JP2010028367A - Image forming apparatus, and image formation system with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new security countermeasure technology in an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A composite machine includes: a display part; a registration acceptance part; a scanner part; an image storage part; and an information transmitting part. The display part displays a button for performing a registration operation for allowing only a specific user to handle image data when it is determined that identification information is the one of a document manager. The registration acceptance part accepts the registration operation when the button is operated. The scanner part reads the image data to be handled by the specific user upon receiving a reading instruction of the document manager when the button is operated. The image storage part stores the image data read by the scanner part. The information transmitting part transmits a document management number which is requested when the image data read by the scanner part is handled and can be accepted by a card reader to a PC of the specific user. Then, the information storage part further stores the specific user by associating him/her with the document management number. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having an image reading function for reading image data and connected to a plurality of communication terminals so as to be communicable. The present invention also relates to an image forming system including the image forming apparatus.

  In some conventional image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers, various security measures can be taken to prevent leakage of image data such as confidential documents stored inside the apparatus. For example, a function that allows the apparatus to be used on condition that an ID or password assigned in advance for each user who uses the image forming apparatus is used, or that the image data may be transmitted to the outside like a facsimile function. There is a technology to limit the users who can use. With regard to the latter technique, it is common to provide user usage restrictions for each function of the image forming apparatus.

As related techniques, for example, those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are known.
JP 2007-58602 A Patent No. 4024077

  An object of the present invention is to provide a new security countermeasure technique in the image forming apparatus instead of the conventional security countermeasure technique.

  An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that has an image reading function for reading image data and is communicably connected to a plurality of communication terminals, and includes an information storage unit, an information receiving unit, An authentication unit, a display unit, a registration receiving unit, an image reading unit, an image storage unit, and an information transmission unit are provided. The information storage means stores users who can use the image forming apparatus including an administrator who manages image data in association with identification information assigned to each user. The information receiving means receives identification information. The authentication unit determines whether or not the identification information received by the information receiving unit matches the identification information stored in the information storage unit. The display means displays a registration button for performing a registration operation for permitting only a specific user to handle image data when it is determined that the identification information belongs to the administrator. The registration accepting unit accepts registration work when the registration button is operated. When the registration button is operated, the image reading unit receives image reading instructions from an administrator and reads image data to be handled by a specific user. The image storage means stores the image data read by the image reading means. The information transmitting unit transmits image management information that is requested when the image data read by the image reading unit is handled and that can be received by the information receiving unit to the communication terminal of the specific user. The information storage means further stores the specific user in association with the image management information.

  In this apparatus, a person stored in advance as a usable user can be used when the identification information is authenticated. At this time, when it is determined that the authenticated user is an administrator, a registration operation for permitting only a specific user to handle image data managed by the user can be performed. In addition, the administrator can read image data for handling only by a specific user and store it in the apparatus. Then, image management information is given to each user registered by the administrator.

  According to this apparatus, the administrator can limit the users who can handle each image data, and more directly than when the users who can use the image forming apparatus are limited for each function of the image forming apparatus. Security measures can be taken.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, in the apparatus according to the first aspect, when the authentication unit determines that the identification information received by the information receiving unit belongs to the user to whom the image management information is given, the display unit The permission button for permitting the handling of the image data by a specific user is displayed. When the permission button is operated and the information receiving unit further receives image management information, the display unit indicates that the user can select image data corresponding to the image management information. The image processing apparatus further includes output means for outputting image data selected by the user.

  In this apparatus, when a user registered by an administrator uses the image management information, a permission button is displayed when the image management information is received, and the user operates this to output image data read by the administrator. be able to.

  The image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, further comprising notification means for notifying the administrator of the user instructing the output and the output image data when the output by the output means is performed. I have.

  In this apparatus, when image data read by the administrator is output, the administrator is notified of which user has output which image data. Therefore, the administrator can track the output image data. It becomes easy.

  The image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the apparatus according to the second or third aspect, wherein the output means is an image forming means for printing image data on a sheet-like recording medium.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the apparatus according to the second or third aspect, wherein the output means is an image transmission means for transmitting image data to the communication terminal of the user who has instructed the output.

