JP2013090201A - Image forming apparatus, control method therefor and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus for temporarily storing image data received from the outside in an external memory and preferably preventing information leakage through the external memory, a control method therefor, and a program.SOLUTION: On the basis of determination results of whether or not image data can be stored in a storage unit of an image forming apparatus when receiving image data from an external device through a network, and whether or not a setting for storing the image data in the external memory is done, the image forming apparatus stores the image data in the storage unit, stores the image data in the external memory, or refuses to receive the image data. When determining that the setting for storing the image data in the external memory is done, the apparatus restricts input/output processing on other image data using the external memory due to validity of the setting.

Description

  The present invention relates to a control method for browsing a FAX received document received by an image forming apparatus using an information processing apparatus connected via a network.

  In recent years, image formation devices such as MFPs (multi-function peripherals) have become increasingly competitive at low prices, and it is important to keep functionality low while minimizing HW costs and to increase functionality. It has become. Actually, general inexpensive MFPs support functions such as copy, FAX, PDL, and scan at a low price. However, low-cost MFPs attempt to reduce costs by providing strict HW restrictions such as reducing the memory capacity for holding images.

  By the way, the facsimile (FAX) function is an excellent information sharing means. Basically, difficult operations are unnecessary, and it is possible to transmit a FAX document to a remote location or receive a FAX document from a remote location. The most important thing in FAX reception is to receive a document reliably and easily view it.

  The problem here is the restriction on the number of received images depending on the image storage memory amount of an inexpensive MFP. When a large amount of FAX documents are transmitted, if the memory becomes full, more documents will cause an error on the transmission side. On the other hand, even if there is sufficient memory and the document can be received normally, the received document arrives irregularly, so the receiving side must periodically check whether the document has been printed from the MFP. Rather, this is a problem for usability.

  In order to solve these problems, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a control in which a received document is saved in another information processing apparatus such as a PC Host if the memory is insufficient at the time of FAX reception, and is returned to the MFP when the memory becomes free. Yes. For usability, there is also provided a function for confirming a received document with the PC Host at hand without regularly visiting the MFP and confirming the document. This is an effective method in terms of covering the poor UI capability of a low-cost MFP, sending a document to the Host PC as much as possible, and not pressing the memory of the MFP.

Japanese Patent Application No. 10-201388

  However, the prior art has the following problems. In the above prior art, a problem occurs when none of the host PCs can be used. The document browsing problem is inevitable because no host PC display device can be used. Even if it is an unavoidable problem, the received document cannot be saved anywhere, and the memory in the MFP becomes full immediately.

  On the other hand, in recent years, an image forming apparatus supports a function of storing a read image in an external memory (ScanToMemory) and printing an image stored in the external memory (MemoryPrint). For this reason, it is possible to insert an external memory (for example, a removable storage medium such as a USB memory) into the MFP, and a solution of temporarily evacuating the received document is also conceivable. However, in this method, there is a possibility that an unspecified number of users may insert and remove the external memory at an arbitrary timing in order to execute ScanToMemory. In other words, if you do not know at what timing the job will occur, such as FAX reception, the received document may be stored in the external memory that was inserted at the time of reception, leading to information loss or information leakage. There is.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and temporarily stores image data received from the outside in an external memory and suitably prevents information leakage via the external memory. It is an object to provide a control method and a program thereof.

  The present invention is, for example, an image forming apparatus that can communicate with an external device via a network. When image data is received from an external device via a network, the image data can be stored in a storage unit of the image forming device. A first determination unit that determines whether the image data cannot be stored in the storage unit; and a second determination unit that determines whether the setting for storing the image data in the external memory is performed. If it is determined by the determination means and the first determination means that the image data can be stored in the storage unit, the image data is stored in the storage unit, and the image data is stored in the storage unit by the first determination unit. If it is determined that the image data cannot be stored and it is determined by the second determination means that the setting for storing the image data in the external memory has been performed, The image data is stored, the first determination unit determines that the image data cannot be stored in the storage unit, and the second determination unit is not set to store the image data in the external memory And determining that the image data is stored in the external memory by the second determining means. If the determination is made, the setting is valid, so that input / output processing of other image data using the external memory is limited.

  The present invention can provide an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program for suitably storing image data received from the outside in an external memory and preferably preventing information leakage through the external memory.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a control procedure of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a sequence of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. 3 is a flowchart of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a screen diagram illustrating screen control of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention.

