JP2007166200A - Information processing unit, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method of setting a facsimile number capable of reducing the risk of leakage in information by suppressing the input mistake of the facsimile number suitably when setting the transmission destination of facsimile. <P>SOLUTION: The designation of the facsimile number by a user is received before confirmation input is requested. In the confirmation input, display is controlled so that an inputted facsimile number cannot be viewed. After that, the confirmation input is received. Content, where the confirmation input is made, is displayed so that the user can view it. When the same confirmation input as the designated facsimile number is performed, the facsimile number is decided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that instructs data transmission, and relates to an information processing apparatus that can suppress information leakage due to an input error in a destination, a control method for the information processing apparatus, and a program.

  Conventionally, transmission and reception of data using a facsimile apparatus has been widely performed. For example, in business, order processing is performed by transmitting a slip for ordering products to a product provider using a facsimile machine.

  In recent years, transmission / reception of data by electronic mail has come to be easily performed due to the development of network technology. In addition, products are ordered through a website on the Internet. Regarding transmission / reception of information, it has become mainstream to use electronic mail rather than using a facsimile machine.

  However, in the transmission / reception of information by electronic mail, the electronic mail data remains on the hard disk of the transmission destination computer. For this reason, it is widely known that there is a risk that data is transmitted to an unspecified number of destinations because the computer is infected with a computer virus, and information leakage occurs. Therefore, when communicating highly confidential information such as trade secrets and personal information with the outside, it is still widely performed using a facsimile apparatus in consideration of security.

  Although the security against data leakage of facsimile data transmission is higher than that of e-mail data transmission, it is natural that information leakage occurs if a facsimile is transmitted by mistakenly specifying the other party's number. Will happen. The same applies when the number registered in advance as the destination for facsimile transmission is actually the wrong number, or when the registered number has been changed but neglected. is there.

  In terms of information leakage, data that should not be transmitted (don't transmit) is mixed with data that is transmitted by the facsimile machine, and information is transmitted by transmitting the data. There is also a risk of leakage.

  No matter how sophisticated the system is, it is difficult to completely prevent the above-mentioned human error. Therefore, it is kept as a history of facsimile transmission information (including image data). When information leakage occurs, check which confidential information is leaked to which destination, and check the result. A mechanism that can take measures against information leakage is also necessary.

  From the viewpoint of preventing user input mistakes, for example, a technique for suitably preventing input mistakes by inputting the same contents twice when setting a password for performing user authentication is widely known. In this method, the same data is input a plurality of times, and if they do not match, re-input is performed. Further, as input of a password (including input at the time of updating), techniques as disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are disclosed.

JP 2001-166843 A JP 2005-250530 A

  In the case of conventional password setting or the like, contents input using an input device such as a keyboard are converted into “*” and displayed. Since this is confidential data itself, which is a password, such a method is used. However, this makes it impossible for the user to recognize what data has been input. There is a possibility that data different from the data assumed by the user has been input due to the influence of the keyboard setting or the like. If the user inputs the same wrong content twice, a password is set with the data. If this is applied to the setting of the facsimile number, data is transmitted to an incorrect number, which may cause information leakage. Therefore, it can be said that this method is not suitable for setting a facsimile number.

In addition, if the input content is displayed as it is and the confirmation input is performed in such a way that the user can recognize what data has been input, the confirmation input can be performed while viewing the first input content. , This doesn't make much sense of confirmation. It is also conceivable that confirmation input is made by a method of copying the first input content and pasting it in the confirmation input field. This does not make sense for confirmation.
An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, a control method for the information processing apparatus, and a program that suitably suppress erroneous number setting when specifying a facsimile number. To do.

In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
First input means for receiving input of first data;
Second input means for receiving input of second data which is confirmation data of the first data;
When the first data is being input and the second input means is ready to accept the second data, display control is performed so that the first data cannot be recognized. Display control means;
And determining means for determining input data when the first data matches the second data.

In order to solve the above problems, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes the following configuration. That is,
In the state where the second data is being input, the first input unit is further provided with first invalidating means for invalidating the second data when the data can be received by the first input means. To do.

In order to solve the above problems, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes the following configuration. That is,
A second invalidating unit for invalidating the second data when the first data input is received by the first input unit while the second data is being input; It is characterized by providing.

In order to solve the above problems, a method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
A first input step for receiving input of first data;
A second input step for accepting input of second data which is confirmation data of the first data;
In the state where the first data is input, when the second data can be received by the second input step, display control is performed so that the first data cannot be recognized. A display control process to be performed;
A determination step of determining input data when the first data and the second data match.

In order to solve the above problems, a program according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
A program code of a first input process for receiving input of first data;
A second input process program code for accepting input of second data which is confirmation data of the first data;
In the state where the first data is input, when the second data can be received by the second input step, display control is performed so that the first data cannot be recognized. Display control process program code to be performed;
And a confirmation process program code for confirming input data when the first data matches the second data.

  According to the present invention, when data transmission is performed, when a destination to be a data transmission destination is designated by a user input instruction, an input error is suppressed by causing the same content to be input a plurality of times. It becomes possible. As a result, when transmitting highly confidential data, it is possible to reduce the risk of the data being leaked to the outside due to a mistake in specifying the destination.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a data error transmission suppression system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Reference numerals 101-1 and 101-2 denote information processing apparatuses, which are computers used by users who instruct the MFP 102 to perform FAX transmission. Reference numeral 102 denotes a multifunction peripheral (FAX apparatus) (hereinafter simply referred to as “multifunction peripheral”), which includes a facsimile function, a copy function, a scanner function, a printer function, a file transmission function, and the like. An information management server 103 has a function of storing and managing FAX data transmitted from the MFP 102 so that it can be searched for using the FAX transmission destination name, transmission destination FAX number, FAX transmission instruction user, and the like as keys. Yes. When it is desired to centrally manage FAX transmission log data, the data is stored in the information management server 103.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes a LAN (Local Area Network) to which the apparatus is connected, and the apparatus performs mutual communication of information via the LAN 104. Reference numeral 105 denotes a FAX line, and the MFP 102 and the FAX apparatus 106 transmit and receive FAX data via the FAX line 105. Reference numeral 106 denotes an external FAX apparatus that receives FAX data transmitted from the multifunction peripheral 102.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration diagram of the information processing apparatuses 101-1 and 101-2.

  Reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU which controls the entire computer using programs and data stored in the RAM 202 and the ROM 203, and each of the information processing apparatuses 101-1 and 101-2 to which the present computer is applied will be described later. Execute the process.

  A RAM 202 has an area for temporarily storing programs and data loaded from an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 204 and a work area used by the CPU 201 to perform various processes. A ROM 203 stores a computer boot program, BIOS, and the like.

  Reference numeral 204 denotes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which is a large-capacity recording program, data, and the like for causing the CPU 201 to execute various processes described later performed by an OS (Operating System) and an information processing apparatus to which the present computer is applied. It is a storage device. These programs and data are read into the RAM 202 and executed under the control of the CPU 201 as necessary.

  Reference numeral 205 denotes a recording medium drive, which records data recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R / RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R / RW, DVD-RAM, etc. based on an instruction from the CPU 201. The data is output to the RAM 202 and the HDD 204. A part of the information held in the HDD 204 may be stored in this recording medium.

  An input / output unit 206 includes a touch panel, for example, and can display the processing result of the CPU 201 as an image or text. In addition, it is possible to display a controller for giving an input instruction for operating the information processing apparatus 101-1 to the CPU 201. Various instructions can be input to the CPU 201 by the user using the information processing apparatus 101-1 operating the controller.

