JP4986583B2 - Image processing apparatus and image processing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing system that search for stored image data.

  Conventionally, as this type of image processing apparatus, a search information added to image data is stored in a search information index, and image data is searched using the search information index in response to a request from a user. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-10-289240 (5th page, FIG. 1)

  However, according to the above-described conventional apparatus, when image data is searched, highly confidential image data is also searched and displayed as a result, and the image data is subjected to image processing, for example, printing. There was a security problem that a leak would occur. An object of the present invention is to solve these problems and provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing system capable of preventing confidential image data from being searched and leaking information.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes:
An image information storage section for storing one or more image information, and research and prohibited words storage unit for storing prohibited words, whether or not include the forbidden word in the image information, the contains prohibited words a first stored image information tone査部selecting the first image information does not, the phrase extracted from the first image information, the search index is a list showing the correspondence between the image information including the phrase An index creation unit to be created and stored, an input / output unit which is a user interface with the user, and the prohibited words stored in the prohibited word storage unit are presented to the user in a selectable format, and the user A prohibited phrase change unit that changes the prohibited phrase stored in the prohibited phrase storage unit by the prohibited phrase selected by
The first accumulated image information investigation unit is configured to switch from the image information storage unit when the prohibited word change unit changes the prohibited word phrase to the prohibited word storage unit via the input / output unit. reselects the first image information, the index creation unit is characterized by creating the search index from the said first image information.

  An image processing system according to the present invention includes the image processing apparatus, a transmission / reception unit provided in the image processing apparatus and connected to a network, and an information processing apparatus connected to the network.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent image information having confidentiality stored in the apparatus from being searched and leaking information.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the image processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system according to the first embodiment includes an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100 and an information processing apparatus as an image processing apparatus connected to a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) network 1. As a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) 2. Note that the MFP 100 is shown in FIG. 1 in a form divided into blocks for each processing content.

  The MFP 100 is a device that has a user interface and performs creation of image data as image information, reception of image data transmitted from the outside, output processing of image data, storage of image data, search of image data, and the like. The image data is, for example, image data in a page unit, and is image data such as TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) or PDL (Page Description Language) data such as PostScript. Here, the personal computer 2 is an apparatus that communicates with the MFP 100 via the network 1 to request the MFP 100 to process image data and to instruct the MFP 100 to search for image data.

  The MFP 100 includes a transmission / reception unit 11 serving as an interface with the network 1, an operation panel 12 serving as an input / output unit serving as a user interface, a scan data input unit 13 that controls the scanner to receive image data, and transmission / reception of fax data. Fax data transmitting / receiving unit 14, printing unit 15 for printing image data, image data receiving unit 22 for receiving image data, image data storage unit 23 as an image information storage unit for storing received image data, image data An index creation unit 25 that creates a search index 20 for full-text search and saves it, an index creation request unit 21 that creates a search index 20, and a prohibited phrase that should not be included in the search index 20 are stored. Prohibited phrase storage unit 19, prohibited phrase An image for investigating whether or not prohibited words are included in the image data, forbidden word / phrase registration / deleting section 16 as a prohibited word / phrase adding section and a prohibited word / phrase deleting section for adding and deleting prohibited words stored in the storage section 19 A data search unit 24, a search execution unit 17 that performs a search in response to a request from a user based on the search index 20, and a search result notification unit 18 that notifies a search result output by the search execution unit are provided.

  The operation panel 12 is mounted on the MFP 100 and includes a display unit and an input unit (not shown), and serves as a user interface with the user. A display part is comprised from a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescent display, etc., and displays information. The input unit includes, for example, a touch panel configured integrally with the display unit and a mechanical key arranged around the display unit, and is used by the user to input various instructions. Here, the display unit of the operation panel 12 has been described as being configured as a touch panel. However, if a mechanical key that allows the user to perform input without excess or shortage is configured, the display unit of the operation panel 12 may be configured as a touch panel. It does not have to be.

  The scan data input unit 13 controls an image scanner unit (not shown) to read a sheet set in the image scanner unit to create image data, and transmits the created image data to the image data receiving unit 22.

  The fax data transmitting / receiving unit 14 is connected to a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone) (not shown), and transmits and receives a fax. Fax data to be transmitted is generated as image data from the image data storage unit 23 and encoded according to the FAX standard. The received fax data is decoded according to the FAX standard, converted into image data, and passed to the image data receiving unit 22.

  For example, when the printing unit 15 is configured by an electrophotographic printer, the image data transmitted from the network 1 through the transmission / reception unit 11, the image data transmitted from the scan data input unit 13 or the fax data transmission / reception unit 14, and image data The image data stored in the storage unit 23 is input, an electrostatic latent image of the input image data is formed on the photosensitive drum, and the toner formed on the electrostatic latent image is copied onto a recording sheet and fixed. To print.

  The image data receiving unit 22 receives image data sent from the transmission / reception unit 11, the scan data input unit 13, the fax data transmission / reception unit 14, and the image data storage unit 23, and receives the image data storage unit 23, the printing unit 15, and fax data transmission / reception. To the unit 14. The received image data may be transmitted to a plurality of modules (for example, the printing unit 15 and the image data storage unit 23). The module to which the image data is transmitted depends on the information added to the image data as described below.

In addition to the received image data, that is, PDL data and image data as the image data body, the following additional information,
The file name on the personal computer 2 from which the image data is created (for example, Aaa.prn)
-Image data creation application name (for example, Win-Word)
Image data creation date and time (for example, 06/01/01)
-Image data creator (eg, ZZZ)
-Image data creation device information (for example, OS Version and Host name)
Image data processing method (to which module the image data receiving unit 22 transmits image data (for example, the printing unit 15) is described)
Whether or not to store image data in the image data storage unit 23. Information on operations permitted when reusing the image data. Expiration date of the image data (after this time limit, the image data is stored in the image data storage unit 23. Image data is deleted or cannot be reused)
-Image data reuse count-Image data resolution-Whether to allow search-Comments etc. are added to the specified area.

  Note that even when additional information is added to the image data, it will be simply referred to as image data, but it will be clarified that the additional information is added as necessary.

  Such additional information is added by the device that created the image data. When the image data is created by the personal computer 2, for example, the printer driver adds the above information to the image data or calls the image data from the operation panel 12 of the MFP 100 and sets it. When an image is created on the MFP 100, the user of the MFP 100 adds the above information using the operation panel 12 or adds the above information from the personal computer 2. Although not shown, an interface for connecting an external device such as a USB interface or IEEE1394 to the MFP 100 is added, and image data stored in the external device is captured, or image data stored in the image data storage unit 23 Can be stored in an external device.

  The image data storage unit 23 is configured by a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk, for example, and stores the image data received from the image data receiving unit 22. If necessary, the accumulated image data is transmitted to the image data receiving unit 22, the image data examining unit 24, and the index creating unit 25. When the image data is stored in the image data storage unit 23, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the image data is provided to the creator of the stored image data. The user of the MFP 100 can use the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 to access the stored image data based on this URL, and call up and reuse the stored image information.

  That is, the user can re-use the image data by giving an instruction such as printing or FAX transmission to the called image data. Further, the image data can be transmitted as an attached file attached to the E-mail, or further transmitted to another MFP (not shown) on the network 1.

  Here, when the image data is transmitted by FAX transmission, E-mail transmission, or another MFP, it is necessary to input a destination. This destination is input from the operation panel 12 or the personal computer 2. When image data generated from the received fax data is stored in the image data storage unit 23, the URL of the image data is transmitted to the administrator personal computer (not shown) of the MFP 100. Further, when the user of the MFP 100 registers the fax transmission destination telephone number in the MFP 100, when the fax arrives from the registered telephone number, the image data generated from the received fax data is stored. The URL is transmitted to the user personal computer (for example, personal computer 2) of MFP 100.

