JP2005354399A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor capable of adding a function by connecting an external apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: Under waiting state, connection state with a security box is checked by monitoring an USB interface periodically (S33) and a decision is made whether connection state is sustained or not (S34). If a decision is made that connection state is not sustained (S34: NO), it is notified to a manager by email (S35) and the function concerning secret processing and transmission processing is invalidated (S36). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of connecting an external device and adding functions.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system for sharing an image forming apparatus from a plurality of information processing apparatuses by connecting an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer and an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a multifunction machine on a communication network has been proposed. Etc. have been introduced. In addition to speeding up the image forming apparatus itself, an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) is installed in the image forming apparatus to accept a plurality of jobs without stagnation. This is also because the processing capability to form an image has been installed in the computer. Further, since the image forming apparatus is shared by many people, security of data handled by the image forming apparatus is beginning to be regarded as important.

  Thus, a system for encrypting print data transmitted between an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus on a communication network has been proposed. Further, a so-called hold print function for temporarily stopping a print job received by the image forming apparatus and starting printing by password authentication from a user or the like is installed in the image forming apparatus (for example, Patent Document 1). reference). Further, a function for erasing data stored in the HDD device is installed in the image forming apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

However, there are many cases where an existing image forming apparatus not equipped with a data protection function is connected on the communication network, and when considering the entire system, it is impossible to propose a unified security environment. Has a problem. Therefore, conventionally, a system is constructed by a host computer that controls the printer device and a terminal device connected to the host computer, and when sending print data from the terminal device, the data is transmitted after being encrypted. A system is proposed in which the host computer requests the terminal device to transmit a decryption key at the stage of executing the print processing, and the print data is decrypted with the decryption key transmitted in response to the request, and then the print processing is performed. (See Patent Document 3).
JP-A-7-276744 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-223061 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-178038

  However, in the system described in Patent Document 3, a request for a decryption key is made from the host computer to the terminal device at the stage of executing the printing process, and the terminal device transmits the decryption key in response to the request. Therefore, the traffic increases as compared with the existing system. In particular, when a large number of terminal devices exist on the communication network, there is a problem that the processing may be stagnated.

  Also, in order to construct the system described in Patent Document 3, it is necessary to install software for executing encryption of print data and generation of a decryption key in each terminal device. Has the problem that it takes time and effort.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and includes a connection unit for an external device, detects a connection state with the external device, and stops processing for input image data based on the detection result. Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that can be easily incorporated into an existing system and can ensure the confidentiality of image data without degrading the processing efficiency.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a connection unit for an external device, a detection unit for detecting a connection state between the connection unit and the external device, and the detection unit in an image processing device that executes processing on input image data. And a means for stopping the processing based on the detection result.

  According to the present invention, a means for connecting an external device is provided, and processing for image data is stopped based on the connection state with the external device. Therefore, depending on the connection state with the external device, the data is sent to the outside. Processing such as transmission can be stopped, and data leakage is prevented.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the detection unit detects whether or not the connection unit and the external device are connected, and stops the processing when the connection of the external device is detected. It is characterized by being.

  In the present invention, the presence / absence of connection to an external device is detected, and when the connection of the external device is detected, the processing for image data is stopped, so that the data is transmitted to the outside. Processing can be stopped and data leakage is prevented.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the detection means includes means for determining whether or not the external device connected to the connection means is a predetermined external device, and an external device different from the external device is connected. If it is determined that the process has been performed, the process is stopped.

  In the present invention, it is determined whether or not a predetermined external device is connected, and when an external device different from the predetermined external device is connected, processing for image data is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent data from being illegally taken out by a third party by replacing or duplicating an external device.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes identification information storage means for storing identification information for identifying an external device to be connected, means for requesting transmission of identification information to an external device connected to the connection means, Means for receiving identification information transmitted from the external device in response to the request, and the detecting means is configured to connect the connection based on the received identification information and the identification information stored in the identification information storage means. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the external device connected to the means is a predetermined external device.

