JP5598647B2 - Image communication device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an image communication apparatus having a so-called scan to e-mail function for transmitting image information read from a document by electronic mail via the Internet.

  An example of this type of image communication apparatus is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Also, the destination information of an e-mail that transmits image information read from a document via the Internet is extracted from an instruction e-mail (a setting e-mail sent in advance to the image communication apparatus) or a USB memory, and the e-mail is transmitted. The technique used as the tip is disclosed in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3.

  Conventionally, as a technique corresponding to a case where the destination e-mail address has been changed, for example, Patent Document 4 discloses an image communication device when an error e-mail is received because the destination e-mail address is incorrect. There has been disclosed a technique for preventing the e-mail from being repeatedly sent to an incorrect address by deleting the address from the address book, making it impossible to select, or displaying a warning at the time of selection.

JP-A-8-102837 JP 2002-41413 A JP 2007-116468 A JP 2001-216216 A

  In the present invention, when the scanned image information is transmitted to a predetermined destination by e-mail, the sender information is transmitted without being set, or another sender information different from the actual sender is set and transmitted. An object of the present invention is to provide an image communication apparatus that can eliminate the inconvenience of the image processing and can be used conveniently and improve security even in an environment where the image forming apparatus is shared by a plurality of people.

To achieve the above object, an image communication apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an image reading unit that reads image information from a document, and an image transmission that transmits the image information read by the image reading unit to a predetermined destination by e-mail. Authentication means for authenticating the operator of the image reading means, and sender information setting for automatically setting the operator information authenticated by the authentication means in the sender information of the email sent by the image sending means Means , destination information registration means for registering the destination information of the email, and a notification that the destination information of the transmitted email is invalid, the same destination as the destination information of the sent email Search means for searching information from the destination information registered by the destination information registration means, and destination information searched by the search means are registered by the destination information registration means. Comprising a transfer means for transferring an incorrect notification of the destination information in the registrant addressed was

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the sender information setting means automatically sets destination information of the e-mail of its own device in the sender information in addition to the operator information. It comprises.

A third aspect of the present invention, the invention smell of claim 1 or 2 Te, the previous SL registrant registered the destination information by the destination information registration means and a storage means for storing in association with the destination information.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, a referenceer authenticating unit that authenticates a referrer of the destination information registered by the destination information registering unit, and a referenceer authenticated by the referer authenticating unit Display control means for selectively displaying the corresponding destination information stored in the storage means on the display means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the invention, a referenceer authenticating unit that authenticates a referrer of the destination information registered by the destination information registering unit, and a referenceer authenticated by the referer authenticating unit Display control means for displaying the destination information stored in the storage means in preference to the display means.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the reference information authentication means for authenticating the reference person of the destination information registered by the destination information registration means, and the reference person authenticated by the reference person authentication means Display control means for displaying the corresponding destination information stored in the storage means in distinction from other destination information.

The invention of claim 7 is the invention of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the address information registration means registers the facsimile destination information in addition to the destination information of the electronic mail.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the authenticator authenticated by the authenticating means, the destination of the electronic mail, the transmission date and time, the transmission history of the electronic mail transmitted by the image transmitting means in association with the attached image. Transmission history management means for managing is provided.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printing control according to the eighth aspect , wherein the electronic mail transmission history managed by the transmission history managing means is automatically printed on condition that an operator request or a predetermined condition has been reached. Means.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect of the present invention, the reference authentication means for authenticating a referrer of the transmission history of the e-mail managed by the transmission history management means, and the reference authentication means Display control means for selectively displaying the transmission history of the electronic mail transmitted by the referrer on the display means.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect of the invention, the electronic mail transmission history managed by the transmission history management means includes deletion means that automatically deletes the electronic mail on condition that a predetermined condition has been reached.

In the invention of claim 12, in the invention of claim 8 , when a notification that the destination information of the transmitted electronic mail is invalid is received, the transmission history of the same destination information as the destination information of the transmitted electronic mail is displayed. Search means for searching from the transmission history of the e-mail managed by the transmission history management means, and transfer means for transferring an illegal notification of the destination information to the sender of the transmission history searched by the search means To do.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect of the invention, the search means has received a notification that the information attached to the transmitted e-mail is invalid with respect to the upper limit value set corresponding to each destination information. The destination information is the same as the transmitted email and the upper limit value is the same or larger, the destination history is searched from the transmission history of the email managed by the transmission history management means, the transfer means, The fraud notification of the destination information is forwarded to the sender of the transmission history searched by the search means .

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the authentication unit holds an authentication result authenticated by the authentication unit, and the image transmission unit continuously transmits the e-mail. Based on the stored authentication result, the operator information is automatically set by the sender information setting means .

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fourteenth aspect , the held authentication result is deleted on condition that the specified condition is met.

A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, wherein the transfer means adds a fixed sentence registered in advance to the fraud notification and transfers it.

The invention according to claim 17 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 16 , wherein the transfer means transfers the fraudulent notification by deleting portions other than a specific portion of the notification that the destination information is fraudulent .

The image communication method according to claim 18 is an image communication method executed in an image communication apparatus, wherein the image reading step reads image information from a document, and the image information read in the image reading step is set to a predetermined destination. An image sending step for sending by e-mail, an authentication step for authenticating an operator who has performed an operation for reading image information from a document, and an authentication step for authenticating the sender information of the e-mail sent by the image sending step. An operator information setting step for automatically setting the operator information, a destination information registration step for registering the destination information of the email, and a notification that the destination information of the transmitted email is invalid. From the destination information registered by the destination information registration step, the same destination information as the destination information of the transmitted e-mail is obtained. It comprises a search step of search, and a transfer step of transferring the incorrect notification of the destination information of the destination information retrieved by the searching step registrant addressed registered by the destination information registration step.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, an image reading step of reading image information from a document, an image transmission step of transmitting the read image information to a predetermined destination by e-mail to a computer of the image communication apparatus, and a document An authentication step of authenticating an operator who has performed an operation of reading image information; a sender information setting step of automatically setting the operator information authenticated by the authentication step in the sender information of the transmitted email; When receiving a destination information registration step for registering the destination information of the e-mail and a notification that the destination information of the sent e-mail is invalid, the same destination information as the destination information of the sent e-mail is received. A search step for searching from the destination information registered in the destination information registration step; and the searched destination information is used as the destination information. To execute a transfer step of transferring the incorrect notification of the destination information in the registrant addressed registered by the registration step.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that the sender information is transmitted without being set, or another sender information different from the actual sender is set and transmitted. In addition, when a notification that the destination information is invalid is received, the use of the registered destination information that is the same as the destination information is notified, so if the destination information registered by another person is incorrect, the wrong destination The risk of sending an e-mail to can be reduced as much as possible.

  This type of electronic mail does not place importance on sender information because of its nature, and in the prior art, for example, a method in which preset sender information is quoted at the time of transmission is employed.

  In other words, in the case of ordinary e-mail, it is inevitable to input the sender's address for reply, but in the case of this type of e-mail, the image communication device is used as a base for sending images unilaterally. In many cases, sender information is not regarded as important, and the sender information is not set and may be sent to the other party. In this case, the security of the recipient's receiving server Depending on the setting, receipt of the e-mail may be refused and may not be sent normally. However, according to the invention of claim 1, the above inconvenience can be solved without performing a special operation, and the inconvenience that different sender information different from the actual sender is set and transmitted is also solved. Therefore, it is convenient and useful particularly in an environment where the image communication apparatus is shared and used by a plurality of people, and an improvement in security can be expected.

  According to the invention of claim 2, since the destination information of the electronic mail of the own apparatus is automatically set, the transmission source apparatus can be easily specified.

  According to the invention of claim 3, by storing the registrant who registered the destination information in association with the destination information, it is possible to easily cope with the case where the registered destination information is incorrect or changed. Can do.

  According to the invention of claim 4, since the destination information registered by the referrer is selectively displayed when referring to the destination information, it is convenient in a shared use environment of the image communication apparatus by a plurality of people, and others It is possible to solve the security problem that the registered destination information is seen on the screen.

  According to the invention of claim 5, since the destination information registered by the referer is preferentially displayed when referring to the destination information, the destination information desired to be used can be easily found. It is convenient in the environment of shared use.

  According to the invention of claim 6, since the destination information registered by the referrer is displayed separately from the other destination information, the destination information desired to be used can be easily found, and in particular, the image communication apparatus can be shared by a plurality of people. Convenient in the environment of use.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since facsimile destination information and image information storage destination information can be registered in addition to e-mail destination information, various uses using the registration information become possible.

According to the invention of claim 8 , it is possible to store and manage the transmission history when the read image information is transmitted to a predetermined destination by e-mail.

  In other words, in this type of e-mail, the actual sender is sent without being known, or the sent attachment is deleted after sending, so “who”, “who”, “when”, “what” In the past, there was no detailed transmission record such as that described above, but the inconvenience was solved by the invention of claim 15.

