JP4539444B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus having a function of previewing an image to be processed.

  Some image processing apparatuses such as an image forming apparatus have a function of previewing an image to be printed prior to image formation. An image processing apparatus having a preview function is disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the like.

JP 2003-283714 A

JP 2004-282382 A

JP 2002-1112017 A

  The provision of the preview function as described above has a main purpose of preventing an image different from an intended one from being accidentally printed or transmitted by FAX. However, it is cumbersome to press the preview button every time, and it is not uncommon for an image processing apparatus having a preview function to make a mistake.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus that automatically performs a preview when reception of image data is completed, but there is a problem in that the speed of printing is lost if the preview is automatically performed every time.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and provides an image processing apparatus capable of preventing an unintended image from being printed accidentally while maintaining the speed of printing. It is aimed.

In order to solve the above problem, an image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes display means, and preview display control means for displaying a processing target image on the display means, and the preview display control means. Controls whether or not the preview display of the processing target image is automatically performed depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied , and the preview display control means includes a user name corresponding to the processing target image, and a processing target Control is performed so that preview display is not automatically performed when the owner names of jobs that handle images are the same.
An image processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a display unit and a preview display control unit that previews a processing target image on the display unit, and the preview display control unit determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. To control whether or not the preview display of the processing target image is automatically performed, and the preview display control means performs a preview when the logged-in user executes a job for transmitting an image to his / her own device. It is characterized by controlling so that the display is not automatically performed.
An image processing apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention includes display means and preview display control means for previewing a processing target image on the display means, wherein the preview display control means satisfies a predetermined condition. Therefore, the preview display control means controls whether or not the preview image of the processing target image is automatically displayed. When executing, control is performed so that preview display is not automatically performed.
An image processing apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention includes display means and preview display control means for previewing a processing target image on the display means, wherein the preview display control means satisfies a predetermined condition. Depending on whether or not the preview display of the processing target image is automatically performed, the preview display control means automatically displays the preview display when there is a history that the preview display has already been performed. It is characterized by controlling so as not to be performed.

In the configuration of the present invention, whether or not the preview display is automatically performed is controlled depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. Mistransmission and the like can be prevented while maintaining reliability.
When the logged-in user executes a job to send an image to his / her device, the control is performed so that the preview display is not automatically performed when an image is sent to his / her device due to erroneous transmission. Because there are few problems.
When a logged-in user executes a job that handles an image of a file stored with his / her user name, the control to prevent automatic preview display is performed for the file stored with his / her user name. In many cases, the contents are often grasped, so that there is little need for automatic preview display. However, it is possible for the user to display a preview by a button operation or the like.

  Although arbitrary settings are possible as the predetermined condition, for example, when the processing target image has confidentiality, control can be performed so that preview display is not automatically performed. This is because the automatic preview display of confidential documents has a problem from the viewpoint of maintaining security. Whether or not it has confidentiality can be held as a file attribute, but other determination methods may be used.

  The preview display control means can perform control so that the preview display is not automatically performed when the screen displayed on the display means is a screen for setting a new job condition. The condition setting means, for example, setting of conditions such as image density, number of copies, and paper size in the case of copying, and setting of a destination number in the case of FAX transmission. This is because, when such a condition setting is performed, if an automatic preview display is performed interruptively, a problem occurs in operability. It should be noted that when the screen displayed on the display means is no longer a screen for setting a new job condition, control can be performed so that preview display is automatically performed.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to prevent erroneous transmission and the like while maintaining the speed of print processing and the like.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the file sharing system FS. As shown in the figure, the file sharing system FS includes an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, one or a plurality of personal computers (PCs) 31, one or a plurality of FAX terminals 32, and a communication line 4. Consists of.

  Computer names such as “PC001”, “PC002”,... Are assigned to the image forming apparatus 1 and each PC 31 as identification information in order to identify them. An IP address may be used as identification information instead of such a computer name. Each FAX terminal 32 is assigned a telephone number such as a so-called fixed telephone or IP telephone.

