JP4386829B2 - Image transmission device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image transmission apparatus having a function of assigning information for each transmission destination to one key.

  Conventionally, when destination information such as a telephone number and a facsimile number is registered in one hardware key or software key (hereinafter collectively referred to as a one-touch key) for each destination and the one-touch key is operated. There has been proposed an image transmission apparatus that reads information on a registered transmission destination and starts transmission processing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In such an image transmission apparatus, since the transmission destination is determined by selecting one one-touch key, it is not necessary to individually input the transmission destination number (for example, a 10-digit number). Therefore, it is possible to provide an environment that is more convenient than the case where the transmission destinations are individually input.
JP 60-96951 A

  In recent years, an image transmission device using an e-mail function, such as an Internet facsimile, has been developed, and since processing from scanning of an original to transmission of image data can be performed smoothly, it is used with the spread of the network environment. The number of people continues to increase.

  By the way, even in the case of using a one-touch key in a conventional facsimile apparatus, it takes time from the start of dialing until the connection is actually completed. Can interrupt the transmission process. However, in the case of image data transmission using the e-mail function as described above, since the transmission process is completed immediately, if the setting of the transmission destination is incorrect or the transmission destination is selected. If it is wrong, there is a problem that information leakage may occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image transmission apparatus capable of ensuring convenience when transmitting image data without reducing confidentiality.

The image transmission apparatus according to the present invention is capable of transmitting image data received from the outside to a transmission destination, means for storing definition information defining the transmission destination of the image data, and when transmitting the received image data In the image transmitting apparatus, the image information processing apparatus includes: a means for accepting a selection for the definition information; and a means for executing a transmission process for the image data based on the selected definition information. A means for displaying a transmission destination defined by the definition information and requesting an input of an authentication code for judging whether the transmission process is accepted or not until a transmission process based on the request is executed. based on the authentication code input in response, and a judging means for judging approval or disapproval for the transmission processing, the determination means makes a determination to the effect that admit the transmission process If, characterized in that you have to transmit the image data.

In the present invention, the definition information defining the transmission destination is stored, and when transmitting the image data based on the selected definition information, the approval / disapproval of the transmission process is determined, and the transmission process is recognized. In this case, for example, confirmation processing is executed when facsimile data, an e-mail attached with image data, or the like is transmitted by operating a one-touch key to which destination information is assigned. .
Each definition information defines the correspondence between the communication address of the transmission destination and the name of the transmission destination, and when the selection of the definition information is accepted, the name of each transmission destination is displayed. Realized as a key.

  The image transmission apparatus according to the present invention comprises means for determining whether or not a predetermined image is included based on the received image data when executing the transmission processing based on the definition information, Whether or not to accept the transmission process is determined based on the determined result.

  In the present invention, when executing the transmission process based on the definition information, it is determined whether or not a predetermined image is included based on the received image data, and the approval or disapproval of the transmission process is determined based on the determination result. Since the determination is made, the transmission process is started not after the definition information of the transmission destination is selected but after determining whether or not a predetermined image is included.

  An image transmission apparatus according to the present invention includes means for generating an e-mail attached with received image data, and transmits the generated e-mail when the determination means determines that transmission processing is permitted. It is characterized by being.

  In the present invention, an e-mail attached with the received image data is generated, and when the transmission process is permitted, the generated e-mail is transmitted, so that the present invention can be applied to a mail client device. .

  An image transmission apparatus according to the present invention includes means for generating a job for instructing output of an image based on received image data, and transmits the generated job when the determination means determines that transmission processing is permitted. It is made to do so.

  In the present invention, a job for instructing output of an image is generated based on the received image data, and when the transmission process is permitted, the generated job is transmitted. It can be applied to a device or the like.

  In the image transmission apparatus according to the present invention, each definition information includes information related to the necessity of determination by the determination unit, and the definition information selected when transmitting the image data does not require the determination. If the information is included, the determination means transmits the image data without determining whether the transmission process is accepted.

  In the present invention, if the definition information includes the necessity information regarding the determination of approval / disapproval for the transmission process, and it is defined that the determination is not necessary, the image is determined without determining the approval / disapproval of the transmission process. Since data is transmitted, approval / disapproval determination can be defined for each transmission destination.