The image data storage unit 23 holds a list of stored image data and a list of image data that has not yet been indexed by the image data examining unit 24 (unindexed). FIG. 2 shows an example of a list (by file name) of image data stored in the image data storage unit 23. The list in FIG. 2 is sequentially updated by the image data storage unit 23 when image data is stored in the image data storage unit 23 or deleted. On the other hand, FIG. 3 shows an example of a list (by file name) of unprocessed image data stored in the image data storage unit 23 . Also the list of FIG. 3, when the image data investigation unit 24 has performed the indexing process of the image data included in the list of FIG. 2, the image data information (file name) is deleted.

  The search index 20 is a search list in which words included in the image data stored in the image data storage unit 23 are associated with the image data, and is stored in a memory (not shown) of the index creation unit 25, for example. . FIG. 4 shows an example of contents included in the search index 20 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5A, the words registered in the search index 20 and the file names of the image data having the words are stored in association with each other. FIG. 5B shows another example of contents. Here, a file name registered in the search index 20 and a word / phrase included in image data having the file name are stored in association with each other. When compared in terms of search speed, the content example in FIG. In FIG. 4, the phrase is stored in a readable form. However, the phrase is not necessarily readable, and a hash value of the phrase may be stored.

  The image data examining unit 24 investigates whether the prohibited words stored in the prohibited word storage unit 19 are included in the image data. If the prohibited word is not included, the checked image data is transmitted to the index creating unit 25, and information (for example, file name) of the checked image data is added to the search index 20.

  First, the image data investigation unit 24 acquires image data from the image data storage unit 23 based on an instruction from the index creation request unit 21, analyzes the acquired image data, and extracts a character string included in the image data. Here, extraction is first performed from various additional information added to the image data (see paragraph 0018), and then a character string included in the image data is extracted. If the image data is described in PDL such as PostScript, the character string is extracted by analyzing the PDL. On the other hand, if the image data is image data such as TIFF, the image data is subjected to OCR (Optical Character). (Recognition) processing is performed to extract a character string. Note that the character string may be extracted by performing OCR processing on the image data of the image data described in PDL.

  Next, it is investigated whether or not the prohibited word / phrase stored in the prohibited word / phrase storage unit 19 is included in the extracted character string. If not included, the extracted character string, the investigated image data information (for example, a file name), and various additional information added are transmitted to the index creating unit 25.

  The index creating unit 25 analyzes the extracted character string and image data information (for example, file name) received from the image data examining unit 24 and creates the search index 20. First, it is investigated from the additional information added to the image data whether the search for the image data is permitted. If permitted, a word is extracted from the character string received from the image data examining unit 24 using a dictionary (not shown), and the extracted word and the file name of the image data are as shown in FIG. Are registered corresponding to the search index 20. Further, although not shown, various additional information added to the image data may be registered in the search index 20 corresponding to the image data to which the additional information is added.

  As described above, when the image data is received, this is analyzed, and the search index 20 is created in advance. By executing the search, the search index 20 is searched to obtain the same result as when the image data is searched. obtain. If the search index 20 is not provided, it is necessary to access the image data and investigate the image data every time the image data is searched, and thus the search cost (time) is required. The index creation unit 25 may analyze the image data and extract a character string from the image data.

The index creation request unit 21 makes a search index 20 creation request at the following timing.
When new image data is stored in the image data storage unit 23. (Execute for added image data)
When image data is deleted from the image data storage unit 23. (Index update)
-When a certain time has elapsed since the search index 20 was created.
When the CPU load on the MFP 100 is low. (Executes unindexed ones)
When the content of the prohibited word storage 19 is changed by the prohibited word registration deletion unit 16. (Reindexing)
When the user of the MFP 100 instructs the creation of the search index 20 using the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12. (Reindexing)
In all of these cases, it is not necessary to create the search index 20. The search index 20 may not be newly created every time, but may be performed for newly received ones.

  The prohibited word / phrase storage unit 19 stores prohibited words / phrases used when the image data examining unit 24 investigates whether or not the image data includes prohibited words / phrases. As described above, since the image data investigation unit 24 does not send information related to the image data to the index creation unit 25 when these prohibited words are included in the image data, the search index 20 includes these prohibited words. The information of the image data that is included is not registered. Therefore, the image data deviates from the search reference data. FIG. 5 shows an example of contents stored in the prohibited phrase storage unit 19 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, here, the phrases “name list”, “customer information”, “confidential”, and “confidential” are registered as prohibited words.

  The prohibited phrase registration / deletion unit 16 registers and deletes the prohibited phrase included in the prohibited phrase storage unit 19 through the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 according to a user instruction. Communication with the personal computer 2 is performed using HTTP (Hyper Text Transform Protocol). The user registers / deletes prohibited words using the browser on the personal computer 2 or registers / deletes prohibited words using the operation panel 12. As will be described later, when a prohibited word is registered, the user is requested to input the word and the input word is registered in the prohibited word storage unit 19. At this time, if an already registered word is input, a message that duplicate registration has been performed may be displayed to the user without registering in the prohibited word storage unit 19.

  On the other hand, when deleting prohibited words, as will be described later, a list of currently registered prohibited words is presented, and the user is asked to select which prohibited words are to be deleted. Based on the selection result, the prohibited word registration / deletion unit 16 deletes the prohibited word / phrase stored in the prohibited word / phrase storage unit 19. Note that when the prohibited words are registered / deleted, the search index 20 may be recreated.

  The search execution unit 17 searches for the image data stored in the image data storage unit 23 by searching the search index 20 according to a user's instruction through the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12, and searches the search result. It transmits to the result notification part 18.

  The search result notification unit 18 transmits the result received from the search execution unit 17 to the personal computer 2 that requested the search through the transmission / reception unit 11 or displays the result on the operation panel 12 to present the search result to the user. When the user selects necessary image data from the presented search results, operation items for the selected image data are displayed on the operation panel 12 as will be described later. The user reuses the selected image data by selecting and executing a target operation from the operation items.

  The image data receiving unit 22, the index creating unit 25, the index creation requesting unit 21, the prohibited phrase registration / deleting unit 16, the image data examining unit 24, the search executing unit 17, and the search result notifying unit 18 are implemented here as programs. The processing performed in these units is executed by signal processing means (not shown) that performs signal processing based on this program. These programs may be stored in the volatile memory of the MFP 100, may be stored in a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM, or may be stored in a nonvolatile rewritable storage device such as a flash memory. Moreover, it may be stored in a magnetic medium such as a hard disk. Further, the image data storage unit 23, the prohibited phrase storage unit 19, and the search index 20 may be stored in a volatile memory of the MFP 100, or stored in a nonvolatile rewritable storage device such as a flash memory. Further, it may be stored in a magnetic medium such as a hard disk.

  In the above configuration, an operation example of the image processing system according to the first embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the user of the personal computer 2 requests the MFP 100 to perform printing processing in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the print processing request will be described with reference to this flowchart. In this flowchart, steps S101 to S103 are operations of the personal computer 2, and steps S104 to S113 are operations of the MFP 100.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7, the printer driver of the personal computer 2 displays a setting screen 51 of additional information to be added to the image data to be created in response to a user request, and the created image data is displayed as image data of the MFP 100. Select whether or not to save in the storage unit 23 (FIG. 1), whether to allow search, whether to allow printing, fax transmission, etc. by selecting the check box, and further information such as comments Is set (step S101). Image data is created based on the application of the personal computer 2 (step S102), and the information set in step S101 is added to the image data and transmitted to the MFP 100 (step S103).