<Configuration of image forming apparatus>
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, an image forming system including an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Each block indicates a module, and an arrow between the blocks indicates a flow of data or instructions. The image forming system 1000 includes an image forming apparatus 100 such as an MFP and PCs 121 and 122 which are information processing apparatuses. Each device is connected via a LAN cable 119 or a USB connection 116 as shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a printing unit 107, a reading unit 109, an operation panel 110, a line I / F 112, and a controller unit 101 that controls these components.

  The controller unit 101 includes a CPU 102, a RAM (storage unit) 103, a ROM 104, a printing unit I / F 106, a reading unit I / F 108, a MODEM 111, a USB I / F 115, a network I / F 118, and a USB HOST 130. The system bus 105 is connected so that comprehensive communication is possible. The CPU 102 generally controls each block according to various control programs. The CPU 102 realizes the above-described control by, for example, decompressing, developing, and executing the compressed data stored in the program area of the ROM 104 to the RAM 103. Also, the various control programs described above may be stored in a compressed state / uncompressed state in a hard disk drive (HDD) not shown.

  A network I / F 118 performs communication processing with host computers 121 and 122 (hereinafter referred to as PCs) that are information processing apparatuses via a network (LAN) 120 or the like. The network I / F 118 and the network 120 are connected by a communication cable such as a LAN cable 119. The MODEM 111 is connected to the public line network 114 via the line I / F 112 and performs communication processing with other image forming apparatuses, facsimile apparatuses, telephones, and the like (not shown). The line I / F 112 and the public line network 114 are generally connected by a telephone line 113 or the like. The USB HOST 130 is an I / F for the CPU 102 to read / write data from / to the external memory 131. The image forming apparatus 100 can be connected to a plurality of external memories.

  The printing unit I / F 106 serves as an interface for outputting an image signal to the printing unit 107 (printer engine). The reading unit I / F 108 serves as an interface for inputting a read image signal from the reading unit 109 (scanner engine). The CPU 102 processes the image signal input from the reading unit I / F 108 and outputs it as a recording image signal to the printing unit I / F 106. In the example of FIG. 1, the reading unit 109 and the printing unit 107 are configured inside the image forming apparatus 100, but each or both may be configured outside.

  The CPU 102 uses the font information stored in the font area of the ROM 104 to display characters and symbols on the display unit of the operation panel (operation unit) 110 or to receive instruction information from the operation panel 110 that has received a user instruction. To receive. In the data area of the ROM 104, device information of the image forming apparatus 100, user phone book information, department management information, and the like are stored by the CPU 102, read by the CPU 102 as necessary, and updated as necessary. The In this block diagram, the reading unit 109 and the printing unit 107 are configured inside the copying machine 100, but each or both may be configured outside.

<Operation procedure>
Next, an operation procedure of the facsimile system (image forming system) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  Reference numeral 201 denotes facsimile (FAX) reception via the facsimile line from the outside by the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 that has received the FAX stores the received image data in the RAM 103. Reference numeral 202 denotes an image data acquisition request to the image forming apparatus 100 by the PC 121. Reference numeral 203 denotes an operation of transmitting document data to the PC 121 when the image forming apparatus 100 has received a FAX document in response to the request 202. Although not shown, in response to a document data acquisition request, if the image forming apparatus 100 has not received a FAX, it responds that there is no transmittable document data.

  Reference numeral 204 denotes a FAX reception history information acquisition request from the PC 122 to the image forming apparatus 100. Reference numeral 205 denotes an operation of transmitting FAX reception history information held by the image forming apparatus 100 to the PC 122 in response to the request 204. Reference numeral 206 denotes a received document data acquisition request from the PC 122 to the PC 121. Reference numeral 207 denotes an operation of transmitting FAX document data held by the PC 121 to the PC 122 in response to the request 206.

<Sequence>
Next, the sequence (normal system) of the image forming system in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. S301 and S305 are steps for installing a driver in the PC. Accordingly, the PC can acquire FAX document data / FAX reception history from the image forming apparatus.

  In step S <b> 302, the PC 121 registers that communication with the image forming apparatus 100 is possible. In the sequence example of FIG. 3, the PC 121 is the first PC that registers with the image forming apparatus 100. In step S <b> 303, the PC 121 issues a polling packet to the image forming apparatus 100. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 100 recognizes the PC 121 as the data acquisition permission PC in S304 and returns the data acquisition permission information to the PC 121. That is, the image forming apparatus 100 registers the PC 121 as a fax document data transfer destination.

