JPH1042115A - Image processing system and control method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To permit all users to print stored image data without increasing the burden on a network and a server by providing a storage means for storing attribute information of image data. SOLUTION: When the power of an image forming device is supplied, a control means 201 initializes respective parts and reads the state of a distribution elimination mode flag stored in a first storage means 202 or a second storage means 203. Thus, whether a system is set in a distribution elimination mode or not is judged. When it is set, a distribution elimination processing is executed. The control means 201 executes a verification processing when verificatoin input exists through an operation means 222 and recognizes whether the various services of the image forming device are permitted to use. When there is no problem as the result of verification and input exists from the operation means 222, a distribution printing processing or a distribution scan processing is executed in accordance with the distribution mode which is set.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus connected to a network for receiving and storing images and character data from a computer or the like to form an image.
The present invention relates to an image processing system that reads and stores an image in an image forming apparatus and transfers the image and character data to a computer or the like, and a control method of the image processing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image or character data transmitted from a computer is received by an image forming apparatus to form an image, or an image is read by the image forming apparatus and the read image or character data is transferred to a computer. Such image processing systems are already widely used.

[0003] These computers and image forming apparatuses are connected to a network together with other apparatuses, and individual users on the network are configured from the computers and image forming apparatuses as resources permitted by an administrator. An image processing system can be used.

In such an image processing system,
Users of computers and image forming apparatuses can use various services such as copying, facsimile, and printing by using many functions of the image forming apparatus, such as high printing speed,
It can be used together with finishing processes such as double-sided printing, enlargement / reduction printing, stapling and bookbinding.

The computer connected to the network has a function of transmitting a file composed of character and image data to each other, and printing the transmitted file by an image forming apparatus. Furthermore, if an e-mail server is connected to a network, a file composed of character or image data is temporarily stored in the server by specifying one or more distribution destinations, and then, one or more computers designated as distribution destinations The user has the function of taking out a file at any time, browsing the file, and printing the file data by the image forming apparatus as needed.

[0006]

However, in such a conventional image processing system, when a plurality of distribution destinations are designated to store / distribute a large amount of image data to a server, the following method is required. There was such a problem.

(1) Since the storage capacity of the server is limited, other users of the server cannot use the server for storing data for other uses.

(2) A user of a plurality of designated computers retrieves image data having a large data amount via a network, and prints the image data having a large data amount by an image forming apparatus via the network. Therefore, the load on the network and the server may increase, and the entire network may be delayed.

In order to solve this problem, image data having a large data amount is temporarily stored in the image forming apparatus, and users of a plurality of computers commonly use the image data stored in the image forming apparatus. A method of performing printing is also conceivable. According to this method, other users of the server can use the server for other purposes, and the load on the network and the server does not increase, and the delay of the entire network can be reduced. I can do it. However, in this case, although there is no effect on the storage capacity of the server, the storage capacity of the image forming apparatus is limited, so that another user of the image forming apparatus can store the image forming apparatus in storing data for another use. It becomes unavailable.

Regarding this point, the user who stored the image data in the image forming apparatus deletes the stored image data as appropriate, or the user who prints the stored data prints the image data after printing. If you delete,
Other users of the image forming apparatus can use the image forming apparatus for storing data for other uses, but in this case, users who have not printed the stored image data yet. A new problem that printing cannot be performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described conventional problems, and does not increase the load on a network or a server. The aim is to provide a method.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing system comprising: a first storage unit for storing image data; and a second storage unit for storing attribute information of the image data. And an image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that reads the image data from the first storage unit and forms an image on a recording medium, wherein the image data is stored in the first storage unit. The attribute information is set as processed when read from the storage means and an image is formed on the recording medium, and the image data stored in the first storage means is erased when the attribute information is all processed. It is something to do.

An image processing system according to a second aspect is the image processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the attribute information is distribution destination information of the image data.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing system comprising: first storage means for storing image data; second storage means for storing one or more pieces of attribute information of the image data; An image forming unit that reads from the first storage unit and forms an image on a recording medium, an input unit that inputs input information, and an authentication unit that authenticates the input information based on the one or more pieces of attribute information In an image processing system including a forming apparatus, when the input information corresponds to any of the single or a plurality of pieces of attribute information, the authentication unit permits the image forming operation, and When reading from the first storage means and forming an image on a recording medium, the attribute information corresponding to the input information among the single or plural pieces of attribute information is set as processed, and When one or a plurality of attribute information becomes all the processed configuration is obtained so as to erase the image data stored in the first storage means.

An image processing system according to a fourth aspect is the image processing system according to the third aspect, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are distribution destination information of the image data.

An image processing system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are all processed settings.
When erasing the image data stored in the first storage, the singular or plural attribute information stored in the second storage is also deleted.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing system, comprising: an image reading means for reading an image formed on a recording medium to create image data; and a first means for storing the image data.
A second storage unit that stores one or more pieces of attribute information of the image data, an image forming unit that reads out the image data from the first storage unit and forms an image on a recording medium, An image forming apparatus comprising: an input unit that inputs first input information and second input information; and an authentication unit that authenticates the second input information based on one of the single or plurality of pieces of attribute information. A processing system, wherein when the image data is stored in the first storage unit, the first input information is stored in the second storage unit as one or a plurality of pieces of attribute information; When the second input information corresponds to any of the single or plural pieces of attribute information stored in the means, the authentication means permits the image forming operation, and the image data is transferred from the first storage means. reading When the image information is formed on a recording medium, the attribute information corresponding to the second input information among the single or multiple attribute information is set as processed, and all of the single or multiple attribute information is processed. When the setting is completed, the image data stored in the first storage means is deleted.

An image processing system according to a seventh aspect is the image processing system according to the sixth aspect, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are the distribution destination information of the image data.

An image processing system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are all processed settings.
When erasing the image data stored in the first storage, the singular or plural attribute information stored in the second storage is also deleted.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing system comprising: first input means for inputting first input information;
An information processing apparatus having a first communication unit for transmitting input information of the image forming apparatus; an image reading unit for reading an image formed on a recording medium to create image data; a first storage unit for storing the image data; Second storage means for storing one or more pieces of attribute information of the image data, image forming means for reading out the image data from the first storage means and forming an image on a recording medium, and inputting second input information Second
, The second communication means for receiving the first input information transmitted from the first communication means, and authenticating the first input information by any of the single or plural attribute information An image processing system comprising: an image forming apparatus having an authentication unit;
The second input information is stored in the second storage means as one or a plurality of pieces of attribute information when the second input information is stored in the storage means, and any of the one or more pieces of the attribute information stored in the second storage means is stored. If the first input information is applicable, the authentication unit permits the image forming operation, and reads out the image data from the first storage unit and forms an image on a recording medium. When the attribute information corresponding to the first input information among the singular or plural attribute information is set as processed, and when all of the singular or plural attribute information is set as processed, the first The image data stored in the storage means is deleted.

An image processing system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the ninth aspect, the singular or plural pieces of attribute information are the distribution destination information of the image data.

An image processing system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the ninth or tenth aspect, when erasing the image data stored in the first storage unit, when the single or plural pieces of attribute information are all processed settings, The single or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means is also deleted.

An image processing system according to a twelfth aspect is
A first input unit for inputting the first input information and the second input information; and a first communication unit for transmitting the first input information and the second input information and receiving the image data. An image processing apparatus, an image reading unit that reads an image formed on a recording medium to create image data, a first storage unit that stores image data from the image reading unit, and one or a plurality of the image data. A second storage unit for storing attribute information, an image forming unit for reading the image data from the first storage unit and forming an image on a recording medium, a second input unit for inputting third input information, A second communication unit that receives the first and second input information transmitted from the first communication unit, reads the image data from the first storage unit, and transmits the image data to the image processing apparatus; Passing An image forming apparatus having an authentication unit that authenticates the second input information based on either the single or the plurality of pieces of attribute information, wherein the image data is stored in the first storage unit. In doing so, the third input information is stored as one or more pieces of attribute information in the second storage means, and the one or more pieces of attribute information stored in the second storage means are stored in the second storage means. If the first input information is applicable and the second input information is information for requesting image formation, the authentication unit permits the image formation operation and stores the image formation operation in the second storage unit. If the first input information corresponds to any of the single or multiple pieces of attribute information and the second input information is information for requesting image transmission, the authentication unit operates the image transmission. Allow the picture When data is read from the first storage means and an image is formed on a recording medium, or when the image data is read from the first storage means and the image is transmitted to the image processing device via the second communication means. Then, when the attribute information corresponding to the first input information among the singular or plural attribute information is set as processed, and when all of the singular or plural attribute information is set as processed, The image data stored in the first storage means is deleted.

An image processing system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the twelfth aspect, the singular or plural pieces of attribute information are the distribution destination information of the image data.

An image processing system according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the twelfth or thirteenth invention, when erasing the image data stored in the first storage means, when the single or plural pieces of attribute information are all processed settings, The single or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means is also deleted.

An image processing system according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
An information processing apparatus having input means for inputting first input information, and first communication means for transmitting the first input information, and an image for reading an image formed on a recording medium to create image data Reading means, first storage means for storing the image data, second input means for inputting second input information, second communication means for transmitting the second input information,
An image forming apparatus having image forming means for reading out the image data from the first storage means and forming an image on a recording medium, the first input information transmitted from the first communication means, A third communication unit that receives the second input information transmitted from the second communication unit, and a second storage unit that stores one or a plurality of pieces of attribute information regarding the image data.
An image processing system comprising: a storage unit; and an image management apparatus having an authentication unit that authenticates the first input information based on any of the single or the plurality of pieces of attribute information,
When storing the image data in the first storage means,
The second input information is stored in the second storage means as one or more pieces of attribute information, and the first input information is stored in any of the one or more pieces of attribute information stored in the second storage means. If the above applies, the authentication means permits the image forming operation of the image forming means, and when the image data is read out from the first storage means and formed on a recording medium, the single or plural In the attribute information, the attribute information corresponding to the first input information is set as processed, and when all of the singular or plural attribute information is set as processed, the attribute information is stored in the first storage unit. The image data is deleted.

