JP2010198400A - Information-transmitting system, information-transmitting device, information-managing device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrain unauthorized duplication caused by transmission of copyrighted digital information. <P>SOLUTION: It is determined, on the basis of the presence or absence of a copyright pattern, whether copyright attached to transmission-object information is owned (S130-S153). When the copyright is owned and a transmission destination is out of an intranet, transmission is prohibited (S171-NO). When the copyright is owned and the transmission destination is within a self-domain, the transmission is permitted (S171-YES), but it is determined to be necessary that the security for protecting the copyright is to be set (S180-YES), and then the transmission of information after the security is set is permitted (S190). When the copyright is owned, information after the security is set is never transmitted to out of the self-domain. When the copyright is not owned, the transmission both to the inside and outside of the self-domain is permitted, and the security for protecting the copyright is not set (S171-YES and S180-NO). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information transmission system, an information transmission device, an information management device, and a program.

  There is a mechanism for transmitting information from one device to the other device via communication means. For example, taking an image with a scanner and transmitting the image to a printer via a network is an example. Also, one example is that data electronically created by word processing software or graphic creation software is transmitted to a printer via a network and output.

  For example, in the mechanism of Patent Document 1, content data representing various types of information is temporarily stored as an event of a plurality of modules based on a file format unique to the output device, and a user can execute the stored content data. When printing to the printing device is instructed, it is determined whether or not the content data can be printed. If it is determined that printing is not possible, the content data that cannot be printed is processed based on information determined for copyright protection. The processed content data is stored in the buffer as a file, and the file is output to the printing apparatus. For content having a copyright, data processed based on predetermined information is printed.

  In the mechanism of Patent Document 2, a copy source image is read, and an identification code embedded with a digital watermark is read. Using the identification code as a key, information related to the copy source image (copy permission conditions, shooting data, shooting object data, copyright data, whether the copy source image has been modified from the original image) Information about the original image information of the copy source image). Then, necessary image information is generated based on the inquiry result and printed out. ID information is acquired from the read digital watermark, and the copy data is processed according to the result of the server inquiry.

  In the mechanism of Patent Document 3, in order to protect the copyright of texts, photographs, music, videos, etc., and to protect the interests of the copyright holders, it is easy to duplicate, copy, and charge, We monitor things and limit unauthorized duplication. For this purpose, specifically, a copyright management site is provided on a communication network to protect copyrights and to manage licensing, charging, and distribution of the copyrighted work, and a copyright server connected thereto is provided. Register and manage copyrighted works. The copyrighted works distributed in society are monitored appropriately to prevent unauthorized copying. For offline copying of paper and electronic paper, a reference mark is printed on the copyrighted work, and the amount of distribution is less than this amount of movement. Measure and identify distribution channels and charge appropriately.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-241949 JP 2001-350759 A JP 2003-303247 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of suppressing unauthorized duplication caused by transmission of copyrighted digital information.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a copyright determination unit that determines whether or not transmission target information has a copyright, a determination result of copyright presence / absence by the copyright determination unit, and a transmission destination of the transmission target information And a transmission control unit for controlling whether to permit transmission of the transmission target information to the transmission destination and editing for copyright protection of the transmission target information.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the copyright determination unit determines whether the transmission target information is copyrighted based on a copyright identification code included in the transmission target information. A first copyright determination unit that determines whether or not it has a copyright and notifies the transmission control unit of the determination result of the presence or absence of the copyright.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, an identification code extracting unit that extracts a copyright identification code from the transmission target information, and whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright. A collation information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of collation information for determination; a code collation unit that collates the identification code extracted by the identification code extraction unit and the collation information stored in the collation information storage unit; Prepared,
The first copyright determination unit determines whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright based on a verification result by the code verification unit.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the copyright determination unit may perform the transmission based on a location where the transmission target information is acquired and an image format of the transmission target information. A second copyright determination unit that determines whether the target information has a copyright and notifies the transmission control unit of the determination result of the presence or absence of the copyright;

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the copyright determination unit determines whether the transmission target information is copyrighted based on a copyright identification code included in the transmission target information. A first copyright determination unit that determines whether or not it has a copyright, and notifies the transmission control unit of the determination result of the presence or absence of the copyright; a location where the transmission target information is acquired; and a format of the image of the transmission target information And determining whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright, and a second copyright determination unit that notifies the transmission control unit of the determination result of the presence or absence of the copyright, and The transmission control unit adopts the result when the first copyright determination unit determines that there is a copyright, and the transmission control unit uses the second when the first copyright determination unit determines that there is no copyright. The determination result of copyright existence by the copyright determination unit is adopted.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the verification information storage unit stores a plurality of types of verification information for determining whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright; Based on the verification result by the format verification unit, the format verification unit for verifying the format of the image of the transmission target information and verification information stored in the verification information storage unit, the location where the transmission target information is acquired, and the format verification unit, A copyright accuracy determination unit that determines the accuracy with which the transmission target information has a copyright, and the copyright determination unit determines whether the transmission target information has a copyright based on a determination result by the copyright accuracy determination unit. It is determined whether or not it has.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transmission control unit, when the transmission destination of the transmission target information is outside the same communication area, When the copyright determination unit determines that the transmission target information has a copyright, the transmission of the transmission target information is prohibited.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transmission control unit, when the transmission destination of the transmission target information is the same communication area, When the copyright determination unit determines that the transmission target information has a copyright, the transmission target information is allowed to be transmitted, and the transmission target information is added with additional information for copyright protection. To do.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transmission control unit, when the transmission destination of the transmission target information is the same communication area, When the copyright determination unit determines that the transmission target information has a copyright, and the transmission target information is in a format in which additional information for copyright protection cannot be added, the transmission target information is Control is performed so that additional information for copyright protection is added after conversion to a format in which additional information for copyright protection can be added.

  The invention according to claim 10 determines whether or not to permit transmission of the transmission target information to the transmission destination based on a determination result of whether or not the transmission target information is copyrighted and a transmission destination of the transmission target information. An information transmission apparatus including a transmission control unit that controls editing for copyright protection of the transmission target information.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect of the present invention, an identification code extraction unit that extracts a copyright identification code from the transmission target information, and whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright. A collation information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of collation information for determination; a code collation unit that collates the identification code extracted by the identification code extraction unit and the collation information stored in the collation information storage unit; A first copyright determination unit that determines whether the transmission target information has a copyright based on a verification result by the verification unit, and notifies the transmission control unit of the determination result of the copyright Prepared.

  The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claim 10, further comprising an identification code extraction unit that extracts a copyright identification code from the transmission target information and transmits the copyright identification code to an information management device, and the transmission control unit Receives from the information management device a determination result of the presence or absence of copyright of the transmission target information based on the copyright identification code.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect of the present invention, a collation information storage unit that stores plural types of collation information for determining whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright, and the transmission Based on the collation result by the form collation unit that collates the image format of the target information and the collation information stored in the collation information storage unit, the location where the transmission target information is acquired, and the collation result by the form collation unit, the transmission target Based on the determination result by the copyright accuracy determination unit and the copyright accuracy determination unit for determining the accuracy with which the information has copyright, it is determined whether or not the transmission target information has the copyright, and whether or not the copyright exists And a second copyright determination unit that notifies the transmission control unit of the determination result.

  The invention according to claim 14 is the invention according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a verification information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of verification information for determining whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright, Based on the verification result by the format verification unit, the format verification unit for verifying the format of the image of the transmission target information and verification information stored in the verification information storage unit, the location where the transmission target information is acquired, and the format verification unit, Based on a determination result by the copyright accuracy determination unit and the copyright accuracy determination unit that determines the accuracy with which the transmission target information has a copyright, it is determined whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright, and the copyright A second copyright determination unit for notifying the transmission control unit of the determination result of presence / absence, wherein the transmission control unit has a copyright determination result based on the copyright identification code. Sometimes It adopts result, the determination result of the copyright existence based on the identification code of the copyright when no copyright adopts the determination result of the copyright presence by the second copyright determination unit.

  The invention according to claim 15 is the invention according to claim 10, further comprising an image information notification unit for notifying an information management device of image information of the transmission target information, wherein the transmission control unit is configured to transmit the transmission target information. Is received from the information management device on the basis of the location where the information is acquired and the result of the collation by the format collation unit as to whether the information to be transmitted is copyrighted.

  The invention according to claim 16 is the invention according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising an image information notification unit that notifies image information of the transmission target information to an information management device, wherein the transmission control unit is configured to transmit the transmission information. Received from the information management device the copyright determination result of the transmission target information based on the location from which the target information was acquired and the collation result by the format collation unit, and the copyright presence / absence determination result based on the copyright identification code is When there is a copyright, the result is adopted, and when the determination result of the presence / absence of copyright based on the copyright identification code is not copyright, it is based on the location where the transmission target information is acquired and the collation result by the style collation unit The determination result of the presence or absence of copyright of the transmission target information is adopted.

  According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collation information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of collation information for determining whether or not transmission target information has a copyright, and identification of a copyright extracted from the transmission target information A code is received from the information transmission device, and the transmission target information is copyrighted based on a verification result obtained by the verification unit and a verification unit that collates the identification code with the verification information stored in the verification information storage unit. A copyright determination unit that determines whether or not it has a copyright and transmits a determination result of the presence or absence of the copyright to the information transmission device.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collation information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of collation information for determining whether or not transmission target information has a copyright, and an image of the transmission target information received from an information transmission device. The transmission target information is copyrighted based on the collation information stored in the collation information storage unit and the collation information stored in the collation information storage unit, the location where the transmission target information is obtained, and the collation result by the collation unit. A copyright accuracy determination unit that determines the accuracy of the determination, and based on a determination result by the copyright accuracy determination unit, determines whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright, and the determination result of whether or not the copyright exists An information management apparatus including a copyright determination unit that transmits to an information transmission apparatus.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collation information storage unit for storing a plurality of types of collation information for determining whether or not transmission target information has a copyright, and identification of a copyright extracted from the transmission target information A code is received from the information transmission device, and the transmission target information is copyrighted based on a verification result obtained by the verification unit and a verification unit that collates the identification code with the verification information stored in the verification information storage unit. A first copyright determination unit that determines whether the information to be transmitted is transmitted to the information transmission apparatus, and verification for determining whether the transmission target information has a copyright. A collation information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of information, a format collation unit that collates the image format of the transmission target information received from the information transmission apparatus and the collation information stored in the collation information storage unit, and the transmission target Affection The transmission accuracy based on the result obtained by the location verification and the collation result by the format collation unit, the copyright accuracy determination unit that determines the accuracy with which the transmission target information has a copyright, and the determination result by the copyright accuracy determination unit. The information management apparatus includes a second copyright determination unit that determines whether the target information has a copyright and transmits the determination result of the copyright to the information transmission apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 20 is a copyright determination step for determining whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright, a determination result of the presence / absence of copyright in the copyright determination step, and a transmission destination of the transmission target information And a transmission control step for controlling whether to permit transmission of the transmission target information to the transmission destination and editing for copyright protection on the transmission target information. .

