JP4097572B2 - Image recording device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus capable of protecting a recorded matter on which an image is recorded from unauthorized use of information.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Many of recent image recording apparatuses are connected to a communication network and have a function of receiving image data from another apparatus such as a personal computer (PC) connected to the communication network and recording an image. Furthermore, the image data recorded on the paper is captured as electronic data, and a copy function for forming and recording the image based on the captured image data. An image recording apparatus having a plurality of functions, such as a facsimile function for transmitting / receiving image data and a transmission function for transmitting captured image data to an external apparatus, has been put into practical use. As described above, the use of image data using an image recording apparatus and a communication network is convenient, but the operations such as copying, falsification, and external transfer of image data are facilitated, and a document describing a trade secret is described. When using image data having confidentiality such as, it is necessary to protect the image data from unauthorized use of information such as leakage of confidential information or falsification of information.
[0003]
In an environment where a transmission device such as a PC and an image recording device are connected to a communication network and image data is transmitted from the transmission device to the image recording device in order to record an image, the positions of the transmission device and the image recording device are separated from each other. Since the user operates the transmission device to instruct image recording and receives the recorded material recorded on the recording paper from the image recording device, the recorded material is removed from the image recording device. It will be left as it is discharged. In particular, when recording a large amount of images such as documents on a plurality of sheets, the user goes to receive the recorded material when the recording of the image is completed. Become. At this time, there is a possibility that the contents of the recorded matter may be seen or taken away by an unspecified number of people other than the user who has instructed to record an image, which may lead to illegal use of information.
[0004]
Therefore, when the image recording device receives the image data transmitted from the transmission device, the image data is stored without recording the image, and the user directly operates the image recording device to record the image data. An image recording apparatus has been developed that protects recorded images from unauthorized use by recording an image after inputting. In Patent Document 1, a password is transmitted together with image data from a transmission device to an image recording device, and the image recording device is provided with means for a user to directly input a password and store the received image data and wait However, a technique for recording an image when a user directly operates to input a correct password is disclosed.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-60-25385
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-218552
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2002-207332 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As disclosed in Patent Document 1, an image recording apparatus that records an image after a correct password is input starts recording an image after accepting a user's direct operation until the image recording is completed. There is a problem that the user needs to wait on the side of the image recording apparatus, the user is restricted in time, and the efficiency is low. In addition, if the user leaves the image recording apparatus while the image is being recorded while waiting for the waiting time, there is still a risk of unauthorized use of information.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to conceal the recorded matter of the image discharged from the image recording apparatus and to notify the existence of the recorded matter to others other than the user. An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus that can efficiently record an image while protecting the recorded matter from unauthorized use of information by others without being noticed.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  An image recording apparatus according to the present invention is an image recording apparatus having a recording unit for recording an image on a record carrier and a structure positioned above the recording unit, wherein the structure is in contact with the recording unit. Can be separated,A holding part for holding a recorded matter in which an image is recorded on a record carrier is provided below the structure,The structure is close to the recording unit up to a predetermined distance.The structure is in a state of covering the holding portion from above.Contact / separation means for changing the distance between the recording unit and the structure to a close state or a separated state in which the structure is separated from the recording unit by a distance longer than the predetermined distanceA means for storing device specifying information for specifying an external device and information for specifying a user in association with each other, a means for receiving image data from an external device, and a state of being in the proximity state by the contact / separation means Then, an image is created from the received image data and recorded on a record carrier by the recording unit, and a recorded matter in which the image is recorded on the record carrier is held by the holding unit, and an image based on the received image data Image data received from an external device identified by the device identification information associated with the information for identifying the user, the device for authenticating the user, and the device identification information associated with the information identifying the authenticated user Means for setting the separated state by the contact / separation means when a history of image recording based on the image information is included in the history information;It is characterized by providing.
[0009]
  In the present invention, the structure located above the recording unit that records the image on the record carrier can be brought into and out of contact with the recording unit, and when the image is output or the recorded matter in which the image is recorded on the record carrier The distance between the recording unit and the structure is changed according to the situation such as when taking out.
  In the present invention, a holding portion for holding a recorded matter in which an image is recorded on the record carrier is provided below the structure, and when the structure is close to the recording portion, the structure covers the holding portion. Since the state is set, the recorded matter held in the holding portion is hidden by the structure.
