JP2007274321A - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a third person from figuring out a password of each directory, by displaying a selected directory only on display in order that a password of the directory is displayed at the same time when the directory is displayed. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 10 sets up a password for each directory, while it gives display attributes/display limiting attributes to a directory created at a memory 21. The image forming apparatus 10 selects a directory to be displayed, based on an inputted password, the display attributes/display limiting attributes, and the registered password. Then, The image forming apparatus 10 displays only the selected directory on display. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that display a directory for managing print data on a display unit. In particular, when displaying a list of all directories, the display of a directory for managing confidential print data or The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system capable of controlling non-display.

Conventionally, a method disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known as a method for displaying or hiding a directory on a nonvolatile memory in an image forming apparatus. That is, when the user inputs a directory name to be created from the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, it is checked whether or not the directory with the input name exists in the nonvolatile memory. Create a directory If it exists, the current directory is moved to the input directory, and if image data exists in the directory, a list of jobs is displayed on the display unit. If the user forgets the password, all directories can be displayed by entering the privileged password.
JP-A-13-209585

  However, in the method described above, all directories are displayed by entering the privileged password and the target directory is searched. However, since the directory name and password are composed of the same character string, the directory is displayed at the same time. There was a problem that the password of each directory was also displayed. In addition, passwords must be entered for directories that do not require password protection.

The present invention adopts the following configuration in order to solve the above points.
<Configuration 1>
A directory creation unit that creates a directory in the storage unit; an attribute addition unit that gives a display / non-display attribute to the directory; and a display unit that displays the directory in response to a request from a host. A directory is selected and displayed based on a display / non-display attribute.
<Configuration 2>
A directory creating unit that creates a directory in the storage unit; a password setting unit that sets a password in the directory; an attribute assigning unit that gives a display / non-display attribute to the directory; and the directory configuration according to a request from a host. A printing unit that prints, and the printing unit selects and prints the directory based on a password input from a host.
<Configuration 3>
A directory creation unit for creating a directory in the storage unit; an attribute assigning unit for giving display / non-display attributes to the directory; a data creation unit for creating data indicating the directory configuration in response to a request from a host; and And a data transmission unit that selects a directory based on the display / non-display attribute and generates data.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the display attribute / display restriction attribute is given to the directory created in the storage unit, the directory to be displayed is selected based on the display attribute / display restriction attribute, and only the selected directory is selected. Since it is displayed on the display section, the directory password can be composed of a character string different from the directory name. Thereby, the password of each directory is displayed at the same time as the directory is displayed, and it is possible to prevent a third party from grasping the password of each directory. Also, a directory that does not require password protection can be displayed without entering a password by using a display attribute.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Configuration of Example 1>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus 10 (for example, a printer including an HDD) according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment includes a control unit 11, a display control unit 15, a printing unit 16, a directory control unit 17, a password control unit 18, an attribute control unit 19, a list generation unit 20, The storage unit 21, an input unit 22 including a touch panel, and a display unit 23 including a liquid crystal are included.

  The storage unit 21 is a memory composed of an HDD or the like, and at least displays and restricts display for each directory for each piece of print data managed in a directory structure and directory data including the location of each directory and the directory name of each directory. And a directory management table in which registered password data for determining whether or not display restriction can be released for a directory for which a display restriction attribute is set is stored (FIG. 2). reference).

  The control unit 11 is a unit that controls the image forming apparatus 10 as a so-called CPU, and is an input for instructing the image forming apparatus 10 to newly create, edit, delete, display a list, and the like in a memory (not shown). Screen data, directory creation screen data for inputting directory data necessary for creating a new directory, directory editing screen data for inputting directory data necessary for directory editing, etc., directory deletion Directory deletion screen data for entering the directory data necessary for the directory, directory list screen data for entering the directory data necessary for displaying the directory list, etc. Variable for entering directory data Change the registered password input screen data for entering new registered password data and change directory attribute to change the attribute data set in the directory by changing the registered password for name input screen data and directory editing Each attribute change screen data is stored.

  The display control unit 15 is a unit that controls the screen display of the display unit 23. Based on the received screen data, the display control unit 15 includes an input screen, a directory creation screen, a directory editing screen, a directory deletion screen, a directory list screen, Creation impossible screen (see FIG. 9), change name input screen, name change impossible screen (see FIG. 41), registration password input screen, password change impossible screen (see FIG. 43), attribute change screen, attribute change impossible screen (FIG. 45) Any one of a screen that cannot be deleted (see FIG. 46), a screen that cannot be displayed (see FIG. 47), or a screen that cannot be printed (see FIG. 48).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the input screen is a screen including a new button, an edit button, a delete button, and a list button. Here, the new button is a button for instructing the storage unit 21 to create a new directory, and the edit button is a button for instructing editing such as renaming a directory to an existing directory in the storage unit 21. The delete button is a button for instructing to delete the existing directory in the storage unit 21, and the list button is a button for instructing a list display of the existing directory in the storage unit 21.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the directory creation screen shows an input box for entering directory data including the location and directory name of the directory to be newly created, and display restrictions for the new directory. An attribute instruction check box for instructing setting of attribute data, an input box for inputting registration password data for determining whether or not display restriction of the display restriction attribute directory can be canceled, an [OK] button for instructing creation start, It is assumed that the screen consists of a [Cancel] button for instructing cancellation of creation.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, in the directory editing screen, an input box for inputting the directory data to be edited and password data for determining whether or not the directory of the display restriction attribute can be edited are input. An input box for changing directory data, a [name change] button for instructing change of directory data, a [password change] button for instructing change of registered password, an [attribute change] button for instructing change of attribute data, It is assumed that the screen is composed of a [Cancel] button for instructing to stop editing.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the directory deletion screen includes an input box for inputting directory data to be deleted, and password data for determining whether or not a directory for which a registered password is set can be deleted. It is assumed that the screen includes an input box for inputting, an [OK] button for instructing deletion start, and a [Cancel] button for instructing deletion cancellation.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the directory list screen also includes an input box for inputting directory data to be displayed as a list, and an instruction check for instructing display of a directory in which display restriction attribute data is set. Box, input box for entering password data for determining whether or not display restriction of directory with display restriction attribute can be released, [Display] button for instructing display of specified directory, instructing list display of all directories [Display all] button, [Print] button for instructing printing of a specified directory, [Print all] button for instructing list printing of all directories, and [Cancel] button for instructing cancellation of list display Screen.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 40, the change name input screen has an input box for inputting directory data to be changed, an [OK] button for instructing change, and an instruction to cancel change. The screen consists of [Cancel] buttons.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 42, the registration password input screen includes an input box for inputting new change registration password data, an [OK] button for instructing change of registration password data, and registration password data. The screen is composed of a [Cancel] button for instructing to cancel the change.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 44, the attribute change screen includes a check box for instructing change of attribute data, an input box for inputting registration password data for a directory of display restriction attributes, and an attribute change. It is assumed that the screen includes an [OK] button for instructing and a [Cancel] button for instructing attribute change cancellation.

  The directory control unit 17 is a unit that controls directory creation, editing, deletion, list display, list printing, and the like for the storage unit 21. Upon receiving each instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 creates, edits, Controls any process such as deletion, list display, and list printing. Detailed control will be described later.

  The attribute control unit 19 is a unit that sets any attribute data of a display attribute and a display restriction attribute for the directory. When a signal instructing attribute setting is received as described later, the directory data given to the signal is given. Based on the above, the directory management table of the storage unit 21 is referenced to identify the matching directory data, and the attribute data of either the display attribute or the display restriction attribute is associated with the specified directory data.

  The password control unit 18 is a unit that sets or changes password data for a directory. When a signal instructing password setting is received as will be described later, the password control unit 18 stores the password data in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data given to the signal. With reference to the directory management table, the matching directory data is specified, and the registered password data is associated with the specified directory data. When the password control unit 18 receives a signal for instructing password change, the password control unit 18 changes the directory management table based on the input directory data and change registration password data, as will be described later. Further, as will be described later, the password control unit 18 determines whether or not the password of the directory instructed to change the password can be changed based on the input password data and registered password data.

  The list generation unit 20 is a unit that generates list data. When the list generation instruction signal is received from the directory control unit 17, the list generation unit 20 refers to the storage unit 21 based on the directory data and belongs to the directory indicated by the directory data. All the print data file names and directories are specified, and list data is generated based on the specified print data file names and directories.

  The printing unit 16 prints a list of file names and directories of the specified print data. Upon receiving the list data, the print unit 16 prints a list indicating the print data and directories belonging to the directory based on the list data. To do.

<Operation of Example 1>
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  The control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 transfers memory input screen data to the display control unit 15 when a power supply (not shown) is turned on and a predetermined request switch is pressed.

  Upon receiving the input screen data, the display control unit 15 causes the display unit 23 to display an input screen based on the input screen data (FIG. 3).

  When the user refers to the input screen and presses the new button via the input unit 22, the control unit 11 transfers the memory directory creation screen data to the display control unit 15, and the edit button is pressed. Then, the control unit 11 transfers the directory editing screen data in the memory to the display control unit 15, and when the delete button is pressed, the control unit 11 transfers the directory deletion screen data in the memory to the display control unit 15. When the list button is pressed, the control unit 11 transfers the directory list screen data in the memory to the display control unit 15.

  Upon receiving the directory creation screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the directory creation screen on the display unit 23 based on the directory creation screen data (FIG. 4).

  Further, when receiving the directory editing screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the directory editing screen on the display unit 23 based on the directory editing screen data (FIG. 5).

  Further, when receiving the directory deletion screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the directory deletion screen on the display unit 23 based on the directory deletion screen data (FIG. 6).

  Further, when receiving the directory list screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the directory list screen on the display unit 23 based on the directory list screen data (FIG. 7).

  Here, first, a description will be given until a new directory is created in the storage unit 21.

  FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart from when the “new” button is pressed on the input screen until a display attribute directory is newly created.

  When creating a directory having display attributes, the user inputs only the directory data (= directory location and directory name) to be newly created via the input unit 22 with reference to the directory creation screen (FIG. 4). Then, the [OK] button is pressed (S1).

  When the [OK] button is pressed, the control unit 11 causes the directory control unit 17 to input a new creation instruction signal with the input directory data (= directory location and directory name).

  Upon receiving the new creation instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 analyzes the new creation instruction signal. When only the directory data is added to the new creation instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 detects that a display attribute directory should be newly created. First, based on the directory data given to the new creation instruction signal, the directory management table (FIG. 2) in the storage unit 21 is searched (S2). If matching directory data exists, the directory management table is updated due to the presence of the same directory. It is determined that creation is impossible, and a creation failure signal is output to the control unit 11.

  Upon receiving the creation impossible signal, the control unit 11 generates, for example, creation impossible screen data indicating that a new directory cannot be created, and transfers the created creation impossible screen data to the display control unit 15, thereby generating the creation impossible screen data. The received display control unit 15 displays a non-creatable screen on the display unit 23 based on the non-creatable screen data (FIG. 9) (S3).

  On the other hand, if there is no matching directory data, the directory control unit 17 determines that new creation is possible, adds the directory data to the directory management table, and creates a new directory in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data. Then, a creation completion signal indicating completion of creation of the new directory is output to the control unit 11 (S4).

  When receiving the creation completion signal, the control unit 11 continues to transfer the attribute setting instruction signal with the directory data and the display attribute data to the attribute control unit 19.

  Upon receiving the attribute setting instruction signal, the attribute control unit 19 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 on the basis of the directory data given to the attribute setting instruction signal, and specifies the matching directory data. The attribute data of the display is associated with the directory data, and an attribute setting completion signal indicating completion of setting of the attribute data is output to the control unit 11 (S5).

