JP2019102876A - Image processing apparatus and image output method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image processing apparatus, and an image output method with which a user can input, with security, image data of a document including highly confidential information.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus comprises: a storage processing unit 53 that stores, in a second storage unit 8, image data to be input; an output processing unit 54 that outputs the image data stored in the second storage unit 8 by the storage processing unit 53; a deletion processing unit 55 that, after the image data is output by the output processing unit 54, deletes the image data output by the output processing unit 54 from the second storage unit 8 in an unrestorable manner; and an issuance processing unit 56 that, after the image data is deleted by the deletion processing unit 55, issues certification data indicating that the image data is deleted in an unrestorable manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that outputs image data, and an image output method that is executed by the image processing apparatus.

  In an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine, print processing may be performed based on image data of a document including highly confidential information such as personal information. For example, an image processing apparatus capable of issuing a resident card is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, in the image processing apparatus, the image data of the document may be deleted from the storage unit in the apparatus after the printing process based on the image data of the document is executed.

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2006-212812

  By the way, in the image processing apparatus, image data deleted from the storage unit may remain in the storage unit in a recoverable state. In this case, there is a possibility that the information contained in the image data of the document may leak from the storage unit. Therefore, the user can not safely input image data of a document including highly confidential information to the image processing apparatus.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image output method that allow a user to safely input image data of a document including highly confidential information.

  An image processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a storage processing unit, an output processing unit, a deletion processing unit, and an issuance processing unit. The storage processing unit stores input image data in a storage unit. The output processing unit outputs the image data stored in the storage unit by the storage processing unit. The deletion processing unit deletes the image data output by the output processing unit from the storage unit so as to be unrecoverable after the output processing unit outputs the image data. The issue processing unit issues proof data indicating that the image data has been irremovably deleted after the deletion of the image data by the deletion processing unit.

  An image output method according to another aspect of the present invention includes storing input image data in a storage unit, outputting the image data stored in the storage unit, and after outputting the image data. The method may include deleting the output image data unrecoverably from the storage unit, and issuing proof data indicating that the image data has been unremovable deleted after deleting the image data.

  According to the present invention, an image processing apparatus and an image output method are realized which allow a user to safely input image data of a document including highly confidential information.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the image output process performed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. The following embodiments are merely specific examples of the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[Schematic Configuration of Image Processing Device 10]
First, a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus 10. As shown in FIG.

  The image processing apparatus 10 is a multifunction peripheral having a scan function for reading image data from a document, a print function for forming an image based on image data, and a plurality of functions such as a facsimile function and a copy function. The present invention is applicable to image processing apparatuses such as a scanner apparatus, a printer apparatus, a facsimile apparatus, and a copier.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image processing apparatus 10 includes an ADF 1, an image reading unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a sheet feeding unit 4, a control unit 5, an operation display unit 6, a first storage unit 7, and 2 A storage unit 8 and a power supply unit 9 are provided.

  The ADF 1 includes a document setting unit, a plurality of conveyance rollers, a document pressing unit, and a discharge unit, and conveys a document read by the image reading unit 2. The image reading unit 2 includes an original table, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, and a CCD, and can read image data from an original.

  The image forming unit 3 can form an image by an electrophotographic method based on image data read by the image reading unit 2 or image data input from an external information processing apparatus. Specifically, the image forming unit 3 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an optical scanning device, a developing device, a transfer roller, a cleaning device, a fixing roller, a pressure roller, and a discharge unit. Then, in the image forming unit 3, an image is formed on the sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit 4, and the sheet after the image formation is discharged to the sheet discharging unit.

