JP2010124409A - Image formation device, method of permitting image data output, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrict a user without adding a special mechanism to an image input device even when data input from the image input device incapable of attaching user information to input data is used for output. <P>SOLUTION: In the image formation device MFP, authentication information as user information and availability information of a print function or the like are previously registered. When authentication information is attached to image data input from an image input device (a PC or a digital camera) in using the print function, it is compared with the registered authentication information, and the use of the print function (output of the input image data) is permitted if the information coincide with each other. When the authentication information is not attached to the input image data, the image data are stored in a RAM and thereafter an authentication screen is displayed when the print function is selected by an operation on an operation part. When the authentication information is input, it is compared with the registered authentication information, and the use of the print function (output of the image data in the RAM) is permitted if the information coincide with each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (digital multifunction peripheral), a digital copying machine, a laser printer, and an ink jet printer, an image data output permission method in the image forming apparatus, and a function necessary for a computer that controls the electronic device ( The present invention relates to a program for realizing a function related to the present invention.

  The above image forming apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as “apparatus”) uses consumables such as toner, ink, and transfer paper from the viewpoint of cost when used in an organization such as an office. There is a desire to suppress this. On the other hand, an image forming apparatus that responds to the above demand by providing a user restriction function for restricting users (users) and permitting use (use) only to a specific user is on the market.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, for example, authentication information (user ID, password) as user information, print function, copy function, FAX (fax) function, or scanner function may be used for each user. For example, when the print function shown in (2) of FIG. 5 is used, an external device such as a PC (personal computer) having a printer driver as shown in (1) of FIG. By comparing the authentication information (user ID, password) sent from the device with the authentication information (user information) held by the device, it is checked whether the use of the printer function is permitted for registered users. Only those who are registered to use the print function on the device can use the printer function.

On the other hand, an image forming apparatus that can directly print an image by connecting an image input device such as a digital camera is also on the market. The printing function is a function that is connected to a digital camera with a USB cable and executes printing from the camera, and is called a function such as direct printing or camera direct.
Such an image forming apparatus that can directly print an image from a digital camera has the above-described user restriction function, and when a user restriction is imposed on direct printing from a digital camera, Authentication information cannot be added like a printer driver, so the device side either disallows all printing without using authentication information (use of the print function) or permits all printing. , You can only take usage methods that deviate from the intention of user restriction.

  That is, since authentication information (user ID, password) cannot be sent from the digital camera, authentication cannot be performed by comparison with authentication information (user ID, password) registered in advance on the device side. As shown in the figure, it is determined whether printing by all users is not permitted or printing is permitted by all users as shown in (1b) of FIG. In the former case, a user who is permitted to use the print function cannot print, and in the latter case, even a user who is not permitted to use the print function can print. For this reason, both of them can only be used outside the intention of user restriction.

Therefore, as can be seen in, for example, Patent Document 1, an image forming apparatus has been proposed in which information unique to a digital camera (machine number) is registered in association with a department number so that output management can be performed for each department. .
JP 2007-025884 A

  However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, since information unique to a digital camera is associated with each department, a user who belongs to a department that owns a digital camera permitted to use the image forming apparatus can use the image forming apparatus. There is a problem that the image forming apparatus can be used even when lent to a user who does not belong to a department that owns a digital camera permitted to use the image forming apparatus.

  Specifically, assuming that the digital camera is in section 2 and section 1, the member in section 2 and section 1 lends it to a person in another department (for example, section 1 and section 1). Since printing can be performed by an image forming apparatus that is permitted to print from, it is possible that a person who does not want to use the apparatus will use the apparatus. In other words, there are problems in usage management in the department (information such as how much has been printed from the digital camera) and security (used by those who do not want to use it).

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in an image forming apparatus in which user restriction is performed, image input that cannot add authentication information as user information to input data (input image data) Even when output (printing) is performed by data input from the apparatus, it is an object to ensure that the restriction of the user can be implemented without adding a special mechanism to the image input apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus, an image data output permission method in the image forming apparatus, and a program that is executed by a computer that controls the image forming apparatus.
An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus having connection detecting means for detecting connection of an image input apparatus, and is characterized as follows.

  That is, input accepting means for accepting input of image data output from the image input device whose connection is detected by the connection sensing means, and whether or not authentication information is added to the image data accepted by the input accepting means Authentication information presence / absence determination means for determining the authentication information, and authentication information extraction means for extracting the authentication information when it is determined by the authentication information presence / absence determination means that the authentication information is added to the image data received. A first authentication unit that compares the authentication information extracted by the authentication information extraction unit with pre-registered authentication information, and determines that the authentication is successful when the authentication information matches, and the first authentication A first output permitting means for permitting output of the image data accepted by the input accepting means when it is determined that the authentication is successful by the means; And storing the image data in the storage means when it is determined by the authentication information presence / absence determination means that the authentication information is not added to the image data received by the authentication information presence / absence determination means. The image data storage means, the authentication information input means for inputting authentication information, and the authentication information input by the authentication information input means are compared with the authentication information registered in advance, and authentication is performed when both authentication information matches. A second authentication unit that determines that the authentication has succeeded, and a second output permission unit that permits the output of the image data stored in the storage unit when it is determined that the authentication has succeeded by the second authentication unit. Are provided.

