JP3733167B2 - Information processing apparatus, image information transfer method, and mail reception method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus connected to a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A printer is a peripheral device connected to the network. This printer can output printing data from a plurality of clients (information processing apparatuses connected to a network) to the apparatus and perform printing, and each client can share the apparatus. ing.
[0003]
However, input peripheral devices such as image scanners have not yet been connected to the network.
[0004]
The reason is that when an input peripheral device such as an image scanner is connected to the network, it is not clearly defined to which client of the network the input information (read image) is transmitted.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, normally, an input peripheral device such as an image scanner is connected not to the network itself but to a client machine connected to the network. When reading a document image, an image is read by operating a client machine having an image scanner, and the read image is stored as a file. Then, the troublesome work of transferring the file to the client machine is performed.
[0006]
Considering e-mail used on the network, generally, a client user logs in to a mail server using his / her mail account and then downloads mail if there is any. However, when someone else is using the device that functions as a client, it cannot read mail addressed to itself.
[0007]
In addition, when a client issues a print instruction, it is possible to print from a remote printer, etc., but if you do not want to show the print result to another person or a third party, immediately after issuing the print instruction You need to rush to the printing device.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  Therefore,BookThe present invention relates to an information processing apparatus capable of storing image information in a storage location on a network by a simple operation, and enabling transfer of input image information in a predetermined case, and image information in the information processing apparatus Is intended to provide a transfer method.
[0009]
  In order to solve this problem, the information processing apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
  networkTransfer image information to the specified storage location aboveAn information processing apparatus,
  Enter image informationConnection means for connecting peripheral devices;
  Use the information processing apparatusIdentification information for identifying the user andImage information input via the connection meansStorage location information indicating the storage location on the networkIncludeUser information, For multiple usersStorage means for storing;
  Identify usersIdentification forSetting means for setting a storage medium storing information;
  Stored in the set storage mediumIdentificationInformation andThe matching identity, The storage meansFrom multiple user information stored inA search means for searching;
  SaidPeripheral equipmentEntered byimageInformation, the search meansWas found that the identification information matchesUser informationTakeTransfer means for transferring to a storage location on the network specified by the storage location information,
  When the search means cannot search the plurality of user information for identification information that matches the identification information stored in the storage medium, transfer by the transfer means is disabled..
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0016]
FIG. 1 shows a block configuration of the apparatus in the embodiment, and FIG.
[0017]
In the figure, reference numeral 1.1 denotes a network connection unit composed of network adapters (for example, Ethernet which is a LAN having a bus structure jointly developed by Xerox Corporation, DEC Corporation, and Intel Corporation). A control unit 1.2 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. 1.3 is a PCMCIA card control unit composed of a PCMCIA (abbreviation of Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) card slot and a PCMCIA control unit composed of a PCMCIA controller.
[0018]
A peripheral device connection unit 1.4 includes an interface that can be connected to an input peripheral device. In this embodiment, a SCSI (abbreviation of Small Computer System Interface) interface is used. In the apparatus according to this embodiment, an image scanner is connected. Reference numeral 1.5 denotes a storage unit for storing files, which may be a hard disk or the like, but is a RAM disk in this embodiment. An operation unit 1.6 includes a display device and an input device. In this embodiment, the display device is an LCD, and the input device is a button.
[0019]
The outline of the operation of the embodiment in the above configuration will be described as follows. A network user has a PCMCIA card storing unique information (identification number) for identifying himself / herself. Then, this PCMCIA card is set in the PCMCIA card control unit 1.3 of this apparatus. When the apparatus detects this set of PCMCIA cards, it identifies which client machine the user is the user by comparing with the information stored in the storage unit 1.5 in advance, and the user name for confirmation. Etc. are displayed on the operation unit 1.6.
[0020]
Thereafter, when the image scanner connected to the input peripheral device connection unit 1.4 is operated to read the original image, the read image data is specified by a specific machine on the network specified by the PCMCIA card of the user. Transfer as a file in the directory.
[0021]
As described above, in order to perform the above operation, the data contents of the storage unit 1.5 and the utilization method thereof will be described with reference to FIG.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 1.5 includes a user name 2.1 (for management, the user name is easier to understand than the number), an identification number 2.2, a network address (user network address) 2 .3, control information 2.4 storing storage destination information such as a drive name and directory name of the storage destination and option setting information (number of colors, reading resolution, etc.) of an application for controlling the image scanner . Information (hereinafter referred to as user information) including a set of these information 2.1 to 2.4 is stored in advance according to the number of registered users.
