JP2012209809A - Image communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image communication device which can secure security and reduce communication costs.SOLUTION: An MFP 100 transmits access information for receiving an electronic file stored in a service providing device 300 and decryption key for decrypting encrypted data included in the electronic file to an external device 250 corresponding to a destination via a public network. Thus, it is possible to secure security of image data to be transmitted to the external device 250 corresponding to the destination.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an image communication apparatus capable of performing facsimile communication for transmitting / receiving an image through a public network and Internet FAX communication for transmitting / receiving an image converted into a data format of facsimile communication via the Internet. Patent Document 1 describes an image communication apparatus that performs broadcast communication by selecting facsimile transmission and Internet FAX transmission according to a communication partner.

JP 2002-344686 A

  Facsimile transmission has a higher communication cost because the communication speed is slower than data communication via a network, such as Internet FAX transmission. In particular, when the amount of image data to be transmitted is large, the communication time becomes very long and the communication cost becomes very high. On the other hand, data communication via a network has a higher communication speed and a lower communication cost than facsimile transmission, but image data is transmitted through the network, so data leakage is likely to occur, and security is higher than that of facsimile transmission. Low.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image communication apparatus capable of reducing communication costs while ensuring security.

  In order to achieve this object, an image communication apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus capable of communicating with a server on a network and capable of communicating with one or more external apparatuses through a public line network. Address receiving means for receiving, reading means for reading an original, generation means for generating image data based on the original read by the reading means, and encrypted data obtained by encrypting the image data generated by the generation means Generated encrypted data generation means, first transmission means for transmitting the encrypted data generated by the encrypted data generation means to the server and storing it in the server, and the encryption stored in the server The destination receiving means receives access information for receiving data from the server and a decryption key for decrypting the encrypted data. To an external device corresponding to the digit destination, characterized in that it comprises a second transmission means for transmitting via said public network.

  The present invention can be realized in various modes such as a control device that controls an image communication device, a program executed in the image communication device, a recording medium that records the program, an image communication method, and an image communication system.

  According to the image communication device of the first aspect, the access information for receiving the encrypted data stored in the server and the decryption key for decrypting the encrypted data are sent to the external device corresponding to the destination. Since it is transmitted through the public network, there is an effect that the security of the image data to be transmitted to the external device corresponding to the destination can be ensured. Even when the data size of the image data to be transmitted to the external device is large, the encrypted data obtained by encrypting the image data is transmitted to the external device via the service providing device. There is an effect that the communication cost required for the communication can be reduced.

  According to the image communication apparatus of the second aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the image communication apparatus of the first aspect, communication via the public line network is started on the condition that the encrypted data is transmitted to the server. As compared with the case where encrypted data is transmitted to the server after starting communication through the public line network, the communication time can be shortened and the communication cost can be reduced.

  According to the image communication device according to claim 3, in addition to the effect achieved by the image communication device according to claim 1 or 2, even if the external device cannot receive the encrypted data from the server, it corresponds to the destination. There is an effect that the external device can receive the image data.

  According to the image communication apparatus of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the image communication apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, when the external apparatus can communicate with the server, the access information, the decryption key, Is transmitted to the external device through the public line network, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the access information and the decryption key from being transmitted unnecessarily.

  According to the image communication apparatus according to claim 5, in addition to the effect achieved by the image communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, delivery information indicating completion of reception of the encrypted data from the external apparatus corresponding to the destination Since the encrypted data is deleted by the server on the condition that the data has been received, it is possible to prevent the encrypted data from being stored in the server unnecessarily and to increase the security.

  According to the image communication device of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the image communication device according to the fifth aspect, the access information and the information between the start of communication through the public line network and the end of the communication are provided. Since the decryption key is transmitted to the external device corresponding to the destination, there is an effect that the communication cost can be reduced as compared with the case where communication is repeatedly established between the image communication device and the external device.

  According to the image communication apparatus according to claim 7, in addition to the effect achieved by the image communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the encrypted data is transmitted from the server based on the access information received through the public line network. Since the encrypted data is decrypted by the decryption key received through the public line network, there is an effect that high security can be obtained.

  According to the image communication apparatus of the eighth aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the image communication apparatus of the seventh aspect, by transmitting communication information indicating that communication with the server is possible to an external apparatus, it is possible to transmit through the public network. The access information and the decryption key can be received.

  According to the image communication device according to claim 9, in addition to the effect achieved by the image communication device according to claim 7 or 8, the fact that the reception of the encrypted data is completed indicates that the transmission source of the access information and the decryption key There is an effect that the external device can be notified.

  According to the image communication apparatus of the tenth aspect, in addition to the effect of the image communication apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the access information and the decoding are performed between the start of communication through the public network and the end of the communication. Since the key is received, there is an effect that the communication cost can be reduced as compared with the case where communication is established many times between the image communication apparatus and the external apparatus.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the flow of information among MFP, a relay apparatus, and a service provision apparatus, Comprising: It is a sequence diagram explaining the process which MFP uploads an electronic file to a service provision apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the flow of information among an MFP, an external device, a relay device, and a service providing device, in which the MFP transmits access information and a decryption key to the called external device; It is a sequence diagram explaining the process in which an apparatus receives an electronic file. 6 is a flowchart showing main processing executed in the MFP. 6 is a flowchart illustrating FAX transmission processing via a server executed in the MFP. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a FAX reception process executed in the MFP. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a server-routed reception process executed in the MFP. 6 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the reception via server process executed in the MFP.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical configuration of a multi-function device (hereinafter referred to as MFP) 100 which is an embodiment of an image communication device of the present invention. MFP 100, service providing apparatus 300, and relay apparatus 500 are connected via network 400 and transmit / receive data to / from each other. The network 400 is constituted by an Internet network, for example.