  Further, the data name display means for displaying the data name of the image data stored in the storage means, and the input from the image input device in which the connection is detected only while the connection is detected by the connection detection means. It is preferable to provide a display permission unit that receives an input by the receiving unit and permits the data name display of the image data stored in the storage unit by the data name display unit.

  A deletion condition recognizing unit for recognizing a condition for deleting the image data for which the input has been received; and a condition for deleting the image data for which the input has been recognized recognized by the deletion condition recognizing unit is satisfied (the image data Is completed, when the connection of the image input device used to input the image data is no longer detected by the connection detection means, or when the free space of the storage capacity of the storage means falls below a predetermined capacity And image data deleting means for deleting the image data from the storage means. In this case, it is desirable to provide a deletion condition selection means for selecting a condition for deleting the image data that has received the input.

  An image data output permission method according to the present invention is an image data output permission method in an image forming apparatus having a connection detection means for detecting connection of an image input device and a storage means for storing image data. An input receiving process for receiving input of image data output from the image input device whose connection is detected by the authentication process, and presence or absence of authentication information for determining whether authentication information is added to the image data received by the input receiving process An authentication information extraction step for extracting the authentication information when the authentication information is determined to be added to the image data that has been accepted by the determination step and the authentication information presence / absence determination step; and the authentication information extraction step If the authentication information extracted by step 1 and the authentication information registered in advance are compared, and the authentication information matches, A first authentication step for determining, and a first output permission step for permitting the output of the image data accepted by the input acceptance step when it is determined that the authentication is successful by the first authentication step; When it is determined that the authentication information is not added to the image data for which the input has been accepted in the authentication information presence / absence determination step, the image data is stored in the storage means, and the authentication information is input. An authentication information input step and a second authentication step of comparing the authentication information input in the authentication information input step with the previously registered authentication information and determining that the authentication is successful if the authentication information matches. And a second output permission step for permitting the output of the image data stored in the storage means when it is determined that the authentication has succeeded in the second authentication step. A.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program for controlling an image forming apparatus having connection detecting means for detecting connection of an image input apparatus and storage means for storing image data. An input reception function for receiving input of image data output from the apparatus, an authentication information presence / absence determination function for determining whether authentication information is added to the image data received by the input reception function, and the presence or absence of the authentication information When it is determined by the determination function that the authentication information is added to the image data that has received the input, the authentication information extraction function for extracting the authentication information, the authentication information extracted by the authentication information extraction function, A first authentication function that compares the registered authentication information and determines that the authentication is successful if the two authentication information matches. The first output permission function for permitting the output of the image data accepted by the input acceptance function and the authentication information presence / absence judgment function when the first authentication function determines that the authentication is successful. An image data storage function for storing the image data in the storage means, an authentication information input function for inputting authentication information when the authentication information is determined not to be added to the input image data; A second authentication function that compares the authentication information input by the authentication information input function with the previously registered authentication information, and determines that the authentication is successful if the two authentication information matches, and the second authentication A program for realizing a second output permission function for permitting the output of the image data stored in the storage means when it is determined that the authentication is successful by the function. That.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the input of the image data output from the image input apparatus that has detected the connection is accepted, it is determined whether or not the authentication information is added to the image data, and the authentication information is added. In this case, the authentication information is extracted and compared with previously registered authentication information. If the authentication information matches, it is determined that the authentication has been successful and the output of the image data whose input has been accepted is permitted. If authentication information is not added to the input image data, the authentication information is registered in advance when the authentication information is input after the image data is stored in the storage means. And the authentication information is determined to be successful if the authentication information matches, and the output of the image data in the storage means is permitted.

  According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus in which user restriction is performed, output is performed by data input from an image input apparatus that cannot add authentication information as user information to input data (input image data). Even in this case, the user can be surely restricted without adding a special mechanism to the image input apparatus.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  This image forming apparatus is an MFP for realizing basic functions such as copy, print, scanner, and FAX functions. As hardware, a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a RAM control unit 104, an NVRAM 105, and a host interface control unit. (Hereinafter, “interface” is referred to as “I / F”) 106, FAX control unit 107, operation / display unit I / F control unit 108, NCU 109, operation / display unit 110, scanner engine 111, and plotter engine 112. ing.

The CPU 101 is a central processing unit that performs overall control of the entire device (image forming apparatus), and gives instructions and control to each unit.
The ROM 102 is a read-only memory that stores a program (software) executed by the CPU 101. By installing a plurality of ROMs 102, it is possible to improve processing performance.

  The RAM 103 is used as a program area for expanding the program in the ROM 102, a work area for temporarily storing data when the CPU 101 executes the program to control each unit, an image storage area for storing image data, and the like. It is a readable / writable memory (storage means). The program developed on the program area of the RAM 103 may be stored in other storage means such as an HDD (hard disk device) (not shown).

