JP2011071652A - Image reading apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent removal of a USB memory from being forgotten as much as possible, even if an image reading apparatus is used in a use pattern for storing image data of a read original into the USB memory, and to prevent data from being used illegally by others as much as possible even if a user forgets to remove the USB memory. <P>SOLUTION: When the USB memory M is not removed until a predetermined period of time passes after the image data generated by read operation of an image read unit 16 have been stored in the USB memory M, the USB memory M displays a guide screen for urging enforcement of removal work, the image data are transferred from the USB memory M to an internal storage unit 210, the transferred image data are authenticated by an authentication processing unit 203 to input user information for returning to the USB memory M, and, after that, a guide screen G2 is displayed continuously until the USB memory M is removed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention belongs to a technical field of an image reading apparatus such as a scanner or a multifunction peripheral in which an external storage device such as a USB memory is detachable, and particularly relates to a technique for preventing forgetting to remove the external storage device.

  In recent years, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, which is widely known as a portable recording medium, can be mounted, and when the USB memory is mounted, data is read from and written to the USB memory. Image reading apparatuses such as scanners and multifunction machines having functions have been commercialized.

  In this type of image reading apparatus, there is a problem that the user often forgets to remove the USB memory attached to the apparatus from the apparatus after the job is completed and take it home. If the user forgets to remove the USB memory, not only will the data be lost, but the USB memory may be taken out by someone else and the data in the USB memory may be used illegally.

  In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-259259, forgetting to remove the USB memory, when a start key (print start key) is pressed, the job data is copied from the USB memory to the inside of the apparatus, and then the job is started. Previously, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus configured to prompt the user to remove the USB memory and to not start job execution when the USB memory is attached to the apparatus.

  In addition, in Patent Document 2 below, when data is acquired from an attached external storage device for the purpose of preventing leakage or leakage of data to a third party, processing using the acquired data is executed. The point that the data in the external storage device is deleted during or after the processing is completed is described.

JP 2006-107376 A JP 2009-3658 A

  An image reading apparatus to which a USB memory can be attached may be used in such a usage form that image data of a read original is stored in the USB memory. In this case, forgetting to remove the USB memory should be prevented. . However, such a technique has not been proposed.

  Note that Patent Document 1 does not start job execution when a USB memory is attached to the apparatus, and it is assumed that the USB memory is removed from the apparatus in order to perform a scanning operation. Therefore, the read image data of the original cannot be stored in the USB memory.

  Further, since Patent Document 2 deletes data in an external storage device during execution of processing using acquired data or after completion of the processing, image data of a read original is stored in a USB memory. I can't.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and even when the image reading apparatus is used in such a manner that the image data of the read document is stored in the USB memory, the USB memory is removed. An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of preventing forgetting as much as possible and preventing data from being illegally used by others even when the user forgets to remove the USB memory. .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, an external storage device mounting unit to which an external storage device is mounted, an image reading unit for reading an image of a document, and whether or not the external storage device is mounted to the external storage device mounting unit. When the first mounting state detection unit detects that the external storage device is mounted on the external storage device mounting unit, user information for identifying the user is detected. A registration screen display unit for displaying a registration screen for registration, a first user information input operation unit for inputting the user information on the registration screen displayed by the registration screen display unit, and the first user information input When the user information storage unit stores the user information input by the operation unit and the user information storage unit stores the user information, the image reading unit reads the image of the document. A scan instruction input operation unit that allows an instruction to store the image data obtained by the reading operation in the external storage device mounted in the external storage device mounting unit, and the scan instruction input operation unit. A scan execution instructing unit that causes the image reading unit to execute a reading operation according to the instruction, and image data obtained by the reading operation of the image reading unit based on an instruction from the scan execution instructing unit. A storage unit that stores data in an external storage device mounted on the internal storage unit, an internal storage unit that stores data, a first timing unit that performs a time measurement operation from the time when image data is stored in the storage unit, and A second mounting state detection unit that detects whether or not the external storage device is mounted on the external storage device mounting unit when a predetermined time is counted by the time measuring unit; When it is detected by the second mounting state detection unit that the external storage device is mounted on the external storage device mounting unit, the data stored in the external storage device is transferred to the internal storage unit. When the data is transferred by the transfer processing unit, the second time measuring unit that performs a time measuring operation from the time when the data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit, the external storage device The detachment input operation unit that enables input of detachment from the external storage device mounting unit, and the detachment input operation unit until the predetermined time is counted by the second timekeeping unit. When an instruction to remove the external storage device is input, a login screen display unit that displays a login screen, and the user information input by the first user information input operation unit are displayed. When the user information is input by the second user information input operation unit for inputting on the login screen displayed by the login screen display unit and the second user information input operation unit, the input user information And an authentication processing unit that determines whether or not the user information stored in the user information storage unit matches, and when both the user information match, an authentication processing unit that outputs the authentication signal, and the authentication processing And a second transfer processing unit that returns the data transferred to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit to the external storage device when the authentication signal is received from the unit.