  The MFP 100 can communicate with the service providing apparatus 300 and the relay apparatus 500 installed on the network 400, and can perform FAX transmission / reception with one or more external apparatuses 250 through the public line network 200. In particular, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment encrypts high-resolution image data and transmits the encrypted image data to the service providing apparatus 300, while decrypting the access information for receiving the encrypted data from the service providing apparatus 300 and the encrypted data. By transmitting a decryption key for this purpose to the external device 250 through the public network 200, the external device 250 is made to receive high-resolution image data. As a result, the MFP 100 is configured to reduce communication costs while ensuring security. Details will be described below.

  The MFP 100 mainly includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a flash memory 104, an Internet interface (Internet I / F) 105, a printer 106, a scanner 107, an input unit 108, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 109, a modem 110, and an NCU 111. These are connected to each other via a bus line 112.

  The CPU 101 executes processing according to programs stored in the ROM 102 and the flash memory 104. The ROM 102 is a memory that stores programs for controlling the operation of the MFP 100, fixed values, and the like. The RAM 103 is a memory that temporarily stores information necessary for the processing of the CPU 101, and includes an electronic file transmission completion flag 103a. The electronic file transmission completion flag 103a is set to ON when the destination external device 250 can normally receive an electronic file including encrypted data. Further, after the MFP 100 requests the service providing apparatus 300 to delete the electronic file, it is set to off. The flash memory 104 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory and stores a communication program 104a. The CPU 101 executes main processing described later with reference to FIG. 4 according to the communication program 104a.

The Internet I / F 105 is a device for communicating with other devices via the network 400, and a known network card can be adopted. The printer 106 is a device that prints an image based on image data received from the external device 250 or an electronic file received from the service providing device 300. The scanner 107 is a device that reads a document. Input unit 108 includes a numeric keypad for accepting designation of a destination related to FAX transmission, and a touch panel for inputting instructions and information to MFP 100.

  The modem 110 modulates image data to be transmitted by FAX into a signal that can be transmitted to the public line network 200 and transmits the signal via the NCU 111, or receives a signal received from the public line network 200 via the NCU 111 as image data. Demodulate. The NCU 111 connects between the public line network 200 and the MFP 100, and controls the connection state with the external device 250 by closing or disconnecting the line.

  In order to simplify the drawing, only one external device 250 is shown in FIG. 1, but there are a large number of external devices 250 that can perform FAX transmission / reception with the MFP 100 via the public network 200. External device 250 may have the same configuration as MFP 100 or may have a different configuration. Here, the case where the external apparatus 250 has the same configuration as that of the MFP 100 is a case where the external apparatus 250 is an apparatus capable of executing at least a server-mediated reception process (FIG. 7) described later.

  The service providing apparatus 300 is a Web server installed by a service provider that provides an electronic file storage service. The MFP 100 uses the electronic file storage service provided by the service providing apparatus 300 via the relay apparatus 500. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Relay device 500 is a device having a known server function, and a service relay program (not shown) for relaying communication between MFP 100 and service providing device 300 is installed. The relay apparatus 500 receives data from the service providing apparatus 300 by creating an HTTP message using an API published by the service provider and transmitting the HTTP message to the service providing apparatus 300 according to the service relay program. Further, relay device 500 transmits the data received from service providing device 300 to MFP 100.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the flow of information among the MFP 100, the relay apparatus 500, and the service providing apparatus 300, and a process of uploading an electronic file including encrypted data from the MFP 100 to the service providing apparatus 300. It is a sequence diagram to explain.

  First, the MFP 100 reads an original with the scanner 107 and generates high-resolution image data (D201). Next, the MFP 100 generates encrypted data obtained by encrypting the high-resolution image data (D202). This encryption can be realized by using a known algorithm such as DES (Data Encryption Standard) and AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).

  Next, the MFP 100 transmits an upload destination URL acquisition request, which is an HTTP message, to the relay apparatus 500 (D203). The relay device 500 that has received the upload destination URL acquisition request creates an upload destination URL acquisition request using an API published by the service provider of the service providing device 300, and transmits the request to the service providing device 300 (D204). On the other hand, the service providing apparatus 300 receives the request from the relay apparatus 500 and transmits the upload destination URL to the relay apparatus 500 (D205).

  Next, the relay device 500 creates an upload message template for making an upload request to the service providing device 300 (D206), and transmits it to the MFP 100 together with the upload destination URL (D207). The upload message is specifically an HTTP request message. The information to be included in the header of the upload message, the type of information to be included in the request body, and the number of information are different for each service. However, according to the present embodiment, the relay apparatus 500 creates an upload message template. According to the template, an upload message in a format requested by the service providing apparatus 300 can be created. Note that the MFP 100 acquires upload destination URLs corresponding to the number of originals by transmitting upload destination URL acquisition requests for the number of originals read in D201.

  Next, MFP 100 creates an electronic file in JPEG format that includes encrypted data generated by reading the document, and stores it in the upload message. Note that the MFP 100 stores one electronic file in one upload message. Then, the upload message is uploaded (transmitted) to the service providing apparatus 300 (D208).