The image forming apparatus 1 and each PC 31 and each FAX terminal 32 can be connected to each other via the communication line 4. As the communication line 4, a LAN, the Internet, a dedicated line, a public line, or the like is used. TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), POP3 (Post Office)
Protocol version 3), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Internet Printing Protocol (IPP), IEEE802.3, which is a standard for wired LAN, IEEE802.11, which is a standard for wireless LAN, G3 (Group3) standard for FAX, or G4 (Group 4) standard or the like is used.

  According to this file sharing system FS, the user can share data stored in the hard disk (not shown in FIG. 1) of the image forming apparatus 1 between the image forming apparatus 1 and the PC 31. Instead of the PC 31, a workstation, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone terminal, or the like can be used.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.
The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus in which functions such as copying, network printing, scanner, FAX, or document server are integrated. It may also be called a multifunction peripheral or MFP (multifunction peripheral).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation unit 11, a display unit 12, a scanner unit 13, a printer unit 14, a communication interface 16, a document feeder 17, a paper feeder 18, a tray 19 (see FIG. 2), a CPU 20, a RAM 21, a ROM 22, and The data storage unit 23 is used.

  The operation unit 11 includes a plurality of keys for inputting numbers, characters, symbols, and the like, a sensor for recognizing the pressed key, and a transmission circuit for transmitting a signal indicating the recognized key to the CPU 20. .

  The display unit 12 is a screen for giving a message or an instruction to the user, a screen for the user to input setting contents and processing contents, and a screen showing the image formed by the image forming apparatus 1 and the processing result, Displays a preview display screen of the image to be processed. In the present embodiment, a touch panel is used as the display unit 12. Therefore, the display unit 12 has a function of detecting a position on the touch panel touched by the user with a finger and transmitting a signal indicating the detection result to the CPU 20.

  As described above, the operation unit 11 and the display unit 12 serve as a user interface for the user to operate the image forming apparatus 1. Note that an application program and a driver for giving a command to the image forming apparatus 1 are installed in the PC 31. Accordingly, the user can remotely operate the image forming apparatus 1 using the PC 31.

The scanner unit 13 photoelectrically reads an image such as a photograph, a character, a picture, or a chart drawn on a document, and generates digital image data (here, density data representing RGB or black density). The image data obtained in this way is used for printing in the printer unit 14. Or TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) or PDF (Portable
The file is converted into a file of a format such as (Document Format) and stored in the data storage unit 23 or transmitted to the PC 31. Alternatively, it is converted into FAX data and transmitted to the FAX terminal 32. The document feeder 17 is provided on the upper part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and is used to sequentially send one or more originals to the scanner unit 13.

  The printer unit 14 prints an image read by the scanner unit 13, an image of image data transmitted from the PC 31, or an image of FAX data transmitted from the FAX terminal 32 on a recording sheet such as paper or film. To do. The paper feeding device 18 is provided in the lower part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and is used for supplying a recording sheet suitable for an image to be printed to the printer unit 14. The recording sheet on which the image is printed by the printer unit 14 is discharged to the tray 19.

  The communication interface 16 includes a receiving unit 161, a transmitting unit 162, and the like, and is a device for exchanging data with the PC 31 and the FAX terminal 32. As the communication interface 16, a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, a TA (Terminal Adapter), or the like is used. The data storage unit 23 includes a hard disk 23H, a card reader / writer 23R, and the like. The card reader / writer 23R reads data from a memory card 91 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) or smart media, or writes data to the memory card 91. The memory card 91 is mainly used for exchanging data with the PC 31 without using the communication line 4 or for backing up data.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a personal box 5 which is a storage area for storing data as a file 6 is allocated to the hard disk 23H for each user. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents stored in the hard disk 23 </ b> H such as the personal box 5.