  The image data receiving unit 22 of the MFP 100 receives the image data transmitted from the personal computer 2 (step S104), and determines whether or not the image data needs to be printed based on the additional information added to the received image data. Judgment is made (step S105). When it is determined that printing is necessary (step S105, Yes), the image data receiving unit 22 transmits the received image data to the printing unit 15 to execute printing (step S106), and printing needs to be performed. If it is determined that there is not (step S105, No), this printing process is passed.

  Next, the image data receiving unit 22 determines whether or not the image data needs to be faxed based on the additional information added to the received image data (step S107). If it is determined that fax transmission is necessary (step S107, Yes), the image data receiving unit 22 transmits the received image data to the fax data transmitting / receiving unit 14 to execute fax transmission (step S108). If it is determined that there is no need for fax transmission (step S107, No), this fax transmission processing is passed.

  Next, the image data receiving unit 22 determines whether or not the image data needs to be stored in the image data storage unit 23 based on the additional information added to the received image data (step S109). If it is determined that the image data needs to be stored (step S109, Yes), the image data storage unit 23 stores the image data (step S110), and the file name of the image data stored in the image data storage unit 23 is stored. The list (see FIG. 2) and the file name list of unprocessed image data (see FIG. 3) are updated (step S111). However, when information indicating that the search is not permitted is set in the additional information added to the image data, the file name list of the unprocessed image data shown in FIG. 3 is not updated.

  The image data storage unit 23 creates a URL of the stored image data and transmits it to the personal computer 2 that created the image data (step S112). The personal computer 2 that has received the URL presents this URL to the user who has instructed execution of printing. The index creation request unit 21 creates the search index 20 based on the information on the list of unprocessed image data shown in FIG. 3, updates the information on this list (step S113), and ends the operation. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S109 that it is not necessary to store image data (No in step S109), the operation ends at that stage.

  The creation of the search index 20 in step S113 may be performed at the timing described in the above paragraph 0031 in addition to the timing immediately after the image data is stored in the image data storage unit 22 as described above.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow when the index creation request unit 21 issues an index creation instruction and creates the search index 20. The index creation operation will be described below with reference to this flowchart. In this flowchart, step S151 is the operation of the index creation requesting unit 21, steps S152 to S155 and step S159 are the operations of the image data examining unit 24, and steps S156 to S158 are the operations of the index creating unit 25. It is.

  First, the index creation request unit 21 creates a processing list of image data that needs to be processed (step S151). The content of the processing list varies depending on the content of the instruction received by the index creation request unit 21. For example, when receiving an instruction to reconstruct the search index 20 from the user, the index creation requesting unit 21 is a list of image data that the image data storage unit 23 holds corresponding to all the stored image data. The contents of (see FIG. 2) are received and a processing list is created. On the other hand, when information related to image data newly stored in the image data storage unit 23 is added to the search index 20, a list of unprocessed image data stored in the image data storage unit 23 (see FIG. 3). ) And create a processing list.

  In any case, the contents of the list of unprocessed image data that is stored in the image data storage unit 23 are deleted at the end of the process. Further, the created processing list is transmitted to the image data investigation unit 24. Although not shown, when there is no content in the processing list, the processing is terminated at that stage.

The image data examining unit 24 receives the processing list of the image data created in step S151 from the index creation requesting unit 21, and further acquires all prohibited words stored in the prohibited word storage unit 19 (step S152). Next, one image data is selected from the processing list, and the image data is acquired from the image data storage unit 23. The acquired image data information is deleted from the processing list (step S153), and a character string is extracted from the image data (step S154).

  At this time, before the main body of the image data, it is first extracted from the various additional information stored (see paragraph 0018) and then extracted from the image data. When the image data is described in PDL such as PostScript, the character string is extracted by analyzing the PDL. On the other hand, when the image data is image data such as TIFF, the image data is subjected to OCR. Extract a string. Note that the character string may be extracted by performing OCR processing on the image data of the image data described in PDL.

  Next, it is investigated whether the prohibited word acquired at step S152 is included in the character string extracted at step S154 (step S155). The prohibited words are “name list”, “customer information”, “confidential”, and “confidential” (see FIG. 5). At this time, it is possible to investigate without distinguishing between uppercase and lowercase letters and full-width and half-width characters.

If a prohibited word / phrase is not included (step S155, No), it is determined whether or not search-nonpermitted data is attached to the image data (step S156). Here, in the case where data not permitting search is not attached (No in step S15 6 ), the index creating unit 25 receives the character string extracted in step S154 and the image data from which the character string is extracted, and receives the received character The sequence is broken down into words (step S157). Then, the decomposed word and the image data are associated with each other and added to the search index 20 (step S158), and the process proceeds to step S159. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S155 that a prohibited word is included (step S155, Yes), and if it is determined in step S156 that search non-permission data is attached (step S156, Yes), At that time, the process proceeds to step S159.

  In step S159, the image data examining unit 24 investigates whether there is a remaining in the list of image data created in step S151. If there is a remaining, the process returns to step S153 again to continue the index creating operation. If not, the process is terminated.

  If the search index 20 is created as described above, information relating to image data including prohibited words stored in the prohibited word storage unit 19 is not registered in the search index 20. For this reason, when the search is executed by the search execution unit 17, image data including prohibited words is not searched.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the prohibited word registration deletion unit 16 registers a prohibited word in this embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the prohibited word registration process will be described with reference to this flowchart. The prohibited phrase registration deletion unit 16 starts this operation when the user instructs the MFP 100 to register a prohibited phrase using the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12.

  First, the prohibited phrase registration / deletion unit 16 creates a prohibited phrase input screen and transmits it to the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 (step S201). FIG. 10 shows an example of the prohibited phrase input screen 52 displayed by the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 at this time. In order to display this screen, for example, when the user selects an item “add prohibited word” provided in a device menu (not shown) of MFP 100, the instruction for registering the prohibited word is executed, and the display is performed. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the prohibited word / phrase input screen includes a text box 52a for entering the prohibited word / phrase, an “add” button 52b for registering the input character string in the prohibited word / phrase storage unit 19, and the contents of the text box. There is a “clear” button 52c for erasing and a “return” button 52d for ending input. A list of prohibited words already stored in the prohibited word storage unit 19 may be displayed on this input screen.

  Here, the operation contents by the user are monitored (steps S202 and S203), and when the “return” button 52d is pressed (step S202, Yes), the process is terminated, for example, a key provided on the operation panel 12 When the character input is performed and the “add” button 52 b is pressed (step S 203, Yes), the character string input in the text box is acquired, and the input character string is already stored in the prohibited phrase storage unit 19. It is investigated whether or not it matches the stored prohibited word / phrase (step S204).

  If they match (registered: step S204, Yes), a message that the input character string has already been registered is displayed on the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 (step S205). Returning to S201, if they do not match (not registered: step S204, No), the character string acquired in step S203 is registered in the prohibited word storage unit 19 (step S206), and the index creation request unit 21 is further updated. A request is made to recreate the search index 20 (step S207), and the process returns to step S201.

  If nothing is entered in the text box, a message prompting entry in the text box may be displayed on the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12. Further, the display process in step S205 may be omitted. Further, here, the request for re-creating the search index 20 was made after registering the prohibited words, but the present invention is not limited to this. After it is determined in step S202 that the “return” button has been pressed, It may be performed before the processing ends. The re-creation process is performed on the file registered in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the prohibited word registration / deletion unit 16 deletes the prohibited word / phrase registered in the prohibited word / phrase storage unit 19 in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the prohibited word deletion process will be described with reference to this flowchart. The prohibited phrase registration / deletion unit 16 starts this operation when the user instructs the MFP 100 to delete the prohibited phrase using the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12.