  In step S <b> 306, similar to step S <b> 302, the PC 122 registers that it can communicate with the image forming apparatus 100. Thereafter, in S307, the PC 122 issues a polling packet to the image forming apparatus 100 and tries to register it as a data acquisition permission PC. However, since the PC 121 has already been registered as a data acquisition permission PC in S304, the image forming apparatus 100 returns data acquisition non-permission information to the PC 122 in S308. Thereafter, the PC 121 operates as a data acquisition permission PC, and the PC 122 operates as a data acquisition non-permission PC. Although not shown, there may be a plurality of PCs that are not permitted to acquire data, as with the PC 122.

  In step S309, the image forming apparatus 100 performs FAX reception. The image forming apparatus 100 holds the received FAX document data in the memory until a data acquisition request from the data acquisition PC, that is, the PC 121 is received. In step S <b> 310, the PC 122 inquires of the reception history to the image forming apparatus 100. Since the PC 122 is a data acquisition non-permitted PC, the FAX reception history information is returned to the PC 122 as S312 in response to the polling packet issued from the PC 122 in S311. In S <b> 312 of FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 100 has received the FAX, but since the document data has not been transmitted to the data acquisition permission PC, information indicating that the FAX has been received and information indicating that the data has not been transmitted are displayed. Notice.

  In step S <b> 313, the PC 121 makes an inquiry about FAX data to the image forming apparatus 100. Since the PC 121 is a data acquisition permission PC, the image forming apparatus 100 returns the FAX document data to the PC 121 in S315 in response to the polling packet issued by the PC 121 in S314. By transmitting the FAX document data to the PC 121, the image forming apparatus 100 deletes the document data held by the image forming apparatus 100 and records that the document data has been transmitted to the data acquisition permission PC in the FAX reception history.

  In S316, as in S310, the PC 122 inquires of the reception history to the image forming apparatus 100. In step S <b> 317, the PC 122 issues a polling packet to the image forming apparatus 100. On the other hand, in S318, the image forming apparatus 100 returns the FAX reception history information to the PC 122. In S318 of FIG. 3, since the document data has already been transmitted to the data acquisition permission PC, information indicating that there is FAX reception and data transmission destination information are notified.

  In step S319, the PC 122 inquires of the document data with respect to the PC 121 that is the data acquisition permission PC based on the FAX reception history information. In S320, the PC 122 issues a polling packet to the PC 121. On the other hand, in step S321, the PC 121 returns the FAX document data to the PC 122.

<Processing procedure of image forming apparatus>
Next, a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The processing described below is realized by the CPU 102 reading out a control program stored in the ROM 104 or the like to the RAM 103 and executing it. Here, it is assumed that the FAX document data received by the image forming apparatus 100 cannot be transmitted to another host due to a failure of the LAN cable 119 or the PC 121 or PC 122 being down. As a premise, it is assumed that the user has enabled the setting “MFP transfers received FAX document” on operation panel 110. Furthermore, it is assumed that the user has set “mode for storing FAX document in external memory when memory is insufficient” on operation panel 110. Details of the screen will be described later. The set value is stored in the data ROM 104 and used for control of the image forming apparatus 100 described later. If the user sets the “mode for storing a FAX document in the external memory when memory is insufficient”, the image forming apparatus 100 operates so that other input / output processing using the external memory is not performed. That effect is displayed on the panel 110 to prevent information leakage. In other words, the Memory to Print function that prints data stored in the external memory, the Memory to Send function that sends the stored data to email etc., and the image data read by the scanner is stored in the external memory. Restrict the use of the Scan to Memory function. Here, the restriction may be to prohibit all processes other than the process of storing the FAX document in the external memory and the process of transferring the stored FAX document to a predetermined transfer destination. Alternatively, only a part of the processes other than the process of storing the FAX document in the external memory and the process of transferring the stored FAX document to a predetermined transfer destination may be prohibited. For example, the writing process to the external memory such as the Scan to Memory function may be permitted, but the reading process from the external memory such as the Memory to Print function may be prohibited. The display contents at this time will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S401, the CPU 102 determines whether the MODEM 111 has received an incoming call. If an incoming call has been received, the CPU 102 starts a FAX document reception process and proceeds to S402. In step S <b> 402, the CPU 102 functions as a first determination unit, and determines the remaining capacity of the RAM (storage unit) 103 that stores the FAX document. If there is sufficient capacity to store the FAX document, the process proceeds to S405, the received document is stored in the RAM 103, and the process proceeds to S408. On the other hand, if the image document cannot be received due to insufficient remaining capacity, the process proceeds to S404.

