JP4241640B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that transmits image data, document data, and the like stored in the apparatus to a predetermined transmission destination address.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a digital multifunction peripheral, that is, an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) which is an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer provided with an image forming means capable of outputting an image based on image data or the like is known.

  The MFP retrieves transmission destination information (name, department name, e-mail address, fax number, etc.) registered in the LDAP server or the like from the MFP via a network such as a LAN, and is obtained as a result. Some of them have a registration and storage function for registering and storing the destination information in the MFP body.

  In an MFP having such a function, the destination information stored in the MFP body may be deleted or changed by another user without the knowledge of the actual registrant who actually registered the destination information. Can happen. If the real registrant later needs information that has been deleted or changed, it goes through many procedures such as searching for destination information registered in the LDAP server and re-registering it in the MFP body. Since it is necessary to perform re-registration from the beginning, it is very complicated for a real registrant.

  By the way, when the one-touch key registration is changed by a later user, the change is memorized, and the user is notified that the change has occurred when the one-touch key is used later. Disclosed is a facsimile apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The facsimile apparatus is configured such that the fact of the change is notified to the user who uses it after the change work is performed. However, in the facsimile apparatus, after the change work, if the real registrant who performed the registration work first does not operate the apparatus or does not touch the apparatus, the real registrant cannot know the change fact. Thus, even if the registered information is deleted or changed by a general user other than the actual registrant without the intention of the actual registrant, the previous actual registrant does not know the fact of the deletion / change at all. There is a problem that the situation occurs.

JP 2001-160895 A

  Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to inform the actual registrant who has performed the registration work first that the registration information has been deleted or changed by a general user other than the registrant. An image forming apparatus is provided.

Means and actions / effects for solving the problems

In order to solve the above technical problem, according to the present invention,
Information input / output means for inputting / outputting destination information, registrant information, and user information;
Information storage means for registering and storing destination information, registrant information, and user information;
A user discriminating means for comparing registrant information and user information to discriminate who is the current user of the device;
A notification means for notifying the registrant of a message,
When a person other than a registrant deletes or changes registered transmission destination information, an image forming apparatus is provided that notifies the registrant that the transmission destination information has been deleted or changed.

  According to the above configuration, the user information of the user who intends to use the apparatus and the registrant information of the registrant who intends to register the destination information are input through the information input / output means, and the user discrimination means Currently, who is using the device is being monitored. When the user and the registrant do not match and the transmission destination information registered in the information storage means is deleted or changed by the user, a message is notified to the registrant. Therefore, even if the registered information is deleted or changed by a general user other than the real registrant without the intention of the real registrant who registered the destination information first, the registered real registrant will not be deleted / changed. You can know the fact of change.

  The image forming apparatus can be configured to have a storage unit that directly stores the destination information therein, but preferably the destination information is connected to the destination registration server via a network. It is configured to be sent from the destination registration server. The destination information sent from the destination registration server is stored in the information storage unit.

  For example, an LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) server is used as the transmission destination registration server. The LDAP server is used as a virtual telephone directory, and a user can easily access information of other users. However, since SSL and TLS are supported, access to confidential information from the outside can be protected. The user can use the application program on the client PC. A directory server such as 500 is accessed by DAP or LDAP to search for desired registration information.

  The notification of the message to the registrant can be performed by fax transmission, but is preferably performed by electronic mail.

  The destination information that has been deleted or changed can be immediately deleted from the information storage unit, but may be used at a later date, so that it is stored in the information storage unit as a backup.

  Backup destination information stored as a backup is configured to be selectable so as to be deleted or re-registered by the registrant.

  Since it may not be desirable to re-register in the form before being deleted or changed, the backup destination information to be re-registered is configured to be modifiable by the registrant.

  If the new registration location of the re-registered backup destination information is different from the original registration location, the registrant misunderstands that the destination information is registered in the original registration location. As a result, the registrant is notified of the new registration location.

  Hereinafter, an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system configuration including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation procedure performed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation procedure following the explanatory diagram of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation procedure performed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the process in the image forming apparatus when the registered transmission destination information is deleted. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process performed by the registrant when notification of deletion of transmission destination information is made. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process in the image forming apparatus regarding the backed up transmission destination information.

