JP4250671B2 - Image processing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method having a function of transmitting an image and connected to a personalization server via a network.

  There are conventional image processing apparatuses such as a facsimile apparatus and a scanner connected one-to-one based on a communication function defined by CCITT (International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee) recommendation. In an image processing apparatus, a document to be transmitted is usually placed at a predetermined position, and various settings relating to image reading such as fineness of reading using the operation unit of the apparatus and various settings relating to transmission such as a transmission destination FAX (facsimile) number. Is done. When an operation start button in the operation unit is pressed, image reading and image transmission operations are executed. A conventional image processing apparatus has a registration function that stores various settings for using the operation unit in advance to improve user operability. For example, there are the following registration functions.

1) Destination number registration This is a function for storing a plurality of destination FAX numbers in the case of FAX transmission. Normally, the stored destination FAX numbers are not erased even when the apparatus is turned off. By registering frequently used transmission destination FAX numbers in transmission destination number registration, the user can call them up with a simple operation, and there is no need to re-input the transmission destination FAX numbers individually for each FAX transmission.

2) Default transmission mode registration This is a function for setting a default transmission mode, and the default transmission mode means an initial transmission mode when each setting related to image transmission of the operation unit is reset or cleared. For example, “standard” is designated as the default for the read image quality, or “fine (high image quality)” is designated as the default. This default transmission mode information is not erased even when the apparatus is turned off.

3) Cover page registration This function has a function of adding a cover page to the head of FAX data in FAX transmission, and allows the user to register the contents of this cover page. This cover page registration information is not erased even when the apparatus is turned off.

  However, the above conventional facsimile apparatus has the following problems.

  1) Since various settings such as transmission destination FAX number registration were shared by a plurality of users, the number of registrations was limited. For this reason, even if each user wants to register a frequently used transmission destination FAX number, there are cases where the registration area is not available and the transmission destination FAX number cannot be registered. It may be overwritten and erased.

  2) Various settings such as transmission destination FAX number registration were independent for each facsimile machine. For this reason, even if the operation method performed by the user on the facsimile apparatus A and the operation method performed on the facsimile apparatus B are the same model, different cases may occur. As a result, there is a problem that the user has to remember the difference and the operability is lowered accordingly. Further, since the setting method and the like are further different if the type of the facsimile apparatus is different, there is a problem that the user has to remember the difference.

  3) In order not to erase various information even when the power of the facsimile apparatus is turned off, various settings are stored for each facsimile apparatus using a relatively expensive non-volatile memory. For this reason, a large amount of settings and complex image data cannot be stored due to cost limitations. For example, the number of destination FAX numbers that can be registered is limited. Further, since a complicated cover page has a large amount of data and requires a large-capacity non-volatile memory, the cover page needs to be configured with a simple image with little freedom of change.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to obtain personalized information corresponding to a recognized user ID from personalized information stored in a personalized server and perform personalization. And to provide a method.

To achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention, the input and the image transmission means for transmitting an image, the user ID recognition means for recognizing the user ID, user personalization execution instruction an input unit, in response to the personalization execution instruction is input by said input means, a server connected via a network to personalizing server storing personalized information, personalization which the personalization server stores in order to request personalized information corresponding to the user ID recognized by the user ID recognition means of the information, the user ID transmission means for transmitting the recognized user ID, the transmission of the user ID by the user ID transmission means after, personalized information corresponding to the transmitted user ID Personalization information receiving means for receiving from the personalization server, and personalization means for personalizing settings relating to image transmission by the image transmission means based on the personalization information received by the personalization information receiving means. It is characterized by.

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to claim 7 of the present invention includes an image reading means for reading and inputting an image, a user ID recognizing means for recognizing a user ID, and the user ID recognizing means. In response to recognizing the user ID, the personalization server stores a personalization server stored in a personalized server among a plurality of personalization servers connected via a network and storing personalization information. in order to request personalized information corresponding to the user ID recognized by the user ID recognition means of the information, the user ID transmission means for transmitting the recognized user ID, the transmission of the user ID by the user ID transmission means after the personalization information corresponding to the transmitted user ID, the Personalization information receiving means for receiving from the personalization server to which the user ID is sent, and personalization means for personalizing settings relating to image reading by the image reading means based on the personalization information received by the personalization information receiving means; The user ID transmission means selects a personalization server as a transmission destination of the user ID based on the user ID recognized by the user ID recognition means, and transmits the user ID to the selected personalization server. It is characterized by doing.

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to claim 10 of the present invention includes an image reading unit that reads and inputs an image, a user ID recognition unit that recognizes a user ID, and the user ID recognition unit. In response to recognizing the user ID, the user ID recognizing unit recognizes the personalized information stored in the personalized server with respect to a personalized server that is connected via a network and stores the personalized information. A user ID transmitting means for transmitting the recognized user ID to request personalized information corresponding to the user ID, and the user ID transmitting means corresponding to the transmitted user ID after transmitting the user ID. Personal information received from the personalization server. And Rise information receiving means, based on the personalized information received by the personalized information receiving means, and a personalization unit to personalize the operation screen for setting of the reading of the image by the image reading means, said personalized 's hand stage is characterized by personalizing the operation screen based on the personalization information according to user level determined on the basis of the recognized user ID.

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to claim 17 of the present invention is an image processing apparatus having an image reading means for reading and inputting an image, wherein the user ID recognition means recognizes a user ID. In response to the user ID recognizing means recognizing the user ID, the personalized information stored in the personalized server is stored in a personalized server that is connected via a network and stores personalized information. of the order to request personalized information corresponding to the recognized user ID and the image processing apparatus by the user ID recognition means, and signal means feeding that sends information related to the recognized user ID and the image processing apparatus, prior to after the transmission of information about the user ID and an image processing apparatus according Kioku signal means, it is the transmission Personalized information corresponding to information about the user ID and an image processing apparatus, and personalization information receiving means for receiving from the personalizing server, based on the received personalized information by the personalization information receiving means, reading the image by the image reading unit , and personalization means to personalize the settings according to, characterized in that to obtain Bei a.

To achieve the above object, an image processing method according to claim 21 of the present invention, inputs an image transmission step of transmitting the image, the user ID recognition step of recognizing the user ID, user personalization execution instruction Personalization stored in the personalization server with respect to a personalization server that is connected via a network and stores personalization information in response to input of the personalization execution instruction in the input step and the input step A user ID transmission step for transmitting the recognized user ID to request personalized information corresponding to the user ID recognized in the user ID recognition step, and transmission of the user ID in the user ID transmission step . after the personalization information corresponding to the transmitted user ID Personalized information receiving step of receiving from the personalizing server, based on the personalized information received by said personalized information receiving step, the Rukoto and a personalization step to personalize the settings related to the transmission of the image in the image transmission step Features.

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing method according to claim 22 of the present invention includes an image reading step of reading and inputting an image, a user ID recognition step of recognizing a user ID, and the user ID recognition step. In response to recognizing the user ID, the personalization server stores a personalization server stored in a personalized server among a plurality of personalization servers connected via a network and storing personalization information. A user ID transmission step for transmitting the recognized user ID to request personalized information corresponding to the user ID recognized in the user ID recognition step, and transmission of the user ID in the user ID transmission step . after the personalization information corresponding to the transmitted user ID, the A personalization information receiving step received from the personalization server to which the user ID is sent, and a personalization step for personalizing settings related to image reading in the image reading step based on the personalization information received in the personalization information receiving step; In the user ID transmission step , a personalization server as a transmission destination of the user ID is selected based on the user ID recognized in the user ID recognition step, and the user ID is assigned to the selected personalization server. It is characterized by transmitting.

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing method according to claim 23 of the present invention includes an image reading step of reading and inputting an image, a user ID recognition step of recognizing a user ID, and the user ID recognition step. In response to recognizing the user ID, a personalized server connected via a network and storing personalized information is recognized in the user ID recognizing step of the personalized information stored by the personalized server. A user ID transmission step of transmitting the recognized user ID to request personalized information corresponding to the user ID, and the user ID transmitted after the user ID transmission step corresponds to the transmitted user ID Personalizer that receives personalization information from the personalization server Comprising a's information receiving step, based on the personalized information received by said personalized information receiving step, and a personalization step of personalizing an operation screen for setting of the read image in the image reading step, the personalized the higher's Engineering, characterized in that personalize the operation screen based on the personalization information according to user level determined on the basis of the recognized user ID.

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing method according to claim 24 of the present invention is an image processing method of an image processing apparatus including an image reading means for reading and inputting an image, and recognizes a user ID. In response to the user ID recognition step and the user ID recognition step recognizing the user ID, the personalization server is a server connected via a network and stores personalization information. in order to request personalized information corresponding to the recognized user ID and the image processing apparatus by the user ID recognition step of personalizing information stored, sent that sends information related to the recognized user ID and the image processing apparatus and Shin step, after the transmission of information about the user ID and the image processing apparatus before Kioku Shin step Personalized information corresponding to the transmitted user ID and information relating to an image processing apparatus, and personalization information receiving step of receiving from the personalizing server, based on the personalized information received by said personalized information receiving step, the image reading unit wherein the personalization step to personalize the settings of the image reading, that obtain Bei the by.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use image processing apparatus and method that can be personalized without using many memory areas of the image processing apparatus. .