  On the other hand, according to the upload message received from MFP 100, service providing apparatus 300 stores the electronic file in association with the album ID. When a plurality of upload messages are uploaded from one MFP 100, the service providing apparatus 300 stores a plurality of electronic files included in the plurality of upload messages in association with one album ID. Next, the service providing apparatus 300 transmits an upload result indicating that the upload is completed to the MFP 100 (D209). This upload result includes the album ID associated with the uploaded electronic file.

  The MFP 100 transmits the upload result to the relay device 500 (D210), and causes the relay device 500 to analyze the upload result (D211). Then, relay device 500 transmits the decryption result to MFP 100 (D212).

  Next, the MFP 100 transmits an album URL acquisition request including an album ID to the relay apparatus 500 (D213), and provides the album URL for receiving the previously transmitted electronic file via the relay apparatus 500. Request is made to the apparatus 300 (D214). On the other hand, the service providing apparatus 300 transmits the album URL to the MFP 100 via the relay apparatus 500 (D215) (D216). MFP 100 stores the received album URL in RAM 103 as access information.

  As described above, since the MFP 100 uses the service providing apparatus 300 via the relay apparatus 500, the MFP 100 does not have to have a program for using the API published by the service provider. In addition, the service type and API provided by the service providing apparatus 300 may be changed depending on the convenience of the service provider. Such a change can be handled by updating the service relay program in the relay apparatus 500. The service providing apparatus 300 can be continuously used without changing the MFP 100.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the flow of information among MFP 100, external device 250, service providing device 300, and relay device 500, and the processing in which MFP 100 transmits access information to external device 250. FIG. Communication between MFP 100 and external device 250 is performed through public network 200, communication between MFP 100 and relay device 500, and communication between external device 250 and service providing device 300 or relay device 500. Is performed through the network 400.

  First, the MFP 100 closes the telephone line and calls the destination FAX number accepted by the input unit 108 (D301). Next, the MFP 100 transmits a signal (CNG) indicating that FAX transmission is performed to the external device 250 corresponding to the destination (D302). On the other hand, the destination external device 250 transmits a non-standard device signal (NSF) and a digital identification signal (DIS) to the calling MFP 100 (D303). If the external device 250 has the same configuration as that of the MFP 100, the external device 250 declares by the NSF that it can execute a server-routed reception process (FIG. 7) described later.

  Next, the MFP 100 transmits a signal (NSS) declaring transmission with a unique function to the external device 250 (D304), and transmits a training check signal (TCF) (D309). The MFP 100 includes, in the NSS, access information (that is, an album URL) for receiving encrypted data from the service providing apparatus 300 and a decryption key for decrypting the encrypted data, and transmits the information to the external apparatus 250. .

  On the other hand, the external device 250 that has received the NSS extracts access information from the NSS, and transmits an album status acquisition request including the access information to the relay device 500 (D305). The relay apparatus 500 that has received the album status acquisition request creates an album status acquisition request using an API published by the service provider of the service providing apparatus 300, and transmits the album status acquisition request to the service providing apparatus 300 (D306). On the other hand, the service providing apparatus 300 receives the request from the relay apparatus 500 and transmits the album status to the relay apparatus 500 (D307). This album status is information indicating the presence or absence of data that can be acquired based on the access information.

  Next, the relay device 500 transmits the album status received from the service providing device 300 to the external device 250 (D308). When the album status indicates that there is data that can be acquired, the external device 250 determines that the electronic file can be received. On the other hand, when the album status indicates that there is no data that can be acquired, it is determined that the electronic file cannot be received.

  On the other hand, until the external apparatus 250 acquires the album status, the MFP 100 periodically transmits NSS and TCF to the external apparatus 250. When the MFP 100 transmits NSS and TCF to the external device 250 and the external device 250 has not acquired the album status, the external device 250 transmits a training failure signal (FTT) indicating a retraining request to the MFP 100. (D310). When the MFP 100 transmits NSS and TCF to the external device 250 (D311 and D312), the external device 250 has already acquired the album status and can receive an electronic file based on the album status. If it is confirmed that there is, the external apparatus 250 transmits a reception preparation confirmation signal (CFR) indicating that preparation for reception has been completed to the MFP 100 (D313).

  Also, the external device 250 creates an electronic file download request including the access information acquired from the NSS, and transmits it to the service providing device 300 (D314). Here, it is assumed that the electronic file download request created by the external device 250 is an HTTP message using the GET method. Since a server that performs communication based on HTTP normally supports the GET method, the external device 250 uses the GET method to transfer an electronic file to the service providing apparatus 300 even if there is no program for supporting the service providing apparatus 300. Can request.

  Then, the external device 250 downloads (receives) the access information included in the transmitted electronic file download request, that is, the electronic file associated with the album ID specified by the album URL from the service providing device 300 (D319). When a plurality of electronic files are associated with one album ID, the external device 250 downloads all of the electronic files. The external device 250 decrypts the encrypted data included in the electronic file with the decryption key extracted from the NSS, and details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, when receiving the CFR from the external apparatus 250, the MFP 100 transmits one page of cover page data to the external apparatus 250 (D315) and transmits a post message (D316). On the other hand, external device 250 that has received the cover page data and the post message transmits an unreceivable signal (RNR) to MFP 100 until the download of the electronic file is completed, thereby indicating that the download has not been completed. (D317). When the MFP 100 receives the RNR, the MFP 100 requests the status of the external device 250 on the receiving side by transmitting a reception ready signal (RR) (D318). In order to execute the communication of D317 and D318, both the calling side device and the called side device (MFP 100 and external device 250 in the example of FIG. 3) are both in error correction mode (ECM) FAX communication. It is preferable that the device is capable of.