  First, the prohibited word registration deletion unit 16 acquires a list of prohibited words stored in the prohibited word storage unit 19 and creates a selection screen of the prohibited words to be deleted from the acquired list of prohibited words. It transmits to the operation panel 12 (step S251). FIG. 12 shows an example of the prohibited word / phrase selection screen 53 displayed by the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 at this time. In order to display this screen, for example, when the user selects an item of “deletion of prohibited words” provided in an apparatus menu (not shown) of the MFP 100, the instruction to delete the prohibited words is executed. Is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the prohibited word / phrase selection screen 53 includes a list of prohibited words / phrases, check boxes 53e to 53h for selecting prohibited words / phrases, an “execute” button 53a for executing deletion, and all prohibited words / phrases. There is a “select all” button 53b to select, a “clear” button 53c to cancel the selection, and a “return” button 53d to end the deletion of prohibited words.

  Here, the operation contents by the user are monitored (steps S252 and S253), and when the “return” button 53d is pressed (step S252, Yes), the process ends and the prohibited words to be deleted are selected. When the “execute” button 53a is pressed (step S253, Yes), the prohibited phrase selected by the user is deleted from the prohibited phrase storage unit 19 (step S254). The re-creation of the search index 20 is requested (step S255), and the process returns to step S251. In step S253, when the “execute” button 53a is pressed without selecting a prohibited word, it is a matter of course that the prohibited word is not deleted.

  In the prohibited word / phrase selection screen displayed in step S251, if there is no prohibited word / phrase to be listed, it is possible to display that the prohibited word / phrase is not stored and to automatically end the process. It is. Further, here, the request for re-creating the search index 20 is made after deleting the prohibited words, but the present invention is not limited to this, and after determining that the “return” button has been pressed in step S252, It may be performed before the processing ends. The re-creation process is performed on the files registered in the list of FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the search execution unit 17 searches for image data stored in the image data storage unit 23 in the present embodiment. The operation of the image data search process will be described below with reference to this flowchart. The search execution unit 17 performs this operation in response to a user instructing the MFP 100 to search the image data stored in the image data storage unit 23 using the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12. Start.

  In this flowchart, steps S301 to S305 are operations of the search execution unit 17, and step S306 is operations of the search result notification unit 18.

  First, the search execution unit 17 creates a search keyword input screen and transmits it to the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 (step S301). FIG. 14 shows an example of a search keyword input screen 54 displayed by the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 at this time. In order to display this screen, for example, by selecting a “search” item provided in an apparatus menu (not shown) of MFP 100, the above-described image data search instruction is executed and displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the search keyword input screen 54 includes a text box 54a for inputting a search keyword, a “search” button 54b for executing a search, and “clear” for deleting a character string input to the text box. There is a button 54c and a “return” button 54d for ending the search of image data.

  Here, the operation contents by the user are monitored (steps S302 and S303), and when the “return” button 54d is pressed (step S302, Yes), the process is terminated and the character input is performed and “search” is performed. When the button 54b is pressed (step S303, Yes), the search execution unit 17 executes a search for the image data stored in the image data storage unit 23 based on the information of the search index 20 (step S304). Specifically, first, it is examined whether or not the input search keyword (character string) is included as a word in the search index 20 (FIG. 4A). Next, in the search index 20, information on image data including a word corresponding to the inputted character string, that is, a file name in this case, is acquired.

  As a result of the search in step S304, if one or more pieces of image data are searched (step S305, Y), the process proceeds to step S306, and if not detected (step S305, N), the process ends. If not detected, a message indicating that nothing has been searched may be displayed on the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12.

  In step 306, the search result notifying unit 18 receives the list of image data searched from the search execution unit 17, creates a list of image data in a selectable form based on the list, and uses the personal computer 2 or the operation Display on panel 12. FIG. 15 shows an example of the search result display screen 55 created by the search result notification unit 18 when the search keyword “patent” is input in step S303. As shown in the figure, on the search result display screen 55, in addition to the name (file name) of the searched image data, the creation date and time of the image data and the information of the creator of the image data are displayed. If the “return” button 55a on the screen is pressed, the process ends at that point. It should be noted that the search result screen may display a reduced image of the searched image data or a portion before and after the search keyword is included in the character string in the image data.

  Next, when the user selects image data displayed on the screen using the touch panel, a list of operations that can be performed on the selected image data is displayed. FIG. 16 shows an example of the operation selection screen 56 displayed at this time. As shown in the figure, here, an example is shown in which printing and transfer operations to other MFPs are permitted for the selected image data, and FAX transmission and E-mail transmission cannot be performed. . Accordingly, the “FAX transmission” button 56c and the “E-mail” button 56d are not operable. This function restriction is performed based on the additional information (see FIG. 7) added to the image data.

  When a user selects a desired process from the selectable function list on the touch panel, the selected process is executed on the selected image data. On the other hand, if the “return” button 56e on the screen is pressed, the process ends at that point. When transferring image data to another MFP, for example, when the “transfer” button 56b is pressed, it is necessary to input the name of the transfer destination MFP. Is omitted.

  In this embodiment, an example in which one search keyword (“patent”) is input has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of character strings such as “patent” and “Japan” are used. It can also be configured such that image data that is input and includes any or all of these character strings is searched.

  As described above, according to the MFP 100 or the image processing system including the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, when the search index is created, the image data is checked whether a prohibited word is included, and if included, the search index Therefore, even if the user performs a search, the image data including the prohibited words is not displayed in the search result. Therefore, the effect that security is improved is obtained.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the image processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  This image processing system is mainly different from the image processing system of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 described above in that the MFP 200 includes a prohibited image storage unit 31, a prohibited image registration deletion unit 32, and an image data prohibited image survey unit. 33 is provided. Accordingly, in the image processing system of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those of the image processing system of the first embodiment shown in FIG. , Explain different points with emphasis. In FIG. 17, the MFP 200 is shown in a form divided into blocks for each processing content.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in addition to the configuration of MFP 100 described in the first embodiment, MFP 200 according to the present embodiment includes a prohibited image storage unit 31 for storing prohibited image data, which will be described later, and a prohibited image storage unit 31. The prohibited image data stored in the prohibited image storage unit 31 is included in the image data, and the prohibited image registration / deletion unit 32 as the prohibited image addition unit and the prohibited image deletion unit is registered and deleted. And an image data prohibition image surveying unit 33 as an accumulated image information image surveying unit for investigating whether or not the stored image information is present.

  The image data prohibition image survey unit 33 receives the image data and the extracted character string from the image data survey unit 24, and determines whether or not the received image data includes the prohibition image data stored in the prohibition image storage unit 31. investigate. If it is not included, the image data and the character string received from the image data examining unit 24 are transmitted to the index creating unit 25.

  First, the image data prohibition image investigation unit 33 acquires prohibition image data from the prohibition image storage unit 31 and calculates a feature amount of the prohibition image data. The prohibition image storage unit 31 may store a special amount of prohibition image data. In this case, the image data prohibition image investigation unit 33 acquires the special amount. Next, the image data prohibition image examining unit 33 extracts the image portion of the image data received from the image data examining unit 24, divides the area for each image, creates image data of the image, and further divides the image data. Calculate the amount of each element. The feature amount for each image data and the feature amount of the prohibited image data are respectively compared, and it is determined whether or not the image data is identical or similar. When it is determined that all the image data is completely different image data, the image data received from the image data examining unit 24 and the extracted character string are transmitted to the index creating unit 25.

  The feature amount of the image data represents the feature of the image as a numerical value. For example, there are types such as “color feature”, “texture”, and “shape”. Color features are numerical values that represent the representative colors used in the image, their proportions, color arrangement (color distribution), etc., and textures represent the regularity, directionality, etc. of the pattern of the image. It is a numerical value, and the shape represents an object (characteristic shape) used in the image, and a feature amount is obtained from the feature of the object. Therefore, the image data prohibition image examining unit 32 here compares these numerical values to determine the similarity of the image data.