  The image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the identification information is stored in an IC card managed by each user. The information accepting means is a card reader that can read the identification information stored in the IC card.

  In this apparatus, the identification information can be easily read by holding the IC card over a card reader, which is more convenient than the case of logging in by inputting an ID and password.

  An image forming apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein when there are a plurality of image data that can be handled, the display means displays all of the image data.

  In this apparatus, the user can grasp all of the image data that can be handled by the user.

  An image forming system according to an eighth aspect includes the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, and a plurality of communication terminals connected to be communicable with the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the administrator can limit the users who can handle each image data, and more directly compared to the case where the users who can use the image forming apparatus are limited for each function. Security measures can be taken.

  In addition, according to the present invention, when a user registered by an administrator uses the image, the permission button is displayed when the image management information is received, and the user operates the image to read the image by the administrator. Data can be output.

  Further, when the image data read by the administrator is output, the administrator is notified of which user has output which image data, so that the administrator can easily track the output image data. Become.

<Image forming system>
FIG. 1 shows an image forming system 1 in which an embodiment of the present invention is adopted.

  The image forming system 1 includes a multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) 3 and a plurality of PCs (Personal computers, communication terminals) connected to the multifunction peripheral 3 via a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like. The plurality of PCs 5 include those used by the document manager. As the document manager, a person who is in a position to manage confidential data, a person who created such data, or the like is selected. Examples of the image data managed by the document manager include data that should be treated as confidential, such as customer information and research and development information, and other confidential data that should be prevented from leaking outside. The image data includes document data. There may be a plurality of document managers in other embodiments.

  The network adopted here may be in the form of an Internet connected by a dedicated line, public network, etc., regardless of wired or wireless, or an intranet using Internet technology. (Metropolitan area network) and WAN (Wide area network) may be used.

<Multifunction device>
The multifunction machine 3 is an image forming apparatus having various functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a FAX function, and as shown in FIG. 2, a card reader (information receiving means) 11, an operation panel 13, A scanner unit (image reading unit) 15, an image forming unit (output unit) 17, a storage device 19, a control unit 21, a communication unit 23, and other input / output units are provided.

  The card reader 11 is for reading various kinds of information stored in an IC card in which an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip is incorporated. Here, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and non-technology using the same technology are used. A contact type is adopted. In other embodiments, a contact type may be employed. As the card reader 11, a known one can be adopted, and it may be provided integrally with the main body of the multifunction machine 3 or may be connected externally.

  The IC card used in the present embodiment is distributed in advance for each member (user) belonging to an organization such as a company that uses the system 1 or a department within the company. The user includes a document manager who manages the image data. The document manager is given identification information that can be distinguished from other users when the MFP 3 is authenticated. In addition to identification information (ID, employee number, etc.) individually assigned to each user, each IC card is also written with other information in order to realize various functions within the organization to which it belongs. Various functions include, for example, ID card, building admission card, attendance management stamping card, payment management card for various services in the company (canteens, shops, vending machines, etc.). It is determined appropriately by the manager of the organization to which the IC card holder (user) belongs.

  The operation panel 13 includes a display unit (display unit) 25 including a touch panel type liquid crystal display, and a plurality of hard keys 27. The plurality of hard keys 27 include a start key for instructing scanning and printing, a numeric keypad, and other various keys.

  The display unit 25 displays various operation screens that can be operated by touching the display via the touch panel. A login standby screen (not shown) for accepting the user's login except when the user is using the screen. Is displayed. When the user holds the IC card over the card reader while this screen is displayed and login is successful, a screen 41 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed if the logged-in user is a document manager. On the other hand, when it is determined that image management information is recorded on the IC card at the time of login, a screen 43 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. The image management information is information required when a user registered in advance handles image data read by the scanner unit 15 after the document manager operates a button 43a described later. 11 is read. Specifically, it may be the same as the identification number of the document manager, or may be a document management number assigned differently for each image data. The document management number is a number that is different for each image data that the document manager permits to handle, and is a number that is given to a user registered by the document manager.