  In the case of the present invention, the definition information defining the transmission destination is stored, the approval / disapproval of the transmission process is determined when the image data is transmitted based on the selected definition information, and the transmission process is approved The image data is transmitted to the network. Therefore, for example, when a one-touch key to which transmission destination information is assigned is operated to transmit facsimile data, e-mail attached with image data, etc., confirmation processing is executed, and the image is sent to the wrong transmission destination. Data can be prevented from being transmitted, and confidentiality can be improved.

  According to the present invention, the user information is accepted when executing the transmission process based on the definition information, and the approval / disapproval of the transmission process is determined based on the received information. Therefore, the transmission process starts not when the destination definition information is selected, but when the user is confirmed. By adding a confirmation step before transmission, the image data is sent to the wrong destination. It can be prevented from being transmitted.

  In the case of the present invention, when executing the transmission process based on the definition information, it is determined whether or not a predetermined image is included based on the received image data, and the approval / disapproval of the transmission process is determined based on the determination result. Like to do. Therefore, the transmission process starts not after the definition information of the transmission destination is selected, but after determining whether or not a predetermined image is included, and by adding a confirmation step before transmission It is possible to prevent image data from being transmitted to an incorrect transmission destination.

  According to the present invention, an e-mail attached with the received image data is generated, and when the transmission process is approved, the generated e-mail is transmitted. Therefore, it can be applied to a mail client device.

  According to the present invention, a job for instructing output of an image is generated based on the received image data, and when the transmission process is permitted, the generated job is transmitted. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to a facsimile machine, an internet facsimile machine, and the like.

  In the case of the present invention, each definition information defines a correspondence between the communication address of the transmission destination and the name of the transmission destination, and when receiving selection of the definition information, the name of each transmission destination is displayed. Yes. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to processing when a transmission destination is selected with a one-touch key.

  In the case of the present invention, if each definition information includes information on necessity / unnecessity for determination of approval / disapproval for transmission processing, and it is defined that determination is unnecessary, image data is determined without determining approval / disapproval of transmission processing To send. Therefore, it is possible to define acceptance / rejection judgment for each transmission destination. For example, when the transmission destination is the same department or company, the confirmation step is omitted, and the convenience is improved and the transmission is made to the outside. In some cases, confidentiality can be enhanced by adding a confirmation step.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an image transmission apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital multi-function peripheral having a print function, a copy function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, and the like will be specifically described with reference to the drawings illustrating the embodiments.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an image processing system constructed using the digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment, and various external devices are connected to the digital multifunction peripheral 100 via a communication network. For example, an external computer 200 such as a personal computer is connected to a communication network LN laid as a local communication network, and an external computer is connected to an Internet network IN connected via a gateway or the like not shown in the figure. 300 and an Internet facsimile machine 400 (hereinafter simply referred to as a facsimile machine 400) are connected. An external facsimile apparatus 500 is connected via a public telephone line network PN.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 100. The digital multifunction peripheral 100 includes a CPU 101. The CPU 101 loads a control program stored in the ROM 103 in advance onto the RAM 104 and executes the control program, thereby controlling the hardware connected via the bus 102 as a whole. Operate as an image transmission apparatus according to the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of various hardware connected to the bus 102 will be described. The management unit 105 is configured by a non-volatile semiconductor memory, and a part of its storage area manages a partner management table 105a for managing a partner's e-mail address, facsimile number, and the like, and a history of executed processing. The history management table 105b is used as an authentication code management table 105c for managing an authentication code necessary for transmitting e-mail and facsimile data to the outside.

  The operation panel 106 includes an operation unit 107 that receives an operation by the user and a display unit 108 that displays information to be notified to the user. The operation unit 107 includes various operation keys, numeric keys, and the like for receiving input of function switching operation, number of output sheets in print processing, scaling in copy processing, transmission destination in facsimile transmission processing, and the like. The display unit 108 includes a liquid crystal display device, and displays the operation status of the digital multi-function peripheral 100, setting values input from the operation unit 107, and the like. In addition, a part of the display unit 108 includes a touch panel type software key configured to accept various selection operations by a user's pressing operation.