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the facsimile apparatus 1 of the first embodiment includes an external interface 7, an operation unit 8, an image reading unit 9, an image processing unit 11, an image forming unit 13, an image / code memory 15, a CPU ( A central processing unit 17, a ROM (read only memory) 18, a volatile RAM (random access memory) 19, a nonvolatile RAM 20, an ID (identification) card reader 21, a CPU bus 22, and a modem 23. Connected to the bus 22.

  The facsimile machine 1 is connected to a personalization server 3 via a network 2. Personalization information, which will be described later, is transmitted and received between the facsimile apparatus 1 and the personalization server 3 via the network 2. In addition to the facsimile machine 1 and the personalization server 3, a copying machine 4, a facsimile machine 5, and a printer 6 are also connected to the network 2, and these devices also communicate personalization information with the personalization server 3 via the network 2. Transmission / reception is possible.

Next, the operation of the facsimile machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In FAX (facsimile) transmission, digital image data 10 in a raster format obtained by reading an original image by the image reading unit 9 is subjected to, for example, resolution conversion processing by the image processing unit 11. Raster-format image data (raster image data) 14 subjected to image processing such as resolution conversion processing is written in an image / code memory 15. The image data written in the image / code memory 15 is encoded by the CPU 17 using an MR (Modified READ) method or the like, and is written again in the image / code memory 15 as code data. Thereafter, the code data read from the image / code memory 15 by the CPU 17 is modulated by the modem 23 and transmitted to another facsimile apparatus via the public line 24.

  On the other hand, in FAX reception, the modulated data received via the public line 24 is demodulated into code data by the modem 23. The demodulated code data is once written in the image / code memory 15, then decoded by the CPU 17, and written again as raster image data in the image / code memory 15. The raster image data 16 read from the image / code memory 15 is subjected to, for example, resolution conversion processing by the image processing unit 11, and the raster image data 12 subjected to image processing such as resolution conversion processing is image-formed by the image forming unit 13.

  The above-described image data reading processing, transmission image data processing, image data transmission processing to another facsimile device, image data reception processing from other facsimile devices, reception image data processing, and image data formation processing are performed. Various settings are performed by the user via the operation unit 8. The CPU 17 controls each unit of the facsimile apparatus 1 based on the setting by the operation unit 8 according to a program stored in the ROM 18 and performs a FAX transmission process and a FAX reception process according to the specified setting.

  The ROM 18 is a non-rewritable memory whose stored contents do not volatilize even when the power supply (not shown) of the facsimile apparatus 1 is turned off, and is used for holding various control programs and fixed data. The volatile RAM 19 is an inexpensive and rewritable memory having a property that its stored contents are volatilized when the power of the facsimile apparatus 1 is turned off, and is used for temporarily holding data. The non-volatile RAM 20 is a relatively expensive and rewritable memory whose stored contents do not volatilize even when the power of the facsimile apparatus 1 is turned off, and is used for holding data to be stored for a long period of time.

  The ID card reader 21 is used to acquire the ID information by reading the stored contents of the ID card individually possessed by each user. In the first embodiment, the ID card reader 21 receives an ID from the ID card inserted in the ID card reader 21. It is a contact-type card reader that reads information. The external interface 7 is an interface for the CPU 17 to perform data communication with the personalization server 3 via the network 2.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image processing unit 11 of the facsimile apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the case of FAX transmission, raster image data 10 output from the image reading unit 9 is multi-value high-resolution image data, and is converted to a predetermined resolution by a resolution conversion unit 31. In the facsimile machine 1, there are three types of resolutions “normal”, “fine”, and “super fine” that can be selected by the user during FAX transmission, and the latter has a higher resolution. Since the resolution of the raster image data 10 output from the image reading unit 9 is “super fine”, the resolution of the raster image data 10 is lowered when the currently set resolution is “normal” or “fine”. Processing is required. Processing parameters corresponding to the resolution selected by the user are set in the resolution conversion unit 31 by the CPU 17 via the CPU bus 22.

The raster image data whose resolution has been converted by the resolution conversion unit 31 based on the processing parameters corresponding to the resolution is subjected to density adjustment by the density conversion unit 32. In the facsimile apparatus 1, there are 11 density levels, which are a standard density, a low density of 5 levels, and a high density of 5 levels, as density adjustments that can be selected by the user during FAX transmission. A processing parameter corresponding to the density adjustment value selected by the user is set by the CPU 17 in the density conversion unit 32 via the CPU bus 22.

  The raster image data density-converted by the density conversion unit 32 based on the processing parameter corresponding to the density adjustment value is input to the character binarization processing unit 33 and the photo binarization processing unit 34, respectively. The binarization process is performed by this method. The character binarization processing unit 33 is a process suitable for binarization of a character image, and may be a simple binarization process, for example. On the other hand, the photographic binarization processing unit 33 is a process suitable for binarization of a photographic image, and may be a process by a dither method, for example.

  The outputs of the character binarization processing unit 33 and the photo binarization processing unit 34 are input to the selector 35, and one of the outputs is selected by the selector 35, and the selected output is converted into the binarized data 14 as an image. / Supplied to the code memory 15 In the facsimile apparatus 1, there are “character” and “photo” as image modes that can be selected by the user at the time of fax transmission. One of the outputs of the processing unit 34 is selected.

  Next, in the case of FAX reception, the raster image data 16 read from the image / code memory 15 is converted into a resolution suitable for the image forming process of the image forming unit 13 in the resolution converting unit 36. The image forming unit 13 can form an image with “super fine” resolution. On the other hand, there are three types of resolutions of “normal”, “fine”, and “super fine” as the resolution of the raster image data 16 transmitted from the external facsimile apparatus. For this reason, when the currently set resolution is “normal” or “fine”, resolution conversion processing is required. The resolution-converted raster image data is output as image data 12 to the image forming unit 13 via the selector 37, and the image forming unit 13 performs image formation of the image data 12.

  The selector 37 can also select binarized data 14 obtained by binarizing the image data read by the image reading unit 9. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a so-called copy function in which an image read by the image reading unit 9 is directly formed by the image forming unit 13 without performing resolution conversion processing.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a key and display arrangement of the operation unit 8 of the facsimile apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the FAX transmission, the operation unit 8 is used by the user to give each FAX transmission operation instruction and other settings to the facsimile apparatus 1, and the user is in the state of the facsimile apparatus 1 and the currently set FAX. Used to confirm the operation instructions for transmission and other settings.

  The area 42 of the operation unit 8 includes a reset (Reset) key for returning an operation instruction for FAX transmission to an initial state, a Start key for starting the FAX transmission operation, and a Stop key for stopping the FAX transmission operation. Is provided. The area 43 is provided with a numeric keypad for setting the FAX transmission destination telephone number and a C (clear) key for clearing the set telephone number. The area 44 for displaying the FAX transmission destination displays the telephone number of the FAX transmission destination input with the numeric keypad.

  Areas 42 to 44 on the right side of the operation unit 8 and areas 48 to 51 on the left side to be described later are composed of fixed keys and LEDs (light emitting diodes). Further, the central area 40 of the operation unit 8 includes a liquid crystal display unit (not shown) and a transparent touch panel disposed on the liquid crystal display unit.

In a standard state where individual settings are not performed, information as shown in FIG. An area 45 for instructing the density of image data during FAX transmission is operated with the left and right arrow keys. The current density setting value is displayed as a bar and can be selected from 11 density levels. The selected density is referred to in density conversion processing by the density converter 32 shown in FIG.

  In the area 46 for instructing the image mode during FAX transmission, one of processing suitable for a character image or processing suitable for a photographic image can be selected. Therefore, one output of the character binarization processing unit 33 or the photo binarization processing unit 34 is selected in the selector 35 shown in FIG.

  In an area 47 for designating the resolution of image data during FAX transmission, “Standard” indicates a relatively coarse resolution, “Fine” indicates a higher resolution than “Standard”, and “Super Fine” indicates the highest resolution. Accordingly, resolution conversion processing is performed in the resolution conversion unit 31 based on the resolution selected here.

  The FAX transmission destination telephone number, the transmission image data density, the transmission image data mode, and the transmission image data resolution are parameters for each FAX transmission operation instruction, and are collectively referred to as a transmission mode. It is these transmission modes that return to the initial state by the reset key. As for FAX reception, since image data is automatically printed when it is transmitted from another facsimile machine, there is no need for a start key, and the operation at the time of FAX reception is often instructed by the FAX transmission source. .

