JPH08139890A - Image communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prevent the use of a color processing function provided to the equipment for an illegal purpose by generating operation history information in a prescribed operation mode to reserve and trace the operation history of the equipment. CONSTITUTION: A magnetic card read section 112 detects the loading of a magnetic card to read magnetic stripes of the magnetic card, converts the result to prescribed code data and provides an output of the data. Then the user of the image communication equipment is specified by the entered prescribed data and a read means and a recording means are controlled according to the input by the specified user to execute a prescribed operation mode by a control means and the operation history of the color mode is stored in a RAM 103 as history data distinguished from the operation history in the monochromatic mode and read from the RAM 103 as required and printed out by a printer 116. Since the history data are stored in relation to the specific user, the past equipment operation is easily traced and illegal use of the specific function is limited and the use by an illegal purpose is traced.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus for transmitting and receiving image information obtained by reading a color original image or a monochrome original image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional color facsimile apparatus or the like, in order to restrict the use of the apparatus by anyone other than a specific user, for example, by inputting a password or using a magnetic card, only a specific user can use the apparatus. There is known one having a so-called security function that can be used.

Such a security function is provided mainly for avoiding a use cost caused by a person other than a specific user operating the apparatus or for management of the apparatus. By using a means such as a password or a card for identifying the user of the device, a person other than the specific user cannot operate the device. In particular, it is known that a device that handles color images has a means such as image analysis for the purpose of preventing counterfeiting of securities and official documents. There is a tendency for the society to be required to have a function that prevents the user from operating the device.

It is generally known that a color copying machine using an electrophotographic recording system has a much higher running cost for color recording than a monochrome copying machine using the same electrophotographic recording system. This is because the cost of color recording paper, consumable materials such as color toner, and the apparatus main body is high. Of course, copying a monochrome image with a color copying machine is more expensive than copying with a monochrome copying machine.

Therefore, usually, in an office, both the color copying machine and the monochrome copying machine are installed, and the above-described security function is often introduced only to the color copying machine having a high running cost. The same applies to a facsimile machine, and the running cost of a color facsimile machine using an electrophotographic system or a thermal transfer system (melting type, sublimation type, etc.) in a recording section is extremely high compared to a monochrome facsimile device. Therefore, it can be said that the introduction of the security function as described above into the color facsimile apparatus is an effective means for the administrator of the apparatus.

[0006]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, recently,
A printer that uses an inkjet method as an inexpensive plain paper recording method has been drawing attention, and a facsimile apparatus that uses this inkjet method in a recording unit of the apparatus is being developed. A feature of ink jet recording is that colorization can be easily realized as already introduced in many documents, and the configuration of the recording unit is almost the same between color recording and monochrome recording. Therefore, as far as recording is concerned, the recording cost when a monochrome image is recorded by a color facsimile apparatus using an ink jet printer is close to the recording cost when a monochrome image is recorded by a monochrome facsimile apparatus.

Therefore, if the ink jet type color facsimile apparatus as described above is introduced into an office,
There is no need to purchase a new monochrome facsimile device. Even in the case of an inkjet type color facsimile machine, if a full-color image is recorded using the same, the consumption rate of color ink is higher than the consumption rate of monochrome ink when a monochrome image is recorded. Becomes expensive. Therefore, it is conceivable that the number of users who copy full-color images by a color facsimile apparatus will increase instead of the expensive color copying machine as described above.

Further, since a color image has a large amount of image data as compared with a monochrome image, a great communication cost is incurred in the communication of the color image. Even in a color ink jet type facsimile apparatus or the like, regarding the use of the color function, the security function by the above-mentioned conventional user restriction means is still necessary and recognized as an effective function. Regarding the use of functions, this security function is not always a necessary and effective function.

Therefore, if the conventional security function is introduced into such a facsimile apparatus, the general user cannot operate the apparatus itself, so that only a specific user can operate the simple monochrome copying function. ,
The problem occurs. Furthermore, in order to prevent the forgery of securities such as those mentioned above, there are known advanced techniques such as analyzing an image read from a document and embedding some kind of code in a recorded image. Because it requires wear and a huge amount of memory,
To realize a terminal device that handles color images at low cost,
The difficult side comes out.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to save the operation history of the apparatus and track the operation history so that the color processing function of the apparatus is unjustified. An object of the present invention is to provide an image communication device that can be prevented from being used.