  Upon receiving the attribute setting completion signal, the control unit 11 generates, for example, creation completion screen data indicating that new directory creation has been completed, and transfers the created creation completion screen data to the display control unit 15 for creation. Upon receiving the completion screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the creation completion screen on the display unit 23 based on the creation completion screen data (S6).

  FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart until a new display restriction attribute directory is created.

  When creating a directory with display restriction attributes, the user refers to the directory creation screen (FIG. 4), and through the input unit 22, newly creates directory data (= directory location and directory name), display restriction. The registered password data for determining whether or not the display restriction of the attribute directory can be canceled is input, the attribute instruction check box for instructing the setting of the attribute data indicating the display restriction is checked, and the [OK] button is pressed (S1). .

  When the [OK] button is pressed, the control unit 11 sends a new creation instruction signal to which the input directory data (= directory location and directory name), registration password data, and attribute data indicating display restrictions are added. 17

  The directory control unit 17 analyzes the new creation instruction signal. When the directory data, the registered password data, and the attribute data indicating the display restriction are added to the new creation instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 should create a new directory with a non-display attribute. First, the directory management table in the storage unit 21 is searched based on the directory data given to the new creation instruction signal (S2). If matching directory data exists, a new creation is made due to the presence of the same directory. It judges that it is impossible, outputs a creation impossible signal to the control part 11, and it operate | moves similarly to the above and displays a creation impossible screen on the display part 23 (S3).

  On the other hand, if there is no matching directory data, the directory control unit 17 adds the directory data to the directory management table and creates a new directory in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data, as described above. A creation completion signal indicating completion of creation of the new directory is output to the control unit 11 (S4).

  When receiving the creation completion signal, the control unit 11 continues to transfer the attribute setting instruction signal to which the directory data and the display restriction attribute data are added to the attribute control unit 19.

  Upon receiving the attribute setting instruction signal, the attribute control unit 19 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 on the basis of the directory data given to the attribute setting instruction signal, and specifies the matching directory data. The attribute data for display restriction is associated with the directory data, and an attribute setting completion signal indicating completion of setting of the attribute data is output to the control unit 11 (S5).

  When the control unit 11 receives the attribute setting completion signal, the control unit 11 subsequently transfers the registration password setting instruction signal to which the directory data and the registration password data are added to the password control unit 18.

  Upon receiving the registration password setting instruction signal, the password control unit 18 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data given to the registration password setting instruction signal, identifies matching directory data, and Registration password data is associated with the specified directory data, and a registration password setting completion signal indicating completion of setting of the registration password data is output to the control unit 11 (S6).

  Upon receiving the registration password setting completion signal, the control unit 11 generates, for example, creation completion screen data indicating that new directory creation is completed, and transfers the created creation completion screen data to the display control unit 15. Receiving the creation completion screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the creation completion screen on the display unit 23 based on the creation completion screen data (S7).

  Next, a description will be given until the existing directory in the storage unit 21 is edited.

  First, an explanation will be given until the existing directory is renamed.

  FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart until the “edit” button is pressed on the input screen and the display attribute directory is renamed.

  When changing the directory name of the display attribute, the user refers to the directory editing screen (FIG. 5) and inputs only the directory data (= directory location and directory name) to be renamed via the input unit 22. Then, the [Rename] button is pressed (S1).

  When the [name change] button is pressed, the control unit 11 transfers the memory change name input screen data to the display control unit 15.

  Upon receiving the changed name input screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the changed name input screen (FIG. 40) on the display unit 23 based on the changed name input screen data (S2).

  When the user continuously refers to the change name input screen, inputs change directory data via the input unit 22, and presses the [OK] button, the control unit 11 inputs the directory data to be renamed. Then, the name change instruction signal with the changed directory data is transferred to the directory control unit 17 (S3).

  Upon receiving the name change instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 analyzes the name change instruction signal. When directory data and change directory data are added to the name change instruction signal, the directory control section 17 is to change the display attribute directory name. And the directory management table in the storage unit 21 is referred to based on the directory data (S4). If there is no matching directory data, it is determined that the name cannot be changed due to the absence of the same directory, and the name cannot be changed. Is output to the control unit 11.

  Upon receiving the name change disable signal, the control unit 11 generates, for example, name change disable screen data indicating that the directory name cannot be changed, and transfers the generated name change disable screen data to the display control unit 15.

  Upon receiving the name change impossible screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the name change impossible screen (FIG. 41) on the display unit 23 based on the name change impossible screen data (S5).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, the directory control unit 17 changes the directory data and the directory management table based on the changed directory data, and sends a name change completion signal indicating that the name change is completed to the control unit 11. (S6).

  Upon receipt of the name change completion signal, the control unit 11 generates, for example, name change completion screen data indicating that the directory name change has been completed, and transfers the generated name change completion screen data to the display control unit 15. Upon receiving the name change completion screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the name change completion screen on the display unit 23 based on the name change completion screen data (S7).

  FIG. 12 is an operation flowchart until “name change” is pressed in FIG. 5 and the display restriction attribute directory is renamed.

  When changing the directory name of the display restriction attribute, the user refers to the directory editing screen (FIG. 5) and displays the directory data (= directory location and directory name) to be renamed and displayed via the input unit 22. Password data for determining whether or not a restricted attribute directory can be edited is input, and the [Rename] button is pressed (S1).

  When the [name change] button is pressed, the control unit 11 operates in the same manner as described above, and causes the display control unit 15 to display the change name input screen on the display unit 23 (S2).

  When the user continuously refers to the change name input screen, inputs change directory data via the input unit 22, and presses the [OK] button, the control unit 11 inputs the directory data to be renamed. The name change instruction signal to which the password data and the change directory data are added is output to the directory control unit 17 (S3).

  Upon receiving the name change instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 analyzes the name change instruction signal. When the directory data, password data, and change directory data are added to the name change instruction signal, the directory name of the display restriction attribute is given. Detecting the change, the directory management table of the storage unit 21 is referenced based on the directory data (S4). If there is no matching directory data, it is determined that the name cannot be changed due to the absence of the same directory. In the same manner as described above, the display control unit 15 causes the display unit 23 to display a name change impossible screen (S5).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, the directory control unit 17 continues to transfer the directory data and password data to the password control unit 18 in order to determine whether the name can be changed.

  Upon receiving the directory data and the password data, the password control unit 18 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data, specifies the registered password data corresponding to the matching directory data, and is specified. The registered password data and the password data are compared, and if both password data match, it is determined that the name can be changed, and if they do not match, it is determined that the name cannot be changed (S6).

  When the password control unit 18 determines that the name cannot be changed, the directory control unit 17 outputs to the control unit 11 a name change disable signal indicating that the name cannot be changed due to a password mismatch.

  When the control unit 11 receives the name change disable signal, for example, the control unit 11 generates name change disable screen data indicating that the name change is impossible due to a password mismatch, and the generated name change disable screen data is displayed in the display control unit 15. Forward.

  Upon receiving the name change impossible screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the name change impossible screen on the display unit 23 based on the name change impossible screen data (S5).

  On the other hand, if both password data match, it is determined that the name can be changed, and the directory control unit 17 changes the directory data and the directory management table based on the changed directory data, and changes the name indicating that the name change is completed. A completion signal is output to the control unit 11 (S7).

  Upon receipt of the name change completion signal, the control unit 11 generates, for example, name change completion screen data indicating that the directory name change has been completed, and transfers the generated name change completion screen data to the display control unit 15. Upon receiving the name change completion screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the name change completion screen on the display unit 23 based on the name change completion screen data (S8).

  Next, a description will be given until the registered password data set in the existing directory is changed.

  FIG. 13 is an operation flowchart until “password change” is pressed in FIG. 5 until the registered password data in the directory is changed.

  When changing the registered password data, the user refers to the directory editing screen (FIG. 5), and inputs the directory data (= directory location and directory name) of the registered password data to be changed via the input unit 22. Password data for determining whether or not the registered password data can be changed is input, and the [Change Password] button is pressed (S1).

  When the [Change Password] button is pressed, the control unit 11 transfers the registered password input screen data in the memory to the display control unit 15.

  Upon receiving the registration password input screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the registration password input screen on the display unit 23 based on the registration password input screen data (S2).

  When the user continuously refers to the registration password input screen, inputs new change registration password data via the input unit 22, and presses the [OK] button, the control unit 11 causes the input password change target to be changed. The password change instruction signal with the directory data, password data, and change registration password data is transferred to the password control unit 18 (S3).

  Upon receiving the password change instruction signal, the password control unit 18 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 based on the assigned directory data (S4). If there is no matching directory data, the password control unit 18 It is determined that the registered password data cannot be changed due to the absence, and a password change disable signal indicating that the password cannot be changed is output to the control unit 11.

  When the control unit 11 receives the password change disable signal, for example, it generates password change disable screen data indicating that the password cannot be changed due to the absence of the same directory, and controls the generated password change disable screen data to be displayed. The display control unit 15 that has transferred to the unit 15 and received the password change impossible screen data causes the display unit 23 to display the password change impossible screen based on the password change impossible screen data (S5).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, the password control unit 18 continues to refer to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data to determine whether or not the password can be changed, and corresponds to the matching directory data. The registered password data to be specified is identified, and the specified registered password data is compared with the password data. If the two password data match, it is determined that the password can be changed, and if they do not match, it is determined that the password cannot be changed (S6). .

  If the password control unit 18 determines that the password cannot be changed, the password control unit 18 outputs a password change disable signal indicating that the password cannot be changed to the control unit 11 due to the password mismatch.

  When the control unit 11 receives the password change disable signal, for example, the control unit 11 generates password change impossible screen data indicating that the password cannot be changed due to a password mismatch, and the generated password change disable screen data is displayed in the display control unit 15. Forward.

  Upon receiving the password change impossible screen data, the display control unit 15 causes the display unit 23 to display a password change impossible screen based on the password change impossible screen data (S5).

  On the other hand, if both password data match, it is determined that the password can be changed, and the password control unit 18 changes the directory management table based on the directory data and the change registration password data, and indicates that the registration password data has been completed. A change completion signal is output to the control unit 11 (S7).

  When the control unit 11 receives the password change completion signal, for example, the control unit 11 generates password change completion screen data indicating that the password change is completed, and transfers the generated password change completion screen data to the display control unit 15. Upon receiving the change completion screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the password change completion screen on the display unit 23 based on the password change completion screen data (S8).

  Next, a description will be given until the attribute data set in the existing directory is changed.

  FIG. 14 is an operation flowchart until “attribute change” in FIG. 5 is pressed and the attribute data of the display attribute directory is changed.

  When changing from display to display-restricted attribute data, the user refers to the directory edit screen (FIG. 5), and the directory data (= directory location and directory name) whose attribute data is to be changed via the input unit 22 And press the [Change Attributes] button (S1).

  When the [Change Attributes] button is pressed, the control unit 11 transfers the attribute change screen data in the memory to the display control unit 15.

  Upon receiving the attribute change screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the attribute change screen (FIG. 44) on the display unit 23 based on the attribute change screen data (S2).

  When changing from display to display-restricted attribute data, the user refers to the attribute change screen, checks a check box for instructing change of attribute data, and inputs registration password data via the input unit 22. Then, the [OK] button is pressed (S3).

  When the [OK] button is pressed, the control unit 11 transfers directory data, change attribute data indicating display restriction, and an attribute change instruction signal to which registered password data is added to the attribute control unit 19.