[0023]
Here, when a certain user sets a PCMCIA card in the PCMCIA card control unit 1.3, the CPU extracts the identification number stored in the PCMCIA card, and in each user information stored in the storage unit 1.5. Searches for items that match the ID number. If the search is successful, the user name in the user information is taken out and displayed on the display unit provided in the operation unit 1.6 for confirmation. Next, when a reading instruction is given from the operation unit, a message to that effect is sent to the image scanner, and the image scanner is driven. As a result, image information is sent via the input peripheral device connection unit 1.4. After the image information is temporarily stored in the RAM or the storage unit 1.5, it is designated as a file with the corresponding storage destination information. To the specified storage location (a specified directory on the hard disk of the user's client machine on the network).
[0024]
Next, an operation processing procedure of the apparatus according to the embodiment when a document is scanned by the shared scanner will be described with reference to FIG. The program based on the flowchart is stored in the ROM in the control unit.
[0025]
First, in step S3.1, the apparatus monitors whether a predetermined button of the operation unit 1.6 has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S3.2. If not, the process returns to step S3.1 to wait for the button to be pressed.
[0026]
When the process proceeds to step S3.2, it is detected whether a card is inserted in the PCMCIA card control unit 1.3. If there is a card, the process proceeds to step S3.4, and if not, the process proceeds to step S3.3.
[0027]
In step S3.3, scanning is performed with default settings, and image data obtained by scanning is transferred as a file to a default directory of a default machine (for example, a file server). This is a case where the user operates the reading switch of the image scanner and the input permission button of this apparatus without inserting his / her card.
[0028]
On the other hand, when it is detected that a PCMCIA card is inserted and the process proceeds to step S3.4, the identification number of the user in the PCMCIA card set through the PCMCIA card control unit 1.3 is read.
[0029]
Next, in step S3.5, the user identification number read in step S3.4 is compared with the identification number in all user information stored in the storage unit 1.5 to search for matching user information.
[0030]
The result of this search process is determined in step S3.6. If matching user information is found, the process proceeds to step S3.7, and if not found, the process proceeds to step S3.9.
[0031]
When the process proceeds to step S3.7, the original image is read to drive the image scanner according to the setting information stored in the control information 2.4 in the matched user information, and the read image is connected to the input peripheral device. The image information is transferred as a file according to the storage destination address and the storage directory name input from the section 1.4 and stored in the control information 2.4.
[0032]
Thus, when the transfer is completed, the process proceeds to step S3.8, and a message such as “Please remove the card” is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 1.6, which is taken out in step S3.10. Wait for.
[0033]
On the other hand, if there is no match with the identification information of the set PCMCIA card, the determination in step S3.6 is “No”, and the process proceeds to step S3.9.
[0034]
At this time, since there is no matched password (identification number) and the user is not registered in the apparatus, an error message (message indicating that the operation cannot be performed) is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit, and step S3 10. Proceed to 10 to display a message to remove the set PCMCIA card and wait for it to be removed.
[0035]
Next, a processing procedure for setting scanner options from a client on the network in the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0036]
In this process, control information 2.4 in the corresponding user information in the storage unit 1.5 in the apparatus is set from the client machine via the network.
[0037]
First, in step S4.1, a user executes a scanner option setting application from a client (such as a personal computer) on the network. It is assumed that this application is included in all clients.
[0038]
In step S4.2, the application notifies the network address of the client and a predetermined command to the apparatus via the network. When this address and command are received, user information corresponding to the user is searched for, and control information in the user information is transmitted to the user (client).
[0039]
The application on the client side displays the current settings received from the apparatus in a form that can be easily confirmed, and allows the user to change this option (step S4.3). For example, the storage directory, the number of colors, and the reading resolution are displayed, and an editable state is displayed.
[0040]
When the user changes various settings displayed on his / her device and performs a predetermined operation, the changed information is transmitted to the device. In response to this, the CPU of this apparatus rewrites and stores the control information of the corresponding user information in the storage unit 1.5.
[0041]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, information (image information) input from an input peripheral device such as an image scanner device can be obtained by a simple operation in a device on the network suitable for the user. It becomes possible to store as a file in the directory.
[0042]
In this embodiment, the reading instruction of the image scanner apparatus is performed on the apparatus side. However, the reading operation button on the image scanner apparatus side may be operated for reading.