  The personal box 5 corresponds to a “directory” or “folder” in a PC or a workstation. Hereinafter, the personal box 5 is simply referred to as “box 5”. The box 5 is associated with a box name for identifying the other box 5. In the present embodiment, the user name of the user who is the user of the box is used as the box name. The user can save the file 6 in the box 5 by transferring the file from the PC 31. In addition, the file 6 can be stored in the box 5 in the following cases.

  For example, when the user gives an instruction to copy a document set in the document feeder 17, the image forming apparatus 1 converts the image data of the image read from the document into a file 6, and the user's Save in box 5. Alternatively, even when an instruction to send image data of an original document set in the document feeder 17 to the PC 31 is made, the image data of the read image is converted into a file 6 and stored in the user's box 5. save. When an instruction to print (network printing) a document is issued from the user's PC 31, the image data of the document transmitted from the PC 31 is stored as a file 6 in the user's box 5. When FAX data is transmitted from the FAX terminal 32, the FAX data is stored as a file 6 in the user's box 5 as a recipient. When an instruction to send an image of a document set on the document feeder 17 to the FAX terminal 32 is given, the read image data of the image is converted into a file 6 and stored in the user's box 5. .

  As shown in FIG. 5, the file 6 stored in the box 5 includes attribute information 6a and actual image data 6b. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the file 6. The attribute information 6a indicates an attribute for the file 6. The real image data 6b is data of contents (images, texts, charts, etc.) of each page constituting the document related to the file 6.

  “File name” in the attribute information 6 a is identification information for identifying the file 6 from other files 6 stored in the same box 5. Therefore, a plurality of files 6 having the same file name cannot be stored in the same box 5, but can be stored in separate boxes 5. The “file attribute” is information for classifying the contents of the document (document) related to the file 6, and includes a general document and a confidential document that cannot be accessed unless a password is input.

  “Job attribute” indicates what processing the file 6 is for executing. That is, the value of the job attribute is determined by what instruction is given by the user and how the file 6 is stored (saved) in the box 5.

  In the example of FIG. 5, the job attribute indicates a value of “copy”. This is because the file 6 is a file for copying a document, is generated by converting the image data of the image read from the document in accordance with a copy command from the user, and is stored in the box 5. means.

  In addition, the job attribute may indicate values such as “scan”, “print”, “FAX transmission”, and “FAX reception”. The “scan” is a file for transmitting the image of the scanned document to the PC 31, and the “scan” is generated by converting the image data of the image read from the document according to a scan command from the user. , Stored in box 5.

  “Print” means that the file 6 is a file for printing an image of a document prepared on the PC 31, acquired from the PC 31 in accordance with a print command by the user, and stored in the box 5.

  “FAX transmission” is a file in which the file 6 is a file for transmitting a scanned document image to the FAX terminal 32, and the image data of the image read from the document in accordance with a FAX transmission command by the user is in a FAX format. It is generated by converting to a file and stored in box 5.

  “FAX reception” is a file for printing an image transmitted from the FAX terminal 32 as the file 6, and is generated by converting the received FAX data of the image into a box 5. Means that

  The “job mode” of the attribute information 6a indicates under what conditions the process indicated by the “job attribute” should be executed. In the example of FIG. 5, the copy processing should be executed under the condition that the finish of the recording sheet on which the image is printed is “staple present”, the printing on the recording sheet is “single-sided printing”, and the magnification is “same size”. It means that. In addition, as the “job mode”, various conditions such as color / monochrome printing, density, punch hole finishing, number of copies, and transmission destination can be set.

  “Image page information” of the attribute information 6a indicates the attribute of the actual image data 6b. For example, attributes relating to the print size and color of the page related to the actual image data 6b are shown. The job attribute and job mode of the file 6 that has just been transferred from the PC 31 and the file 6 that has been copied from the memory card 91 are not set with the above values.