  According to the first, tenth and twentieth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to suppress unauthorized duplication caused by transmitting copyrighted digital information.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform control for suppressing unauthorized duplication by using whether or not a copyright identification code is attached to transmission target information as a determination index.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not there is a copyright based on the copyright identification code.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, control for suppressing unauthorized duplication can be performed using the information acquisition location and the image format of the information as determination indices.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, the determination result of copyright presence / absence based on whether or not the copyright identification code is attached to the transmission target information, the acquisition location of the transmission target information, and the image format of the transmission target information With reference to the determination result of copyright presence / absence based on the above, control for suppressing unauthorized duplication can be performed.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not there is a copyright based on the information acquisition location and the information image format.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent illegally copying copyrighted information outside the same communication area.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, unauthorized duplication can be suppressed even when copyrighted information is transmitted within the same communication area.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, even if the acquired transmission target information has a format in which additional information for copyright protection cannot be added, unauthorized duplication can be suppressed.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the information transmission apparatus can appropriately determine whether or not there is a copyright based on the copyright identification code.

  According to the invention described in claims 12 and 17, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not there is a copyright based on the copyright identification code in the cooperative processing with the information management apparatus.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the information transmission apparatus can appropriately determine whether or not there is a copyright based on the acquisition location of the transmission target information and the image format of the transmission target information.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the information transmission apparatus can appropriately determine whether or not there is a copyright based on the acquisition location of the transmission target information and the image format of the transmission target information, and the copyright identification code. It is possible to suppress unauthorized duplication by referring to the determination result of the presence / absence of copyright based on the above, the determination result of the presence / absence of copyright based on the acquisition location of the transmission target information and the image format of the transmission target information.

  According to the inventions of the fifteenth and eighteenth aspects, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not there is a copyright based on the information acquisition location and the information image format in the cooperative processing with the information management apparatus.

  According to the sixteenth and nineteenth aspects of the present invention, the information transmission apparatus can appropriately determine whether or not there is a copyright based on the information acquisition location and the information image format in cooperation with the information management apparatus. In addition, referencing the copyright determination result based on the copyright identification code, the acquisition location of the transmission target information, and the copyright determination result based on the image format of the transmission target information, to suppress unauthorized duplication Can do.

1 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of an information transmission system. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information transmitter of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information receiver of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information transmitter / receiver of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information management apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the whole process sequence of the information transmission system of 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the whole process of the information transmission system of 1st Embodiment by a response | compatibility with an application system. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the copyright information and output process in the specific example in the information transmission system of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the specific procedure of the copyright discrimination | determination process in the information transmission system of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the specific procedure of the transmission process in the case of no copyright in the information transmission system of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the 1st example of the specific procedure of the transmission process in the case of a copyright in the information transmission system of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the 2nd example of the specific procedure of the transmission process in the case of a copyright in the information transmission system of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows 2nd Embodiment of an information transmission system. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information transmitter of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information transmitter / receiver of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information management apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart (1st example) explaining the whole process sequence of the information transmission system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart (2nd example) explaining the whole process sequence of the information transmission system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the relationship between a literary work pattern in the specific example in the information transmission system of 2nd Embodiment, an information acquisition place, and a literary work. It is a flowchart (1st example) explaining the specific procedure of the literary work discrimination | determination process in the information transmission system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart (2nd example) explaining the specific procedure of the literary work discrimination | determination process in the information transmission system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example when comprising an information transmission apparatus using an electronic computer.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. When distinguishing each functional element according to the embodiment, an uppercase English reference such as A, B, etc. is added and described, and when not particularly described, this reference is omitted. Describe. The same applies to the drawings.

<System Configuration: First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of an information transmission system. The information transmission system 1A of the first embodiment includes an information transmission device 3A, an information reception device 4A, an information transmission / reception device 5A, an information management device 6A, a mail server 7A, and a connection relay device 90A. The information transmission device 3A, the information reception device 4A, and the information transmission / reception device 5A are collectively referred to as an information transmission device. The information transmitting apparatus 3A, the information receiving apparatus 4A, and the information transmitting / receiving apparatus 5A are connected via a communication network 9 that is an example of a communication unit.

  Each of the information transmission apparatus 3A, the information reception apparatus 4A, and the information transmission / reception apparatus 5A is assigned address information that identifies the position of the apparatus on the network (image data transmission source and destination). The address information includes, for example, a unique management number (device ID) given to the device, an IP (Internet Protocol) address on the network, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, etc. It may be anything that can be specified.

  In the figure, two information transmitting apparatuses 3A (3A_1, 3A_2), two information receiving apparatuses 4A (4A_1, 4A_2), and two information transmitting / receiving apparatuses 5A (5A_1, 5A_2) are connected via a communication network 9. ing.

  In the figure, the information transmitting device 3A_1, the information receiving device 4A_1, and the information transmitting / receiving device 5A_1 are connected by a first communication network 9_1 which is a LAN (Local Area Network), and the information transmitting device 3A_2. The second domain 8_2 (second area) in which the information receiving device 4A_2 and the information transmitting / receiving device 5A_2 are connected by a second communication network 9_2 that is a LAN is a third communication network 9_3 such as the Internet, which is an example of a public communication line. It is connected. The connection relay device 90A is interposed between the first communication network 9_1 and the third communication network 9_3.

  The information transmission / reception device 5A has both functions of the information transmission device 3A and the information reception device 4A. In correspondence with FIG. 1, the functions of the information transmitting apparatus 3A_1 and the information receiving apparatus 4A_1 are summarized as the information transmitting / receiving apparatus 5A_1, and the functions of the information transmitting apparatus 3A_2 and the information receiving apparatus 4A_2 are summarized as the information transmitting / receiving apparatus 5A_2. It is.

  As the information transmitting apparatus 3A, for example, in the case of performing information processing (image input processing) for reading a document, it is sufficient to include at least a document reading function unit. In this case, the information transmitting apparatus 3A is an information input device. Function as. For example, in the case of performing information processing (information output processing) based on received information, the information receiving device 4A only needs to include at least an information output function unit (information output function unit). In this case, the information receiving device 4A functions as an information output device. As a whole, the information transmission system 1 is an information input / output system.

  The information management apparatus 6A has a so-called server function, manages address data (address book data, destination address data) for each user, manages a copyright pattern, and performs accounting management. The mail server 7A manages transmission of electronic mail.

  The connection relay device 90 relays information transmission and has a so-called router function.

<Information Transmitting Device: First Embodiment>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information transmission device 3A according to the first embodiment. The functional units included in the information transmitting apparatus 3A are shown with reference numerals in the 300s.

  The information transmission device 3A includes an information acquisition unit 310, a copyright information processing unit 330, a transmission control unit 350, a communication processing unit 360, an operation unit 390, and an authentication card reader 396.

  The information acquisition unit 310 acquires transmission target information (digital information), and includes an image reading unit 312 and an information receiving unit 314. The image reading unit 312 reads an image of a document with an optical reading unit, and corresponds to a so-called scanner device. The format of the read image file may be arbitrary. For example, BMP (bitmap), JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), PDF (Portable Document Format), etc. can be considered. The information reception unit 314 receives electronic data (image data or document data) from another electric transmission device or a portable storage medium.

  The copyright information processing unit 330 compares the copyright identification code (identification pattern) obtained from the output target information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 with the copyright code (copyright pattern), and uses the obtained copyright presence / absence information. It is determined whether the output target information has copyright, and the determination result is passed to the transmission control unit 350. In order to realize this function, the copyright information processing unit 330 includes an identification code extraction unit 332, a copyright code storage unit 334, a code collation unit 336, and a copyright determination unit 338 (first copyright determination unit). .

  The identification code extraction unit 332 extracts a copyright identification code from the output target information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 and passes the copyright identification code to the code verification unit 336. The copyright identification code is used to identify whether or not the information has a copyright. For example, the copyright identification code may be attached to a manuscript (document) or recorded on an information recording piece separate from the manuscript. May be. The copyright identification code (code image) may be expressed as long as it can be read by the image reading unit 312. For example, one that expresses an identification code with a two-dimensional dot pattern (so-called two-dimensional barcode), a general one-dimensional barcode that expresses an identification code with a bar-like line, or one that expresses an identification code in a hieroglyphic form And so on. The copyright identification code is not necessarily visible, and may be set as “digital watermark” in digitized information, for example. In the present specification, such “digital watermark” is also treated as a copyright identification code.

  The copyright code storage unit 334 is an example of a collation information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of copyright codes (copyright pattern: an example of collation information) for determining whether transmission target information has a copyright. . The copyright code storage unit 334 stores a copyright code (copyright pattern) referred to in the collation processing in the code collation unit 336 in a storage medium (for example, a non-volatile one such as a hard disk device). “Nonvolatile” will be described later.

  The code collation unit 336 collates (compares) the identification code extracted by the identification code extraction unit 332 with a copyright code prepared in advance, and passes the collation result (copyright presence / absence information) to the copyright determination unit 338.

  The copyright code for collation may be prepared in the copyright code storage unit 334 or may be prepared in the information management device 6. When a copyright code for verification is prepared in the information management device 6, the information transmission device 3 is not provided with the copyright code storage unit 334, the code verification unit 336, and the copyright determination unit 338, but the information management device 6. It is advisable to adopt a configuration arranged in

  In other words, when the information management device 6 has a system configuration in which copyright verification processing is performed, the copyright information processing unit 330 includes a copyright code storage unit 334, a code verification unit 336, and a copyright determination unit 338. It does not have to be. In the case of a system configuration in which the information transmitting apparatus 3 includes the copyright code storage unit 334, it is preferable to periodically update the pattern file. The pattern file may be updated using, for example, a portable storage medium, or the pattern file may be periodically distributed using the information management device 6.

  The copyright determination unit 338 determines whether the output target information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 has copyright based on the verification result by the code verification unit 336, and notifies the transmission control unit 350 of the determination result.

  The information to be transmitted is not limited to copyrighted information but may be information that does not have copyright. The transmission control unit 350 of the present embodiment determines whether the information instructed to be transmitted has copyright. Output processing is controlled based on the instructed transmission destination relationship.

  Here, “control output processing” means whether to permit output processing based on whether or not the transmission destination goes through a public communication line when output processing is permitted, This means that whether or not the security setting is added is controlled depending on whether or not the instructed information has a copyright.