  In addition to this, the input / output unit is configured by configuring the input unit with a keyboard or pointing device as an input device, the output unit with a display device such as a CRT or liquid crystal as a display device, and connecting them to a computer, Of course, this function can be realized.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 101-1 includes an input / output unit of a touch panel device. The information processing apparatus 101-2 includes an input / output unit including a pointing device or keyboard as an input unit and a display device such as a CRT or liquid crystal as an output unit (display unit).

  Reference numeral 207 denotes an external device connection I / F (interface), which is a port for connecting peripheral devices to the information processing apparatuses 101-1 and 101-2. The information processing apparatuses 101-1 and 101-2 transmit / receive data to / from the peripheral devices via the external device connection I / F 207. The external device connection I / F 207 is configured by USB, IEEE1394, or the like, and usually has a plurality of external device connection I / Fs. The connection form with the peripheral device may be wired or wireless.

  The information processing apparatuses 101-1 and 101-2 may be connected to the multifunction peripheral 102 via the external device connection I / F.

  Reference numeral 208 denotes a network I / F (interface) for connecting the information processing apparatuses 101-1 and 101-2 to the LAN 104. The information processing apparatuses 101-1 and 101-2 are connected to the network I / F. Data communication with other apparatuses connected to the LAN 104 is performed via F208.

  A bus 209 connects the above-described units.

  FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the MFP 102 according to the present embodiment.

  A controller unit 316 is a scanner 314 that is an example of an image input device that reads and inputs data printed on paper, and a printer 312 that is an example of an image output device that prints and outputs data on paper. On the other hand, by connecting to the LAN 104 or the FAX network 105, input / output of image information and device information is performed.

  Reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU which controls the entire multifunction peripheral using programs and data stored in the RAM 302 and ROM 303 and executes each process described later performed by the multifunction peripheral 102.

  A RAM 302 is a system work memory for the CPU 301 to operate, and is also a program memory for storing a program and an image memory for temporarily storing image data. A ROM 303 stores a system boot program.

  Reference numeral 304 denotes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which records programs for causing the CPU 301 to execute various processes described later, various data, and the like. These are read into the RAM 302 and executed under the control of the CPU 301 as necessary.

  A network I / F (interface) 305 is connected to the LAN 104 and inputs / outputs information. A modem 306 is connected to the FAX network 105 and inputs / outputs information.

  An operation unit I / F (interface) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 308, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 308 to the operation unit 308. Also, it serves to convey information input by the user of the system from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 201. The operation unit 308 is configured by, for example, a touch panel or a numeric keypad.

  The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309 as shown in FIG.

  An image bus I / F (interface) 310 connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed, and functions as a bus bridge that converts the data structure.

  Reference numeral 315 denotes an image bus, which includes a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 317 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. Reference numeral 311 denotes a printer I / F (interface), which connects a printer 312 as an example of an image output device and a controller unit 316. Reference numeral 313 denotes a scanner I / F 313 (interface), which connects a scanner 314 which is an example of an image input device and a controller unit 316. The printer I / F 311 and the scanner I / F 313 perform synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  In this embodiment, in response to an instruction input based on an input / output unit operation by a user operating the information processing apparatus 101-1, the multifunction peripheral 102 performs a document reading process, and based on the read document data. Create image data. Then, a FAX transmission process for transmitting the image data to a FAX number designated based on an instruction of a user who operates the information processing terminal 101-1 is performed. This processing is performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 and the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 102.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a FAX transmission process (first embodiment) according to the present invention.

  First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 determines whether or not there is a FAX operation instruction based on an input instruction from the input / output unit 206 by a user operating the information processing apparatus 101-1 (step S401). Specifically, the determination is made based on whether the FAX transmission button 1102 in FIG. 11 is instructed by the operation of the user input / output unit 206.

  FIG. 11 is an example of an operation type selection screen displayed on the input / output unit 206 of the information processing apparatus 101-1. This screen is set as a basic operation screen of the information processing apparatus 101-2.

  In the operation type selection screen 1100 shown in FIG. 11, a copy button 1101, a FAX transmission button 1102, and a file transmission button 1103 are set.

  When the copy button 1101 is instructed, the MFP 102 reads the document set on the document table or feeder of the MFP 102 from the scanner 314, and prints the image data created based on the read document. The copy processing output from 312 is performed.

  When the FAX transmission button 1102 is instructed, the MFP 102 reads the document set on the document table or feeder of the MFP with the scanner 314 and designates the created image data via the modem 306. A FAX transmission process for transmitting the received FAX number is performed.

  When the file transmission button 1103 is instructed, the MFP 102 reads the document set on the document table or feeder of the MFP with the scanner 314, and reads a file in a predetermined format (for example, JPEG format or PDF format). File transmission process is performed to transmit the file to the designated information processing apparatus 101 via the network I / F 305.

  Returning to the description of FIG. If the CPU 201 determines that a FAX operation instruction has been given in the determination processing in step S401 (YES in step S401), the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 performs a document reading start command (document scanning start) for performing FAX transmission. Command) is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 102 (step S402).

  In the multi-function peripheral 102, the CPU 301 receives a document scan start command from the information processing apparatus 101-1 (step S421), and then confirms whether the document to be faxed is set on the document table or feeder (step S422). .

  If the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 102 determines that no document is set (NO in step S422), an error notification to that effect is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 101-1 (step S423).

  After receiving the error notification (step S403), the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 outputs the error content to the input / output unit 206 (step S404). Then, it returns to step S401.

  If the CPU 301 of the MFP 102 determines in the process of step S422 that a document is set (YES in step S422), the document reading process (scan process) is executed to generate an image image (document scan data). Create (step S424). Thereafter, the document scan data obtained by the process of step S424 is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 101-1 (step S425).

  The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 receives the document scan data from the multifunction machine 102 (step S 405), and then temporarily stores the data as FAX transmission data in the RAM 202 or the HDD 204 (step S 406).

  Thereafter, user authentication is performed (step S407). Any method for user authentication may be used. For example, the user authentication screen 1200 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the input / output unit 206, and input processing via the input / output unit 206 of the user who operates the information processing apparatus 101-1 is accepted. Then, user authentication is performed based on the input data (user name, password).

  FIG. 12 is an example of a user authentication screen displayed on the input / output unit 206 of the information processing apparatus 101-1. In the user authentication screen 1200 shown in FIG. 12, a user name display edit box 1201, a password display edit box 1203, keyboard screen display buttons 1202 and 1204, an enter button 1205, and a cancel button 1206 are set.

  Since the information processing apparatus 101-1 is not connected to a keyboard as an input device, when performing input to the user name display edit box 1201 and the password display edit box 1203, the user performs keyboard screen display buttons 1202 and 1204. To display the keyboard screen 1600 (FIG. 16) on the input / output unit 206 to instruct the CPU 201 to input information to the CPU 201.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the keyboard screen 1600. In the keyboard screen 1600 shown in FIG. 16, an input content display edit box 1601, a keyboard button 1602, a decision button 1603, and a cancel button 1604 are set.

  Data input in accordance with an instruction of the keyboard button 1602 by the user is displayed in the input content display edit box 1601. The input content is confirmed by detecting the CPU 201 that the determination button 1603 is instructed, and the input content is canceled by detecting the CPU 201 that the cancel button 1604 is instructed.

  Returning to the description of FIG. When the keyboard screen display button 1202 is instructed by the user and the keyboard screen 1600 is performed, the data input and confirmed on the keyboard screen 1600 is specified in the user name display edit box 1201, and the keyboard screen display button 1204 is instructed by the user. When the keyboard screen 1600 is displayed, data that has been designated and entered on the keyboard screen 1600 is displayed in the password display edit box 1203. When the input content is displayed in the password display edit box 1203, the input data may be converted into “*” and displayed instead of the input data itself.

