JP5202487B2 - Image reading device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention belongs to the technical field of an image reading apparatus such as a scanner or a multifunction peripheral in which an external storage device such as a USB memory is detachable, and particularly relates to a technique for preventing the external storage device from being removed.

  In recent years, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, which is widely known as a portable recording medium, can be mounted, and when the USB memory is mounted, data is read from and written to the USB memory. Image reading apparatuses such as scanners and multifunction machines having functions have been commercialized.

  In this type of image reading apparatus, there is a problem that the user often forgets to remove the USB memory attached to the apparatus from the apparatus after the job is completed and take it home. If the user forgets to remove the USB memory, not only will the data be lost, but the USB memory may be taken out by someone else and the data in the USB memory may be used illegally.

  In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-259542, forgetting to remove the USB memory, when a start key (print start key) is pressed, the job data is copied from the USB memory to the inside of the apparatus and then the job is started. Previously, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus configured to prompt the user to remove the USB memory and to not start job execution when the USB memory is attached to the apparatus.

  In addition, in Patent Document 2 below, when data is acquired from an attached external storage device for the purpose of preventing leakage or leakage of data to a third party, processing using the acquired data is executed. The point that the data in the external storage device is deleted during or after the processing is completed is described.

JP 2006-107376 A JP 2009-3658 A

  An image reading apparatus to which a USB memory can be attached may be used in such a usage form that image data of a read original is stored in the USB memory. In this case, forgetting to remove the USB memory should be prevented. . However, such a technique has not been proposed.

  Note that Patent Document 1 does not start job execution when a USB memory is attached to the apparatus, and it is assumed that the USB memory is removed from the apparatus in order to perform a scanning operation. Therefore, the read image data of the original cannot be stored in the USB memory.

  Further, since Patent Document 2 deletes data in an external storage device during execution of processing using acquired data or after completion of the processing, image data of a read original is stored in a USB memory. I can't.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and even when the image reading apparatus is used in such a manner that the image data of the read document is stored in the USB memory, the USB memory is removed. An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of preventing forgetting as much as possible and preventing data from being illegally used by others even when the user forgets to remove the USB memory. .

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an identification information storage unit that stores a user ID and a user name for identifying a user in association with each other, and an input of a user ID stored in advance in the identification information storage unit A requesting first user ID input requesting unit; a first user ID input operating unit for inputting a user ID requested to be input by the first user ID input requesting unit; and a first user ID input operating unit. It is determined whether or not the input user ID matches the user ID stored in advance by the identification information storage unit, and when the two user IDs match, an authentication signal indicating that is output. 1 an authentication processing unit, an external storage device mounting unit to which an external storage device is mounted, an image reading unit for reading an image of a document, and image data obtained by a reading operation of the image reading unit. When the authentication signal is output from the storage unit stored in the external storage device attached to the attachment unit and the first authentication processing unit, the image reading unit is caused to read the image of the document, and the reading operation A scan instruction input operation unit capable of inputting an execution instruction of scan processing for causing the storage unit to perform processing for storing the obtained image data in the external storage device mounted in the external storage device mounting unit; When an instruction to execute the scan process is input by a scan instruction input operation unit, a scan execution instruction unit that causes the image reading unit and the storage unit to execute the scan process, an internal storage unit that stores data, A first timekeeping unit that performs a time measuring operation from the time when the image data is stored by the storage unit, and when the predetermined time is timed by the first timekeeping unit, the external recording A first attachment state detection unit that detects whether or not the external storage device is attached to the device attachment unit, and the external storage device is attached to the external storage device attachment unit by the first attachment state detection unit. Is detected, the first transfer processing unit transferring the data stored in the external storage device by the storage unit to the internal storage unit, and from the time when the data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit. A second timing unit that performs a time measurement operation, and a detachment input operation unit that can input that the external storage device is removed from the external storage device mounting unit when data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit; When it is input that the external storage device is to be removed from the external storage device mounting portion by the removal input operation unit until the predetermined time is counted by the second time measurement unit, A second user ID input request unit for requesting input of a user ID subject to authentication by the first authentication processing unit, and a user ID requested to be input by the second user ID input request unit; It is determined whether the second user ID input operation unit, the user ID input by the second user ID input operation unit, and the user ID subjected to authentication by the first authentication processing unit match. When the two user IDs match, a second authentication processing unit that outputs an authentication signal indicating that, and when the authentication signal is received from the second authentication processing unit, the first transfer processing unit a second transfer unit that returns the data transferred to the storage unit to the external storage device, the data is transferred by the first transfer unit, the work of removing the external storage device from the external storage device mounting unit And a guidance screen display unit for displaying a guidance screen prompting embodiment, the guide screen includes a display area defined in advance as the removable input operation unit, the guide screen display unit, the currently executed scanning process an image reading apparatus that displays a user name in the guidance screen corresponding to the user ID is authenticated is by the first authentication processing unit when executing in the image reading apparatus.

  According to the present invention, when the user ID is authenticated by the first authentication processing unit, it is possible to input a scan processing execution instruction by the scan instruction input operation unit. That is, when the first user ID input request unit requests input of a user ID stored in advance in the identification information storage unit, and the user ID is input by the first user ID input operation unit, the first user ID input request unit Whether or not the user ID matches the user ID stored in advance in the identification information storage unit by the authentication processing unit, that is, the user who has entered the user ID has the right to use the image reading device. It is determined whether or not there is. If so, the first authentication processing unit outputs an authentication signal indicating that fact, and when the authentication signal is output from the scan execution instruction unit, the scan instruction input operation unit issues an instruction to execute the scan process. Input is possible.