  The prohibited image registration / deletion unit 32 registers and deletes the prohibited image data stored in the prohibited image storage unit 31 through the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 according to a user instruction. As will be described later, when registering prohibited image data, the user is required to input an image. The input image is registered in the prohibited image storage unit 31 as prohibited image data. At this time, the feature amount of the input prohibited image data may be calculated, and the calculated feature amount may be stored at the same time.

  On the other hand, when deleting prohibited image data, a list of currently registered prohibited image data is presented, and the user is asked to select which prohibited image data to delete. Based on the selection result, the prohibited image registration / deletion unit 32 deletes the prohibited image data registered in the prohibited image storage unit 31. Note that when the prohibited image data is registered / deleted, the search index 20 may be re-created.

  The prohibited image storage unit 31 stores prohibited image data. The prohibition image data is used when the image data prohibition image survey unit 33 investigates whether the prohibition image data is included in the image data stored in the image data storage unit 23. FIG. 18 shows an example of contents registered in the prohibited image storage unit 31 in the present embodiment. Here, two images are stored as prohibited image data. Although not shown in the drawings, the feature amount of the prohibited image data may be stored in the prohibited image storage unit 31 as described above.

  An operation example of the image processing system according to the second embodiment having the above configuration will be described below.

  In the image processing system of the present embodiment, the flow of processing when the user of the personal computer 2 requests the MFP 200 to perform printing processing is the image processing system of the first embodiment described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Since this is substantially the same as the case of, a description of common steps is omitted here. The difference is that step S104 to step S113 in the flowchart are executed by the MFP 200 and the contents of the index creation processing in step S113 are different. Therefore, first, the processing method at the time of index creation in the present embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a flow when the index creation request unit 21 (FIG. 17) issues an index creation instruction and creates the search index 20. The index creation operation will be described below with reference to this flowchart. In this flowchart, step S351 is the operation of the index creation requesting unit 21, step S352, steps S354 to S356, and step S362 are the operations of the image data examining unit 24, and steps S353, S357, and S358 are The operation of the image data prohibition image examining unit 33 is performed. Steps S359 to S361 are performed by the index creating unit 25.

  Step S351, Step S352, Step S354 to Step S356, and Step S359 to Step S362 are respectively steps S151, S152, S153 to S155, and Step S155 in the flowchart of FIG. 8 described in the first embodiment. Since the operation is the same as that of S156 to S159, a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The image data prohibition image examining unit 33 acquires the prohibition image data stored in the prohibition image storage unit 31, and calculates the feature amount of the prohibition image data as necessary (S353). On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the prohibited word / phrase is not included in the character string extracted from the image data, the image data prohibition image examining unit 33 extracts the image data from the image data. If the extracted image data is image data described in PDL such as PostScript, the PDL is analyzed and image data is extracted. On the other hand, if the image data is TIFF or the like, the region is divided and extracted as individual image data, and the extra quantity of the extracted image data is calculated (S357).

  Then, the image data prohibition image examining unit 33 compares the feature amount of the image data extracted in step S357 with the feature amount of the prohibition image data acquired in step S353, and determines whether the image data match or are similar to each other. to decide. If it is determined that the image data of the image data is different from all the prohibited image data, the character string is decomposed into words as described above, and the words and the image data are associated with each other and added to the search index 20. Then (steps S360 and 361), the process reaches step 362, and if it is determined that at least one image data and prohibited image data match or are similar, the process directly proceeds to step 362.

  In step 362, the image data examining unit 24 investigates whether or not there is a remaining in the list of image data created in step S351. If there is a remaining, the process returns to step S354 again to continue the index creating operation. If not, the process ends.

  If the search index 20 is created as described above, information on image data including prohibited words stored in the prohibited word storage unit 19 or image data including prohibited images stored in the prohibited image storage unit 31 is obtained. , It is not registered in the search index 20. For this reason, when a search is executed by the search execution unit 17, image data including prohibited words or prohibited images is not searched.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the prohibited image registration / deletion unit 32 registers prohibited image data in this embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the prohibited image data registration process will be described with reference to this flowchart. The prohibited image registration deleting unit 32 starts this operation when the user instructs the MFP 200 to register prohibited image data using the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12.

  First, the prohibition image registration deletion unit 32 creates an input screen for prohibition image data and transmits it to the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 (step S401). FIG. 21 shows an example of the prohibited image data input screen 57 displayed by the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 at this time. In order to display this screen, for example, the above-described instruction for registering prohibited image data is executed by the user selecting an item “Add prohibited image data” provided in a device menu (not shown) of the MFP 200. ,Is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the prohibition image data input screen includes a handwriting area 57a for inputting prohibition image data by handwriting, a text box 57b for inputting a file name for inputting prohibition image data using a file, and the like. A “reference” button 57c for confirming, an “add” button 57d for registering the input prohibited image data in the prohibited image storage unit 31, a “clear” button 58e for erasing the contents of the handwriting area and the text box, and input There is a “return” button 57f to end. Note that a list of prohibited images already stored in the prohibited image storage unit 31 may be displayed on this input screen.

  Here, the operation content by the user is monitored (step S402, step S403), and when the “return” button 57f is pressed (step S402, Yes), the process is terminated and the prohibition image data is input. If the “add” button 57d is pressed (step S403, Yes), the prohibited image data input in the handwriting area or the prohibited image data is acquired from the file name of the text box, and the input prohibited image data is already prohibited. It is investigated whether or not it matches the prohibited image data stored in the image storage unit 31 (step S404). At this time, if input is performed in both the handwriting area and the text box, both pieces of information may be acquired as image data, or only one of them may be preferentially acquired, and a warning message is sent to the user. You can show either and delete either one.

  Here, the special amount of the acquired image data is calculated, and the acquired image data matches or is similar to the prohibited image data already stored in the prohibited image storage unit 31 (registered: Step S404, Yes)). In this case, a message that the input image data has already been registered is displayed on the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 (step S405), and the process returns to step S401, and does not match (not registered: step S404, No. ), The image data acquired in step S403 is registered as prohibited image data in the prohibited image storage unit 31 (step S406), and the index creation request unit 21 is requested to recreate the search index 20 (step S406). S407), the process returns to step S401.

  If nothing is entered in the handwriting area and the text box, a message prompting entry in the text box may be displayed on the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12. Further, the display process in step S405 may be omitted. Further, here, the request for re-creating the search index 20 is made after registering the prohibited image data. However, the request is not limited to this, and it is determined in step S402 that the “return” button 57f has been pressed. After that, it may be performed before the processing is finished.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the prohibited image registration / deletion unit 32 deletes the prohibited image data registered in the prohibited image storage unit 31 in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the prohibition image data deletion process will be described with reference to this flowchart. The prohibited image registration / deletion unit 32 starts this operation when the user instructs the MFP 200 to delete prohibited image data using the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12.

  First, the prohibited image registration / deletion unit 32 acquires a list of prohibited image data stored in the prohibited image storage unit 31 and creates a selection screen of prohibited image data to be deleted from the acquired list of prohibited image data. It transmits to the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 (step S451). FIG. 23 shows an example of the prohibited image data selection screen 58 displayed by the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 at this time. In order to display this screen, for example, when the user selects a “delete prohibited image data” item provided in a device menu (not shown) of the MFP 200, the above-described instruction to delete prohibited image data is executed. Is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the prohibition image data selection screen 58 includes a list of prohibition image data, check boxes 58e and 58f for selecting prohibition image data, an “execute” button 58a for executing deletion, and all of them. There is a “select all” button 58b for selecting prohibited image data, a “clear” button 58c for canceling the selection, and a “return” button 58d for ending deletion of the prohibited image data.

