JP2008238489A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus capable of inhibiting continuous output of image information which users or groups different from each other can access in one job. <P>SOLUTION: The image information which a user wishes to output is selected by an image information selecting part from the image information and information on the access permitted users managed by an image information managing part. When the information on the access permitted users related to a plurality of the image information selected are different, an image determining part determines restriction to access the selected image information. As it is possible thereby to restrict continuous output of the image information which the users or groups from each other different can access in one job, leakage of information can be prevented from occurring. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that forms an image based on image information, and relates to an image processing apparatus that restricts access to image information for each user or group.

  Conventionally, this type of image processing apparatus restricts access to image information stored in a nonvolatile mass storage medium in units of users or in groups of a plurality of users. Then, based on the authentication information input by the user to be used, the image information to which the user has access rights is specified, and the image information selected by the user is printed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-249625 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus as described above, even when access to image information is restricted for each group, when a user belongs to a plurality of groups, the image information of a different group differs depending on the users belonging to the plurality of groups. One job can be printed continuously. For example, if there is a user who belongs to both a group set for each job title and a group set for each project, when the user tries to print image information with the image processing apparatus, The image information being printed can be printed together with the image information accessible by the latter group. That is, there is a risk of information leakage.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of restricting continuous output of image information by different users or groups having access rights in one job. .

  An image processing apparatus of the present invention is managed by an image information management unit that manages image information and access right information in which a user or group having an access right for each image information is set, and the image information management unit. When the access right information associated with the plurality of selected image information is different from the image information selecting unit that selects a plurality of image information to be output from the image information that is selected, the image information selecting unit selected by the image information selecting unit And an output restriction determination unit that determines the restriction on the output of the image information.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, image information that the user desires to output is selected by the image information selection unit from the image information managed by the image information management unit and the access right information. Then, when the access right information associated with the selected plurality of pieces of image information is different, the output restriction determination unit determines to restrict access to the selected image information. This restricts the continuous output of image information from different users or groups in one job, thereby preventing information leakage.

  Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a digital multi-function peripheral as an example.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the main mechanism of the image processing apparatus 1 of the present invention. The image processing apparatus 1 includes a printer unit 2, a scanner unit 3, and a finisher unit 4. The printer unit 2 includes paper feed trays 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, a paper feed unit 206, an image forming unit 207, a fixing device 208, a discharge unit 209, and a duplex printing unit 210. Yes.

  The paper feed trays 201, 202, 203, 204, and 205 are trays having a predetermined amount of printing paper. The printing paper in the paper feeding trays 201, 202, 203, 204, 205 is fed one by one at the top of the paper feeding trays 201, 202, 203, 204, 205 in the stacking direction. The image forming unit 207 performs printing based on the image information fed to the image forming unit 207 by the unit 206 and sent to the printer unit 2 as one job.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 207 includes four image forming units that form black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) toner images. The four image forming units of the image forming unit 207 are LED (Light Emitting Diode) type digital color printers, which are arranged in order from the insertion side to the discharge side of the printing paper. The image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, an LED head, a developing unit, and a transfer roller (not shown) for each color. Each color photosensitive drum rotates in one direction, and each color charging roller uniformly charges the surface of each photosensitive drum. Each color LED head exposes the surface of the charged photosensitive drum in accordance with image information, and forms an electrostatic latent image of each color. Each color developing unit has a developing roller and a toner cartridge containing toner of each color, and develops the electrostatic latent image of the corresponding color to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum of each color. Each color transfer roller transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum onto the printing paper. Each image forming unit is driven by an individual motor (not shown).

  The printing paper is conveyed to the fixing device 208 after the toner image is transferred. The fixing device 208 includes a fixing roller and a pressure roller. The fixing device fixes the toner on the printing paper having the toner image formed by the image forming unit 207 by, for example, heat from a heater or the like and pressure from rollers. The printing paper on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the stacker by the discharge unit 209.

  The duplex printing unit 210 is provided on the downstream side of the conveyance path of the printing paper from the fixing device 208. The double-sided printing unit 210 reverses the printing paper having the surface on which the toner image is fixed, and causes the image forming unit 207 to transport the printing paper again so that the toner image is attached to the surface on which the toner image is not fixed. .

  The scanner unit 3 includes an automatic document feeding unit 300, a glass table 301, and a reading head 302. The scanner unit 3 can read an image from a document as a recording medium such as paper or film on which an image such as a photograph, a document, or a drawing is drawn and printed, and form image information. A document is set on the automatic document feeding unit 300 or the glass table 301 by the user, optically scanned by the reading head 302, and the intensity of reflected light or transmitted light is measured. Image information is converted from analog to digital from the measured intensity.

  The finisher unit 4 performs punching processing and stapling processing on the printing paper that is printed and discharged by the printer unit 2 in accordance with a user instruction.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image processing apparatus of the present invention described in the first embodiment. The image processing apparatus 1 described in the first embodiment includes an authentication unit 50, a function selection unit 51, a user information management unit 52, an image information input unit 53, an image information management unit 54, and an image formation control unit 55. And an image information selection unit 56 and an image determination unit 57 as an output restriction determination unit.

  The authentication unit 50 includes authentication information such as a user account name and password input from an operation panel (not shown) from a user who uses the image processing apparatus 1, user information managed by a user information management unit 52 described later, and Based on the above, the user to be used is authenticated. When a user who uses the image processing apparatus 1 inputs an account name and a password, for example, the authentication unit 50 acquires user information corresponding to the authentication information from the user information tables 501 to 510 relating to user information managed by the user information management unit 52. And verify the validity of the authentication information.

  The user information management unit 52 manages user information related to users and group information related to groups stored in a storage medium (not shown) such as a memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) as a table. The user information management unit 52 reads / writes information from / to the table based on an instruction from the authentication unit 50.

  Here, user information tables 501 to 510 relating to user information managed by the user information management unit 52 and group information tables 601 to 605 relating to group information will be described.

  For example, in the user information table 501 regarding the user information of “User1” who is one of the users, “U0001” is added to the item of the identification ID 501a for uniquely identifying the user as information about the user as shown in FIG. “User1” is the user name 501b, which is information for identifying the individual, “user1 @ xxx” is the email 501c indicating the user's e-mail address, and “01234456789” is the user phone number 501d. "98776543210" in the FAX number 501e item, "User1" in the account name 501f item for the authentication unit 50 to authenticate "User1", and "user1abc" in the user-specific password 501g associated with the account name 501f Is stored That.

  When an account name “User1” and a password “user1abc” are input from “User1” using an operation panel (not shown), the authentication unit 50 notifies the user information management unit 52 of authentication information related to the account name “User1”. The user information management unit 52 notifies the authentication unit 50 of the account name 501f “User1” and the password 501g “user1abc” as authentication information from the user information table 501. The authentication unit 50 that has acquired the authentication information performs authentication by comparing the input account name and password.

  Like the user information table 501 related to “User 1”, the user information related to “User 2” to “User 10” is stored in the storage medium as user information tables 502 to 510 similar to the user information table 501, and the user information management unit 52 It is managed.

  In the group information table 601 regarding the group information of “Group 1”, “G0001” is included in the item of the identification ID 601a for uniquely identifying the group, and the item of the group name 602b, which is information for identifying the group, is included as information regarding the group. “Group1”, “User1” is stored in the item of the administrator 603c indicating the user who manages the group, and “User1” and “User2” are stored in the item of the member 604d indicating the user belonging to the group.

  Like the group information table 601 related to “Group 1”, the group information tables 602 to 605 similar to the group information table 601 are stored in the storage medium for the user information related to “Group 2” to “Group 5”. It is managed.