An image processing system according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the fifteenth aspect, the singular or plural pieces of attribute information are the distribution destination information of the image data.

An image processing system according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, when erasing the image data stored in the first storage means, when the single or plural pieces of attribute information are all processed settings, The single or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means is also deleted.

An image processing system according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
Input means for inputting first input information and second input information;
And an image processing apparatus having first communication means for transmitting the first input information and the second input information and receiving the image data, and reading an image formed on a recording medium to create image data Image reading means, first storage means for storing the image data, second input means for inputting third input information, transmitting the third input information and storing the image data in the first storage means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a second communication unit that reads from the unit and transmits an image to the image processing apparatus; and an image forming unit that reads the image data from the first storage unit and forms an image on a recording medium. A third communication unit that receives the first and second input information transmitted from the first communication unit and the third input information transmitted from the second communication unit; Alternatively, an image processing system comprising: a second storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of attribute information; and an image processing apparatus that has an authentication unit that authenticates the first input information based on either the single or the plurality of pieces of attribute information. When the image data is stored in the first storage unit, the third input information is stored in the second storage unit as one or a plurality of pieces of attribute information, and stored in the second storage unit. The first or the plurality of pieces of attribute information
If the input information corresponds to the second input information and the second input information is information for requesting image formation, the authentication unit permits the image formation operation, and the single unit stored in the second storage unit Alternatively, when the first input information corresponds to any of the plurality of pieces of attribute information and the second input information is information requesting image transmission, the authentication unit permits the image transmission operation. When the image data is read from the first storage means and formed on a recording medium, or when the image data is read from the first storage means and the first data is read via the second communication means. When the image is transmitted to the information processing apparatus, the attribute information corresponding to the first input information among the single or multiple pieces of attribute information is set as processed, and all of the single or multiple attribute information is processed. Set Kiniwa, in which so as to erase the image data stored in the first storage means.

An image processing system according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the eighteenth aspect, the one or more pieces of attribute information are the distribution destination information of the image data.

An image processing system according to a twentieth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect, when erasing the image data stored in the first storage means, when the single or plural pieces of attribute information are all processed settings, The single or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means is also deleted.

The image processing system according to the twenty-first aspect is
Input means for inputting first input information, second input information, and third input information, and first communication means for transmitting the first, second, and third input information and transmitting and receiving image data An image processing apparatus having: and a second communication unit that receives the image data transmitted from the image processing apparatus, reads the image data from the first storage unit, and transmits the image to the image processing apparatus, An image forming apparatus comprising: a first storage unit that stores the image data; an image forming unit that reads the image data from the first storage unit and forms an image on a recording medium; A third communication unit that receives the transmitted first, second, and third input information, a second storage unit that stores one or more pieces of attribute information related to the image data, and the single or multiple pieces of attribute information. Wherein the one of the attribute information first
An image processing system comprising: an image management device having an authentication unit that authenticates input information of the third input information when storing the image data in the first storage unit. Is stored in the second storage means, and the first input information corresponds to either the single or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means, and the second input means If the information is information requesting image formation, the authentication unit permits the image formation operation, and the first or the plurality of attribute information stored in the second storage unit is stored in the first storage unit. And the second input information is information requesting image transmission, the authentication unit permits the image transmission operation, and stores the image data in the first storage unit. Read from the storage medium When formed, or when the image transmitted to the image processing apparatus through the second communication means reads from said image data the first storage unit,
When the attribute information corresponding to the first input information among the singular or plural attribute information is set as processed, and when all of the singular or plural attribute information is set as processed, the first The image data stored in the storage means is deleted.

An image processing system according to a twenty-second aspect is
In the twenty-first aspect, the one or more pieces of attribute information are the distribution destination information of the image data.

An image processing system according to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the twenty-first or twenty-second invention, when erasing the image data stored in the first storage means, when the single or plural pieces of attribute information are all processed settings, The single or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means is also deleted.

A control method for an image processing system according to a twenty-fourth aspect includes a first storage unit for storing image data, a second storage unit for storing attribute information of the image data,
Reading out the image data from the first storage means using an image processing system having an image forming apparatus having an image forming means for reading the image data from the first storage means and forming an image on a recording medium; The attribute information is set as processed when an image is formed on a recording medium by the computer, and the first is set when all the attribute information is set as processed.
The image data stored in the storage means is erased.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the control method of the image processing system according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the attribute information is the distribution destination information of the image data.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an image processing system, comprising: first storage means for storing image data; second storage means for storing one or more pieces of attribute information of the image data; Image forming means for reading image data from the first storage means and forming an image on a recording medium, input means for inputting input information, and authentication means for authenticating the input information with the single or plural attribute information; When the input information corresponds to any one of the singular or plural pieces of attribute information, the authentication unit permits the image forming operation, and outputs the image data. Is read from the first storage means and when an image is formed on a recording medium, the attribute information corresponding to the input information among the single or plural pieces of attribute information has been processed. Constant and, when the single or plurality of attribute information becomes all the processed configuration, the first
The image data stored in the storage means is erased.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect, in the control method of the image processing system according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the one or more pieces of attribute information are used as distribution information of the image data.

A control method for an image processing system according to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention is the control method according to the twenty-sixth or twenty-seventh aspect, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are all processed settings. When erasing the image data stored in the storage means, the singular or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means is also deleted.

A control method for an image processing system according to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for controlling an image processing system, comprising: an image reading means for reading an image formed on a recording medium to create image data; and a first storage means for storing the image data. A second storage unit for storing one or more pieces of attribute information of the image data, an image forming unit for reading the image data from the first storage unit and forming an image on a recording medium; An image processing system having an image forming apparatus having an input unit for inputting information and second input information and an authentication unit for authenticating the second input information based on either the single or the plurality of attribute information is used. When the image data is stored in the first storage unit, the first input information is stored in the second storage unit as one or more pieces of attribute information.
When the second input information corresponds to either the single or the plurality of pieces of attribute information stored in the storage unit, the authentication unit permits the image forming operation and stores the image data in the first storage unit. When the image is read out from the means and an image is formed on a recording medium, the attribute information corresponding to the second input information among the single or multiple attribute information is set as processed, and all of the single or multiple attribute information is set. When the setting has been processed, the image data stored in the first storage means is deleted.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, in the method for controlling an image processing system according to the twenty-ninth aspect, the one or more pieces of attribute information are used as distribution information of the image data.

A control method for an image processing system according to a thirty-first aspect is the control method according to the twenty-ninth or thirtieth aspect, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are all processed settings. When erasing the image data stored in the storage means, the singular or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means is also deleted.

A control method for an image processing system according to a thirty-second invention is a method for controlling an image processing system, comprising: first input means for inputting first input information;
And an information processing apparatus having first communication means for transmitting the first input information, image reading means for reading an image formed on a recording medium to create image data, and a first means for storing the image data A second storage unit that stores one or more pieces of attribute information of the image data; an image forming unit that reads out the image data from the first storage unit and forms an image on a recording medium; Second input means for inputting input information, second communication means for receiving the first input information transmitted from the first communication means,
And storing the image data in the first storage unit using an image processing system including an image forming apparatus having an authentication unit that authenticates the first input information based on either the single or the plurality of pieces of attribute information. When storing, the second input information is stored in the second storage means as one or more pieces of attribute information, and the first or the plurality of pieces of attribute information stored in the second storage means is stored in the first storage means. When the input information corresponds to the above, the authentication means permits the image forming operation, and when the image data is read out from the first storage means and formed on a recording medium, the single or plural attributes are read. When the attribute information corresponding to the first input information among the information is set as processed, and when all of the singular or plural attribute information is set as processed, the first
The image data stored in the storage means is erased.

According to a thirty-third aspect, in the control method of the image processing system according to the thirty-second aspect, the singular or plural attribute information is the distribution destination information of the image data.

In a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system control method according to the thirty-second or thirty-third aspect, the first or the plurality of pieces of attribute information are all processed settings. When erasing the image data stored in the storage means, the singular or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means is also deleted.

According to a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an image processing system, comprising: first input means for inputting first input information and second input information; and first input information and second input information. An image processing apparatus having first communication means for transmitting information and receiving image data, image reading means for reading an image formed on a recording medium to create image data, and image data from the image reading means Storage means for storing image data, one or more pieces of attribute information of the image data, image formation for reading out the image data from the first storage means and forming an image on a recording medium Means, second input means for inputting third input information, receiving the first and second input information transmitted from the first communication means, and storing the image data in the first storage means Yo An image processing apparatus comprising: a second communication unit that reads and transmits an image to the image processing apparatus; and an image forming apparatus that includes an authentication unit that authenticates the second input information based on one of the single or plurality of pieces of attribute information. When the image data is stored in the first storage means using a system, the third input information is stored in the second storage means as one or more pieces of attribute information, and the second storage means If the first input information corresponds to any of the single or plural pieces of attribute information stored in the storage unit, and the second input information is information for requesting image formation, A formation operation is permitted, and the first input information corresponds to either the single or a plurality of pieces of attribute information stored in the second storage unit, and the second input information requests image transmission. Information In this case, the authentication unit permits the image transmission operation, reads out the image data from the first storage unit and forms an image on a recording medium, or when the image data is read from the first storage unit. When reading and transmitting an image to the image processing apparatus via the second communication unit, the attribute information corresponding to the first input information among the singular or plural attribute information is set as processed, and The image data stored in the first storage means is deleted when all of the one or more pieces of attribute information have been processed.

According to a thirty-sixth aspect, in the control method of the image processing system according to the thirty-fifth aspect, the one or more pieces of attribute information are the distribution destination information of the image data.

The control method for an image processing system according to a thirty-seventh aspect is the control method according to the thirty-fifth or thirty-sixth aspect, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are all processed settings. When erasing the image data stored in the storage means, the singular or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means is also deleted.