  The user authentication is not limited to the above example, and an IC card reader is connected to the external device connection I / F 207 of the information processing apparatus 101-1, and data is read from a recording medium such as an IC card in which user information is recorded. Even if user authentication is performed by inputting to the CPU 201, a scanner device that can read fingerprint information and vein information is connected to the external device connection I / F 207, and user biometric information is input to the CPU 201 to perform user authentication. Of course, it does not matter.

  Returning to the description of FIG. As a result of performing user authentication based on the content input to the user authentication screen 1200 as described above, if it is determined that user authentication has not been performed normally (NO in step S407), the CPU 201 causes the input / output unit 206 to An error message to that effect is displayed (step S404), and the process returns to step S401.

  If it is determined that the user authentication has been performed normally (YES in step S407), the FAX number input process is continued (step S408). Details will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing detailed processing of the FAX number input processing in step S408 of FIG. This process is performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing terminal 101-1.

  The purpose of this process is to suppress input mistakes when a user specifies a FAX number by inputting the same number a plurality of times and confirming the input for the first time when they match.

  First, the CPU 201 selects whether to perform a FAX transmission destination setting by selecting a registered destination or a FAX transmission destination setting by directly inputting a FAX number in accordance with an operation instruction via the input / output unit 206 of the user ( Step S801). This is determined depending on whether the registered destination selection button 1301 on the FAX number setting method selection screen 1300 in FIG. 13 is selected or the FAX number input button 1302 is selected.

  FIG. 13 is a FAX number setting method selection screen displayed on the input / output unit 206 of the information processing apparatus 101-1. In the FAX number setting method selection screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13, a registered destination selection button 1301, a FAX number input button 1302, and a cancel button 1303 are set.

  When the registered destination selection button 1301 button is selected, a registered destination selection screen 1400 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the input / output unit 206. When the FAX number input button 1302 is selected, a FAX number input screen 1500 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. When the cancel button 1303 is selected, all input instructions on the FAX number setting method selection screen 1300 are discarded, and the process ends.

  Returning to the description of FIG. If the CPU 201 determines YES (registered destination selection) in step S801, the registered destination selection screen 1400 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the input / output unit 206, and an arbitrary destination is selected from the registered destinations. (Step S802).

  FIG. 14 is an example of a registered destination selection screen displayed on the input / output unit 206 of the information processing apparatus 101-1. Note that the same reference numerals are assigned to the controls for giving the same instructions as those on the FAX number setting method selection screen 1300 in FIG.

  The registered destination selection screen 1400 shown in FIG. 14 includes a registered destination selection button 1301, a FAX number input button 1302, a registered destination selection list box 1403, a confirmation input edit box 1404, a keyboard screen display button 1405, a decision button 1406, A cancel button 1407 is set. Also on this screen, it is possible to switch the fax number input mode by selecting either the registered destination selection button 1301 or the fax number input button 1302.

  The registered destination selection list box 1403 displays destination names that are already registered as destination data for FAX transmission in the HDD 204 of the information processing apparatus 101-1. The destination data includes a destination name, a FAX number, a registrant name, a registration date, and the like. This is an example of the data structure, and is not limited to this.

  By the destination name selection process displayed in the user's registered destination selection list box 1403, the FAX number of the destination to be FAX-transmitted is set. By selecting a plurality of destination data in the list box, it is possible to perform broadcast FAX transmission in which the same data is transmitted to a plurality of destinations.

  The confirmation input edit box 1404 is a column for displaying confirmation input of the FAX number of the destination selected in the registered destination selection list box 1403. In order to input data to the confirmation input edit box 1404, the keyboard screen 1600 is displayed according to the instruction of the keyboard screen display button 1405 via the user input / output unit 206, and the user is instructed to input via the keyboard screen 1600. Data is executed by the CPU 201. When a plurality of destinations are selected as destinations for FAX transmission, it is possible to input FAX numbers of a plurality of destinations by using, for example, “;” as a delimiter when performing confirmation input.

  When the enter button 1406 is instructed, the input content on the registered destination selection screen 1400 is confirmed. When the cancel button 1407 is instructed, the input contents on the registered destination selection screen 1400 are discarded.

  Returning to the description of FIG. When the CPU 201 determines NO (FAX number input) in the process of step S802, the FAX number input screen 1500 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed, and the input of the FAX number is accepted according to the user input instruction on the screen. (Step S803), the input content is displayed on the input / output unit 206 (Step S804).

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a FAX number input screen 1500. The FAX number input screen 1500 shown in FIG. 15 includes a registered destination selection button 1301, a FAX number input button 1302, a FAX number edit box 1501, a confirmation input edit box 1503, keyboard screen display buttons 1502 and 1504, an enter button 1505, A cancel button 1506 is set.

  Also on this screen, the fax number input mode can be switched by instructing the registered destination selection button 1301 and the fax number input button 1302.

  The FAX number display edit box 1501 displays the FAX number as the FAX transmission destination, and the confirmation input edit box 1503 displays the data re-input for confirmation with the same FAX number as the destination FAX number. In order to input these edit boxes, the keyboard screen 1600 is displayed by instructing the keyboard screen display buttons 1502 and 1504, respectively. Then, the input contents on the keyboard screen 1600 are displayed in the respective edit boxes.

  In the first embodiment, input processing on the keyboard screen 1600 is performed at the time of confirmation input of a FAX number, so that input processing cannot be performed while confirming the already input FAX number.

  Further, when the FAX number is corrected by displaying the keyboard screen 1600 after the confirmation input is completed, when the display switching control from the keyboard screen 1600 to the FAX number input screen 1500 is performed, an input is performed in the confirmation input edit box 1503. The displayed data is displayed in a discarded state. Therefore, the user must input confirmation again. The confirmation input is also discarded when the registered destination selection is changed. In addition, in the state where the input to the confirmation input edit box 1503 is made and the FAX number is changed via the keyboard screen 1600 before the input content is confirmed, the input content on the keyboard screen 1600 is the same as the original content. If it does not change or if the input is canceled (the input content is not changed), the input data to the confirmation input edit box 1503 does not have to be discarded.

  When the enter button 1505 is instructed, the input content on the FAX number input screen 1500 is confirmed. When the cancel button 1506 is instructed, the input content on the FAX number input screen 1500 is discarded.

  Returning to the description of FIG. After the process of step S802 or step S804 is completed, the CPU 201 determines whether to change the input content of the FAX destination setting input in step S802 or step S803 (step S805). If the input content is to be corrected (YES in step S805), the processing from step S801 is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S805 that the input content is not to be corrected (NO in step S805), a FAX number confirmation input process is performed. When the registered destination is selected, a confirmation input process is performed on the registered destination selection screen 1400, and when the transmission destination is set by direct input of the FAX number, the FAX number input screen 1500 is processed. Note that confirmation input is also performed when an already registered destination is selected by specifying a FAX number. This is because, for example, the wrong data was registered during registration, or the registration details were not changed despite the change in the fax number of the destination. In such a case, if a FAX transmission instruction is issued as it is without performing confirmation input, there is a risk of leaking information. In order to prevent this, confirmation processing is performed.

  An operation instruction from the input / output unit 206 by the user for confirmation input of the FAX number is accepted (step S807), and displayed in the confirmation input edit box 1503 set in each screen. In the confirmation input edit box 1503, data cannot be input by copying and pasting data displayed in another control.