  When the external device 250 completes downloading (reception) of the electronic file while repeating the processing in this manner, the external device 250 sends a message confirmation signal (MCF) indicating that the next transmission data may be continued. Is transmitted (D320). On the other hand, the MFP 100 transmits a line disconnection command signal (DCN) (D321) to disconnect the telephone line. Next, the MFP 100 transmits an album deletion request for causing the service providing apparatus 300 to delete the electronic file stored in the service providing apparatus 300 to the service providing apparatus 300 via the relay apparatus 500 (D322). (D323). On the other hand, the service providing apparatus 300 deletes the electronic file in accordance with the deletion request, and transmits the deletion result to the MFP 100 via the relay apparatus 500 (D324) (D325).

  According to MFP 100 of the present embodiment, access information for receiving an electronic file stored in service providing apparatus 300 and a decryption key for decrypting encrypted data included in the electronic file are sent to the destination. Since the image data is transmitted to the corresponding external device 250 through the public network 200, the security of the image data to be transmitted to the external device 250 corresponding to the destination can be ensured. Further, even when the data size of image data to be transmitted to the external device 250 is large or the number of pages is large, the communication cost required for communication through the public network 200 can be reduced. Further, for the user of MFP 100, it is only necessary to specify a destination FAX number as in normal FAX transmission, and the user's work load can be suppressed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing executed in MFP 100. This main process is a process for executing FAX transmission / reception, and is repeatedly executed after the MFP 100 is activated.

  First, the CPU 101 determines whether or not an instruction to execute FAX transmission via the server has been input by the user (S402). When the determination in S402 is affirmative (S402: Yes), the CPU 101 executes a fax transmission process via a server (S404).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a fax transmission process via server executed in MFP 100. In this process, the encrypted data generated based on the read document is included in the electronic file, uploaded to the service providing apparatus 300, and the access information for receiving the electronic file and the encrypted data are decrypted. Is sent to the destination external device 250. Note that it is assumed that the user has input the destination FAX number from the input unit 108 and the destination has been designated before the start of this processing.

  First, the CPU 101 causes the scanner 107 to read a document with high resolution, thereby generating high-resolution image data (for example, 600 × 600 dpi) based on the document and storing it in the RAM 103 (S502). Next, the CPU 101 performs resolution conversion processing on the high-resolution image data to generate low-resolution image data (for example, 200 × 100 dpi), and stores it in the RAM 103 (S503). That is, high-resolution image data and low-resolution image data are created by reading the original once. Here, the resolution of the image data generated in S503 is set to the same level as the image data transmitted by normal FAX transmission. S502 and S503 correspond to D201 shown in FIG.

  Next, the CPU 101 generates a decryption key (S504), and encrypts high-resolution image data using the decryption key, thereby generating encrypted data (S505). S504 and S505 correspond to D202 shown in FIG. Then, the CPU 101 uploads (transmits) the JPEG format electronic file including the encrypted data to the service providing apparatus 300 and stores it (S506). Then, the CPU 101 receives access information (album URL) for receiving the electronic file from the service providing apparatus 300 via the relay apparatus 500 and stores it in the RAM 103 (S507). The process for storing the electronic file in the service providing apparatus 300 (S506) and the process for receiving the access information (S507) have been described with reference to FIG. 2 (D203 to D209, D213 to D216). Therefore, detailed description is omitted here.

  Then, the telephone line is closed by the NCU 111 and the destination FAX number is called (S508). That is, on the condition that an electronic file including encrypted data is transmitted to the service providing apparatus 300, a PB signal (communication start request) for requesting the start of communication through the public line network 200 with the external apparatus 250 corresponding to the destination. Is transmitted from the NCU 111. S508 corresponds to D301 shown in FIG. Then, after transmitting the CNG from the NCU 111 (S509), the CPU 101 waits for processing until the NSF and DIS are received (S510: No). S509 to S510 correspond to D302 to D303 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when NSF and DIS are received via the NCU 111 (S510: Yes), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the external device 250 can communicate with the service providing device 300 (S512). Specifically, it is determined whether or not NSF (communication information) declares that external device 250 can execute a later-described server-mediated reception process (FIG. 7).

  When it is determined that the external apparatus 250 can communicate with the service providing apparatus 300 (S512: Yes), the CPU 101 determines the NSS and TCF for instructing the external apparatus 250 to execute the server-based reception process (FIG. 7). Transmission is performed from the NCU 111 (S514). S514 corresponds to D304 shown in FIG. Note that the NSS transmitted here includes the decryption key generated in S504 and the access information received in S507. Next, while neither DCN nor CFR is received, the CPU 101 waits for processing (S516: No, S518: No).

  During this time, the external device 250 receives the album status using the access information included in the NSS (D305 to D308 shown in FIG. 3), and can determine that the electronic file can be received based on the album status. In this case, the CFR is returned (D313 shown in FIG. 3). On the other hand, if the external device 250 determines that it cannot receive the electronic file, it returns a DCN. That is, whether or not the calling side MFP 100 can receive the encrypted data from the service providing apparatus 300 based on whether it receives the CFR from the called side external apparatus 250 or the DCN. It is possible to judge whether or not.