  According to this invention, when the first mounting state detection unit detects that the external storage device is mounted on the external storage device mounting unit, the user information for identifying the user by the registration screen display unit When the user information is input by the first user information input operation unit on the registration screen, the user information is stored in the user information storage unit.

  When the user information is stored in the user information storage unit, the scan instruction input operation unit causes the image reading unit to read the image of the document, and the image data obtained by the reading operation is stored in the external data. An instruction to store in an external storage device attached to the storage device attachment unit can be input. When the instruction is input, the reading operation is executed by the image reading unit based on an instruction from the scan execution instruction unit. The image data obtained by the reading operation is stored in the external storage device by the storage unit.

  Next, when the first time measuring unit starts the time measuring operation from the time when the image data is stored by the storage unit, and when a predetermined time is measured, the external storage device mounting unit stores the external storage device. Whether or not the device is mounted is detected by the second mounting state detection unit. When the second mounting state detection unit detects that the external storage device is mounted on the external storage device mounting unit, the data stored in the external storage device is transferred to the first transfer processing unit by the first transfer processing unit. The time measuring operation by the second time measuring unit is started from the time when the data is transferred to the internal storage unit and the data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit.

  When the data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit, it is input that the external storage device is removed from the external storage device mounting unit until the predetermined time is measured by the second time measuring unit. When input is possible through the operation unit and removal is input, a login screen is displayed by the login screen display unit.

  When the user information input by the first user information input operation unit is input by the second user information input operation unit on the login screen, the input user information and the user information storage are input by the authentication processing unit. It is determined whether or not the user information stored in the section matches, and when both the user information match, an authentication signal indicating that fact is output.

  When the authentication signal is received by the second transfer processing unit, the data transferred to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit is returned to the external storage device by the second transfer processing unit.

  As described above, when the predetermined time elapses after the image data obtained by the reading operation is stored in the internal storage unit, the external storage device is still mounted in the external storage device mounting unit. Since the data stored in the external storage device is transferred to the internal storage unit, the user forgets to remove the external storage device and the external storage device is removed without permission by another person. Even so, the image data can be prevented from being illegally used by others.

  In addition, the user information input through the second user information input operation unit is authenticated, and when the authentication is received, the data transferred to the internal storage unit is returned to the external storage device. A user who operates the instruction input operation unit can obtain an external storage device in which image data of the read original is stored.

  In addition, in order to return the data transferred to the internal storage unit to the external storage device, it is necessary to receive authentication by the authentication processing unit, so that the image data transferred to the internal storage unit is freely obtained by others. Returning to the external storage device can be prevented.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device according to the first aspect, when data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit, the login screen display unit displays the login screen until the login screen is displayed. A guide screen display unit that displays a guide screen that prompts the user to perform the operation of removing the external storage device from the external storage device mounting unit, and the guide screen includes a predetermined display area as the removal input operation unit; It is.

  According to this invention, when data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit, the external storage device is removed from the external storage device mounting unit until the login screen is displayed by the login screen display unit. Since the guidance screen for prompting the implementation is displayed in a form having the removal input operation unit in a predetermined display area, forgetting to remove the external storage device can be suppressed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the external storage is performed by the removal input operation unit until a predetermined time is measured by the second time measuring unit. When it is not input that the device is to be removed from the external storage device mounting unit, the erasure process of erasing the data transferred to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit from the internal storage unit without returning to the external storage device A part is further provided.

  According to the present invention, the external storage device has not been removed from the external storage device mounting portion between the time when the data is transferred by the first transfer processing portion and the predetermined time has elapsed. In this case, since the data transferred from the external storage device to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit is deleted from the internal storage unit by the deletion processing unit, the image data remains in the internal storage unit. As a result, it is possible to prevent the image data from being illegally used by the image reading apparatus or the like.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the second aspect, the data transferred to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit is returned to the external storage device by the second transfer processing unit. A third mounting state detection unit that detects whether or not the external storage device has been removed from the external storage device mounting unit, and the guide screen display unit is connected to the external storage device by the third mounting state detection unit. A message indicating that the external storage device can be removed is displayed until it is detected that the storage device has been removed from the external storage device mounting section.

  According to this invention, after the data transferred to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit is returned to the external storage device by the second transfer processing unit, the external storage device is the external storage device. Since the message indicating that the external storage device can be removed is displayed until the external storage device is removed from the mounting portion, forgetting to remove the external storage device can be suppressed.

