JP3889251B2 - Image processing system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing system including an image processing apparatus that processes image data, and particularly to an image processing system connected to a personal computer or the like via a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an image processing system that connects at least a personal computer and a digital multifunction peripheral to form a network and transmits / receives data between devices via the network has been widely used. In such an image processing system, image data created by a personal computer is transmitted via a network, so that the digital multifunction peripheral outputs image data to a recording medium (such as paper) to obtain a recorded material, Image data can be transmitted to the image processing apparatus.
[0003]
Therefore, by forming a network between the personal computer and the image processing apparatus, it is not necessary to exchange image data between the image processing apparatus and the personal computer via a recording medium such as a floppy disk. Moreover, since image data is exchanged over a network, image output can be easily and efficiently controlled by an intermediate information processing apparatus such as a server.
[0004]
On the other hand, in the network as described above, it is usually required to cope with the user's intention as much as possible. For this reason, the image output control method and control system used in such a network are considered to have a higher degree of freedom. However, even in such a network, a control method and a control system that limit the degree of freedom may be required depending on the situation.
[0005]
Therefore, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-161823, image output is restricted based on whether image data is security data in a printer device (image forming device) shared on a network. Security management methods have been proposed.
[0006]
In the above security management method, specifically, for each user who uses the image forming apparatus, restriction information such as the number of printable sheets and functions that can be used by the specific user in the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus Is stored in a database in correspondence with user identification information. In the network management apparatus, permission or non-permission of use of the image forming apparatus is determined based on the information stored in the database.
[0007]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-157179 discloses a system that restricts the use of the image forming apparatus according to the contents to be output and the user as well as the use restriction for the image forming apparatus and flexibly changes the use restriction. Has been proposed.
[0008]
Specifically, when job data including a predetermined processing procedure is further output from the host computer to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus uses an external history management device according to the predetermined processing procedure. The image output is controlled according to the communication result. In addition, the usage restrictions on image output can be flexibly changed by changing the contents of a predetermined processing procedure.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, when the image forming system is provided in an environment for private use, the image data that the user desires to be recorded must be freely output from the image forming apparatus in accordance with the user's intention. . However, when the image forming system is provided in a specific environment, the image data is provided for a specific purpose of use corresponding to the environment and may not necessarily be desired by the user.
[0010]
For example, when a network is provided in an office, the image data should be only related to the business contents performed in the office. Therefore, outputting image data that satisfies private requests that are not related to the job using the image forming apparatus means that the image forming apparatus that is a business device is privately used. Can violate the above contract.
[0011]
In addition, if the image forming apparatus is used for business purposes for purposes that are not related to work, it may lead to problems such as consumables being consumed more than necessary or the number of maintenance operations increasing as the frequency of use increases. This causes a problem of increasing the management cost.
[0012]
In particular, with the spread of the Internet in recent years, the network of the above-described image forming system is often connected to the Internet via a server, and the user can obtain a very wide range of image data via the Internet. It is like that. Therefore, since it is possible to easily obtain image data that satisfies personal requirements not related to business via the Internet, the actual situation is that the above-described image forming apparatus can be easily used privately.
[0013]
The same applies to a scanner device that reads an image and a communication device that transmits image data, as well as image data printout in the image forming device. Since image data satisfying the above can be easily processed, the above-described image forming apparatus can be easily used privately.
[0014]
On the other hand, in the prior art, no consideration is given to suppressing private use itself. For example, the technical content disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-161823 is intended for security management, and does not disclose any configuration or control method for determining private use.
[0015]
On the other hand, the technical content disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-157179 is configured to use job data including a predetermined processing procedure in addition to image data. When such job data is used, an application that suppresses private use of the image forming apparatus is theoretically possible, but it is efficient because the amount of data increases and the control process becomes complicated. An image forming system cannot be provided.
[0016]
In other words, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-157179 is a system related to a charging process that presupposes a restriction on image output, and is easy for private use of an image forming apparatus, and a system that presupposes a restriction on the operation of the apparatus. In this case, efficient image formation cannot be realized.
[0017]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. The object of the present invention is to determine whether or not each device (digital multifunction device, scanner device, etc.) in an image processing system is appropriate (private use). It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing system that restricts the use of the image processing system and realizes highly efficient operation of the image processing system.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, an image processing system of the present invention connects an image processing device that performs predetermined image processing on image data and an external device that inputs the image data to the image processing device. The image processing system includes a determination unit that determines an operation environment in the image processing device, and a control unit that restricts a processing operation in the image processing device based on the operation environment determined by the determination unit. It is characterized by being.
[0019]
In the image processing system as described above, the image processing apparatus performs predetermined image processing on the image data in order to perform print output and transmission output on the image data. However, when the image processing system is installed in a specific business environment such as an office, if the user makes a private use unrelated to the business, an unnecessary cost in the image processing system occurs, and the management cost Etc. increase.
[0020]
For this reason, in an image processing system installed in a specific business environment, it is preferable to restrict image processing during private use. However, unlike the case where output is restricted for security data, the image data itself It is difficult to attach restriction data.
[0021]
On the other hand, according to the above configuration, the operating environment of the image processing system is determined by the determining unit, and when the system is in a specific operating environment, the image processing operation of the image data is limited by the control unit. . This makes it possible to objectively limit image output without adding special restriction data to the image data.
[0022]
The operating environment determined by the determining means means an environment that induces private use of the image processing system by the user. For example, time zone information, administrator position information, and the like are included. Can be mentioned.
[0023]
In the image processing system, the determination unit determines the date and time information instructed for the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus as an operating environment, and the control unit performs the operation at the image processing apparatus at a specific date and time. It can be set as the structure which performs control which restrict | limits an image processing operation.
[0024]
According to the above configuration, for example, by restricting the image processing operation at a specific date and time such as outside business hours, private use of an image processing system that is often performed outside business hours can be suppressed.
[0025]
In the image processing system, when the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus is instructed, the determination unit determines the position information of a specific administrator as an operating environment, and the control unit includes the administrator When it is determined that the image processing apparatus is in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus, it is possible to perform control such that the restriction on the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus is released.