  Note that it is possible to change the destination of the transmission destination even during confirmation input. When the CPU 201 determines that a change has been made to the destination (FAX number) as the transmission destination, the confirmation input made so far is discarded (invalidated) (step S810). At that time, the confirmation input edit box 1503 is blanked. Then, the processing from step S801 is performed again. Control that can change the destination even if the input content is discarded when the input specification is changed at the timing of invalidating the input content (keyboard screen display button 1502) The input contents may be discarded when the instruction is issued (even if no change is actually made).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the contents of the number confirmation input are to be corrected (step S811). If correction is to be made (YES in step S811), the processing from step S807 to step S810 is repeated.

  When the input content is confirmed without correction (NO in step S811), the FAX number corresponding to the destination input in step S802 or the FAX number directly input in step S803 and the input in step S807 It is determined whether or not the content of the confirmation input of the FAX number matches (step S812).

  If it is determined that the numbers do not match (NO in step S812), an error is displayed on the input / output unit 206 (step S815), and the processing from step S801 is repeated. In that case, the contents entered so far are discarded.

  If it is determined that the numbers match (YES in step S812), the FAX number is displayed for reconfirmation of the destination FAX number (step S813), and the FAX number is the FAX number that is the destination of FAX transmission. (Step S814).

  The above is the FAX number input process performed by the information processing apparatus 101-1. In the case of conventional password setting or the like, the content entered using an input device such as a keyboard is converted to “*” or the like and the input content cannot be confirmed. Since the input contents are displayed as they are, the input contents can be confirmed. Further, since the keyboard screen 1600 is displayed when the confirmation input is performed, the user cannot input the content input for the first time while confirming on the screen. For this reason, it is possible to make the user perform confirmation input in the same state as the first number input.

  By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to preferably suppress erroneous transmission of FAX data due to an input error of the FAX number by the user.

  Returning to the description of FIG. After the process of step S408 is completed, it is determined whether or not the FAX number input process is performed again in order to correct the FAX number input in step S408 and displayed on the input / output unit 206 for confirmation ( Step S409).

  If the CPU 201 determines that the input is to be performed again (YES in step S409), the FAX number input process in step S408 is performed. If it is determined that the input is not performed again (NO in step S409), the FAX transmission information, for example, the destination FAX number, or the destination name if the number is registered, is displayed on the input / output unit (step S409). S410). Thereafter, all page preview processing (step S411) is performed. Details of the all-page preview process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the all page preview process in step 411 of FIG. This process is performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1.

  This process is performed before the FAX transmission is performed to determine whether or not the FAX transmission data for the destination specified in step S408 is mixed with data that should not be transmitted to the destination (which should not be transmitted). It is intended to let you confirm.

  First, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 displays the FAX transmission data preview screen 1900 of FIG. 19 on the touch panel that constitutes the input / output unit 206. In that case, the destination FAX number is displayed in a recognizable manner (step S901). Then, the facsimile transmission instruction button 1902 in the FAX transmission data preview screen 1900 cannot be operated (the button is disabled: step S902), and the first page (first page) of the FAX transmission data is set as a display page (step S903). : Set page designation variable N to 1) and display it together (step S904).

  19 to 21 are diagrams illustrating an example of a FAX transmission data preview screen. FIGS. 19 to 21 show the same screen information. FIG. 19 shows the first page (first page) preview screen, and FIG. 20 shows the second page (intermediate page) preview screen of the FAX transmission data consisting of data of five pages. FIG. 21 is a preview screen for the fifth page (last page). In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the control common to FIGS. 19-21.

  The FAX transmission data preview screen 1900 shown in FIGS. 19 to 21 includes an image data display field 1901, a FAX transmission instruction button 1902, a cancel button 1903, a previous page display (←) button 1904, a display page confirmation field 1905, and a next page display. A (→) button 1906, a delete button 1907, an enlarge button 1908, a reduce button 1909, and a FAX transmission information display field 1910 are set.

  The image data display field 1901 displays image data of FAX transmission data. By instructing the previous page display (←) button 1904 and the next page display (→) button 1906, it is possible to switch the table next page. The displayed page confirmation column 1905 displays the page number of the displayed page (“1/5” in FIG. 19, “2/5” in FIG. 20, “5/5” in FIG. 21). ) 19 and 21, when the first page is displayed (shown in FIG. 19), the previous page display button 1904 is displayed, and when the last page is displayed (shown in FIG. 21). Is not selectable (grayed out) so that the next page display button 1906 cannot be instructed.

  By instructing an enlarge button 1908, the image displayed in the image data display field 1901 is enlarged and displayed. Further, by instructing the reduction button 1909, the image displayed in the image data display field 1901 is reduced and displayed. When the image data (page data) enlarged and displayed by instructing the enlarge button 1908 cannot be displayed in the image data display column 1901, a vertical scroll bar or horizontal scroll bar (not shown) is displayed in the image data display column 1901. Will be displayed.

  By instructing the delete button 1907, the page data displayed in the image data display field 1901 when the delete button 1907 is instructed can be deleted from the FAX transmission data.

  Note that the FAX transmission button 1902 can be selected only after the CPU 201 determines that the preview processing for all pages has been completed (in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, it is not selectable (grayed out), but in FIG. 21, it is selectable). is there).

  Returning to the description of FIG. After the process of step S904 is completed, the CPU 201 determines whether all pages have been displayed (step S905). If it is determined that all pages have been displayed (YES in step S905), the fax transmission instruction button 1902 is validated (step S906).

  In addition, the CPU 201 accepts an instruction to exclude (delete) the currently displayed data from the FAX transmission data via the exclude button 1907 (step S907). If it is determined that there is an exclusion instruction (YES in step S907), the displayed page data is excluded from the FAX transmission data (step S908).

  Further, the CPU 201 accepts an instruction to perform the next page display via the next page display button 1906 at any time (step S909). If it is determined that there is an instruction to display the next page (YES in step S909), the table next page is set as the next page (step S910), and the page is displayed (step S904).

  The above processing is performed until it is determined in step S911 that the FAX transmission button 1902 has been instructed (YES in step S911).

  The above is the all page preview process performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1. In this processing, when transmitting FAX transmission data to a designated destination, the contents are always presented to the user, and a facsimile transmission instruction is issued until it is determined that the user has confirmed all the transmission contents. It cannot be input to the CPU 201. Therefore, even if a document is scanned with some confidential information (personal information or trade secret) mixed in the transmitted document, all data will be checked before transmission, so confidential information can be leaked at that time. It is possible to make the user aware of this, and it is possible to suppress the possibility of leakage of confidential information.

  Returning to the description of FIG. When the CPU 201 determines that a FAX transmission instruction has been received after completion of the processing in step S411 (the FAX transmission button 1902 in the FAX transmission data preview screen 1900 has been instructed by a user operation) (step S412), The transmission data is saved (step S413). At this time, the FAX transmission data (image data) is stored so as to be searchable by using the destination of the FAX transmission data, the user who performed the transmission processing, and the like as keys. Details of the processing in step S413 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 26 shows a FAX transmission data storage process performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1.

  First, the CPU 201 searches FAX transmission log data stored and managed in the HDD 204 (step S2601), and checks whether FAX transmission has been performed in the past to the destination (step S2602).

  The FAX transmission log data is stored for each destination in a folder created for each destination FAX on the HDD 204 of the information management apparatus 101-1. Therefore, the CPU 201 determines whether the FAX transmission to the destination has been performed in the past by searching whether the folder for saving the FAX transmission log data to the destination designated in the process of step S408 has been created in the HDD 204. Will do. When a database application is used, the database is searched, and it is determined whether the log of data transmitted to the destination is registered in the database.