  Here, the image storage area is used for storing image data (image data to which authentication information is added) to be printed out after authentication, such as image data to be printed out while being stored or printed out after being held. However, it can also be used to store image data to which authentication information described later is not added. Alternatively, a dedicated area (hereinafter referred to as “image save area”) used for storing image data to which the authentication information is not added may be secured on the RAM 103 (or HDD, etc.) separately from the image storage area. Good. In the following description, it is assumed that image data to which authentication information is not added is stored in the image save area.

The RAM control unit 104 controls access to the RAM 103 according to an instruction from the CPU 101.
The NVRAM 105 is a non-volatile memory that stores various setting information such as a counter value of the number of reading surfaces by the scanner engine 111, a counter value of the number of copies by the plotter engine 112, and device-specific information (such as a machine number).

  The host I / F control unit 106 accepts input (reception) of print data, which is image data from the external host device 120, or scan data (image data from the scanner engine 111) in order to realize a print function. Alternatively, I / F control (communication control) is performed to transmit image data obtained by image processing) to the external host device 120. As the types of I / F between the host I / F control unit 106 and the external host device 120, local I / F such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1284, USB (Universal Serial Bus), wired or wireless There is a network I / F such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

In order to realize the FAX function, the FAX control unit 107 transmits from an external FAX device or an external device (image input device) such as an MFP having the FAX function via an NCU (Network Control Unit) 109 connected to a general public line. Receives FAX data input, decodes and converts it into image data for printing, and receives scan data (image data) input from the scanner engine 111, encodes and transmits (outputs) via the NCU 109 The control including the process of converting into FAX data is performed.
The operation / display unit I / F control unit 108 performs I / F control with the operation / display unit 110.

The NCU 109 is necessary when connecting a device to a general public line, and transmits a dial signal to call a communication partner.
The operation / display unit 110 is a man-machine interface unit with a device operator (user) such as buttons (keys) for device operation and indicators (displays such as LEDs and LCDs, speakers, etc.) for device status display. The operation / display unit I / F control unit 108 inputs / outputs information to / from the CPU 101.

  The scanner engine 111 is an image input device that scans a paper surface of a document, reads image data of the document, and outputs it as scan data in order to realize a copy function, a print function, a scanner function, or a FAX function. The scan data output from the scanner engine 111 is subjected to predetermined image processing by the CPU 101 or an image processing circuit (not shown) as necessary.

  The plotter engine 112 realizes a copy function, a print function, or a FAX function, and scan data (image data) from the scanner engine 111, image data obtained by performing image processing on the scan data, and a fax control unit 107 Based on image data converted from FAX data or print data (image data) from the host I / F control unit 106, an image forming method such as a laser method, an LED method, or an ink jet method on a print medium such as paper. Is a print output unit that prints (forms) an image and outputs it.

  The external host device 120 is an image input unit such as a PC (personal computer) that generates print data (image data) such as code data and transmits it to the image forming apparatus. If the print data is not image data for printing (for example, code data), it is converted into image data for printing by the CPU 101 on the image forming apparatus side or an image processing circuit (not shown).

  In the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment configured as described above, the CPU 101 executes a program developed on the RAM 103, and the RAM control unit 104, the host I / F control unit 106, and the operation / display unit I /. By controlling the device including the F control unit 108, connection detection means, input reception means, authentication information presence / absence determination means, authentication information extraction means, first authentication means, first output permission means, image, and the like according to the present invention It can serve as data storage means, authentication information input means, second authentication means, second output permission means, data name display means, and display permission means.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration example of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. The software in this example corresponds to the case where the host I / F control unit 106 accepts input of image data.
This image forming apparatus includes, as software, programs of an authentication information presence / absence determination unit 201, a user information storage unit 202, an authentication unit 203, an image data storage unit 204, a printing unit 205, and a connection detection unit 206. These programs are expanded in a program area secured in advance in the RAM 103.

  When the host I / F control unit 106 receives an input of image data output from the external host device 120 whose connection is detected by the connection detection unit 206, the authentication information presence / absence determination unit 201 accepts the input. It is determined whether authentication information is added to the data. If the authentication information is added, the authentication information is extracted, information indicating the result of the determination, or the external host device 120 in which the connection is detected. Is a program that functions as means for adding the above information to the image data that has received the input.

The user information storage unit 202 receives the input of authentication information as user information such as the name, ID (identification information), and password of the user who has received the input by the operation / display unit I / F control unit 108. This is a program that functions as means for accumulating authentication information in the NVRAM 105.
The authentication unit 203 is the authentication information extracted by the authentication information presence / absence determination unit 201 (authentication information added to the image data received by the host I / F control unit 106) or the operation / display unit I / F control unit As a means for receiving an input at 108 and comparing the authentication information stored in the NVRAM 105 with the authentication information registered in advance in the NVRAM 105 and determining that the authentication is successful if the two authentication information matches. It is a program that fulfills its functions.

The image data storage unit 204 is a program that functions as means for storing the image data received by the host I / F control unit 106 in the RAM 103 (actually, an image save area) as necessary.
The printing unit 205 is a program that functions as a means for outputting image data that has been accepted and image data stored in the RAM 103 to the plotter engine 112 for printing.
The connection detection unit 206 is a program that functions as means for detecting connection of the external host device 120 to the host I / F control unit 106.