  Here, the operation contents by the user are monitored (steps S452 and S453), and when the “return” button 58d is pressed (step S452, Yes), the process ends and the prohibited image data to be deleted is selected. If the "execute" button 58a is pressed (step S453, Yes), the prohibited image data selected by the user is deleted from the prohibited image storage unit 31 (step S454), and the index creation request unit 21 is deleted. Then, the re-creation of the search index 20 is requested (step S455), and the process returns to step S451. In step S453, if the “execute” button 58a is pressed without selecting a prohibited word, it is needless to say that the prohibited word is not deleted.

  It should be noted that if there is no prohibited image data to be listed on the prohibited image data selection screen displayed in step S451, it is displayed that the prohibited image data is not stored and the processing is automatically terminated. It is also possible. Further, here, the request for re-creating the search index 20 is made after deleting the prohibited image data. However, the request is not limited to this, and it is determined in step S452 that the “return” button 58d has been pressed. After that, it may be performed before the processing is finished.

  In the present embodiment, the search processing when the search execution unit 17 searches for image data stored in the image data storage unit 23 has been described in the first embodiment with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Since it is the same as the search process, the description here is omitted.

  As described above, according to the MFP 200 of the second embodiment or the image processing system including the MFP 200, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, whether the prohibited image data is included in the image data when the search index is created. If it is included, the information about the image data is not registered in the search index. Therefore, even if the user performs a search, the image data including the prohibited image data is displayed in the search result. Absent. Therefore, the effect that the security is further improved can be obtained.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the image processing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  This image processing system is mainly different from the image processing system of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 17 in that the MFP 300 includes a prohibited search keyword storage unit 41 and a prohibited search keyword registration deletion unit 42, and a search execution unit. 17 (FIG. 17) instead of a search keyword comparison execution unit 43. Therefore, in the image processing system of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to the image processing system of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 or the image processing system of the second embodiment shown in FIG. A description will be omitted, omitting the drawings, and different points will be mainly described. Note that the MFP 300 is shown in a form divided into blocks for each processing content in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 24, in MFP 300 according to the present embodiment, in addition to the configuration of MFP 200 described in the first embodiment, a prohibited search keyword for prohibiting acceptance as a search keyword from a user is stored. The search keyword storage unit 41 and a prohibited search keyword registration / deletion unit 42 as a prohibited search keyword addition unit and a prohibited search keyword deletion unit that register and delete the prohibited search keyword stored in the prohibited search keyword storage unit 41 are provided. It has been.

  The prohibited search keyword storage unit 41 stores prohibited search keywords that are keywords that should not be accepted as search keywords when searching for image data. This prohibited search keyword is used when the search keyword comparison execution unit 43 investigates whether or not the search keyword received from the user is a prohibited search keyword. FIG. 25 shows an example of contents registered in the prohibited search keyword storage unit 41 in the present embodiment. Here, two phrases “phone book” and “Secret” are registered as prohibited search keywords.

  The prohibited search keyword registration / deletion unit 42 registers and deletes the prohibited search keyword stored in the prohibited search keyword storage unit 41 through the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 according to a user instruction. As will be described later, when a prohibited search keyword is registered, the user is requested to input the search keyword, and the input search keyword is registered in the prohibited search keyword storage unit 41 as a prohibited keyword. At this time, when a search keyword that has already been registered is input, a message that duplicate registration has been performed may be displayed to the user without registration in the prohibited search keyword storage unit 41.

  On the other hand, when deleting a prohibited search keyword, a list of currently registered prohibited search keywords is presented, the user is asked to select which prohibited search keyword to delete, and the prohibited search is based on the selection result. The prohibited search keyword stored in the keyword storage unit 41 is deleted.

In addition to the function of the search execution unit 17 (FIG. 17), the search keyword comparison execution unit 43 determines whether or not the search keyword given by the user matches the prohibited search keyword stored in the prohibited search keyword storage unit 41. Investigate. If they match, the image data is not searched with the search keyword. If they do not match, the image data is searched in the same manner as the search execution unit 17.
In the above configuration, an operation example of the image processing system according to the fourth embodiment will be described below.

  In the image processing system of the present embodiment, the flow of processing when the user of the personal computer 2 requests the MFP 300 to perform printing processing is the image processing system of the first embodiment described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Since this is substantially the same as the case of, a description of common steps is omitted here. The difference is that step S104 to step S113 in the flowchart are executed by the MFP 300, and the contents of the index creation processing in step S113 are based on the flowchart of FIG. 19 described in the second embodiment. Therefore, the description of the printing process and index creation process here is omitted.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the prohibited search keyword registration / deletion unit 42 registers a prohibited search keyword in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the prohibited search keyword registration process will be described with reference to this flowchart. The prohibited search keyword registration / deletion unit 42 starts this operation when the user instructs the MFP 300 to register the prohibited search keyword using the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12.

  First, the prohibited search keyword registration / deletion unit 42 creates an input screen for a prohibited search keyword and transmits it to the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 (step S501). FIG. 27 shows an example of the prohibited search keyword input screen 62 displayed by the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 at this time. In order to display this screen, for example, when the user selects an “add prohibited search keyword” item provided in a device menu (not shown) of the MFP 300, the instruction for registering the prohibited search keyword is executed, and the display is performed. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the prohibited search keyword input screen includes a text box 62 a for entering the prohibited search keyword, an “add” button 62 b for registering the input character string in the prohibited search keyword storage unit 41, and a text box. There is a “Clear” button 62c for erasing the contents of “” and a “Back” button 62 d for ending the input. A list of prohibited search keywords already stored in the prohibited search keyword storage unit 41 may be displayed on this input screen.

  Here, the operation contents by the user are monitored (step S502, step S503), and when the “return” button 62d is pressed (step S502, Yes), the processing is terminated, for example, a key provided on the operation panel 12 Is input and the “add” button 62d is pressed (step S503, Yes), the character string input in the text box is acquired, and the input character string is already in the prohibited search keyword storage unit 41. It is investigated whether or not it matches the prohibited word stored in (step S504).

  If they match (registered: step S504, Yes)), a message that the input character string has already been registered is displayed on the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 (step S505). Returning to step S501, if they do not match (not registered: step S504, No), the character string acquired in step S503 is registered in the prohibited search keyword storage unit 41 (step S506), and the process returns to step S501.

  If nothing is entered in the text box, a message prompting entry in the text box may be displayed on the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12. Further, the display process in step S505 may be omitted.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the prohibited search keyword registration / deletion unit 42 deletes the prohibited search keyword registered in the prohibited search keyword storage unit 41 in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the prohibited search keyword deletion process will be described with reference to this flowchart. The prohibited search keyword registration / deletion unit 42 starts this operation when the user instructs the MFP 300 to delete the prohibited search keyword using the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12.

  First, the prohibited search keyword registration / deletion unit 42 acquires a list of prohibited search keywords stored in the prohibited search keyword storage unit 41, and creates a selection screen of the prohibited search keywords to be deleted from the acquired list of prohibited search keywords. Then, it is transmitted to the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 (step S551). FIG. 29 shows an example of the prohibited search keyword selection screen 63 displayed by the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 at this time. In order to display this screen, for example, the above-described instruction for deleting the forbidden search keyword is executed by the user selecting the item “Delete forbidden search keyword” provided in the device menu (not shown) of the MFP 300. ,Is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 29, this prohibited search keyword selection screen 63 includes a list of prohibited search keywords, check boxes 63e and 63f for selecting prohibited search keywords, an “execute” button 63a for executing deletion, and all of them. There is a “select all” button 63b for selecting a prohibited search keyword, a “clear” button 63c for canceling the selection, and a “return” button 63d for ending deletion of the prohibited search keyword.