  The image reading unit 109 includes an original table for placing an original for reading, a light source for irradiating light to the original for reading, an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), an AD converter, and the like. (Not shown) An image of a document set at a predetermined reading position is formed on the image sensor and converted into an analog electric signal, and the obtained analog electric signal is AD converted by an AD converter. Then, digital image data is generated by correcting the light distribution characteristics of the light source at the time of document reading, sensitivity variations of the image sensor, and the like on the digital signal obtained by AD conversion.

  The image memory 110 is, for example, a volatile page memory, and temporarily stores image data acquired by the image reading unit 109, image data developed from a print job, image data developed from facsimile data, and the like. The image data temporarily stored in the image memory 110 is transferred to a transfer destination according to the purpose of use according to an instruction from the CPU 101. In other words, the image forming unit 111 is used when forming an image on a sheet, the HDD 112 is used when using a filing function, and the e-mail is attached to an e-mail including information on the destination address when the image is sent as an e-mail Then, the data is transferred to the communication IF 113 and transferred to the facsimile modem 114 when transmitted as facsimile data.

  The image forming unit 111 forms an image on a sheet based on the image data transferred from the image memory 110. Therefore, the image forming unit 111 is a charger that charges the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential, and laser writing that generates an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum by emitting laser light in accordance with image data received from the outside. An apparatus, a developing device that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum to make it visible, a transfer device that transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum onto paper (not shown), etc. And an image desired by the user is formed on a sheet by electrophotography. In addition to image formation by an electrophotographic method using a laser writing apparatus, an image formation may be performed by an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, a sublimation method, or the like.

  The HDD 112 is a hard disk device having a hard disk controller and a disk-shaped magnetic recording medium. When the CPU 101 gives an instruction to the hard disk controller, data write processing or data read processing is performed. A part of the storage area of the HDD 112 is used as a data area for storing image data, and when a request is received through the operation panel 106 or a request from the external computer 200 or 300 is received via the communication IF 113. In this case, the image data stored in the data area is read out. Therefore, when it is necessary to execute the print process again due to a failure of the print process or an insufficient number of output copies, the image data stored in the data area can be arbitrarily read and the print process can be executed.

  The communication IF 113 includes a communication interface conforming to the communication standard of the communication network LN, and can be connected to the communication network LN and the Internet network IN. The communication IF 113 receives a print job from the external computer 200 on the connected communication network LN, and also receives e-mail transmitted from the external computer 300 on the Internet network IN and facsimile data transmitted from the facsimile apparatus 400. . Further, the communication IF 113 transmits information to be notified to the external computer 200, transmits an e-mail to the external computer 300 on the Internet network IN, and transmits facsimile data to the facsimile apparatus 400. The communication IF 113 controls such transmission / reception of various data.

  The facsimile modem 114 is provided with a line termination circuit for connecting to an external facsimile apparatus 500 via the public telephone line network PN so that facsimile data can be transmitted to and received from the connected facsimile apparatus 500. Therefore, the facsimile modem 114 includes a decoding circuit for decoding the received facsimile data and an encoding circuit for encoding the facsimile data to be transmitted. The facsimile modem 114 performs such facsimile data encoding processing and decoding processing, and encoded facsimile data transmission / reception processing.

  Hereinafter, an operation when registering an e-mail address and a facsimile number as a one-touch key (abbreviated key) will be described using a screen displayed on the display unit 108 of the operation panel 106. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the operation panel 106. As described above, the operation panel 106 includes the operation unit 107 including various hardware keys and the display unit 108 including a liquid crystal display and a touch panel. The hardware keys included in the operation unit 107 include a numeric keypad 107a for inputting a numerical value, a clear key 107b for clearing an input set value, an all cancel key 107c for canceling all input settings, a copy start, In addition to the start key 107d for accepting an instruction such as transmission start, it is provided with function switching keys 107e, 107f, and 107g for switching a print function, a transmission function, and a copy function, and a user setting key 107h for accepting settings by a user. 3 shows a state where the initial screen 10 for waiting for the copy process is displayed on the display unit 108 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when the user setting key 107h is pressed. When the user setting key 107h is pressed on the operation panel 106, the CPU 101 displays the user setting screen 20 shown in FIG. 4A on the display unit 108 instead of the initial screen shown in FIG. Various buttons 21 to 27 configured as software keys are arranged on the user setting screen 20. When these buttons 21 to 27 are pressed, the total number of printouts displayed, screen contrast settings, various data list output requests, date / time settings, paper feed tray settings, and data transmission The other party can be registered and various settings can be made by the device administrator. When the end button 28 arranged at the upper part of the user setting screen 20 is pressed, the user setting screen 20 is closed and the initial screen 10 is displayed on the display unit 108.