  FIG. 5 is a table in which the information stored in the items of the respective members is collected with respect to the group information tables 601 to 605. For example, the members 601d of the group information table 601 indicating the group information of “Group1” are “User1” and “User2” as described above, and the member 602d of the group information table 602 indicating the group information of “Group2” is “User3” and “User4”, the group information table 603 indicating the group information of “Group3”, the members 603d are “User1” and “User5”, and the members of the group information table 604 indicating the group information of “Group4” 604d is “User6”, “User7”, and “User8”, and the members 605d of the group information table 605 indicating the group information of “Group5” are “User2”, “User3”, “User8”, and “User9”. There are users belonging to a plurality of groups, such as “User1”. The image processing apparatus of the present invention can prevent such image information of groups with different users from being continuously output in one job.

  Based on the authentication result of the authentication unit 50, the function selection unit 51 is an operation panel (not shown) that displays a list screen of functions that can be executed by the image processing apparatus 1 such as a copy function and a function for storing image information, and a setting screen for each function To display. Then, the function selection unit 51 instructs the image information input unit 53 and the image information selection unit 56 according to the user's selection based on the displayed screen.

  The image information input unit 53 controls, for example, the entire scanner unit 3 based on an instruction from the function selection unit 51, reads a document, and forms image information. Then, the image information input unit 53 passes information related to the image information including accessible person information as access right information to the image information management unit 54. The formed image information is stored in a storage medium (not shown) such as a memory or HDD. At this time, the name, owner, accessible person information, and the like of the image information are input from the user and stored in the storage medium as an image information table to be described later.

  The image information management unit 54 includes at least one page of image information passed from an image information input unit 53 stored in a storage medium (not shown) such as a memory or an HDD, and information such as accessible person information associated with the image information. Are managed as an image information table. Then, the image information management unit 54 creates an image information table from the image information passed from the instruction of the image information input unit 53 and information related to the image information, and the instructions of the image information selection unit 56 and the image formation control unit 55. The image information and information related to the image information are read from the table based on the above.

  Here, image information tables 701 to 705 based on image information 801 to 805 managed by the image information management unit 54 and information related to image information including accessible person information will be described.

  For example, “doc1” which is one of the image information is image information formed by the image information input unit 53 and is managed by the image information management unit 54 together with information associated with the image information. The image information table 701 having information associated with “doc1” of the image information 801 is associated with the image information 801 as shown in FIG. 6, and this fact is included in the item of the image information 701c of the image information table 701. It is shown. Also, in this image information table 701, as information associated with the image information 801, “D0001” is added to the item of the identification ID 701a for uniquely identifying the image information, and the name 702b given to the image information input by the user. “Doc1” is stored in the item of “User”, “User5” is stored in the item of the owner 701d in which the account name of the user who executed the formation of the image information is stored, and access to the image information 801 associated with this image information table 701 is restricted. "Yes" indicating that access is restricted to the item of access restriction 701e that designates whether or not, and "yes" that restricts access to the image information 801 in the item of access restriction 701e. “Group1” is displayed in the item of the access permission 701f indicating the group or user having the access right. It has been paid. Information stored in the item of the access restriction 701e and the item of the access permission 701f is accessible person information. When “no” is stored in the access restriction item, all users or groups have access rights to the image information, and the accessible person information is all users and all groups. It is assumed that the owner of the image information can access the image information even if the group to which the image information belongs is restricted from accessing the image information.

  Similar to the image information table 701 related to the image information 801, the image information tables 702 to 705 similar to the image information table 701 are stored in the storage medium and managed by the image information management unit 54. Has been.

  FIG. 7 is a table in which information about restrictions on access to the respective image information 801 to 805 is compiled with respect to the image information tables 701 to 705. For example, the access restriction 701e of the image information table 701 storing information associated with the image information 801 of “Doc1” is “yes” as described above, and access to the image information 801 is restricted. Indicates. The owner 701d of the image information table 701 is “User5”, and the access permission 701f is “Group1”. That is, “Doc1” that is the image information 801 is restricted in access, and “User5” who is the owner of the image information 801 and a user of “Group1” who has access rights (accessible), that is, “User1” "And" User2 "indicate that the image information 801 can be output.

  Similarly, “Doc2”, which is the image information 802, is restricted in access, and “User5” who is the owner of the image information 802 and users of “Group2” who can access, that is, “User3” and “User4”. "Indicates that the image information 802 can be output. “Doc3”, which is the image information 803, is restricted in access, and “User3” who is the owner of the image information 803 and users “User1” and “Group4” who can access them, that is, “User1”, “User1” “User6”, “User7”, and “User8” indicate that image information 803 can be output. “Doc4”, which is the image information 804, is restricted in access, and “User1” who is the owner of the image information 804 and users of “Group5” who can access them, that is, “User1”, “User2”, “ “User3”, “User8”, and “User9” indicate that the image information 802 can be output. “Doc5” which is the image information 805 indicates that all users can output the image information 805 because access is not restricted. FIG. 8 is a table in which image information that can be accessed in units of users is collected.

  The image formation control unit 55 receives image information from the image information management unit 54 based on an instruction to output image information from the image determination unit 57. The image formation control unit 55 outputs the image information received from the image information management unit 54 as one job, and controls the entire printer unit 2 to print an image based on the image information on printing paper.

  Based on the instruction from the function selection unit 51, the image information selection unit 56 extracts image information accessible by the user using the image processing device 1 based on the tables shown in FIGS. Information associated with the image information is read from the image information table. The image information selection unit 56 displays the read information on an operation panel (not shown), and allows the user to select image information to be continuously output as one job.

  The image determination unit 57 compares the accessible person information of the image information associated with the information selected by the user, and determines whether to continuously output as one job. Then, the image determination unit 57 passes the image information whose output is determined to the image formation control unit 55 and instructs the output of the image information.

  The image processing apparatus 1 of the present invention described in the first embodiment operates as follows. In the image processing apparatus 1 described here, information on users and groups is input in advance as in the user information tables 501 to 510 and the group information tables 601 to 605 as described above.

  When the user's account name and password are input by the operation of an operation panel (not shown) by the user, the authentication unit 50 of the image processing apparatus 1 is input from the user information table managed by the user information management unit 52. Search for a user information table having the same account name as the account name. Then, the authentication unit 50 reads the account name item and the password item of the user information table having the same account name, and compares them with the input account name and password. For example, when “User1” uses the image processing apparatus 1, first, “User1”, which is an account name of “User1”, and “user1abc”, which is a password, are input. Then, the authentication unit 50 searches the user information table 701 in which the account name item is “User1” from the user information table managed by the user information management unit 52, and the account name item “User1” and The password item “user1abc” is compared with the input account name and password. In this case, the authentication unit 50 authenticates “User1” because the account name and password input by “User1” match the information stored in the account name item and the password item of the user information table 701. The function selection unit 51 is notified of the authentication result.

  As a result of the comparison, if the authentication unit 50 recognizes that they match, the authentication unit 50 notifies the function selection unit 51 of an authentication result indicating that the user to be operated is authenticated. If they do not match, the authentication unit 50 displays on the operation panel (not shown) that they do not match. At this time, information that prompts re-input may be displayed.

  Upon receiving a notification of authentication result from the authentication unit 50, the function selection unit 51 displays a list screen and a setting screen of functions that can be executed by the image processing apparatus 1 on the operation panel, and selects an operation to be performed by the user. Let Here, the user can select a copy function, a function for saving image information, and the like. Hereinafter, a function for outputting stored image information, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described.

  When the function for outputting image information is selected by the user, the function selection unit 51 notifies the image information selection unit 56 that the output of image information has been selected, and the process shown in FIG. 9 is executed. First, the image information selection unit 56 checks the image information tables sequentially from the image information tables 701 to 705 one by one. At this time, in step S1, the image information selection unit 56 checks whether there is an unconfirmed image information table.