  In S <b> 404, the CPU 102 functions as a second determination unit, reads the setting value of the “mode for storing a FAX document in the external memory when memory is insufficient” from the data ROM 104, and determines whether the setting of the mode is enabled or not. Determine whether. If the setting of “mode for storing FAX document in external memory when memory is insufficient” is invalid, the FAX received document cannot be stored, so the process proceeds to S407, and the CPU 102 performs line disconnection processing and receives the FAX document. Reject and end processing. If the setting of “mode for storing FAX document in external memory when memory is insufficient” is valid, the process proceeds to S406, and the CPU 102 stores the received document in the external memory 131, and proceeds to S408.

  After the CPU 102 starts storing the FAX reception document in S405 and S406, the CPU 102 determines the end of reception of the FAX document in S408. If the reception is completed, the process proceeds to S409. In step S409, the CPU 102 determines whether or not communication with an external host such as the PC 121 or 122 is possible. As described above, the PCs 121 and 122 periodically transmit polling packets to the image forming apparatus 100 in S303, S314, S307, S311, S317, and the like. Therefore, the CPU 102 determines that communication with an external host is impossible if the polling packet cannot be detected for a certain period of time. Note that the method of determining whether or not communication with an external host is possible is not limited to this, and may be determined by other methods. If communication with an external host is possible, the process proceeds to S410, the received document is transmitted to the transfer destination host among the external hosts, and the process proceeds to S411. Here, the document may be encrypted by the CPU 102 when the document is transmitted.

  Subsequently, in S411, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the transmission of the document (image data) is successful. If the transmission of the document is successful, the process proceeds to S412 and the CPU 102 deletes the document data stored in the RAM 103 or the external memory 131, and ends the process. On the other hand, if the transmission of the document has failed, the process ends with the document data stored in the RAM 103 or the external memory 131. If it is determined in step S409 that communication with an external host is impossible, the CPU 102 ends the process while document data is stored in the RAM 103 or the external memory 131.

<Screen example>
Next, a screen example of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, in recent years, image forming apparatuses have supported functions for storing a read image in an external memory (ScanToMemory) and printing an image stored in the external memory (MemoryPrint). Therefore, an external memory (for example, a removable storage medium such as a USB memory) can be inserted into the MFP. However, simply adopting this method may cause an unspecified number of users to insert / remove an external memory at an arbitrary timing in order to implement ScanToMemory. Therefore, when the “mode for storing a FAX document in an external memory when memory is insufficient” is enabled, it is necessary to perform prohibition processing on the UI screen.

  The CPU 102 displays the screen data stored on the ROM 104 on the LCD (display unit) on the operation panel 110. 501, 503, 505, 507, 509, and 512 in FIG. 5 are examples of screens for setting “MFP performs transfer of received FAX document” and “Mode for storing FAX document in external memory when memory is insufficient”. is there.

  The CPU 102 displays a general FAX setting screen 501 on the operation panel 110. When the CPU 102 detects that the receiving function setting 502 has been selected, the CPU 102 displays a “MFP transfers received FAX document” screen 503. When the CPU 102 detects that the “MFP performs transfer of received FAX document” setting 504 is selected, the CPU 102 displays a confirmation screen 505 on the operation panel 110.

  When the CPU 102 detects that “Yes” in 506 is selected, the CPU 102 displays on the operation panel 110 a screen for confirming the activation of “Mode for storing FAX document in external memory when memory is insufficient” in 507. When the CPU 102 detects that “Yes” in 508 is selected, the CPU 102 displays a use port selection screen in 509 on the operation panel 110. The screen 509 displays differently depending on the hardware configuration. When the external memory 131 can accept a plurality of memories, a selection screen is displayed, and when there is only one memory slot, it is not necessary to display the screen. When either the external memory 510 or 511 is selected, the CPU 102 displays a 512 memory medium insertion notification on the operation panel 110. This screen 512 is displayed when no external memory is inserted in the memory slot selected on the screen 509.

  Next, the screen flow of the function (ScanToMemory) for storing the read image in the external memory will be described with reference to the respective screens 520, 522, 525, 527, and 529. The CPU 102 displays a reading function top screen 520 on the operation panel 110. When the CPU 102 detects that the memory medium 521 has been selected, the CPU 102 displays a function (ScanToMemory) screen for storing the read image in the external memory. Specifically, the CPU 102 displays on the operation panel 110 a screen for selecting a memory slot for storing 522 read documents. However, whether or not this screen 522 is displayed depends on the hardware configuration. When the external memory 131 can accept a plurality of memories, a selection screen is displayed, and when there is only one memory slot, it is not necessary to display the screen.

