JP2015012379A - Image processing device, program, and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a risk of information leakage even when abnormality has occurred in a reference clock.SOLUTION: A multifunction peripheral 100 (image processing device) has a control unit (control unit 11, etc.). The control unit determines whether the current time is within a predetermined output prohibition time zone on the basis of a reference clock generated by a clock circuit 11d, and prohibits output by the multifunction peripheral 100 in the output prohibition time zone. Then, the control unit determines whether abnormality has occurred in the reference clock, and when determining that abnormality has occurred, changes a mode of prohibition of the output.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a program, and an image processing method.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that prohibits output of the image forming apparatus in a predetermined time period in order to prevent information leakage. For example, it is conceivable that output by the image forming apparatus is prohibited at work at night when no one is present.

JP 2011-114774 A

  In recent years, the exchange of information between different countries has increased with the increase in cooperation work and outsourcing of work between multiple countries. Because there is a time difference in exchanges between different countries, it is possible that one country will be late at night and the other country will be daytime. For this reason, it is expected that a large number of contacts will reach the image processing apparatus even at midnight, and it is possible that confidential information is included therein.

  In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is considered that the current time is obtained based on the reference clock of the system main body, and it is determined whether or not the current time is within a predetermined time zone. However, since it is assumed that the reference clock is normal, the control related to the above-described output prohibition is normally performed in a state where an abnormality occurs in the reference clock and the current time cannot be set and updated correctly. I am concerned that there is not. As a result, there is a concern that the output of the image forming apparatus is performed in a time zone (for example, late at night) when output should be prohibited.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an image processing device, a program, and an image processing method capable of reducing the risk of information leakage even when an abnormality occurs in a reference clock. The purpose is to do.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention processes an image. An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a control unit that determines whether or not the present time is in a predetermined time zone based on a reference clock, and prohibits output of the image in the time zone. The controller determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock, and when determining that an abnormality has occurred, changes the mode of prohibiting the output.

  The program according to the present invention includes a step of determining whether a computer is currently in a predetermined time zone based on a reference clock, a step of prohibiting image output in the time zone, and an abnormality in the reference clock. And a step of changing the mode of prohibiting the output when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred.

  The image processing method according to the present invention determines whether or not the present time is in a predetermined time zone based on the reference clock, and prohibits image output of the image processing apparatus in the time zone. In the image processing method according to the present invention, when the image processing apparatus determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock, and when the image processing apparatus determines that the abnormality has occurred, Changing the mode of prohibition.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the risk of information leakage even when an abnormality occurs in the reference clock.

1 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 separately for each function. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output prohibition time period for output prohibition control by the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing method (clock monitoring control, output prohibition control, and the like) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for an output prohibition mode in the image processing method according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the one aspect | mode which changes an output prohibition time slot | zone in the image processing method which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of changing an output prohibition mode to a preset mode when an abnormality occurs in the reference clock in another embodiment of the present invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is a multi function peripheral (MFP) 100. The multifunction device 100 is a digital multifunction device having functions of, for example, a scanner, a copier, a printer, a facsimile (FAX), and a mailer (e-mail software). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a paper feed cassette 101, a paper transport unit 102, an image forming unit 103, a toner container 103 a, a fixing unit 104, and a paper discharge unit 105. And have.

  The multi-function device 100 outputs an image corresponding to the image data, for example, by reading an image to form image data or receiving the image data. Specifically, in the multifunction peripheral 100, the paper P stored in the paper feed cassette 101 is transported by the paper transport unit 102, and the toner image (image) corresponding to the image data is transferred to the paper P by the image forming unit 103. Further, the toner image is fixed on the paper P by the fixing unit 104. Thereafter, the paper P is discharged from the paper discharge unit 105. The toner is set in the toner container 103a and is supplied from the toner container 103a to the image forming unit 103.