  In the present invention, when an image is output based on image data received from an external device, the structure closes the recording unit and hides the recorded item held by the holding unit. During recording, the recorded matter is hidden by the structure, and the recorded matter is protected from unauthorized use even if the user is not on the image recording apparatus side.
  Further, in the present invention, when the user is authenticated, the structure is separated from the recording unit so that only the user can confirm the presence of the recorded material and can receive it.
[0012]
  An image recording apparatus according to the present invention,in frontIn the proximity state, the recording structure records an image created from the received image data on the record carrier in the recording unit and covers the recorded matter held in the holding unit from above. It is characterized by being.
[0013]
Further, in the present invention, there is provided means for outputting an image based on image data received from an external device such as a PC, and the recorded matter in which the image is recorded and held in the holding unit is close to the recording unit. Therefore, the recorded matter is hidden by the structure until a user who operates an external device away from the image recording apparatus comes to receive the recorded matter.
[0018]
In the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, when the holding unit is located between the recording unit and the structure and is capable of coming into contact with and separating from the recording unit, and is in the separated state. In addition, the holding unit further includes means for separating the recording unit from the recording unit by a distance longer than the distance between the recording unit and the holding unit in the proximity state.
[0019]
Further, in the present invention, the holding unit is located between the recording unit and the structure, can be contacted and separated from the recording unit, and when the structure is separated from the recording unit, Similarly, by separating the holding unit from the recording unit, the user can easily receive the recorded matter held by the holding unit.
[0020]
The image recording apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the structure includes means for reading an image recorded on a record carrier.
[0021]
Furthermore, in the present invention, the structure includes an image reading unit that reads an image recorded on a record carrier, and the image recording apparatus can be used as an image copying apparatus or a scanner apparatus.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the external appearance of the image recording apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the image recording apparatus of the present invention. The image recording apparatus 1 of the present invention includes a lower unit (recording unit) 4 that records an image on a recording sheet that is a record carrier, and an operation unit 23 that is positioned above the lower unit 4 and receives an operation from a user. And an upper unit (structure) 2. The image recording apparatus 1 further includes a discharge tray including a plurality of paper discharge trays that hold a recorded matter on which an image is recorded on a recording sheet and discharged from the lower unit 4 at a position between the upper unit 2 and the lower unit 4. A paper tray unit (holding unit) 3 is provided, and the paper discharge tray unit 3 is opened in the front direction. The upper unit 2 is supported by a first shaft 31 provided on the back surface of the image recording apparatus 1. The first shaft 31 is movable up and down, and the upper unit 31 is configured to be able to contact and separate from the lower unit 4 according to the movement of the first shaft 31, as shown in FIG. The proximity state in which the upper unit 2 is close to the lower unit 4 up to a predetermined distance and the separation state in which the upper unit 2 is separated from the lower unit 4 by a longer distance as shown in FIG. . Further, the paper discharge tray unit 3 is supported by a second shaft 32 provided on the back surface of the image recording apparatus 1. The second shaft 32 can move up and down similarly to the first shaft 31, and the paper discharge tray unit 3 can move up and down between the upper unit 2 and the lower unit 4 according to the movement of the second shaft 32. It has become a structure. In particular, when the upper unit 2 is lifted and separated from the lower unit 4, the sheet discharge tray unit 3 can be lifted and separated from the lower unit 4 as shown in FIG.
[0023]
FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the relationship between the position of the upper unit 2 and the recorded matter. The upper unit 2 is formed flat and has a sufficient area to cover the paper discharge tray unit 3 from above. When the upper unit 2 is close to the lower unit 4, the upper unit 2 is in a state of covering the paper discharge tray unit 3. For this reason, when the upper unit 2 is close to the lower unit 4, as shown in FIG. 3A, even when the paper discharge tray unit 3 holds the recorded matter on which the image is recorded on the recording paper. The recorded matter is difficult to touch the human eyes, and it is difficult for an unspecified number of people to visually determine whether or not the paper discharge tray unit 3 holds the recorded matter. On the other hand, when the upper unit 2 is separated from the lower unit 4, the upper unit 2 is separated from the paper discharge tray unit 3, and therefore, as shown in FIG. It becomes easy to touch, and it becomes easy for an unspecified number of people to visually determine whether or not the paper discharge tray unit 3 holds a recorded matter.
