JP2009027387A - Image forming apparatus, and image management system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently eliminating unneeded user data, and an image management system and program. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is provided with a data preparing means for preparing image processing data being data related to image processing; a user identification information acquiring means for acquiring user identification information that can uniquely specifying a user; a user data storing means for associating the prepared image processing data with user identification information of a user who has prepared the image processing data to store them; an elimination receiving means for receiving the setting of eliminating the user identification information stored in the user data storing means; a measuring means for measuring the elapse of a prescribed time since the elimination receiving means receives the setting of eliminating the user identification information; and an eliminating means for eliminating the user identification information that receives the setting of elimination and all image processing data related to the user identification information after the prescribed time elapses. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image management system, and a program. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image management system, and a program that can efficiently delete unnecessary user data.

  In recent years, large-capacity storage devices such as hard disks have come to be provided in image forming apparatuses, so that they are read in addition to programs for providing functions (for example, a copy function, a communication function, a scan function, etc.) Image data is stored in the storage device.

  Once the image data read once is stored in the storage device, the user can call up the image data and use it with the copy function or the like, so that the convenience of the image forming apparatus is improved. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to read image data once read from a document, it is possible to prevent wear of members used for reading.

  In particular, if the read image data is stored in association with the user who has read the image data, the user can easily search his / her own image data among the stored image data. Become. Therefore, the work time for image formation is shortened and the usability of the image forming apparatus is improved.

  Recently, there is also a system in which a communication cable is connected to an image forming apparatus instead of a storage device, and the image data is stored via the communication cable in a personal computer (PC) to which the image data is connected in advance. The system includes, for example, a server and an image forming apparatus connected to the server.

  As an example of the above system, for example, in Patent Document 1, when a browse creation request is made from the network, hypertext is created from the stored information, the hypertext storage address and the approximate stored information are converted into mail data, and the designated user An image input / output system for notifying the user is disclosed. With the above configuration, the designated user retrieves the image data of the user stored via the network, browses the image data of the user by using a general-purpose browser, prints only the necessary image data, and browses The data can be reused.

Thus, image data is stored and used for each user in the image forming apparatus and the image input / output system.
JP 2001-256147 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus and the image input / output system, a problem arises when a user has already moved or retired and no longer uses the user's image data. For example, when deleting unnecessary image data that is no longer used, it is necessary for the user performing the deletion to search the storage device for the unnecessary image data, and select and delete the unnecessary image data one by one. There is a problem that work occurs.

  On the other hand, once selected / deleted, the selected / deleted image data is completely lost. For this reason, if the user deletes necessary image data by mistake, the deletion cannot be performed again, and there is a problem that the image data must be read from the original again. In addition, when the document does not exist, it is difficult to acquire the image data of the document again.

  In addition, when the user fails to delete the unnecessary image data, the image data that has failed to be deleted continues to be stored in the storage device as it is, so that only the storage capacity of the storage device is wasted. However, there is a problem that the remaining image data may be misused by other users.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently deleting unnecessary user data.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a data creation unit that creates image processing data that is data related to image processing, and a user that can uniquely identify a user. User identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information, user data storage means for storing the created image processing data and the user identification information of the user who created the image processing data in association with each other, and the user data A deletion receiving unit that receives a setting for deleting the user identification information stored in the storage unit; a measuring unit that measures a lapse of a predetermined time after the deletion receiving unit receives a setting for deleting the user identification information; After a lapse of time, the user identification information that has been set for deletion and all the image processing data associated with the user identification information are And a deleting means for deleting from Zadeta storage means.

  Furthermore, it includes a use prohibition unit that disables use of the image processing data associated with the user identification information until a predetermined time has elapsed after the deletion reception unit has received the setting for deleting the user identification information.

  Furthermore, a release accepting unit that accepts cancellation of the deletion setting of the user identification information, and a determination unit that determines whether or not the user identification information that has received the deletion setting has already been deleted when the cancellation of the deletion setting is accepted. When the determination means determines that the user identification information that has received the deletion setting has not yet been deleted, the deletion means includes a cancellation means for canceling the deletion setting.

