmitted by the transmission unit,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the restricting unit is configured to prohibit the output unit from outputting the transmission destination information. A receiving means for receiving image data;
The situation information includes transmission source information indicating a transmission source of the image data received by the receiving unit,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the limiting unit is configured to prohibit the output unit from outputting the transmission source information. Identification information storage means for storing predetermined identification information;
Identification information receiving means for receiving identification information;
Means for determining whether the identification information received by the identification information receiving means matches any of the identification information stored in the identification information storage means;
10. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a unit that cancels the restriction on the output contents of the status information by the restriction unit when it is determined that the identification information matches. 10. Image processing apparatus.

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