  In the present invention, it is determined whether the external device is predetermined based on the identification information attached to the external device. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the device is a predetermined external device based on information unique to the device such as a manufacturing number, a manufacturer name, a model name, user information, and information regarding an installation location.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes means for outputting time information, and periodically detects the connection state between the connection means and the external device based on the time information output by the means. Features.

  According to the present invention, since the connection state of the external device is periodically detected, illegal extraction of data due to replacement of the external device or the like is prevented.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the processing is processing for transmitting received image data to the outside.

  In the present invention, depending on the connection state with the external device, the process of transmitting the received image data to the outside is stopped, so that data leakage is prevented.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes means for notifying that when the processing is stopped.

  In the present invention, when processing for image data is stopped, notification to that effect is made. Therefore, in the case of fraud such as replacement of an external device, notification to surrounding users, An administrator can be notified by e-mail, and data leakage can be prevented.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a means for receiving user information, a means for executing user authentication based on the received user information, and reading of data stored in the storage means when the user is authenticated. The apparatus further comprises means for releasing the stop.

  In the present invention, when the user is authenticated, the suspension of data reading can be canceled, so that only a specific person such as an apparatus administrator can change the connection state, and the external device Leakage of data due to replacement of data is prevented.

  In the case of the present invention, means for connecting an external device is provided, and processing for image data is stopped based on the connection state with the external device, so that data is transmitted to the outside depending on the connection state with the external device. Thus, it is possible to stop the processing, and to prevent data leakage.

  In the case of the present invention, the presence / absence of connection with an external device is detected. When the absence of connection with an external device is detected, the processing for image data is stopped. Can be stopped, and data leakage can be prevented.

  According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not a predetermined external device is connected, and when an external device different from the predetermined external device is connected, the processing for the image data is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent data from being illegally taken out by a third party by replacing or duplicating an external device.

  In the case of the present invention, it is determined whether the external device is predetermined based on the identification information attached to the external device. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the device is a predetermined external device based on device-specific information such as a manufacturing number, a manufacturer name, a model name, user information, and information regarding an installation location.

  According to the present invention, since the connection state of the external device is periodically detected, it is possible to prevent illegal extraction of data due to replacement of the external device or the like.

  According to the present invention, depending on the connection state with the external device, the process of transmitting the received image data to the outside is stopped, so that data leakage can be prevented.

  In the case of the present invention, when the processing on the image data is stopped, the fact is notified. Therefore, when an unauthorized operation such as replacement of an external device is performed, notification and management to surrounding users are performed. It is possible to notify a person or the like by e-mail, and to prevent data leakage.

  According to the present invention, when user authentication is performed, the suspension of data reading can be canceled, so that only a specific person such as a device administrator can change the connection state, and the external device Data leakage associated with replacement or the like can be prevented.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus having a print function, a copy function, and a scanner function will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a communication network N via a security box 200. Information processing apparatuses 300, 300,..., 300 installed with computer programs (driver programs) for using the image forming apparatus 100 are connected to the communication network N. The information processing apparatuses 300, 300,. A print job based on a document, graphics, or the like created in 300 can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 to execute print processing.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is not equipped with a security function such as a hold print function and an encryption function, and an image transmission function for transmitting image data to the external information processing apparatus 300. These functions are configured to be added. That is, the security box 200 includes a data processing unit 206 for encrypting received data, a data storage unit 207 for holding the received data (see FIG. 2), and instructions from the image forming apparatus 100. The stored data can be read out and transmitted to the target device.

  In the present embodiment, in order to maintain the confidentiality of the data stored in the security box 200, the connection state is detected by periodically exchanging each other's unique information, and the connection is interrupted or different security When it is determined that the box is connected, the image forming apparatus 100 is configured to block communication with the security box 200 and stop reading data stored in the data storage unit.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 and the security box 200. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a CPU 101. The CPU 101 reads and executes a control program stored in advance in the ROM 103, thereby controlling various hardware connected via the bus 102, and the present invention as a whole. It functions as an image processing apparatus according to the above.