  In addition, the multifunction device 100 transmits and receives various data (text data, image data, and the like) by a mailer.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the multi-function device 100 divided by function. As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-function device 100 includes a control unit 11, an input unit 12, a display unit 13, a storage unit 14, a communication I / F (interface) 15, a scanner unit 16a, and a copy unit. 16b, a printer unit 16c, and a fax unit 16d. Each unit is connected to be communicable with each other via a bus B1.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11c, a clock circuit 11d, a timer 11e, and the like. The ROM 11b is composed of a PROM (Programmable ROM) such as a flash memory, and the RAM 11c is composed of a DRAM (Dynamic RAM), for example. The ROM 11b stores programs such as a basic input / output system (BIOS), an operating system (OS), various drivers, and various applications. In the present embodiment, the clock circuit 11d generates a reference clock. In normal times, the entire system (multifunction peripheral 100) is controlled according to the reference clock generated by the clock circuit 11d. The timer 11e has the same function as a so-called stopwatch, and measures (counts up) an elapsed time from a designated time (measurement start time). The timer 11e is composed of, for example, an electronic circuit and operates independently from the reference clock.

  The input unit 12 includes a touch panel or operation keys. The display unit 13 includes a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an ELD (Electro Luminescence Display) having a touch panel function. In addition, when the input part 12 and the display part 13 are comprised from a touch panel, the input part 12 and the display part 13 are integrated. However, it is not essential that the display unit 13 has a touch panel function. The input unit 12 may be configured with a mouse or a keyboard.

  The storage unit 14 is composed of a nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk. The storage unit 14 stores, for example, printing data, image data read by the scanner unit 16a, data received by the fax unit 16d, and the like. The multi-function device 100 is connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) via the communication I / F 15. The multi-function device 100 is connected to another multi-function device or a work computer via a communication network, for example. The mailer is stored in the storage unit 14, for example. The mailer is executed by, for example, the control unit 11 to perform transmission / reception of an electronic mail.

  In the present embodiment, the storage unit 14 stores an output prohibition program, a reference clock monitoring program, and an output content restriction program.

  The control unit 11 executes the output prohibition program to determine whether or not the present time is in a predetermined time zone (hereinafter referred to as an output prohibition time zone) based on a reference clock (for example, a system clock), and prohibits output. The output of the multifunction device 100 during the time zone is prohibited. Specifically, the control unit 11 obtains the current time based on the reference clock, and determines whether or not the current time is in the output prohibited time zone. For example, the control unit 11 reads the time information of the hardware clock (or real-time clock) at each start-up, stores the time information (reference time) in a predetermined memory, and thereafter stores the time information in the memory based on the reference clock. Update time information for. Note that the output of the MFP 100 that is prohibited when the reference clock is normal can be arbitrarily set. For example, in the output prohibition time period, all the outputs of the multifunction peripheral 100 (printing by the printer unit 16c, transmission by the fax unit 16d or mailer, etc.) may be prohibited.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the output prohibition time zone. As shown in FIG. 3, the output prohibition time zone is set to, for example, a late-night time zone, specifically 23:00 to 4:00. As the output prohibition time zone, different time zones may be set for every day, every week, every month, every day of the week, or the same time zone may be set every day. In addition, the output prohibition time zone can be set in any manner, and it may be set collectively (batch setting) every week, every month, every day of the week, etc. May be set. A plurality of discontinuous output prohibition time zones may be set on one day. In this case, when one output prohibition time period ends, the setting is changed to the next output prohibition time period (the output prohibition time period closest to the current time).

  The control unit 11 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock by executing the reference clock monitoring program. As a cause of the abnormality in the reference clock, for example, a failure of the clock circuit 11d due to noise or the like can be considered. In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 monitors whether there is an abnormality in the reference clock, thereby detecting an abnormality in the reference clock at an early stage (see step S11 in FIG. 4 described later).

  Note that errors (abnormalities) that occur in the system main body (control unit 11) include an error that locks the operation panel of the MFP 100 and prohibits user operations (hereinafter referred to as a serious error), and a part of the system. Although there is a possibility that this function may be adversely affected, there are errors that enable the use of other basic functions (hereinafter referred to as minor errors). Serious errors can only be cleared by the administrator. On the other hand, a minor error can be restored to a normal state by restarting (power-on). An abnormality in the reference clock corresponds to a minor error.

  When the control unit 11 determines in the control by the reference clock monitoring program (hereinafter referred to as clock monitoring control) that an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock, the control unit 11 performs the control by the output prohibition program (hereinafter referred to as output prohibition control). The mode of prohibition of output is changed. Specifically, when the control unit 11 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock, the control unit 11 prompts the user to set the output prohibition mode. When the output prohibition mode is set, the output prohibition control is performed in the set mode thereafter. I do. In the present embodiment, the user can select an arbitrary output prohibition mode from among a plurality of options (see steps S12 to S14 in FIG. 4 described later).

