JP4540437B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of recording a history of setting operations related to a process execution environment.

  2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses such as digital multi-function peripherals that temporarily store and process electronic document data in a storage unit in the apparatus are commercialized. The digital multi-function peripheral includes a scanner unit that reads an image of a document and a printer unit that forms an image on paper, and has a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and a print function. Such a digital multi-function peripheral proposes to the user to improve operational efficiency and processing capacity by positioning it on a communication network as a data processing apparatus that efficiently processes data input from a plurality of interfaces. The digital multi-function peripheral is equipped with a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk so that various data can be input and processed in parallel, and multiple data processing requests are accepted. It is possible to process sequentially.

This storage device such as a hard disk is in a state where data is temporarily written and held for processing. After the processing is completed, when new data is input, the already processed data is overwritten and erased, and new data is received. Until new data is written, Data is left in the apparatus as it is, and there is a problem in terms of data protection. On the other hand, in recent years, there has been proposed a method in which the device itself erases the processed data so that the data remains in the device, so that the data is invalidated (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).
JP-A-9-284572

  When the above-described digital multi-function peripheral is first installed at an installation location desired by the purchaser or when the installation location is changed, various settings are performed by an apparatus administrator, a service person, or the like. For example, a clock that outputs time information in the apparatus is adjusted, or a destination of facsimile data is set. In addition, erasure setting and the like are performed according to the confidentiality of data handled in the apparatus.

  As described above, in the digital multi-function peripheral, various setting operations can be accepted in order to cope with various use environments. However, if the setting is forgotten, an incorrect setting is performed, or a malicious operation is performed. There is a problem that there is a possibility that information may be leaked when the setting is changed by a certain third party. For example, an apparatus has been proposed that facilitates an input operation by assigning a shortened key to a facsimile number of a partner in facsimile data transmission settings. In such an apparatus, when there is an error in the correspondence between the shortened key and the facsimile number of the other party, the facsimile data is transmitted to an unscheduled location. In addition, in a device that protects the confidentiality of data by enabling the erase setting, if a malicious third party invalidates the erase setting, data that will not be erased will be accumulated in the device, There is a problem that information leakage may occur.

  JP-A-9-107430 proposes an operation analysis device for an image output device that records a history of input operations and analyzes the operation content. This is an operation to perform general operations such as an operation performed when a user transmits facsimile data and an operation performed to make a copy. In order to improve operability and product quality The operation history is left to get the reference material. Therefore, the operation analysis apparatus for an image output apparatus described in JP-A-9-107430 does not record an operation history from the viewpoint of preventing information leakage. Therefore, for the purpose of preventing information leakage, it is desired to develop an apparatus that can monitor a setting operation related to a processing execution environment.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and monitors a setting operation that leads to leakage of information by accepting a setting related to the execution environment of the process and storing a history of the received setting. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of performing the above.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of operation screens operated in order to accept settings related to an execution environment unique to an apparatus according to an installation location in an image processing apparatus that executes processing based on input image data. The operation unit to be displayed, the system management storage area for storing the settings received by the operation unit, and the setting content and the setting content determined by at least one of the operation screens when the setting is received by the operation unit are confirmed. Storage means having an operation history management area for storing the date and time of operation and the ID of the operation screen as a history, and when executing the processing, the setting contents stored in the system management area of the storage means It is characterized in that image data processing is executed with reference to it.

  In the present invention, since the setting related to the execution environment of the process is received and the history of the received setting is stored, for example, the setting related to the transmission destination of the image data and the necessity of protection of the image data are required. A history of settings related to the execution environment such as settings and time settings is stored.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the setting related to the execution environment includes information to be referred to when executing the processing.

  In the present invention, since the setting relating to the execution environment includes information to be referred to when executing the processing, the information on the transmission destination to be referred to when transmitting the image data, and whether or not the image data needs to be protected. Information, time information, and the like are stored together with the setting history related to the execution environment.

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises means for transmitting the image data to the outside, characterized in that as a setting of the prior SL execution environment are to accept information relating to the destination of the image data.

  In the present invention, since the information related to the transmission destination of the image data is accepted as the setting related to the execution environment, when the setting related to the transmission destination of the image data is performed, the information is transmitted together with the history of the setting operation. The information related to the previous will be stored.