[0024]
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the image recording apparatus 1 of the present invention. The upper unit 2 includes an image reading unit 22 that scans and reads a recorded material on which an image is recorded, and generates image data obtained by converting the read image into electronic data. The image reading unit 22 turns the recorded material down. It comprises a contact part, a light emitting part for irradiating the recorded matter with light, a light receiving part for reading reflected light from the image, a light guiding part for guiding reflected light from the image to the light receiving part, and the like. The lower unit 4 includes a plurality of paper feed trays 49, 49,... For storing recording sheets for recording images according to size and orientation, and an image forming unit 43 for forming images and recording them on the recording sheets. And. The image forming unit 43 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging member that charges the photosensitive drum, a laser beam scanning unit that writes a latent image on the charged photosensitive drum, and a developing unit that develops the latent image on the photosensitive drum. The image forming apparatus includes a transfer unit that transfers the developed image onto the recording paper, a fixing unit that fixes the image transferred onto the recording paper, and the like. In the figure, an example is shown in which the image forming unit 43 is disposed below the paper feed trays 49, 49,..., And CMYK photosensitive drums and developing units are arranged in tandem to form a color image. Yes. In the lower unit 4, the recording paper is sent out from the paper feed tray 49 to the image forming unit 43, the image is recorded on the recording paper in the image forming unit 43, and the recording paper on which the image is recorded is discharged from the lower unit 4. The paper is discharged to the tray unit 3 and is held in the paper discharge tray unit 3 as a recorded material.
[0025]
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image recording apparatus 1 of the present invention. The lower unit 4 includes a control unit 41 including a CPU that performs calculation and a RAM that stores temporary information associated with the calculation. The control unit 41 stores a control program for controlling the image recording apparatus 1. The ROM 45 is connected, and the control unit 41 controls the entire image recording apparatus 1 in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 45. The control unit 41 is connected to a management unit 46 that is a memory for storing management information for managing processing performed by the image recording apparatus 1. The control unit 41 is stored in the management unit 46. The management information is referred to, and the image recording apparatus 1 is controlled based on the referenced information. The control unit 41 includes a communication unit 44 connected to an external communication network N such as a LAN, a hard disk or a nonvolatile memory, a storage unit 47 that stores image data, and temporarily stores the image data. An image memory 431 that stores the image is formed, and an image forming unit 43 that forms an image from image data stored in the image memory 431, records the formed image on a recording sheet, and outputs the image is connected. A plurality of personal computers (PCs) 5, 5,... Are connected to the communication network N, the communication unit 44 receives image data transmitted from the PC 5 via the communication network N, and the storage unit 47 The received image data is stored, and the image forming unit 43 can form and output an image from the image data received by the communication unit 44. In addition, the management unit 46 stores history information indicating a history of the output image. A lower interface 42 connected to the upper unit 2 is also connected to the control unit 42, and the control unit 41 exchanges information with the upper unit 2 via the lower interface 42.
[0026]
Further, the control unit 41 is connected to an elevating unit 48 that moves the first shaft 31 and the second shaft 32 in the vertical direction to move the upper unit 2 and the paper discharge tray unit 3 up and down. The elevating unit 48 uses a method of moving the first shaft 31 and the second shaft 32 in the vertical direction by rotating a pinion meshed with the racks included in the first shaft 31 and the second shaft 32 with a motor, and an electric actuator. The first shaft 31 and the second shaft 32 are moved up and down, or the ball screw incorporated in the first shaft 31 and the second shaft 32 is rotated by a motor to move the first shaft 31 and the second shaft 32 up and down. The upper unit 2 and the paper discharge tray unit 3 supported by the first shaft 31 and the second shaft 32 are moved up and down by a method such as moving in the direction. The control unit 41 controls the operation of the elevating unit 48 according to the control program stored in the ROM 45, and functions as the contacting / separating means according to the present invention.