  The image processing data includes any one of image data created by a copy function, a communication function, and a scan function, and destination data used by the communication function.

  An image management system according to the present invention is an image management system in which a server stores image processing data, which is data related to image processing, created by an image forming apparatus. The server uniquely identifies a user. User identification information acquisition means for acquiring user identification information that can be specified from the image forming apparatus, the created image processing data, and the user identification information of the user who created the image processing data are stored in association with each other. User data storage means, and the image forming apparatus includes data creation means for creating the image processing data, and deletion acceptance means for accepting a setting for deleting user identification information stored in the user data storage means of the server. Measuring means for measuring a lapse of a predetermined time after the deletion accepting means accepts the setting for deleting the user identification information; After the predetermined time has elapsed, and a deletion means for deleting all of the image processing data associated with the user identification information and the user identification information received set of the deletion from the user data storage means of the server.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus of the image management system prohibits the use of the image processing data associated with the user identification information until a predetermined time elapses after the deletion accepting unit accepts the setting for deleting the user identification information. There is an unusable means.

  Further, the image forming apparatus of the image management system includes a release accepting unit that accepts cancellation of the deletion setting of the user identification information, and the user identification information that has received the deletion setting is already deleted when the cancellation of the deletion setting is accepted. A determination unit that determines whether or not the deletion has been performed, and a cancellation unit that cancels the deletion setting of the deletion reception unit when the determination unit determines that the user identification information that has received the deletion setting has not yet been deleted. Is provided.

  In addition, this invention can be provided as a program distribute | circulated separately via a telecommunication line etc. In this case, the central processing unit (CPU) realizes the control operation in cooperation with each circuit other than the CPU according to the program of the present invention. However, each means realized using the program and the CPU can be configured using dedicated hardware.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the user sets the deletion of the user identification information, the user identification information and all the image processing data associated with the user identification information are deleted after a predetermined time elapses. It is composed.

  As a result, even if the user sets the deletion of the user identification information by mistake before the predetermined time elapses, the image processing data of the user identification information is not immediately deleted. It becomes possible to recover. Furthermore, when the user identification information is deleted, all the image processing data of the user identification information is deleted, so there is no need to search for image processing data to be deleted one by one from the image processing data, The deletion of the image processing data to be deleted is not missed. As a result, the image processing data is efficiently deleted, and the storage capacity is not wasted. In addition, there is no possibility of misuse of image processing data that has not been deleted.

  In addition, when the image processing data corresponding to the user identification information that has been subjected to the deletion setting is made unusable within the predetermined time and the cancellation of the deletion setting of the user identification information is accepted, the user identification information is already deleted. If it is determined whether it has been deleted and it is determined that it has not been deleted, the deletion setting may be cancelled.

  As a result, even if the image processing data corresponding to the user identification information is set to be deleted, if it becomes necessary to use the image processing data, the image processing data cannot be used. The image processing data set to be deleted is recognized as image processing data that should not be deleted. In such a case, since the image processing data has not been deleted yet, the user can cancel the deletion setting. As a result, unnecessary image processing data is deleted, image processing data frequently used by the user is continuously stored, image processing data is deleted efficiently, and the storage capacity is not wasted.

  Further, even if the user notices after the deletion setting that the image processing data without a document is set to be deleted, the deletion setting can be canceled to cope with it quickly. Further, even when the user corresponding to the user identification information that has received the deletion setting returns, it is possible to cancel the deletion setting and cause the recovered user to immediately perform a job.

  Of course, the image management system and the program according to the present invention have the same effects.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not. In addition, the alphabet “S” added in front of the numbers in the flowcharts means steps.

  First, functions provided by the image forming apparatus will be described. The functions provided by the image forming apparatus include a copy function, a communication function, and a scan function. The copy function is a function that converts an image of a document into image data and performs print processing based on the image data.