[0011]

[Means for Solving the Problems] and

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a reading means for reading an image on a document and a recording means for recording the image read by the image reading means, and the image is connected to a communication line. In an image communication apparatus that transmits and receives via a unit, a unit that identifies a user of the image communication unit based on input predetermined data and a unit that controls the reading unit and the recording unit according to an input by the identified user. Control means for executing the operation mode, means for creating operation history information of the predetermined operation mode, and storage means for storing the operation history information.

In the above configuration, since the historical data of the functional operation is stored in association with the specific user, it is possible to easily track the past device operation, prevent the illegal use of the specific functional operation, and improperly use the function. Functions to track intended use. Another aspect of the present invention further includes a time counting unit that measures the passage of time, a converting unit that converts the operation history information into predetermined image data, and a converting unit that converts the operation history information to a predetermined time when the predetermined time is measured. And a first transmitting unit that transmits the converted image data to a predetermined destination via the communication line.

Further, according to another aspect of the invention, further, means for detecting a data transmission request from the specific partner device sent via the communication line, and the specific partner device according to the detection of the data transmission request. And a second transmitting unit for transmitting the image data converted by the converting unit. With these configurations, it is not necessary for the device administrator to collect and manage the history report output by the device one by one, and in addition, the history report of this device can be received from a specific communication terminal by polling at any time, and the device management Function to significantly improve the reliability of the.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The facsimile apparatus shown in the figure is used in connection with a general public telephone line and is used by ITU-T Recommendation T.264. 4 / T. Three
0 / T. 81 / V. 21 / V. 27 ter / V. 17 is a transmission / reception dual-purpose machine configured to transmit a binary monochrome image and a multivalued color image. Further, it has a copying function of reading a monochrome image / color image and recording a monochrome / color image.

Next, each constituent block of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described. Reference numeral 101 in FIG. 1 is a CPU (central control unit) using a known microcomputer chip, 102 is a ROM for storing various control programs,
103 is a RAM which is a work memory of the CPU 101,
Reference numeral 104 denotes a storage memory for temporarily storing image data read by the scanner 111, which will be described later, and image data received via the communication line 118.

Further, reference numeral 105 is a resolution conversion processing unit for converting the resolution of the image data stored in the storage memory 104 according to the capabilities of the receiver and the printer 116, and 106 is at the time of image transmission / reception. The well known T.S.T., which is sometimes used to compress / decompress image data. 4 and T.S.
An encoding / decoding processing unit for communication 107 that performs encoding / decoding processing according to 81 compresses the image data read by the scanner 111 and stores it in the storage memory 104.
In addition, the image data in the storage memory 104 is transferred to the printer 11
6 is a reading / recording encoding / decoding processing unit used when decompressing the data for outputting to 6.

Reference numeral 108 is a timekeeping section composed of a known timepiece IC chip, 109 is a known modem section, and 110
Is a known NCU (network control unit) for interfacing with the communication line 118, and 111 is a scanner unit, which optically reads an original image and outputs RGB multi-values in the color mode, and G in the monochrome mode.
It provides a binary output of (green).

Further, reference numeral 112 is a magnetic card reader for detecting whether or not a magnetic card is mounted, reading the magnetic stripe portion of the magnetic card, converting the magnetic stripe portion into predetermined code data, and outputting the code data. Reference numeral 113 is a book. The operation unit of the facsimile apparatus includes the display / key shown in FIG. Reference numeral 114 is a line buffer for accumulating one line of image data output from the scanner unit 111 and storing the image data in the accumulation memory 104 via the reading / recording encoding / decoding processing unit 107. used.

Reference numeral 115 is a printer formatter unit for converting the decoded output from the reading / recording encoding / decoding processing unit 107 into data recordable by the printer 116, which will be described later, and 116 is a known color ink jet printer. It is a printer, and both color ink and monochrome ink are built in the printer, and color recording and monochrome recording can be executed at any time.