  The control unit 5 includes control devices such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an EEPROM (registered trademark) (not shown). The CPU is a processor that executes various arithmetic processing. The ROM is a non-volatile storage device in which information such as a control program for causing the CPU to execute various processes is stored in advance. The RAM is a volatile storage device, and the EEPROM is a non-volatile storage device. The RAM and the EEPROM are used as temporary storage memories (work areas) of various processes executed by the CPU. In the control unit 5, the CPU executes various control programs stored in advance in the ROM. As a result, the image processing apparatus 10 is totally controlled by the control unit 5. The control unit 5 may be configured by an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC) or the like, and is a control unit provided separately from the main control unit that generally controls the image processing apparatus 10. May be

  The operation display unit 6 is a display unit such as a liquid crystal display that displays various types of information in response to a control instruction from the control unit 5, and operation keys or a touch panel that inputs various types of information to the control unit 5 in accordance with user operations. Etc. has an operation unit.

  The first storage unit 7 is a non-volatile storage device. For example, the first storage unit 7 is a storage device such as a flash memory, an SSD (solid state drive), or an HDD (hard disk drive). The first storage unit 7 is a storage device having a larger storage capacity than the second storage unit 8. The first storage unit 7 may be the EEPROM of the control unit 5.

  The second storage unit 8 is a volatile storage device such as a RAM. Here, the volatile property is a property that data stored in the second storage unit 8 is deleted unrecoverably by stopping power supply to the second storage unit 8. The second storage unit 8 may be the RAM of the control unit 5.

  The power supply unit 9 is a power supply capable of supplying power to each unit of the image processing apparatus 10 including the second storage unit 8.

  By the way, in the conventional image processing apparatus, printing processing may be executed based on image data of a document including highly confidential information such as personal information. For example, a configuration capable of issuing a resident card is known. Further, in the conventional image processing apparatus, after printing processing based on image data of a document is executed, image data of the document may be deleted from a storage unit inside the apparatus.

  Here, in the conventional image processing apparatus, the image data deleted from the storage unit may remain in the storage unit in a recoverable state. In this case, there is a possibility that the information contained in the image data of the document may leak from the storage unit. Therefore, the user can not safely input the image data of the document including highly confidential information to the conventional image processing apparatus. On the other hand, in the image processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, as described below, it is possible for the user to safely input the image data of the document including the highly confidential information.

  Specifically, an image output program for causing the CPU to execute image output processing (see the flowchart of FIG. 3) described later is stored in advance in the ROM of the control unit 5. The image output program is recorded in a computer readable recording medium such as a CD, a DVD, a flash memory, etc., read from the recording medium and installed in the EEPROM or the first storage unit 7. May be

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 5 includes a reception processing unit 51, an acquisition processing unit 52, a storage processing unit 53, an output processing unit 54, a deletion processing unit 55, and an issuance processing unit 56. Specifically, the control unit 5 executes the image output program stored in the ROM using the CPU. Thus, the control unit 5 functions as the reception processing unit 51, the acquisition processing unit 52, the storage processing unit 53, the output processing unit 54, the deletion processing unit 55, and the issuance processing unit 56.

  Before the input of the image data to the image processing apparatus 10, the reception processing unit 51 receives a setting operation of enabling / disabling of the deletion function by the deletion processing unit 55 described later.

  Specifically, the reception processing unit 51 receives the setting operation before acquisition of image data by the acquisition processing unit 52 described later.

  For example, the reception processing unit 51 causes the operation display unit 6 to display a setting screen used for the setting operation. Then, the reception processing unit 51 receives the setting operation on the setting screen displayed on the operation display unit 6. For example, the setting operation is an operation to any one of a selection key corresponding to the activation of the deletion function by the deletion processing unit 55 displayed on the setting screen and a selection key corresponding to the cancellation of the deletion function.

  For example, in the setting screen, the image data of the obtained document is stored in the volatile storage device, and the power supply to the storage device is stopped after the image data of the document is output. And a message indicating that the image data of the document is to be deleted unrecoverably. The setting screen indicates that the processing time may be prolonged when the number of pages of image data input to the image processing apparatus 10 is large when the deletion function is set to be effective. A message may be included.

  The acquisition processing unit 52 acquires image data.