  The communication function includes a facsimile transmission / reception function, a PC transmission / reception function, and an e-mail transmission / reception function. The facsimile transmission / reception function transmits image data read from a document to a facsimile number or receives image data from a communication partner. It is a communication function to receive. The e-mail transmission / reception function is a communication function that transmits the image data to a mail address or receives image data from a communication partner. The PC transmission / reception function is a communication function that transmits the image data to a connected PC or receives image data from a communication partner. The scan function is a function for converting an image of a document into image data.

  When the communication function and the scan function are provided, the image forming apparatus provides each of the drive units that are driven when the copy function is provided. Hereinafter, a processing procedure for providing the copy function will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram in a front view showing the overall configuration of the inside of the image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 corresponds to a digital copying machine, a printer, a multifunction machine, or the like.

  First, when a user executes a copy function using the image forming apparatus 100, the user inserts a card owned by the user into a card reading apparatus 101 provided in the image forming apparatus 100. Then, the card reader 101 acquires the user identification information of the user from the card and performs authentication. Here, the user identification information is information that can uniquely identify the user, and corresponds to, for example, the user ID “AA001”. The card reader 101 determines whether or not the acquired user identification information matches the authentication information stored in advance. When the acquired user identification information matches the authentication information, the image forming apparatus 100 can be used, and the use of the user is permitted.

  Next, the user places the document on a document table provided on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus 100, and inputs settings related to the copy function from the operation unit 102. Subsequently, the user presses a start key provided in the operation unit 102 to cause the image forming apparatus 100 to start a printing process.

  When the printing process is started, in the image reading unit 103, the light emitted from the light source 104 is reflected on the document placed on the document table. The reflected light is guided to the image sensor 108 by the mirrors 105, 106, and 107. The guided light is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 106 and an image of the original is read. The read image of the document is processed by a data creation unit (described later) according to the setting input by the user, and becomes image data. Here, the image data may be received by the image forming apparatus 100 from another apparatus via the cable 109 connected to the side wall of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The processing performed by the data creating means is, for example, processing for converting the image data of the original document to black and white, processing for setting the print density of the data to the density input by the user, and setting the magnification of the data to the magnification input by the user. Processing to change, processing to change the resolution of the data to the resolution input by the user, and the like are applicable.

  The image reading unit 103 is also driven when the scan function of the image forming apparatus 100 is executed.

  When the image data is created, the image data is stored in user data storage means (described later). Then, the image data is sent to the image forming unit 110 and transferred as a toner image.

  The image forming unit 110 is provided with a photosensitive drum 111. The photosensitive drum 111 rotates in a predetermined direction at a constant speed, and around the charger drum 112, the exposure unit 113, the developing unit 114, the transfer unit 115, the cleaning unit 116, and the like in this order from the upstream side in the rotation direction. Is arranged.

  The charger 112 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 111. The exposure unit 113 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 111 with a laser based on the image data to form an electrostatic latent image. The developer 114 forms a toner image by attaching toner to the conveyed electrostatic latent image. The formed toner image is transferred to a recording medium (for example, a sheet) by the transfer device 115. The cleaning unit 116 removes excess toner left on the surface of the photosensitive drum 111. A series of these processes is executed by rotating the photosensitive drum 111.

  The sheet is conveyed from a plurality of paper feed cassettes 117 provided in the image forming apparatus 100. When the sheet is conveyed, the sheet is pulled out from any one of the sheet feeding cassettes 117 by the pickup roller 118 to the conveying path. Each of the paper feed cassettes 117 stores sheets of different paper types, and the sheets are fed based on settings input by the user.

  The sheet pulled out to the conveyance path is fed between the photosensitive drum 111 and the transfer device 115 by the conveyance roller 119 and the registration roller 120. When the sheet is fed, the toner image is transferred to the sheet by the transfer unit 115 and conveyed to the fixing device 121. Note that the sheet conveyed to the conveyance roller 119 may be conveyed from the manual feed tray 122 provided on the side surface of the image forming apparatus.

