JP2007281580A - Facsimile device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent wrong transmission while enhancing security when a confidential document is transmitted by facsimile. <P>SOLUTION: The facsimile device 1 judges whether an inputted FAX number has been registered on a permission dial list 105a or not, and further judges whether a device ID acquired from a calling facsimile device has been registered on a permission ID list 105b or not. Only when both the inputted FAX number and the acquired device ID have been registered, document data of a confidential document read out at a reading section 102 are transmitted to the calling facsimile device by facsimile. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a facsimile machine.

  For example, in the facsimile apparatus described in Patent Document 1, transmission of image information read from a document is permitted only when a mark or character string indicating that the document is permitted to be transmitted is described in a specific part of the document. This prevents a confidential document from being accidentally faxed.

  Also, in Patent Document 2, the address of the transmission destination set at the time of transmission is compared with the erroneous transmission address registered in the erroneous transmission address information storage means 12b, and the address of the transmission destination is the erroneous transmission address information. If it is registered in the storage unit 12b, it is described that it is determined that the transmission is erroneous and that it is notified to the user and that important information is prevented from leaking to a third party. Further, this Patent Document 2 includes a transmission history information storage unit 12c that records a history of a destination address that has transmitted information. The transmission destination information address set at the time of transmission and the transmission history information storage unit 12c It is described that a comparison is made with the recorded destination address, and if the transmission destination address is not stored in the transmission history information storage means 12c, it is determined that there is a possibility of erroneous transmission and the user is notified. Has been.

JP 7-203192 A JP 2005-73186 A

  By the way, according to the invention described in Patent Document 1, although confidential documents can be prevented from being inadvertently transmitted by FAX, conversely, confidential documents cannot be transmitted at all from the facsimile apparatus. Convenience is not good. In addition, if the invention described in Patent Document 2 is used, it is possible to prevent erroneous transmission and leakage to a third party even for a confidential document. However, the address of the transmission destination set at the time of transmission is simply set. The transmission destination of the confidential document is really correct because it is only compared with the erroneous transmission address registered in the erroneous transmission address information storage means 12b and the destination address recorded in the transmission history information storage means 12c. Whether it is a destination or not, a problem that is worrisome in terms of security appears.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to prevent erroneous transmission and enhance security in the case of facsimile transmission of a confidential document.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is unique to a first database in which a dial number permitted to send a confidential document by facsimile transmission is registered and a facsimile apparatus of a destination to which facsimile transmission of the confidential document is permitted. A second database in which device identification information is registered; a first input means for inputting a dial number of a call destination; a second input means for inputting document data of a confidential document; and the first input. A first determination unit that determines whether the dial number input by the unit is registered in the first database; and the first determination unit determines that the dial number is registered in the first database. Call the dialed number entered by the first input means, establish a connection with the called facsimile machine, An acquisition unit that acquires the device identification information from the proxy device, a second determination unit that determines whether the device identification information acquired by the acquisition unit is registered in the second database, and the second Transmission means for facsimile transmission of the document data input by the second input means to the call destination facsimile apparatus when it is determined by the determination means that the document data is registered in the second database. A facsimile machine is provided.

  According to the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus, it is determined whether or not the dial number input by the first input means is registered in the first database, and the apparatus identification information acquired from the facsimile apparatus of the call destination Is registered in the second database, and only when the input dial number and the acquired device identification information are registered, the confidential document input by the second input means is registered. The document data is transmitted by facsimile to the called facsimile machine.

  When the second determination unit determines that the transmission unit is registered in the second database, the transmission unit transmits the document data input by the second input unit to the facsimile of the call destination. Facsimile transmission to the apparatus, while it is determined by the second determination means that it is not registered in the second database, and it is determined by the first determination means that it is not registered in the first database In this case, the facsimile transmission of the document data may be stopped.