  Upon receiving the attribute change instruction signal, the attribute control unit 19 analyzes the attribute change instruction signal. When the directory data, the change attribute data, and the registered password data are added to the attribute change instruction signal, the attribute change to display restriction is performed. And the directory management table in the storage unit 21 is referred to based on the directory data (S4). If there is no matching directory data, the attribute data cannot be changed due to the absence of the same directory. The display control unit 15 causes the display unit 23 to display an attribute change impossibility screen (FIG. 45) (S5).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, the attribute control unit 19 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data, associates the registered password data with the matching directory data, and sets the changed attribute data. Based on this, the attribute data indicating display is changed to attribute data indicating display restriction, and an attribute change completion signal indicating completion of change of the attribute data is output to the control unit 11 (S6).

  Upon receiving the attribute change completion signal, the control unit 11 generates, for example, attribute change completion screen data indicating that the attribute change has been completed, and transfers the generated attribute change completion screen data to the display control unit 15, Receiving the change completion screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the attribute change completion screen on the display unit 23 based on the attribute change completion screen data (S7).

  FIG. 15 is an operation flowchart until “attribute change” is pressed in FIG. 5 until the attribute data of the display restriction attribute directory is changed.

  When changing from display restriction to display attribute data, the user refers to the directory editing screen (FIG. 5), and the directory data (= directory location and directory name) whose attribute data is to be changed via the input unit 22. Then, password data for determining whether or not the attribute data can be changed is input, and the [Change Attributes] button is pressed (S1).

  When the [Change Attributes] button is pressed, the control unit 11 transfers the attribute change screen data in the memory to the display control unit 15.

  Upon receiving the attribute change screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the attribute change screen on the display unit 23 based on the attribute change screen data (S2).

  Subsequently, the user refers to the attribute change screen, unchecks the check box for instructing change of the attribute data via the input unit 22, and presses the [OK] button (S3).

  When the [OK] button is pressed, the control unit 11 transfers to the attribute control unit 19 an attribute change instruction signal to which directory data, password data, and change attribute data indicating display are added.

  Upon receiving the attribute change instruction signal, the attribute control unit 19 analyzes the attribute change instruction signal, and when directory data, password data, and change attribute data are added to the attribute change instruction signal, the attribute change to display is performed. Based on the directory data, the directory management table in the storage unit 21 is referred to (S4). If there is no matching directory data, it is determined that the attribute data cannot be changed due to the absence of the same directory. Then, the same operation as described above is performed, and the display control unit 15 causes the display unit 23 to display an attribute change impossibility screen (S5).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, the attribute control unit 19 transfers the directory data and password data to the password control unit 18 in order to determine whether the attribute can be changed.

  The password control unit 18 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data, specifies the registered password data for the matching directory data, and compares the specified registered password data with the input password data. If the password data does not match (S6), it is determined that the attribute data cannot be changed, and an attribute change disabled signal is output to the control unit 11.

  When the control unit 11 receives the attribute change impossible signal, for example, the control unit 11 generates attribute change impossible screen data indicating that the attribute cannot be changed due to a password mismatch, and the generated attribute change impossible screen data is displayed in the display control unit 15. Forward.

  Upon receiving the attribute change impossibility screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the attribute change impossibility screen on the display unit 23 based on the attribute change impossibility screen data (S5).

  On the other hand, if the password data matches, the attribute control unit 19 determines that the attribute can be changed, refers to the directory management table based on the directory data, deletes the registered password data corresponding to the matching directory data, and Based on the changed attribute data, the attribute data indicating the display restriction is changed to the attribute data indicating the display, and an attribute change completion signal indicating the completion of the change of the attribute data is output to the control unit 11 (S7).

  Upon receiving the attribute change completion signal, the control unit 11 operates in the same manner as described above, and causes the display unit 23 to display an attribute change completion screen (S8).

  Next, a description will be given until the existing directory is deleted.

  FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart from when the “delete” button is pressed on the input screen until the display attribute directory is deleted.

  When deleting a directory having a display attribute, the user inputs only the directory data (= directory location and directory name) to be deleted via the input unit 22 with reference to the directory deletion screen (FIG. 6). The OK button is pressed (S1).

  When the [OK] button is pressed, the control unit 11 causes the directory control unit 17 to send a delete instruction signal with the input directory data (= directory location and directory name).

  Upon receiving the deletion instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 analyzes the deletion instruction signal. When only the directory data is added to the deletion instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 detects that the display attribute directory should be deleted. Based on the directory data given to the instruction signal, the directory management table in the storage unit 21 is searched (S2). If there is no matching directory data, it is determined that the directory cannot be deleted due to the absence of the same directory. The signal is output to the control unit 11.

  When the control unit 11 receives the non-deletable signal, for example, the control unit 11 generates non-deletable screen data indicating that the directory cannot be deleted, and transfers the generated non-deletable screen data to the display control unit 15 to receive the non-deletable screen data. The display control unit 15 displays the non-deletable screen (FIG. 46) on the display unit 23 based on the non-deletable screen data (S3).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, the directory control unit 17 determines that the deletion is possible, refers to the directory management table based on the directory data, deletes the matching directory data and attribute data, and completes the deletion. A deletion completion signal is output to the control unit 11 (S4).

  Upon receiving the deletion completion signal, the control unit 11 operates in the same manner as described above, and displays a deletion completion screen on the display unit 23 (S5).

  FIG. 17 is an operation flowchart from when the “delete” button is pressed on the input screen until the display restriction attribute directory is deleted.

  When deleting a display restriction attribute directory, the user refers to the directory deletion screen (FIG. 6), and inputs the directory data (= directory location and directory name) to be deleted and the display restriction attribute via the input unit 22. The password data for determining whether or not the directory can be deleted is input and the [OK] button is pressed (S1).

  The control unit 11 causes the directory control unit 17 to receive the input directory data (= directory location and directory name) and the deletion instruction signal with the password data.

  The directory control unit 17 analyzes the deletion instruction signal. When directory data and password data are added to the deletion instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 detects that the display restriction attribute directory should be deleted. Based on the directory data thus obtained, the directory management table in the storage unit 21 is searched (S2). If there is no matching directory data, it is determined that the deletion is impossible due to the absence of the same directory, and a deletion impossible signal is sent to the control unit. 11 is output.

  When receiving the deletion impossible signal, the control unit 11 operates in the same manner as described above, and causes the display control unit 15 to display a deletion impossible screen on the display unit 23 (S3).

  On the other hand, if there is matching directory data, the directory control unit 17 continues to transfer the directory data and password data to the password control unit 18 in order to determine whether the directory can be deleted.

  Upon receiving the directory data and the password data, the password control unit 18 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data, specifies the registered password data for the matching directory data, and specifies the specified registered password. The data and the input password data are compared (S4). If the two password data do not match, it is determined that the directory cannot be deleted, and a deletion impossible signal is output to the control unit 11.

  Upon receiving the deletion impossible signal, the control unit 11 generates, for example, deletion impossible screen data indicating that deletion is impossible due to a password mismatch, and transfers the generated deletion deletion screen data to the display control unit 15.

  Upon receiving the non-deletable screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the non-deletable screen on the display unit 23 based on the non-deletable screen data (S3).

  On the other hand, if the two password data match, the directory control unit 17 determines that deletion is possible, refers to the directory management table based on the directory data, deletes the matching directory data, registered password data, and attribute data, and deletes them. A deletion completion signal indicating completion is output to the control unit 11 (S5).

  Upon receiving the deletion completion signal, the control unit 11 operates in the same manner as described above, and displays a deletion completion screen on the display unit 23 (S6).

  Next, a description will be given until the directory is displayed as a list or printed.

  FIG. 18 is an operation flowchart from when the “list” button is pressed on the input screen until a directory of display attributes is displayed as a list.

  When displaying a directory of display attributes as a list, the user inputs only the directory data (= directory location and directory name) to be displayed via the input unit 22 with reference to the directory list screen (FIG. 7). Press the [Display] button (S1).

  When the [Display] button is pressed, the control unit 11 outputs a display instruction signal with the input directory data to the directory control unit 17.

  Upon receiving the display instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 analyzes the display instruction signal. When only the directory data is given, the directory control unit 17 detects that the directory having the display attribute is to be displayed, and stores the directory based on the directory data. The directory management table of the unit 21 is referred to (S2). If there is no matching directory data, it is determined that display is impossible, and a display disable signal indicating that display is impossible due to the absence of the same directory is output to the control unit 11. .

  When the control unit 11 receives the display disable signal, for example, it generates display disabled screen data indicating that display is not possible due to the absence of the same directory, and transfers the generated display disabled screen data to the display control unit 15. .

  Upon receiving the display disabled screen data, the display control unit 15 displays the display disabled screen (FIG. 47) on the display unit 23 based on the display disabled screen data (S3).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, the attribute of the directory is checked, and if it is a display attribute, the directory control unit 17 generates a list data generation instruction signal indicating the file name and directory of the print data belonging to the directory. Is output to the list generation unit 20.

  Upon receiving the generation instruction signal, the list generation unit 20 refers to the storage unit 21 based on the directory data, specifies the file names and directories of all print data belonging to the directory indicated by the directory data, and is specified. The list data is generated based on the file name and directory of the print data (S4).

  When the list generation unit 20 generates list data, the control unit 11 transfers the generated list data to the display control unit 15.

  Upon receiving the list data, the display control unit 15 causes the display unit 23 to display a list screen indicating the file name and directory of the print data belonging to the directory based on the list data (S5).

  FIG. 19 is an operation flowchart from when the “list” button is pressed on the input screen until the display restriction attribute directory is displayed as a list.

  When displaying a list of directories with display restriction attributes, the user refers to the directory list screen (FIG. 7), and the directory data (= directory location and directory name) and display restriction attributes to be displayed via the input unit 22. The password data for determining whether or not the display restriction of the directory can be canceled is input, the instruction check box for instructing the display of the directory in which the display restriction attribute data is set is checked, and the [Display] button is pressed (S1). ).

  When the [Display] button is pressed, the control unit 11 outputs a display instruction signal with the input directory data and password data to the directory control unit 17.

  Upon receiving the display instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 analyzes the display instruction signal. When the directory data and password data are assigned, the directory control unit 17 detects that the directory having the display restriction attribute should be displayed. The directory management table in the storage unit 21 is referred to based on the above (S2), and if there is no matching directory data, it is determined that display is impossible, and a display disable signal indicating that display is impossible due to the absence of the same directory is controlled. To the unit 11.

  When receiving the display disable signal, the control unit 11 operates in the same manner as described above, and causes the display control unit 15 to display a display disable screen on the display unit 23 (S3).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, the directory control unit 17 continues to transfer the directory data and password data to the password control unit 18 in order to determine whether or not display restriction can be released.

  Upon receiving the directory data and the password data, the password control unit 18 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data, specifies the registered password data corresponding to the matching directory data, and is specified. The registered password data and the password data are compared (S4). If the two password data match, it is determined that the display restriction can be canceled, and if the password data does not match, it is determined that the display restriction cannot be canceled.

  When the password control unit 18 determines that the display restriction cannot be canceled, the directory control unit 17 outputs a display disable signal indicating that display is impossible due to a password mismatch to the control unit 11.

  When receiving the display disable signal, the control unit 11 operates in the same manner as described above, and causes the display control unit 15 to display a display disable screen on the display unit 23 (S3).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the display restriction can be released, the directory control unit 17 outputs a generation instruction signal to the list generation unit 20 in the same manner as described above, and the list generation unit 20 prints all prints belonging to the directory indicated by the directory data. List data indicating the file name and directory of the data is generated (S5).

  When the list generation unit 20 generates list data, the control unit 11 transfers the generated list data to the display control unit 15.

  Upon receiving the list data, the display control unit 15 causes the display unit 23 to display a list screen indicating the file name and directory of the print data belonging to the directory based on the list data (S6).

  FIG. 20 is an operation flowchart until a list of all directories is displayed.