  The management unit 104 is configured by a rewritable nonvolatile memory, stores information related to the configuration of installed hardware and information related to the internal state of the apparatus, and communicates with each hardware when the power is turned on. To acquire these pieces of information, periodically monitor the status of the hardware in operation, and update the contents of the managed information as needed.

  In addition, a part of the storage area includes an identification number for identifying itself, an identification number for identifying a connection destination device, a password for an administrator, an e-mail address of a notification destination, and information related to processing on / off Is used as a management table that stores. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the management table. In the management table shown in FIG. 3, “AR-xxx”, “SB-ΔΔ” are used as the identification number of itself, the identification number of the connection destination device, the password for the administrator, and the e-mail address of the notification destination. “ΔΔ”, “1234”, and “XX@ΔΔ.ne.jp” are registered. In addition, a flag indicating whether the confidential processing and the transmission processing can be executed is registered in the management table, and these processing can be enabled or disabled according to the connection state between the image forming apparatus 100 and the security box 200. Yes. In the example shown in FIG. 3, both flags are on, indicating that the functions relating to the confidential processing and the transmission processing are enabled.

As the identification number registered in the management table, a manufacturing number, a manufacturer name, a model name, user information, information on an installation location, etc. can be adopted, which is input in advance at the time of manufacturing or installing the device. Unique information is registered. Similarly to the identification number of the image forming apparatus 100, the identification number of the connection destination apparatus is a manufacturing number, a manufacturer name, a model name, user information, information on an installation location, and the like. The security box 200 is connected first. Is set by an administrator or the like. The administrator password and the e-mail address of the notification destination are registered by the administrator using the operation panel 105.
Note that it is desirable that these pieces of information registered in the management table be encrypted and held, and decrypted and used as necessary.

  The operation panel 105 includes an operation unit that receives a user's operation instruction and a display unit 10 that displays information to be notified to the user (see FIG. 4). The operation unit is provided with various operation keys for receiving operation instructions from the user, setting values for each function such as the number of prints, copy density, image data transmission destination, switching operation of each function, output start instruction Accept user's instructions. The display unit includes a liquid crystal display, and displays the operation status of the image forming apparatus 100, various setting values input through the operation unit, information to be notified to the user, and the like.

  The image reading unit 106 includes a light source that irradiates light to a reading document, an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), an AD converter, and the like (not shown), and is set at a predetermined reading position. An image of the original is imaged on the image sensor and converted into an analog electric signal, and the obtained analog electric signal is AD converted by an AD converter. Then, digital image data is generated by correcting the light distribution characteristics of the light source at the time of document reading, sensitivity variations of the image sensor, and the like on the digital signal obtained by AD conversion.

The image forming unit 107 is, for example, a charger that charges the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential, or laser writing that generates an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum by emitting laser light in accordance with image data received from the outside. Device, developer that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum to visualize it, and transfer that transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum onto a sheet such as paper or an OHP film A device or the like (not shown) is provided, and an image desired by a user can be formed on a sheet by electrophotography.
In this embodiment, the image forming unit 107 is configured to perform image formation by an electrophotographic method using a laser writing device, but is configured to perform image formation by an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, and a sublimation method. Of course, it may be.

  The image memory 108 is constituted by a semiconductor memory, and temporarily stores image data generated by reading an image of a document by the image reading unit 106, image data acquired by developing a received print job, and the like. The image data temporarily stored in the image memory 108 is transferred to a transfer destination corresponding to the purpose of use. That is, when image formation is performed on paper, the image data is transferred to the image forming unit 107, when image data is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 300, and when stored as image data, the image data is transferred to the USB interface 109.

  The USB interface 109 is an interface for connecting an external device through a USB bus, a host controller that controls communication with the connected external device, and an SIE (Serial Interface Engine) that executes transmission / reception of data through the USB bus. Etc. In the present embodiment, a security box 200 as an external device is connected, and the image forming apparatus 100 is configured as a host to control communication between the two.