Furthermore, the user information database DB1 and the job history database DB2 are stored in the hard disk 23H (see FIG. 4).
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the user information database DB1.
The user information database DB1 stores information about users who use the image forming apparatus 1. “User name” is identification information for identifying each user. This user name is used when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 1. “Password” is information for user authentication when the user logs in.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the job history database DB2.
As shown in FIG. 7, the job history database DB2 stores information related to processes (jobs) executed normally by the image forming apparatus 1 and processes that could not be executed normally (abnormally terminated). “User name” indicates the user name of the user who registered the job (that is, commanded to execute the process). However, in the case of FAX reception processing, the user name of the user who is the recipient is shown.

  “Used file” and “file attribute” indicate the file name and file attribute of the file 6 related to the data used in the processing, respectively. “Job type” indicates the type of job. “Completion date and time” indicates the date and time when the execution of the process is completed. “Result” indicates whether the execution of the process has been completed normally or abnormally.

  When the preview display is automatically performed according to the state, first, when inputting an image, the image data read by the CPU 20 via the scanner unit 13, the data transmitted from the PC 31, or the data received from the FAX is stored in a box. Before being performed, the data is temporarily stored in the RAM 21 and displayed on the display unit 12. In addition, when outputting an image, the data taken out from the box is temporarily stored in the RAM 21 before being printed, transmitted to the PC 31 via the network, or converted into FAX data and transmitted by FAX. It is displayed on the display unit 12.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the ROM 22 realizes basic functions of the image forming apparatus 1 such as image reading (scanning), document copying (copying), FAX data transmission / reception, network printing, and a document server (box function). A program and data are stored. In addition, a program for realizing each function such as the job generation unit 101, the job execution control unit 102, the user authentication unit 103, the file storage processing unit 104, the job list generation unit 105, and the related box determination unit 106 shown in FIG. Data is stored. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. Some or all of these programs or data may be installed in the data storage unit 23. In this case, the program or data installed in the data storage unit 23 is loaded into the RAM 21 as necessary. Alternatively, some or all of these functions may be realized by a processor (circuit).

  The RAM 21 temporarily stores data transmitted from the PC 31 or FAX terminal 32, data for transmission to the PC 31 or FAX terminal 32, data generated by the scanner unit 13, and the like. As the RAM 21, a nonvolatile rewritable memory may be used.

  The RAM 21 stores an active job database DB3. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the active job database DB3. As shown in the figure, the active job database DB3 stores information related to processing (jobs) waiting to be executed. That is, it can be said that the active job database DB3 is information indicating a queue (queue). As a general rule, jobs are executed in order from the job in the upper row.

  “User name” indicates the user name of the user who requested the job. “Job type” indicates the type of the job. “Job status” indicates the current status of the job. The value “˜wait” is stored in the “job status” of a job that can be executed as soon as the turn is reached. The value “held” is stored in the “job status” of the job that temporarily holds the execution of the process. In this case, even if the turn comes to this job, it will be skipped until the hold is released.

The CPU 20 executes a program stored in the ROM 22 or a program loaded in the RAM 21 and controls the entire image forming apparatus 1.
Next, functions and processing contents of each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 8 will be described. The job generation unit 101 generates information registered in the active job database DB 3 when a job execution is instructed via a user interface (the operation unit 11, the display unit 12, etc.). The image data obtained by the scanning process, the data transmitted from the PC 31, or the FAX data transmitted from the FAX terminal 32 are converted into a file, and processing for generating the file 6 is performed. The file storage processing unit 104 stores the generated file 6 in a predetermined box 5.

  The job execution control unit 102 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 so that the job is executed according to the queue of the active job database DB3 in FIG. The user authentication unit 103 performs user authentication of a user who is to cause the image forming apparatus 1 to execute predetermined processing. The job list generation unit 105 generates a list of predetermined jobs. The related box determination unit 106 determines the box 5 related to the job designated by the user.

  Hereinafter, functions and processing contents from the job generation unit 101 to the related box determination unit 106 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the initial menu screen HG1. A program for realizing the processing of each flowchart is stored in the ROM 22, the hard disk 23H, or the like, and each operation of the flowchart is executed by the CPU 20 controlling each part of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the program. .