  When there is an output from the multifunction peripheral 100 that is not prohibited by the output prohibition control, the control unit 11 executes the output content restriction program to restrict the output content in the output prohibition time zone. Specifically, in the output prohibition time zone, for example, information that tends to be confidential information, a destination, a transmission source, an image, or an attached file is not output (hidden). In addition, even when the control unit 11 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock in the clock monitoring control, by executing the output content restriction program, the output content of the output that is not prohibited by the output prohibition control is limited. . In the present embodiment, the user can arbitrarily set restrictions.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an image processing method (clock monitoring control, output prohibition control, etc.) according to this embodiment. The process of FIG. 4 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle, for example, by the control unit 11 (FIG. 2). Specifically, the CPU 11a executes a program stored in the storage unit 14 or the like. Hereinafter, the processing of FIG. 4 will be described by taking as an example a case where printing by the printer unit 16c is prohibited every day in the output prohibition time zone (23: 00 to 4:00) as shown in FIG. To do.

  In step S11 of FIG. 4, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock by executing the reference clock monitoring program in the storage unit. In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 periodically determines (monitors) whether an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock by repeatedly executing the process of step S11 at a predetermined cycle. Whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock of the multifunction device 100 is determined by, for example, communicating with another device via a network and comparing the reference clock of the multifunction device 100 with the clock of the other device. it can. Further, by moving the timer 11e, it may be determined whether an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock by comparing the reference clock with the clock by the timer 11e. Alternatively, the reference clock may be directly monitored, and if an abnormality occurs in the continuity of the reference clock, it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock. Note that it is not essential to monitor whether there is an abnormality in the reference clock, and it may be determined at an arbitrary timing. However, if it is monitored whether an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock, an abnormality in the reference clock can be detected at an early stage.

If it is determined in step S11 in FIG. 4 that there is no abnormality in the reference clock (step S11: NO), the series of processes in FIG. 4 is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the reference clock is abnormal (step S11: YES), the control unit 11 executes the output prohibition program in the storage unit 14 in the subsequent step S12, thereby displaying the display. For example, the setting screen for the output prohibition mode and the output content limitation as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the unit 13 (operation panel). This allows users to
(1) Prohibit all printing regardless of time of day,
(2) Permit all printing (cancel output prohibition),
(3) Permit only printing that satisfies a predetermined condition,
(4) Based on a clock other than the reference clock, it is determined whether or not the current time is in the output prohibition time zone (clock change),
(5) Change the output prohibition time zone,
The user is prompted to set any of the modes.

  Subsequently, in step S13 of FIG. 4, the control unit 11 determines whether or not any one of the above-described (1) to (5) is set by the user. The user can select (set) an arbitrary mode through the input unit 12, for example. In the present embodiment, since the input unit 12 includes a touch panel, the user touches buttons (areas on the screen) corresponding to the above (1) to (5) displayed on the screen (see FIG. 5). Thus, any of the above aspects (1) to (5) can be set.

  While it is determined in step S13 of FIG. 4 that the output prohibition mode is not set (step S13: NO), the process of step S13 is repeatedly executed. When it is determined in step S13 that the output prohibition mode is set (step S13: YES), in subsequent step S14, the control unit 11 changes the output prohibition mode in accordance with the set contents.

  Specifically, if it is determined in step S13 in FIG. 4 that the mode (1) has been selected by the user, all printing is prohibited regardless of the time period. The job (printing) may be prohibited by setting the output prohibition time zone as 0:00 to 24:00.

  If it is determined in step S13 in FIG. 4 that the mode (2) has been selected by the user, the output prohibition relating to printing is canceled and all printing is permitted. The cancellation of the output prohibition may be performed by setting the output prohibition time zone to none.

  If it is determined in step S13 in FIG. 4 that the mode (3) has been selected by the user, only printing that satisfies a predetermined condition is permitted. In other words, regardless of the time zone, printing that does not satisfy the predetermined condition is prohibited, and printing that satisfies the predetermined condition is permitted. The condition can be set by, for example, the user touching a “condition setting” button displayed on the screen (see FIG. 5).