  In FIG. 1, an image forming system includes an authentication server 101, a Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) server 102, a client PC 103, a plurality of image forming apparatuses 104 and 105, and a LAN (Local) that connects them by wire or wirelessly. Network 106 such as a dedicated line such as an area network) or a public telephone line.

  The authentication server 101 is a server provided for checking whether or not a person who intends to use the image forming apparatuses 104 and 105 is an authorized person. An LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) server 102 is used as a virtual telephone directory, and a user can easily access information of other users. However, since SSL and TLS are supported, it is possible to prevent access to confidential information from the outside. The user can use the application program of the client PC 103 or the image forming apparatuses 104 and 105 to execute X.X. A desired registration information is searched by accessing a directory server such as 500 by DAP or LDAP.

  The image forming apparatuses 104 and 105 are digital multifunction peripherals, that is, MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) which are image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers provided with image forming means capable of outputting an image or the like based on image data or the like. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatuses 104 and 105 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a printer 202, a hard disk drive 203, a scanner 204, a memory 205, an operation panel 206, a network 207, and the like. And a FAX line 208. The system controller 211 controls the entire apparatus. Between the printer 202, the hard disk drive 203, the scanner 204, the memory 205, the operation panel 206, the network 207, the FAX line 208, and the system control unit 211, the print control unit 21, the data input / output control unit 213, the data input control unit 214, the display / input control unit 216, the network control unit 217, and the FAX control unit 218, respectively.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 constitutes a control unit that performs various processes in the image forming apparatuses 104 and 105. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 is used as a user discriminating unit that discriminates who is the current user of the apparatus by comparing registrant information and user information, for example.

  The memory 205 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which a program executed by each control unit is stored and a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a temporary work area when the program is executed. It is configured.

  The hard disk drive 203 includes transmission destination information (name and address of the transmission destination), registrant information (who is the name and address of the registrant) who actually registered the transmission destination information, This is an information storage means for storing user information indicating who the device user is.

  The operation panel 206 is a touch panel that can display and input various types of information such as characters and numbers, and includes transmission destination information, registrant information that actually registers transmission destination information, user information, Is used as an information input / output means for inputting / outputting. The operation panel 206 is a display / input unit including a liquid crystal panel or the like, and key information having a predetermined function is assigned to each one-touch key of the operation panel 206. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a predetermined operation is performed when the user lightly touches a one-touch key displayed and set on the operation panel 206.

  The network 207 and the FAX line 208 are communication means for inputting and outputting images, various types of information, and messages, and are also used as notification means for notifying a registrant of a message.

  First, an information search process for searching for desired destination information from various information registered in the LDAP server 102 will be described with reference to FIGS. Even when the image forming apparatuses 104 and 105 themselves hold the transmission destination information in the hard disk drive 203, the search is executed by substantially the same operation.

  For example, a display screen <301> shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the operation panel 206 of the image forming apparatuses 104 and 105 in a state where the LDAP server 102 and the like are connected via the network 106.

  The one touch key 301-1 is assigned to input / display a search keyword such as a name, a department name, an e-mail address, or the like. The one-touch key 301-2 is assigned to input / display search conditions such as including / not including each search keyword. The one-touch key 301-3 is assigned to input / display a search condition including, including, the same as, starting with, ending with, or not using, for a certain keyword. . The one-touch key 301-4 is assigned to start a search under a predetermined condition.

  The display screen <302> is for inputting various search keywords such as letters and numbers. The one-touch key 302-4 is assigned to confirm the end of the input work.

  The display screen of <303> shows an example of a search result searched for with a predetermined keyword (for example, the development department of the department name and the email address @ xxx.yyy.co.jp). Switching to the one-touch registration screen <304> is assigned to the one-touch key 303-1. A list of search results is assigned to the one-touch key 303-2.

  In FIG. 4, the display screen <304> is for registering the search result in the corresponding department name. To the one-touch key 304-1, an aggregate in which a plurality of corresponding registration information is registered, that is, a list of department names is assigned. The one-touch key 304-2 is assigned to confirm registration. A list of search result registration destinations is assigned to the one-touch key 304-3.

  The display screen of <306> is used for searching for a registered department name or a member name belonging to the department name. The registered department name is assigned to the one-touch key 306-1.

  The display screen <305> is for confirming the registered contents. By pressing the one-touch key 304-1 or the one-touch key 306-1, it is displayed under what conditions the corresponding search result was made.