According to a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an image processing system, comprising: an information processing apparatus having input means for inputting first input information; and first communication means for transmitting the first input information; An image reading unit that reads an image formed on a recording medium to create image data; a first storage unit that stores the image data; a second input unit that inputs second input information; An image forming apparatus including second communication means for transmitting input information, image forming means for reading the image data from the first storage means and forming an image on a recording medium, and transmitting from the first communication means A third communication unit that receives the first input information and the second input information transmitted from the second communication unit;
A second storage unit that stores one or a plurality of pieces of attribute information on the image data; and an image management apparatus that has an authentication unit that authenticates the first input information based on one of the one or more pieces of the attribute information. When the image data is stored in the first storage unit using the image processing system described above, the second input information is stored in the second storage unit as one or a plurality of pieces of attribute information. When the first input information corresponds to any of the single or multiple pieces of attribute information stored in the storage unit, the authentication unit permits the image forming operation of the image forming unit, and the image data is When read out from the first storage means and formed on a recording medium, the attribute information corresponding to the first input information among the singular or plural pieces of attribute information is set as processed, and Or when all of the plurality of attribute information becomes processed set is obtained so as to erase the image data stored in the first storage means.

According to a thirty-ninth aspect, in the control method of the image processing system according to the thirty-eighth aspect, the one or more pieces of attribute information are used as distribution information of the image data.

In the control method for an image processing system according to a fortieth aspect, in the thirty-eighth or thirty-ninth aspect, the first or the plurality of pieces of attribute information are all processed settings. When erasing the image data stored in the storage means, the singular or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means is also deleted.

A control method for an image processing system according to a forty-first aspect is an input means for inputting first input information and second input information, and transmitting the first input information and the second input information. An image processing apparatus having a first communication unit for receiving image data, an image reading unit for reading an image formed on a recording medium to create image data, and a first storage unit for storing the image data Second input means for inputting third input information, second communication for transmitting the third input information, reading the image data from the first storage means, and transmitting the image data to the image processing apparatus. Means for reading the image data from the first storage means and forming an image on a recording medium; and the first and second data transmitted from the first communication means. Third communication means for receiving force information and the third input information transmitted from the second communication means, second storage means for storing one or more pieces of attribute information relating to the image data, the singular or When storing the image data in the first storage unit using an image processing system including an image processing apparatus having an authentication unit that authenticates the first input information based on any of the plurality of pieces of attribute information, The third input information is stored in the second storage means as one or more pieces of attribute information, and the first input information is stored in any of the one or more pieces of attribute information stored in the second storage means. And the second input information is information for requesting image formation, the authentication unit permits the image formation operation, and the singular or plural images stored in the second storage unit are stored. attribute If the first input information corresponds to any of the information and the second input information is information requesting image transmission, the authentication unit permits the image transmission operation, and When the data is read out from the first storage means and formed on a recording medium, or when the image data is read out from the first storage means and sent to the first information processing device via the second communication means. When an image is transmitted, the attribute information corresponding to the first input information among the single or multiple attribute information is set to processed, and all of the single or multiple attribute information is set to processed. Sometimes, the image data stored in the first storage means is deleted.

A control method of an image processing system according to a forty-second aspect is the control method for the image processing system according to the forty-first aspect, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are the distribution destination information of the image data.

A control method of an image processing system according to a forty-third aspect of the present invention is the control method according to the forty-first or forty-second aspects, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are all processed settings. When erasing the image data stored in the storage means, the singular or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means is also deleted.

According to a forty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an image processing system, comprising: input means for inputting first input information, second input information, and third input information;
An image processing apparatus having first communication means for transmitting input information and transmitting / receiving image data, and receiving the image data transmitted from the image processing apparatus and storing the image data in the first storage means A second communication unit for reading the image data and transmitting the image to the image processing apparatus, a first storage unit for storing the image data, and reading the image data from the first storage unit to form an image on a recording medium. An image forming apparatus having image forming means, a third communication means for receiving the first, second, and third input information transmitted from the first communication means, and one or more attributes relating to the image data A second storage unit for storing information; and an image management apparatus having an authentication unit for authenticating the first input information based on either the single or the plurality of pieces of attribute information. Using an image processing system, when storing the image data in the first storage means, the third
Input information as single or plural attribute information,
The first input information corresponds to either the single or a plurality of pieces of attribute information stored in the second storage means, and the second input information requests image formation. If the information is information, the authentication unit permits the image forming operation, and the first input information corresponds to one of the single or plural attribute information stored in the second storage unit, If the second input information is information requesting image transmission, the authentication unit permits the image transmission operation, reads the image data from the first storage unit, and stores the image data on a recording medium. When it is formed, or when the image data is read from the first storage means and transmitted to the image processing apparatus via the second communication means, the first or the plurality of pieces of attribute information of the
The attribute information corresponding to the input information is set as processed, and when all of the single or plural attribute information is set to be processed, the image data stored in the first storage unit is deleted. It was made.

According to a forty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the control method of the image processing system according to the forty-fourth aspect, the one or more pieces of attribute information are used as distribution information of the image data.

The control method for an image processing system according to a forty-sixth aspect is the control method for the image processing system according to the forty-fourth or forty-fifth aspect, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are all processed settings. When erasing the image data stored in the storage means, the singular or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means is also deleted.

[0058]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

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

The image processing system according to the present embodiment
This is a system in which two independent networks are connected by one public line, and respective devices and operation outlines will be described below.

Reference numeral 101 denotes a computer normally used by a user, which is a device for creating a document and exchanging e-mail with another computer connected to a network (hereinafter, referred to as a LAN) 108. 102
Is a computer similar to the computer 101, is connected to the LAN 108, and
The image reading device 103 and the printing device 104 are connected by a general-purpose interface of a computer provided in the computer 2.

An image reading device 103 is used to attach an image read by the image reading device 103 onto a document created on the computer 102. A printing device 104 is used to print a document created on the computer 102. The computer 102, the image reading device 103, and the printing device 1
The system 04 has a simple copying function of printing an image read by the image reading device 103 by the printing device 104 by an operation from the computer 102.

An image forming apparatus 105 has a large liquid crystal touch panel, is connected to the LAN 108, and has both an image reading function and a printing function. In addition to having a copying function as a single unit, it has a function as an electronic filing device by connecting a recording device such as a magneto-optical disk unit (not shown). Further, the image forming apparatus 105 also has a printing function such as a computer.

When printing a document or the like created by the computer 101 or the computer 102, the image forming apparatus 105 transmits the image forming command data to the computer 101 or the computer 10 via the LANI08.
2 and the like, expands the received image forming command data into bitmap image data, and performs printing.

Reference numeral 106 denotes a facsimile machine, which has a large liquid crystal touch panel, is connected to the LAN 108, and is connected to the public line 109. As a single unit, it has a simple copying function and a facsimile function of G3 standard, and has another LAN 114 via a public line 109.
Also plays the role of gateway. 107 is a server, a device connected to the LAN 108, and an LA
The data of the user who uses the device connected to N108 is managed. For example, the use of each user's device is managed based on the permission setting of the device used by the user and the user's schedule.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a network connecting the computer 101, the image forming apparatus 105, the server 107, and the like. Reference numeral 109 denotes a dedicated line or a public line connecting the network 108 and the network 114 via the facsimile device 106 and the facsimile device 112. 11
Reference numeral 0 denotes a computer having the same function as the computer 101. An image forming apparatus 111 has the same function as the image forming apparatus 105.

A facsimile apparatus 112 has the same function as the facsimile apparatus 106. Reference numeral 113 denotes a server, which has a management function of the LAN 114, like the server 107. Note that the servers 107 and 113
Data of managed devices and users can be provided to each other. A network 114 connects the computer 110, the image forming apparatus 111, the server 113, and the like.

Next, the above-described image forming apparatus 105 and the like will be described with reference to FIG.

Reference numeral 201 denotes control means for controlling the entire image forming apparatus, which is operated by a real-time OS. Reference numeral 202 denotes a first storage unit, which is a work memory for the operation of the control unit 201, and can be accessed from the control unit 201 at high speed. Reference numeral 203 denotes a second storage unit that stores a plurality of applications for the operation of the control unit 201, and is generally configured by a large-capacity hard disk, and is under the control of the above-described control unit 201. Things.

A high-speed CPU bus 204 connects the control means 201, the first storage means 203 and the second storage means 202, and each functional unit described later. This is for transferring data to the functional units or transferring data between the functional units at high speed (DMA transfer). Generally VL
Bus or PCI bus.

Reference numeral 205 denotes an image developing means (hereinafter, RIP) which receives an image forming command input from an external interface connected to a computer described later and converts the command into a bitmap image according to the content of the command. The image forming command is input from the high-speed CPU bus 204 and outputs an image image to a high-speed image bus 216 described later. RIP types include Postscript and PC
L, LIPS, CaPSL and the like.

Reference numeral 206 denotes an image processing means for performing filtering processing on the image image such as smoothing processing and edge processing in accordance with a processing command instructed by the control means 201, from the high-speed image bus 216. Other functions of the image processing means 206 include a character recognition (OCR) function for an image input from the high-speed image bus 216 and an image separation function for separating a character portion from an image portion.

Reference numeral 207 denotes a compression / expansion means which applies MH, MH to the image input from the high-speed image bus 216.
The image data is compressed by an image compression method such as MR, MMR, JPEG, etc.
16 has the function of decompressing the compressed data input from those two buses in accordance with the method compressed by this functional unit and transmitting it to the high-speed image bus 216. Things. 20
8 is a high-speed CPU bus 204 and a low-speed CPU bus 2
This is a bus bridge for connecting to the bus 09, and absorbs a difference in processing speed between buses.

The control means 201, which operates at high speed through the bus bridge 208,
And can access functional units that operate at low speed. The low-speed CPU bus 209 is connected to the high-speed CP.
A bus configuration having a lower transfer speed than the U bus 204, and a low-speed CP for connecting a functional unit having a relatively low processing capacity.
It is a U bus. Generally, an ISA bus or the like is used.