  According to the present invention, even when the image reading apparatus is used in such a form that the image data of the read document is stored in the external storage device, it is possible to prevent forgetting to remove the external storage device as much as possible and Even if the user forgets to remove the storage device, the data can be prevented from being illegally used by others.

It is explanatory drawing of front sectional view of one structural example of the image reading apparatus which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of the image reading apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of a registration screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a guidance screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a login screen. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the control part which concerns on removal prevention of USB memory. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the control part which concerns on removal prevention of USB memory.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the structure which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in each figure shows that it is the same structure, The description is abbreviate | omitted. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a front sectional view of a configuration example of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, the XX direction is referred to as the left-right direction, and in particular, the -X direction is referred to as the left, and the + X direction is referred to as the right.

  An image reading apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called in-body discharge type copying machine, and includes an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, a sheet storage unit 14, and a discharge unit in an apparatus main body 11. 15, an image reading unit 16, and an operation unit 17 are provided. A part of the paper discharge unit 15 (an in-body paper discharge tray 151 to be described later) is formed by recessing a part of the apparatus main body 11 below the image reading unit 16. It is called the in-body discharge type.

  The apparatus main body 11 includes a lower main body 111 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape in appearance, an upper main body 112 having a flat rectangular shape opposed to the upper portion of the lower main body 111, and the upper main body 112 and the lower main body 111. And a connecting portion 113 interposed therebetween. The connecting portion 113 is a structure for connecting the in-body discharge tray 151 of the discharge portion 15 between the lower main body 111 and the upper main body 112 to each other.

  The lower main body 111 includes an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, and a paper storage unit 14, and the upper main body 112 is equipped with an image reading unit 16. The operation unit 17 is provided at the front edge portion of the upper main body 112.

  The operation unit 17 receives an operation input related to the image reading process and the image forming process, and is used to input a numeric keypad for inputting the number of sheets P to be processed, various other operation keys 171, and a touch input. A display unit 172 provided with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a power button 173 for turning on / off power supply required for each unit of the image reading apparatus 10, and the like are provided. The operation unit 17 corresponds to a scan instruction input operation unit, a first user information input operation unit, a second user information input operation unit, and a removal input operation unit.

  The sheet storage unit 14 includes a detachable sheet cassette 141 provided immediately below the image forming unit 12 in the lower main body 111 and a large amount of detachable sheets provided further below the sheet cassette 141. And a large-capacity deck 142 that can store paper (sheet body) P. In the present embodiment, the paper cassette 141 is provided in two stages, and the large capacity deck 142 is provided in two rows. The paper cassette 141 can be installed in two stages, and one of them can be added as an option.

  When the image forming process is performed, the paper P is fed out one by one by the paper feed rollers 145 and 146 from the paper bundle P1 stored in the paper cassette 141 or the large capacity deck 142 and sent to the image forming unit 12. Thus, an image forming process (printing process) is performed on the paper P.

  The paper discharge unit 15 includes an in-body discharge tray (switchback tray) 151 formed between the lower main body 111 and the upper main body 112, and an out-body discharge tray (external tray) formed outside the apparatus main body 11. ) 152 and an in-cylinder finisher 153 provided at a position directly above the in-cylinder discharge tray 151.

  The paper P on which the toner image has been transferred sent from the image forming unit 12 passes through the carry-out direction switching unit 20 provided in the connecting unit 113, and the in-cylinder sheet discharge tray 151, the discharge destination set in advance, The paper is discharged toward either the paper tray 152 or the in-body finisher 153. The in-body finisher 153 performs post-processing such as punching and stapling on the discharged paper P. The sheet is discharged to the in-body discharge tray 151 by a discharge roller 147.

  The in-body discharge tray 151 is used not only for discharging the paper P, but also when the paper P is subjected to the double-sided printing process, printing on the back side of the paper P for which the front side printing process has been completed. It is also used as a switchback tray for turning the paper P upside down for processing. In other words, the paper P on which the front side printing process has been completed is once discharged onto the in-body discharge tray 151, and then switched back with the latest leading edge so far, to the image forming unit 12. Returned. Then, the paper P on which single-sided printing has been completed is subjected to a printing process on the back side by the image forming unit 12 and is discharged to the in-body discharge tray 151 or the out-of-body discharge tray 152.

  The image reading unit 16 includes a contact glass 161 mounted on the upper surface opening of the upper body 112 for placing a document, an openable / closable document pressing cover 162 for pressing the document placed on the contact glass 161, An automatic document reading unit 163 mounted on the document pressing cover 162 and a scanning mechanism 164 that scans an image of the document placed on the contact glass 161 are provided.