  If it is determined in the past that there is FAX transmission log data for the destination (data present: YES in step S2602), the process proceeds to step S2605 to store the FAX transmission log data.

  If it is determined that there is no FAX transmission log data for the FAX number that is the destination of the FAX transmission data (no data: NO in step S2602), the destination is a destination that has not been FAX-transmitted. A warning notification indicating this will be performed. (Step S2603). Thereafter, the state of waiting for input is continued until a process continuation instruction is input based on an input instruction from the operation unit 308 from the user. Note that the process continuation instruction displays, for example, screen information (not shown) on which the control capable of instructing the process and the control capable of instructing the process are set on the input / output unit 206 to instruct the process to be continued. This is done by selecting a control for. In addition, for example, it is also possible to use a method in which the CPU 201 determines that a process continuation instruction has been input unless a process stop is instructed within a certain time.

  If it is determined that a process input instruction has been issued (YES in step S2604), the FAX transmission log data storage process in step 2605 is performed.

  If it is determined that a process continuation instruction has not been input for a certain period of time or a process stop instruction has been input, the FAX processing is stopped.

  The above is the FAX transmission data storage process performed by the information processing apparatus 101-1.

  Such a process is often performed in a normal business because the destination to which FAX transmission is performed is determined to some extent, so that when a new number is entered, a new number is entered due to a mistake in entering the FAX number. This is because it is considered that the FAX transmission has been designated. Therefore, when a destination (FAX number) that has never been faxed is specified, warning processing to that effect can be performed to allow the user to check whether there is an error in destination designation. .

  In the above description, the example in which FAX transmission log data is stored in the HDD 204 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 has been described. However, centralized data management is performed by storing the FAX transmission log data in the HDD of the information management server 103. It is also possible. At that time, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 transmits destination information for FAX transmission and FAX transmission data for transmission to the information management server 103. In addition, a search for whether or not data has been transmitted to a destination specified in the past is realized by issuing a search instruction to the information management server 103 using, for example, an SQL command or the like (search for an information processing apparatus). Applicable to means). At this time, the information management server 103 notifies the information processing apparatus 101-1 of the search result.

  Returning to the process of FIG. Thereafter, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 determines whether the FAX transmission log data has been successfully stored (step S414). If it is determined that the storage has failed (NO in step S414), the process proceeds to step S404, and an error notification indicating that the storage has failed is performed.

  If it is determined that the saving is successful (YES in step S414), the FAX transmission data and FAX destination information (FAX number) are transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 102 (FAX transmission processing instruction transmission) (step S415). In the all-page preview process in step S411, when an exclusion page to be excluded from FAX transmission data is specified, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 determines the page specified to be excluded from the FAX transmission data. New FAX transmission data excluding the data is created, transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 102, and an instruction to transmit the data is issued.

  In addition, flag data indicating whether or not to perform transmission is added to each page data of FAX transmission data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 101-1, and the data is transmitted to the multifunction device 102. It may be realized that the page designated as excluded is not transmitted by causing the side to perform transmission control of performing / not transmitting each page of FAX transmission data based on the flag data.

  Upon receiving the FAX transmission processing instruction from the information processing apparatus 101-1, the multi-function peripheral 102 transmits the FAX transmission data to the FAX number designated as the destination (step S426).

  The above is the flow of FAX transmission processing in the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the CPU 301 of the MFP 102 performs document reading processing, destination FAX number designation, and FAX transmission data preview processing based on an input instruction from the operation unit 308 by a user using the MFP 102. Will be explained.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a FAX transmission process performed by the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 102.

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 102 displays a user authentication screen on the operation unit 308. As in the case of the first embodiment, this screen displays the user authentication screen 1200 of FIG. Then, information necessary for user authentication is input by an operation instruction via the operation unit 308 by the user. Based on the input content, the CPU 301 performs user authentication (step S501).

  If the CPU 301 determines that user authentication has been successfully performed by the user authentication process in step S501 (OK for user authentication) (YES in step S502), the process proceeds to step S503. If it is determined that user authentication could not be performed (NO in step S502), user authentication processing in step S501 is performed again. Thereafter, the operation type selection screen 2500 of FIG. 25 is displayed and an operation instruction from the user via the operation unit 308 is accepted.

  FIG. 25 is an example of an operation type selection screen 2500 displayed on the operation unit 308 of the multifunction machine 102. In the operation type selection screen 2501 shown in FIG. 25, a copy button 2501, a FAX original scan button 2502, a file transmission button 2503, and a FAX transmission button 2504 are set.

  When the copy button 2501 is instructed, a copy process is performed in which a document set on the document table or feeder of the multifunction peripheral 102 is read by the scanner 314 and the content is output from the printer 312.

  When the FAX original scan button 2502 is instructed, the original is read by the scanner 314 and the image data is stored in the HDD 304 as FAX transmission data.

  When the file transmission button 2503 is instructed, the original is read by the scanner 314, a file in a predetermined format (for example, a file in JPEG format or PDF format) is created based on the image data, and the designated information processing apparatus To the network I / F 305.

  When the FAX transmission button is instructed, the FAX transmission data is specified from the data stored in the HDD 304 as the FAX transmission data according to the operation instruction by the user via the operation unit 308, and the confirmation data is determined from the FAX transmission data. And the confirmation data is printed from the printer 312. Thereafter, the confirmation data printed on the paper is read by the scanner 314 to obtain the content confirmation information. When it is determined that the content confirmation of all the data has been completed, the FAX designated via the FAX modem 306 is obtained. A FAX transmission process for transmitting the number is performed.

  Returning to the description of FIG. If the CPU 301 determines in step S503 that the user has issued an instruction to read a FAX document by input to the operation unit 308 (the FAX document scan button shown in FIG. 25 has been specified) (YES in step S503), the document. It is confirmed whether a document is set on the table or the feeder (step S504). If it is determined that the original is set (YES in step S504), the original is read (original scan execution: step S505).

  If it is determined in step S504 that the document is not set (NO in step S504), an error is displayed on the operation unit 308 to set the document (step S515), and the user sets the document. Prompt.

  After executing the document reading process in step S505, the obtained document image data (scan data) is temporarily stored in the RAM 302 or HDD 304 as FAX transmission data (step S506). Thereafter, input processing of a FAX number which is the destination of the FAX transmission data is performed (step S507). Details of the FAX number input process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the FAX number input process in step S507 of FIG. This process is performed by the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 102.

  The purpose of this process is to suppress input mistakes when a user specifies a FAX number by inputting the same number a plurality of times and confirming the input for the first time when they match.

  First, the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 102 displays a FAX number input screen (FIG. 13: a screen similar to that displayed on the information processing apparatus 101-1 in the first embodiment) on the operation unit 308 to the user. Prompts for address entry.

  Then, it is determined whether the user has selected input of a destination already registered as a transmission destination in the MFP 102 (specifically, whether the registered destination selection button 1301 is selected in FIG. 13) ( Step S701). If the CPU 301 determines that a registered destination has been selected (YES in step S701), a registered destination selection screen 1400 is displayed on the operation unit 308 in order to select a registered destination. Thereafter, an arbitrary destination is selected from the registered destinations according to an input instruction to the operation unit 308 by the user (step S702).

  In step S701, when a FAX number input button is instructed (NO in step S701), a FAX number input screen 1500 is displayed on the operation unit 308, and an input instruction from the user is accepted. At that time, the user can display the keyboard screen 1600 on the operation unit to give an input instruction, or can use the numeric keypad provided on the multifunction peripheral 102 to give an input instruction.