[0043]
<Second Embodiment>
In the above embodiment, the image scanner is described as an example of the input peripheral device. However, for example, a facsimile apparatus may be used, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In this case, the fax scanner unit may be used in the same manner, instead of sending the fax directly from the client.
[0044]
Further, when the fax number is not dialed, that is, when the facsimile apparatus is used as an image scanner, the facsimile apparatus is provided with the OA interface, and the read image is transmitted to the apparatus via the OA interface. The operation is the same as in the embodiment.
[0045]
In this embodiment, an example in which the PCMCIA control unit 1.3 uses the card has been described. However, since it is only necessary to know whether the user is a legitimate user, the PCMCIA card is not necessarily a PCMCIA card. For example, various keys may be provided in the apparatus, and the identification number may be input accordingly. Further, instead of providing physical keys, for example, a touch panel (provided on the display screen) may be used to display various buttons according to the situation and to set them accordingly.
[0046]
<Third Embodiment>
In general, when a network is constructed and electronic mail is exchanged via the network, a desired address is obtained by using a unique address assigned to each information processing apparatus (for example, a personal computer) on the network. Forward mail first. The mail itself is stored in a storage device (such as a hard disk) of a dedicated machine serving as a mail server, so that each client can only see mail addressed to him.
[0047]
Now, to view emails, launch a dedicated application, log in to the server via that application, and see the email addressed to you, but those who rarely use email or the device itself Those who do not make much use must turn on the device and wait for the system and applications to start.
[0048]
In addition, when the mail can be viewed only on a dedicated workstation, only the user can use the mail, so other people cannot use it, which is inconvenient. In the third embodiment, such problems are eliminated.
[0049]
The outline of the third embodiment will be described as follows. That is, by utilizing a PCMCIA card having a rewritable memory and setting it in the apparatus, the contents of the mail addressed to the user are transferred to the PCMCIA card. The user tries to check the contents of the mail by removing the transferred PCMCIA card from the apparatus and setting it in the apparatus used by the user (it is not necessary to be connected to the network).
[0050]
Note that the apparatus configuration and its appearance in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0051]
The data contents stored in the storage unit 1.5 and its utilization method in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0052]
In the storage unit 1.5 according to the third embodiment, as shown in the figure, user information including a user name 6.1, a recognition number 6.2, and an e-mail account address 6.3 is stored. Stored in advance according to the number of registered users.
[0053]
The operation will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In the third embodiment, a program corresponding to the illustrated flowchart is stored in the ROM of the control unit 1.3.
[0054]
First, in step S7.1, the PCMCIA card control unit 1.3 of the apparatus is operated to detect whether a PCMCIA card is set in the apparatus, and waits until a card is detected.
[0055]
If a PCMCIA card is detected, the process proceeds to step S7.2, and the user number (recognition number) put on the card is read using the PCMCIA card control unit 1.3.
[0056]
Next, the process proceeds to step S7.3, where user information (recognition number therein) in the storage unit 1.5 that matches the recognition number read from the PCMCIA card is searched.
[0057]
In step S7.4, the search result is determined. That is, if the presence of the corresponding identification number is detected, the process proceeds to step S7.5, and if the presence cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step S7.7.
[0058]
When the process proceeds to step S7.5, the mail account address of the searched user information is used to log in to the mail server, the mail information of the corresponding user is taken out, and written in the set PCMCIA card.
[0059]
If there are multiple mails, all of them will be downloaded and written to the PCMCIA card.
[0060]
When the writing process of the mail information to the PCMCIA card is completed in this way, the process proceeds to step S7.6, and a message indicating that the writing has been completed and a message prompting the user to remove the card are displayed on the display screen of the operation unit. .8 Wait until the PCMCIA card is removed. However, if there is no mail, a message indicating that there is no corresponding mail is displayed. As a result, there is no need for the useless work of checking the contents with another apparatus (information processing apparatus having a PCMCIA card interface) even though there is no mail information in the PCMCIA card.
[0061]
If the user information matching the identification number in the set PCMCIA card cannot be retrieved, the use permission of this apparatus is not received, and the process proceeds to step S7.7. Here, an error message indicating that it is not permitted is displayed, and in step S7.8, the PCMCIA card is awaited for removal.
[0062]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, simply by setting a writable storage medium such as a PCMCIA card in the apparatus, the user can be identified and the corresponding mail can be sent to the PCMCIA card. It becomes possible to write. Therefore, from the user's point of view, if the card is set in a device having an interface for setting a PCMCIA card (there is no need to be connected to the network), the contents of the mail can be confirmed. .