[0026]
According to the above configuration, the restriction on the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus is lifted only when the position information of the specific administrator determines that the administrator is in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus. When the manager is not in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus, the image processing operation is limited. Thereby, private use of the image processing system can be suppressed.
[0027]
The image processing system may include a mode setting unit that can arbitrarily set an output control mode for controlling a processing operation in the image processing apparatus by the control unit.
[0028]
According to the above configuration, the output control mode can be arbitrarily set by the mode setting means, and the user can arbitrarily determine whether or not to limit the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus.
[0029]
In the image processing system, when the control unit executes the restriction on the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus, a notification that the restriction on the image processing operation has been executed is sent to a specific administrator. Can be configured.
[0030]
According to the above configuration, when the restriction on the image processing operation is executed, the specific administrator is notified that the restriction on the image processing operation has been executed. It can be immediately confirmed whether or not the operation is due to private use of the image processing system. In addition, the above notification can improve public and private awareness on the user side and suppress private use.
[0031]
In order to solve the above-described problem, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus for performing predetermined image processing on image data. And control means for restricting the processing operation in the image processing apparatus based on the operating environment determined by the determining means.
[0032]
According to the above configuration, the operation environment of the image processing apparatus is determined by the determination unit, and when the image processing apparatus is in a specific operation environment, the image processing operation of the image data is limited by the control unit. This makes it possible to objectively limit image output without adding special restriction data to the image data.
[0033]
In the image processing apparatus, the determination unit determines the date and time information instructed by the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus as an operating environment, and the control unit performs the operation in the image processing apparatus at a specific date and time. It can be set as the structure which performs control which restrict | limits an image processing operation.
[0034]
According to the above configuration, for example, by restricting the image processing operation at a specific date and time such as outside business hours, private use of an image processing system that is often performed outside business hours can be suppressed.
[0035]
In the image processing apparatus, the determination unit determines position information of a specific administrator as an operating environment when an image processing operation in the image processing apparatus is instructed, and the control unit includes the administrator. When it is determined that the image processing apparatus is in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus, it is possible to perform control such that the restriction on the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus is released.
[0036]
According to the above configuration, the restriction on the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus is lifted only when the position information of the specific administrator determines that the administrator is in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus. When the manager is not in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus, the image processing operation is limited. Thereby, private use of the image processing apparatus can be suppressed.
[0037]
In order to solve the above-described problem, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention performs predetermined image processing on the image data, and prints out the image data subjected to the image processing by the image forming unit. The apparatus includes: a determination unit that determines an operating environment in the image forming apparatus; and a control unit that restricts an image forming operation in the image forming unit based on the operating environment determined by the determination unit. It is said.
[0038]
According to the above configuration, the operation environment of the image forming apparatus is determined by the determination unit, and when the image forming apparatus is in a specific operation environment, the image processing operation of the image data is limited by the control unit. This makes it possible to objectively limit image output without adding special restriction data to the image data.
[0039]
In the image forming apparatus, when the image forming unit restricts the image forming operation, the control unit restricts the image forming process of the color image, and the image forming unit outputs the black and white image. Can do.
[0040]
According to the above configuration, when the user tries to perform print output for private use using the image forming apparatus, if the output image data is a color image, it is converted into a monochrome image and output. Therefore, it is possible to suppress usability during private use and suppress private use of the image forming apparatus.
[0041]
Further, in the image forming apparatus, the control unit performs image quality adjustment processing (density correction, color balance, and color correction) when the image forming operation in the image forming unit is limited as compared to when the image forming operation is not limited. In various image processing such as image editing, it is possible to perform a process for deteriorating the image quality of image data to be formed.
[0042]
According to the above configuration, when the user intends to perform print output for private use using the image forming apparatus, the output image data is subjected to a process of degrading the image quality in the image quality adjustment process. Usability at the time of private use can be deteriorated and private use of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed.
[0043]
In the image forming apparatus, the control unit may be a recording material on which a processed image is formed when the image forming operation is restricted by the image forming unit. It can be set as the structure from which the characteristic of differs.
[0044]
According to the above configuration, when the user tries to perform print output for private use using the image forming apparatus, the characteristics (size, paper quality, etc.) of the recording material on which the processed image is formed are limited. It will be different for the case where it is not performed. For this reason, usability at the time of private use is deteriorated, and private use of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed.
[0045]
In the image forming apparatus, the control unit may be a recording material on which a processed image is formed when the image forming operation is restricted by the image forming unit. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which post-processing is not performed.
[0046]
According to the above configuration, when the user intends to perform print output for private use by using the image forming apparatus, post-processing (stapling, punching, paper folding, etc.) for the recording material on which the processed image is formed ) Is not performed. For this reason, usability at the time of private use is deteriorated, and private use of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed.
[0047]
In the image forming apparatus, the control unit may limit the number of times the processed image is formed when the image forming operation is restricted by the image forming unit. It can be set as the structure which adds a restriction | limiting.
[0048]
According to the above configuration, when the user tries to perform print output for private use using the image forming apparatus, a limit is imposed on the number of times a processed image is formed (the number of multi-copies). For this reason, usability at the time of private use is deteriorated, and private use of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed.
[0049]
In order to solve the above-described problem, the image communication apparatus of the present invention performs predetermined image processing on image data, and transmits the image data subjected to the image processing to an external device. The apparatus includes a determination unit that determines an operating environment in the image communication device, and a control unit that restricts an image processing operation based on the operating environment determined by the determination unit.
[0050]
According to the above configuration, the operation environment of the image communication apparatus is determined by the determination unit, and when the image communication apparatus is in a specific operation environment, the image processing operation of the image data is limited by the control unit. This makes it possible to objectively limit image output without adding special restriction data to the image data.
[0051]
In the image communication apparatus, the determination unit determines the transmission destination information of the image data subjected to image processing as an operating environment, and the control unit determines whether the image communication apparatus uses the transmission destination information based on the transmission destination information. It can be set as the structure which performs control which restrict | limits an image processing operation.
[0052]
According to the above configuration, for example, when trying to transmit image data to a specific transmission destination (or other than a specific transmission destination), it can be determined as private use unrelated to business, Private use can be suppressed.