  Here, the operation contents by the user are monitored (step S552, step S553), and when the “return” button 63d is pressed (step S552, Yes), the process ends and the prohibited search keyword to be deleted is selected. If the “execute” button 63a is pressed (step S553, Yes), the prohibited search keyword selected by the user is deleted from the prohibited search keyword storage unit 41 (step S554), and the process proceeds to step S551. Return. Of course, if the “execute” button 63a is pressed without selecting the prohibited search keyword in step S553, the prohibited search keyword is not deleted.

  In the selection screen of the prohibited search keyword displayed in step S551, if there is no prohibited search keyword to be listed, it is displayed that the prohibited search keyword is not stored and the process is automatically terminated. It is also possible.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the search keyword comparison execution unit 43 searches the image data stored in the image data storage unit 23 in the present embodiment. The operation of the image data search process will be described below with reference to this flowchart. The search keyword comparison execution unit 43 receives the user's instruction for searching the image data stored in the image data storage unit 23 to the MFP 300 using the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12. To start.

  In this flowchart, steps S601 to S607 are operations of the search keyword comparison execution unit 43, and step S608 is operations of the search result notification unit 18.

  First, the search keyword comparison execution unit 43 creates a search keyword input screen and transmits it to the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 (step S601). FIG. 14 shows an example of a search keyword input screen 54 displayed by the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 at this time. In order to display this screen, for example, by selecting a “search” item provided in an apparatus menu (not shown) of the MFP 300, the above-described image data search instruction is executed and displayed.

  Here, the operation content by the user is monitored (step S602, step S603), and when the “return” button 54d is pressed (step S602, Yes), the process is terminated and the character input is performed to perform “search”. When the button 54b is pressed (step S603, Yes), the search keyword comparison execution unit 43 acquires a list of prohibited search keywords stored in the prohibited search keyword storage unit 41 (step S604).

  Next, the character of the search keyword input by the user from the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12 is compared with the list of prohibited search keywords acquired in step S604, and the matching search keyword is deleted (step S605). If there is an input search keyword that does not match any of the prohibited search keywords (step S605, Yes), the search keyword comparison execution unit 43 uses the search keyword that does not match (remains) as a search index. The image data stored in the image data storage unit 23 is searched based on the information 20 (step S606). Specifically, first, it is investigated whether the remaining search keyword (character string) is included as a word in the search index 20 (FIG. 4A). Next, in the search index 20, information on image data including a word corresponding to the inputted character string, that is, a file name in this case, is acquired.

  On the other hand, if all of the input search keywords match any of the prohibited search keywords (No in step S605), all the input search keywords are deleted, and the search process is terminated.

  For example, when “record” and “Secret” are given as search keywords and the prohibited search keywords are “phone book” and “Secret”, the search keyword “Secret” is deleted and only “record” remains. Here, it has been described that, among the input search keywords, those that match the prohibited search keywords are deleted. However, if even one of the search keywords matches the prohibited search keyword, all search keywords are searched. Can be configured to be deleted.

  As a result of the search in step S607, if one or more pieces of image data are searched (step S607, Yes), the process proceeds to step S608, and if not detected (step S607, No), the process ends. If not detected, a message indicating that nothing has been searched may be displayed on the personal computer 2 or the operation panel 12.

  Since the processing after step S608 is the same as the processing after step S306 in the flowchart of FIG. 13 described in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  In the present embodiment, index creation processing may be performed on all received image data. In addition, various modes may be taken such that only a predetermined user may make all keywords effective.

  As described above, according to the MFP 300 or the image processing system including the MFP 300 according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments described above, the image is given by the user when searching for image data. In order to investigate whether or not a search keyword is prohibited, the prohibited search keyword is not used as a search keyword. Therefore, the effect that the security is further improved can be obtained.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the image processing apparatus has been described as an MFP having a plurality of functions such as printing, scanning, and FAX. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a printer having only one function, a FAX, or the like. The image processing apparatus may be used.
In each of the above-described embodiments, the communication between the image processing apparatus (MFP) and the information processing apparatus (personal computer 2) is described as being performed using a TCP / IP network. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
In each of the above-described embodiments, the MFP as an image processing apparatus has been described as including an operation panel capable of inputting / outputting from a user, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a device that allows a user to input / output the image processing device, such as a personal computer, may be provided in a state in which it can communicate with the image processing device.
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the communication between the image processing apparatus (MFP) and the information processing apparatus (personal computer 2) has been described as being performed using HTTP communication. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image is not limited to this. As long as the processing device and the information processing device exchange information with each other as described above, input information by the user can be received from the information processing device.

It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the image processing system of Embodiment 1 by this invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list of image data stored in an image data storage unit in the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list of unindexed image data held by the image data storage unit in the first embodiment. In Embodiment 1, it is a figure which shows the example of the content contained in a search index, (a) shows the example by which the word / phrase registered and the file name of the image data which has the word / phrase are stored correspondingly , (B) shows other content examples. In Embodiment 1, it is a figure which shows the example of the prohibited word phrase stored in a prohibited word phrase storage part. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when a user of a personal computer requests a printing process from an MFP in the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen for additional information to be added to image data to be created in Embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow when an index creation request unit issues an index creation instruction and creates a search index in the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when a prohibited word registration deletion unit registers a prohibited word in Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen for prohibited words displayed on the personal computer or the operation panel in the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when a prohibited word registration / deletion unit deletes a prohibited word / phrase registered in a prohibited word / phrase storage unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a prohibited word / phrase selection screen displayed by the personal computer or the operation panel in the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when the search execution unit searches for image data stored in an image data storage unit in the first embodiment. In Embodiment 1, an example of the search keyword input screen displayed by the personal computer or the operation panel is shown. In Embodiment 1, it is a figure which shows an example of the search result display screen which the search result notification part produced when the search keyword "patent" was input. In the first embodiment, an example of an operation selection screen for displaying a list of operations that can be performed on image data selected by a user is shown. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the image processing system of Embodiment 2 by this invention. In Embodiment 2, it is a figure which shows the example of the content of the prohibition image registered into the prohibition image storage part. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow when an index creation request unit issues an index creation instruction and creates a search index in the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when a prohibited image registration / deletion unit registers prohibited image data in the second embodiment. In Embodiment 2, it is a figure which shows an example of the input screen of the prohibition image data displayed by a personal computer or an operation panel. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when a prohibited image registration / deletion unit deletes prohibited image data registered in a prohibited image storage unit in the second embodiment. In Embodiment 2, it is a figure which shows an example of the selection screen of the prohibition image data displayed by a personal computer or an operation panel. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the image processing system of Embodiment 3 by this invention. In Embodiment 3, it is a figure which shows the example of the content of the prohibition search keyword registered into the prohibition search keyword storage part. In Embodiment 3, it is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in case a prohibited search keyword registration deletion part registers a prohibited search keyword. In Embodiment 3, it is a figure which shows an example of the input screen of the prohibition search keyword displayed by a personal computer or an operation panel. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when a prohibited search keyword registration and deletion unit deletes a prohibited search keyword registered in a prohibited search keyword storage unit in the third embodiment. In Embodiment 3, it is a figure which shows an example of the selection screen of the prohibition search keyword displayed by a personal computer or an operation panel. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when a search keyword comparison execution unit searches for image data stored in an image data storage unit in the third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 network,
2 personal computers,
11 Transmitter / receiver,
12 Operation panel,
13 Scan data input section,
14 Fax data transmitter / receiver,
15 printing department,
16 Prohibited word registration deletion part,
17 Search execution part,
18 Search result notification section,
19 Prohibited words storage unit,
20 search index,
21 Index creation request part,
22 Image data receiver,
23 Image data storage unit,
24 Image Data Research Department,
25 Index creation department,
31 Prohibited image storage,
32 Banned image registration deletion part,
33 Image Data Prohibition Image Research Department,
41 prohibited search keyword storage unit,
42 forbidden search keyword registration deletion section,
43 Search keyword comparison execution part,
51 Setting screen,
52 Input screen for prohibited words,
53 Forbidden word selection screen,
54 Search keyword input screen,
55 Search result display screen,
56 Operation selection screen,
57 Input screen for prohibited image data,
58 Forbidden image data selection screen,
62 Screen for entering prohibited search keywords,
63 Forbidden search keyword selection screen,
100, 200, 300 MFP.