  Although not shown in the flowchart, a call is made after transmission of NSS and TCF (S514) until DCN or CFR is received (that is, until one of the determinations of S516 and S518 is affirmed). NSS and TCF are periodically output from the NCU 111 of the MFP 100 on the side (D311 to D312 shown in FIG. 3). Further, the external device 250 transmits FTT to the MFP 100 until the album status is acquired (D310 shown in FIG. 3).

  When the CFR is received (S518: Yes), the CPU 101 causes the cover page data stored in the ROM 102 and the post message to be transmitted to the external device 250 through the public line network 200 (S520). Here, the cover page data includes a message for notifying the recipient of the external device 250 that the data has been transmitted via the service providing device 300. In addition, transmission source information indicating the transmission source FAX number and transmission date and time is added to the cover page data. Further, since the cover page data is image data for one page, the communication cost can be suppressed even when a large number of documents are read by the scanner 107. S520 corresponds to D315 to D316 shown in FIG.

  Next, the process waits until the MCF is received from the external device 250 (S522: No). When the MCF is received (S522: Yes), the CPU 101 sets the electronic file transmission completion flag 103a to on (S523). . Although details will be described later, the external device 250 on the called side transmits MCF (delivery information) when the reception of the electronic file is completed (D319 to D320 shown in FIG. 3). Next, the CPU 101 sets transmission OK in a communication management report (not shown) stored in the flash memory 104 (S524). The communication management report is printed out or displayed in order to notify the user or the like whether or not the FAX transmission has been normally performed. Next, the CPU 101 transmits DCN from the NCU 111 (S526), and disconnects the telephone line (S528). That is, the calling MFP 100 receives the MCF from the external device 250 indicating that the called external device 250 has successfully received the electronic file including the encrypted data. DCN (end notification) indicating the end of communication through the public line network 200 is transmitted to the external device 250 (D320 to D321 shown in FIG. 3).

  On the other hand, when it is not determined that the external apparatus 250 can communicate with the service providing apparatus 300 (S512: No), specifically, the external apparatus 250 can execute a server-mediated reception process (FIG. 7) described later. Is not declared in the NSF, the CPU 101 transmits the digital command signal (DCS) or the non-standard function setting signal (NSS) from the NCU 111, thereby executing the TTC standard FAX reception (ordinary FAX reception). 250 is instructed (S536). More specifically, when external device 250 is a product of a manufacturer different from that of MFP 100, MFP 100 transmits DCS designating a function selected from the standard functions indicated by DIS to external device 250. If 250 is a product of the same manufacturer as MFP 100, MFP 100 transmits to external device 250 an NSS that does not command server-based reception processing. In addition, the CPU 101 transmits a TCF from the NCU 111 (S536).

  Next, while the CFR is not received (S538: No), the CPU 101 waits for processing, and when the CFR is received (S538: Yes), the CPU 101 displays the low-resolution image data of one page and the post message. The data is transmitted to the destination external device 250 (S540), and the process waits until the MCF is received (S542: No). When the MCF is received (S542: Yes), the CPU 101 determines whether there is low-resolution image data that has not been transmitted (S544). Then, while there is untransmitted low-resolution image data (S544: Yes), the CPU 101 repeats the processing from S540. If it is determined that there is no untransmitted low-resolution image data (S544: No), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of S524. The MCF determined in S522 indicates that the external device 250 has received the encrypted data, but the MCF determined in S542 indicates that the external device 250 has received the image data. Is.

  Next, a case where the external device 250 cannot receive an electronic file including encrypted data from the service providing device 300 will be described. If the external device 250 receives the album status based on the access information included in the NSS and determines that the electronic file cannot be received based on the album status, the called external device 250 determines that the calling MFP 100 DCN is transmitted to and the telephone line is disconnected.

  In that case (S516: Yes), the calling MFP 100 also causes the NCU 111 to disconnect the telephone line based on the reception of the DCN (S530). In S530, after disconnecting the telephone line, an album deletion request for causing the service providing apparatus 300 to delete the electronic file stored in the service providing apparatus 300 is issued from the Internet I / F 105 in the same manner as S406 described later. It is transmitted to the relay device 500. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the encrypted data from being stored in the service providing apparatus 300 indefinitely. Next, the CPU 101 redials the FAX number of the destination external device 250 (S532). That is, the NCU 111 transmits a PB signal (communication start request) for requesting resumption of communication with the external device 250. Then, after the CNG is transmitted from the NCU 111 (S533), the CPU 101 waits for processing while the NSF and the DIS are not received (S534: No).

  On the other hand, when NSF and DIS are received (S534: Yes), the CPU 101 executes S536 to S544. In other words, on the condition that communication with the external apparatus 250 is resumed, the low-resolution image data generated in S503 is transmitted to the external apparatus 250. In this way, even when the external device 250 cannot receive the encrypted data from the service providing device 300, the external device 250 corresponding to the destination can receive the necessary image data.

  According to the FAX transmission process via server (S404), it is possible to reduce communication costs while ensuring security. Further, since communication through the public network 200 is started on condition that an electronic file including encrypted data is transmitted to the service providing apparatus 300, the communication time of communication through the public network 200 is reduced as much as possible. , Communication costs can be reduced.