  The area 48 is provided with entry keys for calling up various auxiliary function setting screens. When setting the user name, when the user name key in the area 48 is pressed, a screen for setting the user name is displayed in the central area 40, and the setting is performed on the screen via the touch panel. The setting screen for each auxiliary function will be described later. Note that the setting values of these auxiliary functions are not affected by pressing the reset key.

  In the area 49, a default key for setting a default transmission mode is provided. In the default transmission mode, the initial value of the transmission mode of the operation unit 8 is registered when the facsimile apparatus 1 is turned on and when the reset key in the area 42 is pressed. The default transmission mode is registered by pressing the default key in the area 49 after setting the transmission mode to be set as the initial value using the operation unit 8.

  When “character” is selected in the image mode setting of the area 46 and the default key is pressed in a state where “fine” is selected as the resolution in the area 47, they are registered as default. Therefore, when the facsimile apparatus 1 is turned on or when the reset key in the area 42 is pressed, “character” is selected as the image mode and “fine” is selected as the resolution.

  In the area 50, a one-touch dial calling key (M1 key to M8 key) and a one-touch dial registration key (Set key) are provided. The one-touch dial is used for registering the telephone number of the FAX transmission destination, and each of the M1 key to M8 key corresponds to one telephone number, so that a total of eight telephone numbers can be registered. In the one-touch dial registration, if the telephone number to be registered is set in the operation unit 8 and then the M1 key is pressed while the set key is pressed, the telephone number is registered in association with the M1 key. In order to call the one-touch dial, it is only necessary to press any one of the M1 to M8 keys, and the registered telephone number is automatically set as a FAX transmission destination and displayed in the area 44 of the operation unit 8.

The ID card reader 21 is provided below the operation unit 8 and reads ID information via a contact (not shown) when the ID card 41 is inserted. Here, the ID card means a portable storage medium that holds ID information for identifying a user, and this ID card is generally in the form of a card composed of a magnetic card or an IC card. (Hereinafter referred to as an ID card). The ID card itself is used in a copying machine or the like, and an ID card having a function of transmitting various information has already been commercialized. For example, the ID information written in the memory (not shown) of the ID card 41 is read by electrically connecting the end of the ID card 41 and the ID card reader 21 with a connector (not shown).

  In the area 51, a personalize key is provided, and each setting of the operation unit 8 is personalized for each user by pressing the personalize key while the ID card 41 is inserted into the ID card reader 21.

  5 to 9 are diagrams for explaining the setting screens of the auxiliary functions displayed in the area 40 when each entry key in the area 48 of the operation unit 8 shown in FIG. 4 is pressed. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a user name setting screen 40-1 displayed when the user name key is pressed. The user name is the name of the sender at the time of FAX transmission. Conventionally, there is a facsimile apparatus that can register only one user name common to users. When personalization is not performed in the facsimile apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, a user name common to users can be used as in the conventional case, and when personalization is performed, a user name for each individual can be used.

  When the user name key is pressed regardless of whether or not personalization is executed, the user name effective at that time is displayed in the area 40 as shown in FIG. When canceling the user name setting screen 40-1, a cancel key is pressed. To change the user name, press the clear key on the user name setting screen 40-1 to clear the currently set user name, then press the alphabet key to enter the user name and press the registration key.

  The use of each individual user name as in the facsimile machine 1 of the first embodiment has the following effects.

  1) When a cover page is attached to a FAX transmission document, the name of the user as an actual sender can be automatically described on the cover page. In the conventional facsimile apparatus, the user name is common to the users, and the actual sender name cannot be used.

  2) By using the user name in the communication log, it can be confirmed who used the facsimile machine.

  3) By using the user name in the communication monitor or communication result report, it is possible to determine who should be notified of the failure of FAX transmission.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a phone book setting screen 40-2 displayed when the phone book key is pressed. The telephone directory is used for storing telephone numbers of a plurality of FAX transmission destinations. This phone book is more complex to operate than a one-touch dial, but can hold more phone numbers.

  In the conventional facsimile apparatus, such a telephone directory function is common to users, and telephone numbers not related to the users themselves are mixed, so that the operability is not good. When personalization is not performed in the facsimile apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, a telephone directory common to users can be used as in the past. However, when personalization is performed, a personal telephone directory can be used.

When the telephone book key is pressed regardless of whether or not personalization is executed, the telephone book currently used is displayed in the area 40 as shown in FIG. Since the phone book data is displayed as a pair of the destination phone number and the destination name, press the up and down arrow keys to scroll the phone book setting screen 40-2, select the desired phone number, and press the destination setting key. Press to set the fax destination. To delete some data in the phone book, select the data you want to delete with the up and down arrow keys and press the delete key. When data is added to the phone book, an input screen similar to that shown in FIG. 5 is displayed when the add key is pressed, and a pair of a destination telephone number and a destination name is input on the screen. When canceling the phone book setting screen 40-2, a cancel key is pressed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a user switch setting screen 40-3 when the user switch key is pressed. The user switch key is a key having a function for setting the operation of the facsimile apparatus 1 according to the user, such as setting of how to use the operation unit 8 of the facsimile apparatus 1 and a method for dealing with an error.

  In the conventional facsimile apparatus, such user switch data is also common to users, and cannot always be set for each user. When personalization is not performed in the facsimile apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, user switch data common to users can be used as in the conventional case, but when personalization is performed, user switch data for each individual can be used. .

  When the user switch key is pressed regardless of whether or not personalization is executed, the user switch data set at that time is displayed in the area 40 as shown in FIG. The error sound level indicates the volume of the warning sound when an error occurs. The auto-clear time is a time set so as to automatically return to the same state as when the reset key is pressed unless the operation unit 8 is operated during that time. The number of retransmissions is the number of retries specified when the other party is busy during FAX transmission. The on / off key in the error transmission report is used to set whether or not to print an error transmission result report when FAX transmission fails.

  FIG. 8 shows a cover sheet setting screen 40-4 displayed when the cover sheet key is pressed. The cover sheet is a cover attached to the top of a transmission document at the time of FAX transmission, and functions as a separator between a plurality of reception documents on the FAX reception side. This cover sheet describes the FAX transmission source, FAX transmission destination, FAX transmission / reception page number information, and the like.

  In the conventional facsimile apparatus, such a cover sheet is also common to users, and the cover sheet cannot be used according to each user. When personalization is not performed in the facsimile apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, a cover sheet common to users can be used as in the conventional case, but when personalization is performed, a cover sheet for each individual can be used.

  When the user switch key is pressed regardless of whether or not personalization is executed, the settings relating to the cover sheet set at that time are displayed in the area 40 as shown in FIG. On the cover sheet setting screen 40-4, an on / off key is used to select whether or not to attach a cover sheet at the time of FAX transmission. Type A and type B indicate the types of cover sheets that the facsimile apparatus 1 holds in advance, and can be selected by using the type A key and the type B key. The custom key is a key for selecting a cover sheet unique to each user. The read key is a key for newly creating a cover sheet unique to each user. The registration key is a key for registering settings relating to the cover sheet.

  The image data read by setting each user's own cover sheet in the image reading unit 9 and pressing the read key is encoded in the same route as the FAX transmission. The encoded image data is registered and held as cover sheet data.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a common setting screen 40-5 displayed when the common setting key is pressed. The common setting is a setting common to each user, and is not an object of personalization in the facsimile apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. When the common setting key is pressed, the common settings set at that time are displayed in the area 40 as shown in FIG.

  On the common setting screen 40-5, the tone key / pulse key is a key for selecting whether to perform tone transmission or pulse transmission to the public line during FAX transmission. Since this selection is determined by the type of public line to which the facsimile apparatus 1 is connected, it is not an object of personalization. The line number is the telephone number of the facsimile apparatus 1 itself, and is notified to the FAX transmission destination as the FAX transmission source telephone number. Since this telephone number is also determined by the public line to which the facsimile apparatus 1 is connected, it is not subject to personalization. In addition, when the facsimile apparatus 1 can use a plurality of public lines, it is an object of personalization.

  10 to 14 are diagrams for explaining various setting data in the facsimile machine 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a data holding state of the nonvolatile RAM 20. The non-volatile RAM 20 includes a memory area 61-1 for storing a common default transmission mode common to all users, a memory area 61-2 for storing user names common to all users, and a memory for storing a one-touch dial number list common to all users. Area 61-3, memory area 61-4 for storing telephone book data common to all users, memory area 61-5 for storing user switch data common to all users, and memory area 61 for storing cover sheet data common to all users -6, memory area 61-7 for storing type A cover sheet data, memory area 61-8 for storing type B cover sheet data, memory area 61-9 for storing common setting data, and other registered data A holding area 61-10 is allocated.

  The data stored in the non-volatile RAM 20 is not erased even when the power of the facsimile apparatus 1 is turned off. Therefore, the contents of these default related data are not erased.