  If there is an unconfirmed image information table, the image information selection unit 56 reads the unconfirmed image information table in step S2, and access restriction items and access permission that are accessible person information in the image information table. Read the item information.

  In step S3, the image information selection unit 56 confirms the information on the access restriction item among the read information on the access restriction item and the access permission item, and the information is “yes”. It is determined whether access to information is restricted or whether access to image information is restricted by “no”. If access is not restricted in step S3, the process proceeds to step S5.

  If it is determined in step S3 that access to the image information is restricted, the image information selection unit 56 checks the access permission item among the read access restriction item information and access permission item information. To do. In step S4, the image information selection unit 56 checks whether or not the authenticated user and the group to which the user belongs exist in the information, and determines whether or not the image information is accessible. Judging. At this time, if group information is stored in the access permission item, it is determined whether or not the image information is accessible by an authenticated user with reference to the table shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S3 that the access is not restricted to the image information, or if it is possible to access the image information in step S4, the image information selection unit 56 displays an operation panel (not shown) in step S5. The user is notified that the image information is accessible. Then, the image information selection unit 56 displays the notified accessible image information on the operation panel so that the user can select it as output image information, and the process returns to step S1. Then, the image information selection unit 56 repeats step S1 to step S5 until there is no unconfirmed image information table.

  If it is determined in step S4 that the image information is not accessible, the process returns to step S1 without notifying the user, and the image information selection unit 56 performs steps from step S1 until there is no unconfirmed image information table. Repeat S5.

  For example, when an image information output function is selected by the function selection unit 51 via an operation panel (not shown) by “User1”, the image information selection unit 56 sequentially selects the “User1” from the image information tables 701 to 705. "Is the accessible image information. The image information selection unit 56 first reads the image information table 701 (step S2), and checks whether the access restriction item is “yes” or “no” (step S3). In the case of the image information table 701, since the access restriction item is “yes”, it is determined whether the access permission item includes the group “Group1” or “Group3” to which “User1” or “User1” belongs. Confirm (step S4). In the case of the image information table 701, since the access permission item is “Group 1”, “User 1” can access “Doc 1” of the image information 801, so that “User 1” is notified through the operation panel. The image information can be selected as outputable image information.

  Next, the image information selection unit 56 performs the same processing on the image information tables 702 to 705. In the image information table 702, since the group to which “User1” and “User1” belong is not included in the access permission item, access to “Doc2” of the image information 802 is restricted. In the image information table 703, since “User1” is included in the access permission item, it is possible to access “Doc3” of the image information 803. Since the image information table 704 is an owner, it is possible to access “Doc4” of the image information 804. The image information table 705 can access the image information 805 because there is no restriction on access to “Doc5” of the image information 805. That is, by the above-described processing of the image information selection unit 56, “User1” changes “Doc1” of the image information 801, “Doc2” of the image information 802, “Doc3” of the image information 803, and “Doc5” of the image information 805. Can be selected for output.

  When the confirmation of all the image information tables is completed in step S1, the image information selection unit 56 causes the image information to be output to be selected via the operation panel, and the user selects the image information to be output. Each time the output of image information is selected one by one, the accessible person information is compared to check whether the image information can be continuously output as one job. First, in step S6, the image determination unit 57 determines whether or not the selection of image information to be output by the user has been completed.

  If the selection has not been completed, image information to be output is selected by the user in step S7.

  When the image information to be output is selected, the image determination unit 57 confirms in step S8 whether accessible person information already associated with other image information is stored in a storage medium (not shown).

  If the accessible person information is not stored in step S8, the image determination unit 57 receives information such as the name of the selected image information and accessible person information from the image information selection unit, and in step S11, the user decides. The accessible person information associated with the selected image information is stored in a storage medium (not shown).

  In step S12, the image determination unit 57 permits selection by the user, and determines output of the selected image information. At this time, the user is notified that output of the selected image information is permitted via the operation panel.

  If accessible person information is stored in step S8, it indicates that image information (first image information) to be output by the user has been selected first. In this case, the image determination unit 57 stores the stored first accessible person information, the second accessible person information associated with the second image information selected after the first image information, and Compare In step S9, the image determination unit 57 compares the first accessible person information and the second accessible person information, that is, the information stored in the access permission item of each image information table, It is determined whether the same group exists in the accessible person information.

  In step S9, when the groups that can be accessed are the same group in comparison with each accessible person information, the image determination unit 57 permits the user to select the second image information in step S12, It is determined that the selected first image information and second image information are continuously output as one job.

  On the other hand, when the accessible group is a different group in the comparison between the first accessible person information and the second accessible person information in Step S9, the image determining unit 57 determines whether the second accessible person information is the second accessible person information in Step S10. It is determined that the user cannot select the image information, and the second image information selected later together with the first image information selected earlier is restricted from being continuously output as one job. At this time, the image determination unit 57 is notified that the output of the second image information is restricted via the operation panel.

  In step S10 or step S12, after the image determining unit 57 determines whether or not output is possible, the process proceeds to step S6, and it is determined whether or not the selection of the image information to be output by the user has been completed. If the selection is not completed in step S6, steps S6 to S12 are repeated until the selection by the user is completed. When the selection of the image information to be output by the user is completed, the image determination unit 57 outputs information based on the image information together with information associated with the image information such as the name of the image information for which the image formation control unit 55 has determined the output. The job to be performed is notified and this processing is terminated. At this time, when output of a plurality of pieces of image information is determined, the image determination unit 57 notifies the image formation control unit 55 to output a plurality of pieces of image information as one job.

  For example, after the image information selection unit 56 selects image information that can be selected from “User1”, “User1” selects image information to be output. Here, a case where “Doc1” of the image information 801 is selected as the first image information and “Doc3” of the image information 803 is selected as the second image information will be described.

  First, when “Doc1” of the image information 801 is selected by “User1” (step S7), the image determination unit 57 confirms whether accessible person information is stored in the storage medium (step S8). . Since “Doc1” of the image information 801 selected by “User1” is the first image information selected first after starting this processing, no accessible person information is stored in the recording medium. Therefore, the image determination unit 57 stores the access restriction item “yes” and the access permission item “Group1” which are the first accessible person information associated with “Doc1” of the image information 801 in the storage medium. Save (step S11). Then, the image determination unit 57 permits the selection of “Doc1” of the image information 801 selected by “User1” and determines the output of “Doc1” of the image information 801 (step S12).

  Next, when “Doc3” of the image information 803 is selected by “User1” (step S7), the image determination unit 57 confirms whether accessible person information is stored in the storage medium (step S8). ). Since “Doc3” of the image information 803 selected by “User1” is the second image information selected after “Doc1” of the image information 801, the storage medium is associated with “Doc1” of the image information 801. In addition, an access restriction item “yes” and an access permission item “Group 1”, which are first accessible person information, are stored. Here, the image determination unit 57 sets the access restriction item “yes” and the access permission items “User1” and “Group4”, which are the second accessible person information associated with “Doc3” of the image information 803. And “yes” in the access restriction item stored in the storage medium and “Group1” in the access permission item are compared (step S9). Since “Group1” does not exist in “User1” and “Group4” of “Doc3” of the image information 803, the image determination unit 57 disables the selection of “Doc3” of the image information 803 selected by “User1”. A determination is made to limit the continuous output of “Doc3” in the information 803 as one job together with “Doc1” in the image information 801 (step S11).

  When the selection of the image information output by “User1” is completed here (step S6), the image determination unit 57 sets the information “Doc1”, which is the name of the image information 801 determined to be output, to the image formation control unit 55. To terminate the process.