  Whether the external device 250 can communicate with the service providing device 300 is determined based on the NSF, and when it is determined that the external device 250 can communicate with the service providing device 300, the access information and the decryption key are determined. Are transmitted to the external device 250 through the public network 200, so that it is possible to suppress unnecessary transmission of access information and a decryption key.

  In addition, the access information and the decryption key are transmitted to the external device 250 corresponding to the destination after the communication is started through the public network 200 until the communication is terminated. In other words, necessary information can be transmitted to the external device 250 by one communication. Therefore, communication costs can be reduced as compared with the case where communication is established many times between MFP 100 and external device 250.

  Returning to FIG. If the electronic file transmission completion flag 103a is on (S405: Yes) after the fax transmission process via server (S404) is completed, that is, if the external device 250 can receive the electronic file including the encrypted data, the CPU 101 Then, an album deletion request for causing the service providing apparatus 300 to delete the electronic file stored in the service providing apparatus 300 is transmitted from the Internet I / F 105 to the relay apparatus 500 (S406). More specifically, an album deletion request including the access information received in S507 is transmitted. S406 corresponds to D322 shown in FIG. Then, the CPU 101 sets the electronic file transmission completion flag 13a to off (S407), and proceeds to S408. In this way, it is possible to prevent the encrypted data from being stored in the service providing apparatus 300 unnecessarily indefinitely and to further increase security. When the electronic file transmission completion flag 103a is off (S405: No), the CPU 101 skips S406 and S407.

  Next, when it is not determined that an instruction to execute FAX transmission via the server has been input by the user (S402: No), the CPU 101 determines whether an instruction to execute normal FAX transmission has been input by the user (S410). ). If the determination in S410 is affirmative (S410: Yes), the CPU 101 executes normal FAX transmission processing (S412). This process is a process of transmitting the image data read by the scanner 107 to the external device 250 corresponding to a destination designated in advance, but is a known process, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When it is not determined that a normal FAX transmission execution instruction has been input by the user (S410: No), the CPU 101 determines whether or not to start FAX reception (S414). Specifically, when a call signal (communication start request) for requesting the start of communication with the external device 250 through the public line network 200 is received from an exchange (not shown) (S414: Yes), the CPU 101 performs FAX reception processing. Is executed (S416).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the FAX reception process executed in the MFP 100. In this process, after the telephone line is closed and communication is started (S602), the CPU 101 makes a call to the calling-side external device 250. , NSF 111 sends NSF and DIS. As a result, the MFP 100 declares that it can communicate with the service providing apparatus 300 and can execute a server-mediated reception process (FIG. 7) described later (S604). S604 corresponds to D303 shown in FIG. Specifically, in S604, an NSF including information indicating that the MFP 100 can communicate with the service providing apparatus 300 and can execute a later-described server reception process (FIG. 7) is transmitted.

  Next, the CPU 101 waits for processing until NSS or DCS is received (S606: No). When NSS or DCS is received (S606: Yes), execution of the server-based reception processing (FIG. 7) is instructed. It is determined whether or not there is (S608). This is because when the calling-side external device 250 has the same configuration as that of the MFP 100, the external device 250 instructs the called-side MFP 100 to execute the reception processing via the server by NSS. Note that S606 corresponds to D304 shown in FIG.

  When the NSS has instructed execution of the reception processing via a server (S608: Yes), the NSS includes access information and a decryption key. Therefore, the CPU 101 stores the access information and the decryption key in the RAM 103 (S610). Then, the CPU 101 executes a server reception process (S612) and ends the FAX reception process. The server reception process will be described later with reference to FIG. On the other hand, when the execution of the server reception process is not instructed (S608: No), the CPU 101 executes the normal reception process (S614) and ends the process. Note that the normal reception process is a process of receiving image data from the external device 250 and printing out the image data. However, since it is a known process, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a server-routed reception process executed in MFP 100. First, the CPU 101 reads access information from the RAM 103 (S702), and transmits an album status acquisition request including the access information from the Internet I / F 105 to the relay device 500 (S704). Note that S704 corresponds to D305 shown in FIG. Next, the CPU 101 waits for processing until receiving the TCF (S706: No). When the TCF is received (S706: Yes), but the album status is not received (S708: No), the training failure signal (FTT) is transmitted from the NCU 111, so that the retraining is performed to the calling-side external device 250. Request (S710) and return to the processing of S706 (D309 to D310 shown in FIG. 3). Note that when the calling-side external device 250 receives the FTT, it lowers the transmission rate and retransmits the TCF. However, since this is a known process, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  On the other hand, if the TCF is received and the album status is received (S708: Yes), it is determined from the album status whether or not the electronic file can be received based on the access information (S712). If it is determined that the electronic file cannot be received based on the access information (S712: No), the DCN is transmitted from the NCU 111 (S714), the telephone line is disconnected (S716), and the process is terminated. In this case, if the calling-side external device 250 has the same configuration as that of the MFP 100, the telephone line is disconnected and redialing is executed based on the DCN transmitted from the called MFP 100 (FIG. 5). S532). Therefore, the MFP 100 can receive and print out low-resolution image data for all pages by the normal reception process (S614).

  On the other hand, when it is determined from the album status that the electronic file can be received based on the access information (S712: Yes), the CCU is transmitted from the NCU 111 (S718). S718 corresponds to D313 shown in FIG. As a result, it is possible to notify the calling-side external device 250 that the called-side MFP 100 can receive the electronic file.