  In the first embodiment, the common setting data is common to all users and is not subject to personalization, and is therefore stored only in the nonvolatile RAM 20. Each data stored in the memory areas 61-1 to 61-6 is also common to all users, and when personalization is not performed such as immediately after the facsimile apparatus 1 is turned on, the memory areas 61-1 to 61- 6 is copied to memory areas 62-1 to 62-7, which will be described later, and used as setting values for each user. In this case, for example, the storage contents of the memory area 61-1 for storing the common default transmission mode are stored in the memory area 62-1 for holding the current transmission mode and the memory area 62-7 for storing the default transmission mode for each user. Each is copied.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing specific examples of data holding status, transmission mode, and user switch data components in the volatile RAM 19 of the facsimile apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The volatile RAM 19 includes a memory area 62-1 for storing the transmission mode currently set in the operation unit 8, a memory area 62-2 for storing the currently set user name, and the currently set one-touch dial number. Memory area 62-3 for storing a list, memory area 62-4 for storing currently set phone book data, memory area 62-5 for storing currently set user switch data, cover currently set A memory area 62-6 for storing sheet data, a memory area 62-7 for storing a default transmission mode for each user, and a work area 62-8 are provided.

  The memory area 62-6 stores not only data indicating which type of cover sheet is selected, but also image data that is custom cover sheet data.

The data stored in the volatile RAM 19 is erased when the facsimile apparatus 1 is turned off. Therefore, when the facsimile apparatus 1 is turned on, initial values are set in the memory areas 62-1 to 62-7 of the volatile RAM 19. Specifically, for example, the common default transmission mode stored in the memory area 61-1 of the nonvolatile RAM 20 includes a memory area 62-1 for storing the current transmission mode and a memory area 62-7 for storing the default transmission mode. To be copied. Also, the default user name, default one-touch dial number list, default phone book data, default user switch data, and default cover sheet data are also copied to the corresponding memory areas.

  The data stored in the memory areas 62-1 to 62-7 can be personalized for each user. When personalization is performed, the data stored in the memory areas 62-1 to 62-7 is rewritten to data for each user. When canceling personalization, the data stored in the memory areas 62-1 to 62-7 is rewritten and initialized with the default data stored in the non-volatile RAM 20 in the same manner as when the power of the facsimile apparatus 1 is turned on. .

  The transmission mode includes a transmission destination FAX number 63-1, resolution 63-2, image type 63-3, and density 63-4. The user switch data includes an error sound level 64-1, an auto clear time 64-2, a number of retransmissions 64-3, and data 64-4 indicating whether or not an error transmission report is necessary.

  In such a configuration, when registering the default transmission mode, the stored contents of the memory area 62-1 for storing the current transmission mode are copied as they are into the memory area 62-7 for storing the default transmission mode. Further, when registering the default transmission mode in a state where personalization has not been performed, the storage contents of the memory area 62-1 storing the current transmission mode are directly copied to the memory area 61-1 storing the common default transmission mode. Is done. On the other hand, when the default transmission mode is called by pressing the reset key or the like, the storage contents of the memory area 62-7 storing the default transmission mode are copied to the memory area 62-1 storing the current transmission mode.

  Further, in such a configuration, when the setting of the auxiliary function such as the user name is changed, the storage content of the memory area 62-2 for storing the user name for each user is rewritten. Further, when the setting of the auxiliary function such as the user name is changed in a state where the personalization is not performed, the storage content of the memory area 61-2 for storing the common user name common to all users is rewritten.

  12 and 13 are diagrams showing personalized information in the facsimile apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of this invention. When the personalize key 51 is pressed while the ID card 41 is inserted into the ID card reader 21 in the operation unit 8, the model group ID information 64-1 and the user ID information 64-2 as shown in FIG. To the personalization server 3.

  The model group ID information is information for identifying a model group, such as 1 for a copier, 2 for a facsimile machine, and 3 for a printer. The user ID information is information for identifying each user. For example, the user ID information is “00001” for the user A and “00002” for the user B.

Upon receiving the model group ID information 64-1 and the user ID information 64-2 from the facsimile apparatus 1, the personalization server 3 returns the personalized information (see FIG. 13) stored for each model group and each user to the facsimile apparatus 1. To do. The personalized information is information indicating the state of the operation unit 8 performed by the user at the end of the previous operation, and as shown in FIG. 13, the previous final transmission mode 65-1, the user name 65-2, the one-touch dial number. Data 65-3, phone book data 65-4, user switch data 65-5, cover sheet data 65-6, and default transmission mode 65-7.

  In the facsimile machine 1, personalization information transmitted from the personalization server 3 is copied to the memory areas 62-1 to 62-7 of the volatile RAM 19 to realize personalization.

  When the ID card 41 is removed from the ID card reader 21 after being personalized by the operation unit 8, as shown in FIG. 14, the model group ID information 66-1, the user ID information 66-2, and at that time Personalization information (current transmission mode 66-3, user name 66-4, one-touch dial number list 66-5, telephone directory list 66-6, user switch data 66-7, cover sheet data 66-8, and default transmission Mode 66-9) is transmitted from the facsimile apparatus 1 to the personalization server 3.

  When receiving the personalization information from the facsimile machine 1, the personalization server 3 rewrites and updates the personalization information for each model group and each user stored therein.

  As described above, personal information is sent and received with model group ID information, and personalized information is managed for each model group, so that a copier, facsimile machine, and printer can use a common personalization server. You can get personalized information.

  In addition, as described above, the last transmission mode using the facsimile apparatus 1 is transmitted to the personalization server and stored, and the transmission mode is called from the personalization server 3 by the user ID when the facsimile apparatus 1 is used next time. Thus, since the previous FAX transmission operation can be continued, the so-called resume function realized in a personal notebook personal computer or the like can be realized in the facsimile apparatus 1 shared by a plurality of users. The resume function is characterized in that the previous transmission operation can be continued even in a facsimile apparatus different from the facsimile apparatus 1 that performed the previous transmission operation.

  FIG. 1 is a flowchart for explaining a key processing task in the facsimile apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In step S11, it is checked whether or not the personalize key has been pressed. When the personalize key is pressed, it is determined in step S12 whether or not the ID card 41 is inserted in the ID card reader 21. If no ID card is inserted, the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, if an ID card is inserted, user ID information is acquired from the ID card 41 in step S13, and a flag indicating acquisition of the user ID is set to 1.

  In step S14, as described with reference to FIG. 12, the model group ID and the user ID are transmitted to the personalization server 3. In step S15, the personalization information is received from the personalization server 3 as described with reference to FIG. In step S16, each setting of the operation unit 8 is personalized by writing the received personalization information into the memory areas 62-1 to 62-7 of the volatile RAM 19 shown in FIG.

If the personalize key is not pressed in step S11, it is determined in step S17 whether the flag is 1 and the ID card 41 has been removed. That is, it is determined whether or not the ID card 41 has been removed after personalization. If the flag is 1 and the ID card 41 has been removed, this means that the operation has ended. In step S18, as described with reference to FIG. 14, the model group ID, the user ID, and the latest personalized information Is transmitted to the personalization server 3, the personalization information is updated, the flag is reset to 0, and the storage contents of the memory areas 61-1 to 61-6 storing the default data of the nonvolatile RAM 20 are stored in the memory area of the volatile RAM 19. Copy to 62-1 to 62-7 to release the personalized state.

  If the flag is not 1 or the ID card 1 has not been removed in step S17, it is determined in step S19 whether any one of the M1 to M8 keys as call keys for the one-touch dial is pressed. When any key of the one-touch dial key is pressed, the transmission FAX number of the memory area 62-1 for storing the current transmission mode is stored in step S20 corresponding to the pressed one-touch dial key. The content is copied to 63-1, and the contents are displayed in the area 44.

  If the one-touch dial key is not pressed in step S19, it is determined in step S21 whether a key other than the one-touch dial key is pressed. If any other key is pressed, processing corresponding to each key is performed in step S22.

  If no key other than the one-touch dial key is pressed in step S21, it is determined in step S23 whether the FAX transmission start key is pressed. When the FAX transmission start key is pressed, in step S24, FAX transmission is performed based on the transmission mode currently set in the operation unit 8.

  In the first embodiment, personalization is performed when the personalize key is pressed after the ID card 41 is inserted, but personalization is performed regardless of whether or not the personalize key is pressed when the ID card 41 is inserted. May be performed. In the former case, there is an advantage that personalization can be performed at an arbitrary timing, and in the latter case, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to press a personalization key.

  In the first embodiment, when the personalization key is pressed, all personalization information is acquired from the personalization server 3 and personalized. When the ID card 41 is extracted, all personalization information is stored in the personalization server. 3 to update the personalized information. However, partial personalization may be performed only when necessary, and partial update may be performed only when necessary. In this case, there is an advantage that the communication time between the facsimile machine 1 and the personalization server 3 can be reduced by partially transmitting / receiving personalization information only when necessary.