  An image of a document placed on the contact glass 161 or supplied onto the contact glass 161 by the automatic document reading unit 163 is read as analog information by the scanning mechanism 164 and then converted into a digital signal, which will be described later. The image is output to 123 and used for image forming processing.

  Further, a manual feed tray 18 is provided at a position directly above the sheet storage unit 14 on the right surface of the lower main body 111. The lower side of the manual feed tray 18 is pivotally supported around a support shaft 181 so that the manual feed tray 18 is positioned between a closed posture standing up to close the manual feed port and an open posture protruding rightward. It can be changed. The manual feed tray 18 is used to manually feed the paper P one by one in a state where the posture is set to the open posture. The sheet P manually fed from such a manual tray 18 is sent out toward a nip portion between a photosensitive drum 121 and a transfer roller 125, which will be described later, via a sheet vertical conveyance path 101.

  A maintenance door 19 for maintenance that can be opened and closed is provided on the left surface of the lower main body 111. The out-body discharge tray 152 is provided at an upper position of the maintenance door 19. The paper P for which printing processing has been completed in the image forming unit 12 is selectively discharged to either the out-body discharge tray 152 or the in-body discharge tray 151.

  The image forming unit 12 is provided with a photosensitive drum 121 at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction and on the left side. The photosensitive drum 121 is uniformly charged on its peripheral surface by a charging unit 122 provided at a right position while rotating clockwise around the drum center.

  An exposure unit 123 that irradiates the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 with a laser beam based on the image information of the original image read by the image reading unit 16 is provided on the right side of the photosensitive drum 121. Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 by irradiation of the laser beam from the exposure unit 123. Toner is supplied from the developing unit 124 provided below the photosensitive drum 121 toward the electrostatic latent image, whereby a toner image along the electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121. .

  On the photosensitive drum 121 on which the toner image is formed, the sheet P conveyed from the sheet cassette 141 or the large-capacity deck 142 moves up the sheet vertical conveyance path 101 extending in the vertical direction, and is a resist for timing. It is fed through the roller pair 143. When the leading edge of the sheet is detected by the registration sensor 222, the registration roller pair 143 is temporarily stopped to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 121.

  Then, the toner image on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 is transferred to the sheet P that has reached the photosensitive drum 121 by the action of the transfer roller 125 arranged to face the photosensitive drum 121 on the left side. The sheet P on which the toner image is transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 121 and sent to the fixing unit 13.

  After the transfer of the toner image to the paper P is completed, the photosensitive drum 121 is continuously rotated in the clockwise direction, whereby the peripheral surface is cleaned by the cleaning device 126 provided immediately above the photosensitive drum 121, and the next image is displayed. It goes to the charging unit 122 for the forming process.

  The fixing unit 13 includes a heating roller 131 provided with an energization heating element such as a halogen lamp, a fixing roller 132 disposed opposite to the heating roller 131 on the left side, and a tension between the fixing roller 132 and the heating roller 131. The fixing belt 133 is provided, and a pressure roller 134 is provided on the left side so as to face the surface of the fixing belt 133. The sheet P fed from the image forming unit 12 receives the heat of the heating roller 131 through the fixing belt 133 while passing through the nip portion between the fixing belt 133 and the pressure roller 134, thereby A fixing process of the toner image to the paper P is executed.

  When the paper P after the fixing process is for single-sided printing, the paper P passes through the paper discharge conveyance path 102 via the carry-out direction switching unit 20 disposed above the fixing unit 13 and is out of the waist. In the cylinder that is discharged to the discharge tray 152, discharged to the in-cylinder discharge tray 151 through the reciprocating conveyance path 103, and further used as a switchback tray through the reciprocating conveyance path 103 for duplex printing. The paper is temporarily discharged to the paper discharge tray 151.

  In the case of double-sided printing, the single-sided printed paper P, the first half of which has been discharged to the in-body discharge tray 151 via the reciprocating conveyance path 103, is the reverse of the up-down direction provided in the maintenance door 19. The paper is reversely fed through the feeding / conveying path 104 and supplied again to the image forming unit 12 in a state where the front and back sides are reversed, and printing processing is performed on the back side. The paper P on which double-sided printing has been completed is discharged to the in-body discharge tray 151 or the out-body discharge tray 152.

  The maintenance door 19 is provided with a cover member 191 whose right surface is opposed to the left surface of the image forming unit 12 on the right side of the reverse feed path 104. The cover member 191 is held on the right side of the maintenance door 19. Then, with the maintenance door 19 set to the closed posture, the paper is fed from the paper cassette 141, the large capacity deck 142, and the manual feed tray 18 between the right side of the cover member 191 and the left side of the image forming unit 12. A part of the sheet vertical conveyance path 101 for conveying the sheet P is formed.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of the image reading apparatus 10 shown in FIG. The image reading apparatus 10 includes an internal storage unit 210, a USB mounting unit 23, and a control unit 200 in addition to the above-described units. In FIG. 2, various rollers and the like for transporting paper are collectively described as a transport mechanism 120.