  When the sheet on which the toner image has been transferred passes between a heating roller 123 and a pressure roller 124 provided in the fixing device 121, heat and pressure are applied to the toner image, and the visible image is fixed to the sheet. Is done. The heat amount of the heating roller 123 is optimally set according to the paper type, and the fixing is performed appropriately. The visible image is fixed to the sheet, and the image formation is completed. The sheet is stacked and accommodated as a printed material on a paper discharge tray 125 provided on the side wall of the image forming apparatus 100.

  Through the above procedure, the image forming apparatus 100 provides the user with a copy function. Further, when the image forming apparatus 100 provides other functions, the image reading unit 103 and the image forming unit 110 are driven and provided. Among the above driving units, a driving unit that realizes image formation is referred to as an image forming unit. In addition, a drive unit that realizes communication with another device via the communication cable 109 is referred to as a communication unit.

  The image data created by the data forming unit is referred to as image processing data. In addition to the processed image data, the image processing data includes data input by the user when executing the function. For example, in the case of a facsimile transmission / reception function, image data transmitted by the user and a facsimile number input by the user are the image processing data.

  Next, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the operation unit 102 provided in the image forming apparatus 100. The user uses the operation unit 102 to input setting conditions corresponding to the functions as described above, or to set deletion of stored image processing data. When the user performs the setting, the touch panel 200, the operation button 201, and the function switching button 202 provided in the operation unit 102 are used.

  On the touch panel 200, a function screen, a data storage status screen, a data use screen, a data deletion setting screen, and a data deletion confirmation screen are displayed. The function screen is a screen on which information related to one function is displayed. For example, on the function screen corresponding to the copy function, selection items such as the number of copies, document size, monochrome / color, density, magnification, resolution, sorting, stapling, and punching are displayed. When the selection item is pressed, setting conditions for the copy function are input. The data storage status screen, the data use screen, the data deletion setting screen, and the data deletion confirmation screen will be described later.

  The operation button 201 includes a numeric keypad, a start key, a clear key, a stop key, and a reset key. When each key is pressed, a signal related to the key can be input to the image forming apparatus and processing of the image forming apparatus can be started.

  The function switching button 202 includes a plurality of buttons corresponding to a plurality of functions such as “Copy”, “Fax”, and “Memory”. When the button is pressed, a screen corresponding to the button is displayed on the touch panel 200. In particular, when the “Memory” is pressed, the data storage status screen is displayed on the touch panel 200.

  Next, a data storage status screen, a data use screen, a data deletion setting screen, and a data deletion confirmation screen displayed on the touch panel 200 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the data storage status screen, as shown in FIG. 3A, a table 301 of stored user identification information and image processing data, a time 302 at which the data storage status screen is displayed, and a data use button 303 are displayed. Then, a data delete button 304 and a cancel button 305 are displayed. In the user identification information and image processing data table 301, the user identification information and the image processing data stored in the user data storage means are displayed. Thereby, it becomes possible to recognize the image processing data stored in the user data storage means.

  Further, FIG. 3B shows a state in which, on the data storage status screen, user identification information, which will be described later, has received deletion settings, and image processing data associated with the user identification information are unavailable. Yes. As shown in FIG. 3B, in the table 301 of the user identification information and the image processing data, there is a strikethrough in the user identification information subjected to the deletion setting and the image processing data associated with the user identification information. Displayed in a drawn state 306. On the other hand, the user identification information that has not received the deletion setting and the image processing data associated with the user identification information are displayed in a state 307 in which nothing is added. As a result, the user can recognize the user identification information that has received the deletion setting and the image processing data associated with the user identification information.

  When the data use button 303 is pressed, the data use screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 4C. In the data use screen, a table 401 of image processing data (for example, image data, transmission destination, etc.) stored in the user data storage means, a time 302 at which the data use screen is displayed, and use confirmation A button 402, a use cancellation button 403, and a cancel button 305 are displayed. From the displayed image processing data table 401, each image processing data can be selected. When the user selects image processing data and presses the use confirmation button 402, the selected image processing data can be used. The use cancel button 403 is pressed when canceling the use of the selected image processing data.