Reference numeral 210 denotes communication means interposed between the public line 211 and the low-speed CPU bus 209.
Is an analog line, a function of modulating digital data sent from the low-speed CPU bus 209 so that the data can flow to the public line, and processing of the modulated data sent from the public line in the image forming apparatus. Has a modem function to convert to digital data.

On the other hand, when the public line 211 is a digital line such as ISDN, the data sent from the low-speed CPU bus 209 is converted into a predetermined data format corresponding to the digital line, and conversely, the data is converted into a predetermined data format. It has a terminal adapter function that converts data sent from a digital line into data that can be processed in the image forming apparatus.

The public line 211 is an analog or digital public line such as a wired telephone line, a wireless telephone line, or ISDN. Reference numeral 212 denotes network means for connecting the image forming apparatus to a network, for transmitting and receiving data to and from the network. Generally, the network to be connected includes Ethernet, token ring, and the like.

When transmitting / receiving data to / from a wireless network, the apparatus has a modulation / demodulation function corresponding to modulated waves such as radio waves such as high frequencies, light such as infrared rays, and sound waves such as ultrasonic waves. 108
Is a network for transmitting and receiving data packets between the network means 212 and other connected devices. Also,
108 is a wireless network, radio waves such as high frequency,
Data packets are transmitted and received using light such as infrared rays, sound waves such as ultrasonic waves, and the like. Reference numeral 214 denotes a computer interface for connecting the image forming apparatus and a computer, and via the computer interface 214,
This is a functional unit used to send a control command from the computer to the image forming apparatus and to return the status of the image forming apparatus to the computer. Generally, RS-232C for serial communication
In addition to a Centronics interface for performing parallel communication, a SCSI interface, an IEEE 1394 interface, a Fiber Channel interface, an SSA interface, and the like can be given.

An operation unit interface 215 exchanges various control signals with the display unit 221 and the operation unit 222 in the image forming apparatus.
A signal of an input switch such as a key disposed on the display unit 22 is transmitted to the control unit 201, and image data created by the image expansion unit 205, the image processing unit 206, and the compression / expansion unit 207 is displayed on a liquid crystal display on the display unit 221. It is a unit that performs resolution conversion for display on the unit. Reference numeral 216 denotes various image generating units (the image developing unit 205, the image processing unit 2).
06, and a high-speed image bus for interconnecting an image input / output bus in the compression / decompression means 207) with a scanner interface 217 and a printer interface 219 described later.

Reference numeral 217 denotes a scanner interface unit which performs optimal binarization of the image data read by the scanner unit 218 according to the contents of processing in the subsequent process, and converts the image data into a serial number corresponding to the data width of the high-speed image bus 216. It has a function of performing parallel-to-parallel conversion and converting read RGB color data of three primary colors into CMYBk data.

Reference numeral 218 denotes a scanner unit which is a visible image reading device provided with an automatic document feeder.
It has an image sensor such as a three-line CCD color sensor B or a one-line monochrome CCD line sensor. The image data read by the scanner unit 218 is transferred to the high-speed image bus 216 by the scanner interface unit 217.

A printer interface unit 219 transfers image data sent from the high-speed image bus 216 to the printer unit.
A bus width conversion function for converting from the bus width to a bus width corresponding to the gradation of the printer to be output, and a function for absorbing the difference between the printing speed of the printer and the transfer speed of the image data of the high-speed image bus 216 are provided. Have.

Reference numeral 220 denotes a printer unit which prints image data received from a printer interface unit 219 described later on recording paper as visible image data. The printer unit 220 uses a bubble jet printer that prints on recording paper using a bubble jet method, or uses an electrophotographic technology that forms an image on a photosensitive drum using a laser beam and forms an image on recording paper. A laser beam printer. Laser beam printers include monochromatic printers and color laser beam printers based on CMYBk.

Reference numerals 221 and 222 denote display means and operation means, respectively, having a liquid crystal display, a touch panel input device attached on the liquid crystal display, and a plurality of hard keys. The signal input from the touch panel or the hard keys is transmitted to the control unit 201 via the operation unit interface 215 described above, and the liquid crystal display unit displays the image data sent from the operation unit interface 215. The liquid crystal display displays a function display, image data, and the like in the operation of the image forming apparatus. Further, the operation means 222 may include an input means such as a digitizer and pen recognition means for pen input, a microphone and voice recognition means for voice input, and an imaging means and image recognition means for image input.

Reference numeral 223 denotes image data read by the scanner unit 218 and / or the printer unit 22.
This is a third storage unit for storing image data to be printed at 0, and generally includes a large-capacity hard disk or a memory module, and is under the control of the control unit 201 described above.

Next, the computer 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

Reference numeral 301 denotes control means for controlling the entire computer. Reference numeral 302 denotes a first storage unit, which is a work memory for the operation of the control unit 301, and can be accessed from the control unit 301 at high speed. 303
Is a second storage unit for storing a plurality of applications for the operation of the control unit 301. The second storage unit is generally constituted by a large-capacity hard disk and is under the control of the control unit 301. Things.

Reference numeral 304 denotes the control means 301 described above,
And a high-speed CPU bus for connecting the storage means 302 and the second storage means 303 with each other and functional units described later.
This is for transferring data processed by the control means 301 to each functional unit, and for transferring data between each functional unit at high speed (DMA transfer). Generally VL
Bus or PCI bus. 308 is a high-speed CP
This is a bus bridge for connecting the U bus 304 and a low-speed CPU bus 309 described later, and absorbs a difference in processing speed between the buses. The control means 301 operating at high speed through the bus bridge 308 is a low-speed CPU.
A low-speed function unit connected to the bus 309 can be accessed.

Reference numeral 309 denotes a low-speed CPU bus having a bus configuration having a lower transfer speed than the high-speed CPU bus 304, and is a bus for connecting a functional unit having a relatively low processing capacity. Generally, an ISA bus or the like is used.

Numeral 310 denotes communication means interposed between the public line 311 and the low-speed CPU bus 309.
Is an analog line, a function of modulating digital data sent from the low-speed CPU bus 309 so that the data can flow to the public line, and a function of processing the modulated data sent from the public line in the image forming apparatus. Has a modem function to convert to digital data. On the other hand, public line 311
Is a digital line such as ISDN, the data transmitted from the low-speed CPU bus 309 is converted into a predetermined data format corresponding to the digital line, and conversely, the data transmitted from the digital line in the predetermined data format. Has a terminal adapter function of converting the data into data that can be processed in the image forming apparatus. Reference numeral 311 denotes an analog or digital public line such as a wired telephone line, a wireless telephone line, or ISDN.

Reference numeral 312 denotes network means for connecting the image forming apparatus to the network 108 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the network 108. Generally, the network to be connected includes Ethernet, token ring, and the like. Network 1
08 is Ethernet, Token Ring, ATM-LA
N and other networks. 314 is a computer interface for connecting a computer and peripheral devices. Generally, RS-232 for serial communication
C, a Centronics interface for parallel communication, a SCSI interface, IEEE 1394
Interface, a Fiber Channel interface, an SSA interface, and the like.

Reference numeral 321 denotes display means constituted by a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, and the like, and displays necessary characters, images, sounds, and the like in accordance with the execution of the program by the control means 301. An operation unit 322 includes a keyboard, a microphone, and the like, and inputs various settings necessary for the operation of the computer and / or inputs various operation instructions to the control unit 301.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 107 described above.

The server 107 of this embodiment has control means 401 for controlling the entire server.
~ 404,408 ~ 412,414,421,422
Are 301 to 304 and 308 to 31 in FIG.
2, 314, 321, and 322 and have the same configuration as the computer 101 shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Note that the present embodiment is mainly described as an example of the local operation of the image forming apparatus 105 alone.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main routine of the image forming apparatus 105 according to the first embodiment. First,
The operation of the image forming apparatus 105 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the power of the image forming apparatus 105 is turned on, the control means 201 initializes flags, registers, control variables, and the like, and executes a control program such as an operating system stored in a part of the area of the first storage means 202. At the same time, each unit of the image forming apparatus 105 is initialized (S101). The control means 201 stores the first storage means 20
By reading the state of the distribution erasure mode flag stored in the second or second storage unit 203, the image forming apparatus 10
It is determined whether or not No. 5 is set to the distribution deletion mode (S102). If the distribution deletion mode is set, the distribution deletion processing (S103) is performed.

The details of the distribution erasure process will be described later. S1
In 02, if the distribution erasure mode is not set, the process proceeds to S104. The control unit 201 includes an operation unit 222
If there is an authentication input via (S104), an authentication process is performed (S105). This authentication processing is for confirming whether or not the user is permitted to use various services of the image forming apparatus 105.
5 is performed to maintain the security of the document and image data stored in the storage unit 5.

If there is a problem as a result of the authentication (S106),
The display unit 221 issues a predetermined warning using an image, a sound, or a sentence (S107), and returns to S102. As a result of authentication,
If it is determined that providing various services is not a problem (S106), the control unit 201 performs input until a key, a touch panel, a digitizer, or the like included in the operation unit 222 is input within a predetermined time (S109). Wait (S
108).

If an input is made to a key, a touch panel, a digitizer or the like provided in the operation means 222 (S108),
The control unit 201 determines the input contents (S110), and performs a distribution print process (S11) according to the set distribution mode.
1) Alternatively, a distribution scan process (S112) is performed. Details of the distribution print processing and the distribution scan processing will be described later.

If the distribution print processing (S111) or the distribution scan processing (S112) is completed, the control unit 201 returns to S108 to perform the next distribution processing if the next distribution processing is to be performed, and performs the next distribution processing. If not, S10
2 and the predetermined process is repeated.

FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart showing the distribution erasing process in S103 of FIG.