  When the partner registration button 26 is pressed on the user setting screen 20, a partner registration screen 30 is displayed on the display unit 108 instead of the user setting screen 20 (see FIG. 4B). On the other party registration screen 30, an address setting button 31 for setting the communication address (facsimile number, e-mail address) of the other party, a user index setting button 32 for creating or correcting an address index, an e-mail address A transmission source setting button 33 for setting information related to the transmission source is arranged. When each button 31 to 33 is pressed, the operation content on the partner registration screen 30 is confirmed, and when the end button 34 arranged at the top of the screen is pressed, the process returns to the user setting screen 20 described above. Is done.

  When the address setting button 31 is pressed on the partner registration screen 30, a registration content setting screen 40 is displayed on the display unit 108 instead of the partner registration screen 30 (see FIG. 4C). This registration content setting screen 40 includes a key assignment button 41 for setting one-touch key assignment to the communication address of the other party, a grouping button 42 for grouping communication addresses, and correction or cancellation of the registered content. A correction / cancellation button 43 for performing is arranged. When each of the buttons 41 to 43 is pressed, the operation content on the registration content setting screen 40 is confirmed, and when the end button 44 arranged at the top of the screen is pressed, the screen returns to the partner registration screen 30 described above. Processing is performed.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 108 when performing one-touch key assignment setting. When the key assignment button 41 is pressed on the registration content setting screen 40 described above, an address setting screen 50 is displayed on the display unit 108 instead of the registration content setting screen 40. FIG. 5A shows a screen for assigning a one-touch key to a facsimile number, and FIG. 5B shows a screen for assigning a one-touch key to an e-mail address. In the address setting screen 50, an item selection field 51 composed of radio buttons 51a, 51b, 51c for selecting an item to be set, a check box 52 for setting whether or not authentication is required at the time of data transmission, and registration contents are input. Input buttons 53, 54, 55a (55b), and 56a (56b) are arranged.

  When the radio button 51a is pressed in the item selection field 51, a facsimile number is used. When the radio button 51b is pressed, an e-mail address is used. When the radio button 51c is pressed, an internet facsimile destination is sent. An address (e-mail address) can be set. If a check is entered in the check box 52, the fact that authentication at the time of data transmission is required is set, and if the check box 52 is unchecked, the authentication at the time of data transmission is not required. Set.

  When the input button 53 is pressed, a character input screen is displayed instead of the address setting screen 50 in order to input the name of the other party (partner name) as a character string. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a character input screen. In the character input screen 60 shown in FIG. 6, a hiragana key for inputting hiragana, a katakana key for inputting katakana, and an alphanumeric key for inputting alphabetic characters and numbers can be displayed. It is possible to input. Also, a conversion key or the like is arranged at the bottom of the screen so that the input hiragana or katakana can be converted into kanji. A cancel button 61 and a confirm button 62 are arranged at the top of the screen. When the cancel button 61 is pressed, the character input on this screen is not confirmed and the process for returning to the address setting screen 50 is performed. When the confirm button 62 is pressed, the character input screen 60 is input. The process of confirming the set character string and returning to the address setting screen 50 is performed.

  When the input button 54 is pressed, a character input screen 60 is displayed instead of the address setting screen 50 in order to input a name (key name) assigned to the one-touch key as a character string. Similarly, when the input button 55a (see FIG. 5A) is pressed or when the input button 55b (see FIG. 5B) is pressed, the facsimile number or the e-mail address is a character string. To let you enter. Instead of the address setting screen 50, a character input screen 60 is displayed. When the input button 56a (see FIG. 5A) is pressed, the compression format of the facsimile data to be transmitted can be selected, and the input button 56b (see FIG. 5B) is pressed. When operated, the format of the image data attached to the e-mail can be selected.