  For example, the transmission control unit 350 determines whether to permit transmission of the output target information to the designated transmission destination based on the determination result of the copyright presence / absence by the copyright determination unit 338 and the transmission destination of the output target information. Controls editing of output target information. In order to realize this function, the transmission control unit 350 includes a transmission destination information acquisition unit 352, a transmission availability determination unit 354, an editing necessity determination unit 356, and a transmission information editing unit 358.

  The transmission destination information acquisition unit 352 acquires transmission destination information of the output target information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310. For example, the transmission destination information acquisition unit 352 acquires address data from the information management device 6 and passes it to the transmission permission determination unit 354 and the editing necessity determination unit 356.

  The transmission permission / inhibition determination unit 354 determines whether the output target information determined by the copyright determination unit 338 has a copyright and the relationship between the transmission destination information of the output target information acquired by the transmission destination information acquisition unit 352. Based on this, it is determined whether or not transmission is possible.

  The editing necessity determination unit 356 determines whether the output target information needs to be edited according to the copyright status and transmission destination information set in the output target information. Instruct to edit 358. The transmission information editing unit 358 adds copyright-related editing to the output target information based on an instruction from the transmission permission determination unit 354.

  For example, the transmission permission / inhibition determining unit 354 determines whether the transmission destination is the same domain or another domain, or the domain through the third communication network 9_3 that is a public communication line (for example, the Internet), that is, the transmission destination is the same. Whether or not transmission is possible is determined based on whether or not the current communication area is in the communication area. Specifically, transmission to a domain that does not pass through the third communication network 9_3 (for example, a terminal in the intranet is a destination) is permitted, but transmission to a domain that passes through the third communication network 9_3 is prohibited. As a technique for prohibiting transmission, when a destination (address) to such a prohibited domain is selected, transmission is prohibited, or a destination (address) to such a prohibited domain cannot be selected. . As a technique to prevent selection, the address on the operation screen is not displayed, or even if it is displayed, the address is different from the address to the permitted domain (for example, displayed lightly), and Even if selected, the selection instruction is not accepted.

  Even if the transmission necessity determination unit 354 permits transmission (for example, when the terminal in the intranet is the destination), the editing necessity determination unit 356 displays an image related to copyright management when the copyright is set in the output target information. The transmission information editing unit 358 is instructed to perform editing. As image editing related to copyright management, it is conceivable to add information for copyright management to the output target information (so-called security setting). As examples of adding information for copyright management, for example, setting of a password to use (duplicating / printing, etc.) information on the receiving side and setting of a range in which use is permitted can be considered. On the receiving side, at least browsing of the received information is permitted, but the others are within the set permission range. As a range for permitting use, it is possible to permit both copying (copying) and printing, permitting (prohibiting) only one of them, prohibiting both (that is, permitting only browsing), and the like.

  When image editing is not instructed from the editing necessity determination unit 356, the transmission information editing unit 358 passes the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 as it is to the communication processing unit 360 as output target information. On the other hand, when image editing related to copyright management is instructed from the editing necessity determination unit 356, when the information acquired from the information acquisition unit 310 is in a format that can add information for copyright management, copyright management is added to the information. If the information acquired from the information acquisition unit 310 is in a format in which copyright management information cannot be added, the information is converted into a format in which copyright management information can be added. After that, information for copyright management is added, and the information is passed to the communication processing unit 360 as output target information.

  For example, copyright management information cannot be added to a TIFF file, but can be added to a PDF file. If the image file acquired by the image reading unit 312 is in the PDF format, the transmission information editing unit 358 automatically adds a security setting such as a password to the PDF file. If the image file acquired by the image reading unit 312 is in the TIFF format, the transmission information editing unit 358 automatically adds a security setting after converting the TIFF file into a PDF file. It is also possible to convert the file into a compressed file with a key (password) regardless of the file format.

  There are various types of information received by the information receiving unit 314, but some of them may or may not be able to add copyright management information. If the information file acquired by the information receiving unit 314 can add copyright management information, the transmission information editing unit 358 automatically adds a security setting to the information file. If the information file acquired by the image reading unit 312 cannot add copyright management information, the transmission information editing unit 358 automatically converts the information file into a PDF file and then automatically Add security settings to.

  The communication processing unit 360 includes a communication interface unit 362 and a transmission unit 364. The communication interface unit 362 has an interface function for communicating with other devices via the communication network 9. The transmission unit 364 transmits the information received from the image editing unit 350 to another device via the communication interface unit 362.

  The operation unit 390 accepts a user operation of the information transmission apparatus 3A, and includes an instruction input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, an operation panel that displays an operation screen, and the like (not shown). The operation panel may be a touch panel type.

  The authentication card reader 396 reads information of a user authentication card (authentication card).

<Information Receiving Device: First Embodiment>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information reception device 4A according to the first embodiment. The function units included in the information receiving device 4A are shown with reference numbers in the 400s, and those common to the function units of the information transmitting device 3A are shown in place of the 300s instead of the 400s.

  The information reception device 4A does not include functional units corresponding to the image reading unit 310, the copyright information processing unit 330, and the transmission unit 364 of the communication processing unit 360 in the information transmission device 3A. 466 and an authentication processing unit 470 and an image output unit 480.

  The receiving unit 466 receives information transmitted from the information transmitting device 3A or the information transmitting / receiving device 5A via the communication interface unit 462.

  The authentication processing unit 470 includes a security setting determination unit 472 and an authentication information reception unit 474. The security setting determination unit 472 determines whether or not a security setting is added to the information received by the reception unit 466. When the security setting determination unit 472 determines that the security setting is added to the information received by the reception unit 466, the authentication information reception unit 474 operates in addition to the ID authentication by the authentication card reader 496 when using the information. The user is requested to input a password via the unit 490. The authentication processing unit 470 permits use of information received by the receiving unit 466 only when a valid password is input.

  The image output unit 480 outputs an image based on the information received by the receiving unit 466, and corresponds to a so-called printing device or display device. The output medium may be a display medium (for example, a cathode ray tube display device or a liquid crystal display device) or a print medium (paper, OHP film, etc.).

<Information Transmitting / Receiving Device: First Embodiment>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information transmitting / receiving apparatus 5A according to the first embodiment. The function units included in the information transmitting / receiving apparatus 5A are shown with reference numbers in the 500s, and the functions in the information transmitting apparatus 3A and the information receiving apparatus 4A are replaced with the 500s instead of the 300s and 400s. Show.

  The information transmission / reception device 5A has both functions of the information transmission device 3A and the information reception device 4A. The information transmission / reception device 5A includes the functional units of the information transmission device 3A and the information reception device 4A, and one common functional unit. It is a thing of the state. Since each functional unit is the same as that provided in the information transmitting device 3A and the information receiving device 4A, description thereof is omitted here.

<Information Management Device: First Embodiment>
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information management apparatus 6A according to the first embodiment.

  In the information management apparatus 6A, in addition to the communication processing unit 660, the copyright information processing unit 630 includes a transmission destination information storage unit 633, a copyright code storage unit 634, a code verification unit 636, and a copyright determination unit 638. Further, the information management apparatus 6A includes an address data management unit 670 and a charge management unit 672. The address data management unit 670 manages address data for each user. The billing management unit 672 performs billing management according to the service content for each user.

  The transmission destination information storage unit 633 stores address data (destination address book) for each user. The copyright code storage unit 634 has the same function as the copyright code storage unit 334 of the information transmission device 3A, and the code verification unit 636 has the same function as the code verification unit 336 of the information transmission device 3A. 638 has the same function as the copyright judgment unit 338 of the information transmitting apparatus 3A.

<Overall Operation: First Embodiment>
6 to 6 are diagrams for explaining the overall processing of the information transmission system 1A according to the first embodiment. Here, FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the overall processing procedure of the information transmission system 1A of the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the overall processing of the information transmission system 1A according to the first embodiment in correspondence with the application system. In the description of each processing procedure to be described later, a reference “_1” is attached to a function unit included in each device on the first domain 8_1 side, and a reference “_2” is assigned to a function unit included in each device on the second domain 8_2 side. "To distinguish. Here, a description will be given in the case of a system configuration in which a copyright code for verification is prepared in the information transmitting apparatus 3A or the information transmitting / receiving apparatus 5A and verification is performed. The copyright code is described as “copyright pattern”.

  In the devices in the first domain 8_1 (the information transmission device 3A_1 and the information transmission / reception device 5A_1), the information acquired by the information acquisition units 310_1 and 510_1 is transferred to the devices in the own domain or the second domain 8_2 (the information reception device 4A_2 and the information transmission / reception device). 5A_2) via the communication network 9.

  At this time, in the device of the first domain 8_1, the information acquisition units 310_1 and 510_1 acquire the output target information (S110), and the identification code extraction units 332_1 and 532_1 extract the copyright identification code from the acquisition of the output target information. Then, it is passed to the code verification units 336_1 and 536_1 as a copyright pattern (S130).

  The code collating units 336_1 and 536_1 collate the copyright pattern prepared in advance in the copyright code storing units 334_1 and 534_1 with the copyright pattern extracted by the identification code extracting units 332_1 and 532_1, and the collation result is a copyright determining unit. 338_1 and 538_1 are passed (S140).

  The copyright determination units 338_1 and 538_1 determine whether or not the output target information acquired by the information acquisition units 310_1 and 510_1 has a copyright based on the verification result by the code verification units 336_1 and 536_1, and control the transmission of the determination result. Are notified to the sections 350_1 and 550_1 (S153).

  Whether the transmission control units 350_1 and 550_1 permit the transmission of the output target information to the instructed transmission destination based on the determination result of the copyright existence by the copyright determination units 338_1 and 538_1 and the transmission destination of the output target information Controls editing of Kaya output target information.

  For example, in the transmission control units 350_1 and 350_1, the transmission destination information acquisition units 352_1 and 552_1 acquire address data from the information management device 6 (S160). The transmission permission / inhibition determination units 354_1 and 554_1 are the relationship between the determination result of whether the output target information determined by the copyright determination units 338_1 and 538_1 has the copyright and the address data acquired by the transmission destination information acquisition units 352_1 and 552_1. Whether or not transmission is possible is determined based on (S170).

  When the transmission permission / inhibition determination units 354_1 and 554_1 prohibit transmission, the apparatus stops processing (S171-NO). When the transmission permission / inhibition determination units 354_1 and 554_1 permit the transmission (S171-YES), the editing necessity determination unit 356_1 and 556_1 outputs according to the copyright status and the transmission destination information set in the output target information. It is determined whether the information needs to be edited (S180).