  In particular, since the amount of data is large when image data such as cover sheet data is personalized as in the first embodiment, the processing time is shortened unless unnecessary personalization or updating of personalization information is performed. effective. Specifically, normally, cover sheet data is not transmitted / received as personalized information, and custom cover sheet data is received from the personalization server 3 only when setting for attaching a custom cover sheet is instructed and FAX transmission is instructed. To do. Also, only when the custom cover sheet is registered, the custom cover sheet data is transmitted to the personalization server 3 and updated.

Further, in the first embodiment, each facsimile apparatus holds a copy of all personalization information stored in the personalization server 3, but each facsimile apparatus side has a part of a copy of all personalization information. Need only be held, or not hold at all. In the former case, for example, only the amount to be displayed for the phone book data shown in FIG. 6 is received from the personalization server 3 each time and stored. Each time the screen is scrolled, the next telephone directory data is transmitted from the personalization server 3. Thereby, a large amount of telephone directory data can be handled. In other words, a large amount of phone book data only needs to be stored in the personalization server 3, and each facsimile apparatus is not limited by the memory capacity of the device, and only the necessary part of the phone book data is obtained when necessary. Can be received. On the other hand, in the latter case, a copy of the personalized information is not held in the memory of each facsimile machine, but is acquired from the personalized server 3 whenever the personalized information is needed, and stored in the personalized server 3 every time the personalized information is updated. Update personalized information that has been added.

[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment of the present invention, compared to the first embodiment, the read image transmission means, the connection means to the network, the number of personalized servers, the ID recognition means, the personalized registration method, the personalized items, etc. Is different. The other operations and processes are substantially the same.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a scanner according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the scanner of the second embodiment will be described while comparing the differences from the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the scanner 71 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an external interface 72, an operation unit 8, an image reading unit 9, an image processing unit 11, an image forming unit 13, a CPU 17, a ROM 18, and a volatile property. The RAM 19, the nonvolatile RAM 20, the ID card reader 73, and the CPU bus 22 are included, and each unit is connected to the CPU bus 22.

  The first difference from the first embodiment is that the scanner 71 is connected to the network 2 via the image processing device 73. The image processing apparatus 73 has an image memory 73a, and stores image data read by the scanner 71 in the image memory 73a. The image processing apparatus 73 has a network scan function for transmitting to each user computer 3-1 or 3-2 via the network 2, and from each user computer (personalized server) 3-1 or 3-2 via the network 2. A color printing function for receiving the image data, storing the received image data in the image memory 73a, and outputting the image data to the scanner 71 for printing.

  In this case, it is preferable to connect the scanner 71 directly to the network 2 and transmit / receive personalized information to / from the network 2 via the image processing apparatus 73 because it can also serve as a network connection unit. Personalization user ID information, model information, and personalization information are transmitted and received between the scanner 71 and the personalization server via the image processing device 73. As described above, in the second embodiment, access is made to a personalized server connected to a network via an image processing apparatus or the like.

  The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the first embodiment is a facsimile apparatus that transmits the read image data to another facsimile apparatus connected one-to-one via a public line. there were. On the other hand, the second embodiment is a network scanner that transmits the read image data to an external device connected in a many-to-many manner via the network 2. Specifically, the image data 10 read by the image reading unit 9 is subjected to, for example, resolution conversion processing by the image processing unit 11 and output to the image processing device 73 via the external interface 72 as raster image data. The image data output from the scanner 71 is temporarily written in the image memory 73a of the image processing device 73. Thereafter, the image data read from the image memory 73a is converted into a format suitable for the destination external device, and is transmitted to each destination user computer 3-1 or 3-2 via the network 2. The above is the operation as a network scanner.

  On the other hand, the transmission destination may be the facsimile apparatus 5 that can receive facsimile data via the network 2. In this case, facsimile data is created by the image processing device 73 by encoding such as the MR method and transmitted to the facsimile device 5 via the network 2, so that a so-called LAN (local area network) facsimile can be realized.

  A third difference from the first embodiment is that a plurality of personalization servers are provided. That is, personal information is acquired from the user computer (personalization server) 3-1 for a certain user, and personalization information is acquired from the user computer (personalization server) 3-2 for another user. Information on which personalization information is acquired from which personalization server is acquired as a part of the user ID information stored in the ID card. For example, the user ID information may be broadcast to each device connected to the network, and the personalization server holding the personalization information corresponding to the user ID information may return the personalization information in response thereto. Good.

  A fourth difference from the first embodiment is that the personalization server is not a dedicated server but each personal computer owned by each user. Each personal computer connected to the network has a network address, and this network address is included as part of the user ID information stored in the ID card. Therefore, when personalization is performed, personal information having a network address read from the ID card is requested to be transferred, and personal information is transmitted from each user's personal computer accordingly. In the first embodiment, there is an advantage that personalized information can be centrally managed and there is always a personalization server. However, in the second embodiment, there is no need to provide a dedicated personalization server, and each user has his / her own personalization server. There is an advantage that personalized information can be edited with a personal computer.

  Note that the computer that is the transmission destination of the read image for a certain user and the personalization server for that user may be the same computer or different computers.

  A fifth difference from the first embodiment is that the ID card reader 73 is a non-contact card reader. In recent years, contactless ID card readers using radio waves have begun to be used for identification of passers-by for office door opening and closing management. Research is also progressing in applications such as automatic train ticket gates. A non-contact type ID card reader can be realized relatively easily if an ID card is constituted by an IC card having a battery and radio waves are generated from the IC card side, for example. Therefore, other methods may be used as long as ID information can be acquired without contact.

  In the first embodiment, there is an advantage that it can be realized by an existing technique, the user's ID card can be reliably identified, and the ID information can be reliably acquired. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, even if the user does not insert the ID card into the image reading device, the user can acquire ID information only by staying in front of the image reading device while wearing the ID card. There are advantages.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the arrangement of keys and displays in the operation unit 8 of the scanner 71 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The non-contact type ID card reader 73 is provided below the operation unit 8 and acquires ID information from the ID card 81 in a non-contact manner.

The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, in the first embodiment, the personalization information stored in the personalization server is updated when the ID card is removed. In this case, the personalization information is updated when the register key provided in the area 82 of the operation unit 8 is explicitly pressed. In the first embodiment, there is an advantage that it is automatically updated without performing a key operation. However, in the second embodiment, when the personalized information is not desired to be updated, it can be prevented from being updated. There is.

  A seventh difference from the first embodiment is that the user ID information recognized in the lower left part of the region 40 is displayed so that the user can confirm it. In the first embodiment, since the insertion type ID card is used, misreading can be ignored, but in the second embodiment, since it is a non-contact type ID card, it is not a user such as a passerby. It is important that the user can confirm the ID information to react to the ID card and avoid personalizing based on incorrect ID information.

  The eighth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the telephone number is specified as the FAX transmission destination of the scanned image in the first embodiment, but the network address of the transmission destination is specified in the second embodiment. It is that you specify. The network address is input with the numeric keypad provided in the area 43 and displayed in the area 44. In FIG. 16, only a single destination address can be input. However, since the scanner 71 of the second embodiment is a network scanner, the read image can be transmitted to a plurality of devices at the same time. For that purpose, it may be changed so that a plurality of transmission destination addresses can be set. Further, the one-touch dial provided in the area 50 does not store the FAX number of the transmission destination but stores the network address of the transmission destination. In the case of transmission via a network, the term “one dial” is used here because it is not related directly to “dial” but is a close concept.

  The ninth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the resolution is selected from three types of “standard”, “fine”, and “super fine” in the first embodiment. In the embodiment, as shown in a region 47, selection is made from six kinds of numerical values, that is, resolutions represented by 72 dpi (dot per inch), 100 dpi, 200 dpi, 300 dpi, 400 dpi, and 600 dpi. Since the standard is determined in the facsimile apparatus, the selection range is limited. However, in the scanner according to the second embodiment, the use of the image data read and transmitted to the user computer is used. Since there is no limit, it is necessary to be able to specify various items in detail. In FIG. 16, for simplification of description, only the character / photo image mode, the density of the transmission image, and the resolution thereof are shown as parameters that can be specified at the time of scanning, as in the first embodiment. However, in addition to this, 1) color / monochrome switching, 2) color composition method in the case of color (ie, switching between RGB or Lab, etc.), 3) the number of bits per pixel, or multi-value reading or binary 4) Area processing such as trimming and masking 5) Specification of transmission image format 6) Specification of compression method in case of image compression 7) Specification of image name, etc. These may be personalized.