  For example, when a document is placed on the document setting unit of the ADF 1, the acquisition processing unit 52 uses the ADF 1 and the image reading unit 2 to generate image data of the document placed on the document setting unit. Read When no document is placed on the document setting unit of the ADF 1, the acquisition processing unit 52 uses the image reading unit 2 to read the document placed on the document platen of the image reading unit 2. Read image data. The document set unit is provided with a sensor (not shown) capable of detecting the presence or absence of a document placed on the document set unit. The acquisition processing unit 52 can detect the presence or absence of the document placed on the document setting unit using the sensor.

  The acquisition processing unit 52 may acquire image data of a document from an external information processing apparatus or the like connected via a communication network such as the Internet or LAN. Further, the acquisition processing unit 52 may acquire image data of a document from an external storage device such as a USB memory connected to the image processing apparatus 10.

  The storage processing unit 53 stores the input image data in the second storage unit 8.

  Specifically, the storage processing unit 53 stores the image data acquired by the acquisition processing unit 52 in the second storage unit 8.

  For example, when the deletion function is set to be effective by the setting operation, the storage processing unit 53 stores the input image data in the second storage unit 8. On the other hand, when the deletion function is set to be invalidated by the setting operation, the storage processing unit 53 stores the input image data in the first storage unit 7. Here, the second storage unit 8 is an example of the storage unit in the present invention. The first storage unit 7 is an example of another storage unit in the present invention.

  The output processing unit 54 outputs the image data stored in the second storage unit 8 by the storage processing unit 53.

  Specifically, the output processing unit 54 outputs the image data stored in the second storage unit 8 by the storage processing unit 53 when the deletion function is set to be effective by the setting operation. On the other hand, when the deletion function is set to be invalidated by the setting operation, the output processing unit 54 outputs the image data stored in the first storage unit 7 by the storage processing unit 53.

  For example, the output processing unit 54 prints an image based on the image data stored in the first storage unit 7 or the second storage unit 8 using the image forming unit 3.

  The output processing unit 54 may transmit the image data stored in the first storage unit 7 or the second storage unit 8 to the external information processing apparatus. Further, the output processing unit 54 may store the image data stored in the first storage unit 7 or the second storage unit 8 in the external storage device.

  After outputting the image data by the output processing unit 54, the deletion processing unit 55 deletes the image data output by the output processing unit 54 from the second storage unit 8 so as not to be restored.

  Specifically, when the deletion function is set to be effective by the setting operation, the deletion processing unit 55 deletes the image data output by the output processing unit 54 from the second storage unit 8 so as not to be restored. On the other hand, when the deletion function is set to be invalidated by the setting operation, the deletion processing unit 55 restores the image data output by the output processing unit 54 from the first storage unit 7 in a recoverable manner. Here, the recoverable deletion is, for example, deleting information for recognizing image data stored in the first storage unit 7 stored in the EEPROM or the like.

  For example, after the output processing unit 54 outputs the image data, the deletion processing unit 55 stops the power supply to the second storage unit 8 by the power supply unit 9.

  Note that the deletion processing unit 55 may cause the own device to perform restart via a state in which power supply to the second storage unit 8 is stopped after the output processing unit 54 outputs the image data.

  After the deletion processing unit 55 deletes the image data, the issuance processing unit 56 issues proof data indicating that the image data has been deleted unrecoverably.

  Specifically, when the deletion function is set to be effective by the setting operation, the issuance processing unit 56 issues the proof data. For example, the proof data relates to information on an installation place of the image processing apparatus 10, information used to specify the image processing apparatus 10 such as model information, an acquisition mode and an output mode of image data of an original such as the number of originals and the number of print copies. It includes information, the date and time when the image data of the document is irreversibly deleted, and text information that proves that the image data of the document is irreversibly deleted.

  For example, the issuance processing unit 56 prints the proof data using the image forming unit 3.

  The issuance processing unit 56 may transmit the proof data to the external information processing apparatus. In addition, the issuance processing unit 56 may store the proof data in the external storage device.

  The control unit 5 may not include the reception processing unit 51.