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the includes a means for protecting the confidentiality of image data, are as a set according to the prior SL execution environment receives the necessity of confidentiality protection of the image data And

  In the present invention, since the necessity of protecting the confidentiality of the image data is accepted as the setting relating to the execution environment, the setting relating to the necessity of protecting the confidentiality of the image data is stored as a history. .

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising clock means and accepting correction of date and time information output by the clock means as a setting relating to the execution environment.
In addition, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention corrects, when the operation process at the time of correcting the date and time information is stored as a history in the operation history management area of the storage unit , and then receives a setting related to another execution environment. According to later date and time information, an operation process history for the setting related to the other execution environment is generated.

  In the present invention, the correction of the date / time information output by the clock means is accepted as the setting related to the execution environment, and therefore, it is stored as a history when the date / time information is corrected.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: means for receiving an output request for a history stored in the operation history management area of the storage means; means for receiving user information when the output request is received; And a means for executing user authentication based on the information, and a means for outputting the history when the user is authenticated by the means.

  In the present invention, the user authentication is executed when a history output request is received, and the history is output when the user is authenticated, so that the history is displayed or printed. Requires user authentication.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: means for receiving a deletion request for a history stored in the operation history management area of the storage means; means for receiving user information when the deletion request is received; And a means for executing user authentication based on the information and a means for deleting the history from the storage means when the user is authenticated by the means.

  In the present invention, user authentication is executed when a history deletion request is accepted, and history is deleted when the user is authenticated. Authentication is required.

  According to the present invention, settings relating to the execution environment of the process are accepted and a history of the accepted settings is stored. Therefore, for example, settings relating to the execution environment such as settings relating to the transmission destination of the image data, settings relating to the necessity of protection of the image data, setting of the time, etc. will be stored, and by a malicious third party It is possible to estimate the time when the setting is changed, the time when data is leaked, and the like, and it is possible to take preventive measures to prevent the data from being leaked.

  In the case of the present invention, since the setting related to the execution environment includes information to be referred to when executing the processing, the information on the transmission destination to be referred to when transmitting the image data, and the information on the necessity of protection of the image data , Time information, etc. will be stored along with the setting history related to the execution environment, and it will be possible to estimate when the setting change was made by a malicious third party, when the data was leaked, etc. It is possible to take preventive measures to prevent outflow.

  According to the present invention, information relating to the transmission destination of the image data is accepted as a setting relating to the execution environment. Therefore, when the setting related to the transmission destination of the image data is performed, the information related to the transmission destination is stored together with the history of the setting operation, and when the transmission destination is changed by a malicious third party. This makes it possible to estimate the time when the data is leaked and to take preventive measures for preventing the data from being leaked.

  In the case of the present invention, the necessity of protecting the confidentiality of the image data is accepted as a setting relating to the execution environment. Therefore, the settings related to the necessity of protecting the confidentiality of the image data are stored as a history, and when the data protection function is canceled by a malicious third party, the time when the data is leaked is estimated. And preventive measures can be taken to prevent data leakage.

  In the case of the present invention, correction of the date and time information output by the clock means is accepted as a setting relating to the execution environment. Therefore, it is stored as a history when the date / time information is corrected, and it is possible to prevent falsification of information accompanying the image data by intentionally inputting incorrect date / time information.

  According to the present invention, user authentication is executed when a history output request is received, and the history is output when the user is authenticated. Therefore, user authentication is required to display or print the history, and leakage of information input during the setting operation can be prevented.

  According to the present invention, user authentication is executed when a history deletion request is accepted, and the history is deleted when the user is authenticated. Therefore, user authentication is required to delete the history, and it is possible to prevent concealment of information input during the setting operation.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital multi-function peripheral having a print function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. The digital multi-function peripheral 10 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 11. The CPU 11 loads a control program stored in advance in the ROM 13 onto the RAM 14 and executes the control program, whereby hardware connected via the bus 12 is executed. Are controlled to operate as an image processing apparatus according to the present invention as a whole. In the present embodiment, adjustment of date and time information output from the clock 15, setting of transmission destinations of various data, setting related to necessity of encryption, and the like are received through an operation panel 16 to be described later, and these setting contents are recorded as a history. Is recorded in the apparatus.