According to the invention of claim 9 , when the transmission history of the e-mail reaches the operator's request or a predetermined condition, for example, when the specified number is reached or the specified time is reached, automatic printing is performed. The user can surely confirm the transmission history.

According to the invention of claim 10 , since the transmission history of the electronic mail transmitted by the authenticated referrer is selectively displayed, there is no security problem that the transmission history of another person can be seen.

According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, since the transmission history is automatically deleted on the condition that the predetermined condition is reached, there is no security problem based on the transmission history.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, when a notification that the destination information is illegal is received, the related party is determined from the transmission history and the illegal notification is transferred, so that an e-mail is transmitted to the wrong destination. Risk can be reduced as much as possible.

According to the invention of claim 13 , when the notification that the attached information is illegal with respect to the upper limit value is received, the related party is determined from the transmission history and the incorrect notification is transferred. The risk of sending the attached e-mail can be reduced as much as possible.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is not necessary to authenticate the operator each time an e-mail is transmitted continuously .

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when the specified condition is met, the operator is required to authenticate again, so that the security can be improved.

According to the invention of claim 16 , when the notification that the destination information is invalid is received, the unauthorized notification to which the fixed sentence registered in advance is transferred is transferred to the parties concerned. Receiving recipients can easily grasp the reason for transferring the fraud notification .

According to the invention of claim 17 , when the notification that the destination information is invalid is received, the unauthorized notification with the exception of the specific part deleted from the notification is forwarded to the parties concerned. There is no security problem .

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image communication system configured using the image communication apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image reading apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of user registration information for using the Scan to e-mail function in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of destination registration information for using the Scan to e-mail function in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the destination information when each user logs in. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an e-mail transmission process using the Scan to e-mail function by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an e-mail transmission process using the Scan to e-mail function by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an e-mail transmission process using the Scan to e-mail function by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an e-mail transmission process using the Scan to e-mail function by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an e-mail transmission process using the Scan to e-mail function by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an address book operation process registered in the address book storage unit shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an address book operation process registered in the address book storage unit shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of transmission history information stored in the transmission history information storage unit of the image forming apparatus 20. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus when an e-mail transmitted from the image forming apparatus by the scan to e-mail function is invalid. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an error mail received for fraudulent destination electronic mail address and a transfer mail thereof. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus when an electronic mail transmitted from the image forming apparatus by the scan to e-mail function has an attached file size error. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image forming apparatus when an electronic mail transmitted from the image forming apparatus by the scan to e-mail function has an attached file size error. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of destination registration information of each user for using the Scan to e-mail function in the first embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image communication system configured using the image communication apparatus of the present invention.

  This image communication system is configured by connecting a plurality of personal computers 10-1 to 10-n, an image forming apparatus 20, and an image reading apparatus 30 to a network 40.

  Here, the image forming apparatus 20 and the image reading apparatus 30 correspond to an image communication apparatus having a scan to e-mail function for transmitting an image using an electronic mail according to the present invention, and the personal computers 10-1 to 10-10. -N is a destination of image transmission from the image forming apparatus 20 and the image reading apparatus 30 by the scan to e-mail function.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image forming apparatus 20 illustrated in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 2 includes an image reading device unit 210 and an image forming device unit 220 that are integrally formed. The image reading device unit 210 is provided with an image reading unit 211, and the image forming device unit. The interface control unit 221, the data control unit 222, the temporary storage unit 223, the printing mechanism unit 224, the operation display unit 225, and the address book storage unit 226 are provided in 220.

  Here, the image reading unit 211 scans a document and reads image data from the document.

  The interface control unit 221 is connected to the image reading unit 221 and is connected to personal computers 10-1 to 10 -n (hereinafter collectively referred to as the computer 10) via the network 40, and is connected to the image reading unit 221. Data transmission / reception and data transmission / reception with the computer 10 are performed.

  The data control unit 222 performs various data processing in the image forming apparatus 20 and control of processing flow between the units.

  The temporary storage unit 223 temporarily holds image data read by the image reading unit 221 or data processed for printing, and includes a RAM (random access memory) or the like.

  The printing mechanism unit 224 is a mechanism unit that performs printing on a sheet based on data processed for printing temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 223.

  The operation display unit 225 displays various types of information and inputs various types of information. The address book storage unit 226 includes an address book including destination information for using the scan to e-mail function and the like. Is stored.

  In the image communication using the scan to e-mail function according to the present invention, the data control unit 222 performs operator authentication based on the identification number and password of the operator of the image reading unit 211 input by the operation display unit 225. Then, an address is set using the address book destination information stored in the address book storage unit 226, and an e-mail attached with the image data read by the image reading unit 211 is created. To the destination computer 10 specified by The operator information authenticated by the operator authentication is automatically set in the sender field (From field) of this e-mail.

  Here, the destination of the e-mail is set by the scan to e-mail function using the address book destination information stored in the address book storage unit 226. The e-mail destination is directly input from the operation display unit 225. May be set. In the case of this configuration, the address book storage unit 226 need not be provided in the image forming apparatus unit 220.

  Further, the operation display unit 225 and the address book storage unit 226 may be configured to be provided in the image reading device unit 210 instead of the image forming device unit 220.

  In FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 20 in which the image reading apparatus unit 210 and the image forming apparatus unit 220 are integrally formed is used. However, the image reading apparatus unit and the image forming apparatus unit are configured separately. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 20 in which these are connected by a cable may be used.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the image forming apparatus 20 shown in FIG.

  In the image forming apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 3, the image reading device unit 230 and the image forming device unit 240 are configured separately, and the image reading device unit 230 and the image forming device unit 240 are connected by a cable 250. .

  Here, the image reading device unit 230 includes an image reading unit 231, a data control unit 232, a temporary storage unit 233, and an interface control unit 234. The image forming device unit 240 includes an interface control unit 241 and a data control unit. 242, a temporary storage unit 243, a printing mechanism unit 244, an operation display unit 245, and an address book storage unit 246 are provided.

  Here, the image reading unit 231 scans a document and reads image data from the document.

  The data control unit 232 performs various data processing in the image reading device unit 230 and controls the flow of processing between the units.

  The temporary storage unit 233 temporarily holds the image data read by the image reading unit 231 and includes a random access memory (RAM).

  The interface control unit 234 controls data transmission / reception with the image forming apparatus unit 240.

  The image forming apparatus unit 240 is configured similarly to the image forming apparatus unit 220 shown in FIG. In other words, the interface control unit 241 of the image forming apparatus unit 240 is connected to the image reading device unit 230 and also connected to the computer 10 via the network 40, and transmits and receives data to and from the image reading device unit 230. Data transmission / reception to / from 10 is performed.

  The data control unit 242 performs various data processing in the image reading device unit 230, control of the flow of processing between the units, and the like.

  The temporary storage unit 243 temporarily stores image data read by the image reading unit 231 or data processed for printing, and includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

  The printing mechanism unit 244 is a mechanism unit that performs printing on a sheet based on data processed for printing temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 243.

  The operation display unit 225 displays various types of information and inputs various types of information. The address book storage unit 226 includes an address book including destination information for using the scan to e-mail function and the like. Is stored.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image reading device 30 illustrated in FIG.

  The image reading apparatus 30 shown in FIG. 4 includes an image reading unit 301, a data control unit 302, a temporary storage unit 303, an interface control unit 304, an operation display unit 305, and an address book storage unit 306.

  Here, the image reading unit 301 scans a document and reads image data from the document.

  The data control unit 302 performs various data processing in the image reading apparatus 30 and control of the flow of processing between the units.

  The temporary storage unit 303 temporarily stores image data read by the image reading unit 301, and includes a RAM (random access memory) and the like.

  The interface control unit 304 is connected to the computer 10 via the network 40 and performs transmission / reception of data to / from the computer 10.

  The operation display unit 305 displays various types of information and inputs various types of information, and the address book storage unit 305 includes an address book including destination information for using the scan to e-mail function. Is stored.

  The image reading apparatus 30 shown in FIG. 4 is also provided with a scan to e-mail function. This image reading apparatus 30 alone creates an e-mail attached with image data read by the image reading unit 301. Can be sent.

  That is, in this image reading apparatus 30, operator authentication is performed by the data control unit 302 based on the operator identification number and password input by the operation display unit 305, and the address book stored in the address book storage unit 306 is stored. A destination is set using the destination information, an e-mail attached with the image data read by the image reading unit 301 is created, and the e-mail is transmitted to the destination computer 10 specified by the destination information. Can do. The operator information authenticated by the operator authentication is automatically set in the sender field (From field) of this e-mail.

  Also in this configuration, the e-mail destination may be set by directly inputting from the operation display unit 225. In the case of this configuration, the address book storage unit 226 need not be provided.

  Specific embodiments of the image communication apparatus according to the present invention will be described below.