  When it is determined that editing is necessary, the editing necessity determination units 356_1 and 556_1 instruct the transmission information editing units 358_1 and 558_1 to perform editing related to copyright management (S180-YES, S182). The transmission information editing units 358_1 and 558_1 add security settings to the output target information based on instructions from the transmission permission / inhibition determination units 354_1 and 554_1, and then pass the output target information to the transmission units 364_1 and 564_1 (S190). The transmission units 364_1 and 564_1 distribute the information received from the image editing units 350_1 and 550_1 to the devices (the information reception device 4A_1 and the other information transmission / reception device 5A_1) in its own domain via the communication interface units 362_1 and 562_1. In this case, as will be described later, distribution to the devices of the second domain 8_2 (information receiving device 4A_2 and information transmitting / receiving device 5A_2) is not permitted. In other words, in the case of copyright, the information after security setting is not transmitted outside the own domain (X mark in the figure).

  The transmission information editing units 358_2 and 558_2, when no image editing is instructed from the editing necessity determination units 356_1 and 556_1 (NO in S180), the information acquired by the information acquisition units 310_1 and 510_1 as they are as output target information as the transmission units 364_1, Pass to 564_1. The transmission units 364_1 and 564_1 send the information received from the image editing units 350_1 and 550_1 to the devices in the own domain or the second domain 8_2 (the information reception device 4A_2 and the information transmission / reception device 5A_2) via the communication interface units 362_1 and 562_1. To deliver. For example, when there is no copyright, transmission to both inside and outside of the own domain is permitted, and security setting for copyright protection is not performed (S171-YES, S180-NO).

  The device of the first domain 8_1 returns to step S110 when the continuous use of the device is instructed (S198-YES), and ends the process when the continuous use of the device is not instructed (S198-NO).

  The information management device 6 performs billing processing according to the information output service. At this time, the billing processing mechanism itself does not differ depending on whether or not the copyright is applied. However, in this embodiment, since it is determined whether or not there is a copyright, it may be charged including the copyright fee. Good.

  When information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310_2 is distributed from a device on the second domain 8_2 side (information transmission device 3A_2 or information transmission / reception device 5A_2) to a device (information reception device 4A_1 or information transmission / reception device 5A_1) on the first domain 8_1 However, in the above description, the reference may be changed from “_1” to “_2”.

  In the procedure shown in FIG. 6, the processing of steps S100 to S140 is referred to as copyright discrimination processing, the processing of steps S160 and S171-NO is referred to as transmission processing when there is no copyright, and steps S160 and S171-YES. This type of processing is referred to as transmission processing when there is a copyright. Hereinafter, each of these processes will be described more specifically.

<Relationship between copyright information and output processing>
FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating the relationship between copyright information and output processing in a specific example in the information transmission system 1A of the first embodiment. Here, the correspondence relationship between whether or not copyright is set for the information to be output and the service contents is shown as a chart.

  The service contents in the present embodiment include three processes (scan to e-mail: reading & distribution) from preliminary display (preview display), copying (copying), reading of an original to transmission by e-mail. Suppose.

  “Preliminary display” means a function of confirming an image on a display unit before regular output processing. In the present embodiment, regular output processing means information transmission processing and print output processing.

  For example, when the user information is not acquired when the information on the authentication card is read by the authentication card reader 396, 596, the transmission control units 350, 550 permit only the preliminary display. When the user information is acquired and the copyright is not set in the distribution target information, the transmission control units 350 and 550 permit any of preliminary display, copying, reading & distribution. At this time, the information management device 6 performs billing processing according to copying, reading & distribution processing. In the reading and distribution in this case, the file format of the distribution target information is arbitrary, and as an example, a TIFF file or a PDF file is attached to an electronic mail and transmitted.

  When the user information is acquired, if the copyright is set in the distribution target information and the transmission destination is a domain that does not pass through the public communication line (domain OK), the transmission control unit 350.550 Any of display, copying, reading & distribution is permitted. At this time, the information management device 6 performs a billing process including a copyright according to the copying, reading & distribution process. In the reading and distribution in this case, the file format of the distribution target information is not arbitrary, and is a format suitable for copyright management (a format to which information for copyright management can be added). As an example, the PDF file is converted into a PDF file with a password in which security is set, and is attached to an e-mail and transmitted.

  When the user information is acquired, when the copyright is set in the distribution target information and the transmission destination is a domain (domain NG) via a public communication line, the transmission control unit 350.550 Display and copying are permitted, but reading and distribution are prohibited. At this time, the information management apparatus 6 performs a billing process including a copyright according to the copying process.

<Copyright determination processing: First embodiment>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a specific procedure of copyright discrimination processing in the information transmission system 1A of the first embodiment. Here, a copyright code for verification is prepared in the information management device 6, and the information transmission / reception device 5A_1 is used as a device on the first domain 8_1 side, and a code verification unit 536_1 is arranged in the information transmission / reception device 5A_1. A system configuration in which the code matching unit 636 is arranged in the information management apparatus 6 will be described.

  In the original information where the copyright exists, a copyright pattern capable of detecting the copyright is written. For example, a copyright pattern that can detect the copyright at the time of reading by the image reading unit 512 is written in a digital copy or a two-dimensional barcode on the original with copyright.

  The user sets the original (original) to be read in the image reading section 512_1 (S212), reads the user information (ID information) with the authentication card reader 396, and then instructs to read the original (S214). . The transmission information acquisition unit 510_1 instructs the image reading unit 512_2 to execute reading when user information acquisition fails because user information is not set in the read authentication card (S216). The service of only the preliminary display based on the received image data is permitted (S218).

  When the user information can be acquired from the read authentication card, the transmission information acquisition unit 510_1 instructs the image reading unit 512_2 to perform reading (S220). The transmission control unit 550_1 inquires of the user whether or not preliminary display based on the read image data is desired (S226). When receiving an instruction for preliminary display (S226-YES), the transmission control unit 550_1 performs preliminary display based on the read image data (S228).

  The identification code extraction unit 532_1 extracts code information such as a digital watermark and a two-dimensional barcode from the output target information as a copyright pattern, and manages the copyright pattern together with the user information acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 510_1. The data is transmitted to the device 6 (S231).

  The information management device 6 holds address data in the transmission destination information storage unit 633, and prepares address data corresponding to the user from the user information. For example, the information management device 6 identifies the user from the user information, and reads the address data (destination address book) corresponding to the identified user from the transmission destination information storage unit 633 (S242).

  The information management device 6 holds the copyright pattern in the copyright code storage unit 634, and determines the presence / absence of copyright and billing information from the copyright pattern transmitted from the device on the first domain 8_1 side. The pattern data is easily updated by centrally managing the copyright pattern by the information management device 6. For example, the code collation unit 636 collates the copyright pattern prepared in advance in the copyright code storage unit 634 with the copyright pattern transmitted from the identification code extraction unit 532_1 (S244). Based on the collation result, the copyright determination unit 638 determines whether the output target information acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 510_1 has a copyright (S246).

  The information management device 6 transmits the address data and the copyright presence / absence information, which is the processing result of the copyright determination unit 638, to the information transmitting / receiving device 5A_1 on the first domain 8_1 side (S248). The receiving unit 566_1 receives the address data and the copyright presence / absence information from the information management device 6, passes the address data to the transmission information acquisition unit 510_1, and passes the copyright presence / absence information to the transmission control unit 550_1 (S252).

  The transmission control unit 550_1 proceeds to step S260 or step 280, and based on the determination result of the copyright presence / absence by the copyright determination unit 638 and the transmission destination of the output target information, the transmission control unit 550_1 sends the output target information to the designated transmission destination. Whether transmission is permitted or not and editing of the output target information is controlled (S254).

<Transmission Processing: No Copyright: First Embodiment>
FIG. 7A is a flowchart for explaining a specific procedure of a transmission process when there is no copyright in the information transmission system 1A of the first embodiment. This transmission process in the case of no copyright is a transmission process in the case of NO (that is, no copyright) in step S254 shown in FIG.

  For example, the user selects a copying or reading & distribution service (S260). In the case of information without copyright (S254-NO), when the copy service is selected (S260-copy), the transmission control unit 550_1 outputs the image data acquired by the image reading unit 512_1 as it is as copy printing The execution of the copy service is instructed, and the information management apparatus 6 (external server) is instructed to transmit the usage information so that predetermined charging is performed (S262). In the information management apparatus 6, the charging management unit 672 updates the charging information of the user (S 276), and proceeds to a later-described continuous use determination process (step S 298).

  In the case of information that does not have a copyright (S254-NO), when a distribution service is selected (S260-distribution), the transmission control unit 550_1 first determines the address data acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 510_1. Then, the user is instructed to display all destination addresses that can be transmitted on the operation screen, and accepts selection of a transmission destination by the user (S266).

  Further, the transmission control unit 550_1 accepts the selection of the file format of the information to be distributed from the user (S270). Here, as an example, transmission of digital data in the TIFF or PDF format is assumed.

  When the TIFF format is selected (S270-TIFF), the transmission control unit 550_1 creates data in the TIFF format by the transmission information editing unit 358, and attaches it to an e-mail (e-Mail) to the designated destination. Then, the information management apparatus 6 (external server) is instructed to transmit the usage information so that predetermined charging is performed (S272). In the information management apparatus 6, the charging management unit 672 updates the charging information of the user (S 276), and proceeds to a later-described continuous use determination process (step S 298).

  When the PDF format is selected (S270-PDF), the transmission control unit 550_1 creates data in the PDF format by the transmission information editing unit 358, attaches it to the e-mail to the specified destination, and executes transmission. At the same time, the information management apparatus 6 (external server) is instructed to transmit the usage information so that predetermined charging is performed (S272). In the information management apparatus 6, the charging management unit 672 updates the charging information of the user (S 276), and proceeds to a later-described continuous use determination process (step S 298).

<Transmission processing: copyrighted (first example): first embodiment>
FIG. 7B is a flowchart for explaining a first example of a specific procedure of transmission processing in the case of copyright in the information transmission system 1A of the first embodiment. The first example of the transmission process in the case of copyright is the transmission process in the case of YES (that is, with copyright) in step S254 shown in FIG.

  For example, the user selects a copy or read & distribute service (S280). In the case of copyrighted information (S254-YES), when the copy service is selected (S280-Copy), the transmission control unit 550_1 indicates that the image data acquired by the image reading unit 512_1 is a copy. Instructing the execution of a copy service that adds identification information and outputs it as a copy print, instructs the information management device 6 (external server) to transmit usage information so that a predetermined charge is made (S282). In the information management apparatus 6, the charge management unit 672 updates the user's charge information (including copyright) (S296), and proceeds to the later-described continuous use determination process (step S298).

