JP4164138B2 - Image storage device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image storage device having storage means for storing image data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, there is a digital copying machine equipped with a large-capacity hard disk (HD). This large-capacity hard disk is mainly used to perform an electronic sort function.
[0003]
The electronic sort function reads out images of all originals to be copied, stores the image data in a hard disk, and repeatedly prints out the image data in order of pages. This makes it possible to discharge the copy sheets in a sorted state without having a sorter device having a plurality of bins. The digital copier receives PDL (page description language) data from the host computer via the network, develops it into a bitmap image from the PDL, temporarily stores it in the hard disk as described above, reads the image from the memory, and prints it out Is possible.
[0004]
More recently, it has been proposed to divide the storage area of the hard disk by individual, temporarily store the image received from the host computer in an area (personal box) designated by the host computer, and print the image from the personal box. Yes. The image stored in the personal box is printed by inputting a password for accessing its own area from the operation unit of the copying machine. Thereby, since the image of the owner of the personal box is not printed out from the copying machine, there is no concern that data other than the owner of the personal box can see the data.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since it is possible to send image data by arbitrarily designating a personal box from the host computer, image data is stored in an unspecified number of people in the personal box. As a result, the personal box becomes full, and there is a problem that image data that the owner of the personal box wants to print out cannot be printed out via the personal box.
[0006]
Also, it has been difficult to grasp a large number of image data sent from the host computer to the personal box. For example, when the image data of the personal box is printed out, there is no problem when the image data stored in the personal box is small, but when there are many image data stored in the personal box, many images are stored. It is difficult to select desired image data to be printed from the data.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problem, the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives image data output from an external device, a storage unit that stores image data from the external device, and a printing process of image data in the storage unit. A storage control unit that stores image data from the external device in the storage unit without executing a printing process by the printing unit; A first code which is required to allow the image data to be held by the means and to allow the printing means to execute the print processing of the image data held in the storage means Code that matches When , The print instruction to execute the printing of the image data Via the input means of the image storage device The A printing control unit that causes the printing unit to execute a printing process of the image data when input by a user, and the storage control unit receives the image data output from the external device. A code that matches the code of 1 And a holding instruction for holding the image data in the storage means Of the external device operation Through means The When the image data is input from the user and output from the external device, the image data is held in the storage unit without executing the printing process by the printing unit, and the storage control unit is , The image data output from the external device has a code that matches the first code of the external device. operation Even when the image data is output from the external device without being input by the user via the means, the image data is stored in the storage means without allowing the printing means to execute the printing process. A code that matches the second code required to allow holding And a holding instruction for holding the image data in the storage means Of the external device operation Through means The When the image data is input from the user and output from the external device, the image data is also stored in the storage unit without executing the printing process by the printing unit, and the storage control unit The image data output from the external device is Along with a holding instruction to hold the image data in the storage means Both the code that matches the first code and the code that matches the second code operation Through means The When the image data is output from the external device without being input by the user, it is prohibited to hold the image data in the storage unit without executing the printing process by the printing unit. An image storage device is provided.
[0008]
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided receiving means for receiving image data output from an external device, storage means for storing image data from the external device, and printing means for executing print processing of image data in the storage means. , The image data from the external device can be processed by the user via the operation unit of the external device among the plurality of personal boxes without executing the printing process by the printing unit. The storage means stores the image data as personal box image data specified by the storage means, and the storage means stores the image data as image data of the personal box specified via the operation means of the external device. The image data of the personal box that is required for permission of the operation and designated through the operating means of the external device. Code matching the print processing of the image data stored in the means for first code required also to allow it to be executed by the printing means When , A print instruction for executing printing of the image data is Via the operating means of the image storage device The A printing control unit that causes the printing unit to execute a printing process of the image data when input by a user, and the storage control unit receives the image data output from the external device. A code that matches the code of 1 And a holding instruction for holding the image data in the storage means Via the operating means of the external device The When the image data is input from the user and output from the external device, the image data is printed by the printing unit as image data of a personal box designated by the user via the operation unit of the external device. The storage control unit stores the image data output from the external device via the operation unit of the external device so that the image data output from the external device matches the first code. Even if the image data is output from the external device without being input by the user, the user does not allow the image data to be subjected to the printing process by the printing unit, and does not permit the user via the operation unit of the external device. The second code required for permitting the storage means to hold the image data as the image data of the personal box designated by the Code that And a holding instruction for holding the image data in the storage means Via the operating means of the external device The When the image data is input from the user and output from the external device, the image data is also printed by the printing unit as image data of a personal box designated by the user via the operation unit of the external device. The storage means is held without executing the process, and the storage control means has the image data output from the external device, Along with a holding instruction to hold the image data in the storage means Both the code that matches the first code and the code that matches the second code are passed through the operating means of the external device. The When the image data is output from the external apparatus without being input by the user, the image data is used as the image data of the personal box designated by the user via the operation means of the external apparatus. An image storage device is provided that is prohibited from being held in the storage means without being executed.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which 100 is a copying apparatus body and 180 is a circulating automatic document feeder (RDF).
[0012]
In FIG. 1, 101 is a platen glass as a document placing table, 102 is a scanner, and includes a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104, and the like. The scanner is reciprocated in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown), and the reflected light 107 from the original on the platen glass 101 forms an image on the CCD sensor (image sensor unit) 109 via the scanning mirrors 104 to 106 and the lens 108.
[0013]
An exposure control unit 120 includes a laser, a polygon scanner, and the like. The exposure control unit 120 irradiates the photosensitive drum 110 with a laser beam 129 that is converted into an electrical signal by the image sensor unit 109 and modulated based on an image signal that has been subjected to predetermined image processing described below.