The control means 201 secures a memory area required for executing the distribution erasure processing routine, performs processing of registers and flags, and the like, and then executes the second storage means 20.
3 to read the distribution management table into the first storage unit 202 or the cache memory inside the control unit 201 (S1).
21).

The control means 201 checks the distribution flag recorded in the first table of the distribution management table (S
122), it is determined whether all the documents or image data files corresponding to the table have been distributed to the registered distribution destinations (S123). As a result of checking the distribution flag, if all the files have not been distributed to the registered distribution destinations, the process proceeds to S127 because the corresponding file still needs to be saved.

As a result of checking the distribution flag, if all distribution destinations have been distributed, the control means 20
1 deletes the document or image data file from the third storage unit 223 (S124), and deletes the corresponding table in the distribution management table (S125).
The corrected distribution management table is written in the second storage means 203 (S126).

The control means 201 repeats S122 until there is no more table to check the distribution flag (S127).
Is repeated. When there is no longer any table for which the distribution flag should be checked (S127), the distribution erasure processing routine S104 ends.

FIG. 7 is a detailed flowchart showing the distribution print processing in S111 of FIG.

The control means 201 secures a memory area necessary for executing the distribution print processing routine, performs processing of registers and flags, and then performs distribution management bubbles from the second storage means 203 to the first. The data is read into the storage unit 202 or the cache memory inside the control unit 201 (S131). The control unit 201 searches the read distribution management table for a file in which a distribution destination is specified to a user who intends to execute distribution print (S1).
32), the searched result is displayed as an image, a sound, or a sentence by the display means 221 (S133). Here, which user is searched for a file is determined in S1 of FIG.
What is necessary is just to use the result authenticated in 05.

Within a predetermined time (S136), the operation means 2
The control unit 201 waits for an input until a file to be distributed and printed is selected by a key, a touch panel, a digitizer, or the like included in S22 (S134). Within a predetermined time (S
136) If the file to be distributed and printed is not selected, the control means 201 gives a predetermined warning by an image, a sound, or a text on the display means 221 (S137).
After ending the memory area, processing the registers and flags, and returning the display on the display unit 221 to the main menu screen, the distribution print processing routine (S111) ends.

If a file to be distributed and printed is selected by a key, a touch panel, a digitizer, or the like of the operation unit 222 (S134), the control unit 201 determines whether the selected document or image has been selected if there is no problem with the selection (S135). The data file is read out from the third storage means, and the data is read from the printer unit 2 via the printer I / F 219.
The printing is performed by the user 20 (S138).

In step S138, the control means 201 determines whether or not to reflect the result of the user executing the distribution print.
The distribution flag in the corresponding distribution destination data described in the corresponding table in the distribution management table is updated to the distribution setting (S139), and the updated distribution management table is written in the second storage unit 203 (S140). . If the next distribution print is to be performed (S141), the process returns to S133.
Repeat a series of processing.

If the distribution print processing routine (S111) ends without performing the next distribution print because there are no more files to be distributed and printed (S1).
41), the control unit 201 performs an end process such as releasing a memory area, processing a register or a flag, and returning the display of the display unit 221 to the main menu screen, and then performs a distribution print processing routine (S111). To end.

FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart showing the distribution scanning process in S112 of FIG.

The control means 201 secures a memory area necessary for executing the distribution scan processing routine, performs processing of registers and flags, and then stores the distribution management table in the second storage means 203 in the first storage management table. The data is read into the storage unit 202 or the cache memory inside the control unit 201 (S151). Within a predetermined time (S153), the control unit 201 waits for input until a distribution destination of a document or an image to be scanned is input or selected by a key, a touch panel, a digitizer, or the like included in the operation unit 222 (S152).

If the distribution destination of the document or image to be scanned is not input or selected within a predetermined time (S153), the control means 201 issues a predetermined warning with an image, sound, or text on the display means 221 after (S153). S157), releasing the memory area, processing the registers and flags, etc.
After performing end processing such as returning the display of the display means 221 to the main menu screen, the distribution scan processing routine (S
112) is ended.

When the distribution destination of the document or image to be scanned is input or selected by a key, a touch panel, a digitizer, or the like of the operation means 222 (S152), a new table is added to the distribution management table, and the new table is added. Is added to the distribution destination data input or selected in S152, and the distribution flag is set to undistributed (S15).
4).

Within a predetermined time (S 156)
If there is no input for instructing scan execution by a key, a touch panel, a digitizer, or the like included in the control unit 201,
After the display unit 221 issues a predetermined warning using images, sounds, and sentences (S157), the memory area is opened.
And processing of registers and flags.
After performing end processing such as returning the display of 1 to the main menu screen, the distribution scan processing routine S112 is ended.

If there is an input for instructing the execution of the scan (S155), the control means 201 performs a scanner input of a document or an image by the scanner unit 218 and outputs the file of the document or the image data via the scanner I / F 217. Then, the read data is written into the third storage means 223 (S158). The control means 201 determines in S158
In step (S159), the updated distribution management table is written in the second storage unit 203 in order to reflect the result of the user executing the scan in (2). The updated distribution management table is obtained by adding a new table to the distribution management table in S154 and adding S15 to the new table.
The distribution destination data input or selected in step 2 is added, and the distribution flag is set to non-distribution. If the next distribution scan is to be performed subsequently (S160), the process returns to S152, and a series of processing is repeated.

If the distribution scan processing routine (S112) ends without performing the next distribution scan (S16)
0), the control unit 201 performs a termination process such as releasing the memory area, processing a register or a flag, and returning the display of the display unit 221 to the main menu screen.
The distribution scan processing routine S112 ends.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The hardware configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of FIGS.
This embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 4, and the present embodiment will be described mainly as an example of a case where the image forming apparatus 105 and the computer 101 are combined via a network.

The operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

The processing shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the main routine of the image forming apparatus 105 according to the second embodiment.

First, when the power of the image forming apparatus 105 is turned on, the control unit 201 initializes flags, registers, control variables, and the like, and controls the operating system and the like stored in a part of the area of the first storage unit 202. The program is executed, and each unit of the image forming apparatus 105 is initialized (S171).

The control means 201 includes a first storage means 202
Alternatively, by reading the state of the distribution erasure mode flag stored in the second storage unit 203, the image forming apparatus 105
Is set to the distribution deletion mode (S
172) If the distribution erasure mode is set, distribution erasure processing (S173) is performed.

The details of the distribution erasing process (S173) are described in detail below.
This is as described above with reference to FIG.

If it is determined in step S172 that the distribution erasure mode has not been set, the flow advances to step S174.

When the control unit 201 receives a remote command from the client computer, for example, the computer 101 via the LAN 108 (S174), the control unit 201 determines whether the network connection to the image forming apparatus 105 is permitted to the computer 101. Is determined (S17).
5) If permission has been granted, the process proceeds to S179.

If not permitted (S175), login authentication is performed (S176). This login authentication process is for confirming whether the computer 101 is permitted to use various services of the image forming apparatus 105, and maintains the security of the document and image data stored in the image forming apparatus 105. Also run for.

As a result of the login authentication, if there is a problem (S1
77) Then, a predetermined error code is sent to the computer 101 of the client that has requested the login to the image forming apparatus 105 (S178), and the process returns to S172. As a result of the authentication, if it is determined that providing various services is not a problem (S177), the control unit 201 responds to the contents of the received remote command (S179, S18).
0), distribution file storage processing (S181), display data transfer processing (S182), distribution remote print processing (S181).
183), a distribution remote file process (S184) is performed.

This distribution file storage processing (S181)
Details of the display data transfer process (S182), the distribution remote print process (S183), and the distribution remote file process (S184) will be described later.

Distribution file storage processing (S181), display data transfer processing (S182), distribution remote print processing (S183), or distribution remote file processing (S1)
When 84) is completed, the process returns to S172, and a series of processes is repeated.

If no remote command has been received in S174, the control means 201 performs authentication processing if an authentication input has been made via the operation means 222 (S185) (S186). This authentication processing is for confirming whether or not the user is permitted to use various services of the image forming apparatus 105. In order to maintain the security of the document and image data stored in the image forming apparatus 105, Is also executed.

If there is a problem as a result of the authentication (S187),
The display unit 221 issues a predetermined warning using images, sounds, and sentences (S188), and returns to S172. As a result of authentication,
If it is determined that there is no problem in providing various services (S187), the control unit 201 performs the input operation until a key, a touch panel, a digitizer, or the like included in the operation unit 222 is input within a predetermined time (S190). Wait (S
189).

If an input is made to a key, a touch panel, a digitizer or the like provided in the operation means 222 (S189),
The control unit 201 determines the input content (S191), and performs a distribution print process (S19) according to the set distribution mode.
2) Or, perform distribution scan processing (S193). Details of the distribution print processing (S192) and the distribution scan processing (S193) are as described above with reference to FIGS.

When the distribution print processing (S192) or the distribution scan processing (S193) is completed, the control unit 2
01 returns to S189 if the next distribution processing is to be performed, and performs the next processing; otherwise, S172 if the next distribution processing is not to be performed.
And the predetermined processing is repeated.

FIG. 11 is a detailed flowchart showing the display data transfer process in S182 of FIG.

The control means 201 secures a memory area necessary for executing the display data transfer processing routine, processes registers and flags, and then stores the distribution management table in the second storage means 203 in the first storage management table. Storage means 202
Alternatively, the data is read into the cache memory inside the control means 201 (S201). The control unit 201 searches the user of the computer of the client who intends to execute the display data transfer for a file in which the distribution destination is specified by using the read distribution management table (S202), and searches the search result via the LAN 108. (S203). Here, which user is to be searched for a file may be determined using the result of login authentication in S176 of FIG.

When the transfer is completed, the control means 201
Ends the display data transfer processing routine after performing the end processing such as the release of the memory area and the processing of the registers and flags.

FIG. 12 is a detailed flowchart showing the distribution remote print processing in S183 of FIG.