  Further, FIG. 4D shows a state in which, on the data use screen, the image processing data that has received the deletion setting is unavailable among the image processing data in which the unusable means is stored. As shown in FIG. 4D, the image processing data for which deletion setting has been set in the image processing data table 401 is displayed in a state 404 with a strikethrough. On the other hand, the image processing data that has not received the deletion setting is displayed in a selectable state 405. As a result, the user can recognize the unusable state of the image processing data that has received the deletion setting.

  When the data deletion button 304 displayed on the data storage status screen is pressed, the data deletion setting screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 5E. In the data deletion setting screen, a table 501 of user IDs (for example, “AA001”, “user name”, etc.) stored in the user data storage means, and a time 302 at which the data deletion setting screen is displayed. Then, a setting button 502, a setting release button 503, and a cancel button 305 are displayed. Each user ID can be selected from the displayed user ID table 501. When the user selects a user ID and presses the setting button 502, it is possible to set deletion of the selected user ID. “●” is displayed in the vicinity of the user ID that has been set to be deleted.

  When the setting cancel button 503 is pressed, the deletion setting of the user ID for which the “●” is displayed is cancelled. When the cancel button 305 is pressed, the display on the touch panel 200 is switched from the data deletion setting screen to the data storage status screen.

  In the data deletion confirmation screen, as shown in FIG. 5F, the deleted user ID table 504, the currently stored user ID table 505, and the time when the data deletion confirmation screen is displayed. 302 and a confirmation completion button 506 are displayed. When the confirmation completion button 506 is pressed, the display on the touch panel 200 is switched from the data deletion confirmation screen to the data storage status screen. In the replaced data storage status screen, as shown in FIG. 6G, a table 601 of user identification information and image processing data currently stored in the user data storage means, and the data storage status screen are displayed. A time 302, a data use button 303, a data delete button 304, and a cancel button 305 are displayed.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of control system hardware in the image forming apparatus 100. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The control circuit 700 of the image forming apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 701, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 702, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 703, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 704, and a driver 705 corresponding to each driving unit. The card reader 101, the operation unit 102, and the communication interface 706 are connected by an internal bus 707. The CPU 701 uses, for example, the RAM 703 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 702, the HDD 704, and the like, and exchanges data and instructions with the driver 705 based on the execution result. The operation of each driving unit shown in FIG. In addition, the respective means (shown in FIG. 8) other than the above-described driving unit are realized by the CPU 701 executing a program and exchanging data and instructions. The ROM 702 and the HDD 704 store programs and data for realizing each means described below. The card reading device 101 acquires user identification information from a card owned by the user, and transmits the user identification information to the CPU 701. The operation unit 102 receives data and instructions to be transmitted to the CPU 701 from the user. The communication interface 706 connects the facsimile 708, the PC 709, and the image forming apparatus 710 via the communication cable 109. The CPU 701 exchanges data with the facsimile 708, the PC 709, and the image forming apparatus 710 via the communication interface 706.

  Next, a procedure for deleting unnecessary user data in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a user data table in which image processing data created by the image forming apparatus and user identification information of the user who created the image processing data are stored in association with each other. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure when the user ID “AA001” and the image processing data associated with the user ID “AA001” are deleted.

  First, the user data table 900 stored in the user data storage means will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the user data table 900 stores a function name 901, image data 902, capacity 903, transmission destination 904, user ID 905, and user name 906. The function name 901 and the like are stored in association with each other. For example, when a user name “user A” having a user ID “AA001” creates image data “image 12” (capacity 1.1 MB) and executes a copy function, the function name 901 is stored in the user data table. In this order, “copy function”, “image 12”, “1.1”, “−”, “AA001”, “user A” are stored. Since there is no transmission destination in the copy function, “−” is stored in the transmission destination 904. In addition, for example, the transmission destination 904 stores a facsimile number, an e-mail address, an IP address, etc., which are transmission destinations input by the user. Here, the function name 901, the image data 902, the capacity 903, and the transmission destination 904 are image processing data.