  In the present embodiment, it is possible to set a user who is permitted to output, a job type, the number of pages, a data amount, or output contents as the above conditions. In the user condition setting, for example, output is prohibited depending on a user other than the user authenticated by the administrator. Whether or not the user is authenticated by the administrator is determined based on whether or not the input content is correct, for example, by prompting the user to input a user name and password. In the job type condition setting, for example, the user selects an arbitrary job type (transmission / reception result report, copy, printer, or the like), and permits only output of the job type. In the condition setting for the number of pages, for example, the user sets the number of pages, and printing exceeding the number of pages is prohibited. In the data amount condition setting, for example, the user sets the data amount, and printing exceeding the data amount is prohibited. In the output content condition setting, for example, printing including an image or the like is prohibited. However, the conditions are not limited to the above, and the conditions are arbitrary.

  If it is determined in step S13 in FIG. 4 that the mode (4) has been selected by the user, it is determined whether or not the present time is in the output prohibition time zone based on a clock other than the reference clock. . In this embodiment, instead of the clock circuit 11d, a clock is generated separately from the reference clock by the timer 11e, and it is determined whether or not the current time is in the output prohibition time zone based on the clock by the timer 11e. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the user can set the current time by touching the “Set Current Time” button displayed on the screen (see FIG. 5). The timer 11e starts measurement at the same time as the current time is set, and measures the time after that with only the timer 11e, regardless of the reference clock, by measuring the elapsed time from the measurement start time. Enable. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the reference clock (clock circuit 11d) is normal, the timer 11e may be moved to generate a clock different from the reference clock. In this case, setting of the current time by the user becomes unnecessary.

  Based on the clock by the timer 11e, the current time may be displayed on the operation panel (display unit 13) of the multifunction peripheral 100. In addition, an indication that an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock may be displayed on the operation panel (display unit 13) of the multifunction peripheral 100. Further, it may be notified to the outside that an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock.

  Not limited to the above, when it is determined whether or not the current time is in the output prohibition time zone based on the clock by the timer 11e, the output is prohibited until what time (the user sets an arbitrary time) after the current time. As described above, an output prohibition time zone may be newly set. In this case, it is preferable to display the remaining time until the output prohibition is canceled on the operation panel (display unit 13) of the multi-function device 100. In addition, in the output prohibition control based on the timer, the target to be calculated is the elapsed time. Therefore, in the output prohibition control based on the time, the output prohibition time zone set based on the time information is converted into the elapsed time information and managed. It is preferable to do.

  The clock generated by the timer 11e may be used not only for determining whether or not the current time is in the output prohibition time period, but also for other purposes. The timer 11e may be a timer used for another purpose, or may be newly provided as an alternative to the clock circuit 11d.

  If it is determined in step S13 in FIG. 4 that the mode (5) has been selected by the user, the output prohibition time zone is changed. Specifically, for example, when the user touches a “time zone setting” button displayed on the screen (see FIG. 5), an arbitrary output prohibition time zone can be set. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the start time and the end time of the output prohibition time period may be automatically extended by a predetermined time (for example, 2 hours). . In the example of FIG. 6, the output prohibition time zone is extended from 23:00 to 4:00 to 21:00 to 6:00.

  In the present embodiment, in steps S12 to S13 in FIG. 4, the user can arbitrarily select only one aspect from the above (1) to (5). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a mode in which two or more of the above (3) to (5) are combined may be arbitrarily selected by the user. For example, when (3) and (4) are combined, the output prohibited time zone can be set almost accurately by the timer 11e or the like, so that a predetermined condition is satisfied outside the output prohibited time zone. Although printing is permitted, it is conceivable that all printing is prohibited during the output prohibition time period regardless of whether the conditions are met.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in steps S12 to S14 in FIG. 4, the control unit 11 executes an output content restriction program in the storage unit 14, thereby restricting the print contents that are not prohibited by the output prohibition control to the print contents. multiply. Specifically, for example, when the user touches a “hidden print” button displayed on the screen (see FIG. 5), it is possible to arbitrarily set the restriction content. Specifically, for example, information that tends to be confidential information, a destination, a transmission source, an image, or an attached file may not be printed (hidden).