[0027]
The upper unit 2 includes a control unit 21 that controls the upper unit 2. The control unit 21 is connected to the lower interface 42 of the lower unit 4 using a flexible cable or the like provided through the first shaft 31. The upper interface 26 is connected, and the control unit 21 exchanges information with the lower unit 4 via the upper interface 26. The control unit 21 is connected to an image reading unit 22 that scans and reads an image recorded on a sheet and generates image data obtained by converting the read image into electronic data. The image data generated by the image reading unit 22 is connected to the control unit 21. Is transmitted to the lower unit 4 and the image forming unit 43 forms an image from the image data, whereby the image recording apparatus 1 can copy the image. Further, the image recording apparatus 1 can store the image data generated by the image reading unit 22 in the storage unit 47 and transmit the stored image data from the communication unit 44 to the PC 5 via the communication network N. The control unit 21 is connected to an operation unit 23 that receives an operation from the user. The operation unit 23 includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel that displays information necessary for the operation, and a user's operation. It consists of an input means such as a touch panel or a numeric keypad for inputting information such as control commands by operation. Further, the operation unit 23 has a fingerprint sensor 231 that accepts a user's finger contact and reads the user's fingerprint, and the control unit 21 is further permitted to use the image recording apparatus 1. A registration unit 24 that stores registration information in which user fingerprint information is registered is connected to an authentication unit 25 that performs user authentication. The authentication unit 25 stores the registration information in the registration unit 24. The registered information and the fingerprint information read by the fingerprint sensor 231 are collated to authenticate the user.
[0028]
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the contents of registration information stored in the registration unit 24. In association with the respective IP addresses of the PCs 5, 5,... Connected to the communication network N, the names and fingerprint information of the users of the respective PCs 5 are recorded. By registering the user's fingerprint information in a department or the like that uses the image recording apparatus 1, the image recording apparatus 1 can authenticate the user. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the content of history information stored in the management unit 46. In association with the IP address of the PC 5 that is the transmission source of the image data output as an image, the date and time when the image data was received, and to which discharge tray of the discharge tray section 3 the recorded matter on which the image was recorded was discharged And a receiving information indicating whether or not the user has received the recorded material. In the registration information and history information, information other than the IP address may be recorded using other information that can identify the PC 5 such as a Mac address.
[0029]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image output processing performed by the image recording apparatus 1 of the present invention. In a standby state where no processing is performed, the image recording apparatus 1 is in a state where the upper unit 2 is close to the lower unit 4 and the upper unit 2 covers the paper discharge tray unit 3. By the user's operation, the PC 5 transmits image data and an image output instruction to the image recording apparatus 1 via the communication network N. The image recording apparatus 1 uses the communication unit 44 to transmit the image data and the image from the PC 5. An output instruction is received (S11), while the upper unit 2 is kept close to the lower unit 4, the paper feed tray 49 feeds the recording paper, and the image forming unit 43 forms an image from the received image data. Then, the recording material is recorded on the recording paper, and the recorded matter in which the image is recorded on the recording paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray section 3 to output the image (S12). Next, the control unit 41 of the image recording apparatus 1 stores, in the management unit 46, history information that records the output history of the image as if the recorded image of the output image has not been received (S13). Exit. The recorded matter discharged from the lower unit 4 is held by the paper discharge tray unit 3 and is hidden by the upper unit 2 adjacent to the lower unit 4. The image recording apparatus 1 stands by with the upper unit 2 kept close to the lower unit 4.
[0030]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by the image recording apparatus 1 of the present invention when receiving a recorded image. FIG. 10 shows a user receiving an image recorded from the image recording apparatus 1. It is the schematic diagram which showed the mode. The user who has transmitted the image data from the PC 5 to the image recording apparatus 1 comes to the image recording apparatus 1 where the upper unit 2 is close to the lower unit 4, and as shown in FIG. The fingerprint sensor 231 of the image recording apparatus 1 receives the fingerprint of the finger of the hand. The image recording apparatus 1 receives the fingerprint of the user by the fingerprint sensor 231 of the upper unit 2 (S21), and receives the fingerprint information and the fingerprint information recorded in the registration information stored in the registration unit 24. Are compared in the authentication unit 25, and it is determined whether or not the user related to the received fingerprint is registered in the registration information, and the user is authenticated (S22). If the received fingerprint information is registered in the registration information and the user is successfully authenticated (S22: YES), the control unit 21 of the upper unit 2 displays the content of the registered information related to the received fingerprint on the upper interface. The control unit 41 of the lower unit 4 compares the contents of the registration information received from the upper unit 2 via the lower interface 42 with the history information stored in the management unit 