  When displaying all directories with display attributes and display restriction attributes, the user refers to the directory list screen (FIG. 7) and cancels display restrictions for all display restriction attributes via the input unit 22. Privileged password data is entered and the [Display All] button is pressed (S1).

  When the “display all” button is pressed, the control unit 11 outputs a full display instruction signal with privileged password data to the password control unit 18 to indicate a list display of all directories in the storage unit 21.

  The password control unit 18 compares the privileged password data given to the all-display instruction signal with the privileged password data registered in advance in the printer. If the password data matches, the password control unit 18 determines that the display restriction can be released and does not match. It is determined that the display restriction cannot be canceled.

  When it is determined that the display restriction can be released, the directory control unit 17 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 and searches all directories associated with attribute data indicating display as directories to be displayed in a list ( S2).

  Subsequently, the directory control unit 17 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 and searches all directories associated with attribute data indicating display restrictions as display restriction attribute directories that can be displayed as a list (S3). A list data generation instruction signal indicating the file name and directory of the print data belonging to each directory of the searched display attribute and display restriction attribute is output to the list generation unit 20.

  When receiving the generation instruction signal, the list generation unit 20 refers to the storage unit 21 on the basis of each directory data as described above, and the file names and directories of all print data belonging to the directory indicated by each directory data And the list data is generated based on the specified print data and directory (S4).

  When the list generation unit 20 generates list data, the control unit 11 transfers the generated list data to the display control unit 15.

  Upon receiving the list data, the display control unit 15 causes the display unit 23 to display a list screen indicating the file name and directory of the print data belonging to the directory based on the list data (S5).

  FIG. 21 is an operation flowchart from when the “list” button is pressed on the input screen until the display attribute directory is printed as a list.

  When printing a list of directories having display attributes, the user inputs only the directory data (= directory location and directory name) to be displayed via the input unit 22 with reference to the directory list screen (FIG. 7). Press the [Print] button (S1).

  When the [Print] button is pressed, the control unit 11 outputs a print instruction signal with the input directory data to the directory control unit 17.

  Upon receiving the print instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 analyzes the print instruction signal. When only the directory data is given, the directory control unit 17 detects that the display attribute directory should be printed, and stores it based on the directory data. The directory management table of the unit 21 is referred to (S2). If there is no matching directory data, it is determined that printing is not possible, and a printing impossible signal indicating that printing is impossible due to the absence of the same directory is output to the control unit 11. .

  When the control unit 11 receives the print disable signal, for example, the control unit 11 generates print disabled screen data indicating that printing is not possible due to the absence of the same directory, and transfers the generated print disabled screen data to the display control unit 15. .

  Upon receiving the non-printable screen data, the display control unit 15 displays a non-printable screen (FIG. 48) on the display unit 23 based on the non-printable screen data (S3).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, it is determined that printing is possible, and the directory control unit 17 outputs a list data generation instruction signal indicating the file name and directory of the print data belonging to the directory to the list generation unit 20. .

  Upon receiving the generation instruction signal, the list generation unit 20 refers to the storage unit 21 based on the directory data, specifies the file names and directories of all print data belonging to the directory indicated by the directory data, and is specified. List data is generated based on the print data and directory (S4).

  When the list generation unit 20 generates list data, the control unit 11 transfers the generated list data to the printing unit 16.

  Upon receiving the list data, the printing unit 16 prints a list indicating the print data and directories belonging to the directory based on the list data (S5).

  FIG. 22 is an operation flowchart from when the “list” button is pressed on the input screen until the display restriction attribute directory is printed as a list.

  When printing a list of directories with display restriction attributes, the user refers to the directory list screen (FIG. 7), and the directory data (= directory location and directory name) to be printed, display restriction attributes via the input unit 22. The password data for determining whether or not the display restriction of the directory can be released is input, the instruction check box for instructing the printing of the directory in which the display restriction attribute data is set is checked, and the [Print] button is pressed (S1). ).

  When the [Print] button is pressed, the control unit 11 outputs a print instruction signal with the input directory data and password data to the directory control unit 17.

  Upon receiving the print instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 analyzes the print instruction signal. When the directory data and the password data are assigned, the directory control unit 17 detects that the display restriction attribute directory should be printed. The directory management table in the storage unit 21 is referred to based on the information (S2), and if there is no matching directory data, it is determined that printing is not possible, and a printing impossible signal indicating that printing is impossible due to the absence of the same directory is controlled. To the unit 11.

  Upon receiving the print disable signal, the control unit 11 operates in the same manner as described above, and causes the display control unit 15 to display a print disable screen on the display unit 23 (S3).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, the directory control unit 17 continues to transfer the directory data and password data to the password control unit 18 in order to determine whether or not display restriction can be released.

  Upon receiving the directory data and the password data, the password control unit 18 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data, specifies the registered password data corresponding to the matching directory data, and is specified. The registered password data and the password data are compared (S4). If the two password data match, it is determined that the display restriction can be canceled, and if the password data does not match, it is determined that the display restriction cannot be canceled.

  When the password control unit 18 determines that the display restriction cannot be released, the directory control unit 17 outputs to the control unit 11 a print disable signal indicating that printing is not possible due to a password mismatch.

  Upon receiving the print disable signal, the control unit 11 operates in the same manner as described above, and causes the display control unit 15 to display a print disable screen on the display unit 23 (S3).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the display restriction can be released, the directory control unit 17 outputs a generation instruction signal to the list generation unit 20 in the same manner as described above, and the list generation unit 20 prints all prints belonging to the directory indicated by the directory data. List data indicating the file name and directory of the data is generated (S5).

  When the list generation unit 20 generates list data, the control unit 11 transfers the generated list data to the printing unit 16.

  Upon receiving the list data, the printing unit 16 prints a list indicating the file name and directory of the print data belonging to the directory based on the list data (S6).

  FIG. 23 is an operation flowchart from when the “list” button is pressed on the input screen until all directories are printed as a list.

  When printing a list of all directories having display attributes and display restriction attributes, the user refers to the directory list screen (FIG. 7) and cancels display restrictions on all display restriction attributes directories via the input unit 22. Privileged password data is entered and the [Print All] button is pressed (S1).

  When the [Print All] button is pressed, the control unit 11 outputs an all print instruction signal with privileged password data to the password control unit 18 in order to instruct to print a list of all directories in the storage unit 21.

  The password control unit 18 compares the privileged password data given to all the print instruction signals with the privileged password data registered in advance in the printer. If the password data matches, the password control unit 18 determines that the display restriction can be canceled and does not match. It is determined that the display restriction cannot be canceled.

  If it is determined that the display restriction can be removed, the directory control unit 17 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 and searches all directories associated with attribute data indicating display as directories to be printed in a list ( S2).

  Subsequently, the directory control unit 17 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 and searches all directories associated with attribute data indicating display restrictions as display restriction attribute directories that can be list-printed (S3). A list data generation instruction signal indicating the file name and directory of the print data belonging to each directory of the searched display attribute and display restriction attribute is output to the list generation unit 20.

  When receiving the generation instruction signal, the list generation unit 20 refers to the storage unit 21 on the basis of each directory data as described above, and the file names and directories of all print data belonging to the directory indicated by each directory data The list data is generated based on the file name and directory of the specified print data (S4).

  When the list generation unit 20 generates list data, the control unit 11 transfers the generated list data to the printing unit 16.

  Upon receiving the list data, the printing unit 16 prints a list indicating the file name and directory of the print data belonging to the directory based on the list data (S5).

<Effect of Example 1>
In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, display attribute / display restriction attribute data is given to the directory of the storage unit 21, and a password is set for each directory. Input password data, display attribute / display restriction attribute data, registration Since the directory to be displayed is selected based on the password data and only the selected directory is displayed on the display unit 23, the privileged password notified from the administrator or the like can be input as in the past. Thus, it is possible to prevent the display of all the directories including the directory with the display restriction attribute protected by the password. In addition, since the directory password can be composed of a character string different from the directory name, the password for each directory is displayed at the same time as the directory is displayed, preventing a third party from knowing the password for each directory. it can.

<Configuration of Example 2>
FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the image forming system of the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 24, the image forming system according to the second exemplary embodiment includes a host device 60 and an image forming device 50, and the host device 60 and the image forming device 50 are connected via a network 70.

  The host device 60 is a PC (Personal Computer) or the like, and includes a control unit 61, an input unit 62 including a keyboard, a display unit 63 including liquid crystal, and a display control unit 64.

  The image forming apparatus 50 includes an input unit 22 including a control unit 11a, a display control unit 15, a printing unit 16, a directory control unit 17, a password control unit 18, an attribute control unit 19, a list generation unit 20, a storage unit 21, and a touch panel. , A display unit 23 made of liquid crystal or the like, a host request receiving unit 24, and a data transmitting unit 25. Here, the display control unit 15, the printing unit 16, the directory control unit 17, the password control unit 18, the attribute control unit 19, the list generation unit 20, the storage unit 21, the input unit 22, and the display unit 23 are the same as in the first embodiment. It is.

  The control unit 61 of the host device 60 is a unit that controls the host device 60 as a so-called CPU, and instructs the image forming apparatus 10 to newly create, edit, delete, display a list, and the like in a memory (not shown). Input screen data, directory creation screen data for inputting directory data necessary for creating a new directory, directory editing screen data for inputting directory data necessary for directory editing, etc. In the directory deletion screen data for entering the directory data necessary for deletion, the directory list screen data for entering the directory data necessary for displaying the directory list, etc. Enter the directory data to be changed Change name input screen data, change directory registration password, change registration password input screen data to enter new registration password data, change directory attribute change attribute data Each of the attribute change screen data for instructing is stored.

  The display control unit 64 is a unit that controls the screen display of the display unit 63. Based on the received screen data, the display control unit 64 displays an input screen (see FIG. 3), a directory creation screen (see FIG. 4), and directory editing. Screen (refer to FIG. 5), directory deletion screen (refer to FIG. 6), directory list screen (refer to FIG. 7), creation impossible screen (refer to FIG. 9), change name input screen (refer to FIG. 40), name change impossible screen (refer to FIG. 41), registration password input screen (see FIG. 42), password change impossible screen (see FIG. 43), attribute change screen, attribute change impossible screen (see FIG. 45), deletion impossible screen (see FIG. 46), display impossible screen (See FIG. 47) or a non-printable screen (see FIG. 48) is displayed. Buttons and the like constituting each screen to be displayed are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The host request receiving unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 50 is a unit that receives each signal and the like from the host device 60. When receiving each signal and the like, the received signal and the like are transferred to the control unit 11a.

  The control unit 11a is a unit that performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 50 as a so-called CPU. Upon receiving each signal from the host request receiving unit 24, the printing unit 16, the directory control unit 17, and the like. A corresponding operation instruction is given to any one of the password control unit 18, the attribute control unit 19, and the list generation unit 20.

  As will be described later, the data transmission unit 25 is a unit that transmits the generated screen data and the like to the higher-level device 60. When the screen data generated by the control unit 11a is received, the received data is transferred to the higher-level device. 60.

<Operation of Example 2>
Next, the operation of the image forming system of Example 2 will be described.

  The control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers memory input screen data to the display control unit 64 when a power supply (not shown) is turned on and a predetermined request switch is pressed.

  Upon receiving the input screen data, the display control unit 64 displays an input screen based on the input screen data on the display unit 63 that is a display of the PC (FIG. 3).

  When the user refers to the input screen and presses the new button via the input unit 62, the control unit 61 transfers the memory directory creation screen data to the display control unit 64, and the edit button is pressed. Then, the control unit 61 transfers the directory editing screen data in the memory to the display control unit 64, and when the delete button is pressed, the control unit 61 transfers the directory deletion screen data in the memory to the display control unit 64. When the list button is pressed, the control unit 61 transfers the directory list screen data in the memory to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the directory creation screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the directory creation screen on the display unit 63 based on the directory creation screen data (FIG. 4).