  The screen shown in FIG. 3 is a screen for determining whether or not security scanning is necessary. When a yes button (registration button) 41a and a no button 41b are displayed and the yes button 41a is pressed, the control unit 21 causes the security scan mode to be displayed. Migrate to In the security scan mode, registration work for permitting only specific users to handle image data can be performed, and image data for allowing registered users to handle the data can be read and stored in the multifunction device 3. be able to. The registration work can be performed by various methods, for example, by selecting a specific user from a list of users who can use the multifunction machine 3 or inputting a name of the specific user. it can. At the time of registration work, the display unit 25 is used by the document manager to select whether to give the registered user an identification number of the document manager or a unique document management number to this data. Display the operation screen.

  FIG. 4 is a screen for determining whether or not security printing is necessary. When a yes button (permit button) 43a and a no button 43b are displayed and the yes button 43a is pressed, the control unit 21 shifts to the security printing mode. To do. In the secure print mode, image data managed by the document manager can be printed or transmitted to his / her PC. More specifically, when the user holds the IC card over the card reader 11 again after the Yes button 43a is pressed, the image management information is acquired, and all the image data corresponding to the image management information are displayed in a list. The The display of the image data may be performed by the data name, or may be performed by reducing a part of the image data. In addition, when the Yes button 43a is pressed, a screen that prompts the user to hold the IC card again may be displayed.

  The transition to the security scan mode and the security print mode may be configured to be performed by an operation on another operation screen in addition to the screens shown in FIGS. Further, the display unit 25 displays a button (not shown) for logging out during user login, and returns to the login standby screen when operated. Note that the user may be configured to log out by holding the IC card over a card reader.

  The scanner unit 15 is for reading image information recorded on a document on a document placing table (not shown), and includes a light source, an optical system including a mirror, a lens, and the like, and a CCD (Charge coupled divice). ing. The document placing table includes a contact glass for reading a document conveyed from an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) (not shown) and a platen glass for reading the placed document. The scanner unit 15 performs reading by pressing a start key while an original is set on the ADF or the original is placed on the platen glass.

  The image forming unit 17 is a device that prints on a recording paper (sheet-like recording medium) by an electrophotographic method. Like a known device, the image forming unit 17 is a photoconductor and a charging device, an exposure device, and a developer arranged around the photoconductor. Device, cleaning device, fixing device and the like. As a development method, when color printing is possible, various methods such as rotary development and tandem development may be employed, and either dry or wet may be employed. In other embodiments, other image forming processes such as an inkjet method may be employed.

  The storage device 19 includes a hard disk and a semiconductor memory, and includes an information storage unit (information storage unit) 19a and an image storage unit (image storage unit) 19b. The information storage unit 19a stores a user who can use the multifunction machine 3 in association with the identification information. The document manager is stored so as to be distinguished from other users at the time of authentication. Further, the user to which the image management information is assigned is stored in association with the assigned image management information. The image data read by the scanner unit 15 is stored in the image storage unit 19b.

  In addition to a basic OS (Operating system) that is read and executed by the control unit 21 to be described later, a control program for each unit, a program for authenticating a user, and a document in the security scan mode are stored in the storage device 19. A program for supporting the registration work of the manager and the output work of the user in the secure print mode is stored. These programs include a GUI (Graphical user interface) so that the operation is easy when the user operates the operation screen.

  The control unit 21 has a CPU (Central processing unit), and controls each unit and performs image processing by executing a program stored in a memory. The control unit 21 functions as an authentication unit (authentication unit) 21a and a registration reception unit (registration reception unit) 21b in the security scan mode and the security print mode.

  The authentication unit 21a determines whether or not the identification information read by the card reader 11 matches the identification information stored in the storage device 19, and at the same time, determines whether or not the person is a document manager. . In addition, when the above-described security print button is operated and the IC card is again held over the card reader 11 in the state of shifting to the security print mode, and the document management number is accepted, the control unit 21 determines that the document management number is document management. The image data managed by the person can be printed or transmitted to his / her PC.