  The address book storage unit 226 of the image forming apparatus 20 illustrated in FIG. 2, the address book storage unit 246 of the image forming apparatus 20 illustrated in FIG. 3, or the address book storage unit 306 of the image reading apparatus 30 illustrated in FIG. When the destination is set using the destination information of the registered address book and image communication is performed by the scan to e-mail function, and the image forming apparatus 20 or the image reading apparatus 30 is shared by a plurality of people The address book is also shared by multiple people. In this case, anyone who uses the address book has destination information registered in the address book, for example, registered e-mail address, facsimile number, company Names, personal names, etc. can be seen, which is not preferable in terms of security.

  In this case, since the destination information registered by other people is also displayed, it is not possible to easily find the destination that the user wants to send.

  In addition, when you select and send an address registered by another person, the e-mail address may be incorrect, and the address you are trying to send and the address registered by another person are the same family name. If it is the same name, it may be sent to an unintended destination registered by another person by mistake.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the destination is personal management, and only the destination registered in the address book can be referred to and used.

  In the following description, the case where the image forming apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 2 is used is shown. However, the same applies to the case where the image forming apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 3 or the image reading apparatus 30 shown in FIG. 4 is used. is there.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of user registration information for using the Scan to e-mail function in the first embodiment.

This user registration information is registered in the address book storage unit 226 by an operation input from the operation display unit 225. In FIG. 5, the user identification information (user ID) is “67890”, the password for user authentication (Password) is “5432”, and the e-mail address (e-mail address) of this user is (aaa @ def.co.jp).
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of destination registration information for using the Scan to e-mail function in the first embodiment.

This destination registration information is also registered in the address book storage unit 226 by an operation input from the operation display unit 225. In FIG. 6, the destination information is “LMN Co., Ltd. company Ghi”, the e-mail address is (Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp), and the facsimile number (Fax number). ) Is “0x-123-456”, indicating that the upper limit value of the attached file is “3 MB”.
In the following, the operation when sending an e-mail using the Scan to e-mail function under the following conditions will be described.

  1) User authentication is required when using the Scan to e-mail function and when operating (viewing / registering / deleting / editing) the address book.

  2) If you are already authenticated when operating the address book and you continue to use the Scan to e-mail function, re-authentication is not required to use the Scan to e-mail function.

  3) “One e-mail has been sent by the Scan to e-mail function”, “When there is no operation on the operation display unit 225 for a predetermined time (30 seconds in this embodiment)”, “On the operation display unit 225 The user authentication is canceled when the end button is pressed.

  4) The operator authenticates with the user registration information shown in FIG. 5 registered in advance, and transmits an e-mail by the Scan to e-mail function to the destination of the destination registration information shown in FIG.

  5) The email address of the image forming apparatus 20 is prn01@def.co.jp.

  6) At the time of authentication (login), if it matches the ID / password registered in advance, it is determined that the login is successful, and the use of the function and the browsing of information are permitted. Is not allowed to use or view information.

  In the first embodiment, the method of authenticating (logging in) the image forming apparatus 20 by the operator is input by the operation display unit 225. However, other methods may be used. For example, a method of causing the image forming apparatus 20 to read a card storing information that can identify an individual such as a security card (contact method or non-contact method) may be used.

  In this case, in order to enhance security, the card may be read and a password may be further input on the operation display unit 225. In addition, for example, a method may be adopted in which a user's fingerprint is registered in advance and authentication (login) is performed by reading the fingerprint. In addition, for example, information for identifying an individual may be stored in a USB memory, and authentication (login) may be performed by setting the USB memory in the image forming apparatus 20.

  In this case, in order to enhance security, the above methods may be combined, such as inputting a password after setting a USB memory, or reading a fingerprint after setting a USB memory. .

  Further, if security is not important and the purpose is simply to know who the operator is, it is only necessary to login and use only an ID or a user name without a password. When security is important, password input and fingerprint authentication are required. Since user-friendliness and security are contradictory, the user authentication method may be determined according to the use environment of the user.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of destination information displayed on the operation display unit 225 when each user logs in.

  In the first embodiment, the destination information displayed on the operation display unit 225 includes “destination” and “attached information”. FIG. 7A shows the display on the operation display unit 225 when Mr. A logs in. FIG. 7B shows an example of destination information displayed on the operation display unit 225 when Mr. B logs in. FIG. 7C shows an example of destination information displayed by Mr. C. An example of the destination information displayed on the operation display unit 225 when logged in is shown. FIG. 7D shows an example of the destination information displayed on the operation display unit 225 when Mr. D logs in.

  8 to 12 are flowcharts illustrating an e-mail transmission process using the Scan to e-mail function by the image forming apparatus 20 according to the first embodiment.

  When this process is started, first, it is checked whether the Scan to e-mail function is selected on the operation display unit 225 (step 801). If the Scan to e-mail function is not selected (NO in step 801), the process returns to step 801 and waits for the scan to e-mail function to be selected. If it is determined that the -mail function is selected (YES in step 801), an authentication screen for using the Scan to e-mail function is displayed on the operation display unit 225 (step 802).

  On this authentication screen, a message requesting input of user identification information (ID) and password is displayed. Next, it is checked whether the ID and password are entered on the authentication screen (step 803). If no ID and password are entered (NO in step 803), within a predetermined time (in this embodiment, within 30 seconds). ) Is checked whether there is a key operation on the operation display unit 225 (step 806). If there is a key operation within 30 seconds (YES in step 806), the process returns to step 803, but there is no key operation within 30 seconds. (NO in step 806), the original screen display for selecting the Scan to e-mail function is displayed (step 806), and the process returns to step 801.

  If it is determined in step 803 that an ID and a password have been input (YES in step 803), first, whether the input ID matches a pre-registered ID, that is, the ID shown in FIG. If it is checked (step 804) and determined to match (YES in step 804), then it is checked whether the entered password matches the password registered in advance, that is, the password shown in FIG. (Step 805) If it is determined that they match (YES in Step 805), the process proceeds to Step 811 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step 804 that the IDs do not match (NO in step 804), an indication that the ID is incorrect is displayed on the operation display unit 225 (step 808), and a predetermined time (15 in this embodiment) is displayed. Seconds) (YES in step 810), the process returns to step 801.

  If it is determined in step 805 that the passwords do not match (NO in step 805), a message indicating that the password is incorrect is displayed on the operation display unit 225 (step 809), and a predetermined time (15 in this embodiment) is displayed. Seconds) (YES in step 810), the process returns to step 801.

  In step 811 of FIG. 9, the e-mail address of the authenticator authenticated on the authentication screen of step 802, that is, the e-mail address of the e-mail transmitted by the Scan to e-mail function, that is, shown in FIG. The user's email address aaa@def.co.jp and the email address of the image forming apparatus 20 are written prn01@def.co.jp.

  Then, an e-mail transmission setting screen by the Scan to e-mail function is displayed on the operation display unit 225.

  In this e-mail transmission setting screen, the destination can be set by direct input by key operation. However, in the first embodiment, the case where the destination is set using the address book stored in the address book storage unit 226 is shown. Therefore, first, it is checked whether there is a key operation in the operation display unit 225 within a predetermined time (in this embodiment, within 30 seconds) (step 813), and if it is determined that there is a key operation within 30 seconds. (YES in step 813) Next, the operation display unit 225 checks whether or not an end button (not shown) indicating that the transmission of the e-mail by the scan to e-mail function is ended is pressed (step 814). If it is determined that the end button (end key) has not been pressed (NO in step 814), it is next checked whether the destination display is selected on the operation display unit 225 (step 814). 815).

  If the destination display is not selected (NO in step 815), the process returns to step 813, but if it is determined in step 815 that the destination display is selected (YES in step 815), the current authentication is performed. The destination registered by the user, that is, the destination registered by the user A shown in FIG. 7A in the address book of the address book storage unit 226 is displayed on the operation display unit 225 (step 816).

  Next, it is checked whether or not there is a key operation on the operation display section 225 within a predetermined time (within 30 seconds in this embodiment) (step 817), and if it is determined that there is a key operation within 30 seconds (step 817). Next, whether or not the end button has been pressed is checked (step 818). If it is determined that the end button has not been pressed (NO in step 818), then the operation display unit 225 is checked. It is checked whether a destination is selected from the address book displayed in (819).

  If no destination is selected (NO in step 819), the process returns to step 817. If it is determined in step 819 that a destination is selected (YES in step 819), the selected destination, in this case The Scan to e-mail function uses the e-mail address Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp of Lmn Co., Ltd.'s e-mail address and PPP Manager's e-mail address PPP@rst.co.jp shown in Figure 7 Is set in the destination field (To field) of the e-mail to be transmitted (step 820), and the process proceeds to step 823 in FIG.