  As described above, the image formation control unit 55 notified of the job together with information such as the name of the image information from the image determination unit 57 receives the image information associated with this information from the image information management unit 54. Then, the image formation control unit 55 controls the printer unit 2 based on the received image information, and outputs an image based on the image information on the printing paper. At this time, when notified from the image determination unit 57 to output a plurality of pieces of image information as one job, the image formation control unit 55 receives the plurality of pieces of image information from the image information management unit 54 as one job. The printer unit 2 is controlled so as to output continuously.

  As described above, according to the image processing apparatus 1 described in the first embodiment, even when a plurality of pieces of image information are selected and there are users who belong to a plurality of groups, they are associated with the image information. If accessible person information is different, it is restricted so that it cannot be selected. Therefore, the image processing apparatus 1 cannot continuously output image information with different accessible person information as one job. Therefore, information leakage between groups can be prevented.

[Embodiment 2]
The image processing apparatus described in the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the image processing apparatus described in the first embodiment, and an accessible person who stores accessible person information of the selected image information. When the information is different from the information, it is possible to select whether to select one of the image information selected earlier or the image information selected later. Hereinafter, this image processing apparatus will be described, but since each member of the image processing apparatus described in the second embodiment overlaps with that in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

  In the image processing apparatus 1 described in the second embodiment, when user authentication is performed as in the first embodiment, the function selection unit 51 displays a list of functions that can be executed by the image processing apparatus 1 on the operation panel. The setting screen is displayed and the user selects an operation to be executed. Here, the user can select a copy function, a function for saving image information, and the like. Hereinafter, a function for outputting stored image information, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described.

  When the user selects a function for outputting image information, the function selection unit 51 notifies the image information selection unit 56 that the output of image information has been selected, and the processing shown in FIG. 10 is executed. First, the image information selection unit 56 checks the image information tables sequentially from the image information tables 701 to 705 one by one. At this time, in step S101, the image information selection unit 56 checks whether there is an unconfirmed image information table.

  If there is an unconfirmed image information table, the image information selection unit 56 reads out the unconfirmed image information table in step S102, and sets the access restriction item and access permission as accessible person information in the image information table. Read the item information.

  Then, in step S103, the image information selection unit 56 confirms the information on the access restriction item among the read information on the access restriction item and the access permission item, and the information is “yes”. It is determined whether access to information is restricted or whether access to image information is restricted by “no”. If access is not restricted in step S103, the process proceeds to step S105.

  If it is determined in step S103 that access to the image information is restricted, the image information selection unit 56 confirms an access permission item among the read access restriction item information and access permission item information. To do. Then, in step S104, the image information selection unit 56 checks whether or not the authenticated user and the group to which the user belongs exist in the information, and determines whether or not the image information is accessible. Judging. At this time, if group information is stored in the access permission item, it is determined whether or not the image information is accessible by an authenticated user with reference to the table shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S103 that the access is not restricted to the image information, or if it is possible to access the image information in step S104, the image information selection unit 56 displays an operation panel (not shown) in step S105. The user is notified that the image information is accessible. Then, the image information selection unit 56 displays the notified accessible image information on the operation panel so that the user can select it as image information to be output, and the process returns to step S101. Then, the image information selection unit 56 repeats step S101 to step S105 until there is no unconfirmed image information table.

  If it is determined in step S104 that the image information is not accessible, the process returns to step S101 without notifying the user, and the image information selection unit 56 performs steps from step S101 until there is no unconfirmed image information table. S105 is repeated.

  For example, when an image information output function is selected by the function selection unit 51 via an operation panel (not shown) by “User1”, the image information selection unit 56 sequentially selects the “User1” from the image information tables 701 to 705. "Is the accessible image information. First, the image information selection unit 56 reads the image information table 701 (step S102), and checks whether the access restriction item is “yes” or “no” (step S103). In the case of the image information table 701, since the access restriction item is “yes”, it is determined whether the access permission item includes the group “Group1” or “Group3” to which “User1” or “User1” belongs. Confirm (step S104). In the case of the image information table 701, since the access permission item is “Group 1”, “User 1” can access “Doc 1” of the image information 801, so that “User 1” is notified through the operation panel. The image information can be selected as outputable image information. Next, the image information selection unit 56 performs the same processing on the image information tables 702 to 705, and reads information associated with accessible image information as described in the first embodiment.

  In step S101, when the confirmation of all the image information tables is completed, the image information selection unit 56 selects the image information to be output via the operation panel, and the user selects the image information to be output. Each time the output of image information is selected one by one, the accessible person information is compared to check whether the image information can be continuously output as one job. First, in step S106, the image determination unit 57 determines whether or not the selection of image information to be output by the user has been completed.

  If the selection has not been completed, image information to be output is selected by the user in step S107.

  When the image information to be output is selected, in step S108, the image determination unit 57 confirms whether accessible person information already associated with other image information is stored in a storage medium (not shown).

  If the accessible person information is not stored in step S108, the image determination unit 57 receives information such as the name of the selected image information and accessible person information from the image information selection unit. In step S112, the image determination unit 57 receives the information. The accessible person information associated with the selected image information is stored in a storage medium (not shown).

  In step S113, the image determination unit 57 permits the selection by the user and determines the output of the selected image information. At this time, the user is notified that output of the selected image information is permitted via the operation panel.

  If accessible person information is stored in step S108, this indicates that image information (first image information) to be output first by the user has been selected. In this case, the image determination unit 57 stores the stored first accessible person information, the second accessible person information associated with the second image information selected after the first image information, and Compare In step S109, the image determination unit 57 compares the first accessible person information and the second accessible person information, that is, the information stored in the access permission item of each image information table, It is determined whether the same group exists in the accessible person information.

  In step S109, when the groups that can be accessed are the same group in comparison with each accessible person information, the image determination unit 57 permits the user to select the second image information in step S113, It is determined that the selected first image information and second image information are continuously output as one job.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S109 that the groups that can be accessed are different in the comparison between the first accessible person information and the second accessible person information, the image determining unit 57, via the operation panel, Notification that the first image information and the second image information cannot be continuously output as one job is performed. Then, the image determination unit 57 displays information such as the name associated with the selected first image information and second image information on the operation panel, and in step S110, the user determines the first image information or the first image information. The image information to be output is selected from any one of the two pieces of image information.

  After the image information is selected by the user, the image determination unit 57 stores the accessible person information related to the image information selected by the user in place of the accessible person information associated with the stored first image information. To do.

  In step S111 or step S113, after the processing by the image determination unit 57, the process proceeds to step S106, and the image determination unit 57 determines whether the selection of the image information to be output by the user is completed. If the selection is not completed in step S106, steps S106 to S113 are repeated until the selection by the user is completed. When the selection of the image information to be output by the user is completed, the image determination unit 57 outputs information based on the image information together with information associated with the image information such as the name of the image information for which the image formation control unit 55 has determined the output. The job to be performed is notified and this processing is terminated. At this time, when output of a plurality of pieces of image information is determined, the image determination unit 57 notifies the image formation control unit 55 to output a plurality of pieces of image information as one job.

  For example, after the image information selection unit 56 selects image information that can be selected from “User1”, “User1” selects image information to be output. Here, a case where “Doc1” of the image information 801 is selected as the first image information and “Doc3” of the image information 803 is selected as the second image information will be described.

  First, when “Doc1” of the image information 801 is selected by “User1” (step S107), the image determination unit 57 confirms whether accessible person information is stored in the storage medium (step S108). . Since “Doc1” of the image information 801 selected by “User1” is the first image information selected first after starting this processing, no accessible person information is stored in the recording medium. Therefore, the image determination unit 57 stores the access restriction item “yes” and the access permission item “Group1” which are the first accessible person information associated with “Doc1” of the image information 801 in the storage medium. Save (step S112). Then, the image determination unit 57 permits the selection of “Doc1” of the image information 801 selected by “User1” and determines the output of “Doc1” of the image information 801 (Step S113).