  Next, the CPU 101 creates an electronic file download request including access information, and transmits it to the network 400 from the Internet I / F 105 (S720). Note that S720 corresponds to D314 shown in FIG. Next, while the cover page data and the post message are not received (S722: No), the CPU 101 waits for processing.

  While the cover page data and the post message are received (S722: Yes) and downloading of the electronic file is not completed (S724: No), the CPU 101 causes the NCU 111 to transmit an RNR (S726). And while not receiving RR (S728: No), it waits for a process. On the other hand, when the RR is received (S728: Yes), the CPU 101 repeats the processing from S724. S722 corresponds to D315 to D316 shown in FIG. S726 to S728 correspond to D317 to D318 shown in FIG. If a plurality of electronic files are associated with the album ID corresponding to the transmitted access information, the determination in S724 is denied until the downloading of all of the plurality of electronic files is completed.

  When downloading of the electronic file is completed while the processing is repeated in this way (S724: Yes), the CPU 101 transmits the MCF (S730). In other words, on the condition that the reception of the electronic file including the encrypted data is completed, the MCF indicating the reception completion of the encrypted data is transmitted to the external device 250 that is the transmission source of the access information and the decryption key. Next, the CPU 101 sets reception OK in the communication management report (S732), and proceeds to S734 shown in FIG. Note that S730 corresponds to D320 illustrated in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 8, the continuation of the reception process via the server (S612) will be described. While the DCN (end notification) indicating the end of communication with the external device 250 through the public line network 200 is not received (S734: No), the CPU 101 stands by for processing. On the other hand, when the DCN is received (S734: Yes), the CPU 101 causes the NCU 111 to disconnect the telephone line (S736). Note that S734 to S736 correspond to D321 shown in FIG.

  Next, the CPU 101 causes the printer 106 to print out the cover page data (S738). As described above, the cover page includes a message for notifying the receiver that the data has been transmitted via the service providing apparatus 300, and transmission source information indicating the transmission source FAX number and transmission date and time. included. Therefore, the user can grasp that the data has been received and the transmission source of the data by viewing the print result.

  Next, the CPU 101 decrypts the encrypted data included in the electronic file with the decryption key received from the MFP 100 to generate image data, and stores it in the flash memory 104 (S740). Then, a message asking the user whether to print out the decoded image data is displayed on the LCD 109 (S742), and it is determined whether the user has input a print instruction for the image data (S744). When the determination in S744 is negative (S744: No), the CPU 101 ends the server-routed reception process. On the other hand, when the user inputs a print instruction for image data (S744: Yes), the CPU 101 causes the printer 106 to print out the image data (S746). Thereby, the user can acquire a high-resolution print result. Note that the printed image data may be deleted from the flash memory 104.

  According to the reception process via the server, the encrypted data is received from the service providing apparatus 300 based on the access information received through the public line network 200, and the encrypted data is decrypted by the decryption key received through the public line network 200. Since the data is decrypted, high security can be obtained.

  Further, when the NSF indicating that communication with the server is possible is transmitted to the external device 250, the access information and the decryption key can be received through the public line network 200. Further, it is possible to notify the calling side external device 250 that the reception of the encrypted data is completed by a simple process of transmitting the MCF.

  Returning to FIG. If it is not determined to start FAX reception (S414: No), the CPU 101 executes other processing (S418). For example, when a print instruction is input for image data generated by decoding and stored in the flash memory 104, the image data is printed out. Thereby, the user can acquire a high-resolution print result at a desired timing. Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the power is turned off (S408), and while the determination in S408 is negative (S408: No), the CPU 101 repeats the processing from S402, and when the power is turned off. (S408: Yes), the process ends.

  In the above embodiment, the Internet I / F 105 is an example of a first transmission unit, a deletion instruction unit, and a first reception unit. The printer 106 is an example of a first output unit. The scanner 107 is an example of a reading unit. The input unit 108 is an example of a destination receiving unit. The NCU 111 includes second transmission means, communication start transmission means, restart request means, communication information reception means, delivery information reception means, end notification transmission means, second reception means, communication start reception means, communication information transmission means, and delivery information transmission means. This is an example of an end notification receiving means. The service providing apparatus 300 is an example of a server.

  The CPU 101 that executes S502 is an example of a generation unit. The CPU 101 that executes S505 is an example of encrypted data generation means. The CPU 101 that executes S512 is an example of a determination unit. The CPU 101 that executes S518 is an example of a communication determination unit. CPU101 which performs S740 is an example of a decoding means.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can be inferred.

  For example, the present invention can also be applied when the MFP 100 directly uses the service providing apparatus 300 without using the relay apparatus 500.

  Regardless of whether or not the destination external apparatus 250 can communicate with the service providing apparatus 300, low-resolution image data is transferred from the MFP 100 to the external apparatus 250 for all pages of the document read by the scanner 107. You may comprise so that it may transmit.

  In the above embodiment, the access information is a URL received from the service providing apparatus 300. However, the access information is, for example, a user ID, a password, or the like used for receiving data from the service providing apparatus 300. It may be the information.

  In the above-described embodiment, the cover page data is described as being transmitted from the MFP 100 to the external device 250. However, instead of the cover page, for example, a high-resolution image generated based on the transmission report and the first page of the document Data or low-resolution image data may be transmitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the called MFP 100 prints out the cover page received from the calling MFP 100 and the image data generated by decrypting the encrypted data received from the service providing apparatus 300. As described above, instead of this, for example, display output on the LCD 109 or output to another device or a memory card (not shown) may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the calling MFP 100 transmits an electronic file deletion request. Instead, the called MFP 100 that has received the encrypted data issues an electronic file deletion request. You may comprise so that it may transmit.