  The internal storage unit 210 includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) and stores image data read by the image reading unit 16. The internal storage unit 210 includes a user ID storage unit 211 that temporarily stores a user ID registered on a registration screen G1 (see FIG. 3) described later.

  The image reading apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment displays a registration screen G1 (see FIG. 3) when the user attaches the USB memory M to the USB attachment unit 23 so that the user can use the USB memory M in the image reading apparatus 10. 172, and is configured to allow the user to perform a task of registering a user ID using the operation unit 17 on the registration screen G1, and the user ID storage unit 211 (internal storage unit 210) is input at this time The user ID is stored. The user ID storage unit 211 corresponds to a user information storage unit.

  The USB mounting unit 23 is a part into which a USB memory M (see FIG. 1; an example of an external storage device) is inserted, and a USB terminal 231 (external storage device mounting) that is mechanically and electrically connected to a terminal of the USB memory M. Part of an example).

  The control unit 200 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes predetermined arithmetic processing, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a predetermined control program, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data. And a timer circuit and peripheral circuits thereof. The control unit 200 is connected to the image reading unit 16, the image forming unit 12, the fixing unit 13, the transport mechanism 120, the operation unit 17, the internal storage unit 210, and the USB mounting unit 23.

  When the USB memory M is attached to the USB attachment unit 23, the image reading apparatus 10 allows the user to perform user ID registration work on the registration screen, and then inputs an operation instruction for the image reading apparatus 10 by the user. wait. When the user instructs a document reading operation, the image reading apparatus 10 executes a reading operation by the image reading unit 16 and stores image data obtained by the reading operation in the USB memory M.

  Here, in this embodiment, when the image data is stored in the USB memory M, the USB memory M can be removed. However, even if a predetermined time elapses after the image data is stored in the USB memory M, the USB memory M is stored. When the USB memory M is not removed, a guidance screen for urging the user to remove the USB memory M is displayed, and all the data in the USB memory M is transferred to the internal storage unit 210 in consideration of data safety.

  Thereafter, the image reading device 10 inputs to the image reading device 10 that the user removes the USB memory M after a predetermined time elapses after the data transfer process to the internal storage unit 210. Then, the user inputs the registered user ID when the image reading apparatus 10 is caused to perform the reading operation this time, and after performing the authentication process related to the input user ID, the user ID is transferred to the internal storage unit 210. Return the image data to the USB memory M.

  On the other hand, if the removal of the USB memory M is not input to the image reading device 10 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the data transfer process to the internal storage unit 210, the data is transferred to the internal storage unit 210. The image data is erased from the internal storage unit 210 without being returned to the USB memory M.

  In order to perform such processing, the control unit 200 executes, for example, a control program stored in the ROM, thereby executing a USB memory attachment detection unit 201, a display control unit 202, an authentication processing unit 203, and a job execution. It functions as an instruction unit 204, a time measuring unit 205, and a data processing unit 206.

  The USB memory attachment detection unit 201 detects whether or not the USB memory M is inserted into the USB attachment unit 23. For example, when the USB memory M is inserted into the USB mounting unit 23, the potential of the USB terminal 231 changes, and the USB memory mounting detection unit 201 is based on whether or not the potential of the USB terminal 231 has changed. Then, it is detected whether or not the USB memory M is inserted into the USB mounting unit 23. The USB mounting unit 23 and the USB memory mounting detection unit 201 correspond to a first mounting state detection unit, a second mounting state detection unit, and a third mounting state detection unit.

  When the USB memory M is mounted on the USB mounting unit 23, the display control unit 202 causes the display unit 17 to display a registration screen for registering a user ID indicating that the user is a user of the USB mounting unit 23. In response to a request from an authentication processing unit 203 (to be described later), various screens such as a login screen (to be described later) and a guidance screen for prompting removal of the USB memory M as described above are displayed on the display unit 172. FIG. 3 shows an example of the registration screen, FIG. 4 shows an example of the guidance screen, and FIG. 5 shows an example of the login screen.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the registration screen G1 includes a message M1 for instructing registration of a user ID, a box B1 for displaying characters and numbers input by the operation unit 17, a “registration” button B2 and a “return” button. B3. When the “registration” button B2 is operated, a process of storing the character and number array displayed in the box B1 as the user ID in the user ID storage unit 211 is performed, and when the “return” button B3 is operated, The registration screen G1 is switched to an initial screen (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the guidance screen G2 shows that the USB memory M is still mounted, a message M2 indicating an instruction to remove the USB memory M, and that the content of the message M2 has been recognized. 10 and an input button B4 for inputting to the terminal 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the login screen G3 is displayed in a message M3 prompting the user ID registered on the registration screen G1, a box B5 displaying characters and numbers input by the operation unit 17, and a box B5. And an “OK” button B6 for inputting that the input of the user ID has been completed with an arrangement of letters and numbers. The display control unit 202 and the display unit 172 constitute the registration screen display unit, the login screen display unit, and the guidance screen display unit.