Reference numeral 117 is a maintenance SW,
Any one of three contacts A, B, and C (not shown) can be selected. In addition, the communication line 118
Is a general public telephone line as described above. FIG. 2 is an external view of the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment. Reference numeral 201 in the figure denotes an operation panel (corresponding to the operation unit 113 in FIG. 1) for performing an operation necessary for a facsimile operation.
202 is a document table, 203 is a document discharge tray, and 204, 2
Reference numeral 05 is a recording paper cassette for storing recording paper, and 206 is a card entrance corresponding to the magnetic card reading unit 112 shown in FIG. 1 for inserting the magnetic card 210.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed structure of the operation panel 201 shown in FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 301 represents
A numeric keypad used to input the destination dial number of the destination device, 302 is an LCD display unit, and 303 is a one-touch key in which a plurality of destination dial numbers are registered in advance. Further, 304 is a start key, and in the present facsimile apparatus, when it is pressed without inputting the destination dial number by the ten keys 301 or the one-touch key 303, a copy operation is executed, and the destination dial by the ten-key or one-touch key is executed. When pressed with the number input, the normal transmission operation is executed.

A stop key 305 is used to instruct stop / end of the operation. Reference numeral 306 denotes a color key, and each time the key is pressed, the color lamp 307 is repeatedly turned on / off. When the color lamp 307 is turned on, the facsimile machine is in the color mode,
Transmission and copying are executed in color, and color lamp 30
When 7 is turned off, the monochrome mode is set, and transmission and copying are executed in monochrome.

The control procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to this embodiment will be described in detail below. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to this embodiment. When the facsimile machine starts operating, for example, when the power is turned on, the initialization is first performed (step S401). The specific contents of the initial setting will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Next, if any key operation is not detected in step S402, the CPU 101 accesses the card reading section 112, and further, the following step S403.
If the insertion of the card cannot be detected, the process returns to step S402 again. However, when the insertion of the card is detected in step S403, the card reading unit 112
Based on the code data read in step S
At 404, card classification is performed. Then, when this class classification is completed, the process is returned to step S402 again.

The details of the class classification process in step S404 will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the key input is detected in step S402, the process proceeds to step S405, where the validity of the input key is determined. Details of the processing in step S405 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 and a related table. Then, when the determination processing in step S405 ends, the process proceeds to step S406, and if it is determined in step S405 that the key input is invalid, the process proceeds to step S407 to display a message (reason display). After performing, again step S4
Return to the process of 02.

The above-mentioned message is not limited to a message that is visually displayed, but may be a message that is output as a voice. However, if it is determined in step S405 that the key is valid, the process proceeds to step S40.
8, the message is canceled (display is cleared), and then the process proceeds to step S409.

As a result of the above processing, in step S409,
If it is determined that the pressed key is the color key 306, the process proceeds to a color mode setting process (see FIG. 7) in step S410 described below, and after the color mode process there, the process is performed again in step S402. Return to. If it is detected in step S411 that the start key 304 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S412, where communication (transmission operation) or copy operation is executed.

Whether the monochrome processing or the color processing is performed in this communication / copy operation is as follows. If the "color flag" described later is "0", the monochrome processing is performed, and "1" is set. If so, color processing is performed. If the "status flag" is "standby", the copy operation is performed, and if the "status input" is "destination input", the communication operation is selected.

In step S413, the one-touch key 303
When the press of is detected, a predetermined communication process is executed in step S414 according to the destination dial number written in the corresponding one-touch key 303. Also in this case, monochrome processing is performed if the "color flag" is "0" clear, and color processing is performed if "1" is set.

Similarly, in step S415, the numeric keypad 30 is pressed.
When the depression of 1 is detected, the process proceeds to step S416, and the destination dial number registration process is performed. The details of the processing in step S416 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Then, thereafter, the process is returned to step S402 again. Further, when the pressing of the stop key 305 is detected in step S417, the process being executed is interrupted, the system is initialized, and the process returns to the start point. However, step S417
If it is determined that the key input is not the stop key 305, it is determined that the key input is neither the color key 306, the start key 304, the one-touch key 303, the ten-key pad 301, nor the stop key 305.
That is, assuming that the resolution key (not shown) for selecting the reading mode at the time of reading the original or the character / photo selection key is input, the process proceeds to step S419.
Therefore, after the image mode (reading mode) is set, the process is returned to step S402 again.

FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart of the initial setting process in step S401 of FIG. In the figure, in step S501, the "color flag" is set to "0".
At the same time as clearing (monochrome mode), the color lamp 307 is turned off, and in the subsequent step S502, the resolution mode is set to normal. In step S503, the "state flag" is set to [standby], and in step S504.
Then, the judgment table for judging the validity of the keys shown in Tables 2, 3 and 4 is read from the ROM 102 to the RAM 10
3, and the display is initialized in step S505. Then, in step S506, "none" is set in the "card flag".
Is set (meaning that no card is mounted), and in the subsequent step S507, the destination dial number in the RAM 103 for storing the dial number string input by the ten keys 301 is cleared. Then, the card reading unit 112 is initialized to start the operation (step S508).

Needless to say, regarding the judgment table for judging the validity of the key, if the ROM 102 is replaced, a new table can be used. Table 1 below shows operations that can be executed depending on the state of the magnetic card used in this facsimile apparatus. Here, if the card to be used is the wrong one for this fax machine, the "card flag" is set to [Invalid].
And all operations are prohibited.

When the card is not used, the "card flag" is in the "none" state, and transmission / copying in the monochrome mode can be operated. Furthermore, when a card of [general] class is used, monochrome operation and color transmission are permitted, and when it is [special] class, all functions can be operated.

[0034]

[Table 1]

Tables 2, 3, and 4 below show the contents of the judgment table for judging the validity of the key. That is, Table 2 is a judgment table corresponding to the case of no card, Table 3 is a judgment table corresponding to the case of a general card, and Table 4 is a judgment table for a special card. In each table, the contents of the "state" column are the contents of the "state flag" and the "color flag". Also, (m0)
Symbols (m3) to (m3) indicate message codes output to the display unit, and Table 5 shows message contents corresponding to each message symbol.

In the table, the symbol x represents an invalid key and the symbol ◯ represents a valid key.

[0037]

[Table 2]

[0038]

[Table 3]

[0039]

[Table 4]

[0040]

[Table 5]

FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart of the class classification process shown in step S404 in FIG. In the figure, in step S601, data is input from the card reading unit 112, and in step S602, the card reading unit 11 is input.
The card number of the code data (number string shown in FIG. 10) from 2 is collated. Here, the card number is the card number 100 that constitutes the magnetic stripe data shown in FIG.
If the card number is out of the range of 100 to 199, it is determined in step S603 that the card is a valid card.
Then, it is determined that the card is invalid.

If it is determined in step S603 that the card is a valid card, then the class of the card is determined. That is,
If the class number of the code data is “1” (YES in step S605), “general” is set in the “card flag” (step S606), and if the class number is “2” (step S607). Is YES),
Set [Special] in "Card Flag" (step S
608).

If the class number is other than 1, it is determined that the card is an illegal card (illegal card), and "invalid" is set in the "card flag" (step S60).
9). Similarly, when it is determined that the card is invalid in step S603, "invalid" is set in the "card flag" (step S604). FIG. 7 is a detailed flowchart of the color mode setting shown in step S410 in FIG. That is, in step S701 of FIG.
If the "color flag" is determined to be "0", then in step S702, the "color flag" is set to "1" and the color lamp 307 is turned on. However, if the “color flag” is “1”, the “color flag” is cleared to 0 and the color lamp 307 is turned off in step S703.

FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart of the dial input process shown in step S416 of FIG. In step S801 of the figure, the "status flag" is set to [input destination], and in the following step S802, the numeric keypad 30
The ten-key information input in 1 is stored in a destination dial memory (not shown). Further, FIG. 9 is a detailed flowchart of the validity determination processing routine of step S405 in FIG. In the figure, the "message flag" is cleared in step S901, the "card flag" is then read in step S902, and if the flag is determined to be "invalid", the determination of this processing routine is invalidated. (Step S904), and in the following step S905,
Set m3 in the "message flag" and return.