Hereinafter, the configuration of various hardware connected to the bus 12 will be described.
The operation panel 16 includes an operation unit 16a that receives an operation by a user and a display unit 16b that displays information to be notified to the user. The operation unit 16a includes various operation keys, numerical keys, and the like for accepting settings such as a function switching operation, the number of output sheets in print processing, scaling in copy processing, and a transmission destination in facsimile transmission processing. The display unit 16b includes a liquid crystal display device, and displays the operation status of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 and the setting values input from the operation unit 16a. Further, a part of the display unit 16b includes a touch panel type software key adapted to accept various selection operations by a user's pressing operation.

  The image reading unit 17 includes a light source that irradiates light to a reading document, an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), an AD converter, and the like (not shown), and is set at a predetermined reading position. An image of the original is imaged 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 communication IF 18 includes an interface for connecting to a network such as a local area network so that an external computer can be connected. The communication IF 18 receives a print job from a connected external computer, and conversely transmits information to be notified. The communication IF 18 controls such transmission / reception of various data.

  The facsimile modem 19 is provided with a line termination circuit for connecting an external facsimile apparatus, so that facsimile data can be transmitted / received via a public telephone line network. Therefore, the facsimile modem 19 includes a decoding circuit for decoding received facsimile data and an encoding circuit for encoding facsimile data to be transmitted. The facsimile modem 19 executes such facsimile data transmission / reception, encoding processing and decoding processing.

  The image memory 20 is composed of a semiconductor memory, and temporarily stores image data generated by reading an image of a document by the image reading unit 17, image data developed from a print job, and image data developed from facsimile data. Remember. The image data temporarily stored in the image memory 20 is transferred to a transfer destination according to the purpose of use according to an instruction from the CPU 11. That is, it is transferred to the image forming unit 21 when an image is formed on paper, transferred to the facsimile modem 19 when transmitted as facsimile data, and transferred to the HDD 23 when stored using the filing function. The

  The image forming unit 21 forms an image on a sheet based on the image data transferred from the image memory 20. Therefore, the image forming unit 21 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 encryption / decryption processing unit 22 encrypts data stored in the HDD 23 and decrypts data read from the HDD 23. Therefore, the encryption / decryption processing unit 22 includes an input buffer for inputting data to be encrypted or decrypted, an arithmetic unit for performing arithmetic processing including a predetermined encryption algorithm on the data set in the input buffer, It is composed of an output buffer or the like that holds the result of operation by the device. Data to be encrypted or data to be decrypted is input to the input buffer, the input data set in the input buffer is extracted, the arithmetic unit performs arithmetic processing, and when the arithmetic processing is completed, the arithmetic result is output to the output buffer. Write to. The CPU 11 acquires the data encrypted by the encryption / decryption processing unit 22 or the decrypted data by taking out the data for which the computation has been completed from the output buffer.

  The HDD 23 is a hard disk device having a disk-shaped magnetic recording medium, and a part of the storage area is used as a data area for storing image data and the like. When a request is received through the operation panel 16 or when a request from an external computer is received via the communication IF 18, the image data stored in the data area is read out. Therefore, when it is necessary to re-execute the print process due to a failure of the print process or an insufficient number of output copies, it is possible to arbitrarily read the image data stored in the data area and execute the print process.

  This data area is divided into a work area 23a and a filing area 23b, and the capacity of the work area 23a is set smaller than that of the filing area 23b. For this reason, the work area 23a is mainly used as an area for temporarily holding data during work. When the free space of the work area 23a decreases, data that has been stored for a certain period of time after being stored in the work area 23a is used. It is automatically stored in the filing area 23b. On the other hand, the filing area 23b is an area for storing data organized by data file format, processing mode such as printer function, scanner function, copy function, facsimile function, or folder created by the user. As long as there is no instruction such as erasure, the data is stored.

  The management unit 24 is configured by a non-volatile semiconductor memory, and a part of the storage area includes a system management area 24a for storing information related to the state of the apparatus, various settings received through the operation panel 16, and the like. It is used as an operation history management area 24b for storing setting history.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the operation panel 16. The operation panel 16 includes an operation unit 16a that includes various hardware keys and a display unit 16b that includes a liquid crystal display and a touch panel. The hardware keys provided in the operation unit 16a include a numeric keypad for inputting numerical values, a clear key for clearing various input setting values when input, and an all key for canceling all input various setting values. In addition to a release key, a start key for instructing start of copying, etc., a user setting key 16u for receiving various settings by the user, function switching keys 16p, 16s, 16c for receiving processing by the print function, image transmission function, and copy function And a job status confirmation key 16j for confirming the execution status of various jobs.