[0014]
Around the photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a developing device 121, a transfer charger 118, a cleaning device 116, and a pre-exposure lamp 114 are provided. In the image forming unit 126, the photosensitive drum 110 is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure by a motor (not shown). After being charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112, a laser from the exposure control unit 120 is obtained. Light 129 is irradiated to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 110 is developed by the developing device 121 and visualized as a toner image. On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 131 or the lower cassette 132 by the pick-up rollers 133 and 134 is sent to the main body by the feed rollers 135 and 136 and fed to the transfer belt 130 by the registration rollers 137 to be visualized. The transferred toner image is transferred onto the transfer paper by the transfer charger 118. After the transfer, the photosensitive drum 110 is cleaned of residual toner by the cleaner device 116, and the residual charge is erased by the pre-exposure lamp 114.
[0015]
The transfer paper after the transfer is separated from the transfer belt 130, and the toner image is recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140 and sent to the fixing device 141. The toner image is fixed by pressurization and heating by the fixing device 141, and is discharged out of the main body 100 by the discharge roller 161.
[0016]
The main body 100 is equipped with a deck 150 that can store, for example, 4000 transfer sheets. The lifter 151 of the deck 150 ascends according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 152. In addition, a multi-manual feed 153 that can accommodate 100 transfer sheets is provided.
[0017]
Further, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 154 denotes a paper discharge flapper, which switches the path between the duplex recording side or the multiple recording side and the paper discharge side. The transfer paper fed from the paper discharge roller 142 is switched from the double-sided recording side to the multiple recording side by this paper discharge flapper 154. Further, the lower transport path 158 guides the transfer sheet sent from the paper discharge roller 142 to the re-discharge tray 156. Reference numeral 159 denotes a paper feed roller that feeds the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 126 side through the path 160. Reference numeral 161 denotes a discharge roller which is disposed in the vicinity of the paper discharge flapper 154 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the paper discharge flapper 154 to the outside of the main body 100. During double-sided recording (double-sided copying), the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, and the copied transfer paper is stored in the refeed tray 156 in a state of being turned upside down through the transport paths 155 and 158.
[0018]
When the transfer paper is reversed and discharged from the main body, the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted rightward, the copied transfer paper is conveyed to the conveyance path 155 side, and the trailing edge of the transfer paper is After passing through the first feed roller 162, it is conveyed to the second feed roller 162 a side by the reverse roller 163, and the transfer paper is turned over by the discharge roller 161 and discharged out of the main body 100.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the copying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, an image reading unit 201 includes a CCD sensor 109, an analog signal processing unit 202, and the like. A document image formed on the CCD sensor 109 is converted into an analog electric signal by the CCD sensor 109. The converted image information is input to the analog signal processing unit 202, subjected to sample & hold, dark level correction, and the like, and then subjected to analog / digital conversion (A / D conversion). The digitized signal is input to the electronic sorter unit 203 after shooting correction (variation of sensors for reading a document and correction of light distribution characteristics of a document illumination lamp) and scaling processing.
[0020]
The electronic sorter unit 203 performs correction processing necessary for an output system such as γ correction, smoothing processing, edge enhancement, other processing, processing, and the like, and outputs the result to the printer unit 204.
[0021]
The printer unit 204 includes the exposure control unit 120 made of a laser or the like, the image forming unit 126, the transfer paper conveyance control unit, and the like described with reference to the cross-sectional configuration diagram of FIG. Record.
[0022]
The CPU circuit unit 205 includes a CPU 206, a ROM 207, a RAM 208, and the like, and controls the image reading unit 201, the electronic sorter unit 203, the printer unit 204, and the like, and comprehensively controls this sequence control. The instruction set by the operation unit 700 of the copying apparatus is input to the CPU circuit unit 205.
[0023]
The external I / F processing unit 209 expands the PDL output from the external host computer 1000 into a bitmap image, and outputs it to the electronic sorter unit 203 as image data.
[0024]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the electronic sorter unit 203. The image sent from the image reading unit 201 is input as luminance data and sent to the log conversion unit 301. The log conversion unit 301 stores an LUT (Look Up Table) for converting the input luminance data in density, and outputs the table value corresponding to the input data, thereby converting the luminance data into the density. Convert to data.
[0025]
Thereafter, the density data is sent to the binarization unit 302. The binarization unit 302 converts the multi-value density data into “0” or “255”, and converts the 8-bit density data into 1-bit binary data of “0” or “1”. This reduces the amount of image data stored in the memory.
[0026]
The binarized image data is sent to the control unit 303. Also, the bitmap image data developed from the PDL output from the host computer 1000 and input from the external I / F processing unit 209 is processed as binary image data by the external I / F processing unit 209. The data is sent to the control unit 303 as it is.
[0027]
The control unit 303 temporarily stores all the originals read from the image reading unit 201 and the bitmap images from the external I / F processing unit 209 in the image storage unit 304 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU circuit unit 205, The image data is sequentially read from the unit 304 and output.
[0028]
The image storage unit 304 includes a SCSI controller 304a and a hard disk (HD) 304b, and writes image data to the hard disk 304b in accordance with instructions from the SCSI controller 304a. The plurality of image data stored in the hard disk 304b are printed in the order corresponding to the editing mode designated by the operation unit 700 of the copying apparatus. For example, when PDL images sent from the first page are printed in reverse order and electronically sorted, PDL bitmap images of all pages sent from the host computer 1000 are temporarily stored in the hard disk 304b, and then from the last page. Images are sequentially read from the hard disk 304b toward the first page and printed. Then, this is repeated for the number of copies requested by the host computer 1000 to realize electronic sorting.