  Further, when the additional registration button 57 arranged at the upper part of the address setting screen 50 is pressed, the address of the other party can be set continuously. When the confirm button 58 is pressed, the address setting screen The setting content at 50 is fixed. The setting contents on the address setting screen 50 are registered in the partner management table 105a in association with the registration number automatically assigned by the CPU 101 for each communication address.

  When the setting content determined on the address setting screen 50 requires authentication at the time of data transmission, a screen for setting an authentication code is displayed on the display unit 108 instead of the address setting screen 50. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen for setting an authentication code. The authentication code setting screen 70 shown in FIG. 7 displays that an authentication is required when performing transmission processing for the displayed destination, and an authentication code input field 71 for inputting the authentication code. It is arranged. As the authentication code, a four-digit numerical value arbitrarily set by the user can be adopted and can be input using the numeric keypad 107a of the operation unit 107. When the confirm button 72 arranged at the top of the authentication code setting screen 70 is pressed, the input authentication code is confirmed and registered in the authentication code management table 105c in association with the registration number described above.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when registering a partner. First, the CPU 101 of the digital multi-function peripheral 100 determines whether or not there is a request for registration of the destination address by determining whether or not the key assignment button 41 is pressed on the registration content setting screen 40 (step S11). ). When it is determined that there is no registration address registration request (S11: NO), the process waits until there is a registration request.

  If it is determined that the key assignment button 41 is pressed on the registration content setting screen 40, it is determined that there is a request for registration of the destination address (S11: YES), and the CPU 101 registers the registration number when registering in the destination management table 105a. Is set (step S12). The registration number can be set between “001” and “999”. When setting the registration number, the CPU 101 searches for the smallest number among available numbers and sets the searched number as the registration number. To do. If there is no available number, a message to that effect is displayed, and the registered address is deleted after deleting the registered destination address.

  After the registration number is set, the CPU 101 displays the address setting screen 50 as shown in FIG. 5A on the display unit 108 of the operation panel 106, and the transmission form, the necessity of authentication at the time of transmission, the partner A transmission condition such as a destination name, a destination address, and a key name is accepted (step S13). Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not reception of the transmission condition is completed by determining whether or not the confirm button 58 is pressed on the address setting screen 50 (step S14). If it is determined that reception of transmission conditions has not been completed (S14: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S13.

  If it is determined that the reception of the transmission condition has been completed (S14: YES), the CPU 101 checks whether or not the authentication function at the time of data transmission has been validated by checking the setting status of the check box 52 on the address setting screen 50. Judgment is made (step S15). If it is determined that the authentication function is enabled (S15: YES), the CPU 101 displays an authentication code setting screen 70 as shown in FIG. S16).

  Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not an authentication code has been set by monitoring information input through the operation panel 106 (step S17). If it is determined that the authentication code is not set (S17: NO), the process waits until the authentication code is set. If it is determined that an authentication code has been set (S17: YES), the set authentication code is registered in the authentication code management table 105c in association with the registration number set in step S12 (step S18).

  When the registration of the authentication code is completed (S18), or when it is determined that the authentication function is invalidated in step S15 (S15: NO), the transmission conditions accepted on the address setting screen 50 are set to the registration numbers set in step S12. And registered in the partner management table 105a (step S19).

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure during data transmission. In this flowchart, a case will be described in which a transmission destination of image data acquired by the image reading unit 109 is set by a one-touch key and transmission processing is performed. When a document for transmission is set on the document table provided in the image reading unit 109 (step S21), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the other party is set by a one-touch key (step S22).