  Further, when receiving the directory edit screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the directory edit screen on the display unit 63 based on the directory edit screen data (FIG. 5).

  Further, when receiving the directory deletion screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the directory deletion screen on the display unit 63 based on the directory deletion screen data (FIG. 6).

  Further, when receiving the directory list screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the directory list screen on the display unit 63 based on the directory list screen data (FIG. 7).

  Here, first, a description will be given until a new directory is created in the storage unit 21.

  FIG. 25 is an operation flowchart until the “New” button is pressed on the input screen on the PC display and a display attribute directory is newly created in the memory of the printer.

  When creating a directory having a display attribute, the user inputs only directory data (= directory location and directory name) to be newly created via the input unit 62 with reference to the directory creation screen (FIG. 4). Then, the [OK] button is pressed (S1).

  When the [OK] button is pressed, the control unit 61 transmits a new creation instruction signal (predetermined printer control command) with the input directory data (= directory location and directory name) to the image forming apparatus 50. (S2).

  When receiving the new creation instruction signal, the host request receiving unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 50 transfers the new creation instruction signal to the control unit 11a.

  When receiving the new creation instruction signal, the control unit 11 a transfers the new creation instruction signal to the directory control unit 17.

  Upon receiving the new creation instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S3). If the same directory exists in the storage unit 21, it is determined that the new creation is impossible, and the creation impossible signal is transmitted to the control unit. To 11a.

  Upon receipt of the creation impossible signal, the control unit 11a generates, for example, creation impossible screen data indicating that a new directory cannot be created, and transfers the created creation impossible screen data to the data transmission unit 25 (S4).

  When receiving the non-creatable screen data, the data transmitting unit 25 transmits the non-creatable screen data to the higher-level device 60 (S5).

  When receiving the non-creatable screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the non-creatable screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the non-creatable screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the non-creatable screen (FIG. 9) on the display unit 63 based on the non-creatable screen data (S6).

  On the other hand, if there is no matching directory data, the directory control unit 17 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment, adds the directory data to the directory management table, and creates a new directory in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data. And a creation completion signal indicating completion of creation of the new directory is output to the control unit 11a (S7).

  When receiving the creation completion signal, the control unit 11a continues to transfer the attribute setting instruction signal to which the directory data and the display attribute data are added to the attribute control unit 19.

  Upon receiving the attribute setting instruction signal, the attribute control unit 19 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S8), and outputs an attribute setting completion signal indicating completion of setting of attribute data to the control unit 11a.

  Upon receiving the attribute setting completion signal, for example, the control unit 11a generates creation completion screen data indicating that new directory creation has been completed, and transfers the created creation completion screen data to the data transmission unit 25 (S9). ).

  Upon receiving the creation completion screen data, the data transmission unit 25 sends the creation completion screen data to the higher-level device 60 (S10).

  Upon receiving the creation completion screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the creation completion screen data to the display control unit 64, and the display control unit 64 that has received the creation completion screen data, based on the creation completion screen data. The creation completion screen is displayed on the display unit 63 (S11).

  FIG. 26 is an operation flowchart from when the “New” button is pressed on the input screen on the PC display until a display restriction attribute directory is newly created in the memory in the printer.

  When creating a directory having a display restriction attribute, the user refers to the directory creation screen (FIG. 4), and through the input unit 62, newly creates directory data (= directory location and directory name), display restriction. The registered password data for determining whether or not the display restriction of the attribute directory can be canceled is input, the attribute instruction check box for instructing the setting of the attribute data indicating the display restriction is checked, and the [OK] button is pressed (S1). .

  When the [OK] button is pressed, the control unit 61 generates a new creation instruction signal to which the input directory data (= directory location and directory name), registration password data, and attribute data indicating display restrictions are added. 50 (S2).

  When receiving the new creation instruction signal, the host request receiving unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 50 transfers the new creation instruction signal to the control unit 11a.

  When receiving the new creation instruction signal, the control unit 11 a transfers the new creation instruction signal to the directory control unit 17.

  The directory control unit 17 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S3). If the same directory exists in the storage unit 21, the directory control unit 17 determines that a new creation is impossible and outputs a creation impossible signal to the control unit 11a. In the same manner as above, a creation impossible screen is displayed on the display unit 63 of the host device 60 (S4 to S6).

  On the other hand, if there is no matching directory data, the directory control unit 17 adds the directory data to the directory management table and creates a new directory in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data, as described above. A creation completion signal indicating completion of creation of the new directory is output to the control unit 11a (S7).

  When receiving the creation completion signal, the control unit 11a continues to transfer the attribute setting instruction signal with the directory data and the display restriction attribute data to the attribute control unit 19.

  Upon receiving the attribute setting instruction signal, the attribute control unit 19 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S8), and outputs an attribute setting completion signal indicating completion of setting of attribute data to the control unit 11a.

  Upon receiving the attribute setting completion signal, the control unit 11a continues to transfer a registered password setting instruction signal with directory data and registration password data to the password control unit 18 (S9).

  Upon receiving the registration password setting instruction signal, the password control unit 18 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and outputs a registration password setting completion signal indicating the completion of setting the registration password data to the control unit 11a.

  Upon receiving the registration password setting completion signal, the control unit 11a generates, for example, creation completion screen data indicating that new directory creation has been completed, and transfers the created creation completion screen data to the data transmission unit 25 ( S10).

  Upon receiving the creation completion screen data, the data transmission unit 25 sends the creation completion screen data to the higher-level device 60 (S11).

  When receiving the creation completion screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the creation completion screen data to the display control unit 64, and the display control unit 64 that has received the creation completion screen data receives the creation completion screen data. A creation completion screen is displayed on the display unit 63 based on the screen data (S12).

  Next, a description will be given until the existing directory in the storage unit 21 is edited.

  First, an explanation will be given until the existing directory is renamed.

  FIG. 27 is an operation flowchart from when the “edit” button is pressed on the input screen on the PC display until the display attribute directory of the memory in the printer is renamed.

  When changing the directory name of the display attribute, the user refers to the directory editing screen (FIG. 5) and inputs only the directory data (= directory location and directory name) whose name is to be changed via the input unit 62. Then, the [Rename] button is pressed (S1).

  When the [name change] button is pressed, the control unit 61 transfers the memory change name input screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the changed name input screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the changed name input screen (FIG. 40) on the display unit 63 based on the changed name input screen data (S2).

  When the user continuously refers to the change name input screen, inputs change directory data via the input unit 62 (S3), and presses the [OK] button, the control unit 61 receives the input name change target. Are sent to the image forming apparatus 50 (S4).

  When receiving the name change instruction signal, the host request receiving unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 50 transfers the name change instruction signal to the control unit 11a.

  When receiving the name change instruction signal, the control unit 11 a transfers the name change instruction signal to the directory control unit 17.

  Upon receiving the name change instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S5). If the same directory does not exist in the storage unit 21, the directory control unit 17 determines that the name cannot be changed and indicates that the name cannot be changed. A name change impossibility signal is output to the control part 11a.

  Upon receiving the name change disable signal, the control unit 11a generates, for example, name change disable screen data indicating that the directory cannot be renamed, and transfers the generated name change disable screen data to the data transmission unit 25 (S6). .

  Upon receiving the name change impossible screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the name change impossible screen data to the host device 60 (S7).

  When the control unit 61 of the host device 60 receives the name change impossible screen data, the control unit 61 transfers the name change impossible screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the name change impossible screen data, the display control unit 64 causes the display unit 63 to display a name change impossible screen (FIG. 41) based on the name change impossible screen data (S8).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, the directory control unit 17 changes the directory data and the directory management table based on the changed directory data, and sends a name change completion signal indicating that the name change is completed to the control unit 11a. (S9).

  Upon receiving the name change completion signal, the control unit 11a generates, for example, name change completion screen data indicating that the directory name change has been completed, and transfers the generated name change completion screen data to the data transmission unit 25. (S10).

  Upon receiving the name change completion screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the name change completion screen data to the higher-level device 60 (S11).

  Upon receiving the name change completion screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the name change completion screen data to the display control unit 64, and the display control unit 64 that has received the name change completion screen data receives the name change completion screen. A name change completion screen is displayed on the display unit 63 based on the data (S12).

  FIG. 28 is an operation flowchart until the “edit” button is pressed on the input screen on the PC display, and the display restriction attribute directory in the memory in the printer is renamed.

  When changing the directory name of the display restriction attribute, the user refers to the directory editing screen (FIG. 5) and displays the directory data (= directory location and directory name) to be renamed and displayed via the input unit 62. Password data for determining whether or not a restricted attribute directory can be edited is input, and the [Rename] button is pressed (S1).

  When the [name change] button is pressed, the control unit 61 operates in the same manner as described above, and causes the display control unit 64 to display the change name input screen (FIG. 40) on the display unit 63 (S2).

  When the user continuously refers to the change name input screen, inputs change directory data via the input unit 62 (S3), and presses the [OK] button, the control unit 61 receives the input name change target. The name change instruction signal to which the directory data, password data, and change directory data are added is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 50 (S4).

  When receiving the name change instruction signal, the host request receiving unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 50 transfers the name change instruction signal to the control unit 11a.

  When receiving the name change instruction signal, the control unit 11 a outputs the name change instruction signal to the directory control unit 17.

  Upon receiving the name change instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S5). If the same directory does not exist in the storage unit 21, the directory control unit 17 determines that the name cannot be changed, and the directory does not exist. The name change impossible signal indicating that name change is impossible is transferred to the controller 11a.

  When the control unit 11a receives the name change disable signal, for example, the control unit 11a generates name change disable screen data indicating that the name change is impossible due to the absence of the directory, and the generated name change disable screen data to the data transmission unit 25. Transfer (S6).

  Upon receiving the name change impossible screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the name change impossible screen data to the host device 60 (S7).

  When the control unit 61 of the host device 60 receives the non-renameable screen data, the control unit 61 transfers the non-renameable screen data to the display control unit 64, and the display control unit 64 that has received the non-renameable screen data Based on the data, a name change impossible screen is displayed on the display unit 63 (S8).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, the directory control unit 17 continues to transfer the directory data and password data to the password control unit 18 in order to determine whether the name can be changed.

  Upon receiving the directory data and the password data, the password control unit 18 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S9). If the password data matches, the password control unit 18 determines that the name can be changed. If the password data does not match, the password control unit 18 determines that the name cannot be changed. judge.

  When the password control unit 18 determines that the name cannot be changed, the directory control unit 17 outputs to the control unit 11a a name change disable signal indicating that the name cannot be changed due to a password mismatch.

  When the control unit 11a receives the name change impossible signal, for example, the control unit 11a generates name change impossible screen data indicating that the name change is impossible due to a password mismatch, and the generated name change impossible screen data is sent to the data transmission unit 25. Transfer (S6).

  Upon receiving the name change impossible screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the name change impossible screen data to the host device 60 (S7).

  When the control unit 61 of the host device 60 receives the name change impossible screen data, the control unit 61 transfers the name change impossible screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the name change impossible screen data, the display control unit 64 causes the display unit 63 to display a name change impossible screen based on the name change impossible screen data (S8).

  On the other hand, if both password data match, it is determined that the name can be changed, and the directory control unit 17 changes the directory data and the directory management table based on the changed directory data, and changes the name indicating that the name change is completed. A completion signal is output to the control part 11a (S10).

  Upon receiving the name change completion signal, the control unit 11a generates, for example, name change completion screen data indicating that the directory name change has been completed, and transfers the generated name change completion screen data to the data transmission unit 25. (S11).