[0029]
Image data read from the image storage unit 304 or image data to be printed without being stored in the image storage unit 304 is sent to the smoothing unit 305. The smoothing unit 305 first converts 1-bit data into 8-bit data, and sets the image data signal to a state of “0” or “255”.
[0030]
The converted image data is replaced with an average value weighted by a weight obtained by summing multiplications of coefficients on a predetermined matrix and density values of neighboring pixels. As a result, the binary data is converted into multi-value data according to the density value in the neighboring pixels, and an image quality closer to the read image can be reproduced. The smoothed image data is input to the γ correction unit 306. When the density data is output, the γ correction unit 306 performs conversion by LUT considering the characteristics of the printer unit 204 and adjusts the output according to the density value set by the operation unit 700.
[0031]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic screen displayed on the operation unit 700 of the copying apparatus according to this embodiment.
[0032]
This screen is a touch panel, and each function is executed by touching the frame of the displayed function.
[0033]
The copy mode key 424 is a key to be pressed when performing a copying operation. By pressing this key, the extended function key 401 enters a mode such as duplex copying, multiple copying, movement, binding margin setting, frame erase setting, and the like. The image mode key 402 enters a mode such as setting of shading, shadowing, trimming, and masking for a copy image by pressing this key. A user mode key 403 can be used to register a mode memory and set a standard mode screen. The applied zoom key 404 enters a mode in which the X and Y directions of the document are independently scaled by pressing this key, and a zoom program mode in which the magnification is calculated from the document size and the copy size.
[0034]
An M1 key 405, an M2 key 406, and an M3 key 407 are keys that are pressed when calling a mode memory registered in each of them. An option key 409 is a key for entering an option function setting mode such as a film projector for copying directly from a film.
[0035]
The sorter key 410 is a key for setting whether to use a mechanical sorter or an electronic sorter, sorter sorting, group mode setting, and the like. The document mixed loading key 411 is a key to be pressed when setting A4 size and A3 size or B5 size and B4 size documents together in the document feeder.
[0036]
An equal magnification key 412 is a key to be pressed when the copy magnification is set to 100%. The reduction key 414 and the enlargement key 415 are keys that are pressed when performing standard reduction and enlargement. A paper selection key 413 is a key to be pressed when selecting a copy paper. The density keys 418 and 420 are darkly copied every time the density key 418 is pressed, and lightly copied every time the density key 420 is pressed. The density display 417 changes to the left and right when the density keys 418 and 420 are pressed. An AE key 419 is a key to be pressed when automatic density adjustment copying is performed for a document having a dark background such as a newspaper.
[0037]
The HiFi key 421 is a key to be pressed when copying a document having a high halftone density such as a newspaper document. The character emphasis key 422 is a key to be pressed when it is desired to make a character stand out by copying a character original. The guide key 423 is a key to be pressed when a certain key function is not known, and an explanation of a key whose function is unknown is displayed.
[0038]
The fax key 425 is a key that is pressed when performing faxing, and the file key 426 is a key that is pressed when outputting file data.
[0039]
A printer key 427 is a key to be pressed when it is desired to change the print density or to refer to the print output result of the PDL image output from the host computer 1000.
[0040]
A PB key 428 is a personal box key related to the present invention, which will be described later, and is a button that is pressed when printing out image data stored in the hard disk 304 b in the image storage unit 304.
[0041]
A personal box according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. A hard disk 304 b in the image storage unit 304 is composed of a temporary area 600 and a personal box area 601. The temporary area 600 is an area in which image data is temporarily stored for electronic sorting, and these image data are deleted after the job is completed.
[0042]
The personal box area 601 receives the image data obtained by developing the PDL image from the host computer 1000 based on the personal box number received from the host computer 1000 and the storage password associated with the personal box. Is a region stored in the personal box in the personal box region 601 corresponding to. In response to the designation of a personal box storing image data to be printed from the personal box area 601 on the operation unit 700 and the input of a print password associated with the designated personal box, The image data stored in the personal box area 601 is read and printed.
[0043]
The storage password is made known by some people, and the printing password is set to be different from the storage password so that only the owner of the personal box knows it. By doing so, documents are not stored from an unspecified number of people in the personal box, and the number of people allowed to be stored in the personal box can be restricted. The documents stored in the personal box can be stored in the personal box. Only the owner can print.
[0044]
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in the case of a 1 GB hard disk, 300 MB is divided into a temporary area 600 and 700 MB is divided into a personal box area 601 for use. When the number of personal boxes is 10, the area of the personal box that each individual can have is 70 MB. Each personal box has a number. For example, personal boxes 602, 603, 604, and 605 have personal box numbers 0, 1, 2, and 9, respectively.
[0045]
FIG. 6 is a window displayed on the host computer 1000, and shows a window for instructing printing of document data and specifying a personal box on the application software.
[0046]
A window 501 is displayed when printing is designated in the application menu. Reference numeral 502 denotes a currently set printer name, in the case of this embodiment, for example, the name of a copying apparatus connected to a network. Reference numerals 503 and 504 denote print range settings for setting all pages of the document or how many pages of the document are to be printed. At this time, whether to specify all pages or the page range is selected by placing the pointer on the corresponding □ mark and clicking the mouse and putting a check mark.
[0047]
Reference numeral 505 is a setting of the number of copies, which sets how many copies are to be printed. Reference numeral 509 denotes a detail button, for example, a button for entering a mode for setting the resolution for printing. When the setting of printing is completed, the printing is started by moving the pointer to the OK button 507 and clicking the mouse. In order to invalidate the print setting, the print setting is invalidated by placing the pointer on the cancel button 508 and clicking the mouse.