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 108 when setting a destination with a one-touch key. When the function switching key 107f is pressed on the operation unit 107, the CPU 101 causes the display unit 108 to display a partner setting screen 80 as shown in FIG. On the destination setting screen 80, one-touch keys corresponding to each transmission destination are displayed grouped by key names. The group to be displayed is switched by tags 81 to 86 arranged at the bottom of the screen. For example, when the tag 81 is selected, the one-touch key of the other party set as the customer is displayed (see FIG. 10A). In the present embodiment, six one-touch keys are displayed as a set of selection groups 81a, and there are one-touch keys that are not displayed (that is, when there are seven or more one-touch keys), The display range can be switched and displayed by operating the page switching keys 81u and 81d. Similarly, FIG. 10B shows a display example when the tag 82 is selected, displaying a selection group 82a including six one-touch keys as a set and displaying one-touch keys that are not displayed. For this purpose, page switching keys 82u and 82d are arranged on the right side of the screen. Note that the operation of the page switching key 82d shown in FIG. 10B is invalid.

  When it is determined whether or not the other party is set by determining whether or not the one-touch key is pressed on the other party setting screen 80, and it is determined that the other party is not set (S22: NO) Wait until the other party is set. If it is determined that the other party has been set (S22: YES), it is determined whether authentication at the time of data transmission is required by referring to the registered contents of the other party management table 105a (step S23).

  If it is determined that authentication at the time of data transmission is necessary (S23: YES), the CPU 101 requests input of the authentication code by displaying a screen prompting input of the authentication code (step S24). FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an authentication code input screen. On the authentication code input screen 90 shown in FIG. 11, a message prompting the user to input an authentication code is displayed, and an authentication code input field 91 is arranged. The user can input an authentication code by using the numeric keypad 107a of the operation unit 107. When the confirm button 92 disposed at the lower part of the screen is pressed, the input of the authentication code is confirmed. The CPU 101 determines whether or not an authentication code has been input through the authentication code input screen 90 (step S25). If it is determined that an authentication code has not been input (S25: NO), until the authentication code is input. stand by.

  If it is determined that the authentication code has been input (S25: YES), it is determined whether or not the transmission process can be authenticated by referring to the authentication code management table 105c based on the registration number (step S26). As a result of collating the input authentication code with the authentication code registered in the authentication code management table 105c, if it is determined that they do not match, it is determined that the transmission process cannot be authenticated (S26: NO), and the display unit 108 An error message is displayed (step S27), and the process returns to step S24.

  On the other hand, as a result of collating the input authentication code with the authentication code registered in the authentication code management table 105c, if it is determined that they match, the CPU 101 determines that the transmission process can be authenticated (S26: YES). . Then, the CPU 101 monitors information input from the operation unit 107 to determine whether or not the start key 107d has been pressed (step S28). When it is determined that the start key 107d is not pressed (S28: NO), the CPU 101 waits until the start key 107d is pressed, and when it is determined that the start key 107d is pressed (S28: YES), the CPU 101 Then, the image reading unit 109 is controlled to execute reading processing of the document set on the document table (step S29).

  Next, the CPU 101 generates transmission data based on the image data acquired by the image reading unit 109 (step S30). That is, when transmitting as facsimile data, the image data is compressed in a predetermined compression format or a compression format designated on the address setting screen 50. Based on the compressed data (facsimile data), transmission processing to the external facsimile apparatus 500 is performed through the facsimile modem 114 (step S31). In addition, when transmitting as an e-mail, image data in a predetermined format (for example, TIFF format) or a format specified on the address setting screen 50 is generated. Then, after attaching the generated image data to the e-mail to be transmitted, a transmission process to the external computer 300 is performed through the communication IF 113 (S31).

  If it is determined in step S23 that authentication at the time of data transmission is unnecessary (S23: NO), facsimile data or e-mail is transmitted by executing the processing from step S28 described above.

  In this embodiment, it is configured to determine whether or not to perform authentication at the time of transmission based on the necessity of authentication set by the user himself, but based on the image included in the input image data You may make it judge the necessity of authentication. For example, the configuration may be such that a specific pattern, a character string, or the like is detected by analyzing input image data, and if these are detected, authentication at the time of transmission is performed.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, the configuration is such that the necessity of authentication at the time of data transmission can be arbitrarily set by the user's selection. However, the digital multi-function peripheral 100 can perform processing related to data confidentiality (confidential processing). Under such circumstances, the configuration may be such that authentication at the time of data transmission is set as a default process.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the security kit 115 can be detachably attached to the digital multifunction peripheral 100 shown in the first embodiment. The security kit 115 is provided by, for example, a ROM, and implements confidential processing for data handled in the apparatus by being attached to the digital multifunction peripheral 100 later. Therefore, the security kit 115 includes an encryption / decryption processing unit 115a for encrypting and decrypting data so that image data input from the outside can be encrypted and managed.