  Upon completion of step S14 in FIG. 4, the series of processes in FIG. 4 ends. In the output prohibition control, it is preferable that data that is not output during output prohibition is accumulated in the storage unit 14, and the accumulated data is output after canceling the output prohibition.

  The multi-function device 100 (image processing apparatus) according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the present time is in a predetermined time zone (output prohibited time zone) based on the reference clock, and the multi-function device 100 in the output prohibited time zone. It has a control part (control part 11 grade) which prohibits an output. In addition, the control unit determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock, and when determining that an abnormality has occurred, changes the mode of prohibiting output. The control unit 11 itself may implement the control unit, or the control unit 11 may implement the control unit in cooperation with a program or a circuit provided outside the control unit 11. is there.

  According to the MFP 100 having the above configuration, it is possible to change the mode of prohibiting output when an abnormality occurs in the reference clock. For this reason, even when an abnormality occurs in the reference clock, it is possible to reduce the risk of information leakage.

  In the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, when the control unit (the control unit 11 or the like) determines that an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock, the setting of the output prohibition mode is prompted and the output prohibition mode is set. Then, the mode of prohibiting output is changed to the set mode. In such a configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the reference clock, the user can set an arbitrary output prohibition mode.

  In the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, when the control unit (the control unit 11 or the like) determines that an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock, the current output is prohibited based on a clock other than the reference clock according to a user setting. The mode of prohibiting output is changed so as to determine whether or not it is in the time zone (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Specifically, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock, the control unit (the control unit 11 or the like) generates a clock other than the reference clock by the timer 11e that measures an elapsed time from a predetermined timing. Based on the generated clock, it is determined whether or not the present time is in the output prohibition time zone. According to such a configuration, even when an abnormality occurs in the reference clock, the output prohibition control can be continued basically as it is.

  In the multi-function device 100 according to the present embodiment, when the control unit (the control unit 11 or the like) determines that an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock, all output is prohibited regardless of the time zone according to user settings. In addition, the mode of prohibiting output is changed (see FIGS. 4 and 5). In such a configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the reference clock, it is not output from the multi-function device 100, so that it is possible to prevent information leakage more reliably.

  In the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, when the control unit (the control unit 11 or the like) determines that an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock, the output prohibition is performed so as to cancel the output prohibition according to a user setting. Is changed (see FIGS. 4 and 5). According to such a configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the reference clock, it is possible to prevent information leakage under the user's own monitoring without depending on the output prohibition control.

  In the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, when the control unit (the control unit 11 or the like) determines that an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock, only output satisfying a predetermined condition is permitted by a user setting. The mode of prohibiting output is changed (see FIGS. 4 and 5). According to such a configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the reference clock, it is possible to reduce the risk of information leakage by permitting limited output.

  In the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, when the control unit (the control unit 11 or the like) determines that an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock, the output prohibition time zone is changed so as to change the output prohibition time zone according to a user setting. The mode of prohibition is changed (see FIGS. 4 and 5). In such a configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the reference clock, it is possible to reduce the risk of information leakage by extending the output prohibition time zone.

  In the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, when the control unit (the control unit 11 or the like) determines that an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock, the output content of the output that is not prohibited by the output prohibition control according to the user setting. To limit. In such a configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the reference clock, it is possible to limit the output content and reduce the risk of information leakage.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the present invention can be modified as follows.

  In the above embodiment, the output prohibition mode is changed based on the user setting, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock (when an abnormality occurs), the output prohibition mode may be automatically changed to a preset mode without the user setting. Specifically, for example, instead of the process of FIG. 4, a process as shown in FIG. 7 may be executed.

  Step S21 in FIG. 7 is the same process as step S11 in FIG. 4. If it is determined in step S21 in FIG. 7 that the reference clock is abnormal (step S21: YES), in the subsequent step S22, The mode of prohibiting output is changed to a preset mode (for example, any one of (1) to (5) described above). In step S22, a preset output content restriction is applied to the output that is not prohibited by the output prohibition control. Then, upon completion of step S22 in FIG. 7, the series of processing in FIG. 7 ends. Also, when it is determined in step S21 in FIG. 7 that the reference clock is normal (step S21: NO), the series of processes in FIG.