  Upon receiving the name change completion screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the name change completion screen data to the higher-level device 60 (S12).

  When receiving the name change completion screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the name change completion screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the name change completion screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the name change completion screen on the display unit 63 based on the name change completion screen data (S13).

  Next, a description will be given until the registered password data set in the existing directory is changed.

  FIG. 29 is an operation flowchart from when the “password change” button is pressed in FIG. 5 on the PC display until the registered password data in the memory directory in the printer is changed.

  When changing the registered password data, the user refers to the directory editing screen (FIG. 5), and inputs the directory data (= directory location and directory name) of the registered password data to be changed via the input unit 62. Password data for determining whether or not the registered password data can be changed is input, and the [Change Password] button is pressed (S1).

  When the [change password] button is pressed, the control unit 61 transfers the registered password input screen data in the memory to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the registration password input screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the registration password input screen on the display unit 63 based on the registration password input screen data (S2).

  When the user continuously refers to the registration password input screen, inputs new change registration password data via the input unit 62 (S3), and presses the [OK] button, the control unit 61 is input. A password change instruction signal with the directory data, password data, and change registration password data to be changed is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 50 (S4).

  When receiving the password change instruction signal, the host request receiving unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 50 transfers the password change instruction signal to the control unit 11a.

  Upon receiving the password change instruction signal, the control unit 11a transfers the password change instruction signal to the password control unit 18.

  Upon receiving the password change instruction signal, the password control unit 18 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S5). If there is no matching directory data, it is determined that the registered password data cannot be changed due to the absence of the same directory. Then, a password change impossible signal indicating that the password cannot be changed is output to the control unit 11a.

  Upon receiving the password change disable signal, the control unit 11a generates password change disable screen data indicating that the password cannot be changed due to the absence of the same directory, for example, and transmits the generated password change disable screen data as data. The data is transferred to the unit 25 (S6).

  When receiving the password change impossible screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the password change impossible screen data to the host device 60 (S7).

  When receiving the password change impossible screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the password change impossible screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the password change impossible screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the password change impossible screen on the display unit 63 based on the password change impossible screen data (S8).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, the password control unit 18 continues to refer to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data to determine whether or not the password can be changed, and corresponds to the matching directory data. The registered password data to be specified is specified, and the specified registered password data is compared with the password data. If the two password data match, it is determined that the password can be changed, and if they do not match, it is determined that the password cannot be changed (S9). .

  If the password control unit 18 determines that the password cannot be changed, the password control unit 18 outputs a password change disable signal indicating that the password cannot be changed to the control unit 11a due to the password mismatch.

  When the control unit 11a receives the password change disable signal, for example, the control unit 11a generates password change impossible screen data indicating that the password cannot be changed due to a password mismatch, and the generated password change disable screen data is transmitted to the data transmission unit 25. Transfer (S6).

  When receiving the password change impossible screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the password change impossible screen data to the host device 60 (S7).

  When receiving the password change impossible screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the password change impossible screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the password change disabled screen data, the display control unit 64 causes the display unit 63 to display a password change disabled screen based on the password change disabled screen data (S8).

  On the other hand, if both password data match, it is determined that the password can be changed, and the password control unit 18 changes the directory management table based on the directory data and the change registration password data, and indicates that the registration password data has been completed. A change completion signal is output to the control unit 11a (S10).

  Upon receiving the password change completion signal, for example, the control unit 11a generates password change completion screen data indicating that the password change has been completed, and transfers the generated password change completion screen data to the data transmission unit 25 (S11). ).

  Upon receiving the password change completion screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the password change completion screen data to the upper level device 60 (S12).

  When receiving the password change completion screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the password change completion screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the password change completion screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the password change completion screen on the display unit 63 based on the password change completion screen data (S13).

  Next, a description will be given until the attribute data set in the existing directory is changed.

  FIG. 30 is an operation flowchart until the “attribute change” button in FIG. 5 on the PC display is pressed and the attribute data of the display attribute directory of the memory in the printer is changed.

  When changing from display to display-restricted attribute data, the user refers to the directory editing screen (FIG. 5), and the directory data (= directory location and directory name) whose attribute data is to be changed via the input unit 62. And press the [Change Attributes] button (S1).

  When the [Change Attributes] button is pressed, the control unit 61 transfers the memory attribute change screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the attribute change screen data, the display control unit 64 causes the display unit 63 to display the attribute change screen (FIG. 44) based on the attribute change screen data (S2).

  When changing from display to display-restricted attribute data, the user refers to the attribute change screen, checks a check box for instructing change of attribute data via the input unit 62, and inputs registration password data. Then, the [OK] button is pressed (S3).

  When the [OK] button is pressed, the control unit 61 transmits directory data, change attribute data indicating display restriction, and an attribute change instruction signal to which registered password data is added to the image forming apparatus 50 (S4).

  When receiving the attribute change instruction signal, the host request receiving unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 50 transfers the attribute change instruction signal to the control unit 11a.

  When receiving the attribute change instruction signal, the control unit 11 a transfers the attribute change instruction signal to the attribute control unit 19.

  Upon receiving the attribute change instruction signal, the attribute control unit 19 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S5). If there is no matching directory data, it is determined that the attribute data cannot be changed due to the absence of the same directory. Then, an attribute change impossible signal indicating that the attribute cannot be changed due to the absence of the same directory is output to the control unit 11a.

  Upon receiving the attribute change impossibility signal, for example, the control unit 11a generates attribute change impossibility screen data indicating that the attribute cannot be changed due to the absence of the same directory, and transmits the generated attribute change impossibility screen data as data. Transfer to the unit 25 (S6).

  Upon receiving the attribute change impossibility screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the attribute change impossibility screen data to the host device 60 (S7).

  When receiving the attribute change impossibility screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the attribute change impossibility screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the attribute change impossibility screen data, the display control unit 64 causes the display unit 63 to display the attribute change impossibility screen (FIG. 45) based on the attribute change impossibility screen data (S8).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, the attribute control unit 19 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data, associates the registered password data with the matching directory data, and sets the changed attribute data. Based on this, the attribute data indicating display is changed to attribute data indicating display restriction, and an attribute change completion signal indicating completion of change of the attribute data is output to the control unit 11a (S9).

  Upon receiving the attribute change completion signal, the control unit 11a generates, for example, attribute change completion screen data indicating that the attribute change has been completed, and transfers the generated attribute change completion screen data to the data transmission unit 25 (S10). ).

  Upon receiving the attribute change completion screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the attribute change completion screen data to the higher-level device 60 (S11).

  When receiving the attribute change completion screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the attribute change completion screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the attribute change completion screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the attribute change completion screen on the display unit 63 based on the attribute change completion screen data (S12).

  FIG. 31 is an operation flowchart until the “attribute change” button in FIG. 5 on the PC display is pressed and the attribute data of the memory directory in the printer is changed.

  When changing from display restriction to display attribute data, the user refers to the directory editing screen (FIG. 5), and the directory data (= directory location and directory name) whose attribute data is to be changed via the input unit 62. Then, password data for determining whether or not the attribute data can be changed is input, and the [Change Attributes] button is pressed (S1).

  When the [Change Attributes] button is pressed, the control unit 61 transfers the memory attribute change screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the attribute change screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the attribute change screen on the display unit 63 based on the attribute change screen data (S2).

  Subsequently, the user refers to the attribute change screen, unchecks the check box for instructing change of the attribute data via the input unit 62, and presses the [OK] button (S3).

  When the [OK] button is pressed, the control unit 61 transmits to the image forming apparatus 50 an attribute change instruction signal provided with directory data, password data, and change attribute data indicating display (S4).

  When receiving the attribute change instruction signal, the host request receiving unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 50 transfers the attribute change instruction signal to the control unit 11a.

  When receiving the attribute change instruction signal, the control unit 11 a transfers the attribute change instruction signal to the attribute control unit 19.

  Upon receiving the attribute change instruction signal, the attribute control unit 19 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S5). If there is no matching directory data, the attribute data attribute cannot be changed due to the absence of the same directory. An attribute change impossible signal indicating that the attribute cannot be changed due to the absence of the same directory is output to the control unit 11a.

  Upon receiving the attribute change impossibility signal, for example, the control unit 11a generates attribute change impossibility screen data indicating that the attribute cannot be changed due to the absence of the same directory, and transmits the generated attribute change impossibility screen data as data. Transfer to the unit 25 (S6).

  Upon receiving the attribute change impossibility screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the attribute change impossibility screen data to the host device 60 (S7).

  When receiving the attribute change impossibility screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the attribute change impossibility screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the attribute change impossible screen data, the display control unit 64 causes the display unit 63 to display the attribute change impossible screen based on the attribute change impossible screen data (S8).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, the attribute control unit 19 transfers the directory data and password data to the password control unit 18 in order to determine whether the attribute can be changed.

  The password control unit 18 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data, specifies the registered password data for the matching directory data, and compares the specified registered password data with the input password data. If the password data does not match (S9), it is determined that the attribute data cannot be changed, and an attribute change disabled signal is output to the control unit 11a.

  When the control unit 11a receives the attribute change impossible signal, for example, the control unit 11a generates attribute change impossible screen data indicating that the attribute cannot be changed due to a password mismatch, and the generated attribute change impossible screen data is transmitted to the data transmission unit 25. Transmit (S6).

  Upon receiving the attribute change impossibility screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the attribute change impossibility screen data to the host device 60 (S7).

  When receiving the attribute change impossibility screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the attribute change impossibility screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the attribute change impossible screen data, the display control unit 64 causes the display unit 63 to display the attribute change impossible screen based on the attribute change impossible screen data (S8).

  On the other hand, if the password data matches, the attribute control unit 19 determines that the attribute can be changed, refers to the directory management table based on the directory data, deletes the registered password data corresponding to the matching directory data, and Based on the changed attribute data, the attribute data indicating the display restriction is changed to the attribute data indicating the display, and an attribute change completion signal indicating the completion of the change of the attribute data is output to the control unit 11a (S10).

  Upon receiving the attribute change completion signal, the control unit 11a generates, for example, attribute change completion screen data indicating that the attribute change has been completed, and transfers the generated attribute change completion screen data to the data transmission unit 25 (S11). ).

  Upon receiving the attribute change completion screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the attribute change completion screen data to the higher-level device 60 (S12).

  When receiving the attribute change completion screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the attribute change completion screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the attribute change completion screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the attribute change completion screen on the display unit 63 based on the attribute change completion screen data (S13).

  Next, a description will be given until the existing directory is deleted.

  FIG. 32 is an operation flowchart until the “delete” button is pressed on the input screen on the PC display until the display attribute directory in the memory in the printer is deleted.

  When deleting a directory having a display attribute, the user inputs only the directory data (= directory location and directory name) to be deleted via the input unit 62 with reference to the directory deletion screen (FIG. 6). The OK button is pressed (S1).

  When the [OK] button is pressed, the control unit 61 transmits a delete instruction signal with the input directory data (= directory location and directory name) to the image forming apparatus 50 (S2).

  When receiving the deletion instruction signal, the host request receiving unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 50 transfers the deletion instruction signal to the control unit 11a.

  When receiving the deletion instruction signal, the control unit 11a sends the deletion instruction signal to the directory control unit 17.

  Upon receiving the deletion instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S3). If there is no matching directory data, the directory control unit 17 determines that the deletion is impossible due to the absence of the same directory, and the deletion impossible signal. Is output to the control unit 11a.

  Upon receipt of the deletion impossible signal, the control unit 11a generates, for example, deletion impossible screen data indicating that the directory cannot be deleted, and transmits the generated deletion impossible screen data to the data transmission unit 25 (S4).