On the other hand, if the "card flag" is [none] (YES in step S906), the table 2 in the RAM 103 is displayed.
The determination table shown in is selected, and the process proceeds to step S91.
Proceed to 1. If the "card flag" is "general" (YES in step S908), the judgment table shown in Table 3 in the RAM 103 is selected, and the process proceeds to step S911.

On the other hand, if the "card flag" is not [invalid], [none], or [general], step S91.
At 0, the judgment table shown in Table 4 is selected, and the process proceeds to step S911. In step S911, the contents of the table selected in the above process are searched to determine whether the input key is valid or invalid. In step S912, the determination result and the "message flag" are set and the process returns.

FIG. 11 shows a state in which a plurality of determination tables (here, three types of A, B, and C) are written in the ROM 102. In the present embodiment, at the time of transferring the table to the RAM at the time of the above-mentioned initial setting, any one of the judgment tables shown in FIG. 11 is selected and transferred.
FIG. 12 shows an operation flow during this table transfer. In the figure, in step S1201, the contact status of the maintenance switch 117 is read, and in step S120
If the switch selects the A contact according to the judgment in 2,
The ROM table A is stored in the RAM 103 in step S1203.
Transfer to. Similarly, when the switch selects the B contact, the ROM table B is set in step S1204.
If the switch selects the C contact, the ROM table C is stored in the RAM in step S1205.
Transfer to 103.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the contents of the color mode operation history report recorded and output by the printer 116 by the facsimile apparatus according to this embodiment. The leftmost column in FIG. 13 indicates whether color copying was performed by this device.
Alternatively, a [use column] indicating whether color transmission has been executed, and the right side of the [use column] indicates the contents data of the card (see the configuration of the magnetic stripe data shown in FIG. 10) which is the ID of the device user. Further, the right next to it shows the date and time of use, and the rightmost column shows the number of copies when a copy operation is performed, and the number of transmitted pages when a transmission operation is performed.

Such color mode operation history is stored and accumulated in the RAM 103 of FIG. 1 as history data that is distinguished from the monochrome mode operation history, and can be read from the RAM 103 and output to the printer 116 as necessary. Is configured. Therefore, the RAM 103 of FIG.
A battery (not shown) is attached to this so that history data is not lost.

Since the above-mentioned report is configured to include the user's ID, it is possible to trace back the illegal copy of the document in the color mode, specifically, forgery of securities, etc. It is valid. Further, this facsimile machine extracts the history data of the above color mode,
By converting it into monochrome binary image data and managing it as a part of the image file, a report is automatically transmitted to a predetermined destination written in advance in the ROM 102, or a specific device polls via a line. When the transmission is requested, the report managed by the image file is transmitted.

The processing of this operation history data will be described in detail below. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing for creating an image file from operation history data in this embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 1401 is RAM1.
13 is a color operation history data table in 03, and the history data shown in FIG. 13 is written in this table each time the CPU functioning as the control unit of the apparatus executes color operation (color copy, color communication). . The contents of this table are the monochrome operation history data table 1404.
It is managed separately from the contents of.

Reference numeral 1402 represents the contents of the image data storage memory 104 of FIG. 1, and the read image data and the received image data are stored in the storage memory 104.
Is temporarily stored in and managed as an image file.
As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, there are four image files in total, among which, file 1 to file 3 are reserved for accumulating general images, and only file 4 is color operation history. Reserved as a file for data.

Reference numeral 1403 denotes a conversion process for converting the character information into binary image data, which is performed by the CPU, which is the control unit, according to predetermined software. Since the file 4 is reserved as a file for storing the color operation history report, the report cannot be transmitted to the partner device due to the saturation of the memory capacity.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a management table of the image file shown in FIG. This management table is
It is assigned to the RAM 103 in FIG. In FIG. 15, reference numeral 1501 is an area for identifying the above-mentioned files 1 to 4, 1502 is an area in which data indicating the usage state (type) of the file is managed, and 1503 is a destination in the case of file transmission. Area for storing dials,
Reference numeral 1504 is an area for storing the start address (address) in the image memory of the file.