  Hereinafter, operations for accepting various settings will be described with reference to screen examples displayed on the display unit 16b of the operation panel 16. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when the user setting key 16 u is pressed on the operation panel 16. Various buttons 101 to 106 configured as software keys are arranged on the user setting screen 100 shown in FIG. When these buttons 101 to 106 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 You can register for the other party. When the end button 100a arranged in the upper area of the user setting screen 100 is pressed, the user setting screen 100 is closed, and an easy initial screen is displayed on the display unit 16b.

  A key operator program button 107 is arranged in the lower area of the user setting screen 100. When the key operator program button 107 is pressed, it can be set only by the confirmed administrator after confirming that the operation is performed by a specific user such as an apparatus administrator (hereinafter simply referred to as an administrator). Display items. Items set by the administrator will be described later.

  In the present embodiment, the contents of various settings performed through the operation panel 16 are recorded as a history in the operation history management area 24b. However, in order to clarify the operation contents, the displayed setting screen is displayed. Information that can be distinguished is recorded together with setting contents. Therefore, a unique screen ID is assigned to each setting screen. For example, “P100” is assigned as the screen ID to the user setting screen shown in FIG. The screen ID does not necessarily have to be displayed on the display unit 16b, and may be internal information stored in the system management area 24a, for example.

  Hereinafter, an example of setting contents received on the user setting screen 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a setting screen for adjusting date / time information. When the button 104 is pressed on the user setting screen 100, a date / time setting screen 140 is displayed on the display unit 16 b of the operation panel 16 instead of the user setting screen 100.

  On the date / time setting screen 140, a button group 140a provided corresponding to each of the year, month, day and hour, a decrement button 140b for decrementing the value corresponding to the button selected from the button group 140a one by one, and vice versa. An increment button 140c for incrementing by 1 and a date format setting button 104d for setting a date and time format are arranged. When the confirm button 140e is pressed, the value set on the date / time setting screen 140 is confirmed. The determined set value is set as time information of the clock 15, and the date and time are adjusted. The date / time setting screen 140 is assigned “P140” as the screen ID.

  5 and 6 are schematic views showing examples of screens for registering the other party. When the button 106 is pressed on the user setting screen 100, a partner registration screen 160 is displayed on the display unit 16b instead of the user setting screen 100 (see FIG. 5A). On the other party registration screen 160, an address setting button 160a for setting the communication address of the other party, a user index setting button 160b for creating or modifying an address index, and an e-mail (E-MAIL) sender A source setting button 160c for setting such information is arranged. When the buttons 160a to 160c are pressed, the operation content on the partner registration screen 160 is confirmed. In addition, when the end button 160d arranged at the top of the screen is pressed, a process for returning to the user setting screen 100 described above is performed. It should be noted that “P160” is assigned to the destination registration screen 160 as a screen ID.

  When the address setting button 160a is pressed on the partner registration screen 160, a registration content setting screen 161 is displayed on the display unit 16b instead of the partner registration screen 160 (see FIG. 5B). The registration content setting screen 161 includes a key assignment button 161a for assigning a shortened key (one-touch key) to the communication address of the other party, a grouping button 161b for grouping communication addresses, and correction or cancellation of the registration content. A correction / cancellation button 161c for performing the above is arranged. When the buttons 161a to 161c are pressed, the operation content on the registration content setting screen 161 is confirmed, and when the end button 161d arranged at the top of the screen is pressed, the above-mentioned partner registration screen 160 is returned to. Processing is performed. Note that “P161” is assigned as the screen ID to the registration content setting screen 161.

  When the key assignment button 161a is pressed on the registered content setting screen 161, an address setting screen 162 is displayed on the display unit 16b instead of the registered content setting screen 161 (see FIG. 5C). On this address setting screen 162, an item button group 162a for setting each item of “partner name”, “search character”, “index”, “address”, “key name”, and “format” is arranged. ing.