  When receiving the non-deletable screen data, the data transmitting unit 25 transmits the non-deletable screen data to the higher-level device 60 (S5).

  When receiving the non-deletable screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the non-deletable screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the non-deletable screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the non-deletable screen on the display unit 63 based on the non-deletable screen data (S6).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, the directory control unit 17 determines that the deletion is possible, refers to the directory management table based on the directory data, deletes the matching directory data and attribute data, and completes the deletion. A deletion completion signal is output to the control unit 11a (S7).

  Upon receiving the deletion completion signal, the control unit 11a generates, for example, deletion completion screen data indicating that the deletion is completed, and transfers the generated deletion completion screen data to the data transmission unit 25 (S8).

  Upon receiving the deletion completion screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the deletion completion screen data to the higher-level device 60 (S9).

  When receiving the deletion completion screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the deletion completion screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the deletion completion screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the deletion completion screen on the display unit 63 based on the deletion completion screen data (S10).

  FIG. 33 is an operation flowchart until the “Delete” button is pressed on the input screen on the PC display until the display restriction attribute directory in the memory in the printer is deleted.

  When deleting a directory having a display restriction attribute, the user refers to the directory deletion screen (FIG. 6), and inputs the directory data (= directory location and directory name) to be deleted and the display restriction attribute via the input unit 62. The password data for determining whether or not the directory can be deleted is input and the [OK] button is pressed (S1).

  The control unit 61 transmits the input directory data (= directory location and directory name) and the deletion instruction signal with the password data to the image forming apparatus 50 (S2).

  When receiving the deletion instruction signal, the host request receiving unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 50 transfers the deletion instruction signal to the control unit 11a.

  When receiving the deletion instruction signal, the control unit 11a sends the deletion instruction signal to the directory control unit 17.

  Upon receiving the deletion instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S3). If there is no matching directory data, the directory control unit 17 determines that the deletion is impossible due to the absence of the same directory, and the deletion impossible signal. Is output to the control unit 11a.

  Upon receipt of the deletion impossible signal, the control unit 11a generates, for example, deletion impossible screen data indicating that the directory cannot be deleted, and transmits the generated deletion impossible screen data to the data transmission unit 25 (S4).

  When receiving the non-deletable screen data, the data transmitting unit 25 transmits the non-deletable screen data to the higher-level device 60 (S5).

  When receiving the non-deletable screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the non-deletable screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the non-deletable screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the non-deletable screen on the display unit 63 based on the non-deletable screen data (S6).

  On the other hand, if there is matching directory data, the directory control unit 17 continues to transfer the directory data and password data to the password control unit 18 in order to determine whether the directory can be deleted.

  Upon receiving the directory data and the password data, the password control unit 18 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data, specifies the registered password data for the matching directory data, and specifies the specified registered password. The data and the input password data are compared. If the two password data do not match, it is determined that the directory cannot be deleted, and a deletion disable signal is output to the control unit 11a (S7).

  Upon receiving the deletion impossible signal, the control unit 11a generates, for example, deletion impossible screen data indicating that deletion is not possible due to a password mismatch, and transfers the generated deletion impossible screen data to the data transmission unit 25 (S4). ).

  When receiving the non-deletable screen data, the data transmitting unit 25 transmits the non-deletable screen data to the higher-level device 60 (S5).

  When receiving the non-deletable screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the non-deletable screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the non-deletable screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the non-deletable screen on the display unit 63 based on the non-deletable screen data (S6).

  On the other hand, if the two password data match, the directory control unit 17 determines that deletion is possible, refers to the directory management table based on the directory data, deletes the matching directory data, registered password data, and attribute data, and deletes them. A deletion completion signal indicating completion is output to the control unit 11a (S8).

  When receiving the deletion completion signal, the control unit 11a generates, for example, deletion completion screen data indicating that the deletion is completed, and transfers the generated deletion completion screen data to the data transmission unit 25 (S9).

  Upon receiving the deletion completion screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the deletion completion screen data to the higher-level device 60 (S10).

  When receiving the deletion completion screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the deletion completion screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the deletion completion screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the deletion completion screen on the display unit 63 based on the deletion completion screen data (S11).

  Next, a description will be given until the directory is displayed as a list or printed.

  FIG. 34 is an operation flowchart from when the “list” button is pressed on the input screen on the PC display until the directory of the display attribute of the memory in the printer is displayed as a list on the PC display.

  When displaying a list of directories having display attributes, the user inputs only the directory data (= directory location and directory name) to be displayed via the input unit 62 with reference to the directory list screen (FIG. 7). Press the [Display] button (S1).

  When the [Display] button is pressed, the control unit 61 transmits a display instruction signal with the input directory data to the image forming apparatus 50 (S2).

  When receiving the display instruction signal, the host request receiving unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 50 transfers the display instruction signal to the control unit 11a.

  When receiving the display instruction signal, the control unit 11 a outputs the display instruction signal to the directory control unit 17.

  Upon receiving the display instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S3). If there is no matching directory data, the directory control unit 17 determines that display is impossible, and display is impossible due to the absence of the same directory. Is output to the control unit 11a.

  Upon receiving the display disabling signal, for example, the control unit 11a generates display disabling screen data indicating that display is impossible due to the absence of the same directory, and transfers the generated display disabling screen data to the data transmission unit 25. (S4).

  When the data transmission unit 25 receives the display disabled screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the display disabled screen data to the host device 60 (S5).

  When the control unit 61 of the host device 60 receives the display disabled screen data, the control unit 61 transfers the display disabled screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the display disabled screen data, the display control unit 64 displays a display disabled screen (FIG. 47) on the display unit 63 based on the display disabled screen data (S6).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, it is determined that display is possible, and the directory control unit 17 outputs a list data generation instruction signal indicating the file name and directory of the print data belonging to the directory to the list generation unit 20. .

  Upon receiving the generation instruction signal, the list generation unit 20 refers to the storage unit 21 based on the directory data, specifies the file names and directories of all print data belonging to the directory indicated by the directory data, and is specified. List data is generated based on the file name and directory of the print data (S7).

  When the list generation unit 20 generates the list data, the control unit 11a transfers the generated list data to the data transmission unit 25.

  Upon receiving the list data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the list data to the higher-level device 60 (S8).

  When receiving the list data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the list data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the list data, the display control unit 64 displays a list screen on the display unit 63 based on the list data (S9).

  FIG. 35 is an operation flowchart from when the “list” button is pressed on the input screen on the PC display until the directory of the display restriction attribute of the memory in the printer is displayed as a list on the PC display.

  When displaying a list of directories with display restriction attributes, the user refers to the directory list screen (FIG. 7), and through the input unit 62, displays directory data (= directory location and directory name), display restriction attributes to be displayed. The password data for determining whether or not the display restriction of the directory can be canceled is input, the instruction check box for instructing the display of the directory in which the display restriction attribute data is set is checked, and the [Display] button is pressed (S1). ).

  When the [Display] button is pressed, the control unit 61 transmits a display instruction signal with the input directory data and password data to the image forming apparatus 50 (S2).

  When receiving the display instruction signal, the host request receiving unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 50 transfers the display instruction signal to the control unit 11a.

  When receiving the display instruction signal, the control unit 11 a outputs the display instruction signal to the directory control unit 17.

  Upon receiving the display instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S3). If there is no matching directory data, the directory control unit 17 determines that display is impossible, and display is impossible due to the absence of the same directory. Is output to the control unit 11a.

  Upon receiving the display disabling signal, for example, the control unit 11a generates display disabling screen data indicating that display is impossible due to the absence of the same directory, and transfers the generated display disabling screen data to the data transmission unit 25. (S4).

  When the data transmission unit 25 receives the display disabled screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the display disabled screen data to the host device 60 (S5).

  When the control unit 61 of the host device 60 receives the display disabled screen data, the control unit 61 transfers the display disabled screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the display disabled screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the display disabled screen on the display unit 63 based on the display disabled screen data (S6).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, the directory control unit 17 continues to transfer the directory data and password data to the password control unit 18 in order to determine whether or not display restriction can be released.

  Upon receiving the directory data and the password data, the password control unit 18 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data, specifies the registered password data corresponding to the matching directory data, and is specified. The registered password data and the password data are compared (S7). If the two password data match, it is determined that the display restriction can be canceled, and if they do not match, it is determined that the display restriction cannot be canceled.

  When the password control unit 18 determines that the display restriction cannot be canceled, the directory control unit 17 outputs a display disable signal indicating that display is impossible due to a password mismatch to the control unit 11a.

  Upon receiving the display disabling signal, for example, the control unit 11a generates display disabling screen data indicating that display cannot be performed due to a password mismatch, and transfers the generated display disabling screen data to the data transmission unit 25 (S4). ).

  When the data transmission unit 25 receives the display disabled screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the display disabled screen data to the host device 60 (S5).

  When the control unit 61 of the host device 60 receives the display disabled screen data, the control unit 61 transfers the display disabled screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the display disabled screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the display disabled screen on the display unit 63 based on the display disabled screen data (S6).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the display restriction can be released, the directory control unit 17 outputs a generation instruction signal to the list generation unit 20 in the same manner as described above, and the list generation unit 20 prints all prints belonging to the directory indicated by the directory data. List data indicating the file name and directory of the data is generated (S8).

  When the list generation unit 20 generates the list data, the control unit 11a transfers the generated list data to the data transmission unit 25.

  Upon receiving the list data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the list data to the higher-level device 60 (S9).

  When receiving the list data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the list data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the list data, the display control unit 64 causes the display unit 63 to display a list screen indicating the file name and directory of the print data belonging to the directory based on the list data (S10).

  FIG. 36 is an operation flowchart until a list of all directories is displayed.

  When displaying a list of all directories having display attributes and display restriction attributes, the user refers to the directory list screen and has privileges for canceling display restrictions on all display restriction attributes via the input unit 62. Enter password data and press the [Display All] button (S1).

  When the [Display All] button is pressed, the control unit 61 transmits an all display instruction signal with privileged password data to the image forming apparatus 50 to indicate a list display of all directories in the storage unit 21 (S2). ).

  When receiving the full display instruction signal, the host request receiving unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 50 transfers the full display instruction signal to the control unit 11a.

  When receiving the full display instruction signal, the control unit 11a outputs the full display instruction signal to the password control unit 18.

  The password control unit 18 compares the privileged password data given to the all-display instruction signal with the privileged password data registered in advance in the printer. If the password data matches, the password control unit 18 determines that the display restriction can be canceled and does not match. It is determined that the display restriction cannot be canceled.

  If it is determined that the display restriction can be released, the directory control unit 17 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 and displays all directories associated with attribute data indicating display as a list, as in the first embodiment. The directory of the display attribute to be searched is searched (S3).

  Subsequently, the directory control unit 17 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 and searches all directories associated with attribute data indicating display restriction as display restriction attribute directories that can be displayed in a list (S4). A list data generation instruction signal indicating the file name and directory of the print data belonging to each directory of the searched display attribute and display restriction attribute is output to the list generation unit 20.

  When receiving the generation instruction signal, the list generation unit 20 refers to the storage unit 21 on the basis of each directory data as described above, and the file names and directories of all print data belonging to the directory indicated by each directory data The list data is generated based on the file name and directory of the specified print data (S5).

  When the list generation unit 20 generates the list data, the control unit 11a transfers the generated list data to the data transmission unit 25.

  Upon receiving the list data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the list data to the higher-level device 60 (S7).

  When receiving the list data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the list data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the list data, the display control unit 64 causes the display unit 63 to display a list indicating the file name and directory of the print data belonging to the directory based on the list data (S8).