  On the display screen <301> of the operation panel 206 shown in FIG. 3, the keyword in the search target item is input with the one-touch key 301-1, and the search condition is input with the one-touch key 301-2. When “Start Search” is lightly pressed and determined, the search information is sent to the LDAP server 102. Search results are stored in the memory 205 of the image forming apparatuses 104 and 105 from the LDAP server 102. At the same time, as the search result, as shown on the display screen <303>, the destination information of the person's last name and e-mail address (destination address) corresponding to the search condition is displayed on the operation panel 206. It is also possible to display on the operation panel 206 transmission destination information such as a person's full name and fax number (transmission destination address) corresponding to the search condition.

  After confirming the search result displayed as in the screen <303>, when the “one touch registration” of the one touch key 303-1 is lightly pressed, the display screen <304> is displayed. When “Development Department” of the one-touch key 304-1 on the display screen <304> is selected and “Registration” of the one-touch key 304-2 is lightly pressed, all the retrieved results belong to “Development Department”. Registered as Like the display screen <303>, the last name of each search result and the e-mail address (destination address) are assigned to the corresponding one-touch keys 304-3. These pieces of information assigned to the one-touch key are stored in the hard disk drive 203 as registered transmission destination information related to the aggregate belonging to the “development department”. Information on search keywords and search conditions used when searching for “development department” is also stored in the hard disk drive 203 as registered search information related to “development department”.

  Next, a deletion process for deleting transmission destination information registered in the one-touch key will be described with reference to FIG.

  On the operation panel 206 of the image forming apparatuses 104 and 105, for example, a display screen as shown in <401> of FIG. 5 is displayed.

  The one-touch key 401-1 is assigned to switch the displayed page. A key corresponding to each piece of transmission destination information currently registered is assigned to the one-touch key 401-2. The one-touch key 401-3 is assigned to confirm the end of the selection work.

  The display screen <402> is for confirming and confirming the deletion of the one-touch key, and is configured to be operated in two stages since the deletion requires caution. The one-touch key 402-1 is assigned to decide to delete. The one-touch key 402-2 is assigned to finally confirm deletion.

  On the display screen <401> of the operation panel 206 shown in FIG. 5, the user lightly presses the “>” one-touch key 401-1 to sequentially switch the displayed pages and delete the one-touch key. The page including 401-2 is displayed. If the one-touch key 401-2 to be deleted is found, the one-touch key 401-2 is lightly pressed, and then the “register” one-touch key 401-3 is lightly pressed. Then, the display screen <401> is switched to the display screen <402>, and whether or not the one-touch key 401-2 of the selected “Key 1-14” is really deleted is confirmed. At this time, when the “Yes” one-touch key 402-1 is lightly pressed and then the “OK” one-touch key 402-2 is lightly pressed, the key is registered in the “Key 1-14” one-touch key 401-2. The destination information is deleted. In the above operation, the transmission destination information registered in the one-touch key 401-2 is deleted one by one. However, a plurality of one-touch keys may be deleted at the same time, or for each index or page. Is possible.

  Next, a description will be given of what processing is performed in the image forming apparatuses 104 and 105 when the transmission destination information registered in the one-touch key is deleted or changed with reference to FIG.

  When a person who intends to use the image forming apparatuses 104 and 105 inputs an ID number and a password assigned to each user and logs in (step S101), user information indicating who is going to use the hard disk drive 203 is displayed. To be recorded. When the destination information registered in the one-touch key is deleted or changed (step S102), registrant information indicating who registered the destination information and user information indicating who is currently using the destination information are displayed. It is compared, and it is determined whether the user who performed the deletion or change is a registrant (step S103). If the current user is a registrant, it is regarded as a valid deletion or change, and the process is terminated without notification (step S106).

  If the current user is not a registrant, the destination information that has been registered in the one-touch key and has been deleted or changed this time is backed up and saved in the hard disk drive 203 (step S104). Then, to the actual registrant who actually registered the destination information, for example, a message such as "Your registered destination information about △△ has been deleted by Mr. X", e-mail, fax, etc. (Step S105), the deletion or change determination work and the notification work are finished (step S106).

  Next, referring to FIG. 7, a description will be given of what processing the registrant performs when the registrant receives a message that the destination information registered in the one-touch key has been deleted or changed. .