  In the security scan mode, the control unit 21 functions as a registration receiving unit 21b. When the yes button 41a is operated, the registration receiving unit 21b can receive a registration work and store the registered user in the storage device 19.

  The communication unit 23 is connected to a plurality of PCs 5 and can transmit and receive image data to and from these PCs 5 and functions as an image transmission unit (image transmission unit) 23c. The communication unit 23 functions as an information transmission unit (information transmission unit) 23a in the security scan mode and as a notification unit (notification unit) 23b in the security print mode.

  The information transmitting unit 23a performs registration work under the security scan mode, scans image data, and gives image management information to a registered user. A document management number is transmitted to the PC 5.

  When the authorized user performs printing, the notifying unit 23b is notified of which user has printed which image data to the PC 5 of the document manager when printing is performed in the secure print mode. The

  The image transmission unit 23c transmits image data from the multifunction device 3 to the PC 5 in the security print mode in addition to normal image data transmission. Even when this function is used, the notification unit 23b notifies the document manager PC 5 which user has instructed which image data to send.

  The multifunction machine 3 includes an ADF, a paper feed unit, a paper discharge unit, and the like as other input / output units. The ADF is a device for continuously feeding a plurality of documents to the document table, and is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the document table so as to face the document table. The paper feed unit is for conveying recording sheets one by one from the paper feed cassette (not shown) of the multifunction machine 3 toward the image forming unit, and the paper discharge unit was printed by the image forming unit. It is for discharging recording paper.

  Similarly to the conventional example, the multifunction device 3 receives settings for restricting users who can use each function (such as FAX function) of the multifunction device 3 through an operation on the display unit 25, and a storage device. 19 may have a publicly known security function to be stored.

<PC>
Here, the PC 5 is assigned to each user, and may be a desktop type or a mobile type. A printer driver for the multifunction machine 3 is installed in each PC 5. The PC 5 is connected to a card writer (not shown) for writing an image management number to the IC card. A known card writer is used.

<Work of document manager>
Next, the work performed by the document manager will be described with reference to FIG.

  When performing registration, the document manager first logs in by holding his IC card over the card reader 11 while the login standby screen is displayed (S1). When the login is successful, identification information as a document manager is acquired in the control unit 21 (S2), and a screen 41 for shifting to the security scan mode is displayed together with the button 41a (S3).

  When the document manager presses the button 41a (S4), a screen for registering a user permitted to handle the image data to be scanned is displayed in step S7, and registration work can be performed. Here, for example, the document manager performs registration by selecting a user who may be permitted from among the users displayed as a list on the display unit 25 (S5).

  Here, it is also possible to perform normal operations such as copying without pressing the button 41a (S11, S12).

  After completing the registration operation in step S5, when the document manager sets an original on the ADF and presses the start key to instruct scanning (S6), the original is scanned (S7). After scanning, the document manager selects whether to give a document manager identification number to the read image data or to assign a unique document management number to the image data through the operation screen. The selected image management information is transmitted to the registered user's PC 5 (S8), and the read image data is stored in the hard disk (S9). After such a series of operations, the user logs out by operating the logout button (Yes in S10 and S13), and the multifunction machine 3 returns to the login standby screen. After step S9, if there is other image data to be scanned, the document manager instructs scanning again (No in S10 to S6), and performs the same operation as steps S6 to S9. Can do.

<Output work of authorized users>
Next, the output operation of the authorized user will be described with reference to FIG.

  When each registered user prints image data permitted by the document manager, the identification information or document management number of the document manager transmitted to the PC 5 managed by the user in advance is used using a card writer. Write it on your IC card.

  When the user logs in by holding the IC card over the card reader 11 of the multifunction machine 3 (S21), a screen 43 for shifting to the security printing mode is displayed together with the button 43a (S22). At this time, if the image management information is not written in the IC card, the screen as shown in FIG. 4 is not displayed even if login is possible.