  When the item button arranged in the item button group 162a is pressed, the character input screen 163 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 16b. On the character input screen 163, 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. ing. 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 163a and a confirm button 163b are arranged at the top of the screen. When the cancel button 163a is pressed, a process for returning to the address setting screen 162 is performed without confirming the characters input on this screen. When the confirm button 163b is pressed, the characters input on this screen Is determined and the process returns to the address setting screen 162 is performed. The character input screen 163 is assigned “P163” as the screen ID.

  The character (or character string) determined on the character input screen 163 is displayed on the right side of the corresponding item button on the address setting screen 162. Further, an additional registration button 162b and a confirmation button 162c are arranged on the upper part of the address setting screen 162. When the additional registration button 162b is pressed, the setting value on this screen is confirmed, and the address setting screen 162 is displayed again to accept the address setting. When the confirm button 162c is pressed, the setting value on this screen is confirmed and the process for returning to the registration content setting screen 161 described above is performed. The address setting screen 162 is assigned “P162” as the screen ID.

  Hereinafter, setting items by the administrator will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when the key operator program button 107 is pressed on the user setting screen 100. When the key operator program button 107 is pressed, first, as shown in FIG. 7A, a code reception screen 170 for receiving a key operator code (for example, a 5-digit numerical value) is displayed on the display unit 16b. . A code input field 170a is arranged near the center of the code reception screen 170, and when a code is input to the code input field 170a using the numeric keypad of the operation unit 16a, the input code is set in advance. It is determined whether or not the current key operator code matches. When the end button 170b arranged at the top of the screen is pressed, the process for returning to the user setting screen 100 described above is performed.

  When it is determined that the code input in the code input field 170a matches the preset key operator code, a key operator program screen 200 as shown in FIG. 7B is displayed on the display unit 16b. Various setting buttons 201 to 209 are arranged on the key operator program screen 200. By pressing these setting buttons 201 to 209, department management setting, energy saving setting, operation setting, device setting, system management setting, copy setting, image transmission setting, list / report output, key operator code Can be changed. In other words, items on which only the person (administrator) to whom the key operator code is assigned in advance can change the setting are displayed on the key operator program screen 200. When any of the setting buttons (201 to 209) is pressed, the operation content on this screen is confirmed. In addition, when the end button 200a arranged at the top of the screen is pressed, a process for returning to the user setting screen 100 is performed. Note that “P170” and “P200” are assigned to the code reception screen 170 and the key operator program screen 200 as screen IDs, respectively.

  Hereinafter, an example of setting contents received on the key operator program screen 200 will be described. 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams showing examples of setting screens for performing device setting and security setting. When the setting button 204 is pressed on the key operator program screen 200, a device setting screen 240 is displayed on the display unit 16b instead of the key operator program screen 200 (see FIG. 8A).

  In the device setting screen 240, in addition to setting the document detection device, it is possible to set whether to use the duplex function, whether to use the mail bin stacker, whether to use the document feeder, and whether to use the paper feed desk. Yes. In addition, a security setting button 240a is arranged at the bottom of the screen so that detailed settings related to security can be performed in addition to the above settings. When the end button 240b arranged at the top of the screen is pressed, a process for returning to the key operator program screen 200 is performed.

  When the security setting button 240a is pressed on the device setting screen 240, a series of security setting screens 241 to 244 as shown in FIGS. 8B to 9E are displayed. In the security setting screen 241 shown in FIG. 8B, the data area erasure setting in the HDD 23, the number of times of erasure, and the automatic erasure setting at power-on can be performed. When the switching button 241d arranged on the right side of the screen is pressed, the next security setting screen 242 is displayed. When the end button 241e is pressed, a process for returning to the device setting screen 240 is performed.

  On the security setting screen 242 shown in FIG. 8C, it is possible to set the number of automatic erasures when the power is turned on, the number of automatic erasures after completion of each job, and the prohibition setting of the document filing function. When the switching button 242u arranged on the right side of the screen is pressed, the previous security setting screen 241 is displayed. When the switching button 242d is pressed, the next security setting screen 243 is displayed. When the end button 242e is pressed, a process for returning to the device setting screen 240 is performed.