[0063]
The third embodiment may be adapted to the first embodiment. In this case, it is necessary to register information in each case in the storage unit in advance. When the PCMCIA card is set, at least mail download and write processing may be automatically performed (however, it is necessary to notify whether or not there is a mail).
[0064]
In the embodiment, the PCMCIA card has been described as an example. However, a storage having user identification information (recognition information) (storeable) and having an area having a writing and storage holding function. Any medium can be used.
[0065]
<Fourth Embodiment>
In the third embodiment, a PCMCIA card is used, and it is set in a device having a PCMCIA card interface to check the contents of the mail. However, the contents of the mail may be directly confirmed by providing a display unit such as a liquid crystal on a PCMCIA card or a similar storage card and further providing a function switch such as a scroll. Of course, in this case, a memory storing a CPU and a program related to display is provided in the card.
[0066]
For example, the above functions (connection interface, etc.) may be prepared in a pager and used.
[0067]
In some cases, the contents of the mail may be displayed on the display unit of the present apparatus.
[0068]
<Fifth Embodiment>
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Next, an apparatus for connecting a facsimile machine will be described.
[0069]
Generally, in a facsimile apparatus, a received image is printed out when received. In this regard, in the case of a confidential facsimile, unless the password is input, it cannot be printed out, and it is excellent in maintaining confidentiality when it is not desired to be seen by others.
[0070]
However, if you forget the password, you can no longer see it.
[0071]
Therefore, the fifth embodiment solves the security problem while enabling the facsimile apparatus to be connected to the network.
[0072]
FIG. 8 shows a block configuration of a device (electronic lock device) in the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 9 shows a connection relationship between the network and the facsimile device.
[0073]
The difference between FIG. 8 and FIG. 1 is that a peripheral device connection unit 1.4 'is provided in FIG. 8 (in FIG. 1, an input peripheral device connection unit is used). Since other components are the same, description thereof is omitted.
[0074]
However, since the storage unit 1.5 has a relatively large capacity for storing the received facsimile image, it is a hard disk device that is advantageous in terms of cost performance. Of course, other than this, a magneto-optical disk or the like, or another storage medium may be used.
[0075]
FIG. 10 shows the data contents of the storage unit 1.5 in the fifth embodiment. As shown in the figure, user information includes a confidential facsimile password 10.1 and file management information 10.2 storing a directory name set for each user, and this information is stored for the number of registered users. Yes.
[0076]
The operation of the embodiment in the above configuration will be described as follows. When confidential reception is performed by the facsimile apparatus, the received image together with the confidential password is sent to the apparatus (electronic lock apparatus) via the peripheral device connection unit 1.4 '. In response to this, the apparatus stores the file as a file in the storage unit 1.5. At this time, the corresponding user information is searched according to the confidential password. Then, according to the directory name (user directory 10.3, 10.4, etc. shown) stored in the file management information 10.2 of the corresponding user information selected by searching, the received image is placed under the directory. An appropriate file name (for example, date / time information etc. is used as a file name) is added and stored.
[0077]
Thus, the confidential facsimile is stored in the storage unit 1.5. When a legitimate user sets a PCMCIA card storing his / her password in the apparatus, the user information matching the password is retrieved. Then, the file management information in the searched user information is checked, and if there is an unoutput file in the corresponding directory, it is transferred to the facsimile machine and printed out.
[0078]
As a result of the above, for the user, simply by setting the PCMCIA card in this device, it is possible to print out the image received for that person at any time and without worrying about the existence of a password. It can also solve security problems.
[0079]
The operation of this apparatus will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0080]
First, in step S11.1, the peripheral device connection unit 1.4 is used to determine whether the facsimile apparatus currently connected to the apparatus is receiving. If it is being received, the process proceeds to step S11.2. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S11.6.
[0081]
In step S11.2, the received information is input using the peripheral device connection unit 1.4 ', and it is determined whether or not there is a password for confidential use. If there is no password, the process proceeds to step S11.5, where the received facsimile image is transferred to the facsimile machine and printed.
[0082]
If a password associated with confidential communication is detected, the process advances to step S11.3 to search for user information having the corresponding password in the storage unit 1.5, and if not, the process of step S11.5 I do.
[0083]
If it is detected that there is user information that matches the password for confidential communication, it is stored as a file in the directory according to the directory name stored in the file management information 10.2 in the user information. .