  In this state, when the external storage device is attached to the external storage device attachment unit and the scan instruction input operation unit is operated, the image reading unit generates an image of the document based on an instruction from the scan execution instruction unit. The image data read and obtained by the reading operation is stored in the external storage device mounted on the external storage device mounting unit by the storage unit. In addition, the time measuring operation by the first timer unit is started from the time when the image data is stored by the storage unit.

  When the predetermined time is counted by the first timekeeping unit, the first mounting state detection unit detects whether or not the external storage device is mounted on the external storage device mounting unit, and the first When the mounting state detection unit detects that the external storage device is mounted on the external storage device mounting unit, the data stored in the external storage device by the storage unit is transferred to the first transfer processing unit. Is transferred to the internal storage unit. And the time measurement operation | movement by the said 2nd time measuring part is started from the time of data being transferred by the said 1st transfer process part.

  When the data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit, it is possible to input by the removal input operation unit to remove the external storage device from the external storage device mounting unit, and a time predetermined by the second time measuring unit. When the removal input operation unit inputs that the external storage device is to be removed from the external storage device mounting unit until the time is counted, the first authentication processing unit sets the user ID to be authenticated. The input is requested by the second user ID input request unit.

  When the user ID is input by the second user ID input operation unit, the second authentication processing unit determines whether or not the user ID matches the user ID subjected to authentication by the first authentication processing unit. If the two user IDs are judged to match, an authentication signal indicating that is output by the second authentication processing unit. When the authentication signal is received by the second transfer processing unit from the second authentication processing unit, the data transferred to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit is stored in the external storage by the second transfer processing unit. Returned to the device.

  As described above, when the predetermined time elapses after the image data obtained by the reading operation is stored in the internal storage unit, the external storage device is still mounted in the external storage device mounting unit. Since the data stored in the external storage device is transferred to the internal storage unit, the user forgets to remove the external storage device and the external storage device is removed without permission by another person. Even so, the image data can be prevented from being illegally used by others.

  In addition, the user ID input by the second user ID input operation unit is authenticated, and when the authentication is received, the data transferred to the internal storage unit is returned to the external storage unit. A user who operates the instruction input operation unit can obtain an external storage device in which image data of the read original is stored.

  In addition, in order to return the data transferred to the internal storage unit to the external storage device, it is conditional on receiving authentication by the second authentication processing unit, so that the image data transferred to the internal storage unit is Unintentional return to the external storage device can be prevented.

In addition , when data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit, a guide screen that prompts the user to perform an operation of removing the external storage device from the external storage device mounting unit is displayed in a predetermined display area in the removal input operation unit. Since the display is performed in a form having the above, it is possible to suppress forgetting to remove the external storage device.

Further , the guide screen display unit displays a user name corresponding to the user ID subjected to authentication by the first authentication processing unit on the guide screen when the scan process executed this time is executed by the image reading apparatus. If the owner of the external storage device forgets to remove it from the external storage device mounting unit, the next user who wants to use the image processing device forgets to remove the external storage device. It is possible to know which user is the new user.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, an identification information storage unit that stores a user ID and a user name for identifying a user in association with each other and an input of a user ID stored in advance in the identification information storage unit A requesting first user ID input requesting unit; a first user ID input operating unit for inputting a user ID requested to be input by the first user ID input requesting unit; and a first user ID input operating unit. It is determined whether or not the input user ID matches the user ID stored in advance by the identification information storage unit, and when the two user IDs match, an authentication signal indicating that is output. 1 an authentication processing unit, an external storage device mounting unit to which an external storage device is mounted, an image reading unit for reading an image of a document, and image data obtained by a reading operation of the image reading unit. When the authentication signal is output from the storage unit stored in the external storage device attached to the attachment unit and the first authentication processing unit, the image reading unit is caused to read the image of the document, and the reading operation A scan instruction input operation unit capable of inputting an execution instruction of scan processing for causing the storage unit to perform processing for storing the obtained image data in the external storage device mounted in the external storage device mounting unit; When an instruction to execute the scan process is input by a scan instruction input operation unit, a scan execution instruction unit that causes the image reading unit and the storage unit to execute the scan process, an internal storage unit that stores data, A first timekeeping unit that performs a time measuring operation from the time when the image data is stored by the storage unit, and when the predetermined time is timed by the first timekeeping unit, the external recording A first attachment state detection unit that detects whether or not the external storage device is attached to the device attachment unit, and the external storage device is attached to the external storage device attachment unit by the first attachment state detection unit. Is detected, the first transfer processing unit transferring the data stored in the external storage device by the storage unit to the internal storage unit, and from the time when the data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit. A second timing unit that performs a time measurement operation, and a detachment input operation unit that can input that the external storage device is removed from the external storage device mounting unit when data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit; When it is input that the external storage device is to be removed from the external storage device mounting portion by the removal input operation unit until the predetermined time is counted by the second time measurement unit, A second user ID input request unit for requesting input of a user ID subject to authentication by the first authentication processing unit, and a user ID requested to be input by the second user ID input request unit; It is determined whether the second user ID input operation unit, the user ID input by the second user ID input operation unit, and the user ID subjected to authentication by the first authentication processing unit match. When the two user IDs match, a second authentication processing unit that outputs an authentication signal indicating that, and when the authentication signal is received from the second authentication processing unit, the first transfer processing unit A second transfer processing unit that returns the data transferred to the storage unit to the external storage device, and an operation of removing the external storage device from the external storage device mounting unit when the data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit A guidance screen prompting implementation, a guidance screen display unit displaying a guidance screen having a predetermined display area as the removal input operation unit, and data transferred to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit Is returned to the external storage device by the second transfer processing unit, and includes a second mounting state detection unit that detects whether or not the external storage device has been removed from the external storage device mounting unit. The user ID input request unit does not request input of a new user ID until the second mounting state detection unit detects that the external storage device has been removed from the external storage device mounting unit.
The invention according to claim 3, in the image reading apparatus according to claim 1, the data transferred to the internal storage unit by the second transfer process unit by said first transfer unit back to the external storage device A second mounting state detection unit that detects whether or not the external storage device has been removed from the external storage device mounting unit, wherein the first user ID input request unit includes the second mounting state detection unit. Thus, no input of a new user ID is requested until it is detected that the external storage device has been removed from the external storage device mounting portion.