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10, the display unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 1 displays an initial menu screen HG1 as shown in FIG. 11 when no one is directly changing the image forming apparatus 1. (S101). The user who is going to cause the image forming apparatus 1 to execute processing from the button corresponding to the desired processing from the initial menu screen HG1 shown in FIG. 11, that is, the “copy” button 201 to “FAX transmission” button 205. Press any one to select. Note that any one of the “save” button 203 and the “read” 204 can be pressed while any of these buttons is on.

  Neither the “Save” button 203 nor the “Read” button 204 is turned on, and the other buttons, that is, the “Copy” button 201, the “Scanner” button 202, or the “FAX transmission” button 205 are selected. (S102: NO, S103: NO), when the “OK” button is pressed (S113) after other button processing (S104), image input / output processing (S111), and preview display processing (S112). : YES), the job is executed (S114).

  The series of processes will be described in more detail below. That is, in the other button processing, a screen for designating a processing condition corresponding to the pressed button (hereinafter referred to as a “processing condition designation screen”) is displayed, and the user inputs the conditions. Prompt against. When the condition is input, the job generation unit 101 generates a job for performing the process selected on the initial menu screen HG1 based on the condition, and registers the job in the active job database DB3 (see FIG. 9). The job execution control unit 102 controls each unit so that the job is executed when the turn comes (the other button processing S104). As a result, image input / output processing such as reading of a document is executed (S111), and a preview display is automatically performed according to conditions (S112). Details of the preview display will be described later. As a result of the preview display, when the “OK” button is finally pressed (S113: YES), the subsequent job is continuously executed (S114).

  For example, when the “Copy” button 201 is selected, the number of copies, enlargement / reduction ratio, density, whether to perform color printing, whether to perform double-sided printing, and finishing (whether there are staples, punch holes, etc.) The display unit 12 is controlled so as to display a processing condition designation screen for designating a condition such as. The job generation unit 101 generates a job for copying under the specified content condition and registers it in the active job database DB3. Then, when the job execution order comes, the job execution control unit 102 controls the scanner unit 13 and the like so as to read the image of the original set on the document feeder 17 according to the conditions specified by the user, and the image is displayed. The printer unit 14 is controlled to print on the recording sheet.

  When the “scanner” button 202 is selected, image quality and density at the time of reading, whether or not the original is a double-sided original, a format (TIFF, PDF, etc.) for converting the read image data into a file, and Display the processing condition specification screen for specifying conditions such as the destination of the converted file. Then, as in the case of the above copy, the job is registered in the active job database DB3, and when the order comes, the image of the original set on the document feeder 17 is read according to the conditions specified by the user, and the image file is read. The scanner unit 13 or the like is controlled so as to be generated, and the communication interface 16 is controlled so as to transmit the file to a designated destination. When the “FAX transmission” button 205 is selected, a processing condition designation screen for designating a FAX transmission destination or the like is displayed, and the image data read by the scanner is FAX-transmitted to the designated transmission destination.

  The user can cause the image forming apparatus 1 to execute print processing by remote operation using the PC 31. For example, the user opens an image file to be printed, specifies a printing condition, and inputs a predetermined command. Then, the data for printing the image is transmitted from the PC 31 to the image forming apparatus 1 together with information indicating the printing condition. When these data are received in the image forming apparatus 1, the print processing job is registered in the active job database DB 3 as in the case of the above copy, and when the order comes, the print processing is performed by the printer unit 14 or the like. To run.

  Returning to FIG. 10, when the user selects any one of the “Copy” button 201, the “Scanner” button 202, and the “FAX transmission” button 205 from the initial menu screen HG 1, the “Save” button 203 is selected. When the button is turned on (S102: YES), the process proceeds to a box designation process (S106), and the file storage processing unit 104 creates a file 6 for executing the process corresponding to the selected button. It is generated and stored in box 5 (S108).