  FIG. 17 is a screen image diagram of the FAX number input screen 1500 when a FAX number input instruction is performed using the numeric keypad. The same controls as those in the FAX number input screen 1500 shown in FIG. This figure shows a case where the user has received a FAX number input instruction from the numeric keypad while the FAX number input edit box 1501 is selected, and the contents input by the numeric keypad are displayed in the FAX number input edit box 1501. Yes.

  Returning to the description of FIG. In step S703, when the CPU 301 determines that the input process has been executed by the numeric keypad operation (YES in step S703), the data input by the numeric keypad operation is accepted (step S704), and the input content is input to the operation unit 308 (specifically). Specifically, it is displayed in the FAX number input edit box 1501) of the FAX number input screen 1500 (step S705).

  In step S703, when the CPU 301 determines that the input process based on the operation instruction from the user via the keyboard screen has been selected (the keyboard screen display button 1502 has been instructed) (NO in step S703), the keyboard screen 1600 is displayed on the operation unit 308 (step S706). Then, it accepts a FAX number input instruction from the user via the keyboard screen 1600 displayed on the operation unit 308 (step S707), and displays the content (step S708).

  If the CPU 301 determines that the content is to be corrected after the FAX number input processing by any of the above three methods (YES in step S709), the processing from step S701 to step S708 is repeated.

  If it is determined that no correction is made (NO in step S709), the process proceeds to a process for re-inputting the same FAX number for number confirmation. At the time of the second input, the user is allowed to input the number input for the first time in a hidden state. In addition, when the number is entered using the number already registered for the first time, re-entry for confirmation is performed. This is because there is a possibility that the registered FAX number has not been used, or the wrong number has been registered. This is to prevent data important for the company such as information and trade secrets from being sent by fax. Therefore, in the input for the second confirmation, the number confirmation input process by specifying the FAX number by the registered destination selection is not performed.

  First, when shifting to the number confirmation input, the CPU 301 makes the number data input for the first time unrecognizable by the user (step S710). For example, it is of course possible to use a method in which the input character is displayed as “*” as shown in the FAX number edit box 1501 in FIG. 18 or the FAX number edit box 1501 is not displayed.

  Thereafter, as a second confirmation input method, when input processing is selected by a numeric keypad operation (YES in step S711), data input by the numeric keypad operation is accepted (step S712), and the input content is manipulated. The information is displayed on the part 308 (step S713).

  FIG. 18 is an image diagram of a FAX number input screen 1500 displayed on the operation unit 308 during the processing in steps S712 and 713. When the confirmation input edit box 1503 is selected after the FAX number input is completed, the contents input in the FAX number edit box 1501 are displayed and controlled so that the user cannot recognize them. In FIG. 18, the input content is changed to “*” to make it unrecognizable.

  Then, input processing to the confirmation input edit box 1503 is newly performed using the numeric keypad. The input contents are displayed so that the user can recognize them as shown in the figure.

  Returning to the description of FIG. If the CPU 301 determines that the user has selected a keyboard displayed on the touch panel instead of the numeric keypad (NO in step S711), the keyboard screen 1600 is displayed on the operation unit 308. (Step S714). A confirmation input instruction from the user via the keyboard screen 1600 displayed on the operation unit 308 is received (step S715), and the contents are displayed (step S716).

  Note that the designation of the destination can also be changed at the time of confirmation input. If the CPU 201 determines that the designation of the destination (FAX number) has been changed while the confirmation input has been made (YES in step S717), the data input as the confirmation input before that is invalidated. The confirmation input edit box 1503 is blanked (step S718). Thereafter, the processing is repeated from step S701. Control (FAX number edit box) that can change the destination even if the input contents are discarded when the input specification is actually changed when the confirmation input data is invalidated 1501 or keyboard screen display button 1502) may be instructed (even if no change is actually made), the input content may be discarded.

  When the CPU 301 determines that the content is to be corrected after the fax number confirmation input processing by any of the above methods is completed (YES in step S719), the processing from step S711 to step S718 is repeated.

  If it is determined that correction is not performed (NO in step S719), it is determined whether the input contents of the FAX number input and the confirmation input match (step S720).

  If it is determined that the input contents do not match (NO in step S720), an error display is performed (step S723). Thereafter, the processing from step S701 is performed again.

  If it is determined that the input contents match (YES in step S720), the input contents are displayed again for confirmation by the user (step S721), and the destination is determined with the input FAX number (step S721). S722), this process is terminated.

  As described above, the input content is confirmed by inputting the same content a plurality of times, so that input errors can be suppressed. In addition, since the contents input for the first time cannot be confirmed in the second and subsequent inputs, it is possible to make the user perform the same input as the first time.

  Returning to the description of FIG. After the FAX number input process in step S506 is completed, it is determined whether re-input is performed to correct the FAX number input in step S507 (step S508).

  If the CPU 301 determines that the FAX number is to be input again (YES in step S508), the FAX number input process in step S507 is performed again. If it is determined that re-input is not performed (NO in step S508), the FAX number input in step S507 is displayed on the operation unit 308.

  After that, before actually transmitting the FAX, preview processing for all pages is performed in order to confirm the transmission contents of the FAX (step S510). Details will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the all page preview process in step 510 of FIG. This process is performed by the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 102.

  The CPU 301 determines whether a FAX transmission instruction has been given by an input instruction from the user via the operation unit 308 (step S1001). If it is determined that no instruction has been issued (NO in step S1001), the FAX transmission instruction waiting state is continued.

  If it is determined that a FAX transmission instruction has been issued (YES in step S1001), the FAX transmission data whose contents are to be confirmed is specified by an instruction from the user operation unit 308 (step S1002), and the confirmation data (print data) is determined. ) Is created (step S1003), and the data is output from the printer 312 (step S1004). The printed image is as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 24 is an example of an image diagram of confirmation data for FAX transmission data output from the printer 312 of the multifunction peripheral 102. In the confirmation data, sender data 2401, FAX number information 2402, destination name information 2403, FAX transmission data display column 2404, confirmation check column 2405, FAX transmission data identification information 2406, and exclusion check column 2407 are set. Information is set for the destination name 2403 when a registered destination is selected.

  After confirming the contents of the FAX transmission data display field 2404, the user checks the confirmation check field 2405. In addition, for the paper checked in the exclusion check column, the data printed on the bottom is excluded from the FAX transmission data. The confirmation check column 2405 and the exclusion check column 2407 are set for all pages.

  Returning to the description of FIG. After the printing process in step S1004 is completed, the process for reading the data for checking all pages on which the printing process has been performed is performed (step S1005). In that case, the check finished column 2405 in FIG. 24 is read. Thereafter, it is determined whether the data read in step S1005 is confirmation data for FAX transmission data specified in step S1002 (step S1006). This processing is performed by analyzing the FAX transmission data identification information 2406. If NO is determined in step S1006, an error display to that effect is displayed (step S1009), and the process in step S1005 is performed again.

  If “YES” is determined in the step S1006, it is confirmed whether or not the check check column 2405 or the exclusion check column 2407 of all the scanned sheets is checked (step S1007). If it is determined that there is a page that has not been checked in the confirmation check column 2405 or the exclusion check column 2407 (NO in step S1007), an error display to that effect is displayed (step S1008), and the processing from step S1005 is repeated.

  If it is determined that the check check column 2405 or the exclusion check column 2407 of all pages is checked (YES in step S1007), it is determined whether there is a check in the exclusion check column. (Step S1009).

  If the CPU 301 determines that there is a page with an exclusion check (YES in step S1009), the page is set as data that is not subject to FAX transmission (step S1010). Image information (not shown) having a control for FAX transmission instruction is displayed on the operation unit 308 (step S1011).