  The tenth difference from the first embodiment is that information displayed on the operation unit 8 and items that can be selected on the operation unit 8 can be personalized.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a standard screen 40-6 simplified for beginners displayed on the operation unit 8 of the scanner 71 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The regions 46 and 47 shown in FIG. Only extracted and shown. FIG. 16 shows a screen in which the resolution can be specified by six levels. Although such a resolution designation is convenient for advanced users, it may be difficult for beginners to understand the meaning of the numbers being described, and there are cases where 6 levels are not necessary. Therefore, in the case of beginners, as shown in FIG. 17, it is preferable to provide names corresponding to the respective resolutions, display them in a simplified manner of about three levels, and select from the three levels of resolution. Whether to display the screen as shown in FIG. 16 or the screen as shown in FIG. 17 is personalized according to the user level of each user.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a standard screen 40-7 displayed in English for English-speaking users corresponding to FIG. In a conventional scanner or the like, the language displayed on the operation unit 8 is usually one type, and it is necessary for the user to explicitly instruct switching even in the case of a switchable model. In the scanner of the second embodiment, the display language is automatically personalized according to the display language designation of each user.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a common setting screen 40-8 displayed when the common setting key in the area 83 shown in FIG. 16 is pressed. In the first embodiment, the telephone number of the transmission source is registered. In the second embodiment, the network address number of the transmission source is registered as shown in FIG. Normally, one network address is assigned to one scanner, so it is not subject to personalization.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a user switch setting screen 40-9 displayed when the user switch key in the area 83 shown in FIG. 16 is pressed. On the user switch setting screen 40-9, the user level and display language described above can be changed. The user level can be selected from beginner level and advanced level. For the basic level user, three levels of resolution can be selected as shown in the screen shown in FIG. The resolution can be selected. Here, the items that can be selected by beginner users and advanced users have been explained with simple examples. For example, the configuration of the setting flow may be changed between the beginner user and the advanced user, or a confirmation screen may be displayed for the beginner user. it can.

  On the other hand, Japanese and English can be selected as the display language. The screen shown in FIG. 17 is displayed for the user who selects Japanese, and the screen shown in FIG. 18 is displayed for the user who selects English. The The language display is also changed for other screens.

  For other auxiliary functions provided in the area 83, the user name is the same as in the first embodiment, and the user name setting screen is substantially the same as the screen shown in FIG. Further, in the area 83, there is an address book instead of the telephone book in the first embodiment. This auxiliary function is used to store network addresses of a plurality of destinations instead of storing telephone numbers of a plurality of destinations, and the address book setting screen is almost the same as the screen shown in FIG.

  21 to 23 are diagrams showing personalization information in the scanner 71 according to the second embodiment of this invention. When the personalize key in the area 82 is pressed while the ID card 81 is close to the operation unit 8 so that the ID information stored in the ID card 81 can be read, the network from the scanner 71 as shown in FIG. The device ID information 102-2, model ID information 102-3, and model group ID information 102-4 of the scanner 71 are transmitted to the user computer (personalization server) having the address 102-1.

  As the network address 102-1 of the personalization server, the network address of the personal computer owned by each user read from the ID card 81 is used. That is, the destination network address 102-1 corresponds to the user ID information. The device ID information 102-2 is information for identifying each device. Specifically, the network address of the scanner 71 set on the screen shown in FIG. 19 is used. The model ID information is, for example, 1 for the scanner model X of company A, 2 for the scanner model Y of company A, and 3 for the scanner model Z of company B. This information identifies the model of the same scanner. The model group ID information is information for identifying a model group, such as 1 for a copier, 2 for a facsimile machine, and 3 for a printer.

  The personalized server for each user that has received the device ID information and the like from the scanner 71 returns personalized information stored for each device for the user managed by the personalized server to the scanner 71. As shown in FIG. 22, this personalized information includes a scan mode 103-1, a user name 103-2, a one-touch address list 103-3, address book data 103-4, user switch data 103-5, and a default scan mode 103. -6. Note that the user switch data 103-5 includes display of the operation unit 8, user level for personalizing selectable items, and language information used. The scanner 71 performs personalization by copying the transmitted personalization information to the memory area of the volatile RAM 19.

  When the registration key is pressed after personalization is performed in the operation unit 8, as shown in FIG. 23, the device ID information 104-2 and the model ID information 104 are transferred from the scanner 71 to the personalization server having the destination network address 104-1. -3, model group ID information 104-4, and personalized information at that time (scan mode 104-5, user name 104-6, one-touch address list 104-7, address book data 104-8, user switch data 104- 9 and the default scan mode 104-10) are transmitted. When receiving the personalization information from the scanner 71, the personalization server for each user rewrites and updates the personalization information for each device stored therein.

  As described above, when personalized information is transmitted / received with device ID information and personalized information is managed for each device, personalized information cannot be shared among a plurality of devices. However, there is an advantage that personalization can be performed for each device. For example, a familiar low-speed copier and a high-speed copier shared by many people may use different modes because of different usage. In such cases, it is more convenient to be able to personalize each device. It is.

  In the first embodiment, personalization information is held for each model group such as a copying machine and a facsimile machine, and in the second embodiment, personalization information is held for each apparatus. May be held. Since this corresponds to an intermediate configuration located between the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the same copier holds different personalization information for the models A and B. However, the same personalization information is held in the device A1 and the device A2 of the model A. In this case, there is an advantage that personalized information can be shared between the same same models having the same device configuration, and different personalized information can be used between different models having different device configurations.

  As described above, a plurality of ID information such as device ID information, model ID information, model group ID information, and user ID information is transmitted to the personalization server, and the personalization server determines which personalization information is returned. Is also possible. In other words, a personalization server that holds personalization information common to all devices by user only needs to make a determination based only on user ID information. A personalization server that holds personalization information for each model group and for each user may make a determination based on the model group ID information and the user ID information. Furthermore, a personalization server that holds personalization information for each device and for each user may make a determination based on the device ID information and the user ID information.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining a key processing task in the scanner 71 according to the second embodiment of this invention. In step S31, it is determined whether or not the personalize key has been pressed. When the personalize key is pressed, in step S32, whether or not the ID card 81 is located near the non-contact type ID card reader 73, that is, the ID card 8
It is determined whether or not the ID card 81 is in a close position where the ID card reader 73 can read the stored content of 1.

  When the ID card 81 is located near the ID card reader 73, in step S33, user ID information including the network address of the user's personal computer (personalized server) is acquired from the ID card 81 by radio waves without contact. In step S34, since the personal computer having the acquired network address is a personalization server, user ID information is transmitted to the personal computer having the network address to request personalization information. In the case of the second embodiment, since the personal information request destination is the personal computer of each user, the network address represents the user ID. In this case, user ID information is separately transmitted to the personalization server. do not have to.

  In step S35, personalization information is received from the personalization server. The personalized information in the second embodiment includes user level and language information used to personalize the display of the operation unit 8 and selectable items. In step S36, each setting of the operation unit 8 is personalized based on the received personalization information.

  If the personalize key has not been pressed in step S31, it is determined in step S37 whether the ID key 81 has been inserted and the registration key (see area 82 shown in FIG. 16) for instructing registration of personalized information has been pressed by the user. To do. When the ID card 81 is inserted and the registration key is pressed, the personalization information is transmitted to the personalization server to update the personalization information (step S38). In the second embodiment, although not shown in FIG. 24, the personalized state is automatically cleared and the initial state is restored when the ID card 81 leaves the ID card reader 73 for a certain period of time.

  If the ID card 81 has not been inserted or the registration key has not been pressed in step S37, it is determined in step S39 whether any one of the call keys of the one-touch dial has been pressed. If any one of the one-touch dial keys is pressed, the network address stored in correspondence with the pressed one-touch dial key is set as the destination network address in step S40.

  If the one-touch dial key is not pressed in step S39, it is determined in step S41 whether a key other than the one-touch dial key is pressed. When a key other than the one-touch dial key is pressed, processing corresponding to the user level and each key is performed (step S42). The screen and settable items displayed in this case are personalized according to the user level and language information used.

  If no key other than the one-touch dial key is pressed in step S41, it is determined in step S43 whether the scan start key is pressed. When the scan start key is pressed, in step S44, scanning is performed in the scan mode currently set in the operation unit 8.

  In the second embodiment, personalization is performed when the personalize key is pressed while the ID card 81 is located near the ID card reader 73. However, the ID card 81 is near the ID card reader 73. The personalization may be automatically performed when a predetermined time or more elapses. In the former case, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent personalization by mistake in response to an ID card of a passer other than the user, and in the latter case, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to press a personalization key.

  The scanner according to the second embodiment is a network scanner capable of transmitting read image data to a plurality of external devices connected to a network. Communication between an I / F (interface) for transmitting a read image and a personalization server is performed. Therefore, the I / F used for this was the same configuration. However, it is also possible to adopt a general scanner configuration in which read image data is transmitted to only one external device by an I / F such as a small computer system interface (SCSI). In this case, a network I / F for performing communication with the personalization server is required in addition to the SCSI for transmitting the read image.