If it is determined in step 813 that no key operation is performed within 30 seconds (NO in step 813), if it is determined in step 814 that the end button is pressed (YES in step 814), 30 seconds in step 817. If it is determined that the key is not operated within (NO in step 817), or if it is determined that the end button is pressed in step 818 (YES in step 818), the current authentication is canceled. After the authentication is locked (step 821), the sender field (From field) of the e-mail transmitted by the Scan to e-mail function is cleared (step 822), and the process returns to step 801 in FIG.
In step 823 of FIG. 10, it is checked whether there is a key operation on the operation display unit 225 within a predetermined time (in this embodiment, within 30 seconds) (step 823), and it is determined that there is a key operation within 30 seconds. Then (YES in step 823), it is then checked whether the end button has been pressed (step 824). If it is determined that the end button has not been pressed (NO in step 824), then It is checked whether a scan button (not shown) provided on the operation display unit 225 for instructing the start of scanning by the image reading unit 211 of a document to be retransmitted by the Scan to e-mail function is pressed (step 825).

  If it is determined that the Scan button has been pressed (YES in step 825), scanning of the document by the image reading unit 211 is started (step 826). Next, is the scanning of the document completed? (Step 827), and if the scanning is not completed (NO in step 827), the process returns to step 826 to continue scanning the document, but if it is determined in step 827 that the scanning of the document is completed (step 827). In step 827, YES), the size of the document data read by the image reading unit 211 is compared with the attached file upper limit value (attached file size upper limit value) set corresponding to each destination in FIG. 6 (step 828).

  If the size of the document data read by the image reading unit 211 is larger than the attached file upper limit value set corresponding to each destination in FIG. 6, that is, 3 MB (YES in step 829) as a result of the comparison in step 828, FIG. The process proceeds to step 832.

  Further, if the size of the document data read by the image reading unit 211 is smaller than the attached file upper limit value set corresponding to each destination in FIG. 6, that is, 3 MB (NO in step 829) by the comparison in step 828, FIG. The process proceeds to step 841.

If it is determined in step 823 that no key operation is performed within 30 seconds (NO in step 823), or if it is determined in step 824 that the end button is pressed (YES in step 824), After canceling the current authentication and locking the authentication (step 830), the sender column (From column) of the e-mail transmitted by the Scan to e-mail function is cleared (step 831), and the step of FIG. Return to 801.
In step 832 of FIG. 11, a selection screen for changing the resolution of the document data read by the image reading unit 211 or dividing the document data (file) is displayed on the operation display unit 225.

  Then, on this selection screen, it is checked whether there is a key operation on the operation display unit 225 within a predetermined time (in this embodiment, within 30 seconds) (step 833), and it is determined that there is a key operation within 30 seconds. (YES in step 833), it is then checked whether a resolution change has been selected (step 834). If it is determined that the resolution change has been selected (YES in step 834), the file with the changed resolution is displayed (step 835). If the changed resolution is approved (YES in step 836), Proceed to step 841 in FIG.

  The resolution can be changed by selecting a resolution of 300 dpi, for example, and scanning and reading the original image again. However, when scanning the original in step 826, the resolution is changed and several types are changed. The scan file may be stored. For example, a file scanned at 600 dpi, 400 dpi, 300 dpi, and 200 dpi is stored in the image forming apparatus 20 and an attempt is made to send a file scanned at 600 dpi. The forming apparatus 20 compares the file size of the data scanned at 400 dpi, 300 dpi, and 200 dpi with the preset upper limit value 3 MB of the attached file, and selects the scanned n file with the highest resolution of 3 MB or less. Here, for example, when image data of 300 dpi meets the above condition, a message such as “Do you want to send a file scanned at 300 dpi?” Is displayed in step 835. If “OK” is selected here, the process proceeds to step 841 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step 834 that resolution change is not selected (NO in step 834) or if the resolution changed in step 836 cannot be approved (NO in step 836), it is checked whether file division is selected. (Step 837). If it is determined that file division has been selected (YES in step 837), the flow advances to step 841 in FIG.

  In this case, the file is divided into, for example, 2.8 MB and 1.5 MB so that the size of the attached file does not exceed the upper limit of 3 MB. In this case, the file is divided on the receiving side. Attached to multiple e-mails to the same destination along with a file for restoring. For example, a 2.8 MB file is attached to the first e-mail, a 1.5 MB file and a restoration file are attached to the second e-mail, and two e-mails are transmitted. If there is no need to restore the divided files, the restoration file need not be sent. In this case, for example, the image data of the first and second pages are attached to the first e-mail, and the image data of the third and fourth pages are attached to the second e-mail.

  If it is determined in step 837 that file division has not been selected (NO in step 837), it is then checked whether the end button has been pressed (step 838). Here, the end button has not been pressed. Is determined (NO in step 838), the process returns to step 833.

  If it is determined in step 834 that the resolution change has been selected (YES in step 834), the file whose resolution has been changed is displayed (step 835). If the changed resolution is acceptable (YES in step 836). The process proceeds to step 841 in FIG.

If it is determined in step 833 that no key operation is performed within 30 seconds (NO in step 833), or if it is determined in step 838 that the end button has been pressed (YES in step 838), After canceling the current authentication and locking the authentication (step 839), the sender column (From column) of the e-mail transmitted by the Scan to e-mail function is cleared (step 840), and the step of FIG. Return to 801.
In step 841 of FIG. 12, the e-mail address of the authenticator authenticated on the authentication screen of step 802 and the e-mail address of the image forming apparatus 20 are written in the sender column (From column) in step 811 of FIG. Then, an e-mail by the Scan to e-mail function in which the address is set in the address field (To field) in step 820 of FIG. 9 is transmitted (step 841).

  When the transmission of the e-mail is completed (YES in step 842), the transmission history information associated with the information in the sender column (From column) of the e-mail is recorded in a transmission history information storage unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 20. (Step 834).

  The transmission history information recorded and managed in the transmission history information storage unit may be displayed and printed in response to an administrator's print request, or may be automatically printed at a predetermined date and time. . Alternatively, automatic printing may be performed when a predetermined number of cases is reached.

  In consideration of security and convenience, when Mr. A logs in (authenticates) the image forming apparatus 20 and instructs to print Scan to e-mail transmission history information, only the history transmitted by Mr. A is displayed and printed. You may be able to do it.

  Even in such a case, when an administrator with higher administrator authority logs in (authenticates) the image forming apparatus, the entire transmission history that does not limit the sender may be displayed and printed. The file transmitted as an attachment may be stored together in a storage device in the image forming apparatus 20 or an external storage device (for example, transferred to a server and stored in a specific folder in the server). At that time, if there is no file name in the image n data, add the file name such as date + Scan time + extension according to the file format, write it in Scan to e-mail transmission history information, and send the file If you keep them, you can manage who sent what, when, to whom and what.

  The transmission history information may be automatically deleted after a certain time has elapsed or after a certain number of records have been reached. For example, in the case of setting to delete after 30 days, the history of the email transmitted on January 19 is deleted from the transmission history management information on February 18 and transmitted on January 19 that was stored in association with the history. Deleted files are also deleted. In the case of setting to delete when 20 items are reached, the history is saved while the Scan to e-mail sent on January 19 is included in the latest 20 items, but the transmission history is new. When it becomes the 21st in order, the file transmitted on January 19 that has been deleted from the transmission history management information and stored in association with it is also deleted.

  When the transmission history information is stored in step 843, the sender column (From column) of the e-mail transmitted by the Scan to e-mail function is cleared (step 844), and then the current authentication is canceled and the authentication is performed. Is locked (step 845), and the process returns to step 801 in FIG.

  In this embodiment, clearing the sender field (From field) in step 845 deletes aaa@def.co.jp and prn01@def.co.jp described in the sender field (From field). However, only aaa@def.co.jp may be deleted, leaving prn01@def.co.jp.

  Further, in this embodiment, since it is known who (current certifier) and to whom to send at the stage of step 820 in FIG. 9, it is registered in advance according to the current certifier and destination. The signature and the fixed sentence may be automatically added to the e-mail. For example, the signature (company name / department name / name / phone number / fax number / e-mail address) is the same regardless of the destination, and the standard text (“XX company △△ department □□. Etc.) may be automatically added according to the destination.

  FIGS. 13 to 14 are flowcharts showing the operation processing of the address book registered in the address book storage unit 226 shown in FIG.

  When this processing is started, first, it is checked whether or not an address book is selected on the operation display unit 225 (step 901). If no address book is selected (NO in step 901), the process returns to step 901. If it is determined in step 901 that an address book is selected (YES in step 901), the operation display unit 225 is displayed. An authentication screen for address book operation is displayed on the screen (step 902).

  In this authentication screen, the user identification information (ID) and password are input in the same manner as the authentication screen shown in step 802 of FIG. Next, it is checked whether there is a key operation on the operation display unit 225 within a predetermined time (within 30 seconds in this embodiment) (step 903), and if there is a key operation within 30 seconds (YES in step 903). Next, it is checked whether the ID and password have been entered on the authentication screen (step 904). If the ID and password have not been entered (NO in step 904), the process returns to step 903, but the ID and password are entered. If it is determined that a password has been input (YES in step 904), it is first checked whether the input ID matches the ID registered in advance, that is, the ID shown in FIG. 5 (step 905). If it is determined that they match (YES in step 905), then the input password is the password registered in advance, that is, as shown in FIG. If the password matches the password (step 906) and if it matches (YES in step 906), the address list registered by the authenticated user, in this case, the user is A, so FIG. ) Is displayed on the operation display unit 225 (step 907), and the process proceeds to step 912 in FIG.