  In the case of copyrighted information (S254-YES), when a distribution service is selected (S280-distribution), the transmission control unit 550_1 transmits to the transmission destination via the third communication network 9_3 which is a public communication line. The transmission information editing unit 558_1 controls the transmission to be performed after adding the security setting to the transmission destination that does not pass through the third communication network 9_3.

  In realizing this function, in the first example, the transmission control unit 550_1, based on the user address data acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 510_1, does not include all destination addresses that can be transmitted by the user in the intranet. The display of only the address of the terminal is instructed to be displayed on the operation screen, and the selection of the transmission destination by the user is accepted (S286). At this time, the transmission permission / inhibition determination unit 554_1 determines, for each address in the address data, whether the transmission destination is in its own domain or a domain through the third communication network 9_3. Since the address to the terminal of the domain whose transmission destination exceeds the intranet and passes through the third communication network 9_3 is not displayed on the operation screen, the user cannot instruct transmission to the transmission destination via the third communication network 9_3. .

  The editing necessity determination unit 556_1 determines whether it is necessary to edit the output target information according to the copyright status set in the output target information and the transmission destination information (S180). When it is determined that editing is necessary, the editing necessity determination unit 556_1 instructs the transmission information editing unit 558_1 to perform editing related to copyright management (S180-YES, S182).

  When the transmission control unit 550_1 accepts the selection of the transmission destination, since it is a distribution service of copyrighted information to the terminals in the intranet, the editing necessity determination unit 556_1 adds security settings to the transmission information editing unit 558_1. (S290). That is, the transmission control unit 550_1 permits only information distribution to which a security setting is added for a terminal in the intranet.

  As an example of information distribution to which security settings are added, here, only digital data in PDF format can be transmitted, and security settings such as a password are automatically added to the data. Therefore, when the information acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 510 is not a PDF file, the transmission information editing unit 558_1 converts the information into PDF formatted digital data.

  The transmission information editing unit 558_1 automatically adds a security setting to the PDF-formatted digital data, attaches it to an e-mail addressed to a specified destination, performs transmission, and performs a predetermined charge. In step S292, the information management apparatus 6 (external server) is instructed to transmit usage information. At this time, the transmission control unit 550_1 displays a password for opening the automatically set data on the operation screen. The user makes a note of the displayed password, and notifies the receiver of the password by a notification different from the distribution of the digital data in PDF format.

  In the information management apparatus 6, the charge management unit 672 updates the user's charge information (including copyright) (S296), and proceeds to the continuous use determination process (step S298).

  The information transmitting / receiving apparatus 5A_1 returns to step S212 when the continuous use of the apparatus is instructed (S298-YES), and ends the process when the continuous use of the apparatus is not instructed (S298-NO).

  When the information acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 510_2 is distributed from the information transmitting / receiving device 5A_2 on the second domain 8_2 side to the devices of the first domain 8_1 (the information receiving device 4A_1 and the information transmitting / receiving device 5A_1), a detailed description is omitted. However, in the above description, the reference may be changed from “_1” to “_2”.

<Transmission processing: copyrighted (second example): first embodiment>
FIG. 7C is a flowchart for explaining a second example of a specific procedure of transmission processing in the case of copyright in the information transmission system 1A of the first embodiment. The second example of the transmission process in the case of copyright is the transmission process in the case of YES (that is, with copyright) in step S254 shown in FIG.

  The difference between the second example and the first example is that transmission to a transmission destination via the third communication network 9_3, which is a public communication line, is prohibited, and when transmission to a transmission destination not via the third communication network 9_3 is performed, The transmission information editing unit 558_1 controls the transmission to be performed after adding the security setting.

  In realizing the function, in the second example, the transmission control unit 550_1 moves to the operation screen of all destination addresses that can be transmitted by the user based on the user address data acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 510_1. Is displayed and the selection of the transmission destination by the user is accepted (S286).

  The transmission control unit 550_1 determines whether the address selected by the user is within the intranet (that is, within its own domain) (S288). When the address to the terminal in the intranet is selected (S288-YES), the transmission control unit 550_1 controls the information distribution to the selected address as in the first example (S292).

  On the other hand, when an address to a terminal in a domain that passes through the third communication network 9_3 beyond the intranet is selected (S288-NO), the transmission control unit 550_1 prohibits information distribution to the address (S294). ). In this case, the transmission control unit 550_1 may display on the operation screen that information distribution is prohibited or notify the user by voice communication.

<Summary of First Embodiment>
For example, with the exception of some special manuscripts such as banknotes, the scanner device has almost no restrictions on the object to be read, and can easily create a duplicate. As a countermeasure against this, it is conceivable to apply a process capable of discriminating that the original scan data having a copyright is a copy at the time of copy printing.

  However, unlike the printed output, it is easier than the printed material to artificially erase the processing performed for discrimination in the state of digital data, and it is sufficient as a means to suppress the overflow of duplication as digital data It can not be said. In addition, it may be difficult to read the contents of the product due to the process of discriminating the copy of the digital data.

  In addition, if the scanner device is connected to a network, it can be distributed and viewed via public communication lines (such as the Internet), so there is a risk that flooding may occur in a short time with easy operation. .

  On the other hand, in the information transmission system 1 of the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the information instructed to be transmitted has copyright, and if the information is recognized as having copyright, the transmission destination is public communication. Whether or not transmission is possible is controlled based on whether or not it goes through a line, and even when transmission is permitted, if copyright is set, transmission is performed after automatically adding security settings.

  For this reason, digital data detected to have copyright is restricted (prohibited) from being transmitted to the public communication line. In addition, even when sending to an intranet, the creation of duplicate data is restricted to legitimate persons by automatically adding the authentication information (password) required when opening the file, and duplication is suppressed. Is done.

<System Configuration: Second Embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the information transmission system.

  The information transmission system 1B according to the second embodiment is based on the information transmission system 1A according to the first embodiment, and further changes the transmission function unit and the information management device 6B of the information transmission device 3B and the information transmission / reception device 5B. . The information transmission apparatus 3B is different from the information transmission apparatus 3A, the information transmission / reception apparatus 5B is different from the information transmission / reception apparatus 5A, and the information management apparatus 6B is different from the information management apparatus 6A. The figure is the same as in the first embodiment.

<Information Transmitting Device: Second Embodiment>
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information transmission device 3B of the second embodiment.

  The information transmission device 3B is further provided with a copyright accuracy processing unit 340 based on the information transmission device 3A of the first embodiment. The transmission control unit 350 refers to the determination result of the copyright accuracy processing unit 340 to determine whether the output target information can be transmitted and whether editing is necessary for copyright management. That is, the second embodiment is characterized in that the installation location of the information transmission device 3 (particularly, a function unit that captures output target information) is added to the determination index for output control.

  Note that the mechanism of the second embodiment is that there is no clear copyright pattern such as a digital watermark or a two-dimensional barcode in the output target information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310, and the copyright information processing unit 330 uses the copyright pattern. It is for dealing with the case where it cannot be detected. Therefore, when focusing only on this function, it is not essential to provide the copyright information processing unit 330 as the mechanism of the second embodiment.

  However, in reality, regardless of whether or not there is a copyright pattern in the output target information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310, the copyrighted information or the information that is likely to be copyrighted is copied. It is preferable to have a mechanism that suppresses flooding. It is considered that the copyright accuracy processing unit 340 alone can perform the same function as the copyright information processing unit 330. However, if there is a copyright pattern in the output target information, it is preferable to use the information if there is a copyright. This determination is considered to be more reliable. Therefore, in the configuration example shown here, the copyright information processing unit 330 is also provided.

  The copyright accuracy processing unit 340 determines whether the literary style of the output target information is based on the literary form (the literary pattern, the image pattern of the literary work, the recognition feature) and the installation location of the information acquisition unit 310 that acquires the output target information. The accuracy of having the copyright, that is, the accuracy of the output target information having the copyright is determined. In order to realize this function, the copyright accuracy processing unit 340 includes an information acquisition place determination unit 342, a work format storage unit 344 (work pattern storage unit), a format collation unit 346, a copyright accuracy determination unit 347, and a work. It has a right determination unit 348 (second copyright determination unit).

  The information acquisition location determination unit 342 acquires information on the installation location of the information acquisition unit 310, that is, the acquisition location of the output target information, and notifies the copyright accuracy determination unit 347 of the information.

  The work format storage unit 344 is an example of a collation information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of work formats (work pattern: an example of collation information) for determining whether transmission target information has a copyright. . The copyrighted work form storage unit 344 stores a copyrighted work form referred to in the collation processing in the form collation unit 346 in a storage medium (for example, a non-volatile one such as a hard disk device).

  The format collation unit 346 collates (compares) the image pattern of the output target information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 with each feature of the work format prepared in advance, and the collation result (work format collation information) is written. It passes to the authority determination unit 347.

  The work format for collation may be prepared in the work form storage unit 344 or may be prepared in the information management device 6. When a work format for collation is prepared in the information management device 6, the information transmission device 3 is arranged in the information management device 6 without arranging the units (344 to 348) of the copyright accuracy processing unit 340. It is good to adopt a configuration. In this case, the information transmission device 3 is provided with an image information notification unit 343 that notifies the information management device 6 of the image information of the transmission target information. The image information notification unit 343 may notify the information management apparatus 6 of the image itself acquired by the information acquisition unit 310, or after extracting the image characteristics (image format) by the image information notification unit 343. The information management apparatus 6 may be notified of the image format. The latter requires less transmission information. The style data is easily updated by centrally managing the work format for collation by the information management device 6.

  In other words, in the case of a system configuration in which the information management device 6 performs a work style collation process, the copyright accuracy processing unit 340 may not include the work form storage unit 344 and the style collation unit 346. . In the case of a system configuration in which the information transmitting apparatus 3 includes the copyrighted work form storage unit 344, it is preferable to periodically update the form file. For updating the form file, for example, a portable storage medium may be used, or the form file may be periodically distributed using the information management device 6.

  The copyright accuracy determination unit 347 is a probability that the output target information has the copyright based on the information on the acquisition location of the output target information notified from the information acquisition location determination unit 342 and the collation result of the work style by the format collation unit 346. And the copyright determination unit 348 is notified of the determination result. The copyright determination unit 348 determines whether the output target information has a copyright based on the determination result by the copyright determination unit 348.

  The transmission control unit 350 controls output processing based on the relationship between the determination result of the copyright accuracy processing unit 340 and the instructed transmission destination. In particular, in the configuration of the second embodiment that also includes the copyright information processing unit 330, the transmission control unit 350, if the determination result by the copyright determination unit 338 of the copyright information processing unit 330 is copyrighted, The determination result is adopted, and if the determination result by the copyright determination unit 338 is no copyright, the determination result of the copyright accuracy processing unit 340 (the determination result of copyright presence / absence based on the accuracy of copyright) is employed. .