  When the user presses the button 43a with the screen 43 displayed (S23) and holds the IC card again (S24), the control unit 21 acquires the image management information (S25), and the user A list of image data that can be printed is displayed (S26). When the user determines the image data to be printed and operates the start key (Yes in S27), the determined image is printed (S29). Note that the user can also perform normal copying or the like without pressing the security print button (S30, 31). In addition, after step S26, it is possible to confirm only the image data and not to issue a print instruction or the like (No in S27 → S29).

  After such a series of operations, the user logs out by operating the logout button (S29, S32), and the multifunction machine 3 returns to the login standby screen.

<Characteristics of image forming system>
According to the image forming system configured as described above, by limiting the number of users who can handle each image data, it is possible to more directly control the image data compared to the case where user usage restrictions are set for each function of the multifunction peripheral. It can prevent leakage to the outside and improve security.

  In addition, according to this system, even when a user who is permitted to handle image data handles, the document manager is notified of which user has output which image data. The printed document can be easily traced by.

  Further, according to this system, since an IC card can be held up to log in or input a document management number, for example, it is not necessary to input identification information and a corresponding password to an appropriate input device such as an operation panel. Save. In addition, by using an IC card that also has other functions such as an employee ID card, the convenience of the user and the manageability of the manager are enhanced.

<Other embodiments>
In an image forming apparatus, without using an IC card, for example, a user logs in by inputting an ID and password to an input device provided separately on an operation panel or other part, or inputs a document management number, etc. It may be configured as follows.

  Further, the communication terminal is not limited to a PC, and may be configured to be able to receive a document management number or the like from an image forming apparatus, such as a mobile phone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system in which an embodiment of the present invention is employed. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus of the system. Operation screen for deciding whether or not security scanning is required. Operation screen for deciding whether or not security printing is necessary. The flowchart which shows the procedure in security scan mode. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure in a security print mode.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 3 Multifunction machine (image forming apparatus)
5 PC (communication terminal)
11 Card reader (information receiving means)
13 Operation Panel 15 Scanner Unit (Image Reading Unit)
17 Image forming unit (output means)
19 Storage device 19a Information storage unit (information storage means)
19b Image storage unit (image storage means)
21 Control part 21a Authentication part (authentication means)
21b Registration acceptance unit (registration acceptance means)
23 Communication unit 23a Information transmission unit (information transmission means)
23b Notification section (notification means)
23c Image transmission unit (image transmission means)
27 Display section (display means)
41a Yes button (registration button)
43a Yes button (permit button)

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus having an image reading function for reading image data and connected to a plurality of communication terminals in a communicable manner,
Information storage means for storing users who can use the image forming apparatus including an administrator who manages image data in association with identification information assigned to each user;
Information receiving means for receiving the identification information;
Authentication means for determining whether or not the identification information received by the information receiving means matches the identification information stored in the information storage means;
Display means for displaying a registration button for performing a registration operation for permitting the handling of the image data only to a specific user when it is determined that the identification information belongs to the administrator;
Registration acceptance means for accepting the registration work when the registration button is operated;
An image reading means for reading image data to be handled by the specific user in response to a reading instruction from the administrator when the registration button is operated;
Image storage means for storing image data read by the image reading means;
An information transmission unit that transmits image management information that is requested when the image reading unit reads image data and that can be received by the information receiving unit to the communication terminal of the specific user;
The information storage means further stores the specific user in association with the image management information.
Image forming apparatus. When the authentication unit determines that the identification information received by the information receiving unit is that of the user to which the image management information is given, the display unit handles the image data by the specific user. Display an allow button to allow
When the permission button is operated and the information receiving unit further receives the image management information, the display unit indicates that the user can select image data corresponding to the image management information,
An output means for outputting image data selected by the user;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the administrator of the user who has instructed the output and the output image data when the output is performed by the output unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the output unit is an image forming unit that prints image data on a sheet-like recording medium.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the output unit is an image transmission unit that transmits image data to a communication terminal of a user who has instructed output. The identification information is stored in an IC card managed by each user,
The information receiving means is a card reader capable of reading identification information stored in the IC card.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when there are a plurality of the handleable image data, the display unit displays all of the image data. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A plurality of communication terminals communicably connected to the image forming apparatus;
An image forming system.

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