  When CPU 102 detects the selection of either 523 or 524, CPU 102 determines the next display screen based on the insertion / extraction status of the memory slot and the slot information selected in the “mode for storing FAX document in external memory when memory is insufficient”. . If the slot selected in “Mode for storing FAX document in external memory when memory is insufficient” is selected on screen 522, screen 525 is displayed. The screen 525 desirably displays that image data cannot be input / output using the external memory because the mode setting for storing the FAX document in the external memory is valid. In the present embodiment, by performing such screen control, information leakage is prevented from occurring via the external memory while the setting for storing the FAX document in the external memory is made. Otherwise, the insertion / extraction status of the selected memory slot is confirmed, and if the external memory is not inserted, a screen 529 is displayed. When the CPU 102 detects that an external memory has been inserted into a memory slot not selected in the “mode for storing FAX document in external memory when memory is insufficient”, the CPU 102 displays a detailed setting screen 527 on the operation panel 110.

  In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 transfers the received FAX document to the PC connected via the LAN 120, but the transfer destination is not limited to the PC on the LAN. For example, the information may be transferred to an information processing apparatus such as a remote server or a computer connected via the Internet. In this case, if the transfer destination is a device shared by a large number of clients such as a server, the possibility that the transfer destination server itself is down decreases. The document may not be transferred. Therefore, it goes without saying that the present embodiment is applicable to such a system and is useful.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with an external device via a network,
A first determination unit that determines whether or not the image data can be stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus when image data is received from an external apparatus via the network;
A second determination means for determining whether or not a setting for storing the image data in an external memory is performed when it is determined that the image data cannot be stored in the storage unit;
If it is determined that the image data can be stored in the storage unit by the first determination unit, the image data is stored in the storage unit, and the image data cannot be stored in the storage unit by the first determination unit. If it is determined and the second determination means determines that the setting to store the image data in the external memory is performed, the image data is stored in the external memory, and the first determination means When it is determined that the image data cannot be stored in the storage unit, and the second determination unit determines that the setting to store the image data in the external memory is not performed, the image data is received. Control means to refuse,
When the second determination unit determines that the setting for storing the image data is performed in the external memory, the control unit determines that another setting using the external memory is valid because the setting is valid. An image forming apparatus that restricts data input / output processing. Transfer means for transferring image data stored in the storage unit or the external memory to an information processing apparatus connected to be communicable via a network;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an erasing unit that erases image data stored in the storage unit or the external memory when the transfer of the image data by the transfer unit is successful.   The transfer means includes an information processing apparatus that first notifies the image forming apparatus of an acquisition request for acquiring the image data, out of a plurality of information processing apparatuses that are communicably connected via a network. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is set as a transfer destination of the image data.   The transfer means transfers the image data as a response to a polling packet periodically transmitted from the transfer destination information processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus when transferring the image data to the transfer destination information processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus transfers the image. The control means includes
When it is determined by the first determination means that the image data cannot be stored in the storage unit, and the second determination means determines that the setting for storing the image data in the external memory has been made The display unit displays a message prompting the user to connect the external memory when the external memory is not connected to the image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is received via a facsimile line.   If it is determined by the second determination means that the setting for storing the image data in the external memory is made, the control means is effective and the setting of other image data using the external memory is made. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a message indicating that input / output processing is restricted is displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external memory is a storage medium that is detachable from the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus control method capable of communicating with an external device via a network,
A first determination step for determining whether or not the image data can be stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus when the first determination unit receives the image data from the external apparatus via the network;
A second determination step for determining whether or not a setting for storing the image data in an external memory is made when it is determined that the image data cannot be stored in the storage unit;
If it is determined that the image data can be stored in the storage unit in the first determination step, the control unit stores the image data in the storage unit, and the image data is stored in the storage unit in the first determination step. Is determined to be unstorable, and it is determined in the second determination step that the setting for storing the image data in the external memory is performed, the image data is stored in the external memory, and the second If it is determined in the first determination step that the image data cannot be stored in the storage unit, and it is determined in the second determination step that the setting for storing the image data in the external memory is not performed, the image A control step for refusing to receive data,
In the control step, when it is determined that the setting for storing the image data in the external memory is performed by the second determination unit, the setting is valid, so that another image using the external memory is used. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, characterized by limiting data input / output processing.   The program for making a computer perform each step in the control method of the image forming apparatus of Claim 9.

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