  If there is no key operation within 30 seconds in step 903 (NO in step 903), the original screen for selecting the address book is displayed (step 908), and the process returns to step 901.

  If it is determined in step 905 that the IDs do not match (NO in step 905), an indication that the ID is incorrect is displayed on the operation display unit 225 (step 909), and a predetermined time (15 in this embodiment) is displayed. Seconds) (YES in step 911), the process returns to step 901.

  If it is determined in step 906 that the passwords do not match (NO in step 906), a message indicating that the password is incorrect is displayed on the operation display unit 225 (step 910), and a predetermined time (15 in this embodiment) is displayed. Seconds) (YES in step 911), the process returns to step 901.

  In step 912 of FIG. 14, it is checked whether or not there is a key operation within the predetermined time (in this embodiment, within 30 seconds) on the operation display unit 225. If there is a key operation within 30 seconds (YES in step 912). Next, it is checked whether the end button has been pressed (step 913). If it is determined that the end button has not been pressed (NO in step 913), it is then checked whether the Scan to e-mail function has been selected on the operation display unit 225 (step 914). Here, when the Scan to e-mail function is selected (YES in Step 914), the process proceeds to Step 811 in FIG. 9, and the e-mail transmission process using the Scan to e-mail function described above is executed.

  If you select the Scan to e-mail function without operating the address book for 30 seconds or more, you can use Scan to e-mail without authenticating again (with the same account). It means that. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, authentication (or login) is required at the time of address book operation, and when the destination information as shown in FIG. 6 is registered in the address book, the image forming apparatus 20 displays the registrant (address The ID of the person who has been authenticated or logged in when the book is registered is stored, and the re-authentication is omitted.

  If the Scan to e-mail function has not been selected at step 914 (NO at step 914), it is then checked whether address book addition has been selected (step 915). If the address book addition is selected (YES in step 915), it is next checked whether there is a key operation on the operation display unit 225 within a predetermined time (within 30 seconds in this embodiment) ( Step 920) If there is a key operation within 30 seconds (YES in Step 920), the process waits for the address book addition process to be completed (NO in Step 921), and when the address book addition process is completed (Step 921). YES), the process returns to step 912.

  If it is determined in step 915 that address book addition has not been selected (NO in step 915), it is then checked whether address book deletion has been selected (step 916). If deletion of the address book is selected (YES in step 916), it is next checked whether or not there is a key operation on the operation display unit 225 within a predetermined time (within 30 seconds in this embodiment) ( Step 922) Here, if there is a key operation within 30 seconds (YES in Step 922), it waits for the completion of the address book deletion process (NO in Step 922), and when the address book deletion process is completed (Step 922). YES), the process returns to step 912.

  If it is determined in step 916 that address book deletion has not been selected (NO in step 916), it is then checked whether address book editing has been selected (step 917). If address book editing is not selected (NO in step 917), the process returns to step 912. If address book editing is selected (YES in step 917), then within a predetermined time. (In this embodiment, within 30 seconds) it is checked whether there is a key operation on the operation display unit 225 (step 918). If there is a key operation within 30 seconds (YES in step 918), the address book editing is performed. The process waits for completion (NO in step 919). When the address book editing process is completed (YES in step 919), the process returns to step 912.

  If it is determined in step 920 that no key operation is performed within 30 seconds (NO in step 920), if it is determined in step 922 that no key operation is performed within 30 seconds (NO in step 922), step 918 is performed. If it is determined that no key operation is performed within 30 seconds (NO in step 918), the authentication on the authentication screen in step 902 is cleared (step 924), and the process returns to step 901 in FIG. .

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of transmission history information stored in the transmission history information storage unit of the image forming apparatus 20 recorded in step 843 of FIG.

  In this transmission history information, as shown in FIG. 15, corresponding to each email sent by the scan to e-mail function, the email address of the destination (To), the email of the sender (From) The address, the e-mail address of the transmitter (image forming apparatus 20) that sent the e-mail, the transmission date and time, the contents of the attached file, and the transmission result are stored.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus 20 when an electronic mail transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 by the scan to e-mail function is invalid.

  Here, Mr. A who has the user registered email address aaa@def.co.jp shown in FIG. 5 uses the email address prn01@def.co.jp of the image forming apparatus 20, and FIG. The e-mail address Ghi.jk@lmn.co of the destination information shown in FIG. 6 is sent when an e-mail is sent by the Scan to e-mail function to the destination for which the address information is registered as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, Mr. A whose email address is aaa@def.co.jp, Mr. B whose email address is bbb@def.co.jp), and whose email address is ddd @ def. The case where it is registered in the address book of Mr. D of co.jp will be described.

  The image forming apparatus 20 first checks whether an e-mail (e-mail) has been received (step 1001). If it is determined that an e-mail has been received (YES in step 1001), the image forming apparatus 20 It is determined whether or not the text contains a specific character string indicating fraud in the e-mail address, for example, a specific character string previously registered in the image forming apparatus 20 such as “User Unknown” (step 1002). .

  Since the character string included in the error message when the email address is invalid differs depending on the type of email transfer device (not shown), multiple types of main error messages (for example, Invalid User, e-mail address error, etc.) are stored in advance. It is better to be able to detect a wide range of errors in e-mail addresses. Depending on the e-mail transfer apparatus, there is a possibility that an e-mail containing an error code (number) may be returned. Therefore, an error code corresponding to an illegal e-mail address is also stored in the image forming apparatus 20 and the e-mail address is stored. It may be used to determine fraud.

  If it is determined in step 1002 that the received e-mail contains an error message consisting of a specific character string registered in advance in the image forming apparatus 20 (YES in step 1002), the destination is invalid. E-mail address extracted.

  FIG. 17A is a diagram showing an example of an error mail received because the destination electronic mail address is illegal. In this error mail, a specific character string indicating fraud of the “User Unknown” e-mail address is included in the body of the error mail, and this specific character string is stored in the image forming apparatus 20 in advance. Since it matches the character string determined to be invalid, in step 1002, it is determined that the destination electronic mail address containing the specific character string is invalid. In step 1003, the e-mail address whose destination is invalid is extracted from the To column of Original e-mail in FIG. 17 as Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp.

  Note that when there are a plurality of destinations, the above means cannot identify them. Therefore, when there are a plurality of destinations, it is necessary to provide a means for determining which of the destinations has an illegal address.

  For example, an e-mail using the Scan to e-mail function was sent to three people, and the e-mail address Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp was not delivered because of an illegal address, but the other two people In such a case, a method is provided that can identify that the address is invalid and the error is addressed to Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp.

  For example, if there is a character string of “Reason: Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp ... User Unknown” based on the error message incidental information or the error message characteristics of each email transfer device, It is sufficient to take measures that are easy to judge from the incidental information of error mail and the characteristics of error messages, such as judging the email address described between Reason: ”and“ User Unknown ”as an illegal address. A method that does not depend on the type of mail transfer device is desirable, and in the case of a method that depends on an electronic mail transfer device, it is desirable that the characteristics of a plurality of main electronic mail transfer devices be grasped to support a wide variety of models.

  Returning to FIG. 16, in step 1004, the address book destination data stored in the address book storage unit 226 in the image forming apparatus 20 is searched with the e-mail address extracted in step 1003. The e-mail address of the person who registered the e-mail address is extracted (step 1005). In this case, from FIG. 7, the email addresses of persons who registered the email address GHi.jk@lmn.co.jp whose address was invalid are aaa@def.co.jp, bbb@def.co.jp , Ddd@def.co.jp is extracted.

  Next, the e-mail address of the sender column (From column) at the time of e-mail transmission by the Scan to e-mail function relating to the received error mail is extracted (step 1006). In the example of FIG. 17A, aaa@def.co.jp and prn01@def.co.jp are extracted from the From column in the Original Message.

  Then, an email address other than the email address prn01@def.co.jp of the image forming apparatus 20 is extracted from the email address extracted in step 1006 (step 1007). In this case, aaa@def.co.jp is extracted from the e-mail addresses aaa@def.co.jp and prn01@def.co.jp.

  Next, it is determined whether the e-mail address extracted in step 1007 is only the e-mail address of the person who registered the e-mail address that was invalid in this destination extracted in step 1005 (step 1008).

  Here, if the e-mail address extracted in step 1007 is only the e-mail address of the person who registered the destination illegal e-mail address extracted in step 1005 (YES in step 1008), the process returns to step 1001.