  In step S201, the real registrant who actually registered the destination information receives a message that the destination information registered in the one-touch key has been deleted or changed. The real registrant determines whether the deleted destination information is necessary (step S202). If it is determined that the deleted destination information is unnecessary, an input operation indicating that the image forming apparatuses 104 and 105 are unnecessary is performed (step S203), and the destination information backed up in the hard disk drive 203 is completely stored. Erased.

  If it is determined that the deleted destination information is necessary, it is further determined whether or not the destination information needs to be corrected (step S204). If it is determined that there is no need to correct the transmission destination information, an input operation is performed to save the transmission destination information as it is backed up (step S205). If it is determined that the transmission destination information needs to be corrected, the backed up transmission destination information is appropriately corrected, and an operation for inputting the corrected transmission destination information is performed (step S206). A series of processing on the registrant side regarding the backed up transmission destination information is terminated (step S208).

  With reference to FIG. 8, a description will be given of what processing is performed on the side of the image forming apparatuses 104 and 105 in response to the processing on the registrant side.

  In step S301, the image forming apparatuses 104 and 105 receive a determination result as to whether or not the deleted transmission destination information is necessary. If it is determined in step S302 that the deleted destination information is unnecessary, the destination information backed up in the hard disk drive 203 is completely deleted (step S303).

  If it is determined in step S302 that the deleted destination information is necessary, in step S304, a determination result is received as to whether or not the backed-up destination information needs to be corrected. If it is determined in step S304 that the backup destination information need not be corrected, the information is stored in the hard disk drive 203 as it is (step S305). If it is determined in step S304 that the backed up destination information needs to be corrected, the backed up destination information is corrected and the corrected destination information is stored in the hard disk drive 203. (Step S306).

  The backup destination information stored in the hard disk drive 203 in step S305 or step S306 is registered in the one-touch key. The location where the backup destination information is registered in the one-touch key may already be used by another. In this case, the backup transmission destination information is registered in another place different from the previous one. However, the registrant may misuse it as if it was registered in the same place as before. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the re-registration location of the one-touch key is the same as the location previously registered (step S308). If it was registered in a location different from the previous registration location, for example, a message such as “The registration location of the destination information related to 〇 × has been changed to another ▽ ● location” is sent via email or The registered person is notified by fax. When registered in the same location as the previous registration location, the above message is not notified. A series of processing relating to re-registration of the backed up transmission destination information is terminated (step S310).

  Through this process, when the destination information is deleted or changed from the one-touch key without the intention of the actual registrant who actually registered the destination information in the one-touch key, the registration work is started again from the beginning. It is possible to re-register transmission destination information in the one-touch key without performing it.

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system configuration including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a figure explaining the operation procedure performed on the operation panel of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure explaining the operation procedure following the explanatory view of FIG. It is a figure explaining the operation procedure performed on the operation panel of an image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart of a process in the image forming apparatus when transmission destination information is deleted. It is a flowchart of the process in which a registrant performs when deletion of transmission destination information is notified. 5 is a flowchart of a processing process in the image forming apparatus regarding backed up transmission destination information.

Explanation of symbols

101 Authentication Server 102 LDAP Server 103 Client PC
104, 105 Image forming apparatus 106 Network 201 CPU
202 Printer 203 Hard Disk Drive 204 Scanner 205 Memory 206 Operation Panel 207 Network 208 FAX Line 211 System Control Unit 212 Print Control Unit 213 Data Input / Output Control Unit 214 Data Input Control Unit 216 Display / Input Control Unit 217 Network Control Unit 218 FAX Control Unit

Claims (5)

Information input / output means for inputting / outputting destination information, registrant information, and user information;
Information storage means for registering and storing destination information, registrant information, and user information;
A user discriminating means for comparing registrant information and user information to discriminate who is the current user of the device;
A notification means for notifying the registrant of a message,
When a person other than the registrant deletes or changes the registered destination information, the registrant is notified that the destination information has been deleted or changed .
The deleted or changed destination information is stored in the information storage means as backup destination information,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the backup destination information is registered again by a registrant .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is connected to a transmission destination registration server via a network, and the transmission destination information is transmitted from the transmission destination registration server.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein notification of a message to a registrant is performed by electronic mail. Destination information of the backup to be registered again is characterized in that it is modifiable configured by the registrant, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1. If the new storage location of the destination information in the backup to be registered again is different from the original storage locations, the new storage location is characterized in that it is notified to the registrant, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein .

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