  Next, when “Doc3” of the image information 803 is selected by “User1” (step S107), the image determination unit 57 confirms whether accessible person information is stored in the storage medium (step S108). ). Since “Doc3” of the image information 803 selected by “User1” is the second image information selected after “Doc1” of the image information 801, the storage medium is associated with “Doc1” of the image information 801. In addition, an access restriction item “yes” and an access permission item “Group 1”, which are first accessible person information, are stored. Here, the image determination unit 57 sets the access restriction item “yes” and the access permission items “User1” and “Group4”, which are the second accessible person information associated with “Doc3” of the image information 803. And “yes” in the access restriction item stored in the storage medium and “Group1” in the access permission item are compared (step S109). Since there is no “Group1” in “User1” and “Group4” of “Doc3” of the image information 803, the image determination unit 57 uses either “Doc1” of the image information 801 or “Doc3” of the image information 803 as the user. (Step S110). Then, the image determination unit 57 stores accessible person information associated with the image information selected by the user in the storage medium (step S111).

  When the selection of the image information output by “User1” is completed here (step S106), the image determination unit 57 notifies the image formation control unit 55 of information such as the name related to the selected image information, and this process is performed. finish.

  As described above, the image formation control unit 55 notified of the job together with information such as the name of the image information from the image determination unit 57 receives the image information associated with this information from the image information management unit 54. Then, the image formation control unit 55 controls the printer unit 2 based on the received image information, and outputs an image based on the image information on the printing paper. At this time, when notified from the image determination unit 57 to output a plurality of pieces of image information as one job, the image formation control unit 55 receives the plurality of pieces of image information from the image information management unit 54 as one job. The printer unit 2 is controlled so as to output continuously.

  As described above, according to the image processing apparatus 1 described in the second embodiment, even when a plurality of pieces of image information are selected and there are users who belong to a plurality of groups, they are associated with the image information. Since the accessible person information is different, image information to be output is selected from a plurality of pieces of image information. As a result, the image processing apparatus 1 is limited in selecting image information so as to output only the selected image information. Therefore, the image processing apparatus 1 cannot continuously output image information with different accessible person information as one job. Therefore, information leakage between groups can be prevented. Also, even if the user selects the wrong image data, it can be changed and the usability is improved.

[Embodiment 3]
The image processing apparatus described in the third embodiment is configured to include an image provision destination selection unit in the image processing apparatus described in the first embodiment, and the provision destination selected by the image provision destination selection unit is stored. If it is included in the accessible person information, image information can be output. Hereinafter, the image processing apparatus will be described, but the same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the image processing apparatus of the present invention described in the third embodiment. The image processing apparatus 1 described in the third embodiment is configured to further include an image providing destination selection unit 58 in the image processing apparatus 1 described in the first embodiment.

  The image provision destination selection unit 58 selects a user or group that provides image information output from the printer unit 2 as a provision destination based on the control of the image formation control unit 55. First, the image providing destination selection unit 58 displays the users and groups managed by the user information management unit 52 on an operation panel (not shown), and allows the user who uses the image processing apparatus 1 to select. The image providing destination selecting unit 58 uses the selected user or group as the providing destination, and passes the providing destination information indicating the providing destination to the image information selecting unit 56.

  When the provision destination of the image information is selected by the image provision destination selection unit 58, the image information selection unit 56 passes the provision destination information to the image determination unit 57. Upon receiving the provision destination information, the image determination unit 57 compares the accessible person information associated with the image information selected by the user with the provision destination information, and the provision destination information is included in the accessible person information. Judge whether or not.

  In the image processing apparatus 1 described in the third embodiment, when user authentication is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, the function selection unit 51 has functions that can be executed by the image processing apparatus 1 on the operation panel. Display a list screen or a setting screen, and let the user select an operation to be executed. Here, the user can select a copy function, a function for saving image information, and the like. Hereinafter, a function for outputting stored image information, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described.

  When the function for outputting image information is selected by the user, the function selection unit 51 notifies the image information selection unit 56 that output of image information has been selected, and the processing shown in FIG. 12 is executed. First, the image providing destination selection unit 58 causes a user who uses the image processing apparatus 1 to select a providing destination that provides image information. At this time, in step S201, the image providing destination selecting unit 58 checks whether or not a providing destination is selected.

  If not selected, the image providing destination selecting unit 58 displays all the users and groups managed by the user information managing unit 52 on the operation panel in step S202, and selects the providing destination via the operation panel. The user selects a provision destination. Then, the image provision destination selection unit 58 passes the provision destination information such as the user name or group name of the provision destination based on the selected provision destination to the image information selection unit 56.

  For example, when “User1” selects the function of outputting image information by the function selection unit 51 via an operation panel (not shown), the image providing destination selection unit 58 uses the user information managed by the user information management unit 52. All of the table and the group information table are read out, all of the managed user names and group names are displayed on the operation panel, and “User1” is made to select a providing destination (step S202). When “User1” selects “User6” as the provision destination of the image information, the image provision destination selection unit 58 sets the selected “User6” as the provision destination of the image information and provides the user name “User6” of the provision destination as the provision destination information. Is provided to the image information selection unit 56.

  When the provision destination is selected, the image information selection unit 56 checks the image information tables in order from the image information tables 701 to 705 one by one. At this time, in step S203, the image information selection unit 56 checks whether there is an unconfirmed image information table.

  If there is an unconfirmed image information table, the image information selection unit 56 reads the unconfirmed image information table in step S204, and sets the access restriction item and access permission as accessible person information in the image information table. Read the item information.

  In step S205, the image information selection unit 56 confirms the information on the access restriction item among the read information on the access restriction item and the access permission item, and the information is “yes”. It is determined whether access to information is restricted or whether access to image information is restricted by “no”. If access is not restricted in step S205, the process proceeds to step S207.

  When it is determined in step S205 that access to the image information is restricted, the image information selection unit 56 checks the access permission item among the read access restriction item information and access permission item information. To do. In step S206, the image information selection unit 56 checks whether or not the authenticated user and the group to which the user belongs exist in the information, and determines whether or not the image information is accessible. Judging. At this time, if group information is stored in the access permission item, it is determined whether or not the image information is accessible by an authenticated user with reference to the table shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S205 that the access to the image information is not restricted, or if access to the image information is possible in step S206, the image information selection unit 56 displays an operation panel (not shown) in step S207. The user is notified that the image information is accessible. Then, the image information selection unit 56 displays the notified accessible image information on the operation panel so that the user can select it as output image information, and the process returns to step S203. Then, the image information selection unit 56 repeats step S203 to step S207 until there is no unconfirmed image information table.

  If it is determined in step S206 that the image information is not accessible, the process returns to step S203 without notifying the user, and the image information selection unit 56 performs steps from step S203 until there is no unconfirmed image information table. Repeat S207.

  For example, when an image information output function is selected by the function selection unit 51, the image information selection unit 56 determines whether or not “User1” is accessible image information in order of the image information tables 701 to 705. Confirm. First, the image information selection unit 56 reads the image information table 701 (step S204), and checks whether the access restriction item is “yes” or “no” (step S205). In the case of the image information table 701, since the access restriction item is “yes”, it is determined whether the access permission item includes the group “Group1” or “Group3” to which “User1” or “User1” belongs. Confirmation (step S206). In the case of the image information table 701, since the access permission item is “Group 1”, “User 1” can access “Doc 1” of the image information 801, so that “User 1” is notified through the operation panel. The image information can be selected as outputable image information. Next, the image information selection unit 56 performs the same processing on the image information tables 702 to 705, and reads information associated with accessible image information as described in the first embodiment.