[0053]
In the image communication apparatus, the control means may be configured to limit the image processing of a color image and transmit the image as a monochrome image when the image processing operation is limited.
[0054]
According to the above configuration, when the user intends to perform transmission output for private use using the image communication device, if the transmitted image data is a color image, the image is converted into a monochrome image and output. Therefore, the usability at the time of private use is deteriorated and the private use of the image communication apparatus can be suppressed.
[0055]
In the image communication apparatus, the control means limits the number of processed images transmitted when the image processing operation is not limited when the image processing operation is not limited. It can be.
[0056]
According to the above configuration, when the user tries to perform transmission output for private use using the image communication apparatus, the number of images to be transmitted is limited. For this reason, usability at the time of private use is deteriorated, and private use of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed.
[0057]
In the image communication apparatus, the control unit degrades the image quality of the image data transmitted in the image quality adjustment process when the image processing operation is limited as compared with the case where the image processing operation is not limited. It can be set as the structure which performs a process.
[0058]
According to the above configuration, when the user tries to perform transmission output for private use using the image communication apparatus, the image data to be transmitted is subjected to processing that degrades image quality in the image quality adjustment processing. Usability at the time of private use can be deteriorated and private use of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed.
[0059]
In order to solve the above problems, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention determines an operating environment in an image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on image data obtained via a network. And determining means for limiting the image processing operation based on the operating environment determined by the determining means.
[0060]
According to the above configuration, the operation environment of the image processing apparatus is determined by the determination unit, and when the image processing apparatus is in a specific operation environment, the image processing operation of the image data is limited by the control unit. This makes it possible to objectively limit image output without adding special restriction data to the image data.
[0061]
In the image processing apparatus, the determination unit determines input destination information of image data obtained via a network as an operating environment, and the control unit determines the image processing apparatus based on the input destination information. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which control is performed so as to limit the image processing operation.
[0062]
According to the above configuration, for example, when trying to obtain image data from a specific input destination (or other than a specific input destination), it can be determined as private use unrelated to business, Private use can be suppressed.
[0063]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[Embodiment 1]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 as follows.
[0064]
FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the image forming system according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the image forming system when a network is formed. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image forming system.
[0065]
As shown in FIG. 1A, an image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 3 that forms an image based on image data, and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “personal computer”) that is an information processing terminal. 2). In the image forming system 1, as shown in FIG. 2, image data is transmitted from the personal computer 2 to the image forming apparatus 3 via a network.
[0066]
The image forming apparatus 3 can transmit image data of a document read by the scanner unit to an external device (such as the personal computer 2 or an external facsimile). Furthermore, it is also possible to send image data of a document read by the scanner unit attached to an e-mail or the like to a predetermined transmission destination that can communicate via a public network. That is, the image forming apparatus 3 is provided as a digital multi-function peripheral equipped with a plurality of copy functions, fax functions, printer functions, network scanner functions, or the like, or a single-function digital image processing apparatus.
[0067]
In the image forming apparatus 3, the image data input from the personal computer 2 is output to the language analysis unit 5 via the I / F unit 4. The language analysis unit 5 analyzes the input image data, and the analyzed image data is developed on the image memory 6 and temporarily stored. The image data stored in the image memory 6 is output to the image forming unit 8 according to an instruction from the control unit 7, and the image forming unit 8 forms an image based on the image data.
[0068]
Further, the control unit 7 stores the time when the image data is input via the I / F unit 4 by the timer 9, and further stores the waiting time of the image data stored in the image memory 6. The display unit 10 controls display of the outline and the image forming status in the image forming unit 8.
[0069]
Further, the image forming system 1 can restrict the output of image data based on an input situation in which image data is input from the personal computer 2 to the image forming apparatus 3. That is, characteristics common to image data are set in advance from the environment in which the image forming system 1 is provided, and image output restrictions are controlled based on these characteristics.
[0070]
In the present embodiment, the control includes a characteristic setting unit that presets in the system a characteristic common to image data that is allowed to be output, and an output control unit that controls whether or not to perform image output based on the characteristic. Part 7 is provided.
[0071]
There is no particular limitation on the characteristics of the image data used for determining permission / non-permission of the output of the image data. However, specifically, the image data created or processed by the personal computer 2 is
(1) What kind of application software is used
(2) Under what circumstances it was entered
These characteristics are mentioned.
[0072]
More specifically, the data format of the image data (data format), the type of application software that handles the image data (software information), and the time zone (time) when the image data was output to the image forming apparatus 3 Information) and the like can be suitably used as the characteristics of the image data that gives the judgment of permission / non-permission of output.
[0073]
The data format and the software information are generated by analyzing the image data by the language analysis unit 5. The time information is obtained as the time indicated by the timer 9 when the image data is input to the I / F unit 4.
[0074]
Next, the data format of the image data will be specifically described. FIG. 3 is a list showing an example of image output restriction according to the data format of image data to be printed out. As shown in FIG. 3, the image data is classified based on, for example, how much image area each image data has, what kind of image data itself, and the like. Whether to permit the forming process (printing) or restrict the image forming process is set.
[0075]
For example, when the image forming system 1 according to the present invention is provided in a normal office, a document mainly including characters is often created. Even if a color image is included in the document, most of the text data is character data. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the image data including many color images is not related to the business.
[0076]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, black and white data set as Data-1 (color area is 0%), and data where the color area set as Data-2, 3 is 30% or less or 50% or less. Is permitted to be printed as having a high possibility of being related to business.
[0077]
On the other hand, image data with a color area set to Data-4, 5 that is 50% or more and 80% or less, or image data with a color area that is 80% or more may not be related to business because there are too many color areas. Printing is limited as high.
[0078]
Also, HTML data set as Data-6 is considered to be rarely created or used for business purposes unless it is related to the Internet, and printing is restricted.
[0079]
The classification of the image data based on the color area shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and it goes without saying that the setting is appropriately changed according to the business contents of the office where the image forming system according to the present invention is installed.
[0080]
Next, the software information for forming image data will be specifically described. FIG. 4 is a list showing an example of image output restriction according to the print application. As shown in FIG. 4, the image data is classified based on what kind of application software is handled, and depending on the contents of the classification, image formation processing (printing) is permitted or image formation processing is restricted. Or is set.