  Specifically, when image data handled in the apparatus is input through the image reading unit 109, the communication IF 113, and the facsimile modem 114, the image data is transferred to the encryption / decryption processing unit 115a in the security kit 115. The encryption / decryption processing unit 115a includes an input buffer that holds image data to be encrypted, an arithmetic unit that performs arithmetic processing including a predetermined encryption algorithm on the data held in the input buffer, and an arithmetic result by the arithmetic unit Is constituted by an output buffer or the like for holding The CPU 101 obtains the encrypted image data by taking out the calculation result from the output buffer. The same applies to the case where the encrypted image data is decrypted. The computing unit performs a predetermined computation on the input data, and obtains the decrypted image data by extracting the computation result.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing executed by the digital multi-function peripheral 100 when the power is turned on. When the power of the apparatus is turned on, the CPU 101 communicates with various hardware connected to the bus 102 to acquire information regarding the operating state of the various hardware. At this time, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the security kit 115 is attached (step S41). When it is determined that the security kit 115 is not attached (S41: NO), the processing according to this flowchart is terminated. If it is determined that the security kit 115 is installed (S41: YES), the authentication function at the time of transmission is enabled (step S42), and the processing according to this flowchart is terminated. At this time, a state in which the check box 52 of the address setting screen 50 shown in FIG. 5 is checked is set as a default state, and authentication processing is executed when data is transmitted.

  Even if the authentication function at the time of transmission is enabled in step S42, the authentication function can be disabled by removing the check box 52 on the address setting screen 50 for each piece of data.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image processing system constructed using a digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of an operation panel. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen displayed when a user setting key is pressed down. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen displayed on a display part when performing the allocation setting of a one-touch key. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a character input screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen for setting an authentication code. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence at the time of performing other party registration. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence at the time of data transmission. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen displayed on a display part when setting an other party with a one-touch key. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the input screen of an authentication code. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the digital multi-function peripheral when power is turned on.

Explanation of symbols

100 Digital MFP 101 CPU
102 bus 103 ROM
104 RAM
105 Management Unit 106 Operation Panel 109 Image Reading Unit 110 Image Memory 111 Image Forming Unit 112 HDD
113 Communication IF
114 Facsimile modem 200,300 External computer 400,500 Facsimile device

Claims (5)

Image data received from outside can be transmitted to a transmission destination, means for storing definition information defining the transmission destination of the image data, and means for receiving selection of the definition information when transmitting the received image data And an image transmission apparatus comprising: means for performing transmission processing on the image data based on the selected definition information;
Between the time when definition information is selected and the time when transmission processing based on the definition information is executed, the transmission destination defined by the definition information is displayed, and an authentication code is input for determining whether the transmission processing is accepted or rejected. And a determination unit that determines whether the transmission process is accepted or not based on an authentication code input in response to a request from the unit , and the determination unit determines that the transmission process is permitted. An image transmitting apparatus, wherein the image data is transmitted.   When executing the transmission process based on the definition information, the transmission unit includes a unit that determines whether a predetermined image is included based on the received image data, and the determination unit performs the transmission process based on the determination result. The image transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whether or not is accepted is determined. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for generating an e-mail attached with the received image data, wherein the generated e-mail is transmitted when the determination means determines that the transmission processing is permitted. Or the image transmission apparatus of Claim 2 . A means for generating a job for instructing output of an image based on the received image data, wherein the generated job is transmitted when the determination means determines that the transmission processing is permitted; The image transmission apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 . Each definition information includes information related to the necessity of determination by the determination means, and when the definition information selected when transmitting the image data includes information indicating that the determination is unnecessary, 5. The image transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit transmits the image data without determining whether or not the transmission process is accepted. 6.

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