JP4420874B2 - Image data processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention enables processing of image data recorded on an external recording medium on the condition that it can communicate with an image data processing apparatus, and more specifically, a terminal of a user of an external recording medium that is detachably connected. The present invention relates to an image data processing apparatus.

  Today, copying machines have been digitized and combined, and recently, external recording media such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory can be mounted, and image data can be read from the external recording media based on an operator's print instruction input. An image forming apparatus having a function of performing printing is known.

  In such an image forming apparatus, attention is paid to the print instruction and print result of the image data read from the external recording medium, the external recording medium is forgotten from the image forming apparatus, or the external recording medium is recorded by a third party. There is a danger of being stolen, and measures to prevent these are important.

Conventionally, for example, Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 disclose techniques for preventing forgetting to remove an external recording medium in an image forming apparatus. The technique described in Patent Document 1 includes a timer that measures the time of presence / absence of key input in an image forming apparatus, and when an operation is not performed for a certain period of time while an external recording medium is mounted, external recording is performed on the display unit. A warning that the medium has been forgotten is displayed. Further, the technique described in Patent Document 2 includes a detection unit that detects a specific operation condition such as forgetting to remove a sheet after a print start operation. When the specific operation condition is detected, an external recording medium is displayed on the display unit. A warning about forgetting to remove is displayed.
JP-A-2-39061 JP 2005-85000 A

  However, in the techniques described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, since the image forming apparatus only displays a forgetting warning, for example, printing has already ended and the user (that is, the external recording medium) This is not applicable when the owner is not on the spot (where the image forming apparatus is installed).

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and processes image data recorded on an external recording medium on the condition that it can communicate with a terminal of a user of the external recording medium that is detachably connected. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image data processing apparatus that can perform the above-described processing.

In order to solve the above problems, a first technical means of the present invention is a connection means for detachably connecting an external recording medium on which image data is recorded in an image data processing apparatus that processes image data. Information acquisition means for acquiring information relating to the external recording medium connected via the connection means, and contact information of the user of the external recording medium with respect to the information acquired by the information acquisition means is the image A determination unit that determines whether or not the information is registered in the data processing apparatus ; and when the determination unit determines that contact information of a user of the external recording medium is registered, the information is recorded on the external recording medium and instruction means for instructing the processing of the image data being the message for notifying that the processing of the image data recorded in the external recording medium is completed external recording medium It is obtained by said that a communication unit for transmitting to the contact of the user.

According to a second technical means, in the first technical means, there is provided registration means for registering contact information of a user of the external recording medium in association with information relating to the external recording medium. Is.

A third technical means is the second technical means, when registering contact information for a user of said external recording medium to the registration unit, to authenticate the management password management personnel of the image data processing device It is characterized by including a control unit for performing processing.

A fourth technical means includes a time management means for managing a time during which the external recording medium is connected via the connection means in the first technical means, and the communication means includes the external recording medium. When a state in which the external recording medium is connected continues for a predetermined time or longer, a message for notifying that the external recording medium remains connected is transmitted to the contact information of the user of the external recording medium. Is.

A fifth technical means is the first technical means, comprising a time management means for managing an elapsed time from the processing of the image data designated by pre-Symbol instruction means is finished, the communication means, When the connection of the external recording medium is detected after the elapse of a predetermined time is confirmed by the time management means, a message for notifying that the external recording medium remains connected is used for the external recording medium. in which it was characterized by and Turkey be sent to the person of contact.

A sixth technical means is any one of technical means of the 1,4,5, the communication means, during the processing of the image data recorded in the external recording medium, wherein said external recording medium image When the connection with the data processing apparatus is released, a message for notifying that the external recording medium has been removed is transmitted to the contact information of the user of the external recording medium.

A seventh technical means is any one of technical means of the first to sixth, contact information of a user of said external recording medium is an electronic mail address, the communication means, the external recording medium An electronic mail is transmitted to the user's electronic mail address.