  The above is the all page preview process performed by the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 102. Of course, the same process as the all page preview process performed in the information processing apparatus 101-1 described in FIG. 9 may be performed instead of the process described in FIG.

  As described above, since all data is confirmed in advance before transmission, even if confidential information that should not be transmitted to the specified destination is mixed in the FAX transmission data, it can be confirmed before transmission. In addition, since it is possible to exclude confidential information from the FAX transmission data, the operability is improved without the need to perform the scanning process again.

  Returning to the description of FIG. After completion of the all page preview process in step S510, the CPU 301 determines whether a FAX transmission instruction has been received (step S511). The FAX transmission instruction is notified to the CPU 301 by a user input via image information (not shown) having a FAX transmission instruction control displayed on the operation unit 308 in step S1008 of FIG. .

  If the CPU 301 determines that a FAX transmission instruction has been received (YES in step S511), the FAX transmission data is stored (step S512). For this processing, the same processing as the storage processing performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 in the first embodiment is performed. I won't go into details. At this time, the FAX transmission data (image data) is stored so as to be searchable by using the FAX number and the destination name as the destination of the FAX transmission data, the user who performed the transmission processing, and the like as keys.

  Thereafter, the CPU 301 of the information processing apparatus confirms whether or not the FAX transmission data has been successfully saved (step S513). If it is determined that the saving has failed (NO in step S513), an error notification indicating that the saving has failed is performed (step S515).

  If it is determined that the saving is successful (YES in step S513), the CPU 301 transmits the FAX transmission data to the designated FAX number (step S514).

  The above is the FAX transmission processing in the second embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the document data edited by the document editing application program or the like installed in the information processing apparatus 101-2 is subjected to FAX transmission processing to a destination designated by using the FAX transmission function of the multi-function peripheral 102. The process at the time of performing is demonstrated. This processing is performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-2 and the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 102.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of FAX transmission processing performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-2 and the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 102.

  The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-2 determines whether a FAX transmission request for document data (electronic data) edited by the information processing apparatus 101 has been received (step S601).

  If it is determined that a FAX transmission request has been received (YES in step S601), an application program (specifically, a FAX driver) required for FAX transmission is activated and FAX number input processing is performed under the control of the program. (Step S602). Details thereof are omitted because they are substantially the same as the processing performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 in the first embodiment.

  When the FAX number input process is performed, the FAX transmission setting screen shown in FIG. 22 is displayed on the display device that is the output unit of the information processing apparatus 101-2. Will receive instructions from the user.

  FIG. 22 is an example of a FAX transmission setting screen displayed on a display device that is an output unit of the information processing apparatus 101-2.

  22 includes a facsimile selection combo box 2201, a registered destination selection radio button 2202, a fax number input radio button 2204, a destination designation combo box 2203, a fax number edit box 2205, a confirmation input 2206, and an OK. A button 2207 and a cancel button 2208 are set.

  A facsimile selection combo box 2201 is a control for selecting a multifunction machine to be used for FAX transmission.

  A registered destination selection radio button 2202 is a control that is selected when selecting a destination that has already been registered in the HDD 204 of the information processing apparatus 101-2 at the time of FAX transmission. The registered destination selection radio button 2202 is selected. Then, the destination designation combo box 2203 becomes valid, and the registered destination can be selected.

  When the registered destination selection radio button 2202 is selected, data cannot be input to the FAX number edit box 2205. A destination designation combo box 2203 is a control for selecting a registered destination, and can select one of destination information that is a FAX transmission destination registered in the HDD 204 of the information processing apparatus 101-2. It is.

  The FAX number input radio button 2204 is a control that is selected when the FAX number is directly input. When this FAX number input radio button 2204 is selected, the FAX number edit box 2205 is enabled and the FAX number input process can be performed. It becomes. When the FAX number input radio button 2204 is selected, the destination setting using the destination designation combo box 2203 cannot be performed.

  In the confirmation input edit box 2206, input processing of the destination FAX number set as the transmission destination in the destination selection combo box 2203 or the same number as the FAX number input in the FAX number edit box 2205 is performed.

  When an OK button 2207 is designated, the input content on the FAX transmission setting screen 2200 is confirmed. When a cancel button 2208 is instructed, the input contents set on the FAX transmission setting screen 2200 are discarded.

  FIG. 23 is a screen image when the FAX number confirmation input is performed on the FAX transmission setting screen 2200. When performing confirmation input of a FAX number (in the figure, input processing to the confirmation input edit box 2206 is performed), when FAX number input processing (FAX number input acceptance processing from the keyboard) is selected. The display control is performed so that the user cannot recognize the content input in the FAX number edit box 2205 (see the FAX number edit box 2205 in FIG. 23).

  Returning to the description of FIG. After step S602 is completed, if it is determined that there has been an instruction to cancel the FAX number as the destination and there is an instruction to re-enter the FAX number (YES in step S603), step S602 is performed again. If it is determined in step S603 that there is no re-input instruction (NO in step S603), data for FAX transmission is created based on the electronic data (step S604). Thereafter, the FAX transmission data created in step S604 is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 102 (step S605).

  When receiving the data for FAX transmission from the information processing apparatus 101-2, the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 102 stores the data in the HDD 304 (step S621).

  Thereafter, confirmation data for transmission data is created based on the FAX transmission data and stored in the HDD 304 (step S622). In this case, for example, data that can be browsed by a browser application installed in the information processing apparatus 101-2 is created.

  Then, information for browsing the confirmation data created in step S622 (for example, URL of the storage location) is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 101-2 (step S623), and then the FAX from the information processing apparatus. The process shifts to an access waiting state for transmission (step S624).

  In the information processing apparatus 101-2, when information for browsing the confirmation data is received from the multi-function peripheral 102, display processing is performed on the display device that constitutes the output unit in order to notify the user of the information. (Step S607).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to access the confirmation data stored in the HDD 304 of the multifunction peripheral 102 based on an operation instruction from the input unit by the user operating the information processing apparatus 101-1 (step S 608). If it is determined that there is no access instruction (NO in step S608), the access instruction waiting state is continued.

  If it is determined that an access instruction has been received (YES in step S608), access processing to the confirmation data is performed (step S609). At that time, data (for example, a user ID and a password) necessary for user authentication is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 102.

  After transmitting the browsing information to the confirmation data (the process of step S623), the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 102 that has shifted to the waiting state from the information processing apparatus 101-2 transfers the confirmation information from the information processing apparatus 101-2 to the confirmation data. If it is determined that the access request has not yet been received (NO in step S625), it is determined whether there is no access to the confirmation data from the information processing apparatus 101-2 for a predetermined time (step S626). ). If it is determined that there is no access to the confirmation data from the information processing apparatus 101-2 for a certain period of time, the confirmation data is deleted (step S627), and this process ends. .

  If it is determined in step S625 that there is an access process from the information processing apparatus 101 (YES in step S625), the user authentication process is performed based on the data used for user authentication received from the information processing apparatus 101-2. (Step S628).

  As a result of the user authentication, if the CPU 301 determines that the user is authorized to give a FAX transmission instruction (YES in step S628), the all page preview process in step S630 is performed. Details are omitted because they are similar to the all-page preview process in the first embodiment.

  However, unlike the information processing apparatus 101-1, the information processing apparatus 101-2 has an input / output unit that includes a keyboard and pointing device as an input unit and a display device as an output unit. -2 is used to control the display of preview data created in the multi-function peripheral 102 using the web browser application installed in -2.

  As a result of the user authentication process, if the CPU 301 determines that the user is not authorized to issue an instruction to transmit the transmission FAX data (NO in step S628), the CPU 301 determines the information processing apparatus 101-2. An error notification is made (step S629). When the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-2 receives the error notification, the CPU 201 displays the content of the error notification on the output unit (step S606). Thereafter, the information processing apparatus 101-2 performs the processing from step S608.