[Third Embodiment]
The third embodiment of the present invention is almost the same as the second embodiment except for the method for acquiring the user ID, the method for personalizing the operation method, and the like.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a key and display arrangement of the operation unit 8 of the scanner 71 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The first difference from the second embodiment is that in the third embodiment, no ID card reader is provided, and the user inputs the ID information through the operation unit 8 to obtain the user ID. It is. In this case, when an ID key provided in the area 101 of the operation unit 8 is pressed, an ID input screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit in the central area 40. Here, after inputting the ID number using the numeric keypad 43, the key provided next to the personal identification number is pressed to switch to the personal identification number input state, and the personal identification number is again entered using the numeric keypad 43. Thereafter, when the OK key is pressed, the registration of the user ID is completed.

  In the first and second embodiments, forgery is relatively difficult because an ID card is used, and the user who has the ID card is regarded as the owner of the ID card, so the user ID is misread. It was hard to produce. However, when the user himself / herself inputs the user ID as in the third embodiment, it is conceivable that the user ID of another person is intentionally input or the user ID is erroneously input. For this reason, in the third embodiment, the user himself / herself is confirmed by inputting a password, which is a password, in addition to the user ID. The third embodiment has an advantage that there is no need to provide an ID card reader, although an input error may occur because the user's input work increases.

  The second difference from the second embodiment is that the method for personalizing the operation method is different. In the second embodiment, personal level information including distinction between beginners / advanced users and personalized information including language information used is acquired from a personalization server, and a scanner which is an image reading device based on such information. The operation of the operation unit program was changed. That is, in the operation unit program of the image reading apparatus, a plurality of operation methods are prepared in advance, and one of these operation methods is selected and used according to the content of the personalized information. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, a script describing the operation method is received from the personalization server, and the script is interpreted / executed by the operation unit program for display and key input so that the user can operate. I have to.

  FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 are examples in which a transmission resolution designation operation method in the scanner according to the third embodiment of the present invention is represented by a script. FIG. 26 is an example of a script transmitted from the personalization server as an operation method for an advanced user corresponding to the display contents and key setting of the area 47 of the screen shown in FIG. 16 in the second embodiment. In FIG. 26, L101 indicates the declaration of the beginning of the script. L102 indicates an instruction to place a key named “72 dpi”, and L103 indicates that the process when the key is pressed is “put 72 in a variable called res mode”. Similarly, L104 to L113 indicate the placement instruction of each key of “100 dpi” to “600 dpi” and the instruction content of the processing when each key is pressed. Finally, L114 indicates the end of the description of the operation method in this area.

  The operation unit program interprets the script as described above, automatically determines the size and arrangement suitable for the operation screen, displays a message, and accepts key input.

  On the other hand, FIG. 27 is an example of a script transmitted from the personalization server as an operation method for the beginner user corresponding to the display contents and key setting of the area 47 of the screen shown in FIG. 17 in the second embodiment. . The first difference compared to FIG. 26 is that each key has been changed to an intuitive name, for example, the key name “standard” is used instead of the key name “72 dpi”. . The second difference is that the number of keys that can be selected is reduced from six to three.

  Regarding the personalization of the operation method, the second embodiment has an advantage that only a small amount of information such as user level information and language information used may be transmitted as personalization information. On the other hand, as described above, the third embodiment has an advantage that the degree of freedom in personalization is increased by receiving the operation method of the operation unit personalized as a script from the personalization server. That is, in the second embodiment, only an operation screen programmed in advance in the operation unit program of the scanner can be displayed and the key position cannot be used unless programmed, but in the third embodiment, Operation messages and key positions can be selected freely according to the contents of the script. For example, it is easy to change the display language by rewriting the scripts shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, and it is also easy to increase the number of resolutions that can be set. Also, by receiving the operation method as a script, the scanner operation unit program converts it to a size and layout suitable for the operation screen of the scanner, so the same script is used for different scanners with various sizes of screens. There is also an advantage that can be used.

  In the third embodiment, a personalized script is received from the personalization server, and is interpreted and displayed by the operation unit program of the scanner so that the user can operate it. However, the personalized operation unit program itself may be received from the personalization server, and the operation program may be executed to enable the user to operate. In this case, the received operation unit program is stored in a volatile memory in the scanner and executed by the CPU. Thereby, there is an advantage that personalization with a higher degree of freedom can be performed than in the third embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, this script cannot be edited by the scanner, but can be edited if there is an appropriate input means. A method of editing the script by a personal server or a method using a script distributed from the manufacturer. But you can.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining a key processing task in the scanner 71 according to the third embodiment of this invention. In step S51, it is determined whether or not the ID key has been pressed. If the ID key has been pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 25 is displayed in step S52, and the user ID and password are input and acquired by the user. A flag indicating ID acquisition is set to 1.

  If the ID key has not been pressed in step S51, it is determined in step S53 whether the personalize key has been pressed. If the personalize key has been pressed, it is determined in step S54 whether the flag is 1, that is, whether the user ID has already been acquired. If the user ID has already been acquired, the user ID and password are transmitted to the personalization server (step S55).

  In step S56, personalization information including a script describing an operation method based on the transmitted user ID and password is received from the personalization server. Although not shown in FIG. 28, if the password transmitted in step S55 is not correct, personalization information cannot be received, and instead an error is notified, so an error is displayed and step S51 is displayed. Return to. In step S57, each setting in the operation unit 8 is personalized based on the received personalization information.

  In step S58, it is determined whether the flag is 1 and the registration key for instructing registration of personalized information has been pressed. If the flag is 1 and the registration key is pressed, the latest personalization information is transmitted to the personalization server to update the personalization information (step S59).

  On the other hand, if the flag is not 1 or the registration key is not pressed in step S58, it is determined in step S60 whether any key other than the registration key is pressed. When another key is pressed, processing according to the user level and each key is performed (step S61). In this case, the transition of the operation screen, the items displayed on the operation screen, and the items that can be selected on the operation screen are changed according to the script describing the operation method included in the personalization information.

  Although not shown in FIG. 28, the processing when the one-touch address key is pressed is also included in the processing in step S60 and step S61. In the third embodiment, since the personalized state cannot be cleared when the ID card is removed, although not shown in FIG. 28, the operation is not performed when the reset key is pressed or for a certain period of time. In this case, the personalized state is cleared and returned to the initial state, and the flag is set to 0 at this time.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the monochrome image facsimile device and the monochrome image scanner have been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a color image facsimile device and a color image scanner. Since the apparatus for color images has more functions and has more setting items that can be personalized by the user, the effect of the present invention is great.

  In this embodiment, the user ID is acquired by a contact / non-contact ID card or manual input. However, any other method may be used as long as the user ID can be acquired. For example, user identification may be performed by inputting a user ID by voice, user identification by voice, and reading an iris, a face, a fingerprint, a name tag, or the like with a camera.

  Further, in this embodiment, a case has been described in which an ordinary image reading apparatus that reads an image of a paper-like document and transmits the read image data to another apparatus is personalized. However, an image having a personalizable mode is described. The present invention can be applied to any reading device. For example, the present invention can be applied to a film scanner that reads a photographic film and transmits the read image data to another apparatus.

  In this embodiment, each device is connected using a bus-type network. However, any other type of network may be used as long as a plurality of devices can be connected, instead of wired connection. It may be configured to connect wirelessly.

  In this embodiment, the personalization server is composed of one dedicated server or a plurality of part-time servers using personal computers of each user. However, in addition to this, one facsimile machine or scanner is used as a personalization server. The structure which served concurrently may be sufficient.