The control means 201 secures a memory area necessary for executing the distribution remote print processing routine,
After processing the registers and flags, the distribution management table is read from the second storage unit 203 into the first storage unit 202 or the cache memory inside the control unit 201 (S211). The control means 201 searches the read distribution management table for a file to which a distribution destination is designated for a user who is to execute distribution remote printing (S212), and searches for a file designated by a remote command requesting printing. Exists in the searched file (S213), the specified document or image data file is read from the third storage unit 223, and the printer unit 2 is read via the printer I / F 219.
The printing is performed by using No. 20 (S215).

If there is a problem such as that there is no corresponding file to be printed (S213), the client computer 101 that has requested the image forming apparatus 105 to log in is executed.
A predetermined error code is sent to (S214).
After releasing the memory area and performing end processing such as processing of registers and flags, the distributed remote print processing routine ends.

In step S215, the control means 201 sets the distribution flag in the corresponding distribution destination data described in the corresponding table in the distribution management table to the distribution setting to reflect the result of the user executing the printing. (S216), and writes the updated distribution management table into the second storage means 203 (S217).

When the writing of the distribution management table is completed, the control means 201 ends the distribution remote print processing routine after releasing the memory area and performing end processing such as processing of registers and flags.

FIG. 13 is a detailed flowchart showing the distribution remote file process in S184 of FIG.

The control means 201 secures a memory area necessary for executing the distribution remote file processing routine,
After the processing of the register and the flag, the distribution management table is read from the second storage unit 203 into the first storage unit 202 or the cache memory inside the control unit 201 (S221). The control unit 201 searches the read distribution management table for a file for which a distribution destination is specified to the user who is to execute the distribution remote file (S222), and specifies the file specified by the remote command requesting the file transfer. If the file exists in the searched file (S223), the file of the designated document or image data is read from the third storage unit 223 and transmitted to the client computer 101 via the network unit 212 and the LAN 108. To transfer the file (S225).

If there is a problem that there is no corresponding file to be transferred (S223), the computer 1 of the client which has requested the image forming apparatus 105 to log in is determined.
01, a predetermined error code is sent (S22
4) After ending processing such as releasing the memory area and processing registers and flags, the distribution remote file processing routine ends.

In step S225, the control means 201 determines whether or not to reflect the result of the file transfer performed by the user.
The distribution flag in the corresponding distribution destination data described in the corresponding table in the distribution management table is updated to the distribution setting (S226), and the updated distribution management table is written to the second storage unit 203 (S227). . When the writing of the distribution management table is completed, the control unit 201 ends the distribution remote file processing routine after releasing the memory area and performing end processing such as processing of registers and flags.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the distribution file storing process in S181 of FIG.

The control means 201 secures a memory area necessary for executing the distribution file storage processing routine, performs processing of registers and flags, and then stores the distribution management table in the second storage means 203 in the first storage management table. Storage means 20
2 or read into the cache memory inside the control means 201 (S231). The control means 201 is a computer
1 and receives the document or image data file transferred thereto from the first storage unit 223 and writes it into the third storage unit 223. Then, the control unit 201 receives the stored file management data relating to the written file from the computer 101 via the LAN 108 (S232).

Further, the control means 201 receives the distribution destination data of the document or image file transferred from the computer 101 (S233). The control means 201 determines that S2
32, a new table is added to the distribution management table according to the stored file management data received in S32 (S234),
The distribution destination data received in S233 is added to the new table, and the distribution flag is set to undistributed (S23).
5) Write the updated distribution management table to the second storage means 203 (S236).

When the writing of the distribution management table is completed, the control unit 201 ends the distribution file storage processing routine after releasing the memory area and performing end processing such as processing of registers and flags.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a main routine of the computer 101 in the second embodiment.

When the power of the computer 101 is turned on, the control means 301 initializes flags, registers, control variables, and the like, and executes a control program such as an operating system stored in a part of the area of the first storage means 302. At the same time, each part of the computer 101 is initialized (S241). The control unit 301 receives an input from a key, a touch panel, a digitizer, or the like included in the operation unit 322.
If the input is not a login procedure input (S242), but is a command input for executing another process (S24).
3) Execute various processes according to the input command (S2).
44), and returns to S242 after executing various processes.

If the input by the keys, the touch panel, the digitizer, etc. of the operation means 322 is the input of the login procedure (S242), the control means 301 performs login authentication (S245). This login authentication is to confirm whether the computer 101 is permitted to use various services of the image forming apparatus 105, and to maintain security of document and image data stored in the image forming apparatus 105. Is executed.

If there is a problem as a result of the login authentication (S2
46) The display means 321 gives a predetermined warning using images, sounds, and texts (S247), and returns to S242. As a result of the login authentication, if it is determined that there is no problem in providing various services (S246), a request is made to transfer the display data to the storage location of the distribution management table, for example, the image forming apparatus 105 (S248). The received display data is received (S249).

The display data received here is the result of a search for a file specified as a distribution destination addressed to the user of the client computer 101 via the LAN 108. The file is a file of a document or image data stored in the third storage unit 223 of the image forming apparatus 105, and a distribution management table corresponding to these files stores a transfer request destination of the display data,
For example, it is stored in the second storage unit 203 of the image forming apparatus 105.

By searching the distribution flag in the corresponding distribution destination data described in the corresponding table in the distribution management table, the file designated with the distribution destination to the user of the client computer 101 is retrieved. You can search. The data received here is the display data.

If there is no problem in the received display data (S
250), the display unit 321 displays the received search result of the distribution management table as an image, sound, or text (S251). Within a predetermined time (S253), the control unit 301 controls the operation unit 322 until input and selection of a file to be distributed and input and selection of a distribution mode by a key, a touch panel, a digitizer, and the like included in the operation unit 322 are performed. Wait for input (S252).

If an input is made to a key, a touch panel, a digitizer, or the like provided in the operation means 322 (S252),
The control unit 301 determines the input content (S254). If the input is the print mode, the control unit 301
After specifying a file to be printed, a print request command is issued (S255), and the image forming apparatus 105 prints the specified file. If the input is the file extraction mode, a file extraction instruction is issued after designating the file to be extracted according to the input contents (S
256), and receives the specified file (S257).

If the input is the file storage mode, a file storage instruction is issued after designating the file to be stored and the distribution destination of the file according to the input contents (S260), and the specified file is transmitted. . Print request (S255), file extraction request (S256),
Alternatively, if an error code or the like is sent in response to the file storage request (S260) (S258), the control unit 301 issues a predetermined warning using an image, sound, or text on the display unit 321 (S259). , And returns to S242.

If the printing, reception of the file, or transmission of the file has been performed normally (S258), the process proceeds to S242.
And a series of processing is repeated.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The hardware configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS.
This embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 4, and this embodiment will be described mainly as an example of a case where the server 107 and the computer 101 are combined via a network.

FIG. 16, FIG. 17, FIG. 18, FIG. 19, FIG.
The operation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 16 shows a server 107 according to the third embodiment.
5 is a flowchart showing a main routine of the first embodiment.

When the power of the server 107 is turned on, the control means 401 initializes flags, registers, control variables, and the like, and executes a control program such as an operating system stored in a part of the area of the first storage means 402. At the same time, each part of the server 107 is initialized (S26).
1).

The control means 401 includes a first storage means 402
Alternatively, by reading the state of the distribution erasure mode flag stored in the second storage means 403, it is determined whether or not the server 107 is set to the distribution erasure mode (S2).
62) If the distribution erasure mode has been set, distribution erasure processing is performed (S263). The details of the distribution erasure process will be described later.

If it is determined in step S262 that the distribution deletion mode has not been set, the flow advances to step S264. Control means 401
Receives a remote command from the client computer, for example, the computer 101 via the LAN 108 (S264), and determines whether or not the computer 101 is permitted to connect to the server 107 via the network (S265). , If permitted, S2
Go to 69.

If permission has not been granted (S265), login authentication is performed (S266). This login authentication process
This is for confirming whether or not the computer 101 is permitted to use various services of the server 107. Maintaining security of document and image data stored in one or more image forming apparatuses managed by the server 107 Also run for.

If there is a problem as a result of the login authentication (S2
67) Then, a predetermined error code is sent to the client computer 101 which has requested the server 107 to log in (S268), and the process returns to S262. As a result of authentication,
If it is determined that there is no problem in providing various services (S267), the control unit 401 performs a distributed remote scan process (S271) according to the content of the received remote command (S271), and a display data transfer process. (S272), distribution remote print processing (S27)
3) and distribution remote file processing (S274).

The distribution remote scan processing, display data transfer processing, distribution remote print processing, and distribution remote file processing will be described later in detail.

Distribution remote scan processing (S271),
When the display data transfer processing (S272), the distribution remote print processing (S273) or the distribution remote file processing (S274) is completed, the process returns to S262, and a series of processing is repeated.

FIG. 17 is a detailed flowchart showing the distribution erasing process in S263 of FIG.

The control means 401 secures a memory area necessary for executing the distribution erasure processing routine, and performs processing of registers and flags.
3 to read the distribution management table into the first storage unit 402 or the cache memory inside the control unit 401 (S2).
81).

The control means 401 checks the distribution flag recorded in the first table of the distribution management table (S
282), it is determined whether all files of the document or the image data corresponding to the table have been distributed to the registered distribution destinations (S283). As a result of checking the distribution flag, if all the files have not been distributed to the registered distribution destinations, the process proceeds to S287 because the corresponding file still needs to be saved.

As a result of checking the distribution flag, if all of the registered distribution destinations have been distributed, the control means 40
1 issues an instruction to delete a file of a corresponding document or image data to the image forming apparatus 105, and transfers the document or the file of image data to the third file of the image forming apparatus 105.
(S284), and deletes the corresponding table in the distribution management table (S28).
5) Write the modified distribution management table into the second storage means 203 (S286).

The control means 401 repeats S282 until there is no more table to check the distribution flag (S287).
Is repeated. When there is no longer any table for which the distribution flag should be checked (S287), the distribution erasure processing routine ends.