  Also, in step 1008, if the e-mail address extracted in step 1007 includes other than the e-mail address of the person who registered the destination illegal e-mail address extracted in step 1005 (NO in step 1008), FIG. An unnecessary part is deleted from the error mail shown in FIG. 17A (step 1009), and a sentence warning the fraudulent email (warning an address mistake) is added to the error mail from which the unnecessary part is deleted (step 1010). The error mail with the unnecessary part deleted and the warning text added is addressed to an e-mail address other than the person who registered the invalid e-mail address in the e-mail address extracted in step 1005. In this case, The data is transferred to Mr. B and Mr. D (step 1010), and this process is terminated.

  In step 1008, if the e-mail address extracted in step 1007 is only the e-mail address of the person who registered the destination unauthorized e-mail address extracted in step 1005 (YES in step 1008), the process returns to step 1001. However, this is because the error mail shown in FIG. 17 (A) has already been sent directly from the e-mail transfer apparatus to the person who registered this destination fraudulent e-mail address, that is, to Mr. A. In this embodiment, the transfer mail is not transferred again.

  FIG. 17B shows an example of a forward mail in which unnecessary parts are deleted from the error mail shown in FIG.

  In the forwarded mail shown in FIG. 17 (B), the text and attached file are deleted from the error mail shown in FIG. 17 (A). For example, “GHi.jk@lmn.co.jp address may be wrong A fixed sentence that has been registered in advance in the image forming apparatus 20 is added.

  Here, the deletion of the text and attached file from the error mail shown in FIG. 17A is considered to be problematic from the viewpoint of information leakage / security / privacy because the error mail is transferred to another person. In addition, if the message is sent with the text or attached file attached, it affects the storage area and communication load of the receiving computer 10 or a mail server (not shown). Note that the subject (title) may be deleted if there is a security or privacy problem. Also, the Cc e-mail address may be deleted from the above viewpoint.

  Also, because the reason for forwarding the forwarded mail is to notify when and who sent the email that the destination email error has occurred, such as the body text, attached file, Subject, Cc, etc. Deleting the information has no effect.

  The reason for adding warning text is that even if the error mail is transferred as it is, the message may be in English or in some cases it may be an error code (number). This is because it is easier for the recipient to understand.

  FIGS. 18 to 19 are flowcharts showing the operation of the image forming apparatus 20 when an electronic mail transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 by the scan to e-mail function has an attached file size error.

  In FIG. 16, when the destination e-mail address of the e-mail using the Scan to e-mail function is invalid, the error e-mail is transferred to people registered in the address book at the same destination and the information is expanded. FIG. 18 to FIG. 19 show an error mail when an error occurs due to a large attachment file size using the same method in FIGS. Shows the case where information is transferred to the same recipient and transferred to people registered in the address book with the same or larger size as the upper limit of the size of the attached file that caused an error, but the upper limit. .

  Here, Mr. A who has the user registered email address aaa@def.co.jp shown in FIG. 5 uses the email address prn01@def.co.jp of the image forming apparatus 20, and FIG. The e-mail address Ghi.jk@lmn.co of the destination information shown in FIG. 6 is sent when an e-mail is sent by the Scan to e-mail function to the destination for which the address information is registered as shown in FIG. .jpe-mail is correct, but the upper limit of the size of the attached file that can be received by the mail server that receives this e-mail is limited to 2MB, and the e-mail address is aaa@def.co.jp In the address book of Mr. A, whose email address is Bbb@def.co.jp) and Mr. D whose email address is ddd@def.co.jp, as shown in FIG. 20, the email address Ghi For the destination information of .jk @ lmn.co.jpe-mail, the maximum size of the attached file is 3MB, 2MB, And MB, the case for you are who each registration is described.

  First, the image forming apparatus 20 checks whether or not an e-mail (e-mail) has been received (step 1101). If it is determined that the e-mail has been received (YES in step 1101), the image forming apparatus 20 An attachment file size error is determined based on whether or not the text contains a specific character string indicating that the size of the attachment file is large (step 1102).

  For example, when the image forming apparatus 20 stores a character string “File Size Over” as a search keyword in advance, a search is performed to determine whether the character string “File Size Over” is in the body of the received e-mail. If yes, it is determined that the attached file size is large (YES in step 1102), and the process proceeds to step 1103.

  In this case as well, since the character string described in the error mail at the time of an attachment file size error differs depending on the type of e-mail transfer device, multiple major error messages (for example, File Size Error, Too Big, etc.) are stored in advance. And be able to detect a wide range of file size errors.

  Also, depending on the e-mail transfer device, there is a possibility that an error code (number) is written and sent back by e-mail. Therefore, the error code corresponding to the attached file size error is also stored in the image forming apparatus 20 and attached. It may be used to determine a file size error.

  In step 1103, the e-mail address in which an attached file size error has occurred is extracted. In the extraction of the e-mail address, as in the flowchart of FIG. 16, the e-mail address having an attachment size error is extracted from the To column of the original e-mail of the error mail (step 1103).

  Here, when there are a plurality of e-mail destination e-mail addresses using the Scan to e-mail function, as in the flowchart of FIG. To extract.

  In step 1104, the destination data in the address book stored in the address book storage unit 226 in the image forming apparatus 20 is searched with the email address extracted in step 1103, and the destination email address is registered. The e-mail address of the person who made the message and the upper limit of the attached file are extracted (step 1105). In this case, from FIG. 7, the email address of the person who registered the email address GHi.jk@lmn.co.jp with the attached file size error is aaa@def.co.jp, bbb@def.co .jp and ddd@def.co.jp are extracted, and the upper limit value of each attached file is extracted as 3 MB, 2 MB, and 5 MB from FIG.

  Next, the e-mail address of the sender column (From column) at the time of e-mail transmission by the Scan to e-mail function related to the received error mail is extracted (step 1106). In this case, aaa@def.co.jp and prn01@def.co.jp are extracted from the From column in the Original Message of the error mail.

  Then, an email address other than the email address prn01@def.co.jp of the image forming apparatus 20 is extracted from the email address extracted in step 1106 (step 1107). In this case, aaa@def.co.jp is extracted from the e-mail addresses aaa@def.co.jp and prn01@def.co.jp.

  Next, the upper limit value of the corresponding attached file of the e-mail address extracted in step 1107, that is, the upper limit value of the attached file addressed to Mr. A's Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp is extracted (step 1108). In this case, the upper limit value of the attached file addressed to Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp is extracted as 3 MB.

  Then, it is determined whether the e-mail address extracted in step 1107 is only the e-mail address of the person who registered the e-mail address extracted in step 1005 and resulting in the attached file size error (step 1109).

  If the e-mail address extracted in step 1107 is only the e-mail address of the person who registered the attached file size error e-mail address extracted in step 1105 (YES in step 1109), the process returns to step 1101.

  If the e-mail address extracted in step 1107 includes other than the e-mail address of the person who registered the attached file size error e-mail address extracted in step 1105 in step 1109 (NO in step 1008). Whether the upper limit value of the attached file of the e-mail address extracted in step 1105 is within the range of the upper limit value of the attached file extracted in step 1108 is checked (step 1110).

  Here, the upper limit value 2 MB of the attachment file addressed to the email Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp set by Mr. B is smaller than the upper limit value 3 MB of the attachment file extracted in step 1108 (NO in step 1110). Proceeding to step 1112, it is checked whether there are other e-mail addresses extracted at step 1105. Here, there is D's e-mail address ddd@def.co.jp (YES in step 1112), so return to step 1110 and attach to e-mail Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp set by D It is checked whether the upper limit value 5 MB of the file is within the range of the upper limit value 3 MB of the attached file extracted in step 1108. Here, the upper limit value 5 MB of the attached file addressed to the e-mail Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp set by Mr. D is larger than the upper limit value 3 MB of the attached file extracted in step 1108 (NO in step 1110). The electronic mail address ddd@def.co.jp of Mr. D extracted in step 1105 is set as the error mail forwarding address (step 1111), and the process proceeds to step 1112.

  If it is determined in step 1112 that there is no other e-mail address extracted in step 1105 (NO in step 1112), the process proceeds to step 1113 in FIG.

  In step 1113 of FIG. 19, an unnecessary part is deleted from the error mail determined to have been received in step 1101, a warning message about the upper limit value of the attached file is added (step 1114), and the error mail is transferred in step 1111. This is transferred to the destination address, here, D's e-mail address ddd@def.co.jp (step 1115), and this process ends.

  The reason why the unnecessary part is deleted from the error mail in step 1113 is that there is a problem from the viewpoint of information leakage / security / privacy as in step 1009 in FIG. This is because sending the data while it is added affects the storage area and communication load of the receiving computer 10 and a mail server (not shown).

  The reason for adding warning text is that even if the error mail is transferred as it is, the message may be in English or in some cases it may be an error code (number). This is because it is easier for the recipient to understand. The warning text added here is, for example, a warning text such as “There is a possibility that a file size error may occur with the current attached file upper limit value. Please check”. Attach to the error email.

  In the second embodiment, a case where an address book is shared by a plurality of people for one image forming apparatus 20 will be described.

  That is, in the first embodiment, the same destination is registered in the address book for each operator, but in the second embodiment, if a certain destination is registered in the address book, another operator can also register the destination. You can make a call using.