FIG. 3 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of the operation / display unit 110 in FIG. 1.
The operation / display unit 110 includes a display unit 301, an application switching key 302, a numeric keypad 303, a start key 304, a clear stop key 305, an initial setting key 306, a Help key 307, and a reset key 308.

The display unit 301 displays a character string and a bitmap. The display unit 301 may be of a touch panel type, and in that case, input can be directly received.
The application switching key 302 is used for an operation of switching various functions (copy function, print function, scanner function, or FAX function).
The numeric keypad 303 is used for operations such as inputting numbers.

The start key 304 is used for an operation for instructing the start of operation of various functions.
The clear stop key 305 is used when the operation of various functions is interrupted or the set numerical value is cleared to “0”.
An initial setting key 306 is used when setting initial values of settings used for various functions.
A Help key 307 is used to display help (Help) items for various operations.
A reset key 308 is used when resetting the operation of various functions.

Hereinafter, processing using the respective programs shown in FIG. 2 performed by the CPU 101 of FIG. 1 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, description of image processing performed on image data as necessary is omitted.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in which the CPU 101 in FIG. 1 uses each program illustrated in FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 4 and the flowchart described below, each step is abbreviated as “S”.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the processing illustrated in FIG. 4.

  When the connection detection unit 206 detects the connection of the external host device 120 that is an image input device to the host I / F control unit 106, the CPU 101 starts the processing routine shown in FIG. The input of image data is accepted through the / F control unit 106 (S1), and the unique information of the external host device 120 currently connected is added to the received image data (S2).

Subsequently, the authentication information presence / absence determination unit 201 determines whether authentication information is added to the input image data (S3). As a specific method for the determination, for example, it is conceivable to check whether an authentication user ID and password exist in the header of the image data.
If the authentication information is added to the input image data, the authentication unit 203 extracts the authentication information (S4) and compares it with the authentication information registered in advance in the NVRAM 105. If the authentication information matches, authentication success (authentication OK) is determined, and if they do not match, authentication failure (authentication NG) is determined (S5).

As a result of the determination, if the authentication is successful, the plotter engine 112 prints out the image data via the printing unit 205 (S6). If the authentication is unsuccessful, the input image data is discarded (deleted). (S7).
Here, as a specific authentication method in the authentication unit 203, for example, from the coincidence / mismatch of the user ID (also referred to as “authentication ID”) and the password (also referred to as “authentication password”) as the authentication information described above, the device To check whether the user is registered in advance (authentication information registered in advance in NVRAM 105), and further check the function use authority information. Only those who have the authority to use the print function based on image data from the external host device 120 are regarded as successful authentications (see (2) and (3) in FIG. 5).

On the other hand, if the authentication information is not added to the input image data as a result of the determination in step S3, the image data (image data to which the unique information of the external host device 120 is added) is used as the image data storage unit. The data is stored in the RAM 103 via the RAM control unit 104 (S8).
Thereafter, in order to print out the image data, the user inputs authentication information as user information by an operation on the operation / display unit 110 (S9).

  When the input of the authentication information is received by the operation / display unit I / F control unit 108, the CPU 101 compares the input authentication information with the authentication information registered in advance in the NVRAM 105 by the authentication unit 203. If the two pieces of authentication information match, it is determined that the authentication is successful, and if they do not match, it is determined that the authentication fails (S10).

  If the authentication is successful as a result of the determination, the image data stored in the RAM 103 is displayed on the operation / display unit 110 via the operation / display unit I / F control unit 108 and selected by the user (S11). Then, the image data selected by the operation on the operation / display unit 110 by the user is printed out by the plotter engine 112 via the printing unit 205 (S12), and if the authentication fails, the process of FIG. 4 is terminated. .

Here, an example of a specific operation method by the user (user) for the CPU 101 to perform the above process will be described.
For example, when the “printer key” of the application key 302 on the operation / display unit 110 is pressed, a user authentication screen as shown in FIG. 6A is displayed on the display unit 301 of FIG. Is input and the start key 304 is pressed, authentication is performed.

  If the authentication is successful, a file selection screen as shown in FIG. 6B is displayed on the display unit 301. The user selects image data (file) to be printed out, and presses the start key 304. By pressing the button, the selected image data is printed out. If the authentication fails, a warning screen as shown in FIG. 6C may be displayed.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, the user is restricted in such a manner that the user cannot be specified, such as use permission based on unique information (machine number) of an external host device such as a digital camera to which authentication information cannot be added. Instead, the user is restricted with the authentication information as the user information. However, there is provided a mechanism that allows user restriction on the image forming apparatus side without adding a mechanism for adding authentication information to the external host device side. This is because the external host device that is already on the market cannot be restricted by the method in which the external host device is used.