[0081]
For example, when the image forming system 1 according to the present invention is provided in a normal office, it is very rare to use software that handles color images. There is a high possibility that the image data is not related to business. In addition, when it is not an Internet-related business, it is considered rare to handle data using mail software or browser software. Therefore, there is a high possibility that image data processed and created using software for handling color images, mail software, or browser software is not related to business.
[0082]
Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4, printing is permitted for word processor software, spreadsheet software, specific graphic software, etc. that are set as Appli-1 to 3, but it is set as Appli-4,5. The mail software and browser software that you have are likely to be irrelevant to your business, so printing is restricted. Even software that handles image data is permitted to print because CAD software set as Appli-6 is likely to be related to business.
[0083]
Note that the classification of image data based on the type of application software shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and it goes without saying that the setting is appropriately changed according to the business contents of the office where the image forming system according to the present invention is installed. .
[0084]
Next, a specific description will be given of adding and utilizing time information (information such as date and day of the week) when image data is input. FIG. 5 shows a display unit for displaying time information of image data and used application software.
[0085]
As shown in FIG. 5, the image data is classified according to the time zone when the image data is input on the program 11, and the image forming process (printing) is permitted or the image forming process is restricted according to the classification content. Is set.
[0086]
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, if the vertical axis is the business time and the horizontal axis is the individual data format or software information used for image data classification, the number of color areas is small as shown in Data-1, 2 shown in FIG. Since data is highly likely to be used in normal business operations, printing is permitted throughout the day or similar time. In the example of FIG. 5, printing of Data-2 image data is permitted during normal business hours, but printing is restricted only during night hours.
[0087]
FIG. 5 shows that printing is permitted without restriction in the time zone where the check mark is present. In addition, since word processor software such as Appli-1 and spreadsheet software such as Appli-1 and spreadsheet software shown in FIG. 4 are highly likely to be used in normal business, printing of image data using these software is permitted all day.
[0088]
On the other hand, for data with a high color image ratio, such as Data-3,4 shown in FIG. 3, there is a possibility that it is not related to normal business. Printing is restricted. FIG. 5 shows that printing is restricted in a time zone where no check mark is entered.
[0089]
In addition, in the case of using graphics software such as Appli-3 shown in Fig. 4, there is a high possibility that it will be used for business if it is normal business hours, but for purposes other than business in other time zones However, since it can be used, printing is restricted only during the time period corresponding to outside of work.
[0090]
Note that the detailed setting of the time zone on the vertical axis shown in FIG. 5 varies as appropriate depending on the office situation, business content, etc., and is not limited to the content shown in FIG.
[0091]
Next, as a criterion for determining whether or not to limit the image forming apparatus, a method other than the management based on the time zone described above will be described. Note that the method described below does not limit output based on the characteristics of image data, such as the data format and the type of application software, but is based on the operating environment of the image forming apparatus, that is, information that does not depend on the characteristics of the image data. This is a method of limiting output. Assume that the control unit 7 includes a determination unit that determines the operating environment of the image forming apparatus and a control unit that controls whether or not to execute image output based on the operating environment.
[0092]
For example, whether or not a person who has authority over the use of an image forming apparatus to some extent, such as a network administrator or an administrator in the workplace, is restricted depending on whether it exists near the image forming apparatus. Judgment can also be made.
[0093]
The confirmation of the presence of the administrator in this method is, for example, whether a pre-registered terminal (specific information such as the IP address of the terminal used by the administrator) can be confirmed via the network, or a specific management The presence of a portable terminal owned by the user (a terminal storing an ID code for identifying the owner, an ID card, etc.) is confirmed by the image forming apparatus (for example, radio waves transmitted from the portable terminal are image-formed) Whether it can be received within a predetermined area around the apparatus).
[0094]
If the presence of a specific administrator can be confirmed in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to process a print job instruction to the image forming apparatus without imposing special restrictions. On the other hand, if the presence of a specific administrator cannot be confirmed, the print job instruction to the image forming apparatus is limited to some extent (by data format, image characteristics, application, etc.).
[0095]
Next, a method for setting in advance in the image forming apparatus whether to limit or not will be described.
[0096]
The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is used in a network environment, and the use conditions thereof vary. Therefore, the user can select whether or not to apply a print restriction (not shown) This is determined by mode selection on a well-known adjustment screen (simulation mode screen)). Therefore, if the restriction mode of applying this print restriction is selected, the print job instruction to the image forming apparatus is restricted to some extent (by data format, image characteristics, application, etc.), and the restriction mode is selected. Otherwise, the print job instruction to the image forming apparatus can be processed without any special restriction.
[0097]
Next, a method of restricting the use of the image forming apparatus based on the display on the display unit provided in the image forming apparatus will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display unit provided in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0098]
The display unit 21 is formed in the operation panel 20 as shown in FIG. 6 and displays the contents of three print jobs. In each print job, the user who has instructed printing of the job, the job reception time, the number of copies, and the selected paper type are displayed. Here, as shown in the display section 21, three print jobs are reserved in the image forming apparatus.
[0099]
At the time of image output, as shown in FIG. 7, the operation panel 20 is operated in order to execute a print job of image data of 001 having the highest priority, which is the active display 22. At this time, the control unit 7 determines whether or not printing should be restricted based on each of the data format, software information, time information, or two or more. If it is determined that printing is permitted, image formation is performed as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined that printing is restricted, a window 23 indicating a message indicating that the data is out of the permitted range is displayed as shown in FIG.
[0100]
In FIG. 8, if the user who transmitted the image data 001 is, for example, “Mr. Yamada”, a message “001 user: print data outside the permitted range of Yamada” is displayed.
[0101]
Here, when the user intends to print data related to the business, the user may issue a print instruction by operating the “OK” key. On the contrary, in the case of data not related to business, an opportunity to withdraw the print instruction is given, and execution of image output can be canceled.
[0102]
However, as described above, it is left to the user's independence only by the correspondence of the window 23 for displaying the message, and the user can print data unrelated to the business.