FIG. 18 is a detailed flowchart showing the distribution remote scan processing in S271 of FIG.

The control means 401 secures a memory area necessary for executing the distribution remote scan processing routine,
After performing the processing of the registers and the flags, the distribution management table is read from the second storage unit 403 into the first storage unit 402 or the cache memory inside the control unit 401 (S291).

The scanner unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 105
The scanner input of a document or an image is performed by a user 18 and the image forming apparatus 105 is converted into a file of the document or the image data via the scanner I / F 217 of the image forming apparatus 105.
Scan management data relating to the file in which the read data is written to the third storage means 223
Is received from the image forming apparatus 105 via the LAN 108 (S292). Further, the control unit 401 receives distribution destination data of the scanned document or image file from the image forming apparatus 105 (S293).

The control means 401 adds a new table in the distribution management table in accordance with the scan management data received in S292 (S294), and adds the distribution destination data received in S293 to the new table. The distribution flag is set to undistributed (S295), and the second storage unit 4
03 is written to the updated distribution management table (S29).
6).

When the writing of the distribution management table is completed, the control means 401 ends the distribution remote scan processing routine after releasing the memory area and performing end processing such as processing of registers and flags.

FIG. 19 is a detailed flowchart showing the display data transfer process in S272 of FIG.

The control means 401 secures a memory area necessary for executing the display data transfer processing routine, and performs processing of registers and flags, and then stores the distribution management table in the second storage means 403 in the first storage management table. Storage means 402
Alternatively, the data is read into the cache memory inside the control means 401 (S301). Based on the read distribution management table, the control means 401 searches for a file designated as a distribution destination to the user of the client computer which is to execute display data transfer 71 (S302), and searches the LAN 108 for the search result. (Step S303).

Here, which user is to be searched for a file may be determined using the result of login authentication in S266 of FIG. If the transfer has been completed, the control means 401 ends the display data transfer processing routine after performing end processing such as opening of the memory area and processing of registers and flags.

FIG. 20 is a detailed flowchart showing the distributed remote print processing in S273 of FIG.

The control means 401 secures a memory area necessary for executing the distribution remote print processing routine,
After processing the registers and flags, the distribution management table is read from the second storage unit 403 into the first storage unit 402 or the cache memory inside the control unit 401 (S311). The control unit 401 searches the read distribution management table for a file to which a distribution destination is specified for a user who intends to execute distribution remote printing (S312), and searches for a file specified by a remote command requesting printing. If the file exists in the searched file (S313), a print command for the file is issued to the image forming apparatus 105, and the specified document or image data file is
5 from the third storage means 223 and the printer I / F
Printing is performed by the printer unit 220 via the printer 219 (S315).

If there is a problem that there is no corresponding file to be printed (S313), a predetermined error code is sent to the client computer 101 which has requested login to the resources managed by the server 107 (S3).
14) After performing the end processing such as the release of the memory area and the processing of the register and the flag, the distributed remote print processing routine ends.

In step S315, the control unit 401 sets the distribution flag in the distribution destination data described in the distribution management table to reflect the result of the user executing the print, and (S316), and writes the updated distribution management table into the second storage unit 403 (S317). When the writing of the distribution management table is completed, the control unit 401 ends the distribution remote print processing routine after releasing memory areas and performing end processing such as processing of registers and flags.

FIG. 21 is a detailed flowchart showing the distribution remote file process in S274 of FIG.

The control means 401 secures a memory area necessary for executing the distribution remote file processing routine,
After processing the registers and flags, the distribution management table is read from the second storage unit 403 into the first storage unit 402 or the cache memory inside the control unit 401 (S321). The control unit 401 searches the read distribution management table for a file for which a distribution destination is specified to the user who is to execute the distribution remote file (S322), and specifies the file specified by the remote command requesting the file transfer. If the file exists in the searched file (S323), the image forming apparatus 105
Issues a file transfer instruction for the file,
The file of the designated document or image data is read from the third storage unit 223 of the image forming apparatus 105, and the file is transferred to the client computer 101 via the network unit 212 and the LAN 108 (S
325).

If there is a problem that there is no corresponding file to be transferred (S323), a predetermined error code is sent to the client computer 101 which has requested login to the resource managed by the server 107 (S324). ), Release processing of the memory area, and end processing such as processing of registers and flags, and then terminate the distribution remote file processing routine.

In step S325, the control unit 401 determines whether or not to reflect the result of the file transfer performed by the user.
The distribution flag in the corresponding distribution destination data described in the corresponding table in the distribution management table is updated to the distribution setting (S326), and the updated distribution management table is written in the second storage unit 403 (S327). . When the writing of the distribution management table is completed, the control unit 401 terminates the distribution remote file processing routine after releasing the memory area and performing end processing such as processing of registers and flags.

FIG. 22 shows an image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment.
12 is a flowchart showing a main routine of the embodiment 05.

When the power of the image forming apparatus 105 is turned on, the control means 201 initializes flags, registers, control variables, and the like, and executes a control program such as an operating system stored in a part of the area of the first storage means 202. At the same time, each unit of the image forming apparatus 105 is initialized (S331). The control unit 201 receives an input from a key, a touch panel, a digitizer, or the like included in the operation unit 222.
If the input is not a login procedure input (S332) but is a command input for executing another process (S33).
3), execute various processes according to the input command (S3).
34), and returns to S332 after executing various processes.

If the input from the key, touch panel, digitizer, or the like of the operation unit 222 is an input for a login procedure (S332), the control unit 201 performs login authentication (S335). This login authentication is for confirming whether or not the user is permitted to use various services of the image forming apparatus 105. In order to maintain the security of the document and image data stored in the image forming apparatus 105, Be executed.

If there is a problem as a result of the login authentication (S3
36) The display means 221 issues a predetermined warning using images, sounds, and sentences (S337), and returns to S332. As a result of the login authentication, if it is determined that providing various services is not a problem (S336), the control unit 201
It is determined whether or not to perform the distribution scan processing (S33).
8) If so, a distribution scan process is performed (S33)
9). Details of the distribution scan processing will be described later.

If the distribution scan processing is not to be performed (S338), a request for transfer of display data is made to the storage location of the distribution management table, for example, the server 107 (S34).
0), the display data transferred from the storage destination is received (S341). The display data received here is the result of a search for a file to which a distribution destination is specified for the user of the image forming apparatus 105, which is received via the LAN. Also, this file refers to the image forming apparatus 105.
And a distribution management table corresponding to these files is stored in the display data transfer request destination, for example, in the second storage unit 203 of the server 107. Have been.

By searching the distribution flag in the corresponding distribution destination data described in the corresponding table in the distribution management table, the file whose distribution destination is specified to the user of the image forming apparatus 105 is retrieved. You can search. The data received here is the display data.

If there is no problem with the received display data (S
342) The display means 221 displays the received distribution management table search result as an image, sound, or text (S343). Within a predetermined time (S345), the control unit 201 controls the operation unit 222 until input and selection of a file to be distributed and input and selection of a distribution mode are performed by a key, a touch panel, a digitizer, and the like included in the operation unit 222. Wait for the input of (S344).

If an input is made to a key, a touch panel, a digitizer or the like provided in the operation means 222 (S344),
The control means 201 judges the input contents (S346), and if the input is the print mode, the control means 201
After designating a file to be printed, a print request is made to the searcher 107. The server 107 issues a print command of the corresponding file to the image forming apparatus 105, reads out the specified document or image data file from the third storage unit 223 of the image forming apparatus 105, and transmits the read file via the printer I / F 219. Printer unit 2
The printing is performed by the user 20 (S347). In this case, the image forming apparatus 105 is a print requester and
It has also been requested.

If the input is a file transfer mode, a file to be transferred is designated according to the input contents, and a file transfer request is made to the server 107 (S348). The server 107 is the image forming apparatus 10
5, a file transfer command for the corresponding file is issued, and the specified document or image data file is read from the third storage unit 223 of the image forming apparatus 105,
The file is transferred to the second storage unit 203 of the image forming apparatus 105 (S349). In this case, the image forming apparatus 105 is the requester of the file transfer and also the request destination.

When an error code or the like is sent from the server 107 in response to the print request (S347) or the file transfer request (S348) (S350), the control means 201 causes the display means 221 to display an image, sound, or the like. After giving a predetermined warning in writing (S351), S33
Return to 2. If the file that has been normally printed or transferred is received (S350), the process returns to S332.
Repeat a series of processing.

FIG. 23 is a detailed flowchart showing the distribution scanning process in S339 of FIG.

The control means 201 is provided in the operation means 222 within a predetermined time (S362) after securing a memory area necessary for executing the distribution scan processing routine and processing registers and flags. The control unit 201 waits for an input until a distribution destination of a document or an image to be scanned is input or selected by a key, a touch panel, a digitizer, or the like (S361). Within a predetermined time (S362),
If the destination of the document or image to be scanned is not input or selected, the control unit 201 issues a predetermined warning using an image, a sound, or a sentence on the display unit 221 (S36).
3) After releasing the memory area, processing registers and flags, and performing end processing such as returning the display of the display unit 221 to the main menu screen, the distribution scan processing routine ends.

If the distribution destination of the document or image to be scanned is input or selected by a key, a touch panel, a digitizer, or the like of the operation unit 222 (S361), the control unit 201 causes the scanner unit 218 to scan the document or image. Input is performed (S364), and the scanner I
Via / F217, the read data is written to the third storage unit 223 as a document or image data file, and the scan management data relating to the written file is transferred to the server 107 (S365).

Further, the control means 201 transfers the distribution destination data to the server 107 which manages the distribution management table (S366). When the transfer of the distribution destination data is completed, the control means 201 releases the memory area,
And processing of registers and flags.
After performing end processing such as returning the display of 1 to the main menu screen, the distribution scan processing routine is ended.

An example of the distribution management table in the first to third embodiments is shown in FIG. 24 or FIG. The distribution management table is not necessarily limited to the example shown in FIG. 24 or FIG. 25. For example, a predetermined size may be reserved in advance as the distribution management table. A size area may be secured.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, there are the following modifications.