  The facsimile apparatus analyzes the document data input by the second input unit, specifies a dial number of the call destination, the dial number specified by the specification unit, and the first number A comparison means for comparing dial numbers input by the input means, wherein the acquisition means matches the comparison result by the comparison means and is registered in the first database by the first determination means. If it is determined that the call is made, the dial number entered by the first input means is called, and after establishing a connection with the call destination facsimile apparatus, the call destination facsimile apparatus The apparatus identification information may be acquired.

  Further, the present invention registers the first database in which the dial numbers permitted for facsimile transmission of confidential documents are registered, and the device identification information unique to the destination facsimile apparatus permitted for facsimile transmission of confidential documents. The second database, the first input means for inputting the dial number of the call destination, the second input means for inputting the document data, and the document data input by the second input means. Analyzing means for determining whether or not the manuscript represented by the manuscript data is a confidential document, and the dial input by the first input means when the determining device determines that the manuscript is a confidential document A first determination means for determining whether or not a number is registered in the first database; and the number is registered in the first database by the first determination means If it is determined, a call is made to the dial number entered by the first input means, a connection is established with the called facsimile machine, and then the device identification is made from the called facsimile machine. An acquisition means for acquiring information; a second determination means for determining whether or not the device identification information acquired by the acquisition means is registered in the second database; and And a transmission unit for transmitting the original data input by the second input unit to the called facsimile apparatus when it is determined that the document is registered in the second database. .

  When the second determination unit determines that the transmission unit is registered in the second database, the transmission unit transmits the document data input by the second input unit to the facsimile of the call destination. Facsimile transmission to the apparatus and when it is determined by the second determination means that it is not registered in the second database, and when it is determined by the first determination means that it is not registered in the first database In the case where the facsimile transmission of the document data is stopped and the determination unit determines that the document is not a confidential document, the determination by the first determination unit and the determination by the second determination unit are not performed. A call is made to the dial number input by the first input means, and the document data input by the second input means is faxed to the facsimile machine of the call destination. It may be configured to millimeter transmission.

  According to the present invention, when a confidential document is transmitted by facsimile, erroneous transmission can be prevented and security can be enhanced, and the confidential document can be reliably prevented from leaking by the facsimile apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the facsimile apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a control unit 101 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls each unit of the facsimile apparatus 1 by executing a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 105. The reading unit 102 is an image scanner that optically reads an image of a document to be transmitted by facsimile. The facsimile communication unit 103 controls facsimile communication performed with another facsimile apparatus via a telephone network or the like under the control of the control unit 101. The printing unit 104 prints an image based on the facsimile data received by the facsimile communication unit 103 on a recording sheet.

  The storage unit 105 stores a program for controlling each unit of the facsimile machine 1. The storage unit 105 also stores a permission dial list 105a and a permission ID list 105b. In the permitted dial list 105a, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), registered are dial numbers (FAX numbers) permitted for facsimile transmission of confidential documents in the facsimile apparatus 1. Note that confidential documents include, for example, character strings such as “confidential”, “confidential”, “confidential”, “copy prohibited”, “cautions to handle”, “important”, and “confidential” on the first page. Or a document on which a mark representing the same meaning as these character strings is written. In addition, in the permission ID list 105b, as shown in FIG. 2B, device IDs for identifying the facsimile machines of the other party that are permitted to perform facsimile transmission of confidential documents in the facsimile apparatus 1 are registered. The device ID is identification information unique to each facsimile machine, and is, for example, a serial number of the facsimile machine.

  By the way, the FAX number for which the facsimile transmission of the confidential document is permitted and the apparatus ID of the destination facsimile apparatus for which the facsimile transmission of the confidential document is permitted are entered in the permission dial list 105a and the permission ID list 105b by the user of the facsimile apparatus 1. be registered. The user operates the operation unit 107 provided in the facsimile apparatus 1 or operates a personal computer that can communicate with the facsimile apparatus 1, for example, to add a new FAX number to the permission dial list 105a, The registered contents of the permission dial list 105a and the permission ID list 105b can be arbitrarily changed, such as deleting an arbitrary device ID registered in the ID list 105b.