[0048]
At this time, if a check mark is not entered in the □ mark of 510, printing is performed immediately. If you want to use the personal box instead of printing the document data immediately, that is, if you want to temporarily store the document data in the personal box, place the pointer on the 510 mark and click the mouse to select the check mark. Then, a personal box button 506 is pressed (clicked) to enter a mode for designating a personal box.
[0049]
FIG. 7 shows a state of the personal box window 520 displayed when the personal box button 506 is pressed in the print setting window 501 which is displayed on the host computer 1000 to print document data on the application or to specify a personal box. Show.
[0050]
In the personal box window 520, a mode for printing the document data is set instead of specifying the personal box in which the document data of the application software is stored and setting the operation data on the operation unit 700 of the copying apparatus. In the personal box window 520, a password for storing the document data of the application software in the personal box, that is, a storage password is input. The storage password corresponds to the specified personal box.
[0051]
For example, when Mr. Tanaka wants to store the document data of the application in his personal box (603 in FIG. 5), the personal box number input frame 521 specifies 1 as his personal box number, and the password input box for storage At 540, his / her password for storage, for example, a 6-digit numerical value is input. In addition, when Mr. Kato, one of several people who know Tanaka's storage password, wants to pass the document data of the application to Mr. Tanaka, Mr. Tanaka's personal box is displayed in the personal box number input box 521. Specify number 1 and enter Tanaka's storage password in the storage password input box 540. In order to prevent others from seeing the entered numbers, the entered digits are indicated by * and the unfilled digits are indicated by. If an incorrect password is input, the copying apparatus side informs the host computer 1000 that it could not be stored, and the fact is clearly indicated on the host computer 1000 screen. A network address or the like may be used as a code other than the password.
[0052]
In this way, only some people who know the storage password set in each personal box can store the application document data from the host computer 1000 in the designated personal box. In other words, documents are not stored by an unspecified number of people in each personal box, and the number of people allowed to be stored in the personal box can be limited.
[0053]
Reference numeral 523 denotes single-sided print setting. When a check mark is entered by placing the pointer on the square mark and clicking with the mouse, the document data job stored in the personal box is printed on one side. Reference numeral 524 denotes double-sided printing setting. When a check mark is entered by placing the pointer on the square mark and clicking with a mouse, the document data job stored in the personal box is printed on both sides.
[0054]
If the document data job stored in the personal box is to be printed in non-sort printing, place the pointer on the □ mark 525 for electronic sort printing, 526 for group printing, and click with the mouse to mark the check mark. Put in.
[0055]
Reference numeral 528 denotes a paper setting, which sets a paper size to be used for printing. For example, if a ▽ mark on the right of 528 is clicked with a mouse, a paper size such as A4, A5, B4, etc. can be selected and selected. Reference numeral 529 denotes a paper feed stage setting, which sets a cassette stage to be used for printing. For example, if a ▽ mark on the right of 529 is clicked with a mouse, a paper feed stage such as an upper cassette 131 or a lower cassette 132 can be selected and can be selected. As shown in the figure, in the case of “Auto”, the cassette stage storing the copy paper of the paper size designated in 528 is automatically selected. Reference numeral 532 denotes a detailed setting, for example, a button for entering a mode for setting a reduced layout such as 2in1, 4in1, or the like.
[0056]
Reference numeral 531 denotes a cancel button which is pressed to invalidate the settings related to the personal box and return to the window 501. Reference numeral 530 denotes an OK button which is pressed when all the settings related to the personal box are completed and the setting contents are to be validated. After pressing, the screen returns to the window 501 in FIG. 6 and the OK button 507 is pressed to transfer the application document data to the personal box.
[0057]
FIG. 8 is a main screen of the personal box of the operation unit 700 of the copying apparatus. Reference numeral 601a denotes a main screen of the personal box of the operation unit 700 of the copying apparatus. The screen is opened when the PB key 428 is pressed in FIG. For example, as shown in the figure, the number of personal boxes is a screen that displays that ten numbers of 00 to 09 are prepared and image data input from the host computer 1000 is stored for each individual. In addition, a name is assigned to each personal box number on a screen of an operation unit (not shown).
[0058]
For example, in the case of personal box number 1, the name “Tanaka's box” is given, and it can be clearly shown that this is a personal box used by Mr. Tanaka. Further, the percentage display displayed at the right end of each personal box column indicates the ratio of the personal box used to the hard disk capacity of the entire personal box area. For example, when the hard disk capacity of the personal box area is 700 MB, the personal box number 01 is 2%, indicating that about 14 MB is used.
[0059]
Reference numerals 602a, 603a, 604a, and 605a are buttons for entering a mode for displaying the job contents stored in the personal boxes of the personal box numbers 00, 01, 02, and 09, respectively. Reference numerals 606 and 607 denote up and down scroll keys. When these keys are pressed, the screen can be scrolled, and the name of the box number and the used capacity of the personal box storing image data not displayed on the screen can be viewed. Reference numeral 608 denotes a close key which can be pressed to return to the main screen in FIG. Reference numeral 609 denotes a fax status key. By pressing this key, the status of fax transmission / reception can be confirmed.
[0060]
FIG. 9 is a password input screen in the operation unit 700 of the copying apparatus. Reference numeral 610 denotes a password input screen for a personal box. This screen is displayed when a personal box number corresponding to a personal box owned by the user is pressed from 602a to 605a on the screen shown in FIG.
[0061]
The password input here is a password for printing document data, that is, a password for printing, which is associated with the personal box. The print password is set to a password different from the storage password. This is because the owner of each personal box can manage the data stored in his / her personal box. For this purpose, the password for printing is a password that only the owner of the personal box can know.
[0062]
The password is entered using the numeric keys 690. In order to prevent others from seeing the input numerical value 611, the input digit is displayed with * mark, and the non-input digit is displayed with mark.