3 is a flowchart for explaining a key processing task in the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a facsimile apparatus that is an image reading apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | positioning of the key of the operation part of the facsimile apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and a display. It is a figure which shows the user name setting screen displayed on the operation part of the facsimile apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the telephone directory setting screen displayed on the operation part of the facsimile apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the user switch setting screen displayed on the operation part of the facsimile apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cover sheet setting screen displayed on the operation part of the facsimile apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the common setting screen displayed on the operation part of the facsimile apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the holding | maintenance state of the data of the non-volatile RAM of the facsimile apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which respectively shows the data retention status of the volatile RAM of the facsimile apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention, a specific example of transmission mode, and user switch data. It is a figure which shows the personalization information in the facsimile apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the personalization information in the facsimile apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the personalization information in the facsimile apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the scanner which is an image reading apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the key and display in the operation part of the scanner of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the simplified standard screen displayed on the operation part of the scanner of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the English display standard screen displayed on the operation part of the scanner of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the common setting screen displayed on the operation part of the scanner of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the user switch setting screen displayed on the operation part of the scanner of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the personalization information in the scanner of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the personalization information in the scanner of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the personalization information in the scanner of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the key processing task in the scanner of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the key and display in the operation part of the scanner of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the example which represented the operation method of the transmission resolution specification in the scanner of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention with the script. It is the example which represented the operation method of the transmission resolution specification in the scanner of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention with the script. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the key processing task in the scanner of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Facsimile apparatus 2 Network 3 Personalization server 3-1, 3-2 User computer 4 Copier 5 Facsimile apparatus 6 Printer 7, 72 External interface 8 Operation part 9 Image reading part 11 Image processing part 13 Image forming part 15 Image / code memory 17 CPU
18 ROM
19 Volatile RAM
20 Nonvolatile RAM
21, 73 ID card reader 22 CPU bus 23 Modem 24 Public line 31 Resolution conversion unit 32 Density conversion unit 33 Character binarization processing unit 34 Photo binarization processing unit 35, 37 Selector 36 Resolution conversion unit 41, 81 ID Card 73 Image processing device 73a Image memory

Claims (24)

Image transmission means for transmitting an image;
User ID recognition means for recognizing the user ID;
Input means for the user to input a personalized execution instruction,
In response to the input of the personalization execution instruction by the input means, the personalization information stored in the personalization server is stored in the personalization server that is a server connected via a network and stores personalization information. User ID transmission means for transmitting the recognized user ID to request personalized information corresponding to the user ID recognized by the user ID recognition means;
Personalized information receiving means for receiving personalized information corresponding to the transmitted user ID from the personalized server after transmission of the user ID by the user ID transmitting means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: personalization means for personalizing settings related to image transmission by the image transmission means based on the personalization information received by the personalization information reception means. The personalization unit, an image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the personalizing the setting in response to the personalization execution instruction by the input means is input. The user ID recognition means, wherein in response to the personalization execution instruction is input by the input means, the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the recognizing reads the user ID from the storage medium . The personalization information receiving unit receives personalization information from the personalization server in response to the input of the personalization execution instruction by the input unit. Image processing apparatus.   The personalization information includes first personalization information and second personalization information, and the personalization information receiving means receives the first personalization information and the second personalization information at different timings, respectively. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The personalization means, when receiving the first personalization information by the personalization information receiving means, personalizes based on the first personalization information and receives the second personalization information by the personalization information receiving means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the personalization is performed based on the second personalization information. Image reading means for reading and inputting an image;
User ID recognition means for recognizing the user ID;
In response to the user ID recognizing means recognizing the user ID, the server is connected via a network to any one of a plurality of personalized servers storing personalized information. User ID transmission means for transmitting the recognized user ID to request personalization information corresponding to the user ID recognized by the user ID recognition means among the personalization information stored in the personalization server;
After transmitting the user ID by the user ID transmitting means, personalized information receiving means for receiving personalized information corresponding to the transmitted user ID from the personalization server that is the destination of the user ID;
Based on the personalization information received by the personalization information receiving means, personalization means for personalizing settings related to image reading by the image reading means,
The user ID transmission means selects a personalization server as a transmission destination of the user ID based on the user ID recognized by the user ID recognition means, and transmits the user ID to the selected personalization server. An image processing apparatus. The user ID transmission means includes characterized in that said user ID recognition means based on the position information of the personalization server to send the the user ID recognized together with the user ID, selects the personalizing server that transmits the user ID The image processing apparatus according to claim 7 . The user ID recognition means, an image processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the recognizing the user ID from the storage medium that the user ID is stored. Image reading means for reading and inputting an image;
User ID recognition means for recognizing the user ID;
In response to the user ID recognizing means recognizing the user ID, the personalized server stored in the personalized server with respect to a personalized server that is connected via a network and stores personalized information. User ID transmission means for transmitting the recognized user ID to request personalized information corresponding to the user ID recognized by the user ID recognition means;
Personalized information receiving means for receiving personalized information corresponding to the transmitted user ID from the personalized server after transmission of the user ID by the user ID transmitting means;
Based on the personalized information received by the personalized information receiving means, personalized means for personalizing an operation screen for performing settings related to image reading by the image reading means,
The personalized hand stage, the image processing apparatus characterized by personalizing the operation screen based on the personalization information according to user level determined on the basis of the recognized user ID. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the personalization unit changes items displayed on the operation screen in accordance with the user level. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the personalization unit varies items that can be specified by the user displayed on the operation screen according to the user level. Said personalization means, in response to the user level, the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the varying the language that indicates the items displayed on the operation screen. Wherein the item displayed on the operation screen, according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that said image reading means contains an item for specifying the read resolution in reading an image Image processing device. Wherein the item displayed on the operation screen, when the image reading means reads the image, of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that contains an item for specifying whether read by color or read in monochrome The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above. Wherein the item displayed on the operation screen, any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that contains an item for specifying the compression method used for compressing an image by the image reading unit has read An image processing apparatus according to 1. An image processing apparatus comprising image reading means for reading and inputting an image,
User ID recognition means for recognizing the user ID;
In response to the user ID recognizing means recognizing the user ID, the personalized server stored in the personalized server with respect to a personalized server that is connected via a network and stores personalized information. in order to request personalized information corresponding to the user ID and the image processing apparatus is recognized by the user ID recognition means, and signal means feeding that sends information related to the recognized user ID and the image processing apparatus,
After pre-transmission by Kioku signal means information about the user ID and an image processing apparatus, the personalization information corresponding to the transmitted information about the user ID and an image processing apparatus, and personalization information receiving means for receiving from said personalization server,
On the basis of the personalized information received by personalized information receiving unit, an image processing apparatus characterized by obtaining Bei and a personalization unit to personalize the settings of the reading of the image by the image reading means. Before Kioku signal means, as information about the image processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the transmitting the model group ID indicating a model group that contains the image processing apparatus. Before Kioku signal means, as information about the image processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the transmitting the type ID indicating the type of the image processing apparatus. Before Kioku signal means, as information about the image processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the transmitting the device ID indicating the image processing apparatus. An image transmission step of transmitting an image;
A user ID recognition process for recognizing a user ID;
An input step of user inputting a personalized execution instruction,
In response to the input of the personalization execution instruction in the input step, the personalization information stored in the personalization server is stored in the personalization server that is a server connected via a network and stores personalization information. A user ID transmission step of transmitting the recognized user ID to request personalized information corresponding to the user ID recognized in the user ID recognition step;
After transmitting the user ID in the user ID transmission step, personalized information receiving step of receiving personalized information corresponding to the transmitted user ID from the personalization server;
The personalized information based on personalization information received by the receiving step, the image processing method according to claim Rukoto and a personalization step to personalize the settings related to the transmission of the image in the image transmission step. An image reading process for reading and inputting an image;
A user ID recognition process for recognizing a user ID;
In response to recognizing the user ID in the user ID recognizing step, for any one of a plurality of personalized servers that are connected via a network and store personalized information, A user ID transmission step of transmitting the recognized user ID to request personalization information corresponding to the user ID recognized in the user ID recognition step among the personalization information stored in the personalization server;
After the transmission of the user ID in the user ID transmission step, personalization information reception step of receiving personalized information corresponding to the transmitted user ID from the personalization server of the transmission destination of the user ID;
Based on the personalization information received in the personalization information reception step, a personalization step for personalizing settings related to image reading in the image reading step,
In the user ID transmission step , a personalization server as a transmission destination of the user ID is selected based on the user ID recognized in the user ID recognition step, and the user ID is transmitted to the selected personalization server. A featured image processing method. An image reading process for reading and inputting an image;
A user ID recognition process for recognizing a user ID;
In response to recognizing the user ID in the user ID recognizing step, the personalized server stored in the personalized server with respect to the personalized server that is connected via a network and stores personalized information. A user ID transmission step of transmitting the recognized user ID to request personalized information corresponding to the user ID recognized in the user ID recognition step;
After transmitting the user ID by the user ID transmitting step, personalized information receiving step of receiving personalized information corresponding to the transmitted user ID from the personalization server;
Based on the personalization information received in the personalization information reception step, a personalization step for personalizing an operation screen for performing settings related to image reading in the image reading step,
Wherein the personalization as's engineering, image processing method characterized by personalizing the operation screen based on the personalization information according to user level determined on the basis of the recognized user ID. An image processing method of an image processing apparatus provided with an image reading means for reading and inputting an image,
A user ID recognition process for recognizing a user ID;
In response to recognizing the user ID in the user ID recognizing step, the personalized information stored in the personalized server is a server connected via a network and stored in the personalized server. in order to request personalized information corresponding to the recognized user ID and the image processing apparatus by the user ID recognition step, sending a signal process that sends information related to the recognized user ID and the image processing apparatus,
After the transmission of information about the user ID and the image processing apparatus before Kioku signal step, the personalization information corresponding to information relating to the transmitted user ID and an image processing apparatus, and personalization information receiving step of receiving from the personalizing server,
An image processing method characterized in that the personalized information based on personalization information received by the receiving step, obtain Preparations and a personalization step to personalize the settings of the reading of the image by the image reading means.

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