  In the above embodiment, the access information and the decryption key are both included in the NSS and transmitted from the calling side MFP 100 to the called side external device 250. However, they may be transmitted separately. .

  In the above embodiment, when the destination external device 250 cannot communicate with the service providing device 300 or when it is determined that the encrypted data cannot be received from the service providing device 300 based on the album status, The encrypted data and the decryption key may be transmitted from the MFP 100 to the external device 250 through the public line network 200.

  In the above-described embodiment, the decryption key is generated every time the fax transmission process via the server (S404) is executed. However, the decryption key generated in the past is stored in the flash memory 104 or the like. It may be reused.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated as what uses the same key (decryption key) for encryption and a decoding, both may mutually differ.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the called MFP 100 determines that it cannot receive the encrypted data based on the album status, the called MFP 100 transmits a DCN to the calling device. Instead, when the called apparatus notifies the calling MFP 100 that it cannot receive the encrypted data, the calling MFP 100 transmits a DCN to the called apparatus. May be.

100 MFP
107 Scanner 108 Input Unit 200 Public Line Network 250 External Device 300 Service Providing Device 400 Network

Claims (10)

An image communication apparatus capable of communicating with a server on a network and capable of communicating with one or more external devices through a public network,
A destination accepting means for accepting designation of a destination;
Reading means for reading a document;
Generating means for generating image data based on a document read by the reading means;
Encrypted data generating means for generating encrypted data obtained by encrypting the image data generated by the generating means;
First transmission means for transmitting the encrypted data generated by the encrypted data generation means to the server and storing the encrypted data in the server;
An external device corresponding to the destination received by the destination receiving means for access information for receiving the encrypted data stored in the server from the server and a decryption key for decrypting the encrypted data And a second transmission means for transmitting through the public network. Start of communication requesting start of communication through the public line network with an external device corresponding to the destination accepted by the destination accepting means on condition that the encrypted data is sent to the server by the first sending means Comprising a communication start transmission means for transmitting a request;
The second transmission means transmits the access information and the decryption key to the external apparatus on the condition that communication with the external apparatus is started based on the communication start request transmitted by the communication start transmission means. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Communication determining means for determining whether an external device corresponding to the destination received by the destination receiving means can receive the encrypted data from the server;
When the communication determination unit determines that the external device cannot receive the encrypted data from the server, the communication is resumed when communication with the external device through the public line network is terminated. Resumption request means for transmitting a requested communication start request;
Generated based on the image data generated by the generating means or based on the image data on the condition that communication with the external device has been restarted based on the communication start request transmitted by the restart requesting means The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image data transmitting unit configured to transmit image data having a lower quality than the image data to the external apparatus. Communication information receiving means for receiving communication information indicating whether or not the external apparatus can communicate with the server from an external apparatus corresponding to the destination received by the destination receiving means;
Based on the communication information received by the communication information receiving means, a determination means for determining whether an external device corresponding to the destination accepted by the destination acceptance means can communicate with the server,
The second transmission means transmits the access information and the decryption key to the external apparatus through the public line network when the determination means determines that the external apparatus can communicate with the server. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Delivery information receiving means for receiving, via the public line network, delivery information indicating completion of reception of the encrypted data from an external device corresponding to the destination received by the destination receiving means;
Deletion instruction means for transmitting to the server a deletion instruction for causing the server to delete the encrypted data stored in the server on the condition that the delivery information is received by the delivery information receiving means. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The second transmission means accepts the access information and the decryption key by the destination acceptance means in response to the start of communication through the public line network with an external device corresponding to the destination accepted by the destination acceptance means. Sent to the external device corresponding to the destination, through the public network,
On the condition that delivery information is received by the delivery information receiving means, an end notification indicating the end of communication through the public line network with the external device corresponding to the destination accepted by the destination accepting means is sent to the external device. 6. The image communication apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an end notification transmission unit for transmitting. Second receiving means for receiving the access information and the decryption key from the external device through the public network;
First receiving means for receiving the encrypted data from the server based on access information received by the second receiving means;
Decryption means for generating image data obtained by decrypting the encrypted data received by the first reception means with a decryption key received by the second reception means;
The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first output unit that outputs the image data decoded by the decoding unit. Communication start receiving means for receiving a communication start request for requesting start of communication with the external device through the public line network;
Communication information transmitting means for transmitting communication information indicating whether or not communication with the server is possible to the external device requesting the communication start request when the communication start receiving means receives the communication start request. Prepared,
The second receiving unit receives the access information and the decryption key from the external device through the public line network when the communication information transmitting unit transmits communication information indicating that communication with the server is possible. The image communication apparatus according to claim 7.   On the condition that reception of the encrypted data by the first receiving means is completed, transmission information indicating completion of reception of the encrypted data is transmitted to the external device that is the transmission source of the access information and the decryption key. 9. The image communication apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising delivery information transmission means. The second receiving means receives the access information and the decryption key from the external device through the public line network in response to the start of communication with the external device through the public line network.
Completion receiving means for receiving from the external device an end notification indicating the end of communication with the external device via the public line network on condition that the delivery information transmitting means has transmitted the delivery information. The image communication apparatus according to claim 9.

Images