46. The history of the output in which the recording of the image formed from the image data received from the PC 5 of the IP address recorded in the registration information in association with the received fingerprint information has not been received is the history information. (S23: YES), if the output history is recorded (S23: YES), the control unit 41 operates the elevating unit 48, and FIG. (B) the upper unit 2 is raised as shown (S24), further the sheet discharge tray unit 3 increases (S25). When the upper unit 2 is raised, the recorded image of the image held on the paper discharge tray unit 3 can be viewed by the user, and when the paper discharge tray 3 is raised, the user can view the recorded image of the image. As shown in FIG. 10C, the user receives the recorded matter of the image from the raised paper discharge tray unit 3. Next, the control unit 41 receives an instruction to end the receipt of the recorded material from the user, or waits until a predetermined time elapses after the discharge tray unit 3 is lifted. The end of the reception is monitored (S26). If the reception is not completed (S26: NO), the monitoring is continued (S26). If the reception of the recorded material is completed (S26: YES), the control unit 41 The elevator unit 48 is operated, the upper unit 2 and the paper discharge tray unit 3 are lowered, and the upper unit 2 returns to the state close to the lower unit 4 (S27), and the control unit 41 stores it in the management unit 46. The history information is updated to a state in which the recorded matter has been received (S28), and the process is terminated. When the authentication fails in step S22 (S22: NO), and when there is no image output history in step S23 (S23: NO), the control unit 21 or 41 is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 23. Error information is output (S29), and the process ends. In step S26, an infrared sensor or the like may be used to detect whether the user has received a recorded material. In addition, although the process in which the upper unit 2 and the paper discharge tray unit 3 are raised in two stages in steps S24 and S25 is shown, the process in which the upper unit 2 and the paper discharge tray unit 3 are simultaneously raised is performed. May be. Further, the image recording apparatus 1 can be used as a copying apparatus or a scanner apparatus by reading an image recorded on a recording sheet using the image reading unit 22.
[0031]
As described above in detail, the image recording apparatus 1 of the present invention includes the upper unit 2, the paper discharge tray unit 3, and the lower unit 4, and the upper unit 2 can be brought into and out of contact with the lower unit 4. When the unit 2 is close to the lower unit 4, the upper unit 2 covers and conceals the paper discharge tray unit 3, and the recorded matter of the image held by the paper discharge tray unit 3 is concealed from outside. Makes it difficult to see. Since the upper unit 2 hides the recorded matter, it is difficult to visually determine whether or not the recorded matter is held, and the contents of the recorded matter can be seen or taken away by an unspecified number of people. The risk is reduced and the recorded images can be protected from unauthorized use of information. Further, in the present invention, when image data is recorded by transmitting image data from the PC 5 connected to the image recording apparatus 1, the upper unit 2 is close to the lower unit 4 while the image is recorded, and the discharge tray section 3 is concealed and remains hidden until the user comes to receive the recorded matter, the presence of the recorded matter is not noticed by anyone other than the user, and the user can Recorded material is protected from unauthorized use even if it is not on the 1 side. This eliminates the need for the user to wait on the side of the image recording apparatus until image recording is completed in order to protect the recorded material from unauthorized use of information. By receiving the recorded material, the image can be recorded efficiently while protecting the recorded material from unauthorized use of information. In the present invention, when the user is authenticated using a fingerprint and the authentication is successful, the upper unit 2 is separated from the lower unit 4 so that the presence of the recorded material can be visually confirmed, and the authentication fails. Makes it difficult to confirm the presence of the recorded material without moving the position of the upper unit 2, thereby preventing others other than the user from seeing or taking away the recorded material, thereby preventing unauthorized use of information. The safety of the image recording apparatus for protecting the recorded matter can be further increased.
[0032]
Further, in the present invention, when the upper unit 2 is raised, the paper discharge tray section 3 is also raised, so that the user can easily receive the recorded matter and the convenience of the image recording apparatus is improved. To do. Further, since the upper unit 2 includes the image reading unit 22, the image recording apparatus can be used as an image copying apparatus or a scanner apparatus, and convenience is improved.
[0033]
In this embodiment, as a method for detecting the presence of the user, a method for authenticating the user using the user's fingerprint is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a palm print or a voice print is used. A method for authenticating a user by using information other than a fingerprint indicating a person's physical characteristics, a method for receiving a pre-registered ID and password from a user, and a user ID information are recorded. Other forms such as a method of authenticating a user using a contact or non-contact type IC card and a method of detecting a user using a camera may be used to detect the presence of the user. .
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
In the present invention, the structure located above the recording unit that records the image on the record carrier can be brought into and out of contact with the recording unit, and when the image is output or the recorded matter in which the image is recorded on the record carrier The distance between the recording unit and the structure can be changed in accordance with the situation such as when taking out, and the recorded matter of the image can be hidden and protected by the structure.