Hereinafter, the above processing will be described in more detail.
The RAM 21 is provided with a multi-bit processing flag area to indicate the state and type of processing to be executed. When the “save” button 203 is in the on state, the save flag in the process flag is set to 1 and the save flag is turned on (S105). Then, a box designation process for designating the file name of the file 6 to be saved and the box 5 to be saved is performed (S106). FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the detailed contents of the box designation process.

  In the box designation process, first, a user selection screen HG2A, an example of which is shown in FIG. 13, is displayed on the display unit 12 (S201). Here, the user finds the user selection button BT2 in which his / her user name is written (in the example of the figure, the user name “MORIKAWA” is illustrated as BT2), and selects it by pressing it (see FIG. When registering a new folder, the “new registration” button 213 is pressed). When the selected user selection button BT2 is received (S202), a password input screen HG2B whose example is shown in FIG. 14 is displayed (S203). Here, the user operates the key of the operation unit 11 to input his / her password into the text box TX2B and presses the “OK” button.

  When the input password is received (S204), the user authentication unit 103 is requested to execute user authentication processing. The user authentication unit 103 calls the password of the user selected on the user selection screen HG2A from the user information database DBl (see FIG. 6), and collates the received password with the accepted password, thereby causing the image forming apparatus 1 to Authenticates whether the operating user is the correct user.

  If it is determined that it is correct (S205: YES), the user's login to the image forming apparatus 1 is completed, and a file name input screen HG2C, an example of which is shown in FIG. 15, is displayed (S206). Here, the user decides the file name of the file to be saved, inputs it in the text box TX2C, and presses the “OK” button 212. Thereby, the input file name is accepted (S207). If both passwords do not match and cannot be determined to be the correct user (S205: NO), an error message is displayed to prompt the user to select the user name and enter the password again.

  In this way, the storage location and file name of the file 6 to be stored are designated. That is, the box 5 corresponding to the user name received in step S202 is the storage location of the file 6, and the file name received in step S207 is the file name of the file 6.

When the “return” button 211 in each of the above-described screens of FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 and each screen described later is pressed, the screen of the initial menu screen HG1 is displayed again.
Returning to FIG. 10, the file storage processing unit 104 generates a file 6 for executing the process selected on the initial menu screen HG1, and designates the file 6 with the file name specified in step S207. 5 (S107: YES, S108).

Hereinafter, file generation and storage processing will be described in more detail.
For example, when the “copy” button 201 is selected, a screen for specifying conditions such as the number of copies and file attributes is displayed. Based on the content specified by the user, the image of the document is read. The read document image data is converted into real image data 6b (see FIG. 5) in a predetermined format, and attribute information 6a is generated based on the designated contents. Then, the file 6 is generated by grouping the attribute information 6a and the actual image data 6b.

  When the “scanner” button 202 is selected, a screen for designating conditions such as image quality during scanning and file attributes is displayed. The original image is read based on the specified contents. Then, similarly to the case where the “copy” button 201 is selected, the attribute information 6 a and the actual image data 6 b of the read original image are generated, and these are grouped to generate the file 6. When the “FAX transmission” button 205 is selected, a screen for designating a condition such as a destination telephone number and a file attribute is displayed. Based on the designated contents, the image of the original is read to generate actual image data 6b for FAX transmission. Then, the attribute information 6a and the actual image data 6b are generated, and the file 6 is generated.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the process when the “read” button 204 is turned on will be described (S103: YES). In this case, for example, 1 is set in a read flag provided in the RAM 21 (S109), and a box designation process (S106) substantially the same as when the “save” button 203 is turned on is executed. A file designated by a box designation process can be read, and processes such as “print”, “data transfer”, and “FAX transmission” can be executed.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a user selection screen HG3A corresponding to the user selection screen HG2A in this case. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the password input screen HG3B corresponding to the password input screen HG2B. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a file name input screen HG3C corresponding to the file name input screen HG2C. The job execution control unit 102 takes out the file 6 having the specified file name that is stored in the specified box 5.