[0103]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, it is displayed that the print data is outside the permitted range, and when print data outside the permitted range is printed, a window 24 indicating that printing has been recorded is displayed. More preferably.
[0104]
In this case, the message “001 User: Print data outside the permitted range of Yamada” is displayed in FIG. 9 as in FIG. 8, and “** Data is recorded. A message is displayed.
[0105]
As shown in FIG. 10, the print data history recorded outside the permitted range at this time includes the print date and time, the user name, and the detected content (based on what setting conditions are determined to be out of the permitted range). The number of prints is recorded.
[0106]
With the above configuration, according to the present embodiment, even if the user prints image data that is restricted outside the permitted range, the print data history remains, so whether the print is related to work, Can be easily identified as private. As a result, public awareness of the user can be improved and private use of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a cost that is more than necessary for consumables and maintenance management.
[0107]
In addition, when a print job is restricted as an image forming apparatus, a specific administrator can be notified. As a result, the administrator can grasp the usage status of the image forming apparatus and can suppress private use of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a cost that is more than necessary for consumables and maintenance management.
[0108]
As a notification method for a specific administrator, it is possible to use a known e-mail notification function. In other words, an email address such as an administrator's mobile phone has been registered as a specific notification destination when a restriction on a print job has been activated, and a restriction on the print job has occurred at this email address when the restriction has been activated To be notified.
[0109]
In the present embodiment, the image forming system 1 is configured by directly connecting the personal computer 2 and the image forming apparatus 3, but the image forming system according to the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, a network such as a LAN may be configured by a plurality of personal computers 2 and at least one image forming apparatus 3 via a server 2a. The above configuration is optimal when used in a large office.
[0110]
Further, in this embodiment, when the image forming system 1 is configured by the personal computer 2 and the image forming apparatus 3, the control unit 7 of the image forming apparatus 3 performs the image output restriction determination. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 1B, in the case of a system in which a server 2a is provided to form a network, the server 2a may determine whether image output is possible. .
[0111]
In the present embodiment, the display unit 21 is provided on the image forming apparatus 3 side so that the message is displayed on the windows 23 and 24. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the personal computer 2 A message may be displayed on the screen.
[0112]
In the present embodiment, a message such as determination regarding image output is displayed during an image output operation, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the image data application software 30 is opened on the personal computer side and the print restriction condition set when the print job is instructed, as shown in FIG. A window 31 that displays a message “The print data is outside” may be displayed. In other words, the present invention does not limit the display method and display contents of a message as long as a message is displayed for a print job whose printing is restricted.
[0113]
Further, in the present embodiment, the image output operation is performed by the operation panel 20, but other than this, for example, the display unit 21 may be used as a touch panel and may also serve as the operation unit.
[0114]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the job reservation number, user name, reception time, number of copies, paper size, and the like are displayed as print job reservations. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display content can be variously changed within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention as long as the image data can be recognized.
[0115]
Next, a description will be given of a method for limiting the output to a print job by changing the image representation in the image forming process of the image forming apparatus to be different from the normal one.
[0116]
In an image forming apparatus equipped with an electrophotographic process, such as an image forming apparatus, a charging potential for a photoconductor, a light amount for writing an electrostatic latent image, a developing bias for reproducing an electrostatic latent image as a visible image, and a photoconductor It is known that expression of an output image is changed by controlling transfer output to a transfer material. It is also known that the representation of an image to be reproduced is changed by performing image processing on the image data at the stage of generating image data based on a print job.
[0117]
Therefore, if the image data reproduced from the print job has a predetermined characteristic, it is possible to control so that faithful image expression is not performed by limiting the image formation stage. Further, if the image data reproduced from the print job does not need to be specially restricted, control is performed so that the image is reproduced with a normal image quality expression.
[0118]
The following process is mentioned as a specific output limiting method in the above system. For example, if the image forming apparatus is a machine equipped with a color image forming process, image data that is determined to be output-restricted by any of the above-described determination methods as an image recording restriction for a print job with a color image. On the other hand, it is possible not to perform image recording in the color mode but to limit the expression of the color image by a monochrome mode, a single color mode, or the like.
[0119]
In addition, it is possible to limit the recording material on which the image data of the print job is recorded, and to limit post-processing functions such as stapling, punching, paper folding, and bookbinding applied to the transfer material on which the image is recorded. It is. As a method for limiting the recording material, for example, recording on a transfer material having a size different from the image size or recording on a transfer material having a paper quality different from the normal size may be considered.
[0120]
Furthermore, it is possible to limit the number of sheets (multi-sheets, number of pages for one job) continuously recorded in the image forming unit.
[0121]
By these restriction methods, it is possible to improve the public and private consciousness of the user and to suppress private use of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a cost that is more than necessary for consumables and maintenance management.
[0122]
Note that the image forming apparatus in the above description is not limited to a printer apparatus equipped with an electrophotographic process, and as an apparatus, a laser printer, a line printer equipped with an LED head, a digital copying machine, a fax function, The present invention can be applied even to a digital multifunction machine having a printer function, a copy function, a scanner function, and the like.
[0123]
Further, the present invention is not necessarily limited to image processing at the time of print output, and is applied to a system including the image forming apparatus as described above. For example, the present invention can be used in a system that restricts image processing at the time of transmission output in which image data read by a scanner is transmitted to an external device.
[0124]
FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus when the feature extraction is performed on the image data received from the external device and the output is limited according to the result. The image data input from the image input unit 40 is subjected to predetermined processing by the image processing unit 41. Further, the image data is sent from the image processing unit 41 to the image determination unit 42, and it is determined whether or not the output of the image data should be restricted. The result of the determination is sent to the operation control unit 43, and the operation control unit 43 outputs an A or B control signal based on the determination result. The image data that has been processed by the image processing unit 41 is temporarily stored in the image storage unit 44 and then output by the image forming unit 45.
[0125]
The control signal A is a signal that is output when image data output is restricted at the stage of processing (developing) received image data as a recorded image. In other words, the image processing unit 41 that has received the control signal A performs image processing with normal image quality when output restriction is not performed, and changes the image quality as described above when output restriction is performed. Image processing including processing is performed.