  FIG. 37 is an operation flowchart from when the “list” button is pressed on the input screen on the PC display until the display attribute directory of the memory in the printer is printed as a list by the printer.

  When printing a list of directories having display attributes, the user inputs only the directory data (= directory location and directory name) to be displayed via the input unit 62 with reference to the directory list screen (FIG. 7). Press the [Print] button (S1).

  When the [Print] button is pressed, the control unit 61 transmits a print instruction signal with the input directory data to the image forming apparatus 50 (S2).

  When receiving the print instruction signal, the host request receiving unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 50 transfers the print instruction signal to the control unit 11a.

  When receiving the print instruction signal, the control unit 11 a outputs the print instruction signal to the directory control unit 17.

  Upon receiving the print instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S3). If there is no matching directory data, the directory control unit 17 determines that printing is impossible, and printing is not possible due to the absence of the same directory. Is output to the control unit 11a.

  When the control unit 11a receives the print disable signal, for example, the control unit 11a generates print disable screen data indicating that the print is not possible due to the absence of the same directory, and transfers the generated print disable screen data to the data transmission unit 25. (S4).

  When the data transmission unit 25 receives the non-printable screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the non-printable screen data to the upper level device 60 (S5).

  When receiving the non-printable screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the non-printable screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the non-printable screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the non-printable screen (FIG. 48) on the display unit 63 based on the non-printable screen data (S6).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, it is determined that printing is possible, and the directory control unit 17 outputs to the list generation unit 20 a generation instruction signal for list data indicating the print data and directories belonging to the directory.

  Upon receiving the generation instruction signal, the list generation unit 20 refers to the storage unit 21 based on the directory data, specifies the file names and directories of all print data belonging to the directory indicated by the directory data, and is specified. List data is generated based on the file name and directory of the print data (S7).

  When the list generation unit 20 generates list data, the control unit 11 a transfers the generated list data to the printing unit 16.

  The printing unit 16 prints a directory list. Upon receiving the list data, the printing unit 16 prints a list indicating the file name and directory of the print data belonging to the directory based on the list data (S8).

  FIG. 38 is an operation flowchart from when the “list” button is pressed on the input screen on the PC display until the directory of the display restriction attribute in the memory in the printer is printed as a list by the printer.

  When printing a list of directories with display restriction attributes, the user refers to the directory list screen (FIG. 7), and through the input unit 62, the directory data (= directory location and directory name), display restriction attributes to be printed. The password data for determining whether or not the display restriction of the directory can be released is input, the instruction check box for instructing the printing of the directory in which the display restriction attribute data is set is checked, and the [Print] button is pressed (S1). ).

  When the [Print] button is pressed, the control unit 61 transmits a print instruction signal with the input directory data and password data to the image forming apparatus 50 (S2).

  When receiving the print instruction signal, the host request receiving unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 50 transfers the print instruction signal to the control unit 11a.

  When receiving the print instruction signal, the control unit 11 a outputs the print instruction signal to the directory control unit 17.

  Upon receiving the print instruction signal, the directory control unit 17 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S3). If there is no matching directory data, the directory control unit 17 determines that printing is impossible, and printing is not possible due to the absence of the same directory. Is output to the control unit 11a.

  When the control unit 11a receives the print disable signal, for example, the control unit 11a generates print disable screen data indicating that the print is not possible due to the absence of the same directory, and transfers the generated print disable screen data to the data transmission unit 25. (S4).

  When the data transmission unit 25 receives the non-printable screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the non-printable screen data to the upper level device 60 (S5).

  When receiving the non-printable screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the non-printable screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the non-printable screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the non-printable screen on the display unit 63 based on the non-printable screen data (S6).

  On the other hand, if the same directory data exists, the directory control unit 17 continues to transfer the directory data and password data to the password control unit 18 in order to determine whether or not display restriction can be released.

  Upon receiving the directory data and the password data, the password control unit 18 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 based on the directory data, specifies the registered password data corresponding to the matching directory data, and is specified. The registered password data and the password data are compared (S7). If the two password data match, it is determined that the display restriction can be canceled, and if they do not match, it is determined that the display restriction cannot be canceled.

  When the password control unit 18 determines that the display restriction cannot be canceled, the directory control unit 17 outputs a print prohibition signal indicating that printing is impossible due to the password mismatch to the control unit 11a.

  When the control unit 11a receives the print prohibition signal, for example, the control unit 11a generates print disable screen data indicating that the print is impossible due to a password mismatch (S4), and transfers the generated print disable screen data to the data transmission unit 25. To do.

  When the data transmission unit 25 receives the non-printable screen data, the data transmission unit 25 transmits the non-printable screen data to the upper level device 60 (S5).

  When receiving the non-printable screen data, the control unit 61 of the host device 60 transfers the non-printable screen data to the display control unit 64.

  Upon receiving the non-printable screen data, the display control unit 64 displays the non-printable screen on the display unit 63 based on the non-printable screen data (S6).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the display restriction can be released, the directory control unit 17 outputs a generation instruction signal to the list generation unit 20 in the same manner as described above, and the list generation unit 20 prints all prints belonging to the directory indicated by the directory data. List data indicating the file name and directory of the data is generated (S8).

  When the list generation unit 20 generates list data, the control unit 11 a transfers the generated list data to the printing unit 16.

  Upon receiving the list data, the printing unit 16 prints a list indicating the file name and directory of the print data belonging to the directory based on the list data (S9).

  FIG. 39 is an operation flowchart until all directories are printed as a list.

  When printing a list of all directories having display attributes and display restriction attributes, the user refers to the directory list screen (FIG. 7) and cancels display restrictions on the directories having all display restriction attributes via the input unit 62. Privileged password data is entered and the [Print All] button is pressed (S1).

  When the [Print All] button is pressed, the control unit 61 transmits an all print instruction signal with privileged password data to the image forming apparatus 50 in order to instruct to print a list of all directories in the storage unit 21 (S2). ).

  When receiving the all print instruction signal, the host request receiving unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 50 outputs the all print instruction signal to the password control unit 18.

  The password control unit 18 compares the privileged password data given to all the print instruction signals with the privileged password data registered in the printer in advance, and if the two password data match, the password control unit 18 determines that the display restriction can be removed, and does not match. It is determined that the display restriction cannot be canceled.

  If it is determined that the display restriction can be removed, the directory control unit 17 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 and sets all the directories associated with the attribute data indicating the display as the display attribute directories to be printed in a list. Search (S3).

  Subsequently, the directory control unit 17 refers to the directory management table in the storage unit 21 and searches all directories associated with attribute data indicating display restrictions as display restriction attribute directories capable of list printing (S4). A list data generation instruction signal indicating the file name and directory of the print data belonging to each directory of the searched display attribute and display restriction attribute is output to the list generation unit 20.

  When receiving the generation instruction signal, the list generation unit 20 refers to the storage unit 21 on the basis of each directory data as described above, and the file names and directories of all print data belonging to the directory indicated by each directory data The list data is generated based on the file name and directory of the specified print data (S5).

  When the list generation unit 20 generates the list data, the control unit 11a transfers the generated list data to the printing unit 16.

  Upon receiving the list data, the printing unit 16 prints a list indicating the file name and directory of the print data belonging to the directory based on the list data (S6).

<Effect of Example 2>
In the image forming system according to the second embodiment, display attributes / display restriction attributes are given to the directories in the storage unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 50, passwords are set in the directories, and input password data, registered password data, display attributes are set. Since the directory to be displayed is selected based on the display restriction attribute data, and only the selected directory is displayed on the display unit 63 of the host device 60, the administrator or the like is notified as in the past. By entering the privileged password, it is possible to prevent the display of all directories including directories with display restriction attributes that are password-protected. In addition, the directory password can be composed of a character string different from the directory name, so that each directory password is displayed at the same time that the directory is displayed, preventing third parties from knowing the password for each directory. it can. Furthermore, since the host device 60 can instruct creation, editing, and deletion of a directory, the convenience of directory operations can be improved.

  In the above-described embodiments, the image forming apparatus and the image forming system have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to, for example, a copying machine or a multifunction machine.

  In each of the above embodiments, the format of the input password data (including registered password data) is checked (for example, the number of characters, the data type, etc.), and an error screen is displayed on the display unit when invalid password data is detected. You may comprise the structure to make.

1 is a block diagram showing an image forming apparatus 10 according to the present invention. Illustration showing the directory management table Illustration showing the input screen Illustration showing the directory creation screen Illustration showing the directory editing screen Illustration showing the directory deletion screen Illustration showing the directory list screen Flowchart for creating a new display attribute directory Illustration showing a screen that cannot be created Flowchart for creating a new directory with display restriction attributes Operation flowchart until the display attribute directory is renamed Operation flowchart until the directory name of the display restriction attribute is changed Flow chart until the registered password data of the directory is changed Operation flowchart until the attribute data of the display attribute directory is changed Operation flowchart until the attribute data of the display restriction attribute directory is changed Operation flow chart until the display attribute directory is deleted Flowchart for deleting the display restriction attribute directory Flowchart for displaying the list of display attribute directories Flowchart for displaying a list of directories with display restriction attributes Operation flowchart until all directories are listed Operation flow chart until the list of display attribute directories is printed Flowchart for printing a list of display restriction attribute directories Operation flowchart until all directories are printed as a list Block configuration diagram showing an image forming system according to a second embodiment. Flowchart for creating a new display attribute directory Flowchart for creating a new directory with display restriction attributes Operation flowchart until the display attribute directory is renamed Operation flowchart until the directory name of the display restriction attribute is changed Flow chart until the registered password data of the directory is changed Operation flowchart until the attribute data of the display attribute directory is changed Operation flowchart until the attribute data of the display restriction attribute directory is changed Operation flow chart until the display attribute directory is deleted Flowchart for deleting the display restriction attribute directory Flowchart for displaying the list of display attribute directories Flowchart for displaying a list of directories with display restriction attributes Operation flowchart until all directories are listed Operation flow chart until the list of display attribute directories is printed Flowchart for printing a list of display restriction attribute directories Operation flowchart until all directories are printed as a list Illustration showing the change name input screen Illustration showing the name change impossible screen Example of registration password input screen Illustration showing the password change impossible screen Illustration showing the attribute change screen Example diagram showing the attribute change impossible screen Illustration showing a non-deletable screen Illustration showing a non-displayable screen Illustration showing a non-printable screen

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Control part 11a Control part 15 Display control part 16 Printing part 17 Directory control part 18 Password control part 19 Attribute control part 20 List generation part 21 Storage part 22 Input part 23 Display part 24 Host request reception part 25 Data transmission Unit 50 Image forming device 60 Host device 61 Control unit 62 Input unit 63 Display unit 64 Display control unit 70 Network

Claims (5)

A directory creation section for creating a directory in the storage section;
An attribute giving unit for giving display / non-display attributes to the directory;
A display unit for displaying the directory in response to a request from a host,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the display unit selects and displays a directory based on the display / non-display attribute. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
A password setting unit for setting a password in the directory;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the display unit selects and displays a directory based on a password input from a host and the display / non-display attribute. A directory creation section for creating a directory in the storage section;
A password setting unit for setting a password in the directory;
An attribute giving unit for giving display / non-display attributes to the directory;
A printing unit that prints the directory structure in response to a request from a host,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the printing unit selects and prints the directory based on a password input from a host. A directory creation section for creating a directory in the storage section;
An attribute giving unit for giving display / non-display attributes to the directory;
A data creation unit that creates data indicating the directory structure in response to a request from a host;
A transmission unit for transmitting the data to the host,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the data creation unit selects a directory based on the display / non-display attribute and generates data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
A password setting unit for setting a password in the directory;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the data creation unit selects a directory based on a password input from a host and the display / non-display attribute and generates data.

Images