  Further, a configuration in which the image processing apparatus 10 does not include the second storage unit 8 is considered as another embodiment. In this case, the storage processing unit 53 stores the input image data in the first storage unit 7 regardless of the setting content of the deletion function by the setting operation. Further, when the deletion function is set to be effective by the setting operation, the deletion processing unit 55 outputs the image data output by the output processing unit 54 to the first storage unit. Remove unrecoverable from 7 For example, after the output processing unit 54 outputs the image data, the deletion processing unit 55 overwrites the storage area of the image data output by the output processing unit 54 in the first storage unit 7 with a predetermined dummy data. Here, the first storage unit 7 in the other embodiment is another example of the storage unit in the present invention.

[Image output processing]
Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the image output process performed by the control unit 5 in the image processing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, steps S11, S12,... Indicate the numbers of the processing procedures (steps) executed by the control unit 5. Further, the image output process is executed when an execution operation of a process for copying a document is received.

  The image output process may be executed when an execution operation of a process of transmitting image data read from a document to the external information processing apparatus or the like is received. Further, the image output process may be executed when an execution operation of a process of printing image data of a document acquired from the external information processing apparatus or the like is received.

<Step S11>
First, in step S11, the control unit 5 causes the operation display unit 6 to display the setting screen. Here, the process of step S11 is executed by the reception processing unit 51 of the control unit 5.

<Step S12>
In step S12, the control unit 5 determines whether the setting operation has been accepted on the setting screen displayed in step S11.

  Here, when determining that the setting operation has been received (Yes in S12), the control unit 5 shifts the processing to step S13. If the setting operation has not been received (No in S12), the control unit 5 waits for the setting operation to be received in step S12.

<Step S13>
In step S13, the control unit 5 acquires image data of a document. Here, the process of step S13 is executed by the acquisition processing unit 52 of the control unit 5.

  For example, when a document is placed on the document setting unit of the ADF 1, the control unit 5 uses the ADF 1 and the image reading unit 2 to read image data of the document placed on the document setting unit. read. Further, when the document is not placed on the document setting unit of the ADF 1, the control unit 5 uses the image reading unit 2 to image the document placed on the document platen of the image reading unit 2. Read the data

<Step S14>
In step S14, the control unit 5 determines whether the deletion function is set to be effective by the setting operation accepted in step S12.

  Here, when the control unit 5 determines that the deletion function is set to be valid (Yes in S14), the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S15. In addition, if the deletion function is not set to be valid (when it is determined that the deletion function is set to be invalid) (No in S14), the control unit 5 shifts the processing to step S141.

<Step S15>
In step S15, the control unit 5 causes the second storage unit 8 to store the image data of the document obtained in step S13. Here, the process of step S15 is executed by the storage processing unit 53 of the control unit 5.

<Step S16>
In step S16, control unit 5 outputs the image data of the document stored in second storage unit 8 in step S15. Here, the process of step S16 is executed by the output processing unit 54 of the control unit 5.

  For example, the control unit 5 uses the image forming unit 3 to print an image based on the image data stored in the second storage unit 8.

<Step S17>
In step S17, the control unit 5 deletes the image data of the document output in step S16 from the second storage unit 8 so as not to be restored. Here, the process of step S17 is executed by the deletion processing unit 55 of the control unit 5.

  For example, the control unit 5 stops the power supply to the second storage unit 8 by the power supply unit 9. The control unit 5 may cause the operation display unit 6 to display a message indicating that the power supply to the second storage unit 8 has been stopped.

  In step S17, the control unit 5 may cause the own device to execute the restart. Thereby, it is possible to make the user recognize that the power supply to the second storage unit 8 is stopped with the restart of the image processing apparatus 10.

<Step S18>
In step S18, the control unit 5 issues the proof data. Here, the process of step S18 is executed by the issuance processing unit 56 of the control unit 5.

  For example, the control unit 5 uses the image forming unit 3 to print the proof data.

<Step S141>
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S14 that the deletion function is not set to be effective, the control unit 5 executes the process of step S141. In step S141, the control unit 5 causes the first storage unit 7 to store the image data of the document acquired in step S13. As a result, when the second storage unit 8 does not have a capacity capable of storing all of the image data of the document acquired in step S13, it is possible to prevent the processing time from being extended. Here, the process of step S141 is executed by the storage processing unit 53 of the control unit 5.