  The security box 200 includes a control unit 201, a ROM 202 connected to the control unit 201, a USB interface 203, a communication interface 204, a management unit 205, a data processing unit 206, a data storage unit 207, an operation unit 208, and a notification unit 209. I have. The control unit 201 reads and executes a control program stored in the ROM 202 to control the entire apparatus.

  The USB interface 203 is an interface for connecting to a host via a USB bus, and includes an SIE that performs transmission and reception of data via the USB bus. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is connected via the USB interface 203.

  The communication interface 204 includes an interface compliant with the communication standard of the communication network N, and receives print jobs from the information processing apparatuses 300, 300,... Information to be notified to the processing device 300 is transmitted. When the image forming apparatus 100 is used as a so-called network scanner, the image data from the image forming apparatus 100 is transmitted to a desired information processing apparatus 300 through the communication interface 204. The communication interface 204 transmits and receives such various data.

  The management unit 205 is configured by a semiconductor memory, stores information related to the configuration of installed hardware, and information related to the internal state of the apparatus, and communicates with each hardware when power is turned on. It is configured to acquire information and to periodically update the contents of information managed by periodically monitoring the status of operating hardware.

  The data processing unit 206 has a function of performing predetermined processing on data transmitted and received through the USB interface 203 or the communication interface 204. Processing executed by the data processing unit 206 includes processing for developing image data from a print job received via the communication interface 204, processing for encrypting image data to be stored in the data storage unit 207, and processing for encrypting data from the data storage unit 207. For example, a process of decoding data when it is read out. Therefore, the data processing unit 206 interprets a PDL (Page Description Language) that is a description language of a print job, an encryption circuit that encrypts data using a predetermined algorithm, and decrypts data using a predetermined algorithm. A decoding circuit.

  The data storage unit 207 is configured by a non-volatile memory or HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and a part of the storage area is a storage area for storing image data obtained by developing a received print job. It is used as. When a request from an external device is received via the USB interface 203 or the communication interface 204, the image data stored in the data storage unit 207 is read and sent to the requesting device (the image forming apparatus 100 or the information processing apparatus 300). Send.

  The operation unit 208 includes various operation keys for accepting operations by an administrator. The operation keys provided in the operation unit 208 include a numerical key for accepting an administrator password and the like, a reset key for releasing the communication of the security box 200, and the like.

  The notification unit 209 has a function of notifying the surrounding users when the control unit 201 detects an abnormality such as the communication with the image forming apparatus 100 being cut off. Therefore, the notification unit 209 includes a warning output unit that outputs a warning sound or sound, a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that displays a warning message, a warning light output unit such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a rotating lamp. Etc.

  In the present embodiment, when the security box 200 is connected, the image forming apparatus 100 enables both functions so that the hold print function and the image transmission function can be used from the operation panel 105. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the operation panel 105. The operation panel 105 includes an operation unit including various hardware keys and a display unit 10 including a liquid crystal display device employing a touch panel. The hardware keys provided in the operation unit are function switching keys 11a to 11d for switching among a print function, an image transmission function, a copy function, and a job status display function, a numeric keypad 12 for inputting numerical values, and various setting values input. Is composed of a clear key 13 for clearing, an all cancel key 14 for canceling all input set values, a start key 15 for instructing the start of copying, and the like. Further, a part of the display unit 10 constitutes a touch panel type software key, which displays setting values input through the operation unit, information to be notified to the user, etc., and selection of various setting contents The operation is accepted through the software key.

  5 and 6 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 10 of the operation panel 105. FIG. When the function switching key 11d for displaying the job status is pressed, a screen as shown in FIG. 5A is displayed on the display unit 10, and a job that has been processed and a job that has been held are displayed. The status is displayed. In the screen example shown in FIG. 5A, the job with the job name “P001” and the job with the job name “P002” are completed, and the job with the job name “P003” is held in the security box 200. It shows the state. The display screen shown in FIG. 5A is provided with a software key corresponding to each job, and a held job can be output by pressing the software key.