  According to this invention, since the second mounting state detection unit detects that the external storage device has been removed from the external storage device mounting unit, it does not require a new user ID input. It is possible to create a situation in which the external storage device is removed from the external storage device mounting unit by another user.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the removal input operation is performed until a predetermined time is counted by the second time measuring unit. The internal storage unit without returning to the external storage device the data transferred to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit when the external storage device is not input to remove the external storage device from the external storage device mounting unit The image processing apparatus further includes an erasing processing unit that erases from.

  According to this invention, when it is not input to remove the external storage device from the external storage device mounting portion by the removal input operation unit until the predetermined time is counted by the second time measurement unit, Since the data transferred to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit is erased from the internal storage unit without being returned to the external storage device, the image data remains in the internal storage unit, so that the image Data can be prevented from being used illegally by the image reading apparatus or the like.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the data transferred to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit is the second transfer processing unit. Communication that communicates between the second mounting state detection unit that detects whether or not the external storage device has been removed from the external storage device mounting unit and another communication device when the external storage device is returned to The communication unit further includes the external storage device until the second mounting state detection unit detects that the external storage device has been removed from the external storage device mounting unit. The information indicating that the external storage device is attached to the external storage device is transmitted to the other communication device to notify that the external storage device is attached to the external storage device attachment portion.

  According to this invention, the external storage device is mounted on the external storage device mounting unit until the second mounting state detection unit detects that the external storage device has been removed from the external storage device mounting unit. When the user forgets to remove the external storage device because the external storage device is informed that the external storage device is attached to the external storage device attachment unit. In addition, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the external storage device is left as it is mounted on the external storage device mounting portion.

  According to the present invention, even when the image reading apparatus is used in such a form that the image data of the read document is stored in the external storage device, it is possible to prevent forgetting to remove the external storage device as much as possible and Even if the user forgets to remove the storage device, the data can be prevented from being illegally used by others.

It is explanatory drawing of front sectional view of one structural example of the image reading apparatus which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of the image reading apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of a login screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a guidance screen. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the control part which concerns on removal prevention of USB memory. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the control part which concerns on removal prevention of USB memory.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the structure which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in each figure shows that it is the same structure, The description is abbreviate | omitted. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a front sectional view of a configuration example of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, the XX direction is referred to as the left-right direction, and in particular, the -X direction is referred to as the left, and the + X direction is referred to as the right.

  An image reading apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called in-body discharge type copying machine, and includes an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, a sheet storage unit 14, and a discharge unit in an apparatus main body 11. 15, an image reading unit 16, and an operation unit 17 are provided. A part of the paper discharge unit 15 (an in-body paper discharge tray 151 to be described later) is formed by recessing a part of the apparatus main body 11 below the image reading unit 16. It is called the in-body discharge type.

  The apparatus main body 11 includes a lower main body 111 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape in appearance, an upper main body 112 having a flat rectangular shape opposed to the upper portion of the lower main body 111, and the upper main body 112 and the lower main body 111. And a connecting portion 113 interposed therebetween. The connecting portion 113 is a structure for connecting the in-body discharge tray 151 of the discharge portion 15 between the lower main body 111 and the upper main body 112 to each other.

  The lower main body 111 includes an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, and a paper storage unit 14, and the upper main body 112 is equipped with an image reading unit 16. The operation unit 17 is provided at the front edge portion of the upper main body 112.

  The operation unit 17 receives an operation input related to the image reading process and the image forming process, and is used to input a numeric keypad for inputting the number of sheets P to be processed, various other operation keys 171, and a touch input. A display unit 172 provided with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a power button 173 for turning on / off power supply required for each unit of the image reading apparatus 10, and the like are provided. The operation unit 17 corresponds to a scan instruction input operation unit, a first user ID input operation unit, a second user ID input operation unit, and a removal input operation unit.

  The sheet storage unit 14 includes a detachable sheet cassette 141 provided immediately below the image forming unit 12 in the lower main body 111 and a large amount of detachable sheets provided further below the sheet cassette 141. And a large-capacity deck 142 that can store paper (sheet body) P. In the present embodiment, the paper cassette 141 is provided in two stages, and the large capacity deck 142 is provided in two rows. The paper cassette 141 can be installed in two stages, and one of them can be added as an option.

  When the image forming process is performed, the paper P is fed out one by one by the paper feed rollers 145 and 146 from the paper bundle P1 stored in the paper cassette 141 or the large capacity deck 142 and sent to the image forming unit 12. Thus, an image forming process (printing process) is performed on the paper P.

  The paper discharge unit 15 includes an in-body discharge tray (switchback tray) 151 formed between the lower main body 111 and the upper main body 112, and an out-body discharge tray (external tray) formed outside the apparatus main body 11. ) 152 and an in-cylinder finisher 153 provided at a position directly above the in-cylinder discharge tray 151. The paper P on which the toner image has been transferred sent from the image forming unit 12 passes through the carry-out direction switching unit 20 provided in the connecting unit 113, and the in-cylinder sheet discharge tray 151, the discharge destination set in advance, The paper is discharged toward either the paper tray 152 or the in-body finisher 153. The in-body finisher 153 performs post-processing such as punching and stapling on the discharged paper P. The sheet is discharged to the in-body discharge tray 151 by a discharge roller 147.