  The user data table 900 makes it possible to reuse image data created once.

  Now, the processing procedure of the embodiment according to the present invention will be described.

  When the user name “user A” (hereinafter referred to as user A) executes the copy function, the user A inserts a card owned by the user A into a card reading device provided in the image forming apparatus 100. Then, the user identification information stored in the card into which the user identification information acquisition unit 801 is inserted, that is, the user ID “AA001” (hereinafter referred to as “AA001”) is acquired (FIG. 10: S101). Thereafter, the user identification information acquisition unit 801 authenticates the user A, and the user A can use the image forming apparatus 100.

  Subsequently, the user A places a document, inputs settings relating to the copy function while using the keys provided in the operation unit 102, and presses the start key. Then, the operation unit provided in the operation unit 102 transmits the input setting to the image forming unit 802. Then, the image forming unit 802 reads the image of the document, and the data creating unit 803 creates image data “image 12” based on the read image and the input setting (FIG. 10: S102). The created image data “image 12” is printed on a sheet, and the sheet is discharged. The “image 12” is stored in the user data table 900 in association with the acquired “AA001” (FIG. 10: S103).

  Now, when the user A wants to delete the image processing data (including the image data “image 12”) associated with the user A stored in the user data table 900, the user A presses “Memory” on the operation unit 102. Then, a data storage status screen is displayed on the touch panel 200 (FIG. 3A). Subsequently, the user A presses the data deletion button 304 displayed on the data storage status screen to display a data deletion setting screen (FIG. 5E). The user A selects “AA001” while viewing the data deletion setting screen and presses the setting button 502. Then, the deletion acceptance unit 806 detects the selected “AA001” and the pressed setting button 502, and accepts the deletion setting of “AA001” (FIG. 10: S104). When the deletion accepting unit 806 accepts the setting for deleting “AA001”, the measuring unit 807 starts measurement for a predetermined time, specifically, one month (FIG. 10: S105). At this time, the “AA001” and the image processing data associated with the “AA001” are still stored in the user data table 900. Therefore, even if the user erroneously sets the deletion of “AA001”, the image processing data associated with “AA001” is not immediately deleted, and the image processing data can be restored again.

  Further, “AA001” received by the deletion receiving unit 806 is transmitted to the unusable unit 808. The unusable unit 808 prohibits the use of the image processing data associated with the “AA001”. Specifically, the unusable means 808 strikes through the “AA001” displayed on the data deletion setting screen and the data usage screen and the image processing data associated with the “AA001”. (FIG. 3B, FIG. 4D, FIG. 10: S106).

  If the deletion setting of “AA001” is not canceled before the time of one month has elapsed, that is, if the setting cancellation button 503 displayed on the data deletion setting screen is not pressed, the deletion of “AA001” is performed. Is executed after one month has elapsed (FIG. 10: S107 YES). When one month has passed, the fact that the measuring means 807 has passed is transmitted to the deleting means 809 (FIG. 10: S108). The transmitted deletion unit 809 refers to the user data table 900 of the user data storage unit 804 and deletes all the “AA001” and the image processing data associated with the “AA001” (FIG. 10: S109). Therefore, it is not necessary to search for image processing data to be deleted one by one from the image processing data, and the deletion of the image processing data to be deleted is not missed.

  When the deletion unit 809 finishes the deletion operation, the data deletion confirmation screen is displayed on the touch panel 200 (FIG. 5F). When the user A confirms that the “AA001” has been deleted and presses the confirmation completion button 506, the data storage status screen is displayed again (FIG. 6G). At this time, since “AA001” and the image processing data of “AA001” are deleted from the user data table 900, “AA001” and the image processing data are not displayed.