  In the security setting screen 243 shown in FIG. 9D, setting of prohibition of printing of the destination registration list, prohibition of print job other than hold, setting of prohibition of printing of the data list, and setting of prohibition of printing of the list / report are performed. I can do it. When the switch button 243u arranged on the right side of the screen is pressed, the previous security setting screen 242 is displayed. When the switch button 243d is pressed, the next security setting screen 244 is displayed. When the end button 243e is pressed, a process for returning to the device setting screen 240 is performed.

  In the security setting screen 244 shown in FIG. 9 (e), it is possible to select whether or not to preferentially perform processing relating to security protection. When the switching button 244u arranged on the right side of the screen is pressed, the previous security setting screen 243 is displayed. When the end button 244e is pressed, a process for returning to the device setting screen 240 is performed. Note that “P240” is assigned to the device setting screen 240 as a screen ID, and “P241” to “P244” are assigned to the security setting screens 241 to 244 as screen IDs, respectively.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a setting screen for performing system management. When the setting button 205 is pressed on the key operator program screen 200 shown in FIG. 7, a system management setting screen 250 is displayed on the display unit 16b instead of the key operator program screen 200 (see FIG. 10A). .

  Various setting buttons 250a to 250d are arranged on the system management setting screen 250 so that basic settings relating to system management, settings relating to a communication network, settings relating to an interface, and saving and recalling of setting contents can be performed. Further, when the end button 250e arranged at the top of the screen is pressed, a process for returning to the key operator program screen 200 is performed. In this system management setting screen 250, “P250” is assigned as a screen ID.

  When the setting button 250b is pressed on the system management setting screen 250, a network setting screen 251 for performing settings related to the communication network is displayed on the display unit 16b (see FIG. 10B). On the network setting screen 251, a setting button 251a for performing settings relating to the Internet protocol is arranged. When the end button 251b arranged at the top of the screen is pressed, processing for returning to the system management setting screen 250 described above is performed. The network setting screen 251 is assigned “P251” as the screen ID.

  When the setting button 251a arranged on the network setting screen 251 is pressed, an IP address setting screen 252 for setting an IP address or the like is displayed (see FIG. 10C). On this IP address setting screen 252, a button group 252a for setting its own IP address, IP netmask, and IP gateway is arranged. An IP address or the like is set by selecting a button arranged in the button group 252a and inputting a numerical value using the numeric keypad of the operation unit 16a. When the confirm button 252b arranged at the top of the screen is pressed, the IP address, IP netmask, and IP gateway set on this screen are confirmed, and processing for returning the screen to the network setting screen described above is performed. . The IP address setting screen 252 is assigned “P252” as the screen ID.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting a change of the key operator code. When the setting button 209 is pressed on the key operator program screen 200 shown in FIG. 7, the code change screen 290 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display unit 16b instead of the key operator program screen 200. On the code change screen 290, an input field 290a for inputting a new key operator code is arranged. The administrator inputs a new key operator code using the numeric keypad of the operation unit 16a. A confirmation button 290b is arranged at the top of the screen. When the confirmation button 290b is pressed, the input key operator code is confirmed and processing for returning to the key operator program screen 200 is performed. The code change screen 290 is assigned “P290” as the screen ID.

  As described above, by accepting various settings through various setting screens (see FIGS. 3 to 11) displayed on the display unit 16 b of the operation panel 16, it is possible to construct a use environment according to the installation location. . At this time, the digital multifunction peripheral 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to leave a history regarding the setting contents. Specifically, an operation history management table as will be described later is created in the operation history management area 24b in the management unit 24, and the screen ID of the setting screen displayed at the time of the setting operation and the setting contents received on the setting screen Is registered in association with the date.

  FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of history registration contents by the operation history management table. The example shown in FIG. 12 shows the history recorded when the date and time are set through the date / time setting screen 140 shown in FIG. When setting the date and time, first, the user presses the button 104 on the user setting screen 100. At this time, one record is registered in the operation history management table. That is, the date and time when the button 104 is pressed, the screen ID of the user setting screen 100 (= P100), and the operation content (the pressing operation of the date / time setting button) are registered.

  Next, when the date and time are set on the date / time setting screen 140 and the confirm button 140e is pressed, the next record is registered in the operation history management table. That is, the date and time when the confirm button 140e is pressed, the screen ID of the date / time setting screen 140 (= P140), and the setting value on that screen (July 08, 2004, 13:06) are registered.