  Returning to FIG. 1, in the authentication processing unit 203, the user ID input on the login screen G3 matches the user ID stored in the user ID storage unit 211 (the user ID registered on the registration screen G1). Whether or not.

  The job execution instructing unit 204 performs a job related to the execution instruction input from the operation unit 17, for example, a reading operation for reading an image of a document or an image forming operation for forming an image on a recording sheet. To be executed. The job execution instruction unit 204 includes a scan execution instruction unit.

  The time measuring unit 205 performs a time measuring operation. For example, when the USB memory M is not removed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the image data was stored in the USB memory M, the time measuring unit 205 stores the image data in the USB memory M. In order to measure the timing of transferring all data to the internal storage unit 210, or to erase the data transferred to the internal storage unit 210 from the internal storage unit 210 without returning it to the USB memory M The time measurement operation is performed. The timer unit 205 corresponds to a first timer unit and a second timer unit.

  The data processing unit 206 performs data transfer processing between the USB memory M and the internal storage unit 210, and erases data transferred to the internal storage unit 210. The data processing unit 206 corresponds to a storage unit, a first transfer processing unit, a second transfer processing unit, and an erasure processing unit.

  6 and 7 are flowcharts showing processing of the control unit 200 related to prevention of forgetting to remove the USB memory M.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when there is any operation on the image reading apparatus 10 (YES in step # 1), the USB memory attachment detection unit 201 attaches the USB memory M to the USB attachment unit 23. It is detected whether or not the operation is to be performed (step # 2).

  If the USB memory attachment detection unit 201 detects that the operation performed in step # 1 is not an operation for attaching the USB memory M to the USB attachment unit 23 (NO in step # 2), job execution The instruction unit 204 waits until a job execution instruction is issued (NO in step # 3). When there is a job execution instruction (YES in step # 3), the instruction unit 204 causes each unit in the image reading apparatus 10 to execute the job. (Step # 4).

  On the other hand, the USB memory attachment detection unit 201 indicates that the operation performed in step # 1 is an operation of attaching the USB memory M to the USB attachment unit 23 (the USB memory M is attached to the USB attachment unit 23). Is detected (YES in step # 2), the display control unit 202 displays a registration screen G1 as shown in FIG. 3 on the display unit 172 in response to a request from the authentication processing unit 203 (step 172). # 5).

  The authentication processing unit 203 waits until a user ID is input on the registration screen G1 (NO in step # 6). When the input user ID is accepted (YES in step # 6), the user ID is assigned to the user ID. Store in the ID storage unit 211 (step # 7).

  Next, job execution instructing unit 204 waits until a job execution instruction is received (NO in step # 8). When a job execution instruction is accepted (YES in step # 8), job execution instructing unit 204 It is determined whether or not the job is a scanning (image reading) operation (step # 9).

  If job execution instructing unit 204 determines that the job is a job other than a scan (image reading) operation (NO in step # 9), operation corresponding to the type of job is executed by each unit in image reading apparatus 10. On the other hand (step # 4), if it is determined that the job is a scan (image reading) operation (YES in step # 9), whether or not the USB memory M is designated as the storage destination of the image data read by the scan operation. Is determined (step # 10).

  If the job execution instructing unit 204 determines that a storage destination (internal storage unit 210) other than the USB memory M is designated as the storage destination of the image data read by the scanning operation (NO in step # 10), the scanning operation is performed as the image reading. The image reading unit 16 is caused to perform processing for storing the image data obtained by the reading operation in the storage destination (step # 4).

  On the other hand, when the job execution instructing unit 204 determines that the USB memory M is designated as the storage destination of the image data read by the scan operation (YES in step # 10), the job execution instructing unit 204 causes the image reading unit 16 to perform the scan operation. The image reading unit 16 is made to perform processing for storing the image data obtained by the operation in the USB memory M (step # 11). When the process of storing the image data in the USB memory M is completed, the time measuring unit 205 starts a time measurement operation.