  That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment uses authentication information (user ID, password), print function, copy function, fax function, or scanner function as user information for each user. For example, when using (utilizing) the print function shown in (3) of FIG. 5 for example, the authentication information (user ID, user ID, If the authentication information is added, that is, input of image data from an external host device 120 (such as a PC) having a printer driver as shown in (1) of FIG. If the authentication information is extracted, the authentication information is extracted and compared with the authentication information registered in advance, as shown in (2) of FIG. And it judged successfully testimony, allow use of the print function as shown in (3) in FIG. (Output of the image data input has been received).

Further, when authentication information is not added to the input image data, that is, input of image data from an external host device 120 (such as a digital camera) that does not have a printer driver as shown in FIG. 5 (1 '). Is received, the image data is temporarily stored in the RAM 103 as shown in FIG.
Thereafter, for example, as shown in (3a) of FIG. 5, when the printer key on the operation / display unit 110 is pressed (the print function is selected) to use the print function, a user authentication screen is displayed on the display unit 301. When authentication information is input by an operation on the operation / display unit 110, the authentication information is compared with authentication information registered in advance, and it is determined that the authentication is successful when the authentication information matches. Then, as shown in (3b) of the figure, the use of the print function (print output of image data stored in the RAM 103) is permitted.

  Therefore, even when image output is performed by data input from an external host device that cannot add authentication information as user information to input data (input image data) in an image forming apparatus that performs user restriction, User restrictions can be reliably implemented without adding a special mechanism on the external host device side. Since the external host device side is not touched, users can be restricted even with external host devices already on the market. A user with usage authority is not disabled when printing out image data from an external host device to which authentication information cannot be added. In addition, even if the image data received by the image forming apparatus is stored in the RAM, a user who does not have the authority to use can perform any operation to print out or delete the image data thereafter. Disappear.

  The CPU 101 in FIG. 1 adds the unique information of the connected external host device 120 in step S2 in FIG. 4 to the received image data, and the authentication information is not added to the image data received in step S3. In step S8, the image data is stored in the RAM 103. In this case, the following processes (A1) and (A2) may be performed.

(A1) Image data received from the external host device 120 during connection with the external host device 120 that inputs image data to which authentication information is not added, such as a digital camera (see FIG. 7A). The data names of the image data stored in the RAM 103 including the image data are displayed on the display unit 301 of the operation / display unit 110 so as to be selectable as shown in FIG.

(A2) After that, image data that has received an input from the connected external host device 120 is selected (here, two image data with data names “20080830157” and “200880830161” are selected), When the image data is printed out and the connection with the connected external host device 120 is disconnected (released) (see FIG. 7B), the input is received from the external host device 120 and printed out. The display of the data name of the image data is deleted from the display unit 301 as shown in FIG.

  By performing the processing shown in (A1) and (A2), when the external host device 120 (image input device) is used in front of the image forming apparatus like a digital camera, the corresponding user can After confirming the image data received from the external host device, it can be selected and printed out (that is, anyone can print out after logging in), and the image data stored in the RAM by another user's operation It is possible to avoid an operation of erroneously selecting and printing out.

Also, instead of the processing of (A1), image data (file) received from the external host device 120 and stored in the RAM 103 during connection with the external host device 120 that inputs image data to which authentication information is not added. It is also possible to perform processing for displaying only the data name of the data on the display unit 301 of the operation / display unit 110.
This process may be performed when it is set in advance so that only the data name of the image data received from the connected external host device is selectably displayed.
According to this process, after login (successful authentication), image data (for example, pending document print data) received from a device other than the currently connected external host device is not displayed. There is.

  Alternatively, instead of the processing of (A1), the image data data received from the external host device 120 and stored in the RAM 103 during connection with the external host device 120 that inputs the image data to which the authentication information is not added. It is also possible to perform a process of displaying the name on the display unit 301 of the operation / display unit 110 with priority (for example, displaying it on the top line).

This process may be performed when the image data received from the connected external host device is preset to be displayed with priority.
According to this process, after logging in, the image data received from the currently connected external host device is displayed first, so the input is accepted from other than the currently connected external host device. Even if stored image data (for example, pending document print data) is stored, it is effective in reducing selection mistakes, and if you want to print out image data that was received from a source other than the connection source external host device. There is also an effect that it is not necessary to perform an extra operation.

  In addition, authentication information is added when setting information (setting information common to each user) that is valid for the entire device is set and stored in the NVRAM 105 by an operation on the operation / display unit 110, for example. During connection with an external host device 120 that inputs image data that has not been received, all the data names of the image data stored in the RAM 103 including the image data received from the external host device 120 are displayed, or the connection Whether to display only the data name of the image data received in the external host device 120 and stored in the RAM 103 or to display the data name preferentially is selectively set as the print file display method. Is also possible. Thus, since the setting for each user is unnecessary, there is an effect of reducing the burden on the user as much as the setting items for the individual user are reduced.