Next, the preview process of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing detailed contents of the preview display process (S111) of FIG.
In the preview display process, first, it is determined whether or not the job itself is a preview target (S301). In this process, it is determined whether or not the job is to be previewed with reference to job attributes such as job type. For example, there is a case where it is not necessary to perform the preview display in the first place when a print job from the PC 31 is designated as not requiring a preview. If it is not a preview target (S301: NO), the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 10 without performing the preview display and executes the job (S114).

  In step S302, it is determined whether an image is being input. As a job whose preview is automatically displayed when inputting an image, for example, an image from an external device such as the PC 31 is input, the job for printing the image, the data is read from the personal box 5, and the image is printed. And a job for printing an image input by FAX reception. If an image is being input (S302: YES), it is determined whether or not the job deals with a confidential document by referring to file attributes and the like (S303).

  In a job handling a confidential document (S303: YES), from the viewpoint of security, preview display is not automatically performed at the timing of image input, and the process returns to step S112 in FIG. Here, it is possible to provide a preview button by a user operation by providing a separate preview button or the like.

  If it is not a confidential document (S303: NO), it is determined whether or not the login user is a job registration user (S304). The job registration user is synonymous with the owner name of the job. When the login user and the job registration user are different (S304: NO), the preview display is not automatically performed. In step S305, it is determined whether the current mode is being set. Mode setting means that the operation for setting the mode of various jobs described above is in progress. For example, for copying, various conditions such as color / monochrome printing, density, number of copies, etc. are set. It means being inside. Since it is not preferable from the viewpoint of operability to insert a preview during such a setting operation, preview display is not performed during mode setting, and preview display is performed after completion of mode setting (S305: NO, S306). ). If YES is obtained in S305, the process may return to FIG. 10 so that the preview display is not performed.

  In the preview display (S306), specifically, the user name and file name are extracted from the active job database DB3, and when the input of the page on which image input or the like is currently performed is completed, the display unit 12 automatically. Preview the image. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the preview display screen HG4. After the preview display, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 10, and when the “OK” button 212 is pressed (S113: YES), the job is continuously executed (S114). When the “return” button is pressed (S113: NO), the screen returns to the initial menu screen (S101), and the subsequent processing of the job is not performed. Therefore, as a result of the preview display, the user can determine again whether or not to actually perform FAX transmission or the like, and an erroneous image is prevented from being transmitted.

  When the user finishes using the image forming apparatus, the user performs a predetermined operation to log out from the image forming apparatus. Further, if a state where no operation is performed continues for a predetermined time or longer, the user may be forced to log out.

  If the image is not being input (S302: NO), it is determined whether or not the job is a job for outputting an image (a job for previewing the output image) (S307). For example, the job for performing image output includes a job for transferring image data stored in the box 5 to an external device, a job for outputting an image to a telephone line for FAX transmission, and an image read by a scanner by an external device. There are jobs to be output to. If the job is an image output job (S307: YES), in the present embodiment, it is first determined whether the job corresponds to a distribution job (S308). A distribution job refers to a job for transmitting image data in a box to an external device, for example. Since such a job has an effect of preventing erroneous transmission in particular, it corresponds to a distribution job in this embodiment. In this case (S308: YES), the preview display is automatically performed. However, this determination may be omitted.

  In step S309, it is determined whether the document is a confidential document. If it is a confidential document (S309: YES), the preview display is not automatically performed from the viewpoint of security. In step S310, it is determined whether or not the image source is the login user's personal box. If it is the personal box of the logged-in user (S310: YES), the preview display is not automatically performed because the image data is already known to the logged-in user. Of course, from the viewpoint of preventing erroneous transmission, this determination may be omitted and the preview may be automatically performed.