In the example shown in FIG. 15, monochrome binary image data is stored in the file 1, and step S in FIG.
The contents (here, 3758111) of the [destination dial memory] executed in 802 are set. If transmission of this file ends in error, file 1
State is saved for retransmission. When the transmission is completed, the contents of the management table of file 1 are cleared. Further, the contents of the management table for the file 4 are always treated as fixed data. Therefore, the management data for the file 4 is always transferred and written from the RAM 103 and is not updated. Therefore, the destination dial number is a specific destination for any device operation.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the procedure of history data processing in this embodiment. After the initialization processing is performed in step S1601 of the figure, in the next step S1602, whether the date and time managed by the timekeeping unit 108 shown in FIG. 1 matches the predetermined date and time registered in advance. judge. If they match, the process advances to step S1603.

That is, if it is determined at step S1603 that the present facsimile apparatus is set to the color history report automatic transmission mode, then step S1604.
If it is not the automatic transmission mode, the process proceeds to step S1606. It should be noted that whether or not the automatic transmission mode is set is determined by a flag written in advance at a predetermined address of the ROM 102.

In step S1604, the color operation history data table 1401 shown in FIG. 14 is converted into image data to create the image file 4, and the subsequent step S160.
5, in accordance with the management table of the image file shown in FIG. 15, the destination dial number (here, 03123456)
Image file 4 is transmitted to 7). If the automatic transmission mode is not set, the color operation history data table 1401 is output to the printer 116 in step S1606.

On the other hand, in step S1602, the timer unit 10
If the date and time managed in 8 and the registered predetermined date and time do not match and it is determined that it is not the report time, the process proceeds to step S1607, where the communication line 11
Incoming call from 8 is detected, and when an incoming call is detected, the process proceeds to step S1608. In step S1608, as a result of starting the communication via the communication line 118, it is determined whether or not there is a report request, that is, whether or not the partner device is a specific device and is requesting polling transmission. When there is a polling request, file 4
Is transmitted, that is, in steps S1609 and S1610,
The process shifts to the same process as steps S1604 and S1605.

Whether or not the partner device is a specific device is determined based on whether or not the partner dial number received through the communication line 118 matches a predetermined number written in the ROM 102 in advance. judge. If it is determined in step S1608 that there is no report request, normal image reception processing is executed (step S1611).

If the incoming call is not detected in step S1607 and there is a key operation that triggers the operation in the following step S1612, in step S1613, the operation requested by this key operation is the color operation or the monochrome operation. Determine if it is motion. If the monochrome operation is requested, the process proceeds to step S1614, and after the predetermined monochrome operation is executed, the monochrome operation history data table 1404 shown in FIG. 14 is updated (step S16).
15).

If the color operation is requested, the color operation is executed in step S1616, and in the subsequent step S1617, the contents of the color operation history data table 1401 are updated. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the operation of the specific function among the plurality of functions of the facsimile apparatus is limited to the specific user among the plurality of functions of the facsimile apparatus based on the result of the determination of the validity of the key input, By releasing general functions to an unspecified number of users, advanced security functions of the device can be realized, and mode settings such as copy mode and transmission mode are performed in correspondence with color processing / monochrome processing. be able to.

Further, by making it possible to change the data necessary for the logical judgment related to the function restriction by a predetermined operation, it is possible to easily implement various function settings for the user, and the user of the salesman or the serviceman. It is possible to improve the response efficiency of. Further, by storing the history data of the color operation in association with the ID of the specific user, it is possible to easily track the past operation of the apparatus, prevent the color operation from being used improperly, and prevent the color function from being improperly used by the simple configuration. It is possible to track the use for the purpose.

Further, by automatically transmitting the history data to a predetermined destination, it becomes unnecessary for the apparatus manager to collect and manage the history report output by this apparatus one by one. Since the history report of this device can be received by polling at any time, the reliability of device management can be significantly improved. In the above embodiment, instead of the card reader 112 identifying / classifying the user on the card, the user is identified and classified by a user password collation method by a key input operation, for example. You may

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

[0066]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By storing the history information of the functional operations in association with the specific user of the device, it is possible to easily track the past device operations, and to prevent the unauthorized use of the specific functional operations, and for the purpose of improper use of the function. Tracking of usage can also be possible.