  The in-body discharge tray 151 is used not only for discharging the paper P, but also when the paper P is subjected to the double-sided printing process, printing on the back side of the paper P for which the front side printing process has been completed. It is also used as a switchback tray for turning the paper P upside down for processing. In other words, the paper P on which the front side printing process has been completed is once discharged onto the in-body discharge tray 151, and then switched back with the latest leading edge so far, to the image forming unit 12. Returned. Then, the paper P on which single-sided printing has been completed is subjected to a printing process on the back side by the image forming unit 12 and is discharged to the in-body discharge tray 151 or the out-of-body discharge tray 152.

  The image reading unit 16 includes a contact glass 161 mounted on the upper surface opening of the upper body 112 for placing a document, an openable / closable document pressing cover 162 for pressing the document placed on the contact glass 161, An automatic document reading unit 163 mounted on the document pressing cover 162 and a scanning mechanism 164 that scans an image of the document placed on the contact glass 161 are provided.

  An image of a document placed on the contact glass 161 or supplied onto the contact glass 161 by the automatic document reading unit 163 is read as analog information by the scanning mechanism 164 and then converted into a digital signal, which will be described later. The image is output to 123 and used for image forming processing.

  Further, a manual feed tray 18 is provided at a position directly above the sheet storage unit 14 on the right surface of the lower main body 111. The lower side of the manual feed tray 18 is pivotally supported around a support shaft 181 and is positioned between a closed posture standing to close the manual feed port and an open posture protruding rightward. It can be changed. The manual feed tray 18 is used to manually feed the paper P one by one in a state where the posture is set to the open posture. The sheet P manually fed from such a manual tray 18 is sent out toward a nip portion between a photosensitive drum 121 and a transfer roller 125, which will be described later, via a sheet vertical conveyance path 101.

  A maintenance door 19 for maintenance that can be opened and closed is provided on the left surface of the lower main body 111. The out-body discharge tray 152 is provided at an upper position of the maintenance door 19. The paper P for which printing processing has been completed in the image forming unit 12 is selectively discharged to either the out-body discharge tray 152 or the in-body discharge tray 151.

  The image forming unit 12 is provided with a photosensitive drum 121 at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction and on the left side. The photosensitive drum 121 is uniformly charged on its peripheral surface by a charging unit 122 provided at a right position while rotating clockwise around the drum center.

  An exposure unit 123 that irradiates the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 with a laser beam based on the image information of the original image read by the image reading unit 16 is provided on the right side of the photosensitive drum 121. Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 by irradiation of the laser beam from the exposure unit 123. Toner is supplied from the developing unit 124 provided below the photosensitive drum 121 toward the electrostatic latent image, whereby a toner image along the electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121. .

  On the photosensitive drum 121 on which the toner image is formed, the sheet P conveyed from the sheet cassette 141 or the large-capacity deck 142 moves up the sheet vertical conveyance path 101 extending in the vertical direction, and is a resist for timing. It is fed through the roller pair 143. When the leading edge of the sheet is detected by the registration sensor 222, the registration roller pair 143 is temporarily stopped to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 121.

  Then, the toner image on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 is transferred to the sheet P that has reached the photosensitive drum 121 by the action of the transfer roller 125 arranged to face the photosensitive drum 121 on the left side. The sheet P on which the toner image is transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 121 and sent to the fixing unit 13.

  After the transfer of the toner image to the paper P is completed, the photosensitive drum 121 is continuously rotated in the clockwise direction, whereby the peripheral surface is cleaned by the cleaning device 126 provided immediately above the photosensitive drum 121, and the next image is displayed. It goes to the charging unit 122 for the forming process.

  The fixing unit 13 includes a heating roller 131 provided with an energization heating element such as a halogen lamp, a fixing roller 132 disposed opposite to the heating roller 131 on the left side, and a tension between the fixing roller 132 and the heating roller 131. The fixing belt 133 is provided, and a pressure roller 134 is provided on the left side so as to face the surface of the fixing belt 133. The sheet P fed from the image forming unit 12 receives the heat of the heating roller 131 through the fixing belt 133 while passing through the nip portion between the fixing belt 133 and the pressure roller 134, thereby A fixing process of the toner image to the paper P is executed.

  When the paper P after the fixing process is for single-sided printing, the paper P passes through the paper discharge conveyance path 102 via the carry-out direction switching unit 20 disposed above the fixing unit 13 and is out of the waist. In the cylinder that is discharged to the discharge tray 152, discharged to the in-cylinder discharge tray 151 through the reciprocating conveyance path 103, and further used as a switchback tray through the reciprocating conveyance path 103 for duplex printing. The paper is temporarily discharged to the paper discharge tray 151.

  In the case of double-sided printing, the single-sided printed paper P, the first half of which has been discharged to the in-body discharge tray 151 via the reciprocating conveyance path 103, is the reverse of the up-down direction provided in the maintenance door 19. The paper is reversely fed through the feeding / conveying path 104 and supplied again to the image forming unit 12 in a state where the front and back sides are reversed, and printing processing is performed on the back side. The paper P on which double-sided printing has been completed is discharged to the in-body discharge tray 151 or the out-body discharge tray 152.