[0084]
As described above, when the password attached to the confidential image matches the password of the user registered in the electronic lock device of the embodiment, the received image is sequentially stored in the storage unit 1.5.
[0085]
On the other hand, if the facsimile apparatus has not received, the process advances to step S11.6 to determine whether a PCMCIA card is set in the apparatus.
[0086]
If it is detected that the PCMCIA card is set, the process advances to step S11.7 to read the user password stored in the PCMCIA card. Then, in the next step S11.8, user information that matches the read password is searched.
[0087]
This search result is determined in step S11.9. That is, if there is user information having a matching password, the process proceeds to step S11.10, the directory name stored in the file management information 10.2 is extracted, and all the information stored in the directory is extracted. Files are printed by sequentially outputting them to a facsimile machine.
[0088]
When the series of printing processes is completed, the process proceeds to step S11.11 to display a message indicating that there is no information to be printed, and waits for the removal of the PCMCIA card in step S11.13. At this time, the file that has been printed is deleted from the storage unit.
[0089]
Further, if it is determined that there is no corresponding information as a result of searching the user information in the storage unit 1.5, the user of the PCMCIA card is unregistered and has not received use permission. In step S11.12, an error message indicating that use is not permitted is displayed, and the flow advances to step S11.13.
[0090]
As a result, the user can print the confidential facsimile received by himself / herself simply by setting the PCMCIA card used by the user in the apparatus.
[0091]
Next, an example in which a facsimile machine (or printing apparatus) connected to the electronic lock apparatus of the fifth embodiment prints a document from a client will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0092]
First, in step S12.1, it is determined whether print data has been sent from the client on the network to the present apparatus (electronic lock apparatus). If reception of print data is detected, the process proceeds to step S12.2 to identify the user (identification number) that sent the print data, and in step S12.3, the user information is searched based on the identified result. The storage location of the storage unit 1.5 is determined. In step S12.4, the received print data is stored as a file in the determined storage location.
[0093]
If it is determined in step S12.1 that print data has not been received, the process advances to step S12.5 to determine whether a PCMCIA card is set.
[0094]
When it is determined that the PCMCIA card is set, the processing after step S12.6 is performed, which is the same as the processing after step S11.7 in FIG. Briefly, since the user can be identified by setting the PCMCIA card, the file in the corresponding directory is printed out.
[0095]
As a result, when a printing process is performed by a client on the network, it is not immediately output to the printing apparatus but is temporarily stored in the apparatus. When a PCMCIA card storing information for specifying the user is set in the apparatus, actual printing is started. Therefore, it is not necessary to immediately rush to the place of the printing apparatus when a printing instruction is issued, such as when the distance between the client apparatus and the apparatus having the printing function is long.
[0096]
Next, a procedure for exchanging information between the client and the PCMCIA in the electronic lock device according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0097]
Procedure 13.1: The password change application is executed on the client side. As a result, the application transfers the current password to the apparatus together with a predetermined command for changing the password.
[0098]
Procedure 13.2: Upon receiving this information, the electronic lock device verifies whether or not the password is stored in the storage unit 1.5, and determines whether or not the client to be changed is an authorized registered user. to decide. Here, regarding the user who matches the registered password, change permission is notified.
[0099]
Procedure 13.3: In response to this, the user inputs a new password and transmits the information to the electronic lock device.
[0100]
Procedure 13.4: The electronic lock device updates information for verifying the new password, and updates the user information stored in the storage unit. Then, the client is notified that the password change has been completed.
[0101]
Procedure 13.5: Upon receiving this notification, the client side updates the password in the PCMCIA card set in the client.
[0102]
Through the above processing, the user can freely change his / her password.
[0103]
Next, operation processing contents of the electronic lock device of the present embodiment in the above processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0104]
First, in step S14.1, a password change instruction command and current password information are received from the client side. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S14.2 to search for user information of the corresponding password and determine whether or not it exists.
[0105]
If it is determined that such a password does not exist, the process advances to step S14.7 to notify the client of information that the password cannot be changed.
[0106]
On the other hand, if the presence of the matching password can be confirmed, the process proceeds to step S14.3 to notify the client of the right to change the password.
[0107]
Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S14.4, where a new password is received from the client, and the corresponding user information is updated accordingly. When the update process is completed, the update completion is notified to the client, and this process is finished.
[0108]
As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, an image received from a facsimile machine or a client can be printed when desired by a user who was to obtain the output result.
[0109]
In addition, when the password in the PCMCIA card is changed in the above process, the card is set in the client. However, the password in the PCMCIA card may be changed on the electronic lock device side by being set in the electronic lock device. .