  According to the present invention, since processing of image data recorded on an external recording medium can be performed on the condition that communication with a user terminal of the external recording medium that is detachably connected is possible, Even when the user is away from the image data processing apparatus, the user's terminal can be notified of forgetting to take the external recording medium. As a result, it is possible to notice that the external recording medium has been forgotten, and it is possible to prevent the third party from stealing the external recording medium.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an image data processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a control unit for performing various controls, 2 is a communication unit for communicating with a personal computer (PC) connectable to a network, a mobile phone, and the like, and 3 is a scanner unit for reading image data and inputting image data. 4 is an image memory for storing image data, 5 is a management memory for storing various data and programs, 6 is a printing unit for printing image data, 7 is an input unit for inputting instructions from an operator, and 8 is image data. An output unit 9 that displays and outputs the operation status of the processing apparatus, 9 is an external memory I / F that is detachably connected to the external memory 10 and can be read / written from the control unit 1, and 11 is external to the external memory I / F 9 An external memory attachment detection unit for detecting whether or not the memory 10 is connected, 12 indicates a timer for measuring time.

  A part of the input unit 7 and the output unit 8 may be integrated as a touch panel type LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The communication unit 2 includes an electronic mail function for transmitting / receiving electronic mail, a facsimile function for transmitting / receiving FAX, and the like, and communicates with a mobile phone, a PC, a facsimile machine, and the like via a network. Further, the external memory 10 is a detachable external recording medium such as a USB memory or a memory card, and stores image data.

  In FIG. 1, the control unit 1 includes an information acquisition unit 1 a that acquires information (ID information and the like) related to the external memory 10 that is detachably connected to the external memory I / F 9, and the acquired information is a predetermined condition (ID information). On the other hand, the determination means 1b for determining whether or not the contact information such as the e-mail address of the user of the external memory 10 is registered, and the information satisfies a predetermined condition (that is, ID information) And the instruction means 1c for instructing the printing unit 6 to process the image data recorded in the external memory 10 when it is determined that the contact information of the user of the external memory 10 is registered). , And is configured. The contact information may be a telephone number or a facsimile number in addition to the e-mail address.

  The communication unit 2 sends a message for notifying that the processing of the image data recorded in the external memory 10 has been completed, a message for notifying that the external memory 10 is forgotten, and the external memory 10 (Not) Sends various messages, such as a message for notifying the removal, to the contact information of the user of the external memory 10. For example, when the contact is an e-mail address, a text message or a voice message having the above contents can be transmitted.

  In each of the following embodiments, the case where the contact information of the user of the external memory 10 is the e-mail address of the mobile phone will be described as a representative example, but other contact information may be applied. Needless to say.

(First embodiment)
The image data processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention acquires information (such as ID information) related to the external memory 10 when the external memory 10 is attached to the image data processing apparatus, and uses the external data based on the information. Processing for determining whether or not the contact information (email address) of the user in the memory 10 is registered. As a result, when it is determined that the contact information is registered, the information is recorded in the external memory 10. When the process proceeds to image data printing processing, and after starting printing, it is detected whether or not the external memory 10 is mounted under a certain condition, and when it is determined that the external memory 10 is mounted, the above contact information It is configured to notify the address. In the following description, the term “attachment” is often used synonymously with the aforementioned “connection”.

  2 and 3 are flowcharts for explaining an operation example of the image data processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a continuation of the flow shown in FIG. First, the image data processing apparatus detects that the external memory 10 is mounted by the user (step S1), acquires information (ID information) about the external memory 10 (step S2), and acquires the external memory from the acquired ID information. Processing for confirming registration of the contact information of the ten owners is performed (step S3), and whether or not the contact information is registered is determined (step S4).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a contact management table stored in the management memory 5. The management memory 5 stores a contact management table including an ID number for specifying the external memory 10 and an electronic mail address corresponding to the ID number. The control unit 1 (determination unit 1b) collates the information such as the ID number of the external memory 10 acquired in step S2 with the information in the contact management table in the management memory 5 in step S3, and determines the electronic information that is the contact information. A process for determining whether or not an e-mail address is registered is performed. At this time, the ID number and the e-mail address are stored in the external memory 10 in advance, and when the external memory 10 is mounted on the image data processing apparatus, the ID number and the e-mail address are acquired from the external memory 10 and the management memory 5 may be stored.

  Here, the contact address management table is registered in advance in the management memory 5, but it is preferable that the person in charge of management of the image data processing apparatus performs the registration process of the contact information in the management memory 5. It is more desirable to perform authentication using a management password. The authentication process at this time is executed by authenticating the management password input from the input unit 7 by the control unit 1.