<Step S142>
In step S142, control unit 5 outputs the image data of the document stored in first storage unit 7 in step S141. Here, the process of step S 142 is executed by the output processing unit 54 of the control unit 5.

  For example, the control unit 5 uses the image forming unit 3 to print an image based on the image data stored in the first storage unit 7.

<Step S143>
In step S143, the control unit 5 restoreably deletes the image data of the document output in step S142 from the first storage unit 7. Here, the process of step S143 is executed by the deletion processing unit 55 of the control unit 5.

  For example, the control unit 5 deletes the information for recognizing the image data of the document output in step S142 stored in the first storage unit 7 stored in the EEPROM or the like.

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus 10, after the image data read from the document is printed, the image data is irremovably deleted from the second storage unit 8 storing the image data, which indicates that the image data is printed. The proof data is issued. This makes it possible to eliminate the fear of the user that the input image data may remain recoverable inside the image processing apparatus 10. Specifically, by issuing the proof data, it is possible to clear the fear of the user who is not familiar with the internal structure of the image processing apparatus 10. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 10, it is possible for the user to safely input image data of a document including highly confidential information.

1 ADF
Reference Signs List 2 image reading unit 3 image forming unit 4 sheet feeding unit 5 control unit 6 operation display unit 7 first storage unit 8 second storage unit 9 power feeding unit 10 image processing device 51 reception processing unit 52 acquisition processing unit 53 storage processing unit 54 output Processing unit 55 Deletion processing unit 56 Issue processing unit

Claims (8)

A storage processing unit for storing input image data in a storage unit;
An output processing unit that outputs the image data stored in the storage unit by the storage processing unit;
A deletion processing unit that deletes the image data output by the output processing unit from the storage unit unrecoverably after the output processing unit outputs the image data;
An issue processing unit that issues proof data indicating that the image data has been irremovably deleted after deletion of the image data by the deletion processing unit;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The storage unit has volatility such that the image data stored in the storage unit is irreversibly deleted due to a power supply stop.
The deletion processing unit stops power feeding to the storage unit after the output processing unit outputs the image data.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The deletion processing unit causes the image processing apparatus to perform restart via a state in which power supply to the storage unit is stopped after the output processing unit outputs the image data.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2. The image processing apparatus further comprises a reception processing unit that receives a setting operation of valid / invalid of the deletion function by the deletion processing unit before input of the image data.
The storage processing unit stores the input image data in the storage unit when the deletion function is set to be valid by the setting operation, and the storage processing unit sets the deletion function to be invalid. Storing the input image data in another storage unit having a larger storage capacity than the storage unit;
The output processing unit outputs the image data stored in the storage unit or the other storage unit.
The deletion processing unit deletes the image data output by the output processing unit from the storage unit so as to be unrecoverable, when the deletion function is set to be effective by the setting operation.
The issuance processing unit issues the proof data when the deletion function is set to be effective by the setting operation.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2. The storage unit is nonvolatile.
The deletion processing unit overwrites the storage area of the image data output by the output processing unit in the storage unit with a predetermined dummy data after the output processing unit outputs the image data.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The image processing apparatus further comprises a reception processing unit that receives a setting operation of valid / invalid of the deletion function by the deletion processing unit before input of the image data.
The deletion processing unit deletes the image data output by the output processing unit from the storage unit so as to be unrecoverable, when the deletion function is set to be effective by the setting operation.
The issuance processing unit issues the proof data when the deletion function is set to be effective by the setting operation.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 5.   The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising one or both of an image reading unit capable of reading the image data and an image forming unit capable of forming an image based on the image data. Storing the input image data in the storage unit;
Outputting the image data stored in the storage unit;
Deleting the output image data from the storage unit unrecoverably after the output of the image data;
Issuing proof data indicating that the image data has been irretrievably deleted after deletion of the image data;
Image output method including

Images