  The display unit 106 is configured by a liquid crystal display panel. The operation unit 107 includes a touch panel pasted on the screen of the liquid crystal display panel and operators such as a numeric keypad, a start button, and a speed dial button provided on the operation panel. An operation signal corresponding to the operation of the child is output to the control unit 101. The numeric keypad is a key for inputting a FAX number, and the start button is a button for instructing the start of facsimile transmission. For example, frequently used FAX numbers can be assigned to the abbreviated dial buttons. By pressing the abbreviated dial buttons, the assigned FAX numbers can be input with one touch.

Next, the operation of the facsimile apparatus 1 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the facsimile transmission process 1 executed in the facsimile apparatus 1. As shown in the figure, a confidential document is set on an original reading table provided in the facsimile apparatus 1 (step S101). Thereafter, the numeric keypad or speed dial button is operated to input a FAX number (step S102). When the start button is pressed (step S103), in the facsimile apparatus 1, the confidential document set on the original reading table is scanned by the reading unit 102 (step S104), and the original data of the read confidential document is stored. Stored in the unit 105.

  Next, the facsimile apparatus 1 compares the FAX number input in step S102 with one or more FAX numbers registered in the permission dial list 105a (step S105), and the input FAX number is compared with the permission dial list 105a. Is registered (step S106). As described above, in the permitted dial list 105a, since the FAX number permitted for facsimile transmission of the confidential document is registered, the fact that the input FAX number is not registered here means that it is originally transmitted. You are trying to fax a confidential document to a destination that should not be. Of course, there is a possibility that the user has mistakenly input the FAX number, failed to register the FAX number in the permission dial list 105a, or has registered an incorrect FAX number in the permission dial list 105a due to a registration error.

  Therefore, if the determination result in step S106 is “NO”, the facsimile apparatus 1 deletes the document data read in step S104 from the storage unit 105, and stops facsimile transmission (step S107). Further, since the input FAX number is not registered in the permission dial list 105a, the facsimile apparatus 1 confirms whether a message indicating that the facsimile transmission has been stopped or whether the input or registration of the FAX number has been missed. After the prompt message is displayed on the display unit 106 (step S108), the facsimile transmission process 1 is finished. Note that the message displayed on the display unit 106 in step S108 may be in the form of being notified to the user as a voice message. However, in this case, the facsimile apparatus 1 needs to include a voice notification unit.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S106 is “YES”, the facsimile apparatus 1 calls the FAX number input in step S102 (step S109), and establishes a connection with the called facsimile apparatus. Establish. If the call destination facsimile apparatus is busy (during communication), the processing in and after step S109 is temporarily suspended and executed again after a predetermined standby time has elapsed.

  Next, the facsimile machine 1 negotiates with the called facsimile machine, and exchanges information such as communication speed and data format regarding transmission / reception of facsimile data. At the time of this negotiation, the facsimile machine 1 acquires a device ID assigned to the call destination facsimile device from the call destination facsimile device (step S110). For example, at the time of negotiation, the facsimile apparatus 1 transmits a device ID acquisition request to the call destination facsimile apparatus, and the apparatus ID is transmitted from the call destination facsimile apparatus in response to the acquisition request.

  Note that a database in which a dial number (FAX number) permitted to receive a facsimile of a confidential document is registered in the facsimile machine of the call destination and an apparatus ID of a facsimile apparatus of the other party permitted to receive the confidential document by facsimile are registered. Is provided, the facsimile apparatus 1 serving as the call originator and the facsimile apparatus serving as the call destination authenticate the FAX number and the apparatus ID with respect to each other. It is desirable. However, in this case, at the time of negotiation, it is necessary to transmit the apparatus ID and FAX number assigned to the own apparatus from the facsimile apparatus 1 serving as the call source to the call destination facsimile apparatus.