  Alternatively, an external operation for inputting image data to which authentication information is not added when setting effective setting information for an individual user in the user setting of the device and storing and storing it in the NVRAM 105 by an operation on the operation / display unit 110. While connected to the host device 120, all the data names of the image data stored in the RAM 103 including the image data received from the external host device 120 are displayed or input from the connected external host device 120. It is also possible to selectively set whether to display only the data name of the image data stored in the RAM 103 and to display the data name preferentially as a print file display method. As described above, enabling individual user settings has an effect of enabling display settings desired by individual users.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Since the hardware of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment, FIG. 1 is used again.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, the CPU 101 executes a program developed on the RAM 103, and includes a RAM control unit 104, a host I / F control unit 106, and an operation / display unit I / F control unit 108. By controlling the device, connection detecting means, input receiving means, authentication information presence / absence judging means, authentication information extracting means, first authentication means, first output permission means, image data storage means, authentication information related to the present invention are provided. It can serve as an input means, a second authentication means, a second output permission means, a data name display means, a display permission means, a deletion condition recognition means, an image data deletion means, and a deletion condition selection means.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The parts corresponding to those in FIG.
The image deletion determination unit 207 is a unit that receives input from the external host device 120 and determines whether to delete the image data stored in the RAM 103, that is, whether the image deletion condition for deleting the image data is satisfied. It is a program that fulfills its functions.
The image deletion condition storage unit 208 is a program that functions as means for storing in the NVRAM 105 conditions for deleting image data stored in the RAM 103 by the image data storage unit 204.

Hereinafter, image deletion processing and image deletion conditions using the program shown in FIG. 9 by the CPU 101 of FIG. 1 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, substantially the same processing as the processing described with reference to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment is performed, but the description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in which the CPU 101 in FIG. 1 uses the image deletion determination unit 207 in FIG.

  The CPU 101 periodically starts the processing routine shown in FIG. 10, and the image deletion determination unit 207 in FIG. 9 first recognizes an image deletion condition to be described later (S21, S22), and the image deletion condition is the first image. If it is a deletion condition, the image deletion process is performed under the image deletion condition. If it is the second image deletion condition, the image deletion process is performed according to the image deletion condition. If it is the third image deletion condition, the image deletion is performed according to the image deletion condition. Each process is performed (S23 to S25).

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of image deletion determination information for each image data stored and held in the NVRAM 105 of FIG. 1 in the second embodiment.
The CPU 101 uses the image deletion determination unit 207 to determine whether the recognized image deletion condition is satisfied based on the detection result by the connection detection unit 206 and the printing status by the printing unit 205 (image deletion determination information). Can be generated and stored in the NVRAM 105 of FIG. 1 through the image deletion condition storage unit 208.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a file name (File Name) is specified as information for specifying the image data stored in the RAM 103 by the image data storage unit 204, a flag (Printed Flag) indicating whether printing has been performed, Stores and holds a flag (Plugout Flag) indicating whether or not the connection with the external host device (image input device) has been cut off, and identification information (Input Device) of the external host device that is the image input device used to input the image data be able to.

12A, 12B, and 12C are diagrams showing different examples of image deletion conditions stored and held in the NVRAM 105 of FIG. 1 in the second embodiment. In this example, the external host device 120 is a digital camera. Further, for the convenience of explanation, each image deletion condition does not include a size related to the size (free capacity) of an empty area of an image saving area to be described later.
The NVRAM 105 in FIG. 1 includes a first image deletion condition shown in FIG. 12A, a second image deletion condition shown in FIG. 12B, and a third image shown in FIG. Deletion conditions are stored and held in advance, and one of the image deletion conditions is selected by an operation on the operation / display unit 110 by the user.

  In this example, the first image deletion condition shown in FIG. 12A is a condition that prioritizes usability and prevents image data that is not used (not printed out) from being deleted. The second image deletion condition shown in FIG. 5B gives priority to safety, and prevents image data from being printed out by an operation of a person other than the person who brought the external host device 120 (digital camera). It is a condition. The third image deletion condition shown in FIG. 5C is a condition that allows usability and safety to be compatible.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine for image deletion processing based on the first image deletion condition in step S23 of FIG.
The CPU 101 reads image deletion determination information (see FIG. 11) stored and held in the NVRAM 105 by the image deletion determination unit 207, and selected image data among the image data stored in the RAM 103 by the image data storage unit 204. It is determined whether or not the first image deletion condition for deleting is satisfied (S31 to S33).

  That is, it is first determined whether or not the print output by the plotter engine 112 performed in step S12 of FIG. 4 is completed (S31). That is, when the printing output of the image data by the plotter engine 112 is completed, the printing unit 205 notifies that fact and sets the corresponding flag to “1”. By referring to the flag, the plotter engine 112 is referred to. It can be determined that the print output by has been completed.

  Then, when the print output is completed, it is determined whether or not the connection with the external host device 120 is cut off (S32). That is, when the connection with the external host device 120 is cut off, the connection detection unit 206 notifies the fact through the host I / F control unit 106 and sets the corresponding flag to “1”. By doing so, it can be determined that the connection with the external host device 120 has been cut off.

  If the print output of the image data by the plotter engine 112 is not completed, or if the connection with the external host device 120 is not interrupted, it is determined whether or not the size of the free area of the image save area of the RAM 103 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size. Judgment is made (S33). In other words, the size (capacity) of the input image data can be detected by the image data storage unit 204. When it is detected that image data of a predetermined size or larger is stored, that fact is detected. Is notified from the image data storage unit 204, it can be determined from the notification content that the size of the empty area of the image saving area is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size.