[0126]
The control signal B is a signal that is output when the image forming unit 45 performs output switching. At this time, when the output restriction is not performed, the output at the image forming unit 45 is performed, and when the output restriction is performed, the output at the image forming unit 45 is stopped.
[0127]
[Embodiment 2]
Next, limitations on processing related to image transmission in an image communication apparatus (such as a facsimile apparatus or a network scanner apparatus) that transmits image data to a predetermined transmission destination will be described.
[0128]
The criteria for determining whether or not to limit processing related to transmission processing are whether or not the transmission destination is registered in advance, whether the characteristics of the transmission image are, for example, a color image, a monochrome image, or a mixed image Whether date and time information such as time zone and day of the week used is appropriate, or whether a specific administrator can check near the device.
[0129]
When limiting the processing related to image transmission based on the above criteria, the image data transmission processing to the instructed transmission destination is limited, or the transmission of a color image is limited and transmitted as a monochrome image. A limiting method is conceivable in which image processing is performed on the transmitted image data so that the image data is not reproduced as a faithful image, or the number of transmitted images is limited.
[0130]
FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an image communication apparatus in the case where feature extraction is performed on image data to be transmitted when image data is transmitted to a predetermined external device, and restriction is performed according to the result. In the block diagram of FIG. 14, the configurations and operations of the image input unit 40, the image processing unit 41, the image determination unit 42, the operation control unit 43, and the image storage unit 44 are the same as those in FIG. The image data that has been processed by the image processing unit 41 is temporarily stored in the image storage unit 44 and then transmitted from the image transmission unit 46 to the external device.
[0131]
The control signal A is a signal that is output when the image processing unit 41 performs restriction at the stage of preparing a transmission image. In other words, the image processing unit 41 that has received the control signal A performs image processing for normal image quality when the output data is not restricted for the image data to be transmitted, and as described above when the output restriction is performed. Image processing including restriction processing for changing the image quality is performed.
[0132]
The control signal B is a signal that is output when the output is switched at the stage of the image transmission operation in the image transmission unit 46. At this time, if output restriction is not performed, transmission processing by the image transmission unit 46 is performed. If output restriction is performed, transmission by the image transmission unit 46 is stopped or the number of transmissions is limited.
[0133]
[Embodiment 3]
Next, output limitation in a printer installed in a network environment will be described.
[0134]
The network can be a wide-area network environment from the local, such as a LAN, via the Internet. Under such circumstances, it is possible to limit image output in the printer depending on which database (server) the image data to be output is obtained from.
[0135]
For example, data generated from devices (terminals) in the local area network can be output without restricting output, but data obtained using browser software or the like, that is, data obtained from an external server is an image. It is also possible to limit the formation. It is also possible to restrict the output of an image if an attempt is made to output from a specific file server at a time outside the designated time zone.
[0136]
FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus when it is determined from where the image data is obtained from when the image data is fetched from the outside, and the restriction is made according to the result. In the block diagram of FIG. 15, the configurations and operations of the image input unit 40, the image processing unit 41, the operation control unit 43, the image storage unit 44, and the image forming unit 45 are the same as those in FIG.
[0137]
However, unlike the image determination unit 42 in FIG. 13, the determination unit 42 ′ does not determine whether restriction is possible based on the characteristics of the image data, but determines whether restriction is possible based on the image data acquisition destination. That is, when the determination unit 42 ′ recognizes that the image data has been input from the image processing unit 41, the determination unit 42 ′ confirms the input source of the image data (for example, scanner, FAX, Internet, etc.) with the image input unit 40. Send a signal.
[0138]
The control signal A is a signal that is output when the image processing unit 41 performs a restriction at the stage of developing (preparing) a received image as a recorded image. In other words, the image processing unit 41 that has received the control signal A performs image processing for normal image quality when the output restriction is not performed on the received image data, and as described above when the output restriction is performed. Image processing including restriction processing for changing the image quality is performed.
[0139]
The control signal B is a signal that is output when the output is switched at the stage of the image forming operation in the image forming unit 45. At this time, when the output restriction is not performed, the output at the image forming unit 45 is performed, and when the output restriction is performed, the output at the image forming unit 45 is stopped.
[0140]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the image processing system according to the present invention includes a determination unit that determines an operating environment in the image processing device, and a control that limits processing operations in the image processing device based on the operating environment determined by the determination unit. And means.
[0141]
When the image processing system as described above is installed in a specific business environment, it is preferable to limit image processing during private use, but unlike the case where output is limited to security data, It is difficult to attach restriction data to the data itself.
[0142]
On the other hand, in the above configuration, the operation environment of the image processing system is determined by the determination unit, and when the system is in a specific operation environment, the image processing operation of the image data is limited by the control unit. Therefore, the image output can be objectively limited without adding special restriction data to the image data.
[0143]
In the image processing system, the determination unit determines the date and time information instructed for the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus as an operating environment, and the control unit performs the operation at the image processing apparatus at a specific date and time. It can be set as the structure which performs control which restrict | limits an image processing operation.
[0144]
Therefore, for example, by imposing a restriction on the image processing operation at a specific date and time such as outside business hours, it is possible to suppress private use of an image processing system that tends to be performed outside business hours.
[0145]
In the image processing system, when the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus is instructed, the determination unit determines the position information of a specific administrator as an operating environment, and the control unit includes the administrator When it is determined that the image processing apparatus is in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus, it is possible to perform control such that the restriction on the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus is released.
[0146]
Therefore, when the manager is not in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus, the image processing operation is restricted, and the private use of the image processing system can be suppressed.
[0147]
The image processing system may include a mode setting unit that can arbitrarily set an output control mode for controlling a processing operation in the image processing apparatus by the control unit.
[0148]
Therefore, there is an effect that the user can arbitrarily determine whether or not to limit the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus by the setting operation via the mode setting means.
[0149]
In the image processing system, when the control unit executes the restriction on the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus, a notification that the restriction on the image processing operation has been executed is sent to a specific administrator. Can be configured.
[0150]
Therefore, it is possible to quickly confirm whether the image processing operation with the above restrictions is due to private use of the image processing system, and the above notification improves public and private awareness on the user side and suppresses private use. There is an effect that can be done.