  Next, the facsimile machine 1 compares the device ID acquired in step S110 with one or more device IDs registered in the permission ID list 105b (step S111), and the acquired device ID is registered in the permission ID list 105b. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S112). As described above, in the permission ID list 105b, the device ID of the facsimile device of the other party that is permitted to send the confidential document by facsimile is registered. Therefore, the acquired device ID is not registered here. There is a possibility that fraud such as “spoofing” is being performed on the facsimile machine of the call destination. Of course, if the destination facsimile machine is out of order or out of date, it may be replaced with a new one, neglect to register the machine ID in the authorization ID list 105b, or allow a wrong machine ID due to a registration error. There is also a possibility that it has been registered in the ID list 105b.

  Accordingly, if the determination result in step S112 is “NO”, the facsimile apparatus 1 proceeds to step S107 described above, erases the original data read in step S104 from the storage unit 105, and stops facsimile transmission. . In the subsequent step S108, there is a possibility that the acquired device ID is not registered in the permission ID list 105b, or that a fraudulent device such as “spoofing” has been performed on the destination facsimile device. Then, a message indicating that the facsimile transmission is stopped is displayed on the display unit 106. Further, the facsimile apparatus 1 displays a message on the display unit 106 for confirming whether the registration of the apparatus ID has been missed or whether the called facsimile apparatus has been replaced with a new facsimile apparatus. The facsimile transmission process 1 is finished.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S112 is “YES”, the facsimile apparatus 1 permits transmission of facsimile data, reads the original data read in step S104 from the storage unit 105, and sends it to the call destination facsimile apparatus. Transmit (step S113). In addition, when the facsimile apparatus 1 finishes transmitting the facsimile data, the facsimile transmission process 1 ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the facsimile apparatus 1 authenticates the input FAX number using the permission dial list 105a, and also authenticates the calling facsimile apparatus itself. Since authentication is performed using the permission ID list 105b, security at the time of facsimile transmission of the confidential document can be enhanced and erroneous transmission can be prevented, and the confidential document can be surely prevented from being leaked by the facsimile apparatus 1. it can.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
Note that the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment has basically the same hardware configuration as the facsimile apparatus 1 described in the first embodiment, and hence the description of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted. And the same reference numerals are used.

  The facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment is different from the facsimile apparatus 1 described in the first embodiment because the document to be handled is not only a confidential document. If the read original is a confidential document, the facsimile apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is different from the facsimile apparatus 1 described in the first embodiment. While the same processing as the facsimile transmission processing 1 described above is performed, if the read original is not a confidential document, a normal facsimile transmission processing is performed.

  For this reason, in the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment, character recognition processing is performed on image data of a document read by the reading unit 102, and, for example, “confidential”, “confidential”, “ Whether or not the manuscript is a confidential document by checking whether or not a specific character string such as "confidential", "copy prohibited", "careful handling", "important", "confidential" is included. Is determined. Such processing is executed by the control unit 101, and application software for character recognition processing and the specific character string described above are stored in the storage unit 105. If the image data of multiple originals is scanned, the character recognition process is performed only on the first page to check whether or not a specific character string is included in order to shorten the processing time. It is good also as composition to do. This is because the character string indicating a confidential document is usually written on the first page of the manuscript.

  Also, image recognition processing is performed instead of the character recognition processing described above, and “confidential”, “confidential”, “confidential”, “copy prohibited”, “copy” is included in the image data of the original read by the reading unit 102. A configuration may be adopted in which it is determined whether or not the document is a confidential document by confirming whether an image of a specific mark indicating “handling caution”, “important”, “confidential” or the like is included. In this case, application software for image recognition processing and the image of the specific mark described above may be stored in the storage unit 105. Of course, in order to shorten the processing time, an image recognition process may be performed only on the first page to check whether a specific mark is included.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the facsimile transmission process 2 according to the present embodiment. In the figure, the same step numbers are assigned to the same steps as those in the facsimile transmission process 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, in the facsimile apparatus, after reading the image data of the document in step S104, first, character recognition processing is performed on the read image data (step S201). Next, the facsimile apparatus checks whether the document data obtained by the character recognition process includes a specific character string registered in the storage unit 105, so that the document is a confidential document. It is determined whether or not (step S202). As a result, if the document is a confidential document (step S202: YES), the processes after step S105 of the facsimile transmission process 1 described in the first embodiment are performed.