[0110]
<Sixth Embodiment>
In the fifth embodiment, the facsimile apparatus is taken as an example of the connected apparatus. However, the printer apparatus alone may be used. In this case, this apparatus functions as a network printer.
[0111]
In the above embodiment, an image received by facsimile is printed by the facsimile apparatus, but may be printed by another printer on the network. In this case, the function in the first embodiment may be developed and printed on a printer set for each user.
[0112]
When the peripheral device connected to the apparatus is not a facsimile machine but a printer, security printing can be performed as described above (see FIG. 4). In this case, the connection unit may be a parallel port instead of the OA interface. Further, when printing a received image, the user sets his / her PCMCIA card as an electronic lock. At this time, information useful for the user (eg, a received fax list) may be written on the card. Since the PCMCIA standard is widespread, the information can be read by the client when the user finds it convenient.
[0113]
Each embodiment has been described above, but it has been described that information for determining whether or not the user is an authorized user is stored in the present apparatus (apparatus for connecting peripheral devices) in each embodiment. In order to give a new use permission, for example, only a specific user (administrator) of the network needs to be able to update the contents of the storage unit in the apparatus.
[0114]
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system (for example, a copier, a facsimile machine, etc.) composed of a single device even if it is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, interface device, reader, printer, etc.). May be.
[0115]
Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in.
[0116]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0117]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.
[0118]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code performs the actual processing. Needless to say, a case where the function of the embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the processing, is also included.
[0119]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to the memory provided in the extension function board inserted in the computer or the function extension unit connected to the computer, the function extension is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0120]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention,Image information can be stored in a storage location on the network with a simple operation, and input image information cannot be transferred in certain cases.It becomes possible.
[0123]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contents and utilization method of a storage unit in the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of operation processing in the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of a setting program on the client side in the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the contents and utilization method of a storage unit in the third embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of operation processing in the third embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a block configuration diagram of an apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a system configuration in a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a storage unit in the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing operation processing contents for a facsimile received image in the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating operation processing contents for print processing according to the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sequence related to password change processing in the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing operation processing contents for the sequence of FIG. 13;
[Explanation of symbols]
1.1 Network connection
1.2 Control unit
1.3 PCMCIA card controller
1.4 Input peripheral device connection
1.4 'peripheral device connection
1.5 Storage section
1.6 Operation unit

Claims (5)

An information processing apparatus for transferring image information to a predetermined storage location on a network,
Connection means for connecting peripheral devices for inputting image information;
User information including identification information for identifying a user who uses the information processing apparatus and storage location information indicating a storage location on the network of image information input via the connection unit is stored for each of a plurality of users. Storage means for
Setting means for setting a storage medium storing identification information for specifying a user;
Search means for searching for identification information matching the identification information stored in the set storage medium from a plurality of user information stored in the storage means;
Transfer means for transferring the image information input from the peripheral device to a storage destination on the network specified by the storage destination information related to the searched user information when the identification information matches by the search means;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the search unit cannot search the plurality of pieces of user information for identification information that matches the identification information stored in the storage medium, transfer by the transfer unit is disabled.   When the search means cannot search the plurality of user information for identification information that matches the identification information stored in the storage medium, the search means has a display means for displaying that the information processing apparatus cannot be used. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising means for displaying that the storage medium set by the setting means is to be removed. Having instruction means for instructing input of image information through the connection means;
The transfer unit transfers the image data input from the peripheral device to a predetermined storage destination when the storage medium is not set by the setting unit when an instruction by the instruction unit is input. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Information processing having storage means for storing, for each of a plurality of users, user information including identification information for identifying a user who uses the information processing apparatus and storage location information indicating a storage location on the network of input image information A method for transferring image information in an apparatus, comprising:
An image information input step for inputting image information via a connection means for connecting a peripheral device for inputting image information;
A determination step of determining whether or not a storage medium storing identification information for specifying a user is set;
When it is determined in the determination step that a storage medium is set, identification information that matches the identification information stored in the set storage medium is obtained from a plurality of user information stored in the storage means. A search step to search;
A transfer step of transferring the image information input in the image information input step to a storage destination on the network specified by the storage destination information related to the searched user information when the identification information matches in the search step; Prepared,
A transfer method of image information characterized by disabling transfer in the transfer step when it is not possible to search the plurality of user information for identification information that matches the identification information stored in the storage medium in the search step .

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