  Furthermore, when considering that the image data processing apparatus of the present invention is installed in a store used by an unspecified number of users, such as a print service store and a convenience store, for example, in a service center on a network, As user registration, registration of the ID of the external memory 10 and contact information of the user may be performed in advance. At this time, the confirmation process of the contact information can be performed by confirming the registration information of the service center.

  Next, when the contact information in the external memory 10 is confirmed in step S4 (in the case of YES), the output unit 8 notifies that the external memory 10 is usable as shown in FIG. And a list of stored files are displayed and output (step S5).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of a list of available files in the external memory 10 by the output unit 8. Here, a message for notifying that the external memory 10 can be used (USB memory can be used), an ID (ID: xxx001), and an e-mail address (aaa@bb.co.jp) together with the external memory 10 A list of files stored in is displayed.

  If the contact information in the external memory 10 is not confirmed in step S4 (in the case of NO), the image data processing apparatus shifts to the flow shown in FIG. 3, and the output unit 8 is as shown in FIG. A message requesting input of contact information is displayed (step S11). When the e-mail address of the contact is input accordingly (step S12), the process returns to step S5 shown in FIG. The e-mail address input in step S12 is registered in the management memory 5.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a message requesting input of the contact e-mail address by the output unit 8. In step S4, if the contact information in the external memory 10 is not confirmed, or if the process does not proceed to the next step, the process may be terminated as an error.

  Next, when the image data processing apparatus displays the file list shown in FIG. 5 in step S5 described above, a necessary file is selected by the user and printing processing is started (step S6). During execution of printing of the selected file, the output unit 8 displays a message during printing as shown in FIG. 7, and when printing is completed, as shown in FIG. A message for calling attention to remove 10 is displayed (step S7). At this time, the image data processing apparatus transmits a message from the communication unit 2 to the user's e-mail address of the external memory 10 together with a message indicating that printing has been completed and a message that calls attention to remove the external memory 10. You may make it do. In this case, the user of the external memory 10 can confirm the message with his / her mobile phone or the like.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a message indicating that the printing process by the output unit 8 is being executed. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a message for urging attention to remove the external memory 10 together with a message indicating that printing by the output unit 8 has been completed.

  Next, in step S7 described above, as shown in FIG. 8, after the output unit 8 displays a message for cautioning to remove the external memory 10, the external memory mounting detection unit 11 mounts the external memory 10. It is determined whether or not it is in a state of being (step S8).

  When the image data processing apparatus detects that the external memory 10 is attached in step S8 (in the case of YES), the image data processing apparatus sends the external memory to the contact corresponding to the ID of the external memory 10 confirmed in step S3 described above. A message for warning that the user has forgotten to take 10 is transmitted (step S9).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example when a message for warning that the external memory 10 is forgotten to be taken is displayed on the mobile phone as a contact corresponding to the ID of the external memory 10. In this example, when the e-mail address of the mobile phone is registered as a contact corresponding to the ID (ID: xxxx002) of the external memory 10, and the external memory 10 is forgotten from the image data processing device, A message for warning that effect is transmitted to the mobile phone and displayed on the screen of the mobile phone.

  As another embodiment, the image data processing apparatus may include a timer 12 that measures time. For example, when the timer 12 is set so as to measure the time for which the external memory 10 is connected, the communication unit 2 determines that the external memory 10 is connected when the external memory 10 is connected for a predetermined time or longer. A message for notifying that 10 is still connected may be transmitted to the contact information of the user of the external memory 10. The predetermined time can be arbitrarily set in consideration of the time required for printing. For example, if the external memory 10 remains connected for 5 minutes or more, the predetermined time is determined to have been left, and the user of the external memory 10 Send a message to a contact.

  In addition, when the timer 12 is set to measure the elapsed time since the processing of the image data is completed, that is, after the output unit 8 displays a message for cautioning to remove the external memory 10 When the timer 12 confirms that the predetermined time has elapsed, the external memory attachment detection unit 11 determines whether or not the external memory 10 is connected. May be.

  For example, when the image data processing apparatus according to the present invention is used in a general office or the like, the external memory 10 is connected after 3 or 5 minutes have elapsed since the message to alert the user to remove the external memory 10 is displayed. Determine whether or not. In addition, when installing the image data processing device of the present invention in a store or the like used by an unspecified number of users, it is desirable to notify the user sooner, so that after displaying a message to call attention to remove the external memory 10 You may set so that it may judge in about 1 minute. When it is determined that the external memory 10 is connected, the communication unit 2 transmits a message for notifying that the external memory 10 remains connected to the contact information of the user of the external memory 10.