  On the other hand, if the original is not a confidential document (step S202: NO), normal facsimile transmission processing is performed (step S203). That is, the facsimile apparatus does not perform any processing for authenticating whether the destination is a correct destination using the permission dial list 105a or the permission ID list 105b, and calls the FAX number input in step S102. After establishing a connection with the other facsimile machine and negotiating it, the document data read in step S104 is transmitted to the called facsimile machine.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the original is a confidential document, the facsimile apparatus authenticates the input FAX number using the permission dial list 105a, and in addition, the calling destination The facsimile apparatus itself is also authenticated by using the permission ID list 105b. If the original is not a confidential document, normal facsimile transmission processing is performed. Therefore, in addition to obtaining the same effect as in the first embodiment, it is possible to omit the authentication process for the destination using the permission dial list 105a and the permission ID list 105b in the case of not being a confidential document.

[Modification]
(1) In most cases, facsimile originals include fax numbers as well as company names and names as information about destinations. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous transmission by comparing the destination FAX number described in the document with the FAX number input to the facsimile apparatus.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the facsimile transmission process 3 according to the modification (1). In the figure, the same step numbers are assigned to the same steps as those in the facsimile transmission process 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, in the facsimile apparatus, after the image data of the document is read in step S104, first, character recognition processing is performed on the read image data (step S301). Next, the facsimile machine analyzes the document data obtained by the character recognition process, and specifies the FAX number of the destination described in this manuscript (step S302). When image data of a plurality of originals is read in step S104, a character recognition process is performed only on the first page and a FAX number indicating a destination is specified in order to reduce processing time. Also good. This is because the FAX number indicating the destination is usually described on the first page of the document.

  Thereafter, the facsimile machine compares the FAX number specified in step S302 with the FAX number input in step S102 (step S303), and determines whether or not they match (step S304). As a result, when the two match (step S304: YES), the processing after step S105 of the facsimile transmission processing 1 described in the first embodiment is performed.

  On the other hand, if the two are different (step S304: NO), the process proceeds to steps S107 and S108, and the facsimile apparatus stops the facsimile transmission, and the input FAX number and the destination FAX number described in the document are the same. Because of the difference, a message indicating that the facsimile transmission is stopped is displayed on the display unit 106. In addition, the facsimile apparatus displays a message on the display unit 106 for confirming whether there is a mistake in inputting the FAX number or whether the FAX number indicating the destination in the document is incorrect.

  According to the above configuration, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained, and facsimile transmission can be performed even when the input FAX number is different from the destination FAX number described in the document. It can be canceled and erroneous transmission can be prevented.

(2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where a document is scanned using the reading unit 102 (image scanner) has been described. However, the facsimile apparatus includes a communication interface having a network communication function instead of the reading unit 102. The document data and the FAX number of the call destination may be received (input) from another communication terminal such as a personal computer. When the original data and the FAX number of the call destination are received from the communication terminal as described above, it is possible to determine whether the original is a confidential document without performing character recognition processing or image recognition processing. For example, specific character strings such as “confidential”, “confidential”, “confidential”, “copy prohibited”, “handling caution”, “important”, “confidential” etc. Is included, the file name extension is “top” (top secret), or information indicating that the data is classified is attached to the document data. It can be determined that the document is a confidential document.