  When the plotter engine 112 completes the print output of the image data and the connection with the external host device 120 is interrupted, or when the size of the empty area of the image save area is equal to or smaller than the predetermined size, Then, the selected image data among the image data stored in the RAM 103 by the image data storage unit 204 is deleted (S34).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine of image deletion processing based on the second image deletion condition in step S24 of FIG.
The CPU 101 reads image deletion determination information (see FIG. 11) stored and held in the NVRAM 105 by the image deletion determination unit 207, and selected image data among the image data stored in the RAM 103 by the image data storage unit 204. It is determined whether the second image deletion condition for deleting is satisfied (S41 to S43).

  That is, first, it is determined whether or not the print output by the plotter engine 112 performed in step S12 of FIG. 4 is completed (S41). If the print output is not completed, the connection with the external host device 120 is cut off. If the connection with the external host device 120 is not cut off, it is determined whether or not the size of the free area of the image save area in the RAM 103 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size (S43).

When the plotter engine 112 completes the print output of the image data, when the connection with the external host device 120 is interrupted, or when the size of the empty area in the image save area is equal to or smaller than the predetermined size, image data storage is performed. The selected image data is deleted from the image data stored in the RAM 103 by the unit 204 (S34).
Note that steps S41 and S42 may be interchanged.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine of image deletion processing based on the third image deletion condition in step S25 of FIG.
The CPU 101 reads image deletion determination information (see FIG. 11) stored and held in the NVRAM 105 by the image deletion determination unit 207, and selected image data among the image data stored in the RAM 103 by the image data storage unit 204. It is determined whether the third image deletion condition for deleting is satisfied (S51, S52).

That is, it is determined whether or not the connection with the external host device 120 is cut off (S51). If the connection with the external host device 120 is not cut off, the size of the free area in the image save area of the RAM 103 is a predetermined size. It is determined whether the following is true (S52).
When the connection with the external host device 120 is cut off, or when the size of the empty area of the image saving area is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size, the image data stored in the RAM 103 by the image data storage unit 204 is selected. The processed image data is deleted (S53).

As described above, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained also by the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment. In other words, when data is input from an external host device (image input device) that cannot add authentication information as user information to the input data, printing cannot be output even though the user originally has the authority to print output. Or, a user who does not have the authority to print output can be prevented from outputting, and the user restriction can be surely performed.
In addition, since the storage area (RAM) in the device is limited, it is possible to effectively use limited resources by deleting image data stored in the storage area at an appropriate timing, and from multiple users. Even when the device is used, it is possible to obtain an effect that the function of the device can be continuously used without impairing the function of the device.

  The embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an MFP (digital multifunction peripheral) has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to other image forming apparatuses such as a printer, a digital copying machine, or a facsimile machine. is there.

[Program related to this invention]
This program allows a CPU (computer) that controls the image forming apparatus to be connected to detecting means, input receiving means, authentication information presence / absence judging means, authentication information extracting means, first authentication means, Output permission means, image data storage means, authentication information input means, second authentication means, second output permission means, data name display means, display permission means, deletion condition recognition means, image data deletion means, and deletion conditions This is a program for realizing the function as the selection means, and the above-described effects can be obtained by causing the CPU to execute such a program.

Such a program may be stored in a storage means such as a ROM provided in the image forming apparatus from the beginning, a non-volatile memory (flash ROM, EEPROM, etc.), or an HDD (hard disk device). Recorded on a CD-ROM or a non-volatile recording medium (memory) such as a memory card, flexible disk, MO, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD + R, DVD + RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, or DVD-RAM Can also be provided. The programs recorded on those recording media can be installed in the image forming apparatus and executed by the CPU, or each program described above can be executed by causing the CPU to read out and execute this program from those recording media. .
Furthermore, it is also possible to download and execute an external device that is connected to a network and includes a recording medium that records the program, or an external device that stores the program in the storage unit.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, even when outputting by data input from an image input device that cannot add authentication information as user information to input data, a special mechanism is provided for the image input device. Users can be surely restricted without adding. By using the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reliably performing user restriction regardless of the connected image input apparatus.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration example of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation / display unit 110 in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing using each program shown in FIG. 2 by the CPU 101 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the processing illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of each screen displayed on the operation / display unit 110 in FIG. 1 during the process illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining connection and disconnection between the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and an external host device 120. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of each screen displayed on the operation / display unit 110 in FIG. 1 during the process illustrated in FIG. 4. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the software of the image forming apparatus which is 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in which the CPU of the image forming apparatus similarly uses the image deletion determination unit 207 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of image deletion determination information for each image data stored and held in the NVRAM of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of image deletion conditions stored and held in the NVRAM of the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the subroutine of the image deletion process by the 1st image deletion condition of step S23 of FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine for image deletion processing based on a second image deletion condition in step S24. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine for image deletion processing based on a third image deletion condition in step S25. It is explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the process in the conventional image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