  When the confirm button 140 e is pressed on the date / time setting screen 140, the screen returns to the user setting screen 100. When the end button 100a is pressed on the user setting screen 100 to end the setting, the next record is registered in the operation history management table. That is, the date and time when the end button 100a is pressed, the screen ID of the user setting screen 100 (= P100), and the operation content (end) are registered.

  FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of the history registration contents by the operation history management table. The example shown in FIG. 13 shows the history recorded when the key operator code is changed through the code change screen 290 shown in FIG. In order to change the key operator code, it is necessary to input the administrator's key operator code on the code reception screen 170 and call the key operator program screen 200. Then, the code change screen 290 is called from the key operator program screen 200 to input a new key operator code. Therefore, in the operation history management table, a new key operator code (from the code change screen 290 (screen ID = P290) to the effect that the key operator code (= 99999) has been input from the code reception screen 170 (screen ID = P170). = 12345) is registered.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing executed by the digital multi-function peripheral 10. First, the CPU 11 of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 determines whether or not the user setting key 16u on the operation panel 16 has been pressed (step S11). When it is determined that the user setting key 16u is not pressed (S11: NO), the process waits until the user setting key 16u is pressed.

  When determining that the user setting key 16u has been pressed (S11: YES), the CPU 11 displays the user setting screen 100 as shown in FIG. 3 on the display unit 16b (step S12). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the setting screen has been switched by pressing various buttons (step S13). When it is determined that the setting screen has not been switched (S13: NO), the process waits until the setting screen is switched.

  When it is determined that the setting screen has been switched (S13: YES), the CPU 11 displays the corresponding setting screen on the display unit 16b (step S14). Then, the CPU 11 registers the fact that the setting screen has been switched in association with the date and time and the screen ID in the operation history management table (step S15).

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the setting value is confirmed on the switched setting screen (step S16). If it is determined that the set value has not been determined (S16: NO), the CPU 11 returns the process to step S13. If it is determined that the set value is confirmed (S16: YES), the confirmed set value is registered in the operation history management table in association with the date and screen ID (step S17).

  Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the setting operation has been completed (step S18). If it is determined that the setting operation has not been completed (S18: NO), the CPU 11 returns the process to step S13. If it is determined that the setting operation has been completed (S18: YES), the processing by this routine is terminated.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure when displaying an operation history. First, the CPU 11 of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 determines whether or not an operation history display request has been received (step S21). In the present embodiment, an operation history display request can be made by performing a predetermined operation on the operation panel 16. If it is determined that an operation history display request has not been received (S21: NO), the process waits until a display request is received.

  If it is determined that an operation history display request has been received through the operation panel 16 (S21: YES), the CPU 11 displays a screen similar to that shown in FIG. 7A on the display unit 16b and requests input of a key operator code ( Step S22). Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not any code has been input in response to the input request for the key operator code (step S23), and if it is determined that the code has not been input (S23: NO), the process proceeds to step S22. Return to.

  If it is determined that some code has been input in response to the input request for the key operator code (S23: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the user associated with the code is an administrator (step). S24). If it is determined that the user is an administrator (S24: YES), the operation history management table is read from the operation history management area 24b and the operation history is displayed on the display unit 16b (step S25). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S24 that the user is not an administrator (S24: NO), the display unit 16b displays that the operation history is prohibited (step S26).

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, the processing procedure when there is a display request for the operation history has been described. However, when a part or all of the operation history is deleted from the operation history management area 24b, the same procedure is used. Authentication is performed, and deletion is permitted.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, the history is left for each setting operation performed on various setting screens. However, the history may be left only when the setting value is changed through the setting screen. Also in the present embodiment, the internal configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 is exactly the same as that of the first embodiment, so that the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing executed by the digital multi-function peripheral 10 in the present embodiment. First, the CPU 11 of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 determines whether or not the user setting key 16u on the operation panel 16 has been pressed (step S31). If it is determined that the user setting key 16u has not been pressed (S31: NO), the process waits until the user setting key 16u is pressed.

  When determining that the user setting key 16u has been pressed (S31: YES), the CPU 11 displays the user setting screen 100 as shown in FIG. 3 on the display unit 16b (step S32). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the setting screen has been switched by pressing various buttons (step S33). When it is determined that the setting screen has not been switched (S33: NO), the process waits until the setting screen is switched.