[0063]
An explanation will be given of a case where Mr. Tanaka makes an instruction to store a document in the personal box owned by himself / herself on the screen of the personal box window 520 on the host computer 1000. Tanaka specifies number 1 as the box number of the personal box and inputs the password for storage. Then, by pressing the OK key 530, the document data is stored in the personal box owned by the user.
[0064]
Next, Mr. Tanaka designates his / her personal box number 1 on the personal box main screen 601a and inputs the password for printing on the personal box password input screen 610 on the operation unit 700 of the copying apparatus. Thus, the document data stored in the personal box can be printed.
[0065]
Reference numeral 612 denotes an OK key, which starts collation of the input print password. A cancel key 613 is pressed to cancel the input of the print password and return to the main screen 601a of the personal box.
[0066]
FIG. 10 is a screen that displays information (stored date, time, document name, whether or not printed) stored in the personal box designated on the screen 601a. Reference numeral 630 denotes a screen for displaying information stored in the personal box. This screen is displayed when the print password entered on the screen 610 is correct.
[0067]
For example, Mr. Tanaka who is the owner of personal box number 1 inputs the password for printing that only he / she knows and can check the screen 630. The password verification process is executed by the CPU 206 of the copying apparatus. Reference numerals 623 and 624 denote information stored by designating the personal box number from the host computer 1000.
[0068]
623 indicates that the document “A plan” was stored in the personal box from the host computer 1000 at 11:30 on March 8. Here, “printed” at the right end indicates that printing has been performed at least once after the document is stored in the personal box. Displaying “NG” or the like in the rightmost area may indicate that the hard disk or personal box is full and the document cannot be stored correctly.
[0069]
624 indicates that the document “B meeting material” was stored in the personal box from the host computer 1000 at 21:14 on March 11. Here, “unprinted” on the right indicates that the document has not been printed since it has been stored in the personal box.
[0070]
Then, by touching this line 624, the line 624 of this job is inverted as shown in the figure. Reference numeral 616 denotes a detail key, which is a key for displaying the details of the job of the inverted line. This is a key for displaying in detail the information set in the print windows 501 and 520 of the application of the host computer 1000, such as “copy three copies on both sides with A4 paper”. In addition, it is possible to change job information such as changing the number of copies from 3 to 5 on the displayed screen.
[0071]
Reference numeral 617 denotes a print key. When this button is pressed, printing of the print data of the inverted line job is started according to the contents of the print job setting. Reference numeral 618 denotes an erase key which is pressed when erasing image data corresponding to the inverted line from the hard disk 304b. Reference numerals 619 and 620 are scroll keys for scrolling the screen when displaying many job contents that cannot be displayed on one screen. Reference numeral 622 can check the state of fax transmission / reception. A close key 621 is pressed to return to the personal box screen 601a in FIG.
[0072]
FIG. 11 is a collation table of the storage password and the print password corresponding to the personal box number of each personal box. This collation table is stored in the form of a code in the RAM 208 in the CPU circuit unit 205 of FIG. 2 described above, and can be rewritten as needed. The storage password corresponding to Mr. Tanaka's personal box number 1 is 135790, and the print password is 246801.
[0073]
When storing image data from the host computer 1000 into Mr. Tanaka's personal box, a person who knows Mr. Tanaka's password for storage designates personal box number 1 in the personal box number input frame 521 of the screen 520 and stores it. The storage password “135790” corresponding to the personal box number 1 may be input in the password input frame 540.
[0074]
When Mr. Tanaka prints the image data stored in his / her personal box, the user inputs “246801” corresponding to personal box number 1 on the personal box password input screen 610 of the copying apparatus 700. Printing becomes possible.
[0075]
The print password is as described above. For example, when a network address or the like is used as a code instead of the storage password, the network address of a person who is permitted to store image data in the personal box is written in the verification table. Leave in. Therefore, unlike the collation table using the storage password, the collation table has a plurality of network addresses associated with one personal box. In the case of a network address, the address is automatically output from the host computer 1000, so the storage password input frame 540 is not necessary.
[0076]
The password verification process executed by the CPU 206 in the above-described copying apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not to use a personal box in accordance with an instruction from the host computer 1000 (step S1). If the instruction is not to use the personal box, the image data output from the host computer 1000 is immediately printed out (step S2).
[0077]
If it is an instruction to use a personal box, the personal box number and password output from the host computer 1000 are received (step S3). Next, the personal box designated by the personal box number is selected, and the storage password corresponding to the personal box is read (step S4). Then, by referring to the collation table of FIG. 11, the received password is compared with the storage password associated with the selected personal box (step S5).
[0078]
If the received password and the storage password are the same, the image data output from the host computer 1000 is stored in the selected personal box (step S6). If the received password and the storage password are not the same, the host computer 1000 is notified that the image data could not be stored, and a message to that effect is displayed on the screen of the host computer 1000 (step S7).
[0079]
The password verification processing program is stored in the form of a code in the ROM 207 in the CPU circuit unit 205 of FIG. 2 and is executed by the CPU 206.
[0080]
In this way, only some people who know the storage password set in each personal box can store application document data from the host computer 1000 in the designated personal box. Only the owner of the personal box can print the document data stored in his personal box.
[0081]
That is, the document data is not stored in the personal box by an unspecified number of people, and the number of people allowed to store in the personal box can be limited. In addition, by setting the print password as a password different from the storage password, only the owner of the personal box can print the document data stored in the personal box.
[0082]
(Embodiment 2)
The difference from the first embodiment is that each personal box has a first area (personal area) and a second area (mail area). The personal area is an area where the owner of each personal box stores his / her image data. The mail area is other than the owner of the personal box corresponding to the specified personal box and knows the storage password. This is an area where some people store image data.