Claims (30)

An image information storage unit for storing one or more image information ;
And prohibited words storage unit for storing prohibited word,
Investigated whether contains the prohibited words in the image information, the first stored image information tone査部selecting the first image information does not contain the prohibited words,
An index creation unit that creates and stores a search index that is a list in which words extracted from the first image information are associated with the image information including the words;
Input / output unit, which is a user interface with users
Prohibiting the prohibited words / phrases stored in the prohibited word / phrase storage unit to be presented to the user in a selectable format and changing the prohibited words / phrases stored in the prohibited word / phrase storage unit according to the prohibited words / phrases selected by the user A phrase change part,
Have
The first accumulated image information investigation unit is configured to switch from the image information storage unit when the prohibited word change unit changes the prohibited word phrase to the prohibited word storage unit via the input / output unit. reselects the first image information, the index creation unit, an image processing apparatus characterized by creating the search index from the said first image information. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the prohibited word / phrase changing unit adds the prohibited word / phrase selected by the user to the prohibited word / phrase stored in the prohibited word / phrase storage unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the prohibited word / phrase changing unit deletes the prohibited word / phrase selected by the user from the prohibited word / phrase stored in the prohibited word / phrase storage unit. A prohibited image storage unit for storing prohibited image images;
Investigated whether contains the prohibited image image for the first image information, further selects a second image information does not contain the prohibited image image from among the first image information and a second storage image information tone査部, the index creation unit, an image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the creating the search index with respect to the second image information. Receiving the prohibition images to be added to the prohibition image storage unit from the input unit, have a prohibition image adder to be added to the prohibition image storage unit, the ban on the prohibition image storage unit by the prohibition image adder The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein when the image image is added, the search index is created for the second image information . Via the input-output unit, the Stopwords the stored in the image rated housed unit presents to the user the prohibition images in a selectable format, the user said the prohibition image image selected prohibition image have a prohibition image deletion unit for deleting from the storage unit, if the deletion of the prohibited images from the prohibition image storage unit by the prohibition image deleting unit has been performed, the creation of the search index for the second image information the image processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the executing. The image information including the search keyword is obtained by receiving a search keyword input by a user from the input / output unit and detecting a phrase corresponding to the search keyword from the words registered in the search index. A search execution part to search;
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and a retrieval result notification unit for the results of a search of the search execution section, and notifies the user via the input unit. Receiving the search keyword input by the user from the entering output unit, by detecting the word corresponding to the search keyword from among the words registered in the search index, the image information including the search keyword A search keyword comparison execution part to search;
A search result notifying unit for notifying a user of a search result of the search keyword comparison executing unit via the input / output unit ;
Prohibition and a prohibition search keyword storage unit that stores the stop search keyword,
The search keyword comparison execution unit compares the search keyword input by the user with the prohibited search keyword stored in the prohibited search keyword storage unit, and if they match, searches the image information with the matched search keyword. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is not executed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising a prohibited search keyword adding unit that receives the prohibited search keyword added to the prohibited search keyword storage unit from the input / output unit and adds the prohibited search keyword to the prohibited search keyword storage unit. . The prohibited search keyword stored in the prohibited search keyword storage unit is presented to the user in a selectable format via the input / output unit, and the prohibited search keyword selected by the user is displayed in the prohibited search keyword. the image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein further comprising a prohibition search keyword deletion unit for deleting from the storage unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image information includes additional information related to the image information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the additional information is information that specifies contents that the image processing apparatus can process the image information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the additional information includes information designating a reusable number of times of the image information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the additional information includes information that disables searching by a search index. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the additional information includes a comment regarding the image information. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the additional information is displayed by the display means so that the contents that can be processed are selectable, and the contents that cannot be processed are displayed in a non-selectable state. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
A transmission / reception unit provided in the image processing apparatus and connected to a network;
An image processing system comprising: an information processing apparatus connected to the network. Claim 17, wherein the image processing apparatus receives the banned words to be added by the user of the information processing apparatus to the inhibited word storage unit, and having a forbidden word addition unit Add in the prohibited words storage unit The image processing system described. The image processing device presents the prohibited word / phrase stored in the prohibited word / phrase storage unit to the user in a selectable format via the information processing device, and the prohibited word / phrase selected by the user is the image processing system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein further comprising a prohibition word deletion section to be deleted from the prohibited words storage unit. The image processing apparatus receives a search keyword input by a user of the information processing apparatus, and detects a phrase corresponding to the search keyword from the phrases registered in the search index. a search execution unit for retrieving the image information contained in the results of the search of the search execution unit, according to claim 17 to 19; and a retrieval result notification unit for notifying the user of the information processing apparatus An image processing system according to any one of the above. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
A transmission / reception unit provided in the image processing apparatus and connected to a network;
An image processing system having an information processing apparatus connected to the network,
The image processing apparatus receives a search keyword input by a user of the information processing apparatus, and detects a phrase corresponding to the search keyword from the phrases registered in the search index. A search keyword comparison execution unit for searching for the image information included;
A search result notifying unit for notifying a user of the information processing apparatus of a search result of the search keyword comparison executing unit, wherein the search keyword comparison executing unit includes the search keyword input by the user and the prohibition An image processing system characterized in that a comparison with a prohibited search keyword stored in a search keyword storage unit is made, and when the search keyword matches, a search for the image information using the matched search keyword is not executed. The image processing apparatus includes a prohibited search keyword adding unit that receives the prohibited search keyword added to the prohibited search keyword storage unit from a user of the information processing apparatus and adds the prohibited search keyword to the prohibited search keyword storage unit. The image processing system according to claim 21 . The image processing device presents the prohibited search keyword stored in the prohibited search keyword storage unit to the user in a selectable format via the information processing device, and the prohibited search selected by the user. the image processing system according to claim 21 or 22, wherein further comprising a prohibition search keyword deletion unit for deleting the keyword from the prohibition search keyword storage unit. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1;
A transmission / reception unit provided in the image processing apparatus and connected to a network;
An image processing system having an information processing apparatus connected to the network,
The image processing apparatus is
A prohibited image storage unit for storing prohibited image images;
Wherein said for the first image information investigated whether contains the prohibited images, were further selected from among the first image data, the prohibition image image included have a have a second An image processing system comprising: an accumulated image information image examining unit that instructs the index creating unit to create the search index for image information. The image processing apparatus includes a prohibited image adding unit that receives the prohibited image image to be added to the prohibited image storage unit from a user of the information processing apparatus and adds the prohibited image image to the prohibited image storage unit. 24. The image processing system according to 24 . The image processing device presents the prohibited image image stored in the prohibited image storage unit to the user in a selectable format via the information processing device, and the prohibited image image selected by the user. 26. The image processing system according to claim 24 or 25 , further comprising a prohibited image deleting unit that deletes the image from the prohibited image storage unit. Additional information is added to the image information,
The index creation unit, an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the image information and the additional information further to correspond to create the search index. Additional information is added to the image information,
The index creation unit, an image processing system according to any one of claims 17 to 26, characterized in that to create the search index further corresponding to the additional information and the image information as needed. Wherein the additional information, the Search permission information as to whether to permit the image information is included, according to claim 27, wherein the image information retrieval is not allowed, characterized in that it is registered to the search index Image processing apparatus. Wherein the additional information, the Search permission information as to whether to permit the image information is included, according to claim 28, characterized in that not to register the image information retrieval is not allowed to the search index Image processing system.

Images