[0151]
Further, as described above, the image processing apparatus of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on the image data, is determined by the determination unit that determines the operating environment in the image processing apparatus and the determination unit. And a control unit that restricts the processing operation in the image processing apparatus based on the operating environment.
[0152]
Therefore, the operating environment of the image processing apparatus is determined by the determining means, and when the image processing apparatus is in a specific operating environment, the image processing operation of the image data is restricted by the control means. Therefore, the image output can be objectively limited without adding special restriction data to the image data.
[0153]
In the image processing apparatus, the determination unit determines the date and time information instructed by the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus as an operating environment, and the control unit performs the operation in the image processing apparatus at a specific date and time. It can be set as the structure which performs control which restrict | limits an image processing operation.
[0154]
Therefore, for example, by imposing a restriction on the image processing operation at a specific date and time such as outside business hours, it is possible to suppress private use of an image processing system that tends to be performed outside business hours.
[0155]
In the image processing apparatus, the determination unit determines position information of a specific administrator as an operating environment when an image processing operation in the image processing apparatus is instructed, and the control unit includes the administrator. When it is determined that the image processing apparatus is in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus, it is possible to perform control such that the restriction on the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus is released.
[0156]
Therefore, when the administrator is not in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus, the image processing operation is restricted, and the private use of the image processing apparatus can be suppressed.
[0157]
Further, as described above, the image forming apparatus of the present invention performs the predetermined image processing on the image data, and prints out the image data subjected to the image processing by the image forming unit. The image forming apparatus includes a determination unit that determines an operating environment in the image forming apparatus, and a control unit that restricts an image forming operation in the image forming unit based on the operating environment determined by the determination unit.
[0158]
Therefore, when the determination unit determines the operating environment of the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus is in a specific operating environment, the control unit limits the image processing operation of the image data. Therefore, the image output can be objectively limited without adding special restriction data to the image data.
[0159]
In the image forming apparatus, when the image forming unit restricts the image forming operation, the control unit restricts the image forming process of the color image, and the image forming unit outputs the black and white image. Can do.
[0160]
Therefore, when the user tries to perform print output for private use using the image forming apparatus, if the output image data is a color image, it is converted into a black and white image and output. There is an effect that usability at the time of use is deteriorated and private use of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed.
[0161]
Further, in the image forming apparatus, the control unit performs image quality adjustment processing (density correction, color balance, and color correction) when the image forming operation in the image forming unit is limited as compared to when the image forming operation is not limited. In various image processing such as image editing, it is possible to perform a process for deteriorating the image quality of image data to be formed.
[0162]
Therefore, when the user tries to perform print output for private use using the image forming apparatus, the output image data is subjected to a process for degrading the image quality in the image quality adjustment process. The user-friendliness of the image forming apparatus is deteriorated and private use of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed.
[0163]
In the image forming apparatus, the control unit may be a recording material on which a processed image is formed when the image forming operation is restricted by the image forming unit. It can be set as the structure from which the characteristic of differs.
[0164]
Therefore, when the user intends to perform print output for private use using the image forming apparatus, the characteristics (size, paper quality, etc.) of the recording material on which the processed image is formed are not limited. On the other hand, it is different. For this reason, there is an effect that usability during private use is deteriorated and private use of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed.
[0165]
In the image forming apparatus, the control unit may be a recording material on which a processed image is formed when the image forming operation is restricted by the image forming unit. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which post-processing is not performed.
[0166]
Therefore, when the user intends to perform print output for private use using the image forming apparatus, post-processing (stapling, punching, paper folding, etc.) is performed on the recording material on which the processed image is formed. Absent. For this reason, there is an effect that usability during private use is deteriorated and private use of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed.
[0167]
In the image forming apparatus, the control unit may limit the number of times the processed image is formed when the image forming operation is restricted by the image forming unit. It can be set as the structure which adds a restriction | limiting.
[0168]
Therefore, when the user intends to perform print output for private use using the image forming apparatus, a limit is imposed on the number of times the processed image is formed (the number of copies). For this reason, there is an effect that usability during private use is deteriorated and private use of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed.
[0169]
Further, as described above, the image communication apparatus of the present invention performs the predetermined image processing on the image data, and transmits the image data subjected to the image processing to an external device. The image processing apparatus includes a determination unit that determines an operation environment and a control unit that restricts an image processing operation based on the operation environment determined by the determination unit.
[0170]
Therefore, the operation environment of the image communication apparatus is determined by the determination means, and when the image communication apparatus is in a specific operation environment, the image processing operation of the image data is restricted by the control means. Thereby, there is an effect that the image output can be objectively restricted without adding special restriction data to the image data.
[0171]
In the image communication apparatus, the determination unit determines the transmission destination information of the image data subjected to image processing as an operating environment, and the control unit determines whether the image communication apparatus uses the transmission destination information based on the transmission destination information. It can be set as the structure which performs control which restrict | limits an image processing operation.
[0172]
Therefore, for example, when image data is to be transmitted to a specific destination (or other than a specific destination), it can be determined that the private use of the image communication apparatus is private. There exists an effect that it can control.
[0173]
In the image communication apparatus, the control means may be configured to limit the image processing of a color image and transmit the image as a monochrome image when the image processing operation is limited.
[0174]
Therefore, when the user tries to perform transmission output for private use using the image communication device, if the transmitted image data is a color image, it is converted into a black and white image and output. There is an effect that the usability at the time of use is deteriorated and the private use of the image communication apparatus can be suppressed.
[0175]
In the image communication apparatus, the control means limits the number of processed images transmitted when the image processing operation is not limited when the image processing operation is not limited. It can be.
[0176]
Therefore, when the user tries to perform transmission output for private use using the image communication apparatus, the number of images to be transmitted is limited. For this reason, there is an effect that usability during private use is deteriorated and private use of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed.
[0177]
In the image communication apparatus, the control unit degrades the image quality of the image data transmitted in the image quality adjustment process when the image processing operation is limited as compared with the case where the image processing operation is not limited. It can be set as the structure which performs a process.
[0178]
Therefore, when the user intends to perform transmission output for private use using the image communication device, the image data to be transmitted is subjected to processing that degrades the image quality in the image quality adjustment processing. The user-friendliness of the image forming apparatus is deteriorated and private use of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed.