  In the present embodiment, the hold print function is disabled while the security box 200 is not connected. Therefore, even when the software key associated with the job whose job name is “P003” is pressed, a warning message as shown in FIG. 5B is displayed and data output is prohibited. It is comprised so that a user may be notified. On the other hand, when the security box 200 is connected, it is configured to prompt the input of authentication information (for example, a pin code) necessary for outputting data in order to enable the hold print function (see FIG. 5 (c)).

  Further, in order to invalidate the image transmission function when the security box 200 is not connected, a warning message as shown in FIG. 6A is displayed even when the function switching key 11b is pressed. To inform the user that the transmission function is stopped. On the other hand, when the security box 200 is connected, a screen for prompting input of a destination number such as a facsimile number, an e-mail address, a network address, etc. in order to validate the image transmission function (see FIG. 6B). ) Is displayed and image data transmission is accepted.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. 7 and 8 are flowcharts for explaining the procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus 100 when the power is turned on. When the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on (step S11), the CPU 101 monitors the USB interface 109 to determine whether or not the connection of the security box 200 is detected (step S12). If the connection of the security box 200 is not detected (S12: NO), the function relating to the confidential processing and the transmission processing is disabled by setting a flag in the management table (step S13), and the job input from the outside (Step S14).

  If it is determined that the connection of the security box 200 has been detected (S12: YES), the security box 200 is requested to transmit an identification number (step S15). Then, the CPU 101 sets a timer (not shown) (step S16), and determines whether or not the identification number from the security box 200 has been received (step S17). If it is determined that the identification number from the security box 200 has not been received (S17: NO), it is determined whether a timeout has occurred with reference to the output of the timer (step S18). If it is determined that the timeout has not occurred (S18: NO), the process returns to step S17. If a timeout occurs without receiving the identification number (S18: YES), error processing is executed (step S19), and the processing according to this flowchart is terminated.

  If it is determined that the identification number has been received (S17: YES), it is determined whether there is a connection destination identification number already stored in the management table in the management unit 104 (step S20). When it is determined that there is no connection destination identification number already stored (S20: NO), that is, when it is determined that the security box 200 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 for the first time, the identification number is set by the administrator or the like. Accept (step S21). The identification number received and input by the operation of the administrator using the operation panel 105 of the image forming apparatus 100 is registered in the management table in the management unit 104. Then, after enabling the functions relating to the confidential processing and the transmission processing (step S22), the USB interface 109 is shifted to a standby state for waiting for data (step S23).

  If it is determined in step S20 that there is a connection destination identification number already stored in the management table in the management unit 104 (S20: YES), the received identification number is stored in the management table in the management unit 104. It compares with the identification number currently made (step S24), and it is judged whether both identification numbers correspond (step S25). When it is determined that the two identification numbers match (S25: YES), the functions related to the confidential processing and the transmission processing are enabled (step S26), and the USB interface 109 is shifted to a standby state for waiting for data (step S27). ).

  If it is determined that the received identification number does not match the identification number stored in the management table (S25: NO), a warning message is displayed through the operation panel 105 and an e-mail addressed to the administrator is created. Then, the administrator is notified by transmitting the created electronic mail through the USB interface 109 (step S28), and the functions related to the confidential processing and the transmission processing are invalidated (step S29). Next, the image forming apparatus 100 requests a release operation for returning the connection state with the security box 200 to normal, and determines whether or not the release is performed by an operation by the administrator (step S30). If it is determined that it has not been released (S30: NO), it waits until it is released, and if it is determined that it has been released (S30: YES), the process returns to step S12.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 in the standby state. First, the CPU 101 resets a timer (not shown) (step S31), and determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S32). If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (S32: YES), the USB interface 109 is checked to check the connection state with the security box 200 (step S33). Next, it is determined whether or not the connection state is maintained (step S34). If it is determined that the connection state is maintained (S34: YES), the process returns to step S31.