  After the process of step # 11, as shown in FIG. 7, the USB memory attachment detection unit 201 determines whether or not a predetermined time has been measured after the image data is stored in the USB memory M by the time measuring unit 205. (Step # 12) When it is determined that the predetermined time has been counted after the image data is stored in the USB memory M (YES in Step # 12), the time measuring unit 205 stops the time measuring operation, resets the measured value, and the USB memory. The attachment detection unit 201 determines whether or not the USB memory M is removed from the USB attachment unit 23 (step # 13).

  If the USB memory mounting detection unit 201 determines that the USB memory M has been removed from the USB mounting unit 23 (YES in step # 13), the USB memory M terminates the series of processes, while the USB memory M is connected to the USB mounting unit. If it is determined that the USB memory M has not been removed (NO in step # 13), the display control unit 202 displays a guidance screen G2 as shown in FIG. The data processing unit 206 transfers all the data in the USB memory M from the USB memory M to the internal storage unit 210 (step # 14). When the data transfer process is completed, the time measuring unit 205 starts the time measuring operation again.

  Next, the data processing unit 206 detects whether or not the button B4 has been operated on the guide screen G2 (whether or not an instruction to remove the USB memory M from the USB mounting unit 23 has been input) at regular intervals (Step #). 15) If it is determined that the button B4 has not been operated (NO in step # 15), whether or not a predetermined time has been counted after the data is transferred to the internal storage unit 210 by the timer 205. Is determined (step # 16).

  If the data processing unit 206 determines that the predetermined time has not been counted since the data was transferred to the internal storage unit 210 (NO in step # 16), the data processing unit 206 returns to the processing in step # 15, while If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the transfer to the storage unit 210, all the data transferred from the USB memory M to the internal storage unit 210 is erased without returning to the USB memory M (step # 17). The display control unit 202 uses the display unit 172 to perform processing for notifying that all data transferred from the USB memory M to the internal storage unit 210 has been erased without returning to the USB memory M ( Step # 27), a series of processing is terminated.

  In step # 15, when it is detected that the button B4 is operated on the guidance screen G2 (input indicating that the USB memory M is removed from the USB mounting unit 23) (YES in step # 15), the display control unit 202 In response to the request from the authentication processing unit 203, a login screen G3 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 172 (step # 18). The authentication processing unit 203 waits until a user ID is input on the login screen G3 (NO in step # 19). When the user ID is input (YES in step # 19), the user ID is set to step # 19. In step # 20, it is checked whether the user ID is registered in the user ID storage unit 211 (step # 20).

  If the authentication processing unit 203 determines that the user ID is not registered in the user ID storage unit 211 in step # 7 (NO in step # 21), the authentication processing unit 203 and the display control unit 202 Performs a process of informing that using the display unit 172 (step # 22), and returns to the process of step # 18 again to give an opportunity to input an appropriate user ID.

  On the other hand, if the authentication processing unit 203 determines that the user ID matches that registered in the user ID storage unit 211 in step # 7 (YES in step # 21), the data processing unit 206 The data transferred from the USB memory M to the internal storage unit 210 is returned to the USB memory M, and the USB memory M is set in a removable state (step # 23), and the display control unit 202 removes the USB memory M. Is displayed on the display unit 172 (step # 24).

  Then, the USB memory attachment detection unit 201 determines whether or not the USB memory M has been removed from the USB attachment unit 23 (step # 25), and determines that the USB memory M has not been removed from the USB attachment unit 23. (NO in step # 25), the process returns to step # 24. On the other hand, if it is determined that the USB memory M has been removed from the USB mounting unit 23 (YES in step # 25), the display control unit 202 The display of the message indicating that the removal of the USB memory M is permitted is terminated, and the initial screen is displayed (step # 26).

  As described above, when the USB memory M is not removed after the image data generated by the image reading unit 16 is stored in the USB memory M until the predetermined time elapses, the USB memory M is removed. Since the guidance screen G2 that prompts the execution of work is displayed, forgetting to remove the USB memory M can be suppressed.

  If the USB memory M is not removed after the image reading unit 16 stores the image data in the USB memory M until a predetermined time elapses, the image data is stored from the USB memory M to the internal storage. Since the image data is transferred to the unit 210, even if the user forgets to remove the USB memory M, the image data can be prevented from being illegally used by others.

  The image data transferred from the USB memory M to the internal storage unit 210 by the data processing unit 206 is returned to the USB memory M when the authentication processing unit 203 authenticates the user information input by the operation unit 17. As a result, the user can obtain the USB memory M in which the image data of the read original is stored.

  Further, since the image data is returned to the USB memory M by the data processing unit 206, it is conditional on being authenticated by the authentication processing unit 203, the image data is returned to the USB memory M without permission by another person. Can be prevented.