<Information Transmitting / Receiving Device: Second Embodiment>
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information transmitting / receiving apparatus 5B according to the second embodiment. The information transmitting / receiving apparatus 5B of the second embodiment has both functions of the information transmitting apparatus 3B (≠ 3A) and the information receiving apparatus 4B (= 4A) of the second embodiment, and the information transmitting apparatus 3B and the information receiving apparatus 4B. Are provided in a state in which one common functional unit is provided. Since each functional unit is the same as that provided in the information transmitting device 3B and the information receiving device 4B, the description is omitted here. In the figure, the copyright information processing unit 530 is also provided as in the case of the information transmission device 3B, but the copyright information processing unit 530 may not be provided.

<Information Management Device: Second Embodiment>
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information management apparatus 6B according to the second embodiment. In the figure, the copyright information processing unit 630 is also provided as in the case of the information transmission device 3B and the information transmission / reception device 5B. However, the copyright information processing unit 630 may be omitted.

  The information management device 6B is based on the information management device 6A of the first embodiment, as a copyright accuracy processing unit 640, as a copyrighted material format storage unit 644, a format verification unit 646, a copyright accuracy determination unit 647, and a copyright determination. Part 648.

  The work form storage unit 644 has the same function as the work form storage unit 344 of the information transmission apparatus 3B, and the form collation unit 646 has the same function as the form collation unit 346 of the information transmission apparatus 3B. The copyright accuracy determination unit 647 has the same function as the copyright accuracy determination unit 647 of the information transmission device 3B, and the copyright determination unit 648 has the same function as the copyright determination unit 648 of the information transmission device 3B.

<Overall Operation: Second Embodiment>
12 to 12A are flowcharts for explaining the entire processing procedure of the information transmission system 1B according to the second embodiment. Here, the first example shown in FIG. 12 is a case where the information transmitting device 3B or the information transmitting / receiving device 5B includes both copyright information processing units 330_1 and 530_1 and copyright accuracy processing units 340_1 and 540_1. The second example shown in 12A is a case where the information transmission device 3B and the information transmission / reception device 5B do not include the copyright information processing units 330_1 and 530_1 but include the copyright accuracy processing units 340_1 and 540_1. The processing step numbers are shown in the 300s, and the same or similar processing steps as in the first embodiment are shown by replacing the 100s with the 300s.

  In the description of each processing procedure to be described later, a reference “_1” is attached to a function unit included in each device on the first domain 8_1 side, and a reference “_2” is assigned to a function unit included in each device on the second domain 8_2 side. "To distinguish. Here, a description will be given in the case of a system configuration in which a collation work form is prepared in the information transmitting apparatus 3 and collation is performed. Note that the work format is described as “work pattern”.

  First, the case of the first example shown in FIG. 12 will be described. In the devices in the first domain 8_1 (the information transmission device 3A_1 and the information transmission / reception device 5A_1), the information acquired by the information acquisition units 310_1 and 510_1 is transferred to the devices in the own domain or the second domain 8_2 (the information reception device 4A_2 and the information transmission / reception device). 5A_2) via the communication network 9.

  At this time, in the device of the first domain 8_1, the information acquisition units 310_1 and 510_1 acquire output target information (S310). The identification code extraction units 332_1 and 532_1 obtain the output target information, extract the copyright code information, and pass it to the code verification units 336_1 and 536_1 as a copyright pattern (S330).

  When the identification code extraction units 332_1 and 536_1 are extracting code information that can be a copyright pattern (S330-YES), the process proceeds to the same process as in the first embodiment. When the mechanism of the first embodiment (specifically, the copyright information processing units 330_1 and 530_1) recognizes the presence of code information that can be a copyright pattern, information acquired by the information acquisition units 310_1 and 530_1 (for example, images) This means that the copyright pattern has been assigned to the originals read by the reading units 312_1 and 512_1, and therefore the determination results of the copyright determination units 338_1 and 538_1 are given priority.

  On the other hand, when the identification code extraction units 332_1 and 532_1 have not extracted copyright code information (copyright pattern) (S330-NO), the format collation units 346_1 and 546_1 preliminarily have the work format storage units 344_1 and 544_1. Are compared with the copyrighted work pattern included in the information acquired by the information acquisition units 310_1 and 510_1, and the verification result is passed to the copyright accuracy determination units 347_1 and 547_1 (S340).

  Copyright accuracy determination units 347_1 and 547_1 are information acquisition units 310_1 and 510_1 based on the information on the acquisition location of the output target information notified from the information acquisition location determination units 342_1 and 542_1 and the verification results by the format verification units 346_1 and 546_1. Determines the accuracy of the output target information obtained by the copyright holder (the accuracy of the corresponding work pattern) and notifies the determination result to the copyright determination units 348_1 and 548_1 (S350).

  The copyright determination units 348_1 and 548_1 determine whether or not the output target information acquired by the information acquisition unit 510_1 has a copyright based on the work pattern corresponding accuracy (S353).

  The transmission control units 350_1 and 550_1 are instructed to output the output information based on the determination result by the copyright determination units 348_1 and 548_1 (the determination result of the presence / absence of copyright based on the probability of having the copyright) and the transmission destination of the output object information. Controls whether to permit transmission to the destination and editing of output target information. Hereinafter, it is the same as that of 1st Embodiment.

  That is, in the second embodiment, when the copyright code can be detected from the information acquired by the information acquisition units 310_1 and 510_1, it is determined whether or not the copyright is obtained by the same processing as in the first embodiment. When the copyright codes cannot be detected from the information acquired by the acquisition units 310_1 and 510_1, the output is based on the installation location of the information acquisition units 310_1 and 510_1 (specifically, the information acquisition location) and the characteristics of the copyrighted work form included in the output target information It is determined whether the target information has a copyright.

  In the above description, the information transmitting apparatus 3B and the information transmitting / receiving apparatus 5B are described as having both the copyright information processing units 330_1 and 530_1 and the copyright accuracy processing units 340_1 and 540_1. When the units 330_1 and 530_1 are not provided, the determination process in step S330 in FIG. 12 is omitted as in the second example illustrated in FIG. 12A.

  In the procedure shown in FIG. 12 to FIG. 12A, the processing of steps S300 to S340 is referred to as copyrighted material discrimination processing, the processing of the system of steps S360 and S371-NO is referred to as transmission processing in the case of no copyright, and step S360, The process of S371-YES is referred to as a transmission process when there is a copyright. The transmission process when there is no copyright and the transmission process when there is a copyright are the same as those in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the literary work determination process will be described in more detail.

<Relationship between copyright style and information acquisition location and copyrighted work>
FIG. 12B is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the copyrighted work pattern and the information acquisition location and the copyrighted work in a specific example in the information transmission system 1B of the second embodiment. The copyrighted material pattern and the information acquisition location correspond to the copyright information of the first embodiment. Here, the idea of specifying whether the information to be output is a literary work from the relationship between the literary work pattern and the information acquisition location is shown in a chart.

  For example, even if the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 is copyrighted, a copyright code (copyright pattern) such as a digital watermark or a two-dimensional barcode is not always attached. In the first embodiment, whether or not the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 has a copyright depends on whether or not the copyright information processing unit 330 has a copyright code such as a digital watermark or a two-dimensional barcode. Determine whether. Therefore, in the first embodiment, even if the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 is copyrighted, if the copyright code such as a digital watermark or a two-dimensional barcode is not attached, the information is copyrighted. It is impossible to determine that you have the right.

  On the other hand, there are various works such as books, comics, magazines, collections of paintings, etc. The layout pattern of characters, page numbers, chapter numbers, figures, photos, etc. included in them (collectively referred to as image patterns). ) Is considered to have a certain degree of regularity. In addition, it is considered that there is a certain degree of regularity in the places where works such as books, comics, magazines, and paintings are placed. For example, in a scanner device installed in a public place, since the original to be read is limited to some extent for each installation place, the possibility of having the copyright in the original is estimated from the characteristics obtained from the scanned image. obtain.

  In the second embodiment, paying attention to these regularities, whether or not the information has a copyright code such as a digital watermark or a two-dimensional barcode is copyrighted (more accurately, (Accuracy of having copyright) is determined. Whether the determination target object has the copyright is determined based on how much the image pattern of the determination target matches the image pattern of the copyrighted work (accuracy of corresponding work pattern).

  FIG. 12B (1) shows the relationship between the information acquisition location (installation location of the information acquisition unit 310), the copyrighted work pattern, and the probability that the thing corresponding to the copyrighted work pattern is placed in the information acquisition location (workpiece pattern appropriate accuracy). It is a chart which illustrates.

  In the second embodiment, the feature (work pattern) of the image is defined for each work. Then, the image feature (image pattern) of the processing target information is compared with the literary work pattern of each literary work to determine which literary work pattern matches, and further considers the place where the literary work was placed. The possibility that the processing target information is a copyrighted work is evaluated.

  Here, three types of books (books), comics, and magazines are illustrated as copyrighted works. Correspondingly, three types of copyrighted material patterns are considered: a copyrighted material pattern 1 for books, a copyrighted material pattern 2 for comics, and a copyrighted material pattern 3 for magazines. The work pattern corresponding accuracy is classified into three levels of “high”, “medium”, and “low”.

  Considering the place where the copyrighted work was placed, for example, consider the following. In the case of a library, it is considered that the accuracy of placing works (books, comics, and magazines) decreases in the order of books, magazines, and comics. Therefore, the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 may be considered to decrease in the order of books, magazines, and comics.

  In the case of comics cafes, the accuracy of placing copyrighted works (books, comics, and magazines) is overwhelmingly high for comics and low for magazines and books. Therefore, the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 is also highly likely to be a manga, and may be unlikely to be a book or a magazine.

In the case of a business spot, the accuracy of placing a work (book, comic book, and magazine) is considered to be relatively high for magazines and moderate for comic books and books .

  FIG. 12B (2) is a chart illustrating the characteristics of the literary work pattern of each literary work (book, comic book, and magazine). Here, the character arrangement, the page number arrangement, the chapter number arrangement, the degree of existence of a figure, and the degree of existence of a photograph are set as points of interest in feature extraction.

  A case of a book (copyright pattern 1) will be described. It is considered that the characters are arranged uniformly on the entire page and the change in font and size tends to be small. It is considered that the page number tends to be arranged on the upper side or the lower side. Chapter numbers are likely to be placed on the top or bottom side. There are few figures and photos.