[0083]
In order to implement this, in the second embodiment, when the received password is a print password corresponding to the personal box, the copying apparatus stores the document data in the personal area included in the personal box. If the received password is a storage password corresponding to the personal box, the document data is stored in the mail area included in the personal box.
[0084]
Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, even when the password received by the copying apparatus from the host computer 1000 is a password for printing corresponding to the designated personal box, the document data is stored in the designated personal box. There are two passwords for storing document data in each personal box from the computer 1000.
[0085]
A case where image data is stored in the personal box of Mr. Tanaka from the host computer 1000 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 13. FIG. 11 is a collation table of the storage password and the print password corresponding to the personal box number of each personal box. This table is stored in the form of a code in the RAM 208 in the CPU circuit unit 205 shown in FIG. 2, and can be rewritten as needed. The storage password corresponding to Mr. Tanaka's personal box number 1 is 135790, and the print password is 246801.
[0086]
If Tanaka-san designates his / her personal box number 1 in the personal box number input frame 521 of the screen 520 and then inputs the print password “246801” known only to himself / herself in the password input frame 540, Mr. Tanaka owns Document data is stored in a personal area included in the personal box.
[0087]
Then, a person who knows the storage password 135790 corresponding to Mr. Tanaka's personal box number 1 specifies Mr. Tanaka's box number 1 in the personal box number input frame 521, and then stores it in the password input frame 540. When the password “135790” is input, the document data is stored in the mail area included in the personal box owned by Mr. Tanaka.
[0088]
If an incorrect password is entered, the copying apparatus side reports that it could not be stored in the host computer 1000, and that effect is clearly indicated on the host computer 1000 screen.
[0089]
The print password is as described above. For example, when a network address or the like is used as a code instead of the storage password, the network address of a person who is permitted to store image data in the personal box is written in the verification table. Leave in. Therefore, unlike the collation table using the storage password, the collation table has a plurality of network addresses associated with one personal box. In the case of a network address, the address is automatically output from the host computer 1000, so the storage password input frame 540 is not necessary.
[0090]
Password verification processing executed by the CPU 206 in the above-described copying apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not to use a personal box in accordance with an instruction from the host computer 1000 (step 11). If the instruction is not to use the personal box, the image data output from the host computer 1000 is immediately printed out (step S12).
[0091]
If the instruction is to use a personal box, the personal box number and password output from the host computer 1000 are received (step S13). Next, the designated personal box is selected, and the print password and the storage password corresponding to the personal box are read (step 14). Then, the password received by referring to the collation table of FIG. 11 is compared with the print password associated with the selected personal box (step S15).
[0092]
If the received password is the same as the print password, the image data output from the host computer 1000 is stored in the personal area included in the selected personal box (step S16). If the received password and the print password are not the same, the received password and the storage password associated with the personal box are compared with reference to the collation table of FIG. 12 (step S17).
[0093]
If the received password is the same as the storage password, the image data output from the host computer 1000 is stored in the mail area included in the selected personal box (step S18). If the received password is not the same as the storage password associated with the personal box, the host computer 1000 is notified that the image data could not be stored, and a message to that effect is displayed on the screen of the host computer 1000 (step S19).
[0094]
The password verification processing program is stored in the form of a code in the ROM 207 in the CPU circuit unit 205 shown in FIG. 2 and is executed by the CPU 206.
[0095]
As described above, in the second embodiment, there are two passwords for storing document data in each personal box from the host computer 1000. When a personal box number is designated in the personal box number input frame 521 and a password for printing corresponding to the personal box is entered in the password input frame 540, the designated personal box is selected from the personal box area 601 and selected. The document data is stored in a personal area included in the personal box.
[0096]
When a personal box number is designated in the personal box number input frame 521 and a storage password corresponding to the personal box is entered in the password input frame 540, the designated personal box is selected from the personal box area 601 and selected. The document data is stored in the mail area included in the personal box.
[0097]
FIG. 14 is a screen for displaying information (stored date, time, document name, whether or not printed) stored in the personal box designated on the screen 601a. Reference numeral 640 denotes a screen for displaying information stored in the personal box. This screen is displayed when the print password entered on the screen 610 is correct. For example, Mr. Tanaka who is the owner of the personal box number 1 inputs the print password “246801” that only he / she knows and can check the screen 640 by collating it. A window 645 displays information stored in a personal area included in the personal box.
[0098]
Reference numerals 642 and 643 denote job contents of document data stored in the personal area. For example, 642 shows that Mr. Tanaka stored the document “A plan” from the host computer 1000 in the personal area included in Mr. Tanaka's personal box at 11:30 on March 8. Yes. Here, “printed” at the right end indicates that printing has been performed at least once after the document is stored in the personal box. Displaying “NG” or the like in the rightmost area may indicate that the hard disk or personal box is full and the document cannot be stored correctly.
[0099]
643 indicates that Mr. Tanaka stored the document “B meeting material” from the host computer 1000 in Mr. Tanaka's personal area at 21:14 on March 11th. Here, “unprinted” on the right indicates that the document has not been printed since it has been stored in the personal box.
[0100]
Reference numeral 646 denotes a window that displays information stored in the mail area included in the personal box. Reference numeral 644 denotes job contents of document data stored in the mail area. For example, in 644, Mr. Suzuki, who knows the storage password 135790 corresponding to Mr. Tanaka's personal box at 9:31 on March 14, was created in Mr. Tanaka's personal box mail area. This indicates that the document “Report” has been stored. Then, by touching this line 644, the line 644 of this job is inverted as shown in the figure.