  The maintenance door 19 is provided with a cover member 191 whose right surface is opposed to the left surface of the image forming unit 12 on the right side of the reverse feed path 104. The cover member 191 is held on the right side of the maintenance door 19. Then, with the maintenance door 19 set to the closed posture, the paper is fed from the paper cassette 141, the large capacity deck 142, and the manual feed tray 18 between the right side of the cover member 191 and the left side of the image forming unit 12. A part of the sheet vertical conveyance path 101 for conveying the sheet P is formed.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of the image reading apparatus 10 shown in FIG. The image reading apparatus 10 includes an internal storage unit 210, a USB mounting unit 23, and a control unit 200 in addition to the above-described units. In FIG. 2, various rollers and the like for transporting paper are collectively described as a transport mechanism 120.

  The internal storage unit 210 includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) and stores image data read by the image reading unit 16. The internal storage unit 210 includes a user ID storage unit 211 that stores in advance a user ID for identifying a user of the image reading apparatus 10 in association with a user name. The user ID storage unit 211 corresponds to an identification information storage unit.

  The USB mounting unit 23 is a part into which a USB memory M (see FIG. 1; an example of an external storage device) is inserted, and a USB terminal 231 (external storage device mounting) that is mechanically and electrically connected to a terminal of the USB memory M. Part of an example).

  The control unit 200 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes predetermined arithmetic processing, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a predetermined control program, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data. And a timer circuit and peripheral circuits thereof. The control unit 200 is connected to the image reading unit 16, the image forming unit 12, the fixing unit 13, the transport mechanism 120, the operation unit 17, the internal storage unit 210, and the USB mounting unit 23.

  The image reading apparatus 10 receives an input of a job by a user after performing an authentication process using a user ID. When the received input is an instruction for an original reading operation and the storage destination of the image data obtained by the reading operation is designated in the USB memory M, the image reading device 10 reads the image data by the image reading unit 16. The operation is executed, and the image data obtained by the reading operation is stored in the USB memory M.

  Here, in this embodiment, when the image data is stored in the USB memory M, the USB memory M can be removed. However, even if a predetermined time elapses after the image data is stored in the USB memory M, the USB memory M is stored. When the USB memory M is not removed, a guidance screen for urging the user to remove the USB memory M is displayed, and all the data in the USB memory M is transferred to the internal storage unit 210 in consideration of data safety.

  Thereafter, when the user's intention to remove the USB memory M is input to the image reading device 10, the image reading device 10 performs the authentication again and then transfers the image data transferred to the internal storage unit 210 to the USB memory. On the other hand, if it is not input to the image reading apparatus 10 that the USB memory M is to be removed, the image data transferred to the internal storage unit 210 is erased from the internal storage unit 210 without returning to the USB memory M.

  In order to perform such processing, the control unit 200 executes, for example, a control program stored in the ROM, thereby executing a USB memory attachment detection unit 201, a display control unit 202, an authentication processing unit 203, and a job execution. It functions as an instruction unit 204, a time measuring unit 205, and a data processing unit 206.

  The USB memory attachment detection unit 201 detects whether or not the USB memory M is inserted into the USB attachment unit 23. For example, when the USB memory M is inserted into the USB mounting unit 23, the potential of the USB terminal 231 changes, and the USB memory mounting detection unit 201 is based on whether or not the potential of the USB terminal 231 has changed. Then, it is detected whether or not the USB memory M is inserted into the USB mounting unit 23. The USB mounting unit 23 and the USB memory mounting detection unit 201 constitute a first mounting state detection unit and a second mounting state detection unit.

  The display control unit 202 receives a request from the authentication processing unit 203, which will be described later, and receives a login screen for inputting a user ID indicating that the user has a right to use the image reading apparatus 10, as described above. The display unit 172 displays various screens such as the guide screen that prompts the user to remove the USB memory M. FIG. 3 shows an example of the login screen, and FIG. 4 shows an example of the guidance screen.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the login screen G1 includes a message M1 that prompts input of a user ID, and a box B1 that displays characters and numbers input by the operation unit 17. As shown in FIG. 4, the guidance screen G2 shows that the USB memory M is still mounted, a message M2 indicating an instruction to remove the USB memory M, and a user name corresponding to the user ID entered on the login screen G1. (User name “AAA” in FIG. 4), and the user or another user recognizes the contents of the message M2 and the user name displayed in the display area B2, and the USB mounting unit 23 And an input button B3 for inputting to the image reading device 10 that the USB memory M attached to the camera is to be removed.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the authentication processing unit 203 collates whether or not the user ID input on the login screen G <b> 1 is a user ID registered in advance in the user ID storage unit 211. The authentication processing unit 203 corresponds to a first authentication processing unit and a second authentication processing unit. The first user ID input request unit and the second user ID input request unit are configured by an authentication processing unit 203, a display control unit 202, and a display unit 172.

  The job execution instruction unit 204 causes each unit in the image reading apparatus 10 to execute a job input by the operation unit 17, for example, a reading operation for reading an image of a document or an image forming operation for forming an image on recording paper. is there. The job execution instruction unit 204 has a function as a scan execution instruction unit.

  The time measuring unit 205 performs a time measuring operation. For example, when the USB memory M is not removed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the image data was stored in the USB memory M, the time measuring unit 205 stores the image data in the USB memory M. In order to measure the timing of transferring all data to the internal storage unit 210, or to erase the data transferred to the internal storage unit 210 from the internal storage unit 210 without returning it to the USB memory M The time measurement operation is performed. The timer unit 205 corresponds to a first timer unit and a second timer unit.

  The data processing unit 206 performs data transfer processing between the USB memory M and the internal storage unit 210, and erases data transferred to the internal storage unit 210. The data processing unit 206 corresponds to a storage unit, a first transfer processing unit, a second transfer processing unit, and an erasure processing unit.

  FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are flowcharts showing processing of the control unit 200 related to prevention of forgetting to remove the USB memory M.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when any operation is performed on the image reading apparatus 10 (YES in step # 1), the display control unit 202 receives a request from the authentication processing unit 203, as shown in FIG. A login screen G1 is displayed on the display unit 172 (step # 2).

  The authentication processing unit 203 waits until a user ID is input on the login screen G1 (NO in step # 3). When the input user ID is accepted (YES in step # 3), the user ID is the user. It is verified whether or not the information is registered in the ID storage unit 211 (step # 4).

  If the authentication processing unit 203 determines that the input user ID is not registered in the user ID storage unit 211 (NO in step # 5), the authentication processing unit 203 and the display control unit 202 Then, the process of notifying that effect is performed using the display unit 172 (step # 6), and the process returns to the process of step # 2 again to give an opportunity to input an appropriate user ID.

  On the other hand, when the authentication processing unit 203 determines that the input user ID matches that registered in the user ID storage unit 211 (YES in step # 5), the job execution instruction unit 204 Wait for job execution instruction (NO in step # 7).

  When job execution instruction unit 204 receives a job execution instruction (YES in step # 7), it determines whether or not the job is a scanning (image reading) operation (step # 8).

  If job execution instructing unit 204 determines that the job is a job other than a scan (image reading) operation (NO in step # 8), it executes an operation corresponding to the type of job to each unit in image forming apparatus 10. On the other hand (step # 9), if it is determined that the job is a scan (image reading) operation (YES in step # 8), whether or not the USB memory M is designated as the storage destination of the image data read by the scan operation. Is determined (step # 10).

  If the job execution instructing unit 204 determines that a storage destination (internal storage unit 210) other than the USB memory M is designated as the storage destination of the image data read by the scanning operation (NO in step # 10), the scanning operation is performed as the image reading. The image reading unit 16 is caused to perform processing for storing the image data obtained by the reading operation in the storage destination (step # 9).

  On the other hand, when the job execution instructing unit 204 determines that the USB memory M is designated as the storage destination of the image data read by the scan operation (YES in step # 10), the USB memory attachment detection unit 201 determines that the USB memory M is the USB memory M. It is determined whether or not it is mounted on the mounting portion 23 (step # 11). When the USB memory M is not mounted on the USB mounting unit 23 (NO in step # 11), the display control unit 202 notifies that (step # 12), while the USB memory M is in the USB mounting unit 23. If the image reading unit 16 is attached (YES in step # 11), the image reading unit 16 performs a scanning operation, and the image reading unit 16 performs processing for storing the image data obtained by the reading operation in the USB memory M. (Step # 13). Then, the timer unit 205 starts a time measuring operation.

  After the processing of step # 13, as shown in FIG. 6, the USB memory attachment detection unit 201 determines whether or not a predetermined time has been measured after the image data is stored in the USB memory M by the time measuring unit 205. (Step # 14) If it is determined that the predetermined time has been counted after the image data is stored in the USB memory M (YES in Step # 14), the time measuring unit 205 stops and resets the time measurement operation, and the USB memory attachment detection unit 201 determines whether or not the USB memory M has been removed from the USB mounting portion 23 (step # 15).

  When the USB memory mounting detection unit 201 determines that the USB memory M is removed from the USB mounting unit 23 (YES in step # 15), the control unit 200 ends the series of processes, while the USB memory M 4 is determined not to be removed from the USB mounting unit 23 (NO in step # 15), the display control unit 202 displays a guidance screen G2 as shown in FIG. The authentication processing unit 203 performs logout processing, and the data processing unit 206 transfers all data in the USB memory M from the USB memory M to the internal storage unit 210 (step # 16). Here, the timer 205 starts the time measuring operation again. In the logout process, in addition to an operation by a user other than the user who has been authenticated by the user ID in step # 4, an operation on the image forming apparatus 10 is performed unless the authenticated user is authenticated again by the user ID. It is a process to prevent it from being accepted.

  Next, the data processing unit 206 detects at regular intervals whether or not the input to remove the USB memory M from the USB mounting unit 23 is operated on the input button B3 of the guidance screen G2 (step # 17). If it is determined that the input button B3 has not been operated (NO in step # 17), the time counting unit 205 determines whether or not a predetermined time has been counted since the data was transferred to the internal storage unit 210. (Step # 18).

  If the data processing unit 206 determines that the predetermined time has not been counted since the data was transferred to the internal storage unit 210 (NO in step # 18), the data processing unit 206 returns to the processing in step # 17 while the data is stored in the internal storage unit 210. If it is determined that the predetermined time has been counted after the transfer to the storage unit 210 (YES in step # 18), the data transferred from the USB memory M to the internal storage unit 210 is not returned to the USB memory M. All are deleted (step # 19), and the display control unit 202 ends the display of the guide screen G2 (step # 20).

  In step # 17, if the display control unit 202 determines that the USB memory M has been removed from the USB mounting unit 23 (YES in step # 17), the display control unit 202 receives the request from the authentication processing unit 203 in FIG. Is displayed on the display unit 172 (step # 21). The authentication processing unit 203 waits until a user ID is input on the login screen G1 (NO in step # 22). When the user ID is input (YES in step # 22), the scan process executed this time is performed. It is verified whether or not it is the user ID that has been subject to authentication when the image reading apparatus is executed (the user ID verified in step # 4) (step # 23).

  If the authentication processing unit 203 determines that the input user ID is not the user ID that has been subject to the authentication performed previously (NO in step # 24), the authentication processing unit 203 and the display control unit 202 Performs a process of notifying that effect using the display unit 172 (step # 25), and returns to the process of step # 21 again to give an opportunity to input an appropriate user ID.