  The execution conditions of the process of FIG. 4 or the process of FIG. 7 can be arbitrarily set. For example, the processing of FIG. 4 or the processing of FIG. 7 may be executed only during output prohibition (output prohibition time zone) by output prohibition control. Moreover, you may make it selectively perform either the process of FIG. 4 or the process of FIG. 7 according to a condition. Specifically, since there is a high possibility that the user is absent during the output prohibition time period, the process of FIG. 7 is executed during the output prohibition time period, and the process of FIG. 4 is executed outside the output prohibition time period. You may do it. Further, the process of FIG. 4 and the process of FIG. 7 may be combined. Specifically, at first, the user is prompted to set an output prohibition mode, but if the user does not set it within a predetermined time, the output prohibition mode is automatically changed to a preset mode. You may do it.

  In the above embodiment, output prohibition control related to printing by the printer unit 16c has been mainly described. However, the present invention can be applied to any output.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to a complex machine (composite image forming apparatus) and is arbitrary. For example, the image processing apparatus may be a single unit (single-function image forming apparatus) of a scanner, a copier, a printer, or a facsimile, a general-purpose computer (so-called personal computer) that processes information such as e-mail, Alternatively, it may be a mobile device such as a mobile phone.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration (components, dimensions, material, shape, arrangement, etc.) of the multifunction device 100 can be arbitrarily changed or omitted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, the functions related to the control of the multifunction peripheral 100 can be realized by hardware (electronic circuit or the like) or software (program). In the above embodiment, the program executed by the control unit 11 may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. The program may be held in a predetermined server on the communication network so that the client can execute or download the program. Further, when a predetermined function is realized by cooperation between an OS (Operating System) and an application, distribution or the like may be enabled only for a portion other than the OS.

  In the above embodiment, the image processing method is not limited to the order and contents shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 or FIG. 7, and the order or contents can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. it can. Moreover, you may omit the process which is not required according to a use etc. If it is not necessary, the output content restriction may be omitted.

  The above-described embodiment or modification can be arbitrarily combined. It is preferable to select an appropriate combination according to the application.

  The image processing apparatus, program, and image processing method according to the present invention are suitable for information management in an information system including, for example, a multifunction peripheral.

11 Control unit 11a CPU
11b ROM
11c RAM
11d clock circuit 11e timer 12 input unit 13 display unit 14 storage unit 15 communication I / F
16a Scanner unit 16b Copy unit 16c Printer unit 16d Fax unit 100 Multifunction machine 101 Paper feed cassette 102 Paper transport unit 103 Image forming unit 103a Toner container 104 Fixing unit 105 Paper discharge unit B1 Bus P Paper

Claims (9)

An image processing apparatus for processing an image,
It is determined whether or not the current time is in a predetermined time zone based on a reference clock, and includes a control unit that prohibits the output of the image in the time zone,
The control unit determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock, and changes the mode of prohibiting the output when determining that an abnormality has occurred.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit determines that the abnormality has occurred, the control unit changes the output prohibition mode to a preset mode.   When the control unit determines that the abnormality has occurred, the control unit changes the mode of prohibiting the output so as to determine whether the current time is in the time zone based on a clock other than the reference clock. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.   When the control unit determines that the abnormality has occurred, the control unit generates a clock other than the reference clock by a timer that measures an elapsed time from a predetermined timing, and the current time zone is based on the generated clock. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein it is determined whether or not the image processing apparatus is in the state.   5. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit determines that the abnormality has occurred, the control unit changes a mode of prohibiting the output so as to prohibit all outputs regardless of a time zone. The image processing apparatus described.   The said control part changes the aspect of prohibition of the said output so that only the output which satisfy | fills predetermined conditions will be permitted, when it judges that the said abnormality has arisen. Image processing apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the control unit determines that the abnormality has occurred, the output content is limited for an output that is not prohibited by the prohibition of the output. On the computer,
Determining whether the current time is in a predetermined time zone based on a reference clock; and
Prohibiting image output in the time period;
Determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock; and
A step of changing the mode of prohibition of the output when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred;
A program for running An image processing method for determining whether or not the current time is in a predetermined time zone based on a reference clock, and prohibiting output of an image of the image processing device in the time zone,
The image processing apparatus determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the reference clock; and
When the image processing apparatus determines that the abnormality has occurred, changing the mode of prohibiting the output;
Including an image processing method.

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