  For example, as in the example of the destination registration information shown in FIG. 6, the destination information is registered in the address book. Previously, Mr. A, Mr. B, and Mr. C showed Scan to e-mail in FIG. Suppose that Mr. A has sent an e-mail from the image forming apparatus 20 to the destination (Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp) shown in FIG. 6 using the Scan to e-mail function. A description will be given below of an example of the operation when the email address Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp is wrong, although it has been sent. The e-mail address of the image forming apparatus 20 that transmits this Scan to e-mail is prn01@def.co.jp.

  The processing of the image forming apparatus 20 in this case is the same as the processing shown in FIGS. However, in the first exemplary embodiment, the destination registered by the currently registered user is selectively displayed in step 816 in FIG. 9, but in the second exemplary embodiment, the address book is stored in one image forming apparatus 20. Since it is shared by multiple people, all the data in the address book is displayed.

  That is, when Mr. A chooses to use the Scan to e-mail function (YES in step 801), the image forming apparatus 20 requests input of an ID and a password (step 802), and when the ID and password are input (step 802). If the input ID matches the ID registered in advance, that is, the ID (67890) shown in FIG. 5 (step 804), and if it is determined to match (step 804) Next, it is checked whether or not the input password matches the pre-registered password, that is, the password (5432) shown in FIG. 5 (step 805), and if it is determined to match (step 805). YES), this function can be used, and when address selection display is performed (YES in step 815), all data in the address book is displayed. That.

  Note that the image forming apparatus 20 includes Mr. A's e-mail address (aaa@def.co.jp) and the e-mail address (prn01@def.co.jp) of the image forming apparatus in the From column of Scan to e-mail. ) Is set (step 811). In addition, Mr. A performs various settings for scanning the transmission image, such as color / monochrome selection and resolution designation, on the Scan to e-mail transmission setting screen displayed in Step 812, and transmits Scan to e-mail. Give instructions. The subsequent operation is the same as that after step 826 in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 20 records transmission history information such as the sender (Scan to e-mail sender authentication ID), transmission destination, transmission date and time, transmission file, and the like as shown in FIG.

  Mr. A sent an e-mail from the image forming apparatus 20 to the destination (Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp) shown in FIG. 6 using the Scan to e-mail function, and this e-mail address Ghi.jk @ The operation when lmn.co.jp is wrong is the same as the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  That is, when the image forming apparatus 20 receives an error mail, the image forming apparatus 20 determines whether the error mail is a destination error. The determination as to whether this is a destination error is the same as the determination described with reference to FIG.

  If it is determined in FIG. 16 that there is a destination error (YES in step 1002), Scan to e-mail has been sent to the destination of Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp in the past from the stored transmission history. An operator's e-mail address is searched and extracted (step 1007).

  If there is no person other than Mr. A (YES in step 1008), the error mail is not transferred, but if it is other than Mr. A (NO in step 1008), the error mail is transferred. The error mail transfer operation is the same as that after step 1009 in FIG.

  In other words, the unnecessary part is deleted from the error mail (step 1009), and the standard sentence such as “The e-mail address of Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp may have been changed. Please check”. Is added (step 1010), and this error mail is transferred.

  Here, when searching for the history of sending e-mails using the Scan to e-mail function to the address of Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp (step 1004), the conditions such as “within the past ○ month” are set. You may add and search.

  Further, the operation of the image forming apparatus 20 when the electronic mail transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 by the scan to e-mail function is an attached file size error is the same as the processing of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. is there.

  That is, when Mr. A transmits an e-mail using Scan to e-mail from the image forming apparatus 20, the image forming apparatus 20 transmits the sender (authentication ID of the Scan to e-mail sender), the destination, and the transmission date and time. In addition, transmission history information such as transmission file and attachment file size upper limit setting information is recorded.

  When receiving the error mail, the image forming apparatus 20 determines whether the error mail is a file size error. The determination of whether or not this file size error is the same as the determination shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in FIG. 18 that a file size error has occurred (YES in step 1102), the same attachment file size upper limit value as this time or a larger attachment file size upper limit value than this time is addressed to Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp The e-mail address of the operator transmitted with the setting is retrieved from the past transmission history information and extracted (step 1108).

  If the user is not other than Mr. A (step 1109), the error mail is not transferred. If the user is other than A (NO in step 1109), the error mail is transferred. Forward the transmission. The error mail transfer operation is the same as that after step 1113 in FIG.

  In other words, the unnecessary part is deleted from the error mail (step 1113), and there is a possibility that an error will occur if the setting is “Address: Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp, attached file upper limit: 3MB. A standard sentence such as “Please” is added (step 1114), and this error mail is transferred.

  In this case as well, when searching for the history of sending emails using the Scan to e-mail function to the address of Ghi.jk@lmn.co.jp (step 1104) You may add and search.

  In the third embodiment, an operation when the image forming apparatus 20 is continuously used will be described.

  That is, in the first and second embodiments, authentication or login is required every time the image forming apparatus 20 is used. In this case, although security is high, each function is used when used continuously. There is a hassle to authenticate or log in.

  Therefore, in the third embodiment, the number of times of use of any one of the copy, scan, and fax functions is counted as one, and after the authentication, the operator is requested to input the continuous use count, and the function can be executed as many times as input. It is said.

  21 to 23 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus 20 according to the third embodiment.

  When this process is started, it is first checked whether any one of the functions of copy (COPY) / scan (Scan) / fax (FAX) is selected on the operation display unit 225 (step 2101). If no COPY / Scan / FAX function is selected (NO in Step 2101), the process returns to Step 2101, but it is determined that any COPY / Scan / FAX function is selected. Then (YES in step 2101), it is checked whether the selected one is Scan to e-mail (step 2102).

  If the selected item is not Scan to e-mail (NO in step 2102), the process proceeds to step 2104. If it is determined that the selected item is Scan to e-mail (step 2104). YES), flag = 1 is set (step 2103), and the process proceeds to step 2104.

  In step 2104, an authentication screen is displayed. On this authentication screen, a message requesting input of user identification information (ID) and password is displayed.

  Next, it is checked whether or not an ID and a password are entered on the authentication screen (step 2105). If it is determined that an ID and a password are entered (YES in step 2105), the entered ID is registered in advance. It is checked whether the ID matches the ID shown in FIG. 5 (step 2106). If the ID is determined to match (YES in step 2106), the input password is changed to a pre-registered password, That is, it is checked whether or not it matches the password shown in FIG. 5 (step 2107). If it is determined that it matches (YES in step 2107), the operator's e-mail address is extracted from the matched ID (step 2108). . For example, in the example of user registration shown in FIG. 5, when a user ID (67890) is input, an e-mail address aaa@def.co.jp is extracted.

  After e-mail extraction in step 2108, the process proceeds to step 2114 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step 2105 that the ID and password are not input (NO in step 2105), it is checked whether a predetermined time (30 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed (step 2109). If 30 seconds have not elapsed (NO in step 2109), the process returns to step 2105 to check whether the ID and password have been input. If it is determined that 30 seconds have elapsed (YES in step 2109), settings are made in step 2103. The flag is cleared (step 2113), and the process returns to step 2101. This means a time-out process for preventing another person from using the image forming apparatus 20 from being left for a long time with the authentication screen.

  If it is determined in step 2106 that the input ID does not match the ID registered in advance (NO in step 2106), an indication that the ID is incorrect is displayed on the operation display unit 225 (step 2110). Go to step 2112.

  If it is determined in step 2107 that the input password does not match the pre-registered password (NO in step 2107), a message indicating that the password is incorrect is displayed on the operation display unit 225 (step 2111). Go to step 2112.

  In step 2112, the process waits for a predetermined time (15 seconds in this embodiment) to elapse (YES in step 2112), clears the flag set in step 2103 (step 2113), and returns to step 2101.

  In step 2114 in FIG. 22, an input screen for the number of times of continuous use is displayed (step 2114). Next, it is checked whether there is an input on the input screen for the number of times of continuous use (step 2115). If there is an input (YES in step 2115), the input numerical value is stored (step 2116) and selected in step 2101. A function setting screen is displayed (step 2117).

  In step 2118, it is checked whether a new function has been selected. If it is determined that a new function is not selected (NO in step 2118), the process proceeds to step 2125 of FIG. 23. If it is determined that a new function is selected (YES in step 2118), the process proceeds to step 2125. The newly selected function setting screen is displayed (step 2118). The processing of Step 2118 and Step 2119 is effective when, for example, Scan to e-mail is selected in Step 2101 but it is desired to change to use FAX, and it is determined that FAX is selected in Step 2118. In step 2119, the FAX setting screen is displayed, and the FAX can be executed.