[0101]
Reference numeral 651 denotes a detail key, which is a key for displaying the details of the job of the inverted line. This is a key for displaying in detail the information set in the print windows 501 and 520 of the application of the host computer 1000, such as “copy three copies on both sides with A4 paper”. In addition, it is possible to change job information such as changing the number of copies from 3 to 5 on the displayed screen.
[0102]
Reference numeral 652 denotes a print key. By pressing this button, printing of the print data of the job of the reversed line is started according to the contents of the print job setting. Reference numeral 653 denotes an erase key which is pressed when erasing image data corresponding to the inverted line from the hard disk 304b.
[0103]
Reference numerals 647, 648, 649, and 650 are scroll keys for scrolling the screen when displaying a large number of jobs that cannot be displayed on one screen. 655 can confirm the status of fax transmission / reception. A close key 654 is pressed to return to the personal box screen 601a in FIG.
[0104]
Thus, by inputting the print password known only to the owner of the personal box on the screen 610, information on the image data stored in the personal area included in the designated personal box on the screen 640 is displayed. The information about the image data stored in the mail area included in the designated personal box is displayed separately.
[0105]
The personal area is an area where the owner of the personal box inputs his / her print password from the host computer 1000 and stores the image data. The mail area is an area where only some people who know the storage password associated with the personal box designated from the host computer 1000 can store the image data.
[0106]
【The invention's effect】
As explained above, claim 1 , 6 According to the described invention, A receiving unit that receives image data output from the external device; a storage unit that stores image data from the external device; and a printing unit that executes a printing process of image data in the storage unit. The image data from the external device can be stored in the storage means without executing the printing process by the printing means. Will be sent , Image data to be held in the storage means without causing the printing means to execute printing processing The , Can be restricted , Image data to be held in the storage unit without executing the printing process by the printing unit so , The storage means It can be prevented from becoming full.
[0107]
Claims 2, 7 According to the described invention, A receiving unit that receives image data output from the external device; a storage unit that stores image data from the external device; and a printing unit that executes a printing process of image data in the storage unit. Image data that can be held in the storage unit without executing printing processing by the printing unit as image data of a personal box designated by the user via the operation unit of the external device among a plurality of personal boxes The image data of the personal box designated by the user via the operation unit of the external device sent from the external device to the storage device is held in the storage unit without causing the printing unit to execute print processing. Image data , Can be restricted , Image data to be held in the storage unit without executing printing processing by the printing unit as image data of a personal box designated by a user via an operation unit of an external device of the plurality of personal boxes. , The storage means , It can prevent becoming full .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a copying apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a copying apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an electronic sorter unit.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a basic screen displayed on the operation unit.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a personal box.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a print window on application software.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state of a personal box window.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a screen of an operation unit.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a screen of an operation unit.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen of an operation unit.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a password verification table.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of password verification processing.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of password verification processing.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a screen of an operation unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
203 Electronic sorter
204 Printer
205 CPU circuit
303 control unit
304 Image storage unit
304b hard disk
700 Operation unit
1000 host computer

Claims (10)

Receiving means for receiving image data output from an external device, storage means for storing image data from the external device, printing means for executing print processing of image data in the storage means,
An image storage device comprising:
Storage control means for holding the image data from the external device in the storage means without executing the printing process by the printing means;
First required to allow the storage means to hold the image data and also to allow the printing means to execute the printing process of the image data held in the storage means. a code matching the code, when a print instruction and to execute printing of the image data, input by the user via the input means before the SL image storage device,
Printing control means for causing the printing means to execute a printing process of the image data,
The storage control means
The image data output from the external device is
The code matching the first code and the holding instruction for holding the image data in the storage means are image data output from the external apparatus after being input by the user via the operation means of the external apparatus. In case,
The image data is held in the storage unit without executing the printing process by the printing unit,
And the storage control means comprises:
The image data output from the external device is
Even when the code that matches the first code is image data output from the external device without being input by the user via the operation unit of the external device,
The image data is
The storage unit stores a code that matches the second code required to permit the storage unit to hold the image data without allowing the printing unit to execute the printing process and the image data. When the holding instruction is image data output from the external device after being input by the user via the operation unit of the external device,
The image data is also held in the storage unit without executing the printing process by the printing unit,
And the storage control means comprises:
The image data output from the external device is
The external device without the user input via the operation means of the external device, neither the code that matches the first code nor the code that matches the second code, together with a holding instruction to hold the image data in the storage means When the image data is output from
It is prohibited to hold the image data in the storage unit without executing the printing process by the printing unit.
An image storage device. Receiving means for receiving image data output from an external device, storage means for storing image data from the external device, printing means for executing print processing of image data in the storage means,
An image storage device comprising:
Image data from the external device is used as image data of a personal box designated by the user via the operation unit of the external device, out of a plurality of personal boxes, without executing the printing process by the printing unit. Storage control means to be held in the storage means;
Necessary for permitting the storage means to hold the image data as the image data of the personal box designated via the operation means of the external device, and designated via the operation means of the external device A code that matches the first code required to permit the printing means to execute the printing process of the image data held in the storage means as image data of a personal box, and printing the image data The print instruction to be executed is
Printing control means for causing the printing means to execute a printing process of the image data when input by the user via the operation means of the image storage device,
The storage control means
The image data output from the external device is
The code matching the first code and the holding instruction for holding the image data in the storage means are image data output from the external apparatus after being input by the user via the operation means of the external apparatus. In case,
The image data is held in the storage means without executing printing processing by the printing means as image data of a personal box designated by the user via the operation means of the external device,
And the storage control means comprises:
The image data output from the external device is
Even when the code that matches the first code is image data output from the external device without being input by the user via the operation unit of the external device,
The image data is
To allow the storage means to hold image data as image data of a personal box designated by the user via the operation means of the external device without permitting the printing means to execute the printing process. The code corresponding to the required second code and the holding instruction for holding the image data in the storage means are image data output from the external apparatus after being input by the user via the operation means of the external apparatus. In case,
The image data is also stored in the storage unit without performing the printing process by the printing unit as the image data of the personal box designated by the user via the operation unit of the external device,
And the storage control means comprises:
The image data output from the external device is
The external device without the user input via the operation means of the external device, neither the code that matches the first code nor the code that matches the second code, together with a holding instruction to hold the image data in the storage means When the image data is output from
It is prohibited to hold the image data in the storage unit without executing the printing process by the printing unit as the image data of the personal box designated by the user via the operation unit of the external device.