  Here, as a means for notifying that the external memory 10 is forgotten (still connected), it is desirable to use an e-mail that can be notified only to a contact that has been confirmed in advance. Considering the case of being near the image data processing device, a text message may be displayed and output from the output unit 8 or a voice message may be output as a voice.

  Next, when the image data processing apparatus does not detect that the external memory 10 is mounted in the above-described step S8 (in the case of NO), all the printing processes are completed (step S10), and a series of operations is performed. Ends.

  As described above, the image data processing apparatus according to the first embodiment communicates with the ID for specifying the mounted external memory when the user directly mounts the image data in the external memory on the image data processing apparatus for printing. When the destination information (e-mail address) is acquired and the external memory is still mounted after the printing is completed, it is determined that the user has forgotten to remove, and a message for urging the user is transmitted. Therefore, even if the user has only the print result and is away from the image data processing apparatus, he / she can notice that he / she has forgotten to take out the external memory.

(Second Embodiment)
The image data processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention acquires ID information for specifying the external memory when the external memory is attached to the image data processing apparatus, and based on this, acquires the contact information of the owner Processing to confirm information (e-mail address), if contact information can be confirmed, it moves to the operation for printing, and also detects that the external memory is released during the printing process. Then, it is configured to notify the contact information to that effect.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the image data processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. First, the image data processing device detects that the external memory 10 is attached by the user (step S21), acquires information (ID information) about the external memory 10 (step S22), and acquires the external memory from the acquired ID information. Processing for confirming registration of contact information of the ten owners is performed (step S23), and it is determined whether or not contact information is registered (step S24).

  Next, when the contact information in the external memory 10 is confirmed in step S24 (in the case of YES), the output unit 8 indicates that the external memory 10 can be used as shown in FIG. A message for notification and a list of stored files are displayed and output (step S25).

  If the contact information in the external memory 10 is not confirmed in step S24 (in the case of NO), the image data processing apparatus proceeds to the flow shown in FIG. 3 and the output unit 8 receives the contact information (e-mail address). Is displayed, and when the contact e-mail address is input accordingly, the process returns to step S25 shown in FIG.

  Next, when the image data processing apparatus displays the file list shown in FIG. 5 in step S25 described above, a necessary file is selected by the user and printing processing is started (step S26). During execution of printing of the selected file, the output unit 8 displays a printing message as shown in FIG. 7 (step S27), and the external memory mounting detection unit 11 determines whether the external memory 10 is mounted. (Step S28).

  When the image data processing apparatus determines in step S28 that the external memory 10 is not attached (in the case of NO), the image data processing apparatus transfers the external memory to the contact address (e-mail address) of the ID of the external memory 10 confirmed in step S23. A message for warning that 10 has been removed is transmitted (step S30).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example when a message for warning that the external memory 10 has been removed is displayed on the mobile phone serving as the contact corresponding to the ID of the external memory 10. In this example, the e-mail address of the mobile phone is registered as a contact corresponding to the ID (ID: xxx002) of the external memory 10, and the external memory 10 is removed from the image data processing apparatus during printing. Sends a message to that effect to the mobile phone and displays it on the screen of the mobile phone.

  Next, when the image data processing apparatus determines in step S28 that the external memory 10 is mounted (in the case of YES), it executes the printing process as it is, and when printing is completed, as shown in FIG. Then, the output unit 8 displays a message indicating that printing has been completed and a message for urging attention to remove the external memory 10 (step S29). At this time, the image data processing apparatus transmits a message from the communication unit 2 to the user's e-mail address of the external memory 10 together with a message indicating that printing has been completed and a message that calls attention to remove the external memory 10. You may make it do. In this case, the user of the external memory 10 can confirm the message with his / her mobile phone or the like.

  In step S29, as shown in FIG. 8, after the output unit 8 displays a message for caution to remove the external memory 10, the external memory mounting detection unit 11 is in a state where the external memory 10 is mounted. (Step S31).