  In step S203, when the confirmation of all the image information tables is completed, the image information selection unit 56 selects the image information to be output via the operation panel, and the user selects the image information to be output. Each time the output of image information is selected one by one, the accessible person information is compared to check whether the image information can be continuously output as one job. First, in step S208, the image determination unit 57 determines whether or not selection of image information to be output by the user has been completed.

  If the selection has not been completed, image information to be output is selected by the user in step S209.

  When the image information to be output is selected, in step S210, the image determination unit 57 confirms whether accessible person information already associated with other image information is stored in a storage medium (not shown).

  If the accessible person information is not stored in step S210, the image determining unit 57 receives information such as the name of the selected image information, accessible person information, and the provision destination information from the image information selecting unit, and step S212. In the above, it is determined whether or not the provision destination information is included in the accessible person information.

  If the destination information is not included in the accessible person information, the image determination unit 57 determines that the selected image information cannot be provided, and the process returns to step S208. At this time, the image determination unit 57 notifies the user through an operation panel (not shown) that image information cannot be provided to the provider.

  When the destination information is included in the accessible person information, the image determination unit 57 stores the accessible person information associated with the image information selected by the user in a storage medium (not shown) in step S213. To do.

  In step S214, the image determination unit 57 permits selection by the user and determines output of the selected image information. At this time, the user is notified that output of the selected image information is permitted via the operation panel.

  If accessible person information is stored in step S210, it indicates that image information (first image information) to be output by the user has been selected first. In this case, the image determination unit 57 stores the stored first accessible person information, the second accessible person information associated with the second image information selected after the first image information, and Compare In step S211, the image determination unit 57 compares the first accessible person information and the second accessible person information, that is, the information stored in the access permission item of each image information table, It is determined whether the same group exists in the accessible person information.

  In step S211, when the groups permitted to access are the same group in comparison with each accessible person information, the image determination unit 57 permits the user to select the second image information in step S214. Then, it is determined to continuously output the selected first image information and second image information as one job.

  On the other hand, in step S211, if the accessible group is a different group in the comparison between the first accessible person information and the second accessible person information, the image determining unit 57 proceeds to step S212, It is determined whether or not the provision destination information is included in the second accessible person information.

  If the provision destination information is not included in the second accessible person information, the image determination unit 57 determines that the provision of the selected second image information is impossible, and returns to step S208. At this time, the image determination unit 57 notifies the user through the operation panel (not shown) that the second image information cannot be provided to the provider.

  When the provision destination information is included in the second accessible person information, the image determination unit 57 allows the second accessible information associated with the second image information selected by the user in step S213. Person information is stored in a storage medium (not shown).

  In step S214, the image determination unit 57 permits selection by the user, and determines output of the selected second image information. In other words, it is possible to output continuously as one job together with the first image information permitted in advance. At this time, the user is notified that output of the selected image information is permitted via the operation panel.

  In step S212 or step S214, after the processing by the image determination unit 57, the process proceeds to step S208, and the image determination unit 57 determines whether or not the selection of the image information to be output by the user is completed. If the selection is not completed in step S208, steps S208 to S214 are repeated until the selection by the user is completed. When the selection of the image information to be output by the user is completed, the image determination unit 57 outputs information based on the image information together with information associated with the image information such as the name of the image information for which the image formation control unit 55 has determined the output. The job to be performed is notified and this processing is terminated. At this time, when output of a plurality of pieces of image information is determined, the image determination unit 57 notifies the image formation control unit 55 to output a plurality of pieces of image information as one job.

  For example, after the image information selection unit 56 selects image information that can be selected from “User1”, “User1” selects image information to be output. Here, “User6” is selected as the provision destination by the image provision destination selection unit 58, “Doc1” of the image information 801 is selected as the first image information for the provision destination “User6”, and the second image information is selected. A case where “Doc3” of the image information 803 is selected will be described.

  First, when “Doc1” of the image information 801 is selected by “User1” (step S209), the image determination unit 57 confirms whether accessible person information is stored in the storage medium (step S210). . Since “Doc1” of the image information 801 selected by “User1” is the first image information selected first after starting this processing, no accessible person information is stored in the recording medium. Therefore, the image determination unit 57 compares “Group1” that is the first accessible person information associated with “Doc1” of the image information 801 with “User6” that is the provision destination information (step S212). In this case, since “User6” is not included in “Group1”, “Doc1” of the image information 801 cannot be provided to “User6”. Therefore, the image determination unit 57 disables the selection of “Doc1” of the image information 801 selected by “User1”, and determines the restriction on the output of “Doc1” of the image information 801.

  Next, when “Doc3” of the image information 803 is selected by “User1” (step S209), the image determination unit 57 confirms whether accessible person information is stored in the storage medium (step S210). ). “Doc3” of the image information 803 selected by “User1” is the second image information selected after “Doc1” of the image information 801. As described above, the selection of “Doc1” of the image information 801 is performed. Therefore, accessible person information is not stored in the storage medium. Therefore, the image determination unit 57 compares “User1” and “Group4” that are the second accessible person information associated with “Doc3” of the image information 803 with “User6” that is the provision destination information (Step 6). S212). In this case, since “User6” is included in “Group4”, “Doc1” of the image information 801 can be provided to “User6”. The image determination unit 57 stores “yes” as an access restriction item and “User1” and “Group4” as access permission items, which are second accessible person information associated with “Doc3” of the image information 803. Save to the medium (step S213). Then, the image determination unit 57 permits the selection of “Doc3” of the image information 803 selected by “User1” and determines the output of “Doc3” of the image information 803 (step S214).

  When the selection of the image information output by “User1” is completed here (step S208), the image determination unit 57 notifies the image formation control unit 55 of information such as the name related to the selected image information, and this processing is performed. finish.

  As described above, the image formation control unit 55 notified of the job together with information such as the name of the image information from the image determination unit 57 receives the image information associated with this information from the image information management unit 54. Then, the image formation control unit 55 controls the printer unit 2 based on the received image information, and outputs an image based on the image information on the printing paper. At this time, when notified from the image determination unit 57 to output a plurality of pieces of image information as one job, the image formation control unit 55 receives the plurality of pieces of image information from the image information management unit 54 as one job. The printer unit 2 is controlled so as to output continuously.

  As described above, according to the image processing apparatus 1 described in the third embodiment, by selecting a provision destination of the image information to be output, the provision selected from the image information permitted by a plurality of users or groups is provided. The image information having the tip can be selected. Thereby, for example, when the user who uses the image processing apparatus uses it, output is permitted, so that information leakage between groups can be prevented and usability is improved.

[Embodiment 4]
The image processing apparatus described in the fourth embodiment is configured to include an image determination / storage unit that also has a function of an image determination unit in place of the image determination unit of the image processing apparatus described in the third embodiment. When the output of a plurality of pieces of image information is determined and accessible person information associated with the image information is mixed without matching, the image processing apparatus provides the provision destination information selected as the provision destination Can be stored in a storage medium in association with a plurality of pieces of image information and managed by the image information management unit. Hereinafter, the image processing apparatus will be described, but the same members as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the image processing apparatus of the present invention described in the fourth embodiment. The image processing apparatus 1 described in the fourth embodiment is configured to include an image determination / storage unit 59 as an image determination unit instead of the image determination unit 57 of the image processing apparatus 1 described in the third embodiment. Yes.