[0179]
Further, as described above, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a determination unit that determines an operating environment in the image processing apparatus in the image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on the image data obtained via the network. And a control unit that restricts the image processing operation based on the operating environment determined by the determination unit.
[0180]
Therefore, the operating environment of the image processing apparatus is determined by the determining means, and when the image processing apparatus is in a specific operating environment, the image processing operation of the image data is restricted by the control means. As a result, the image output can be objectively restricted without adding special restriction data to the image data.
[0181]
In the image processing apparatus, the determination unit determines input destination information of image data obtained via a network as an operating environment, and the control unit determines the image processing apparatus based on the input destination information. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which control is performed so as to limit the image processing operation.
[0182]
Therefore, for example, when obtaining image data from a specific input destination (or other than a specific input destination), it can be determined as private use unrelated to business, and private use of the image communication apparatus can be determined. There exists an effect that it can control.
[Brief description of the drawings]
1A and 1B show an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system, and FIG. 1B is a configuration of an image forming system when a network is formed. It is explanatory drawing shown.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming system.
FIG. 3 is a list showing an example of image output restriction according to a print data format of image data.
FIG. 4 is a list showing an example of image output restriction according to a print application of image data.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a display of application software that classifies image data according to input time, data format, and software information;
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a configuration of a display unit provided in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the display unit according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a message is displayed on the display unit.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of another example showing a state in which a message is displayed on the display unit.
FIG. 10 is a history table showing an example of a history of print data outside the permitted range recorded in the control unit.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state when other application software is employed.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a message is displayed in the application software.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image communication apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus under a network environment to which the present invention is applied.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image forming system (image processing system)
2 PC (external device)
3 Image forming device
7 Control unit (determination means, control means)

Claims (16)

In an image processing system formed by connecting an image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on image data and an external device that inputs image data to the image processing apparatus,
Determining means for determining an operating environment in the image processing apparatus;
Control means for limiting the processing operation in the image processing apparatus based on the operating environment determined by the determination means,
The determination means determines the date and time information instructed by the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus as an operation environment,
The control means controls to limit the image processing operation in the image processing device at a specific date and time set for the image processing device by data format in the image data or by application software in which the image data is created. And an image processing system. In an image processing system formed by connecting an image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on image data and an external device that inputs image data to the image processing apparatus,
Determining means for determining an operating environment in the image processing apparatus;
Control means for limiting the processing operation in the image processing apparatus based on the operating environment determined by the determination means,
When the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus is instructed, the determination unit determines presence confirmation information of a specific administrator as an operating environment, and
The control means performs control so as to release the restriction of the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus when it is determined that the administrator is in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus. system.   The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a mode setting unit that can arbitrarily set an output control mode for controlling a processing operation in the image processing apparatus by the control unit.   The control means is configured to notify a specific administrator that the restriction on the image processing operation has been executed when the restriction on the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus is executed. The image processing system according to any one of 1 and 2. When the operating environment determined by the determining means is an operating environment in which processing operations in the image processing apparatus are to be restricted,
The image processing system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit restricts a processing operation for image data having a specific data format or image data created by a specific application software. . In an image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on image data,
Determining means for determining an operating environment in the image processing apparatus;
Control means for limiting the processing operation in the image processing apparatus based on the operating environment determined by the determination means,
The determination means determines the date and time information instructed by the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus as an operation environment,
The control means controls to limit the image processing operation in the image processing device at a specific date and time set for the image processing device by data format in the image data or by application software in which the image data is created. An image processing apparatus characterized in that: In an image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on image data,
Determining means for determining an operating environment in the image processing apparatus;
Control means for limiting the processing operation in the image processing apparatus based on the operating environment determined by the determination means,
When the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus is instructed, the determination unit determines presence confirmation information of a specific administrator as an operating environment, and
The control means performs control so as to release the restriction of the image processing operation in the image processing apparatus when it is determined that the administrator is in the vicinity of the image processing apparatus. apparatus. When the operating environment determined by the determining means is an operating environment in which processing operations in the image processing apparatus are to be restricted,
8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit restricts a processing operation for image data having a specific data format or image data created by a specific application software. . In an image forming apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on image data and prints out the image data subjected to the image processing by an image forming unit.
Determining means for determining an operating environment in the image forming apparatus;
Control means for restricting the image forming operation in the image forming means based on the operating environment determined by the determining means,
The determination means determines the date and time information instructed for the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus as the operating environment, and
The control means controls to limit the image forming operation in the image forming means at a specific date and time set for the image forming apparatus by data format in the image data or by application software in which the image data is created. An image forming apparatus. In an image forming apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on image data and prints out the image data subjected to the image processing by an image forming unit.
Determining means for determining an operating environment in the image forming apparatus;
Control means for restricting the image forming operation in the image forming means based on the operating environment determined by the determining means,
When the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus is instructed, the determination unit determines presence confirmation information of a specific administrator as an operation environment,
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the control means performs control so as to release the restriction of the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus when it is determined that the administrator is in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus. apparatus.   11. The control unit according to claim 9 or 10, wherein when the image forming operation is limited in the image forming unit, the control unit limits the color image image forming process and causes the image forming unit to output the image as a black and white image. Image forming apparatus.   The control unit performs a process of degrading the image quality of image data formed in the image quality adjustment process when the image forming operation is limited in the image forming unit, compared to the case where the image forming operation is not limited. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein:   When the image forming operation is limited in the image forming unit, the control unit makes the characteristics of the recording material on which the processed image is formed differ from the case where the image forming operation is not limited. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10.   In the case where the image forming operation is limited in the image forming unit, the control unit does not perform post-processing on the recording material on which the processed image is formed, in contrast to the case where the image forming operation is not limited. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   The control means limits the number of times a processed image is formed when the image forming operation is restricted in the image forming means, as compared with the case where the image forming operation is not restricted. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9. When the operating environment determined by the determining unit is an operating environment in which the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus is to be restricted,
The image forming operation according to claim 10 , wherein the control unit limits an image forming operation to image data having a specific data format or image data created by a specific application software. apparatus.

Images