  In step S311, it is determined whether the transmission destination user of the distribution job matches the login user. If the two match (S311: YES), this is a job that the logged-in user sends to his / her own PC or the like, and because there are few problems of erroneous transmission, the preview display is not automatically performed. In step S312, it is determined whether there is an operation history. Here, the operation history means that the same image has already been previewed and the history remains. When there is an operation history (S312: YES), since the image has already been confirmed, the preview display is not automatically performed. In the present embodiment, when the above plurality of conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S305. If the mode is not set, preview display is automatically executed (S306).

  In the above embodiment, the preview display is automatically performed according to the image input / output state of the image forming apparatus, the job type, the user type, the operation history, etc., but the preview display is automatically performed. The condition for determining whether or not to perform the process is not limited to the above, and a configuration for switching the setting as to whether or not to perform the condition is possible. On the other hand, the setting of the administrator user can be set so that the preview display is always performed, or conversely, the automatic preview display is not always performed.

  The present invention can be applied to, for example, an image processing apparatus having a function of previewing an image.

It is a figure which shows an example of the whole structure of the file sharing system FS. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory content of the hard disk 23H. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a file 6. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of user information database DB1. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of job history database DB2. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of active job database DB3. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the initial menu screen HG1. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed content of box etc. designation | designated processing. It is a figure which shows an example of user selection screen HG2A. It is a figure which shows an example of the password input screen HG2B. It is a figure which shows an example of the file name input screen HG2C. It is a figure which shows an example of the user selection screen HG3A. It is a figure which shows an example of the password input screen HG3B. It is a figure which shows an example of the file name input screen HG3C. It is a flowchart which shows the detailed content of a preview display process. It is a figure which shows an example of the preview display screen HG4.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 4 Communication line 5 Personal box 6 File 11 Operation part 12 Display part 13 Scanner part 14 Printer part 16 Communication interface 161 Reception part 162 Transmission part 17 Document feeder 18 Paper feeder 19 Tray 20 CPU
21 RAM
22 ROM
23 Data storage unit 23H Hard disk drive 23R Card reader / writer 31 Personal computer (PC)
32 FAX terminal 91 Memory card 101 Job generation unit 102 Job execution control unit 103 User authentication unit 104 File storage processing unit 105 Job list generation unit 106 Related box discrimination unit FS File sharing system DB1 User information database DB2 Job history database DB3 Active job database

Claims (7)

Display means;
Preview display control means for previewing the processing target image on the display means,
The preview display control means includes
Whether to automatically perform preview display of the processing target image depending on whether a predetermined condition is satisfied,
The preview display control means includes
A user name corresponding to the processing target image, the target image automatically images processor you and controls so as not to perform preview display when the owner name of the job is equal to handle. Display means;
Preview display control means for previewing the processing target image on the display means,
The preview display control means includes
Whether to automatically perform preview display of the processing target image depending on whether a predetermined condition is satisfied,
The preview display control means includes
If the user logged executes a job for transmitting the images to their device, images processor and controls so as not automatically perform the preview display. Display means;
Preview display control means for previewing the processing target image on the display means,
The preview display control means includes
Whether to automatically perform preview display of the processing target image depending on whether a predetermined condition is satisfied,
The preview display control means includes
Current user is to execute the job of handling image files stored in the user name own images processor you and controls so as not automatically perform the preview display. Display means;
Preview display control means for previewing the processing target image on the display means,
The preview display control means includes
Whether to automatically perform preview display of the processing target image depending on whether a predetermined condition is satisfied,
The preview display control means includes
Once already If there remains history indicating that the displayed preview, automatically images processor you and controls so as not to perform the preview display. The preview display control means includes
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the processing target image has confidentiality, control is performed so that preview display is not automatically performed. The preview display control means includes
Screen displayed on the display means, when a screen for setting conditions of a new job, any one of claim 1, wherein the controller controls so as not automatically perform the preview display 5 An image processing apparatus according to 1. The preview display control means includes
The image processing according to claim 6 , wherein when the screen displayed on the display unit is no longer a screen for setting a new job condition, control is performed so that a preview display is automatically performed. apparatus.

Images