  Further, after the image data is returned to the USB memory M by the data processing unit 206, a message indicating that the removal of the USB memory M is permitted is displayed until the USB memory M is removed from the USB mounting unit 23. Therefore, the occurrence of forgetting to remove the USB mounting portion 23 can be suppressed.

  In addition, when the data processing unit 206 transfers all the data in the USB memory M from the USB memory M to the internal storage unit 210 and the USB memory M is not removed from the USB mounting unit 23 within a predetermined time. Deletes all the data transferred from the USB memory M to the internal storage unit 210 without returning it to the USB memory M, so that the image data remains in the internal storage unit 210 and the image data becomes Unauthorized use in the image reading apparatus 10 or the like can be prevented.

  As described above, even when the image reading apparatus 10 is used in such a form that the image data obtained by the reading operation of the image reading unit 16 is stored in the USB memory M, it is possible to prevent forgetting to remove the USB memory M as much as possible. Even if the user forgets to remove the USB memory M, it is possible to prevent data from being used illegally by others.

  In this case, the following modifications may be employed instead of or in addition to the embodiment.

  (1) Forgetting to remove the USB memory M may be notified by sound together with the display of the guide screen G2.

  (2) The external storage device in this case is not limited to the USB memory M, but also includes a recording medium such as an SD card.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image reading apparatus 16 Image reading part 17 Operation part 172 Display part 200 Control part 201 USB memory mounting | wearing detection part 202 Display control part 203 Authentication process part 204 Job execution instruction part 205 Timing part 206 Data processing part 210 Internal memory part 211 Table storage Part 23 USB mounting part

Claims (4)

An external storage device mounting unit to which the external storage device is mounted;
An image reading unit for reading an image of a document;
A first attachment state detection unit for detecting whether or not the external storage device is attached to the external storage device attachment unit;
A registration screen for displaying a registration screen for registering user information for identifying a user when the first mounting state detection unit detects that the external storage device is mounted in the external storage device mounting unit A display unit;
A first user information input operation unit for inputting the user information on the registration screen displayed by the registration screen display unit;
A user information storage unit for storing the user information input by the first user information input operation unit;
When the user information is stored in the user information storage unit, the image reading unit is caused to read the image of the document, and image data obtained by the reading operation is mounted on the external storage device mounting unit. A scan instruction input operation unit capable of inputting an instruction to be stored in the external storage device;
A scan execution instruction unit that causes the image reading unit to execute a reading operation related to an instruction input by the scan instruction input operation unit;
A storage unit that stores image data obtained by the reading operation of the image reading unit based on an instruction of the scan execution instruction unit in an external storage device mounted on the external storage device mounting unit;
An internal storage unit for storing data;
A first timing unit that performs a time measuring operation from the time when the image data is stored by the storage unit;
A second mounting state detection unit that detects whether or not the external storage device is mounted on the external storage device mounting unit when a predetermined time is counted by the first time measuring unit;
When it is detected by the second mounting state detection unit that the external storage device is mounted on the external storage device mounting unit, the data stored in the external storage device is transferred to the internal storage unit. 1 transfer processing department,
A second timing unit for measuring time from the time when the data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit;
When the data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit, a detachment input operation unit that can input that the external storage device is removed from the external storage device mounting unit,
When the removal input operation unit inputs that the external storage device is to be removed from the external storage device mounting unit until the predetermined time is counted by the second time measuring unit, a login screen is displayed. A login screen display,
A second user information input operation unit for inputting the user information input by the first user information input operation unit on the login screen displayed by the login screen display unit;
When the user information is input by the second user information input operation unit, it is determined whether or not the input user information matches the user information stored in the user information storage unit. An authentication processing unit that outputs an authentication signal indicating that when the information matches,
An image reading apparatus comprising: a second transfer processing unit that returns data transferred to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit when the authentication signal is received from the authentication processing unit. When data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit, a guidance screen that prompts the user to perform an operation to remove the external storage device from the external storage device mounting unit until the login screen is displayed by the login screen display unit. It further includes a guide screen display unit for displaying,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide screen includes a predetermined display area as the removal input operation unit.   When it is not input by the removal input operation unit that the external storage device is removed from the external storage device mounting unit until the predetermined time is counted by the second time measurement unit, the first transfer processing unit The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an erasure processing unit that erases the data transferred to the internal storage unit from the internal storage unit without returning the data to the external storage device. Whether the external storage device has been removed from the external storage device mounting unit when the data transferred to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit is returned to the external storage device by the second transfer processing unit A third wearing state detection unit for detecting
The guidance screen display unit displays a message that the external storage device can be removed until the third mounting state detection unit detects that the external storage device has been removed from the external storage device mounting unit. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein

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