An image storage device. The print control means includes
Display means capable of executing a list display of document names of image data held in the storage means;
The document name of the image data output from the external device after the code matching the first code is input by the user and the code matching the second code is input from the external device after being input by the user A list display in which the document name of the image data can be identified by the user is executed,
The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein a user can select image data to be executed by the printing unit through the list display executed by the display unit. The storage control means
When the image data output from the external device is held in the storage unit without executing the printing process by the printing unit, the image data for the image data set by the user via the operation unit of the external device is stored. 4. The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein printing conditions are also held in the storage unit. Point wherein if the holding instruction to hold the image data is output the image data from the external device without being performed by the user via the operation unit of the external device to the storage means, for the image data, received by said receiving means 5. The image storage device according to claim 1, wherein printing is performed by the printing unit. To an image storage device comprising: receiving means for receiving image data output from an external device; storage means for storing image data from the external device; and printing means for executing print processing of image data in the storage means Output image data from the external device is stored in the storage unit without executing the printing process by the printing unit,
The image data processing method includes:
First required to allow the storage means to hold the image data and also to allow the printing means to execute the printing process of the image data held in the storage means. a code matching the code, printed instructions and to execute the printing of the image data, when input by the user via the input means before the SL image storage device by the printing means the print process of the image data Let it run
The image data processing method includes:
After the image data output from the external device is input by the user via the operation unit of the external device, a code that matches the first code and a holding instruction to hold the image data in the storage unit When the image data is output from the external device, the image data is held in the storage unit without executing the printing process by the printing unit,
The image data processing method includes:
Even when the image data output from the external device is the image data output from the external device without a code that matches the first code being input by the user via the input unit of the external device,
The image data is
The storage unit stores a code that matches the second code required to permit the storage unit to hold the image data without allowing the printing unit to execute the printing process and the image data. When the holding instruction is image data output from the external device after being input by the user via the operation unit of the external device,
The image data is also held in the storage unit without executing the printing process by the printing unit,
The image data processing method includes:
The image data output from the external device is
The external device without the user input via the operation means of the external device, neither the code that matches the first code nor the code that matches the second code, together with a holding instruction to hold the image data in the storage means When the image data is output from
It is prohibited to hold the image data in the storage unit without executing the printing process by the printing unit.
An image data processing method characterized by the above. To an image storage device comprising: receiving means for receiving image data output from an external device; storage means for storing image data from the external device; and printing means for executing print processing of image data in the storage means The personal data designated by the user via the operation unit of the external device among the plurality of personal boxes without executing the printing process by the printing unit on the image data output from the external device. An image data processing method for storing the image data in the storage means,
The image data processing method includes:
Necessary for permitting the storage means to hold the image data as the image data of the personal box designated via the operation means of the external device, and designated via the operation means of the external device A code that matches the first code required to permit the printing means to execute the printing process of the image data held in the storage means as image data of a personal box, and printing the image data When a print instruction to be executed is input by a user via the operation unit of the image storage device,
The printing process of the image data is executed by the printing unit,
The image data processing method includes:
The image data output from the external device is
The code matching the first code and the holding instruction for holding the image data in the storage means are image data output from the external apparatus after being input by the user via the operation means of the external apparatus. In case,
The image data is held in the storage means without executing printing processing by the printing means as image data of a personal box designated by the user via the operation means of the external device,
The image data processing method includes:
The image data output from the external device is
Even when the code that matches the first code is image data output from the external device without being input by the user via the operation unit of the external device,
The image data is
To allow the storage means to hold image data as image data of a personal box designated by the user via the operation means of the external device without permitting the printing means to execute the printing process. The code corresponding to the required second code and the holding instruction for holding the image data in the storage means are image data output from the external apparatus after being input by the user via the operation means of the external apparatus. In case,
The image data is also stored in the storage unit without performing the printing process by the printing unit as the image data of the personal box designated by the user via the operation unit of the external device,
The image data processing method includes:
The image data output from the external device is
The external device without the user input via the operation means of the external device, neither the code that matches the first code nor the code that matches the second code, together with a holding instruction to hold the image data in the storage means When the image data is output from
It is prohibited to hold the image data in the storage unit without executing the printing process by the printing unit as the image data of the personal box designated by the user via the operation unit of the external device.
An image data processing method characterized by the above. Display means capable of executing a list display of document names of image data held in the storage means;
The document name of the image data output from the external device after the code matching the first code is input by the user and the code matching the second code is input from the external device after being input by the user A list display in which the document name of the image data can be identified by the user is executed,
8. The image data processing method according to claim 6, wherein the user can select image data to be executed by the printing unit through the list display executed by the display unit.   When the image data output from the external device is held in the storage unit without executing the printing process by the printing unit, the image data for the image data set by the user via the operation unit of the external device is stored. The image data processing method according to claim 6, wherein printing conditions are also stored in the storage unit. Point wherein if the holding instruction to hold the image data is output the image data from the external device without being performed by the user via the operation unit of the external device to the storage means, for the image data, received by said receiving means The image data processing method according to claim 6, wherein printing is performed by the printing unit.

Images