  On the other hand, when the authentication processing unit 203 determines that the input user ID is a user ID that has been subject to the authentication performed previously (YES in step # 24), the data processing unit 206 The data transferred from the USB memory M to the internal storage unit 210 is returned to the USB memory M (step # 26), and the display control unit 202 causes the display unit 172 to display a message indicating that the removal of the USB memory M is permitted. (Step # 27).

  Then, the USB memory mounting detection unit 201 determines whether or not the USB memory M has been removed from the USB mounting unit 23 (step # 28), and determines that the USB memory M has not been removed from the USB mounting unit 23 (NO at step # 28), authentication processing unit 203 performs the login prohibition process (step # 29), and then returns to the process of step # 27. As the login prohibition process, for example, a login screen G1 is displayed, but a process in which the authentication processing unit 203 does not accept an input of a user ID or a process in which a verification of a user ID accepted by the authentication processing unit 203 is not performed. By performing the login prohibition process, other users cannot input the user ID until the USB memory M is removed from the USB mounting unit 23. Therefore, the USB memory M is inserted into the USB mounting unit 23 by another user. Can create a situation that is removed from.

  On the other hand, when the USB memory mounting detection unit 201 determines that the USB memory M has been removed from the USB mounting unit 23 (YES in Step # 28), the display control unit 202 ends the display of the message (Step S28). # 30).

  As described above, when the USB memory M is not removed after the image data generated by the image reading unit 16 is stored in the USB memory M until a predetermined time elapses, the USB memory M is removed. Since the guidance screen G2 that prompts the execution of work is displayed, forgetting to remove the USB memory M can be suppressed.

  If the USB memory M is not removed after the image reading unit 16 stores the image data in the USB memory M until a predetermined time elapses, the image data is stored from the USB memory M to the internal storage. Since the image data is transferred to the unit 210, even if the user forgets to remove the USB memory M, the image data can be prevented from being illegally used by others.

  The image data transferred from the USB memory M to the internal storage unit 210 by the data processing unit 206 is returned to the USB memory M when the authentication processing unit 203 authenticates the user information input by the operation unit 17. As a result, the user can obtain the USB memory M in which the image data of the read original is stored.

  Further, since the image data is returned to the USB memory M by the data processing unit 206, it is conditional on being authenticated by the authentication processing unit 203, the image data is returned to the USB memory M without permission by another person. Can be prevented.

  In addition, when the data processing unit 206 transfers all the data in the USB memory M from the USB memory M to the internal storage unit 210 and the USB memory M is not removed from the USB mounting unit 23 within a predetermined time. Deletes all the data transferred from the USB memory M to the internal storage unit 210 without returning it to the USB memory M, so that the image data remains in the internal storage unit 210 and the image data becomes Unauthorized use in the image reading apparatus 10 or the like can be prevented.

  Also, after displaying a message that the removal of the USB memory M is permitted, login is not allowed until the USB memory M is removed, so that other users can remove the USB memory M from the USB mounting unit 23. Even when the user forgets to remove the USB memory M, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the USB memory M is left unattached to the USB mounting portion 23.

  As described above, even when the image reading apparatus 10 is used in such a form that the image data obtained by the reading operation of the image reading unit 16 is stored in the USB memory M, it is possible to prevent forgetting to remove the USB memory M as much as possible. Even if the user forgets to remove the USB memory M, it is possible to prevent data from being used illegally by others.

  In this case, the following modifications may be employed instead of or in addition to the embodiment.

  (1) The removal of the USB memory M may be notified by sound together with the display of the guide screen G2.

  (2) The external storage device in this case is not limited to the USB memory M, but also includes a recording medium such as an SD card.

  (3) The image reading device 10 includes a communication unit 300 (see FIG. 2) that communicates with other communication devices. For example, the image reading device 10 is used by a user of the image reading device 10. 6, the USB memory attachment detection unit 201 determines that the USB memory M has not been removed from the USB attachment unit 23 in step # 28 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Sometimes (NO in step # 28), the fact may be transmitted to the personal computer, and the personal computer may notify that the USB memory M is mounted on the USB mounting portion 23.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image reading apparatus 16 Image reading part 172 Display part 23 USB mounting part 231 USB terminal 200 Control part 201 USB memory mounting | wearing detection part 202 Display control part 203 Authentication processing part 204 Job execution instruction part 205 Time measuring part 206 Data processing part 210 Internal memory Unit 211 User ID storage unit

Claims (5)