  The case of a comic (work pattern 2) will be described. Characters are present in limited parts of the page, and the number tends to be small. The page numbers tend to be placed at the bottom or not attached. It seems that there is a tendency that chapter numbers are not assigned. It seems that there are many figures but there are few photographs.

  The case of a magazine (copyright pattern 3) will be described. Characters are arranged side by side with figures and photographs, and it is considered that there is a tendency for changes in font and size to be large. It is considered that the page number tends to be arranged on the upper side or the lower side. It seems that chapter numbers tend to be placed on the top side or not attached. It seems that there is a tendency to have many figures and photos.

  FIG. 12B (3) is a chart illustrating the relationship between the work pattern corresponding accuracy and the determination of whether or not there is a copyright. The copyright accuracy determination unit 347 refers to the relationship shown in FIG. 12B (1) and FIG. 12B (2), and the information (determination target information) acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 has a certainty (copyrighted work) Pattern accuracy).

  The copyright determination unit 348 determines whether or not the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 has a copyright, based on the work pattern corresponding accuracy determined by the copyright accuracy determination unit 347. The threshold value for the determination may be arbitrary, but at least the separation based on the work pattern corresponding accuracy is performed. For example, as in the first example shown in FIG. 12B (3-1), when the work pattern corresponding accuracy is “medium” or higher, it is determined that the copyright has a copyright, and the work pattern corresponding accuracy is “low”. Sometimes it is determined that it has no copyright. Also, as in the second example shown in FIG. 12B (3-2), when the work pattern corresponding accuracy is “high”, it is determined that the work has a copyright, and when the work pattern corresponding accuracy is “medium” or less. May have no copyright.

<Copyright determination process: second embodiment>
13 to 13A are flowcharts illustrating a specific procedure of the copyrighted work determination process in the information transmission system 1B of the second embodiment. The processing step numbers are indicated in the 400s, and the processing steps similar to or similar to those of the first embodiment are indicated by replacing the 200s with the 400s.

  Here, a copyright pattern for verification is prepared in the information management device 6, and the information transmission / reception device 5B_1 is used as a device on the first domain 8_1 side, and a code verification unit 536_1 is arranged in the information transmission / reception device 5B_1. In the case of a system configuration in which the code matching unit 636 is arranged in the information management device 6 and each part of the copyright accuracy processing unit 540_1 is arranged in the information transmitting / receiving device 5B_1.

  The first example shown in FIG. 13 is a case where the information transmitting / receiving device 5B includes both the copyright information processing unit 530 and the copyright accuracy processing unit 540, and the second example shown in FIG. 13A is the information transmitting / receiving device 5B. In this case, the copyright information processing unit 530 is not provided but the copyright accuracy processing unit 540 is provided.

  First, the case of the first example shown in FIG. 13 will be described. The user sets the installation location of the information acquisition unit 310. The installation location determination unit 520_1 acquires the information of the installation location and notifies the transmission control unit 550_1 (S402). Thereafter, the processing up to the preliminary display in step S428 is the same as in the first embodiment.

  After the process related to the preliminary display, the identification code extraction unit 532_1 tries to extract the copyright pattern from the output target information (S430). When the identification code extraction unit 532_1 extracts the copyright pattern (S430-YES), the process proceeds to step S231 in the first embodiment, and the same processing as in the first embodiment is performed.

  On the other hand, when the identification code extraction unit 532_1 has not extracted the copyright pattern (S430-NO), the identification code extraction unit 532_1 transmits only the user information acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 510_1 to the information management device 6. (S431).

  The information management apparatus 6 that has received the user information has address data in the transmission destination information storage unit 633, and prepares address data corresponding to the user from the user information. For example, the information management device 6 identifies the user from the user information, and reads the address data (destination address book) corresponding to the identified user from the transmission destination information storage unit 633 (S442). The information management device 6 transmits the address data to the information transmitting / receiving device 5B_1 on the first domain 8_1 side (S448). The receiving unit 566_1 receives the address data from the information management device 6 and passes the address data to the transmission information acquiring unit 510_1 (S452).

  In this process, in the information transmitting / receiving apparatus 5B_1, the format collation unit 546_1 uses the copyrighted work patterns prepared in advance in the copyrighted work form storage unit 544_1 (the copyrighted material patterns 1 to 3 shown in FIGS. 12B (1) and (2)). ) And the information acquisition unit 510_1 collate each feature of the image pattern included in the acquired information, and pass the comparison result to the copyright accuracy determination unit 547_1 (S444).

  The copyright accuracy determination unit 547_1 uses the output target information acquired by the information acquisition unit 510_1 based on the information on the acquisition location of the output target information notified from the information acquisition location determination unit 542_1 and the verification result by the format verification unit 546_1. The probability of having the right (the accuracy corresponding to the work pattern) is determined, and the determination result is notified to the copyright determination unit 548_1 (S445).

  That is, the copyright accuracy processing unit 540_1 determines whether or not the image pattern of the information acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 510_1 matches the characteristics of the copyrighted material patterns 1 to 3. In addition, the copyright accuracy processing unit 540_1 determines the accuracy of the copyrighted work pattern selected from the recognized features from the setting of the installation location.

  According to the first example shown in FIG. 12B (3-1) or the second example shown in FIG. 12B (3-2), the copyright determination unit 548_1 outputs the output acquired by the information acquisition unit 510_1 based on the work pattern corresponding accuracy. It is determined whether the target information has a copyright (S446).

  Thereafter, the transmission control unit 550_1, like the first embodiment, determines whether or not it has a copyright (S454), the transmission destination of the output target information, and the transmission destination to which the output target information is instructed according to the service content. Controls whether or not to permit transmission to and editing of output target information.

  In the above description, the information transmission / reception device 5B_1 includes both the copyright determination unit 538_1 and the copyright accuracy processing unit 540_1. However, when the information transmission / reception device 5B_1 does not include the copyright determination unit 538_1, FIG. As in the second example shown in 13A, the determination process in step S430 in FIG. 13 is omitted.

  As described above, in the mechanism of the second embodiment, even when the output target information acquired by the transmission information acquisition unit 510_1 (for example, the document read by the image reading unit 512_1) does not include a copyright pattern indicating copyright, The transmission control unit 550_1 performs output control similar to that in the first embodiment. That is, in the processing procedure of the first example, not only whether or not the copyright pattern is included in the information, but also the accuracy of the work pattern corresponding that is determined based on the information acquisition location and the characteristics of the image pattern included in the information. As a determination index, it is determined whether or not the information instructed to be transmitted has a copyright. In the processing procedure of the second example, whether or not the copyright pattern is included in the information is not used as a determination index, but the work pattern corresponding accuracy determined based on the information acquisition location and the characteristics of the image pattern included in the information. Is used as a determination index to determine whether or not the information instructed to be transmitted has copyright.

  In any case, when the copyright is recognized, the transmission is controlled based on whether the transmission destination is via the public communication line, and the copyright is set even when the transmission is permitted. Sometimes there is no difference from the first embodiment in that the security setting is automatically added before transmission.

  For this reason, even in the mechanism of the second embodiment, transmission of digital data determined to have copyright to the public communication line is restricted (prohibited). In addition, even when sending to an intranet, the creation of duplicate data is restricted to legitimate persons by automatically adding the authentication information (password) required when opening the file, and duplication is suppressed. Is done.

<Configuration by electronic computer>
FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the control configuration of the information transmission apparatus (information transmission apparatus 3, information reception apparatus 4, and information transmission / reception apparatus 5). Here, a more realistic hardware configuration of a control configuration of an information transmission apparatus constructed from a microprocessor or the like that executes software using an electronic computer such as a personal computer is shown.

  That is, in this embodiment, the mechanism of the control configuration of the information transmission apparatus that performs the control processing related to the information transmission processing is not limited to being configured by a hardware processing circuit, but based on a program code that realizes the function of the computer ( It is realized by software using a computer. Therefore, a program suitable for realizing the mechanism according to the present embodiment by software using an electronic computer (computer) or a computer-readable storage medium storing this program is extracted as an invention. By adopting a mechanism that is executed by software, the processing procedure and the like can be easily changed without changing hardware.

  The series of information transmission processes described above can be realized not only by hardware or software alone but also by a combined configuration of both. When executing processing by software, a program showing the processing procedure is installed (installed) in a storage medium in a computer embedded in hardware and executed, or a general-purpose electronic computer capable of executing various types of processing is used. Incorporate and execute the program.

  A program for causing a computer to execute an information transmission processing function is distributed through a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Further, this program may be stored in the FD instead of the CD-ROM. In addition, an MO drive may be provided to store the program in the MO, or the program may be stored in another recording medium such as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory card such as a flash memory. Furthermore, the program constituting the software is not limited to being provided via a recording medium, and may be provided via a wired or wireless communication network. For example, the program may be downloaded and acquired from another server or the like via a network such as the Internet or updated.

  Further, the program is provided as a file describing a program code for realizing a function of performing information transmission processing. In this case, the program is not limited to being provided as a batch program file, and the hardware of the system configured by a computer Depending on the configuration, it may be provided as an individual program module.

  For example, the computer system 900 can read and write at any time from a central control unit 910 constituted by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor and a ROM (Read Only Memory) that is a read-only storage unit. A storage unit 912 having a random access memory (RAM), an operation unit 914, and other peripheral members not shown.

  The central control unit 910 is similar to the central control unit 910 that forms the center of an electronic computer whose representative example is a CPU in which the functions of computation and control performed by a computer are integrated into an ultra-small integrated circuit. The ROM stores a control program for the information transmission processing function. The operation unit 914 is a user interface for accepting an operation by a user.

  The control system of the computer system 900 may be configured such that an external recording medium such as a memory card that is not shown can be inserted and removed, and can be connected to a communication network such as the Internet. For this purpose, the control system includes a memory reading unit 920 that reads information on a portable recording medium and a communication I / F 922 as a communication interface unit with the outside in addition to the central control unit 910 and the storage unit 912. It is good to make it. By providing the memory reading unit 920, the program can be installed and updated from an external recording medium. By providing the communication I / F 922, the program can be installed or updated via the communication network. The basic information transmission processing mechanism is the same as in the above embodiment.