  On the other hand, if it becomes necessary to use the image processing data with the strikethrough again before the time of one month has passed, the user A should not delete the image processing data that has been set to be deleted. It will be recognized as processing data. Then, the user A displays the data deletion setting screen on the touch panel 200, selects “AA001” displayed on the data deletion setting screen, and presses the setting cancel button 503 (FIG. 9: S107 NO). . Then, the cancellation acceptance unit 810 detects the selected “AA001” and the pressed setting cancellation button 503, and accepts cancellation of the deletion setting of “AA001”. Then, the cancellation receiving unit 810 transmits “AA001”, which is the target of cancellation of the deletion setting, to the determination unit 811.

  The transmitted determination means 811 refers to the user data table 900 to determine whether or not “AA001” and the image processing data associated with the “AA001” have been deleted (FIG. 10: S110). When the determination means 811 detects the “AA001” that has not yet been deleted and the image processing data associated with the “AA001”, the determination means 811 accepts the deletion to cancel the deletion setting of the “AA001”. Transmit to means 806. Upon receiving the transmission, the deletion accepting unit 806 cancels the deletion setting of “AA001”, so that the “AA001” and the image processing data associated with the “AA001” are stored in the user data table 900 Will be maintained (FIG. 10: S111).

  Further, the deletion accepting unit 806 transmits the cancellation of the deletion setting to the unusable unit 808, and the unusable unit 808 returns the image processing data associated with the “AA001” to a usable state ( 3A and 4C). As a result, the user A can acquire image processing data with a strikethrough.

  As described above, when the user A performs the deletion setting of “AA001”, the deletion setting can be canceled if one month has elapsed, and after one month, the “AA001” and the “AA” All image processing data associated with “AA001” are deleted.

  As a result, since the image processing data “AA001” is not immediately deleted within one month, the image processing data can be restored again. Therefore, unnecessary image processing data is deleted, and image processing data frequently used by the user is continuously stored. Further, since all the image processing data “AA001” is deleted at the time of the deletion, there is no need to search for the image processing data to be deleted one by one from the image processing data, and the image to be deleted The processing data is not missed. As a result, the image processing data is efficiently deleted, and the storage capacity is not wasted. In addition, there is no possibility of misuse of image processing data that has not been deleted.

  In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes the user identification information acquisition unit 801 and the user data storage unit 804. However, a server is provided separately from the image forming apparatus, and the user identification information acquisition unit is provided in the server. 801 and user data storage means 804 may be provided. With the above configuration, an image management system including the image forming apparatus and the server is configured, and the image management system also exhibits the effects of the present invention. Of course, the image management system may include a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus is configured to include the above-described units. However, a program that realizes the above-described units may be stored in a storage medium, and the storage medium may be provided. In the above configuration, the computer implements the above-described units by causing the computer of the image forming apparatus or system to read the program. In that case, the program itself read from the recording medium exhibits the effects of the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, the deletion accepting unit 806 can be used on the data deletion setting screen by any number of users. However, for example, an authentication unit is provided, and a user who is authenticated by the authentication unit receives the deletion accepting unit. You may comprise so that 806 can be utilized. For example, an administrator who is in charge of managing the image forming apparatus may be assigned to the authenticated user.

  In the above embodiment, the image processing data can be used on the data storage status screen by any number of people. For example, a control unit is provided so that a specific user can use the specific image processing data. You may comprise. For example, the image processing data created by the staff may be made available to the staff belonging to the printing department.

  In the above-described embodiment, the unusable unit 808 is configured to display the user identification information that has been deleted and the image processing data associated with the user identification information in a state where a strikethrough is drawn. You may comprise so that it may display in another state instead of a strikethrough. For example, the user identification information or the like that has received the deletion setting may be assigned a character color different from the normal character color, or a background color different from the normal background color.

  In the above embodiment, the predetermined time measured by the measuring unit 807 is set to one month. However, the predetermined time may be extended or shortened to one week, one month, half a month, one year, or the like.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus, the image management system, and the recording medium according to the present invention are useful for a copying machine, a multifunction machine, and the like, and image formation that can efficiently delete unnecessary user data. It is effective as an apparatus, an image management system, and a program.