  When the image data processing apparatus detects that the external memory 10 is mounted in step S31 (in the case of YES), the image data processing apparatus goes to the contact address (e-mail address) corresponding to the ID of the external memory 10 confirmed in step S23. Then, a message for warning that the user has forgotten to take out the external memory 10 is transmitted (step S32). If the image data processing apparatus does not detect that the external memory 10 is attached (NO) in step S31, the printing process is all completed (step S33), and the series of operations ends. .

  As described above, the image data processing apparatus according to the second embodiment has a contact address together with an ID for identifying the mounted external memory when the user directly mounts data in the external memory on the image data processing apparatus for printing. A message that prompts the user for information (e-mail address) and alerts the user that the external memory has been stolen or dropped if it is detected that the external memory has been removed during printing Send. Therefore, even if the external memory is illegally removed, for example, when the user is away from the image data processing apparatus due to mass printing, or when a paper jam is being dealt with, the user can respond immediately. be able to.

  According to the present invention, since processing of image data recorded on an external recording medium can be performed on the condition that communication with a user terminal of the external recording medium that is detachably connected is possible, Even when the user is away from the image data processing apparatus, the user's terminal can be notified of forgetting to take the external recording medium. As a result, it is possible to notice that the external recording medium has been forgotten, and it is possible to prevent the third party from stealing the external recording medium.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image data processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation example of the image data processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the image data processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a continuation of the flow shown in FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the contact management table stored in a management memory. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the file list which can use the external memory by an output part. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the message which requests | requires the input of the email address of the contact by an output part. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a message indicating that printing processing by an output unit is being executed. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the message which alerts | wears to remove an external memory with the message which the printing by an output part was complete | finished. It is a figure which shows the example of a display at the time of displaying the message for warning that it has forgotten to take out external memory in the mobile telephone used as the contact address corresponding to ID of external memory. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation example of the image data processing apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display at the time of displaying the message for warning that the external memory was removed in the mobile telephone used as the contact address corresponding to ID of external memory.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control part, 1a ... Information acquisition means, 1b ... Determination means, 1c ... Instruction means, 2 ... Communication part, 3 ... Scanner part, 4 ... Image memory, 5 ... Management memory, 6 ... Printing part, 7 ... Input part , 8 ... output unit, 9 ... external memory I / F, 10 ... external memory, 11 ... external memory mounting detection unit, 12 ... timer.

Claims (7)

In an image data processing apparatus that processes image data,
Connection means for detachably connecting an external recording medium on which image data is recorded, information acquisition means for acquiring information about the external recording medium connected via the connection means, and acquisition by the information acquisition means Determining means for determining whether contact information of the user of the external recording medium is registered in the image data processing apparatus with respect to the recorded information , and contacting the user of the external recording medium by the determining means When it is determined that the destination information is registered, the instruction means for instructing the processing of the image data recorded on the external recording medium and the processing of the image data recorded on the external recording medium are completed An image data processing apparatus comprising: a communication unit that transmits a message for notifying the user to a contact address of a user of the external recording medium . It said external recording in association with the information relating to the medium, the image data processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a registration unit that registers the contact information of a user of the external recording medium. And a control unit that performs processing for authenticating a management password of a person in charge of management of the image data processing apparatus when registering contact information of the user of the external recording medium in the registration unit. Item 3. The image data processing device according to Item 2 . Time management means for managing the time when the external recording medium is connected via the connection means, the communication means, when the state where the external recording medium is connected continues for a predetermined time or more, The image data processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a message for notifying that the external recording medium remains connected is transmitted to a contact address of a user of the external recording medium. Includes a time management means for managing an elapsed time from the processing of the image data designated by pre-Symbol instruction means is finished, the communication unit, after elapse of a predetermined time is confirmed by said time management means If the connection of the external recording medium is detected, characterized and Turkey to send a message to the external recording medium is notified that remain connected to the contacts of the user of the external recording medium The image data processing apparatus according to claim 1. When the connection between the external recording medium and the image data processing device is released during the processing of the image data recorded on the external recording medium, the communication means confirms that the external recording medium has been removed. image data processing apparatus according to a message for notifying to any one of claims 1, 4 and 5, characterized in that sending to the contact of the user of the external recording medium. Contact information of a user of said external recording medium is an electronic-mail address, said communication means, according to claim 1, characterized in that sending the user's e-mail address in the e-mail of the external recording medium 7. The image data processing device according to any one of 1 to 6 .

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