  Similar to the image determination unit 57, the image determination / storage unit 59 compares the accessible person information of the image information associated with the information selected by the user, and the providing destination selected by the user by the image providing destination selection unit 58 Is determined to be included in the accessible person information, and it is determined whether to continuously output as one job. Then, the image determination / storage unit 59 passes the image information determined to be output to the image formation control unit 55 and instructs the output of the image information. At this time, the image determination / storage unit 59 determines to output a plurality of pieces of image information continuously as one job, and all accessible person information associated with the image information does not match and is mixed. If the information is provided as the accessible person information, the image information is stored in the storage medium as new image information and an image information table in association with the plurality of image information determined to be output. 54.

  In the image processing apparatus 1 described in the fourth embodiment, when user authentication is performed in the same manner as in the third embodiment, the function selection unit 51 has functions that can be executed by the image processing apparatus 1 on the operation panel. Display a list screen or a setting screen, and let the user select an operation to be executed. Here, the user can select a copy function, a function for saving image information, and the like. Hereinafter, a function for outputting stored image information, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described.

  When the function for outputting image information is selected by the user, the function selection unit 51 notifies the image information selection unit 56 that output of image information has been selected, and the processing shown in FIG. 14 is executed. First, the image providing destination selection unit 58 causes a user who uses the image processing apparatus 1 to select a providing destination that provides image information. At this time, in step S301, the image providing destination selecting unit 58 checks whether or not the providing destination is selected.

  If not selected, the image providing destination selecting unit 58 displays all the users and groups managed by the user information managing unit 52 on the operation panel in step S302, and selects the providing destination via the operation panel. The user selects a provision destination. Then, the image provision destination selection unit 58 passes the provision destination information such as the user name or group name of the provision destination based on the selected provision destination to the image information selection unit 56.

  For example, when “User1” selects the function of outputting image information by the function selection unit 51 via an operation panel (not shown), the image providing destination selection unit 58 uses the user information managed by the user information management unit 52. All of the table and the group information table are read out, all of the managed user names and group names are displayed on the operation panel, and “User1” is made to select a providing destination (step S302). When “User1” selects “User6” as the provision destination of the image information, the image provision destination selection unit 58 sets the selected “User6” as the provision destination of the image information and provides the user name “User6” of the provision destination as the provision destination information. Is provided to the image information selection unit 56.

  When the provision destination is selected, the image information selection unit 56 checks the image information tables in order from the image information tables 701 to 705 one by one. At this time, in step S303, the image information selection unit 56 confirms whether there is an unconfirmed image information table.

  If there is an unconfirmed image information table, the image information selection unit 56 reads the unconfirmed image information table in step S304, and sets the access restriction item and access permission as accessible person information in the image information table. Read the item information.

  Then, in step S305, the image information selection unit 56 confirms the information on the access restriction item among the read information on the access restriction item and the access permission item, and the information is “yes”. It is determined whether access to information is restricted or whether access to image information is restricted by “no”. If access is not restricted in step S305, the process proceeds to step S307.

  If it is determined in step S305 that access to the image information is restricted, the image information selection unit 56 checks the access permission item among the read access restriction item information and access permission item information. To do. In step S306, the image information selection unit 56 confirms whether or not the authenticated user and the group to which the user belongs exist in the information, and determines whether or not the image information is accessible. Judging. At this time, if group information is stored in the access permission item, it is determined whether or not the image information is accessible by an authenticated user with reference to the table shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S305 that the access to the image information is not restricted, or if it is possible to access the image information in step S306, the image information selection unit 56 displays an operation panel (not shown) in step S307. The user is notified that the image information is accessible. Then, the image information selection unit 56 displays the notified accessible image information on the operation panel so that the user can select it as image information to be output, and the process returns to step S303. Then, the image information selection unit 56 repeats step S303 to step S307 until there is no unconfirmed image information table.

  If it is determined in step S306 that the image information is not accessible, the process returns to step S303 without notifying the user, and the image information selection unit 56 continues from step S303 to step S303 until there is no unconfirmed image information table. Repeat S307.

  For example, when an image information output function is selected by the function selection unit 51, the image information selection unit 56 determines whether or not “User1” is accessible image information in order of the image information tables 701 to 705. Confirm. First, the image information selection unit 56 reads the image information table 701 (step S304), and checks whether the access restriction item is “yes” or “no” (step S305). In the case of the image information table 701, since the access restriction item is “yes”, it is determined whether or not the access permission item includes the group “Group1” or “Group3” to which “User1” or “User1” belongs. Confirmation (step S306). In the case of the image information table 701, since the access permission item is “Group 1”, “User 1” can access “Doc 1” of the image information 801, so that “User 1” is notified through the operation panel. The image information can be selected as outputable image information. Next, the image information selection unit 56 performs the same processing on the image information tables 702 to 705, and reads information associated with accessible image information as described in the first embodiment.

  When the confirmation of all the image information tables is completed in step S303, the image information selection unit 56 causes the image information to be output to be selected via the operation panel, and the user selects the image information to be output. Each time the output of image information is selected one by one, the accessible person information is compared to check whether the image information can be continuously output as one job. First, in step S308, the image determination / storage unit 59 determines whether or not the selection of image information to be output by the user has been completed.

  If the selection has not been completed, image information to be output is selected by the user in step S309.

  When the image information to be output is selected, in step S310, the image determination / storage unit 59 checks whether accessible person information already associated with other image information is stored in a storage medium (not shown). .

  If accessible person information is not saved in step S310, the image determination / save unit 59 receives information such as the name of the selected image information, accessible person information, and provision destination information from the image information selection unit, and In step S312, it is determined whether or not providing destination information is included in accessible person information.

  If the destination information is not included in the accessible person information, the image determination / storage unit 59 determines that the selected image information cannot be provided, and the process returns to step S308. At this time, the image determination / save unit 59 notifies the user through the operation panel (not shown) that image information cannot be provided to the provider.

  When the access destination information is included in the accessible person information, the image determination / storage unit 59 stores the accessible person information associated with the image information selected by the user in step S313 (not shown). Save to.

  In step S314, the image determination / storage unit 59 permits selection by the user and determines output of the selected image information. At this time, the user is notified that output of the selected image information is permitted via the operation panel.

  If accessible person information is stored in step S310, it indicates that the image information (first image information) to be output first by the user has been selected. In this case, the image determination / save unit 59 stores the first accessible person information stored in the second accessible person associated with the second image information selected after the first image information. Compare with information. In step S311, the image determination / storage unit 59 compares the first accessible person information and the second accessible person information, that is, the information stored in the access permission item of each image information table, It is determined whether or not the same group exists in the two accessible person information.

  If the accessible group is the same group in the comparison with each accessible person information in step S311, the image determining / saving unit 59 permits the user to select the second image information in step S314. Then, it is determined that the selected first image information and second image information are continuously output as one job.

  On the other hand, if the accessible group is a different group in the comparison between the first accessible person information and the second accessible person information in step S311, the image determination / storage unit 59 proceeds to step S312. Then, it is determined whether the provision destination information is included in the second accessible person information.

  When the provision destination information is not included in the second accessible person information, the image determination / storage unit 59 determines that the provision of the selected second image information is impossible, and returns to step S308. . At this time, the image determination / save unit 59 notifies the user through the operation panel (not shown) that the second image information cannot be provided to the provider.

  If the provision destination information is included in the second accessible person information, the image determination / storage unit 59 selects the second image information associated with the second image information selected by the user in step S313. The accessible person information is stored in a storage medium (not shown).

  In step S314, the image determination / storage unit 59 permits selection by the user, and determines output of the selected second image information. In other words, it is possible to output continuously as one job together with the first image information permitted in advance. At this time, the user is notified that output of the selected image information is permitted via the operation panel.