  After the all-page preview process in step S630 is completed, the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 102 transmits screen information (not shown) having a FAX transmission instruction control to the information processing apparatus 101-2 (step S631). This screen information can also be referred to using a web browser application. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-2 displays the screen information on the output unit after receiving the screen information having the control for FAX transmission instruction. Thereafter, the state shifts to a FAX transmission instruction waiting state (step S610).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a FAX transmission instruction is received by the input unit operation of the user who operates the information processing apparatus 101-2 (step S611). If it is determined that a FAX transmission instruction has been received (YES in step S611), the FAX transmission instruction is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 102 (step S612).

  Receiving the FAX transmission instruction from the information processing apparatus 101-2, the CPU 301 of the MFP 102 saves the data for FAX transmission (destination data, transmission user data, transmission image data) and transmission time data in the HDD 304 in a searchable form. Perform the save process. The processing is the same as the storage processing performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 in the first embodiment. As a premise for performing the processing, the CPU 201 of the multifunction peripheral 102 acquires FAX transmission information and FAX transmission data including a destination from the information processing apparatus 101-2. Then, search processing is performed based on the data, and log data is stored.

  As a data storage destination, a method of storing data in the HDD of the information management server 103 other than the HDD 304 and performing centralized management of log data may be used. By providing this configuration, it becomes possible to later search for “where” and “what kind of data” are transmitted by FAX.

  Thereafter, when the process of step S633 fails (NO in step S634), the process proceeds to step S629, and an error notification indicating that the storage process has ended abnormally (failed) is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 101. Become.

  If it is determined in step S633 that the storage is successful (YES in step S634), a FAX transmission process is performed (step S635).

  The above is the flow of FAX transmission processing in the third embodiment.

  As described above, in the present invention, when the FAX number is designated, the same information is input a plurality of times, thereby effectively suppressing an input error by the user. Further, since confirmation input is not allowed while viewing a number that has already been input, it is possible to perform proper confirmation input processing. In addition, when a change occurs in the number designated as the FAX number of the transmission destination during the confirmation input, the confirmation input is discarded, so that the confirmation input is performed after the FAX number set as the transmission destination is designated. It can be done.

  Further, since the data is output in advance before transmitting the FAX data and the transmission data is reconfirmed by the user, the processing is performed when the FAX transmission data includes data that should not be transmitted to the designated destination. It becomes possible to interrupt. Further, when data that cannot be transmitted to the destination is included in the FAX transmission data, it is possible to exclude the data from the FAX transmission data in units of pages, so that it is not necessary to perform the FAX transmission process again. , Processing efficiency is improved.

  Also, before sending a facsimile, the transmission log data is saved, and transmission is permitted for those that have been saved successfully. Therefore, unlike log data collection after transmission, the log data must be stored securely. It becomes possible to leave. In addition, when log data is searched for transmission, it is confirmed whether it has been transmitted to the specified destination in the past, and FAX transmission to the destination has not been performed in the past In addition, since the warning notification is performed, even if the designation of the number is mistaken, it is possible to make the user aware of the wrong input by this warning notification.

  Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention can take embodiments as, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, or a storage medium (recording medium). The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a single device or an apparatus composed of a single device.

  In the present invention, a software program (in the embodiment, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in the figure) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment is directly or remotely supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer of the system or apparatus Is also achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R) and the like.

  As another program supply method, a client computer browser is used to connect to an Internet homepage, and the computer program of the present invention itself or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is downloaded from the homepage to a recording medium such as a hard disk. Can also be supplied. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  In addition to the functions of the above-described embodiments being realized by the computer executing the read program, the OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program is a part of the actual processing. Alternatively, the functions of the above-described embodiment can be realized by performing all of them and performing the processing.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or The CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

It is a block diagram of the data erroneous transmission suppression system in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a hardware block diagram of the computer which implement | achieves information processing apparatus 101-1 and 101-2 in the data erroneous transmission suppression system in one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a multifunction peripheral that realizes a multifunction peripheral (FAX apparatus) 102 in a data error transmission suppression system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart (first embodiment) of FAX transmission processing performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 and the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 102. 10 is a flowchart (second embodiment) of a FAX transmission process performed by a CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 102. 10 is a flowchart (third embodiment) of FAX transmission processing performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-2 and the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 102. 4 is a flowchart illustrating details of a FAX number input process performed by a CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 102. 10 is a flowchart showing detailed processing of FAX number input processing performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing terminal 101-1. 12 is a flowchart illustrating details of all page preview processing performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating details of all page input processing performed by a CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 102. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation type selection screen displayed on the input / output unit 206 of the information processing apparatus 101-1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the user authentication screen displayed on the input / output part 206 of the information processing apparatus 101-1. FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a FAX number setting method selection screen displayed on the input / output unit 206 of the information processing apparatus 101-1. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a registered destination selection screen displayed on the input / output unit 206 of the information processing apparatus 101-1. FIG. FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a FAX number input screen displayed on the input / output unit 206 of the information processing apparatus 101-1. It is a figure which shows an example of the keyboard screen displayed on the input / output part 206 of the information processing apparatus 101-1. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a FAX number input screen displayed on an operation unit 308 of the multifunction peripheral 102. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a FAX number input screen displayed on an operation unit 308 of the multifunction peripheral 102. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a FAX transmission data preview screen displayed on the input / output unit 206 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 (first page). 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a FAX transmission data preview screen displayed on the input / output unit 206 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 (intermediate page). FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a FAX transmission data preview screen displayed on the input / output unit 206 of the information processing apparatus 101-1 (final page). FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a FAX transmission setting screen displayed on the output unit of the information processing apparatus 101-2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a FAX number confirmation input process is performed on a FAX transmission setting screen displayed on the output unit of the information processing apparatus 101-2. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of confirmation data of FAX transmission data output from a printer 312 of the multifunction peripheral 102. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation type selection screen displayed on an operation unit 308 of the multifunction peripheral 102. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of FAX transmission log data storage processing performed by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 101-1.

Explanation of symbols

101-1, 101-2 Information processing apparatus 102 Multi-function machine (FAX machine)
103 Data Management Server 104 LAN (Local Area Network)
105 FAX network 106 FAX apparatus 201 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
202 RAM (Random Access Memory)
203 ROM (Read Only Memory)
204 HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
205 Recording medium drive 206 Input / output unit 207 External device connection I / F (interface)
208 Network I / F (interface)

Claims (5)

First input means for receiving input of first data;
Second input means for receiving input of second data which is confirmation data of the first data;
When the first data is being input and the second input means is ready to accept the second data, display control is performed so that the first data cannot be recognized. Display control means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a determining unit configured to determine input data when the first data matches the second data. The first invalidating means for invalidating the second data when the second data is input and the first input means is ready to accept data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. A second invalidation means for invalidating the second data when the first input means accepts an input to change the first data while the second data is being inputted; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A first input step for receiving input of first data;
A second input step for accepting input of second data which is confirmation data of the first data;
In the state where the first data is input, when the second data can be received by the second input step, display control is performed so that the first data cannot be recognized. A display control process to be performed;
A control method for an information processing apparatus, comprising: a determination step of determining input data when the first data and the second data match. A program code of a first input process for receiving input of first data;
A second input process program code for accepting input of second data which is confirmation data of the first data;
In the state where the first data is input, when the second data can be received by the second input step, display control is performed so that the first data cannot be recognized. Display control process program code to be performed;
A determination process program code for determining input data when the first data matches the second data.