(3) When the operation unit 107 is operated and the confidential document transmission mode is designated, the facsimile apparatus authenticates the input FAX number using the permission dial list 105a, and in addition, the facsimile apparatus of the call destination While authenticating itself using the permission ID list 105b, if the confidential document transmission mode is not designated, the normal facsimile transmission process (step S203) described in the second embodiment is performed. It may be a configuration.

It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the facsimile apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a permission dial list 105a and a permission ID list 105b according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a facsimile transmission process 1 executed in the facsimile apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. It is a flowchart shown about the facsimile transmission process 2 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart shown about the facsimile transmission process 3 which concerns on a modification (1).

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Facsimile apparatus, 101 ... Control part, 102 ... Reading part, 103 ... Facsimile communication part, 104 ... Printing part, 105 ... Memory | storage part, 105a ... Permitted dial list, 105b ... Permitted ID list, 106 ... Display part, 107 ... Operation part.

Claims (5)

A first database in which dial numbers permitted for facsimile transmission of confidential documents are registered;
A second database in which device identification information unique to the facsimile device of the other party permitted to send the confidential document by facsimile is registered;
A first input means for inputting a dial number of a call destination;
A second input means for inputting manuscript data of a confidential document;
First determination means for determining whether or not the dial number entered by the first input means is registered in the first database;
When it is determined by the first determination means that it is registered in the first database, a call is made to the dial number input by the first input means, and the call destination facsimile apparatus An acquisition means for acquiring the device identification information from the called facsimile device after establishing the connection in
Second determination means for determining whether or not the device identification information acquired by the acquisition means is registered in the second database;
Transmission means for facsimile transmission of the document data input by the second input means to the facsimile apparatus of the call destination when it is determined by the second determination means that it is registered in the second database And a facsimile apparatus. The transmission means includes
When it is determined by the second determination means that it is registered in the second database, the original data input by the second input means is facsimile-transmitted to the facsimile machine of the call destination,
The document when it is determined by the second determination means that it is not registered in the second database, and when it is determined by the first determination means that it is not registered in the first database The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the facsimile transmission of data is stopped. Analyzing means for analyzing document data input by the second input means, and specifying a dial number of a call destination;
A dial number specified by the specifying means, and a comparing means for comparing the dial number input by the first input means;
The acquisition means is input by the first input means when the comparison results by the comparison means match and the first determination means determines that the comparison result is registered in the first database. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after calling a dial number and establishing a connection with the called facsimile apparatus, the apparatus identification information is acquired from the called facsimile apparatus. . A first database in which dial numbers permitted for facsimile transmission of confidential documents are registered;
A second database in which device identification information unique to a facsimile device of a partner to which facsimile transmission of a confidential document is permitted is registered;
A first input means for inputting a dial number of a call destination;
A second input means for inputting document data;
Determining means for analyzing document data input by the second input means and determining whether or not the document represented by the document data is a confidential document;
First determination means for determining whether or not the dial number input by the first input means is registered in the first database when the determination means determines that the document is a confidential document;
When it is determined by the first determination means that it is registered in the first database, a call is made to the dial number input by the first input means, and the call destination facsimile apparatus An acquisition means for acquiring the device identification information from the called facsimile device after establishing the connection in
Second determination means for determining whether or not the device identification information acquired by the acquisition means is registered in the second database;
Transmission means for facsimile transmission of the document data input by the second input means to the facsimile apparatus of the call destination when it is determined by the second determination means that it is registered in the second database And a facsimile apparatus. The transmission means includes
When it is determined by the second determination means that it is registered in the second database, the original data input by the second input means is transmitted by facsimile to the destination facsimile machine,
The document when it is determined by the second determination means that it is not registered in the second database, and when it is determined by the first determination means that it is not registered in the first database Cancel the facsimile transmission of data,
When it is determined that the document is not a confidential document by the determination unit, the determination by the first determination unit and the determination by the second determination unit are not performed, and the dial number input by the first input unit is issued. 5. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the facsimile apparatus transmits the original data input by the second input means to a facsimile apparatus as a call destination.

Images