  In step S312 or step S314, after the processing by the image determination / storage unit 59, the process proceeds to step S308, and the image determination / storage unit 59 determines whether the selection of the image information to be output by the user is completed. If the selection is not completed in step S308, steps S308 to S314 are repeated until the selection by the user is completed. When the selection of the image information to be output by the user is completed, the image determination / storage unit 59 proceeds to step S315. At this time, when the output of a plurality of pieces of image information is determined, the image determination / storage unit 59 notifies the image formation control unit 55 to output a plurality of pieces of image information as one job.

  For example, after the image information selection unit 56 selects image information that can be selected from “User1”, “User1” selects image information to be output. Here, “User6” is selected as the provision destination by the image provision destination selection unit 58, “Doc1” of the image information 801 is selected as the first image information for the provision destination “User6”, and the second image information is selected. A case where “Doc3” of the image information 803 is selected will be described.

  First, when “Doc1” of the image information 801 is selected by “User1” (step S309), the image determination / storage unit 5957 checks whether or not accessible person information is stored in the storage medium (step S309). S310). Since “Doc1” of the image information 801 selected by “User1” is the first image information selected first after starting this processing, no accessible person information is stored in the recording medium. Therefore, the image determination / storage unit 59 compares “Group1” that is the first accessible person information associated with “Doc1” of the image information 801 with “User6” that is the provision destination information (Step S312). . In this case, since “User6” is not included in “Group1”, “Doc1” of the image information 801 cannot be provided to “User6”. Therefore, the image determination / storage unit 59 disables the selection of “Doc1” of the image information 801 selected by “User1”, and determines the restriction on the output of “Doc1” of the image information 801.

  Next, when “Doc3” of the image information 803 is selected by “User1” (step S309), the image determination / storage unit 59 confirms whether or not the accessible person information is stored in the storage medium ( Step S310). “Doc3” of the image information 803 selected by “User1” is the second image information selected after “Doc1” of the image information 801. As described above, the selection of “Doc1” of the image information 801 is performed. Therefore, accessible person information is not stored in the storage medium. Therefore, the image determination / storage unit 59 compares “User1” and “Group4” that are the second accessible person information associated with “Doc3” of the image information 803 with “User6” that is the provision destination information. (Step S312). In this case, since “User6” is included in “Group4”, “Doc1” of the image information 801 can be provided to “User6”. The image determination / storage unit 59 includes “yes” as an access restriction item and “User1” and “Group4” as access permission items, which are second accessible person information associated with “Doc3” of the image information 803. Is stored in the storage medium (step S313). Then, the image determination / storage unit 59 permits the selection of “Doc3” of the image information 803 selected by “User1”, and determines the output of “Doc3” of the image information 803 (step S314).

  If the selection of the image information output by “User1” is completed here (step S308), the image determination / storage unit 59 proceeds to step S315.

  When the image information to be output is determined by the image determination / storage unit 59 and the selection of the image information by the user is completed, the image determination / storage unit 59 determines and determines the output of a plurality of image information in step S315. It is determined whether the accessible person information associated with a plurality of pieces of image information is not completely matched and mixed.

  When the output of a plurality of pieces of image information is determined in step S315 and the accessible person information is not completely matched and mixed, the image determination / storage unit 59 obtains the destination information in step S316. The information is stored in the storage medium as new image information associated with a plurality of pieces of image information, and is managed by the image information management unit 54. Then, the image determination / storage unit 59 notifies the image formation control unit 55 of a job for performing output based on the image information together with information associated with the image information such as the name of the image information for which the output has been determined. End the process.

  On the other hand, if there is only one image information whose output is determined in step S315, or even if the output of a plurality of image information is determined, the accessible person information is completely the same, The determination / save unit 59 notifies the image formation control unit 55 of a job for performing output based on the image information together with information associated with the image information such as the name of the image information for which output has been determined, and ends this processing. To do.

  As described above, the image formation control unit 55 notified of the job together with the information such as the name of the image information from the image determination / storage unit 59 receives the image information associated with this information from the image information management unit 54. Then, the image formation control unit 55 controls the printer unit 2 based on the received image information, and outputs an image based on the image information on the printing paper. At this time, when the image determination / storage unit 59 is notified to output a plurality of pieces of image information as one job, the image formation control unit 55 receives the plurality of pieces of image information from the image information management unit 54, and The printer unit 2 is controlled so as to output continuously as a job.

  As described above, according to the image processing apparatus 1 described in the fourth embodiment, when the output of a plurality of pieces of image information is determined and the accessible person information does not completely match and is mixed, the provision destination information is changed. Image information associated as accessible person information can be newly stored. As a result, it is possible to safely output the image information to the providing destination without touching the eyes of the user whose access to the image information is restricted.

  In the above description, the digital multi-function peripheral has been described as an example of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

It is a figure explaining the main mechanisms of the image processing apparatus of this invention. 1 is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus described in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is an example of the user information table managed by the user information management part of the image processing apparatus of this invention. It is a group information table managed by the user information management unit of the image processing apparatus of the present invention. It is an example of the table which put together the information stored in the item of the member of the group information managed by the user information management part of the image processing apparatus of this invention. It is an example of the image information table managed by the image information management unit of the image processing apparatus of the present invention. It is an example of the table which put together the information stored in the item of the access restriction of the image information managed by the image information management part of the image processing apparatus of this invention, an owner, and access permission. It is an example of the table which put together the image information which each user managed by the image information management part of the image processing apparatus of this invention can access. 4 is a flowchart illustrating each process for outputting image information of the image processing apparatus described in the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating each process for outputting image information of the image processing apparatus described in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus described in a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating each process for outputting image information of the image processing apparatus described in the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus described in a fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating each process for outputting image information of the image processing apparatus described in the fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing apparatus 50 Authentication part 51 Function selection part 52 User information management part 53 Image information input part 54 Image information management part 55 Image formation control part 56 Image information selection part 57 Image determination part 58 Image provision destination selection part 59 Storage part 2 Printer unit 201, 202, 203, 204, 205 Paper feed tray 206 Paper feed unit 207 Image forming unit 208 Fixing unit 209 Ejecting unit 210 Duplex printing unit 3 Scanner unit 300 Automatic document feeding unit 301 Glass stand 302 Reading head 4 Finisher unit

Claims (5)

An image information management unit that associates and manages image information and access right information in which a user or group having an access right is set for each image information;
An image information selection unit that selects a plurality of pieces of image information to be output from the image information managed by the image information management unit;
An output restriction determination unit that determines a restriction on output of the image information selected by the image information selection unit when the access right information associated with the plurality of selected image information is different. An image processing apparatus. The output restriction determination unit
After storing the first access right information associated with the first image information previously selected by the image information selection unit, the second access right information associated with the selected second image information is stored. Compare and
The output restriction of the second image information associated with the second access right information is determined when the second access right information is different from the first access right information. An image processing apparatus according to 1. The output restriction determination unit
After storing the first access right information associated with the first image information previously selected by the image information selection unit, the second access right information associated with the selected second image information is stored. Compare and
When the second access right information is different from the first access right information, either the first image information or the second image information is selected,
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein output of one of the selected first image information or second image information is permitted, and output restriction of the other is determined. An image providing destination selecting unit that selects a providing destination that provides the image information managed by the image information managing unit;
The output restriction determination unit
The output of the image information is determined when the provision destination information based on the provision destination is included in the access right information associated with the image information selected by the image information selection unit. The image processing apparatus according to 1. The output restriction determination unit
When there are a plurality of pieces of image information including provision destination information based on the provision destination in the access right information associated with the image information selected by the image information selection unit, the output of the plurality of pieces of image information is determined. With
5. The access right is given only to the provision destination, and the provision destination information is associated with the plurality of pieces of image information determined to be output as access right information, and is managed by the image information management unit. Image processing apparatus.