Further, according to another invention, it becomes unnecessary for the device manager to collect and manage the history report output by the device one by one. In addition, the history report of this device is polled from a specific communication terminal. It can be received at any time, and the reliability of device management can be significantly improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment.

3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of an operation panel 201 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing specific details of initial setting.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of class classification processing.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a color mode setting process.

FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart of dial input processing.

FIG. 9 is a detailed flowchart of a validity determination processing routine.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of magnetic stripe data according to an example.

11 is a diagram showing a state of a plurality of determination tables written in a ROM 102. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation when transferring a determination table.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the contents of a color mode operation history report according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing for creating an image file from operation history data in the embodiment.

15 is a diagram showing a management table of the image file shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure of history data processing in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 CPU (Central Control Unit) 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 Storage Memory 105 Resolution Conversion Processing Unit 106 Encoding / Decoding Processing Unit for Communication 107 Reading / Recording Encoding / Decoding Processing Unit 108 Timekeeping Unit 109 Modem Unit 110 NCU ( network control unit) 111 scanner unit 112 magnetic card reading unit 113 operation unit 114 line buffer 115 printer formatter unit 116 color inkjet printer 117 maintenance SW 118 communication line 201 operation panel 202 document table 203 document ejection tray 204, 205 recording paper cassette 206 card Entrance 210 Magnetic card 301 Numeric keypad 302 LCD display 303 One-touch key 304 Start key 305 Stop key 306 Color key 307 Color lamp

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. An image communication apparatus comprising a reading unit for reading an image on a document and a recording unit for recording the image read by the image reading unit, wherein the image is transmitted and received through a communication line. Means for identifying a user of the image communication device from the specified data, and control means for executing the predetermined operation mode by controlling the reading means and the recording means according to the input by the specified user, An image communication apparatus comprising: a unit that creates operation history information of the predetermined operation mode; and a storage unit that stores the operation history information. 2. A means for classifying the specified user into a predetermined class, and a judging means for judging the validity / invalidity of the input by the specified user based on the result of the classification. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. The control unit controls to stop the reading operation by the reading unit and the recording operation by the recording unit when the input by the specified user is determined to be invalid. The image communication device according to claim 2. 4. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined data is input to the image communication apparatus via a recording medium in which data specifying the user is written. 5. The image communication apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the recording medium includes at least a magnetic card and an IC card. 6. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined data is input to the image communication apparatus as a password that identifies the user. 7. The control means, when the input by the specified user is determined to be valid, the reading operation and the recording by the reading means according to whether the image is a color image or a monochrome image. The image communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording operation by the means is controlled. 8. The determination unit according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines validity / invalidity of the input from the identified user according to the description contents of a plurality of types of determination tables prepared in advance. Image communication device. 9. The image communication apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising means for changing the determination logic of the determination means. 10. The image communication apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the change of the determination logic is a change of a selection method of the plurality of types of determination tables. 11. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation mode includes a monochrome operation mode and a color operation mode. 12. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation history information includes at least data indicating the specified user. 13. The image communication apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the storage unit stores, as the operation history information, operation history information for the color operation mode among the predetermined operation modes. 14. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for updating the operation history information after execution of the predetermined operation mode. 15. Further, a time measuring means for measuring the passage of time, a converting means for converting the operation history information into predetermined image data, and a converting means for measuring a predetermined time by the time measuring means. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: first transmitting means for transmitting the converted image data to a predetermined destination via the communication line. 16. A means for detecting a data transmission request from a specific partner device sent via the communication line, and the conversion for the specific partner device according to the detection of the data transmission request. 2. A second transmitting means for transmitting the image data converted by the means.
5. The image communication device according to item 5. 17. The image communication apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the specific partner apparatus sends the data transmission request in the form of polling transmission.