  When it is determined that the connection state is not held (S34: NO), a warning message is displayed on the operation panel 105, an e-mail addressed to the administrator is created, and the created e-mail is transmitted through the USB interface 109. This notifies the administrator (step S35). Then, the functions relating to the confidential process and the transmission process are invalidated (step S36). After disabling the functions related to the confidential processing and the transmission processing, when the administrator requests a cancel operation and accepts the cancel operation, the image forming apparatus 100 is processed in the same procedure as the flowchart shown in FIG. And the security box 200 are reconnected.

  If it is determined in step S32 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S32: NO), it is determined whether a processing request has been received through the operation panel 105 and the USB interface 109 (step S37). If it is determined that the processing request has been accepted (S37: YES), the processing is executed based on the request (step S38). Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the process has been completed (step S39). If it is determined that the process has not been completed (S39: NO), the process returns to step S38.

  Further, when it is determined in step S39 that the processing is completed (S39: YES), or when it is determined in step S37 that there is no processing request from the image forming apparatus 100 (S37: NO), it is accompanied by an operation such as turning off the power. It is determined whether or not there is an interrupt process (step S40). If it is determined that there is no interrupt process (S40: NO), the process returns to step S32, and if it is determined that there is an interrupt process (S40: YES), While holding the identification number registered in the management table in the management unit 104 (step S41), the processing by this routine is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the combination of the image forming apparatus 100 and the security box 200 is different, functions related to the confidential processing and transmission processing of the image forming apparatus 100 are limited. Is prevented from being leaked due to replacement, falsification, etc., and copying of the security box 200 itself is prohibited.

  In this embodiment, the communication network N is connected via the security box 200. However, when the image forming apparatus 100 includes a communication interface, the communication network N is used using the communication interface. The structure which connects to may be sufficient. In this case, the security box 200 does not need to include the communication interface 204, and the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 300 is transmitted to the security box 200 via the image forming apparatus 100 and stored in the security box 200. It becomes composition.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an exemplary embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus and a security box. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of a management table. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of an operation panel. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part of an operation panel. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part of an operation panel. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus when power is turned on. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus when power is turned on. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus in a standby state.

Explanation of symbols

100 Image forming apparatus 101 CPU
106 Image Reading Unit 107 Image Forming Unit 109 USB Interface 200 Security Box 201 Control Unit 202 ROM
203 USB interface 204 Communication interface 205 Management unit 206 Data processing unit 207 Data storage unit
208 Operation Unit 209 Notification Unit 300 Information Processing Device N Communication Network

Claims (8)

In an image processing apparatus that executes processing on input image data,
An image processing apparatus comprising: connection means for an external device; detection means for detecting a connection state between the connection means and the external device; and means for stopping the processing based on a detection result of the detection means.   The detection means detects whether or not the connection means and an external device are connected, and stops the processing when detecting the absence of connection of the external device. Item 8. The image processing apparatus according to Item 1.   The detection means includes means for determining whether or not an external device connected to the connection means is a predetermined external device, and when it is determined that an external device different from the external device is connected, the processing is performed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is stopped.   Identification information storage means for storing identification information for identifying an external device to be connected, means for requesting transmission of identification information to an external device connected to the connection means, and from the external device in response to the request Means for receiving the transmitted identification information, and the detecting means preliminarily detects an external device connected to the connection means based on the received identification information and the identification information stored in the identification information storage means. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein it is determined whether or not the external device is a predetermined external device.   A means for outputting time information is provided, and a connection state between the connection means and an external device is periodically detected based on the time information output by the means. 5. The image processing device according to any one of 4.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the process is a process of transmitting received image data to the outside.   The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising means for notifying when the processing is stopped.   Means for receiving user information; means for executing user authentication based on the received user information; and means for canceling the stop of reading of data stored in the storage means when user authentication is performed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus.

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