101: CPU 102: ROM 103: RAM 104: RAM control unit 105: NVRAM 106: Host I / F control unit 107: FAX control unit 108: Operation / display unit I / F control unit 109: NCU 110: Operation / display unit 111: Scanner engine 112: Plotter engine 201: Authentication information presence / absence determination unit 202: User information storage unit 203: Authentication unit 204: Image data storage unit 205: Printing unit 206: Connection detection unit 207: Image deletion determination unit 208: Image Deletion condition storage unit 301: Display unit 302: Application switching key 303: Ten key 304: Start key 305: Clear stop key 306: Initial setting key 307: Help key 308: Reset key

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus having connection detecting means for detecting connection of an image input apparatus,
Input accepting means for accepting input of image data output from the image input device whose connection is detected by the connection detecting means;
Authentication information presence / absence judging means for judging whether or not authentication information is added to the image data accepted by the input accepting means;
Authentication information extracting means for extracting the authentication information when it is determined by the authentication information presence / absence determining means that the authentication information is added to the image data received;
A first authentication unit that compares the authentication information extracted by the authentication information extraction unit with previously registered authentication information, and determines that the authentication is successful when the two authentication information matches;
A first output permission means for permitting the output of the image data accepted by the input acceptance means when it is determined that the authentication is successful by the first authentication means;
Storage means for storing image data;
Image data storage means for storing the image data in the storage means when it is determined by the authentication information presence / absence determination means that authentication information is not added to the image data that has received the input;
An authentication information input means for inputting authentication information;
A second authentication unit that compares the authentication information input by the authentication information input unit with the previously registered authentication information, and determines that the authentication is successful when the two authentication information matches;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a second output permission unit that permits the output of the image data stored in the storage unit when it is determined that the second authentication unit has succeeded in the authentication. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
Data name display means for displaying the data names of the image data stored in the storage means;
Only while the connection is detected by the connection detecting means, the input is accepted by the input accepting means from the image input device whose connection is detected, and the data name display means of the image data stored in the storage means An image forming apparatus comprising: a display permission unit that permits data name display. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A deletion condition recognizing means for recognizing a condition for deleting the input image data;
An image data deletion means for deleting the image data from the storage means when a condition for deleting the image data accepted by the deletion condition recognition means is satisfied; Forming equipment. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
The condition for deleting the image data that has received the input is that the output of the image data is completed, that the connection of the image input device used to input the image data is not detected by the connection detection means, or An image forming apparatus characterized in that the storage capacity of the storage means is less than a predetermined capacity. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4,
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a deletion condition selection unit that selects a condition for deleting the image data that has received the input. An image data output permission method in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a connection detection unit that detects connection of an image input device; and a storage unit that stores image data.
An input receiving step of receiving an input of image data output from the image input device whose connection is detected by the connection detecting means;
An authentication information presence / absence determination step for determining whether or not authentication information is added to the image data received by the input reception step;
An authentication information extraction step of extracting the authentication information when it is determined that the authentication information is added to the image data that has been accepted by the authentication information presence determination step;
A first authentication step of comparing the authentication information extracted by the authentication information extraction step with the authentication information registered in advance, and determining that the authentication is successful when the two authentication information matches;
A first output permission step for permitting the output of the image data accepted by the input acceptance step when it is determined that the authentication is successful by the first authentication step;
An image data accumulating step for accumulating the image data in the storage means when it is determined in the authentication information presence / absence determining step that authentication information is not added to the image data that has received the input;
An authentication information input step for inputting authentication information;
A second authentication step of comparing the authentication information input in the authentication information input step with the authentication information registered in advance, and determining that the authentication is successful when the authentication information matches,
And a second output permission step for permitting the output of the image data stored in the storage means when it is determined that the second authentication step has succeeded in the authentication. . The image data output permission method according to claim 6, wherein
A deletion condition recognition step for recognizing a condition for deleting the image data for which the input has been received, and a condition for deleting the image data for which the input has been recognized recognized by the deletion condition recognition step. An image data output permission method comprising: an image data deletion step of deleting from the storage means. A computer that controls an image forming apparatus that includes a connection detection unit that detects connection of an image input device and a storage unit that stores image data.
An input receiving function for receiving input of image data output from the image input device whose connection is detected by the connection detecting means;
An authentication information presence / absence determination function for determining whether authentication information is added to the image data received by the input reception function;
An authentication information extraction function for extracting the authentication information when it is determined by the authentication information presence / absence determination function that the authentication information is added to the image data received;
A first authentication function that compares authentication information extracted by the authentication information extraction function with previously registered authentication information, and determines that the authentication is successful when the two authentication information matches;
A first output permission function for permitting the output of the image data accepted by the input acceptance function when it is determined that the authentication is successful by the first authentication function;
An image data storage function for storing the image data in the storage means when it is determined by the authentication information presence / absence determination function that the authentication information is not added to the image data that has received the input;
An authentication information input function for inputting authentication information;
A second authentication function that compares the authentication information input by the authentication information input function with the previously registered authentication information, and determines that the authentication is successful when the two authentication information matches;
A program for realizing a second output permission function for permitting the output of the image data stored in the storage means when it is determined that the authentication is successful by the second authentication function.