  Here, the control configuration of the information transmission apparatus has been described as a configuration example that is realized by software on a computer. However, each part of the control configuration of the information transmission apparatus for realizing the information transmission processing of the present embodiment ( Specific means (including functional blocks) may be hardware, software, communication means, a combination thereof, or other means, which is obvious to those skilled in the art. Moreover, the functional blocks may be combined and integrated into one functional block. Also, software that causes a computer to execute program processing is installed in a distributed manner according to the combination.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment without departing from the gist of the invention, and embodiments to which such changes or improvements are added are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Further, the above embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims (claims), and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention. Absent. The embodiments described above include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. Even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, as long as an effect is obtained, a configuration from which these some constituent requirements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

  For example, in the embodiment, when the copyright pattern is extracted from the transmission target information, the transmission target information is copyrighted after the extracted copyright pattern is collated with a plurality of types of copyright patterns stored in advance. It is determined whether or not it has. However, it is not essential to collate the extracted copyright pattern with a plurality of types of copyright patterns stored in advance. For example, an electronic watermark or two-dimensional barcode that is assumed to be a copyright pattern is used. Once extracted, it may be determined that the transmission target information is copyrighted. However, the extracted digital watermark or code information such as a two-dimensional barcode may not be a copyright pattern assumed in the present embodiment, such as for sales management. In the first and second embodiments (first example of procedure), whether or not there is a copyright is properly determined even in such a case.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information transmission system, 3 ... Information transmission apparatus, 4 ... Information reception apparatus, 5 ... Information transmission / reception apparatus, 6 ... Information management apparatus, 7 ... Mail server, 9 ... Communication network, 310, 510 ... Information acquisition part, 312, 512, image reading unit, 314, 514, information receiving unit, 330, 530, 630 ... copyright information processing unit, 332, 532 ... identification code extracting unit, 334, 534, 634 ... copyright code storage unit, 336, 536 , 636... Code collating unit, 338, 538, 638... Copyright judging unit, 340, 540, 640... Copyright accuracy processing unit, 342, 542 ... Information acquisition location judging unit, 343, 543. , 544, 644... Work style storage unit, 346, 546, 646 ... Style collation unit, 347, 547, 647 ... Copyright accuracy determination unit, 348, 548, 648 ... Copyright determination unit 350, 550 ... Transmission control unit, 352, 552 ... Transmission destination information acquisition unit, 354, 554 ... Transmission enable / disable determination unit, 356, 556 ... Editing necessity determination unit, 358, 558 ... Transmission information editing unit, 360, 460, 560, 660 ... communication processing unit, 362, 462, 562, 662 ... communication interface unit, 364, 564, 664 ... transmission unit, 390, 490, 590 ... operation unit, 396, 496, 596 ... authentication card reader, 466 566, 666 ... receiving unit, 470, 570 ... authentication processing unit, 472, 572 ... security setting determination unit, 474, 574 ... authentication information receiving unit, 480, 580 ... image output unit, 670 ... address data management unit, 672 ... Billing Management Department

Claims (20)

A copyright determination unit that determines whether the transmission target information has a copyright;
Whether to permit transmission of the transmission target information to the transmission destination based on the determination result of the copyright presence / absence by the copyright determination unit and the transmission destination of the transmission target information, and the copyright on the transmission target information A transmission control unit for controlling the editing for protection;
Information transmission system equipped with. The copyright determination unit determines whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright based on a copyright identification code included in the transmission target information, and transmits the determination result on whether or not the copyright exists. The information transmission system according to claim 1, further comprising a first copyright determination unit that notifies the control unit. An identification code extraction unit for extracting a copyright identification code from the transmission target information;
A verification information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of verification information for determining whether the transmission target information has a copyright;
A code verification unit for verifying the identification code extracted by the identification code extraction unit and the verification information stored in the verification information storage unit;
Further comprising
The information transmission system according to claim 2, wherein the first copyright determination unit determines whether the transmission target information has a copyright based on a verification result by the code verification unit. The copyright determination unit determines whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright based on a location where the transmission target information is acquired and an image format of the transmission target information, and whether or not the copyright exists. The information transmission system according to claim 1, further comprising a second copyright determination unit that notifies the transmission control unit of the determination result. The copyright determination unit determines whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright based on a copyright identification code included in the transmission target information, and transmits the determination result on whether or not the copyright exists. A first copyright determination unit notifying the control unit;
Based on the location where the transmission target information is acquired and the image format of the transmission target information, it is determined whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright, and the determination result of whether or not the copyright exists is the transmission control. A second copyright determination unit for notifying the unit;
Have
The transmission control unit adopts the result when the first copyright determination unit determines that there is a copyright, and the transmission control unit uses the result when the first copyright determination unit determines that there is no copyright. The information transmission system according to claim 1, wherein a copyright determination result by the copyright determination unit of 2 is adopted. A verification information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of verification information for determining whether the transmission target information has a copyright;
A format collation unit that collates the image format of the transmission target information with the collation information stored in the collation information storage unit;
A copyright accuracy determination unit that determines the accuracy with which the transmission target information has a copyright, based on the location where the transmission target information is acquired and the verification result by the format verification unit;
Further comprising
The information transmission system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the copyright determination unit determines whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright, based on a determination result by the copyright accuracy determination unit. The transmission control unit transmits the transmission target information when the transmission destination of the transmission target information is outside the same communication area and the copyright determination unit determines that the transmission target information has a copyright. The information transmission system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The transmission control unit transmits the transmission target information when the transmission destination of the transmission target information is in the same communication area and the copyright determination unit determines that the transmission target information has a copyright. The information transmission system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein permission is given and control is performed to add additional information for copyright protection to the transmission target information. The transmission control unit determines that the transmission target information is copyrighted when the copyright determination unit determines that the transmission target information has a copyright when the transmission destination of the transmission target information is the same communication area. If the additional information for copyright protection cannot be added, the transmission target information is converted into a format in which additional information for copyright protection can be added, and then the additional information for copyright protection is converted. It controls to add, The information transmission system as described in any one of Claims 1-6. Whether to permit transmission of the transmission target information to the transmission destination based on the determination result of whether the transmission target information is copyrighted and the transmission destination of the transmission target information, and copyright protection for the transmission target information An information transmission device comprising a transmission control unit for controlling the editing of images. An identification code extraction unit for extracting a copyright identification code from the transmission target information;
A verification information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of verification information for determining whether the transmission target information has a copyright;
A code verification unit for verifying the identification code extracted by the identification code extraction unit and the verification information stored in the verification information storage unit;
A first copyright determination unit that determines whether the transmission target information has a copyright based on a verification result by the code verification unit, and notifies the transmission control unit of a determination result of the copyright;
The information transmission device according to claim 10, further comprising: An identification code extraction unit that extracts a copyright identification code from the transmission target information and transmits the copyright identification code to an information management device;
The information transmission device according to claim 10, wherein the transmission control unit receives, from the information management device, a determination result of whether or not the transmission target information is based on the copyright identification code. A verification information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of verification information for determining whether the transmission target information has a copyright;
A format collation unit that collates the image format of the transmission target information with the collation information stored in the collation information storage unit;
A copyright accuracy determination unit that determines the accuracy with which the transmission target information has a copyright, based on the location where the transmission target information is acquired and the verification result by the format verification unit;
A second copyright determination unit that determines whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright based on a determination result by the copyright accuracy determination unit, and notifies the transmission control unit of the determination result of the presence or absence of the copyright When,
The information transmission device according to claim 10, further comprising: A verification information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of verification information for determining whether the transmission target information has a copyright;
A format collation unit that collates the image format of the transmission target information with the collation information stored in the collation information storage unit;
A copyright accuracy determination unit that determines the accuracy with which the transmission target information has a copyright, based on the location where the transmission target information is acquired and the verification result by the format verification unit;
A second copyright determination unit that determines whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright based on a determination result by the copyright accuracy determination unit, and notifies the transmission control unit of the determination result of the presence or absence of the copyright When,
Further comprising
The transmission control unit adopts the copyright determination result based on the copyright identification code when the copyright exists, and the copyright determination result based on the copyright identification code indicates no copyright. The information transmission device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a determination result of copyright presence / absence by the second copyright determination unit is employed. An image information notifying unit for notifying the information management device of the image information of the transmission target information;
The information transmission according to claim 10, wherein the transmission control unit receives, from an information management device, a determination result of the presence or absence of copyright of the transmission target information based on a location where the transmission target information is acquired and a verification result by the format verification unit. apparatus. An image information notifying unit for notifying the information management device of the image information of the transmission target information;
The transmission control unit receives from the information management device a copyright determination result of the transmission target information based on the location from which the transmission target information is acquired and the verification result by the format verification unit, and uses the copyright identification code as the copyright identification code. If the determination result based on copyright is based on the copyright, the result is adopted, and if the determination result based on the copyright identification code is not copyright, the transmission target information is acquired and the location The information transmission device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a determination result of copyright existence of the transmission target information based on a collation result by a format collation unit is adopted. A verification information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of verification information for determining whether the transmission target information has a copyright;
A code verification unit that receives a copyright identification code extracted from the transmission target information from the information transmission device, and collates the identification code with the verification information stored in the verification information storage unit;
A copyright determination unit that determines whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright based on a verification result by the code verification unit, and transmits a determination result of the presence or absence of the copyright to the information transmission device;
An information management device comprising: A verification information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of verification information for determining whether the transmission target information has a copyright;
A format collation unit that collates the image information of the transmission target information received from the information transmission device and the collation information stored in the collation information storage unit;
A copyright accuracy determination unit that determines the accuracy with which the transmission target information has a copyright, based on the location where the transmission target information is acquired and the verification result by the format verification unit;
A copyright determination unit that determines whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright based on a determination result by the copyright accuracy determination unit, and transmits a determination result of the presence or absence of the copyright to the information transmission device;
An information management device comprising: A verification information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of verification information for determining whether the transmission target information has a copyright;
A code verification unit that receives a copyright identification code extracted from the transmission target information from the information transmission device, and collates the identification code with the verification information stored in the verification information storage unit;
A first copyright determination unit that determines whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright based on a verification result by the code verification unit, and transmits a determination result of the copyright presence or absence to the information transmission device; ,
A verification information storage unit that stores a plurality of types of verification information for determining whether the transmission target information has a copyright;
A format collation unit that collates the format of the image of the transmission target information received from the information transmission device and the collation information stored in the collation information storage unit;
A copyright accuracy determination unit that determines the accuracy with which the transmission target information has a copyright, based on the location where the transmission target information is acquired and the verification result by the format verification unit;
Based on the determination result by the copyright accuracy determination unit, it is determined whether or not the transmission target information has a copyright, and the determination result of the presence / absence of the copyright is transmitted to the information transmission device. And
An information management device comprising: A copyright determination step of determining whether the transmission target information has a copyright;
Whether to permit transmission of the transmission target information to the transmission destination based on the determination result of the copyright presence / absence in the copyright determination step and the transmission destination of the transmission target information, and the copyright on the transmission target information A transmission control process for controlling the editing for protection;
A program that causes an electronic computer to execute.

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