[0035]
In the present invention, a holding portion for holding a recorded matter in which an image is recorded on the record carrier is provided below the structure, and when the structure is close to the recording portion, the structure covers the holding portion. Therefore, it is difficult to visually determine whether or not the recorded material is held, and there is a risk that the contents of the recorded material can be seen or taken away by an unspecified number of people. Can be reduced, and the recorded image can be protected from unauthorized use of information.
[0036]
Further, in the present invention, there is provided a means for outputting an image based on image data received from an external device, and the recorded matter in which the image is recorded and held in the holding portion is a structure close to the recording portion. Therefore, the existence of the recorded matter is not noticed by anyone other than the user, and the recorded matter is protected from unauthorized use even if the user is not on the image recording apparatus side.
[0037]
In the present invention, when an image is output based on image data received from an external device, the structure closes the recording unit and hides the recorded item held by the holding unit. The recorded material is hidden by the structure while the image recording is being performed, and the user needs to wait on the image recording device side until the image recording is completed in order to protect the recorded material from unauthorized use of information. Thus, it is possible to efficiently record an image while protecting the recorded material from unauthorized use of information.
[0038]
Further, in the present invention, when the presence of the user is detected, the structure is separated from the recording unit, so that only the user can confirm the presence of the recorded matter, and other than the user can record the recorded matter. It is possible to further enhance the safety of the image recording apparatus that protects the recorded image from unauthorized use of information by preventing viewing or taking away.
[0039]
Further, in the present invention, the holding unit is located between the recording unit and the structure, can be contacted and separated from the recording unit, and when the structure is separated from the recording unit, Similarly, by separating the holding unit from the recording unit, it becomes easy for the user to receive the recorded matter held by the holding unit, and the convenience of the image recording apparatus is improved.
[0040]
Furthermore, in the present invention, the structure includes an image reading unit that reads an image recorded on a record carrier, and the image recording apparatus can be used as an image copying apparatus or a scanner apparatus. The present invention has excellent effects such as improvement in convenience of the recording apparatus.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an external appearance of an image recording apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the image recording apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a relationship between a position of an upper unit and a recorded matter.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the image recording apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an internal functional configuration of the image recording apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of contents of registration information stored in a registration unit.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of contents of history information stored in a management unit.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image output processing performed by the image recording apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by the image recording apparatus of the present invention when receiving a recorded image.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how a user receives a recorded image from an image recording apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image recording device
2 Upper unit (structure)
21 Control unit
22 Image reader
23 Operation unit
231 Fingerprint sensor
25 Authentication Department
3 Output tray (holding section)
4 Lower unit (recording unit)
41 Control unit
43 Image forming section
44 Communication Department
48 Elevator (contact / separation means)
5 PC
N communication network

Claims (4)

In an image recording apparatus having a recording unit for recording an image on a record carrier, and a structure positioned above the recording unit,
The structure is capable of contacting and separating from the recording unit,
A holding part for holding a recorded matter in which an image is recorded on a record carrier is provided below the structure,
The structure is close to the recording unit up to a predetermined distance, and the structure is in a state of covering the holding unit from above , or the structure is in contact with the recording unit. Contact / separation means for changing a distance between the recording unit and the structure into a separated state separated by a distance longer than a distance ;
Means for storing device specifying information for specifying an external device and information for specifying a user in association with each other;
Means for receiving image data from an external device;
An image is created from the received image data and recorded on the record carrier by the recording unit in the state of being in the proximity state by the contact / separation means, and the recorded matter recorded on the record carrier is held by the holding unit. Means,
Means for storing history information indicating an image recording history based on received image data;
A means of authenticating the user;
The contact / separation means when the history information includes an image recording history based on image data received from an external device specified by the device specifying information associated with the information specifying the authenticated user. An image recording apparatus comprising: means for setting the separated state by the above . Before Symbol structure, and in the proximity, it recorded matter images created from the received image data is recorded on the record carrier by the recording unit is held in the holding portion, in a state to mask from above The image recording apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein: The holding unit is located between the recording unit and the structure, and can be brought into contact with and separated from the recording unit,
The apparatus further comprises means for separating the holding unit from the recording unit at a distance longer than a distance between the recording unit and the holding unit in the proximity state when the separation unit is in the separated state. Item 3. The image recording apparatus according to Item 1 or 2 . The structure, an image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a means for reading an image recorded on the record carrier.

Images