1 is a conceptual diagram in a front view showing an overall configuration inside an image forming apparatus of an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of an operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the touch panel of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the touch panel of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the touch panel of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the touch panel of this Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of control system hardware of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the user data table of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 102 Operation part 200 Touch panel 801 User identification information acquisition means 802 Image formation means 803 Data creation means 804 User data storage means 805 Communication means 806 Deletion reception means 807 Measurement means 808 Unusable means 809 Deletion means 810 Release reception means 811 Determination means 900 User data table

Claims (10)

Data creation means for creating image processing data which is data related to image processing;
User identification information acquisition means for acquiring user identification information capable of uniquely identifying a user;
User data storage means for storing the created image processing data in association with the user identification information of the user who created the image processing data;
A deletion accepting means for accepting a setting for deleting the user identification information stored in the user data storage means;
Measuring means for measuring the elapse of a predetermined time after the deletion accepting means accepts the setting for deleting the user identification information;
A deletion unit that deletes, after the predetermined time has elapsed, user identification information that has been set for deletion and all image processing data associated with the user identification information from the user data storage unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The apparatus further comprises an unusable means for disabling the use of the image processing data associated with the user identification information until a predetermined time has elapsed after the deletion acceptance means has accepted the setting for deleting the user identification information. The image forming apparatus described in 1. Furthermore, a release accepting means for accepting release of the deletion setting of the user identification information,
A determination unit that determines whether or not the user identification information that has received the deletion setting has been deleted when receiving the cancellation of the deletion setting;
A release means for releasing the deletion setting of the deletion receiving means when the determination means determines that the user identification information that has received the deletion setting has not been deleted yet,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The image processing data includes any of image data created by a copy function, a communication function, a scan function, and destination data used by the communication function.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. An image management system in which a server stores image processing data, which is data related to image processing, created by an image forming apparatus,
The server
User identification information acquisition means for acquiring user identification information capable of uniquely specifying a user from the image forming apparatus;
User data storage means for storing the image processing data created above and the user identification information of the user who created the image processing data in association with each other;
The image forming apparatus includes:
Data creation means for creating the image processing data;
A deletion accepting means for accepting a setting for deleting the user identification information stored in the user data storage means of the server;
Measuring means for measuring the elapse of a predetermined time after the deletion accepting means accepts the setting for deleting the user identification information;
A deletion unit that deletes the user identification information subjected to the deletion setting and all image processing data associated with the user identification information from the user data storage unit of the server after the predetermined time has elapsed; Image management system. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus includes:
6. The use disabling unit that disables use of image processing data associated with the user identification information until a predetermined time has elapsed after the deletion receiving unit has received a setting for deleting user identification information. Image management system. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus includes:
Cancellation acceptance means for accepting cancellation of the deletion setting of the user identification information;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the user identification information that has received the deletion setting has been deleted when receiving the cancellation of the deletion setting;
A release unit that cancels the deletion setting of the deletion receiving unit when the determination unit determines that the user identification information that has received the deletion setting has not yet been deleted;
The image management system according to claim 5 or 6. On the computer,
Creating image processing data that is data related to image processing;
Obtaining user identification information that can uniquely identify a user;
Receiving a setting for deleting user identification information stored in association with the created image processing data;
Measuring a lapse of a predetermined time after accepting a setting for deleting user identification information;
Deleting the user identification information subjected to the deletion setting and all the image processing data associated with the user identification information from the user data storage means after the predetermined time has elapsed;
A program that executes further,
The program according to claim 8, further comprising a step of disabling use of the image processing data associated with the user identification information until a predetermined time has elapsed after the deletion accepting unit has accepted the setting for deleting the user identification information. . A step of accepting cancellation of the deletion setting of the user identification information;
A step of determining whether or not the user identification information that has received the deletion setting has already been deleted when receiving the cancellation of the deletion setting;
A step of canceling the deletion setting when it is determined that the user identification information that has received the deletion setting has not been deleted yet,
The program according to claim 8 or 9.

Images