  In step 2120, it is checked whether the function selected in step 2118 is Scan to e-mail (step 2120). If it is determined that the selected function is not Scan to e-mail (NO in step 2120), the process proceeds to step 2125 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step 2120 that the selected function is Scan to e-mail (YES in step 2120), it is checked whether flag = 1 (step 2121). If the flag is not 1 (NO in Step 2121), the flag is set (Step 2122), and the process proceeds to Step 2125 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step 2115 that there is no input (NO in step 2115), it is checked whether a predetermined time (30 seconds in this embodiment) has passed (step 2123), and 30 seconds have not passed. (NO in step 2123), whether or not the end button has been pressed is checked (step 2124). If it is determined that the end button has not been pressed (NO in step 2124), the process returns to step 2115.

  If it is determined in step 2123 that 30 seconds have elapsed (YES in step 2123) or if it is determined in step 2124 that the end button has been pressed (YES in step 2124), the process proceeds to step 2134 in FIG.

In step 2125 of FIG. 23, it is checked whether flag = 1. If the flag is not 1 (NO in step 2125), the process proceeds to step 2127. If the flag is determined to be 1 (YES in step 2125), the process proceeds to the From column of Scan to e-mail. The e-mail address extracted in 2108 and the e-mail address of the image forming apparatus 20 are set, and the process proceeds to step 2127.
In step 2127, it is checked whether a predetermined time (30 seconds in this embodiment) has passed. If 30 seconds have not passed (NO in step 2127), it is checked whether the end button has been pressed next (step 2128). If it is determined that the end button has not been pressed (NO in step 2128), the process proceeds to step 2129.

  In step 2129, it is checked whether execution of the COPY / Scan / FAX function is completed. If it is determined that the execution of the COPY / Scan / FAX function has been completed (YES in step 2129), transmission by the COPY / Scan / FAX function, usage history is recorded on the recording paper (step 2130), and stored in step 2126. Next, 1 is subtracted from the numerical value (number of times stored) (step 2131), and then it is checked whether the number of times of use = 0 (step 2132).

  If the number of times of storage = 0 (step 2132), the process proceeds to step 2134. In step 2134, the flag = 1 and the e-mail address set in the From column of Scan to e-mail and the number of times of storage are cleared, the authentication is locked (step 2134), and this process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step 2129 that the execution of the COPY / Scan / FAX function has not been completed (NO in step 2129), or if it is determined in step 2132 that the number of storages is not 0 (NO in step 2132). ), The process proceeds to step 2118 in FIG.

  If 30 seconds elapse in step 2123 in FIG. 22 (YES in step 2123), the process proceeds to step 2134 in FIG. 23 because the image forming apparatus 20 cannot be used by the next person after being left for a long time. This is to prevent another person from operating with the ID of the person who is currently authenticated.

  If the end button is pressed in step 2124 in FIG. 22 (YES in step 2124), the process proceeds to step 2134 in FIG. 23. When the user wants to stop the process halfway, the end button is pressed. This is so that it can be stopped.

  21 to 23, the function of the image forming apparatus 20 can be used a plurality of times with one authentication (or login). As shown in FIG. 21 to FIG. 23, instead of the method of inputting the number of times of use first, after using the function once, a message “Do you want to continue using? Yes or No” is displayed, and Yes It is also possible to make it usable once again by selecting.

  Although the above is an example of typical embodiment of this invention, this invention is not limited to the Example shown in the said Example and drawing, It can implement suitably deform | transforming within the range which does not change the summary. It is.

10, 10-1 to 10-n Personal computer 20 Image forming apparatus 30 Image reading apparatus 40 Network 210 Image reading apparatus section 211 Image reading section 220 Image forming apparatus section 221 Interface control section 222 Data control section 223 Temporary storage section 224 Printing mechanism Unit 225 operation display unit 226 address book storage unit 230 image reading device unit 231 image reading unit 232 data control unit 233 temporary storage unit 234 interface control unit 240 image forming device unit 241 interface control unit 242 data control unit 243 temporary storage unit 244 printing Mechanism unit 245 Operation display unit 226 Address book storage unit 250 Cable 301 Image reading unit 302 Data control unit 303 Temporary storage unit 304 Interface control unit 305 Operation display unit 306 Address book It paid 306

Claims (19)

Image reading means for reading image information from a document;
Image transmission means for transmitting image information read by the image reading means to a predetermined destination by e-mail;
Authentication means for authenticating an operator of the image reading means;
Sender information setting means for automatically setting operator information authenticated by the authentication means in sender information of the e-mail transmitted by the image transmitting means;
Destination information registration means for registering the destination information of the e-mail;
Retrieval means for retrieving, from the destination information registered by the destination information registration means, the same destination information as the destination information of the transmitted e-mail when the notification that the destination information of the transmitted e-mail is invalid is received When,
An image communication apparatus comprising: a transfer unit configured to transfer the destination information searched by the search unit to a registrant registered by the destination information registration unit. The sender information setting means includes:
The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising destination information setting means for automatically setting destination information of an electronic mail of the own apparatus in the sender information in addition to the operator information. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit configured to store a registrant who registered the destination information by the destination information registration unit in association with the destination information. A referer authenticating means for authenticating a referrer of the destination information registered by the destination information registering means;
The image communication apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a display control unit that selectively displays on the display unit the corresponding destination information stored in the storage unit in association with the referrer authenticated by the referrer authentication unit. A referer authenticating means for authenticating a referrer of the destination information registered by the destination information registering means;
The image communication apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a display control unit that preferentially displays the destination information stored in the storage unit in association with the referrer authenticated by the referrer authentication unit. A referer authenticating means for authenticating a referrer of the destination information registered by the destination information registering means;
The image communication apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a display control unit configured to display corresponding destination information stored in the storage unit in association with a referrer authenticated by the referrer authentication unit, separately from other destination information. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the destination information registration unit registers facsimile destination information in addition to the e-mail destination information. The transmission history management unit according to claim 1, further comprising: an authenticator authenticated by the authentication unit, a destination of the email, a transmission date and time, and a transmission history of the email transmitted by the image transmission unit in association with an attached image. Image communication device. The image communication apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a print control unit that automatically prints the transmission history of the e-mail managed by the transmission history management unit on the condition that an operator request or a predetermined condition is reached. Referer authentication means for authenticating a referrer of the transmission history of the e-mail managed by the transmission history management means;
The image communication apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a display control unit that selectively displays, on a display unit, a transmission history of an e-mail transmitted by a referrer authenticated by the referrer authentication unit. The image communication apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a deletion unit that automatically deletes the transmission history of the e-mail managed by the transmission history management unit when a predetermined condition is reached. When the notification that the destination information of the transmitted electronic mail is invalid is received, the transmission history of the electronic mail managed by the transmission history management means has the transmission history of the same destination information as the destination information of the transmitted electronic mail Search means to search from history,
The image communication apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a transfer unit configured to transfer an illegal notification of the destination information to a sender of the transmission history searched by the search unit. When the search means receives a notification that the information attached to the transmitted e-mail is invalid with respect to the upper limit value set corresponding to each destination information, the transmitted e-mail and the destination information are the same. Search the transmission history of the destination information having the same or large upper limit value from the transmission history of the e-mail managed by the transmission history management means,
The image communication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the transfer unit transfers an unauthorized notification of the destination information to a sender of a transmission history searched by the search unit. The authentication unit holds the authentication result authenticated by the authentication unit, and when the image transmission unit continuously transmits the e-mail, based on the held authentication result, the sender information setting unit The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operator information is automatically set. The image communication apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the held authentication result is deleted on condition that the specified condition is met. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit transfers the fraudulent notification by adding a fixed sentence registered in advance. The image communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the transfer unit transfers the fraud notification by deleting portions other than a specific portion of the notification that the destination information is fraudulent. An image communication method Oite executed by the image communication apparatus,
An image reading step that reads the image information from the document,
An image sending step for sending the image information read in the image reading step by e-mail to a predetermined destination;
And the authentication step intends line authentication of the operator who carried out the operation for reading the image information from the document,
An operator information setting step for automatically setting the operator information authenticated by the authentication step in the sender information of the email transmitted by the image transmission step ;
A destination information registration step of registering the destination information of the e-mail;
A search step of searching for the same destination information as the destination information of the transmitted e-mail from the destination information registered by the destination information registration step when receiving a notification that the destination information of the transmitted e-mail is invalid And
A transfer step of transferring the incorrect notification of the destination information of the destination information retrieved by the searching step registrant addressed registered by the destination information registering step,
An image communication method comprising : In the computer of the image communication device,
An image reading step for reading image information from a document;
An image transmission step of transmitting the read image information to a predetermined destination by e-mail;
An authentication step for authenticating an operator who has performed an operation of reading image information from a document;
A sender information setting step of automatically setting the operator information authenticated by the authentication step in the sender information of the transmitted email;
A destination information registration step of registering the destination information of the e-mail;
Search for searching for destination information that is the same as the destination information of the transmitted e-mail from the destination information registered by the destination information registration step when receiving a notification that the destination information of the sent e-mail is invalid Steps,
A transfer step of transferring an illegal notification of the destination information to a registrant who registered the searched destination information in the destination information registration step.

Images