An identification information storage unit that stores a user ID and a user name for identifying the user in association with each other;
A first user ID input request unit that requests input of a user ID stored in advance in the identification information storage unit;
A first user ID input operation unit for inputting a user ID requested to be input by the first user ID input request unit;
When it is determined whether the user ID input by the first user ID input operation unit and the user ID stored in advance by the identification information storage unit match, and when both the user IDs match, A first authentication processing unit for outputting an authentication signal indicating the effect;
An external storage device mounting unit to which the external storage device is mounted;
An image reading unit for reading an image of a document;
A storage unit for storing image data obtained by the reading operation of the image reading unit in an external storage device mounted in the external storage device mounting unit;
When the authentication signal is output from the first authentication processing unit, the image reading unit is caused to read the image of the document, and the image data obtained by the reading operation is mounted on the external storage device mounting unit. A scan instruction input operation unit capable of inputting a scan processing execution instruction for causing the storage unit to perform processing to be stored in the external storage device,
When an execution instruction for the scan process is input by the scan instruction input operation unit, a scan execution instruction unit that causes the image reading unit and the storage unit to execute the scan process;
An internal storage unit for storing data;
A first timing unit that performs a time measuring operation from the time when the image data is stored by the storage unit;
A first attachment state detection unit that detects whether or not the external storage device is attached to the external storage device attachment unit when a predetermined time is counted by the first time measurement unit;
When the first mounting state detection unit detects that the external storage device is mounted in the external storage device mounting unit, the data stored in the external storage device by the storage unit is stored in the internal storage unit. A first relocation processing unit relocating to
A second timing unit for measuring time from the time when the data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit;
When the data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit, a detachment input operation unit that can input that the external storage device is removed from the external storage device mounting unit,
When it is input that the external storage device is to be removed from the external storage device mounting portion by the removal input operation unit until the predetermined time is counted by the second time measurement unit, the first authentication process A second user ID input requesting unit for requesting input of a user ID subject to authentication by the unit;
A second user ID input operation unit for inputting a user ID requested to be input by the second user ID input request unit;
When it is determined whether the user ID input by the second user ID input operation unit and the user ID subject to authentication by the first authentication processing unit match, and the two user IDs match A second authentication processing unit that outputs an authentication signal indicating that;
A second transfer processing unit that, when receiving the authentication signal from the second authentication processing unit, returns the data transferred to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit to the external storage device ;
A guidance screen display unit that displays a guidance screen that prompts execution of an operation of removing the external storage device from the external storage device mounting unit when data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit ;
The guidance screen includes a predetermined display area as the removal input operation unit,
The guidance screen display unit that displays the user name that corresponds to the user ID that was subject to certification by the first authentication processing unit when executing the current executed scan processing in the image reading apparatus to the guidance screen Image reading device. An identification information storage unit that stores a user ID and a user name for identifying the user in association with each other;
  A first user ID input request unit that requests input of a user ID stored in advance in the identification information storage unit;
  A first user ID input operation unit for inputting a user ID requested to be input by the first user ID input request unit;
  When it is determined whether the user ID input by the first user ID input operation unit and the user ID stored in advance by the identification information storage unit match, and when both the user IDs match, A first authentication processing unit for outputting an authentication signal indicating the effect;
  An external storage device mounting unit to which the external storage device is mounted;
  An image reading unit for reading an image of a document;
  A storage unit for storing image data obtained by the reading operation of the image reading unit in an external storage device mounted in the external storage device mounting unit;
  When the authentication signal is output from the first authentication processing unit, the image reading unit is caused to read the image of the document, and the image data obtained by the reading operation is mounted on the external storage device mounting unit. A scan instruction input operation unit capable of inputting a scan processing execution instruction for causing the storage unit to perform processing to be stored in the external storage device,
  When an execution instruction for the scan process is input by the scan instruction input operation unit, a scan execution instruction unit that causes the image reading unit and the storage unit to execute the scan process;
  An internal storage unit for storing data;
  A first timing unit that performs a time measuring operation from the time when the image data is stored by the storage unit;
  A first attachment state detection unit that detects whether or not the external storage device is attached to the external storage device attachment unit when a predetermined time is counted by the first time measurement unit;
  When the first mounting state detection unit detects that the external storage device is mounted in the external storage device mounting unit, the data stored in the external storage device by the storage unit is stored in the internal storage unit. A first relocation processing unit relocating to
  A second timing unit for measuring time from the time when the data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit;
  When the data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit, a detachment input operation unit that can input that the external storage device is removed from the external storage device mounting unit,
  When it is input that the external storage device is to be removed from the external storage device mounting portion by the removal input operation unit until the predetermined time is counted by the second time measurement unit, the first authentication process A second user ID input requesting unit for requesting input of a user ID subject to authentication by the unit;
  A second user ID input operation unit for inputting a user ID requested to be input by the second user ID input request unit;
  When it is determined whether the user ID input by the second user ID input operation unit and the user ID subject to authentication by the first authentication processing unit match, and the two user IDs match A second authentication processing unit that outputs an authentication signal indicating that;
  A second transfer processing unit that, when receiving the authentication signal from the second authentication processing unit, returns the data transferred to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit to the external storage device;
  When the data is transferred by the first transfer processing unit, the guide screen prompts the user to perform an operation of removing the external storage device from the external storage device mounting unit, and a predetermined display area is displayed on the removal input operation unit. A guidance screen display unit for displaying a guidance screen provided as,
  Whether or not the external storage device is removed from the external storage device mounting unit when the data transferred to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit is returned to the external storage device by the second transfer processing unit A second wearing state detection unit for detecting
  The first user ID input request unit does not request an input of a new user ID until the second mounting state detection unit detects that the external storage device has been removed from the external storage device mounting unit. Reader. Whether or not the external storage device is removed from the external storage device mounting unit when the data transferred to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit is returned to the external storage device by the second transfer processing unit A second wearing state detection unit for detecting
The first user ID input request unit does not request input of a new user ID until the second mounting state detection unit detects that the external storage device has been removed from the external storage device mounting unit. Item 2. The image reading apparatus according to Item 1 . When it is not input by the removal input operation unit that the external storage device is removed from the external storage device mounting unit until the predetermined time is counted by the second time measurement unit, the first transfer processing unit the image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an erasing unit for erasing from the internal storage unit without returning the transferred data to the internal storage unit to the external storage device by. Whether or not the external storage device is removed from the external storage device mounting unit when the data transferred to the internal storage unit by the first transfer processing unit is returned to the external storage device by the second transfer processing unit A second wearing state detection unit for detecting
A communication unit that communicates with other communication devices;
In the communication unit, the external storage device is mounted on the external storage device mounting unit until the second mounting state detection unit detects that the external storage device is removed from the external storage device mounting unit. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a message indicating that the external storage device is attached to the external storage device attachment unit is transmitted to the other communication device.

Images