  When it is determined that the setting screen has been switched (S33: YES), the CPU 11 displays the corresponding setting screen on the display unit 16b (step S34). Then, it is determined whether or not the set value is confirmed on the displayed setting screen (step S35). If it is determined that the set value has not been established (S35: NO), the CPU 11 returns the process to step S33.

  If it is determined that the set value has been determined (S35: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the previous set value has been changed (step S36). The determination as to whether or not the setting value has been changed is made, for example, by determining whether or not a setting value different from the setting value managed in the system management area 24a has been input. If it is determined that the setting value has been changed (S36: YES), the setting value determined in step S35 is registered in the operation history management table in association with the date and time and the screen ID (step S37).

  When registration in the operation history management table is completed, or when it is determined in step S36 that the setting value has not been changed (S36: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether the setting operation has been completed (step S38). ). When determining that the setting operation is not completed (S38: NO), the CPU 11 returns the process to step S33. If it is determined that the setting operation has been completed (S38: YES), the processing by this routine is terminated.

  FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of history registration contents by the operation history management table. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the date and time are set through the date / time setting screen 140 shown in FIG. 4, and the key operator code is changed through the code change screen 290 shown in FIG. The history recorded in is shown. In the present embodiment, operations that do not change the setting value, such as a setting screen switching operation, are not recorded as a history. Therefore, only the second record of the three records shown in FIG. When the key operator code is changed, only the fourth record is registered among the six records shown in FIG.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the external appearance of an operation panel. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen displayed when the user setting key is pressed down on the operation panel. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a setting screen for adjusting date information. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a screen for registering an other party. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a screen for registering an other party. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen displayed when a key operator program button is pressed down on a user setting screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a setting screen for performing a device setting and a security setting. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a setting screen for performing a device setting and a security setting. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a setting screen for performing system management. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a screen for accepting the change of a key operator code. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the registration content of the log | history by an operation log | history management table. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the other example of the registration content of the log | history by the operation log | history management table. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the digital multifunction peripheral. It is a flowchart explaining the process sequence at the time of displaying an operation history. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the digital multi-function peripheral in the present embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the registration content of the log | history by an operation log | history management table.

Explanation of symbols

10 Digital MFP
11 CPU
12 bus 13 ROM
14 RAM
15 Clock 16 Operation Panel 17 Image Reading Unit 18 Communication IF
19 Facsimile Modem 20 Image Memory 21 Image Forming Unit 22 Encryption / Decryption Processing Unit 23 HDD
24 Management Department

Claims (8)

In an image processing apparatus that executes processing based on input image data,
An operation unit that displays a plurality of operation screens that are operated to accept settings relating to an execution environment unique to the apparatus according to the installation location, a system management storage area that stores the settings received by the operation unit, and the operation unit And a storage means having an operation history management area for storing the setting contents determined by at least one of the operation screens when receiving the setting, the date and time when the setting contents are confirmed, and the ID of the operation screen in association with each other. And an image processing apparatus that executes image data processing with reference to setting contents stored in a system management area of the storage means when executing the processing.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting related to the execution environment includes information to be referred to when the processing is executed.   3. The image according to claim 1, further comprising means for transmitting the image data to the outside, wherein information relating to the transmission destination of the image data is accepted as a setting relating to the execution environment. Processing equipment.   3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for protecting confidentiality of the image data, wherein the necessity of protecting confidentiality of the image data is accepted as a setting relating to the execution environment. The image processing apparatus described.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a clock unit configured to accept correction of date and time information output from the clock unit as a setting related to the execution environment. After storing the operation process at the time of correcting the date / time information as a history in the operation history management area of the storage unit , when receiving a setting related to another execution environment, the other execution environment according to the corrected date / time information The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a history of an operation process corresponding to the setting related to is generated. Means for accepting an output request for a history stored in the operation history management area of the storage means, means for accepting user information when the output request is accepted, and user authentication based on the accepted user information The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: means; and means for outputting the history when a user is authenticated by the means. Means for accepting a deletion request for the history stored in the operation history management area of the storage means, means for accepting user information when the deletion request is accepted, and user authentication based on the accepted user information 7. The image processing according to claim 1, further comprising: means and a means for deleting the history from the storage means when a user is authenticated by the means. apparatus.

Images