(1) In the first to third embodiments, the image forming apparatus 105, the computer 101,
Alternatively, the server 107 and the image forming apparatus 105 have been described as one each. However, it is needless to say that the configuration may be any combination of one or more.

(2) In the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 105 and the computer 101 are combined, the image forming apparatus 105 is used for distribution management and image storage, and the computer 101 is used as a client. Although the description has been made on the assumption that the operation is not performed, it is a matter of course that there is no problem if the local operation is also performed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. In this case, the local operation on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus is the same as the first embodiment.

(3) In the third embodiment, the server 107 and the image forming apparatus 105 are combined, and the server 107 is used for distribution management, and the image forming apparatus 105 is used for image storage and as a client. Of course, there is no problem if the configuration is such that the server 107 is used for distribution management, the image forming apparatus 105 is used for storing images, and the computer 101 is used as a client.

(4) In the second embodiment, of course, there is no problem even if the image forming apparatus 105 is configured to manage distribution of image data stored in one or more other image forming apparatuses.

(5) In the third embodiment, of course, there is no problem even if the server 107 is configured to manage distribution of image data stored in a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

(6) In the third embodiment, there is no problem if the server 107 stores not only the distribution management data but also part or all of the image data associated with the distribution management data.

(7) In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the authentication process is performed to confirm whether the use of various services of the image forming apparatus 105 is permitted. Of course, there is no problem if the authentication processing is not performed when performing the distribution scan processing, and the authentication processing is performed only when performing the distribution print processing.

[0219]

As described above in detail, according to the image processing system and the control method of the image processing system of the present invention, a plurality of distribution destinations are designated to transfer a large amount of image data to a server connected to a network. Instead of storing and distributing the image data, image data having a large data amount is temporarily stored in the image forming apparatus, and users of a plurality of information processing apparatuses and image processing apparatuses (for example, computers) are stored in the image forming apparatus. By performing printing using the image data in common, it becomes possible for another user of the image management apparatus (for example, the server) to use the server for other purposes.
The load on the network and the server does not increase, and it is possible to reduce the delay of the entire network.

At that time, in order for another user of the image forming apparatus to use the image forming apparatus for storing data for another use, the image data stored in the image forming apparatus is stored by the user. By deleting the data or deleting the image data after the user who printed the stored data prints, a user who has not yet printed the stored image data can print it. It is possible to prevent a problem that the operation cannot be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a server in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main routine of the image forming apparatus 105 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart showing a distribution erasing process in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a detailed flowchart showing a distribution print process in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart showing a distribution scan process in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine of the image forming apparatus 105 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a detailed flowchart showing a display data transfer process in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a detailed flowchart showing a distribution remote print process in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a detailed flowchart showing a distribution remote file process in FIG. 9;

14 is a flowchart showing a distribution file storage process in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine of a computer according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine of a server according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a detailed flowchart showing a distribution erasing process in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a detailed flowchart showing a distribution remote scan process in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a detailed flowchart showing a display data transfer process in FIG.

20 is a detailed flowchart showing a distribution remote print process in FIG.

21 is a detailed flowchart showing a distribution remote file process in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a detailed flowchart showing a distribution scan process in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distribution management table.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating another example of the distribution management table.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 computer 102 computer 103 image reading device 104 printing device 105 image forming device 106 facsimile device 107 server 108 network 109 public line 110 computer 111 image forming device 113 server 114 network 121 computer 201 control means 202 first storage means 203 second Storage means 204 High-speed CPU bus 205 Image expansion means 206 Image processing means 207 Compression / decompression means 208 Bus bridge 209 Low-speed CPU bus 210 Communication means 211 Public line 212 Network means 214 Computer I / F 215 Operation unit I / F 216 High-speed image bus 217 Scanner I / F 218 Scanner unit 219 Printer I / F 220 Printer unit 221 Display means 2 2 Operation means 223 Third storage means 301, 401 Control means 302, 402 First storage means 303, 403 Second storage means 304, 404 High-speed CPU bus 308, 408 Bus bridge 309, 409 Low-speed CPU bus 310, 410 Communication means 311, 411 Public line 312, 412 Network means 314, 414 Computer I / F 321, 421 Display means 322, 422 Operation means

Claims (46)

[Claims] A first storage unit for storing image data; a second storage unit for storing attribute information of the image data; and reading the image data from the first storage unit and storing the image data on a recording medium. An image processing system having an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit for forming an image, wherein the attribute information is set to be processed when the image data is read from the first storage unit and formed on a recording medium. And an image processing system for erasing the image data stored in the first storage means when all the attribute information has been processed. 2. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein said attribute information is distribution destination information of said image data. 3. A first storage unit for storing image data, a second storage unit for storing one or more pieces of attribute information of the image data, and reading out the image data from the first storage unit. An image processing system comprising an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium, an input unit for inputting input information, and an authentication unit for authenticating the input information based on the single or plural attribute information. If the input information corresponds to either the single or the plurality of pieces of attribute information, the authentication unit permits the image forming operation, and reads and records the image data from the first storage unit. When the image is formed on a medium, the attribute information corresponding to the input information among the single or multiple attribute information is set as processed, and the single or multiple attribute information is all processed. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein when the setting has been completed, the image data stored in the first storage unit is deleted. 4. The image processing system according to claim 3, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are distribution information of the image data. 5. When erasing the image data stored in the first storage means when all of the one or more pieces of attribute information are processed settings, the second storage means 5. The storage device according to claim 3, wherein the stored one or more pieces of attribute information are also deleted.
The image processing system described in the above. 6. An image reading unit for reading an image formed on a recording medium to create image data, a first storage unit for storing the image data, and storing one or more pieces of attribute information of the image data. Second storage means for storing, image forming means for reading out the image data from the first storage means and forming an image on a recording medium, input means for inputting first input information and second input information And an image forming apparatus having an authentication unit for authenticating the second input information based on either the single or the plurality of pieces of attribute information, wherein the image data is stored in the first storage unit. When the first input information is stored in the second storage means, the first input information is stored in the second storage means as one or more pieces of attribute information, and the one or more pieces of attribute information are stored in the second storage means. The second
When the input information corresponds to the above, the authentication means permits the image forming operation, and when the image data is read out from the first storage means and formed on a recording medium, the single or plural attributes are read. The attribute information corresponding to the second input information among the information is set as processed, and when all of the singular or plural attribute information is set to processed, the attribute information is stored in the first storage unit. An image processing system for erasing image data. 7. The image processing system according to claim 6, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are distribution information of the image data. 8. When erasing the image data stored in the first storage means when all of the one or more pieces of attribute information are processed settings, the second storage means 8. The storage device according to claim 6, wherein the stored one or more pieces of attribute information are also deleted.
The image processing system described in the above. 9. An information processing apparatus having first input means for inputting first input information, first communication means for transmitting the first input information, and an image formed on a recording medium. An image reading unit that reads and creates image data; a first storage unit that stores the image data; a second storage unit that stores one or more pieces of attribute information of the image data; An image forming unit that reads from the storage unit and forms an image on a recording medium, a second input unit that inputs second input information, and a second input unit that receives the first input information transmitted from the first communication unit. An image forming apparatus having an authentication unit that authenticates the first input information based on any one of the single or the plurality of pieces of attribute information. 1 When storing in the storage means, the second input information is stored in the second storage means as single or plural attribute information, and any one of the single or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means The first
When the input information corresponds to, the authentication unit permits the image forming operation, and when the image data is read from the first storage unit to form an image on a recording medium,
When the attribute information corresponding to the first input information among the singular or plural attribute information is set as processed, and when all of the singular or plural attribute information is set as processed, the first An image processing system for erasing image data stored in storage means. 10. The image processing system according to claim 9, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are destination information of the image data. 11. When erasing the image data stored in the first storage means when all of the one or more pieces of attribute information are processed settings, the second storage means The image processing system according to claim 9, wherein the stored one or more pieces of attribute information are also deleted. 12. A first input means for inputting first input information and second input information, and a first input means for transmitting the first input information and the second input information and receiving image data. An image processing apparatus having communication means of the following, image reading means for reading an image formed on a recording medium to create image data, first storage means for storing image data from the image reading means, and the image data Second storage means for storing one or more pieces of attribute information, image forming means for reading out the image data from the first storage means and forming an image on a recording medium, and second inputting third input information. Input means, the first communication means transmitted from the first communication means.
Second communication means for receiving the second input information and reading the image data from the first storage means and transmitting the image to the image processing apparatus; and any one of the single or plural attribute information An image forming apparatus having an authentication unit that authenticates the second input information, wherein the image data is stored in the first storage unit.
The third input information is stored in the second storage means as one or more pieces of attribute information, and the first input information is stored in any of the one or more pieces of attribute information stored in the second storage means. If the second input information is information requesting image formation, the authentication unit permits the image formation operation, and the singular or plural images stored in the second storage unit are stored. The first information in any of the attribute information
And the second input information is information requesting image transmission, the authentication unit permits the image transmission operation, and stores the image data in the first storage unit. The image data is read out from the first storage means and the image data is read out from the first storage means and transmitted to the image processing apparatus via the second communication means. Of the attribute information corresponding to the first input information is set as processed, and when all of the singular or plural attribute information is set to be processed, the attribute information is stored in the first storage unit. An image processing system, wherein erased image data is deleted. 13. The image processing system according to claim 12, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are destination information of the image data. 14. When erasing the image data stored in the first storage unit in a case where all of the one or more pieces of attribute information are processed settings, the second storage unit 14. The image processing system according to claim 12, wherein the stored one or more pieces of attribute information are also deleted. 15. An input unit for inputting first input information,
And an information processing apparatus having first communication means for transmitting the first input information, image reading means for reading an image formed on a recording medium to create image data, and a first means for storing the image data Storage means, second input means for inputting second input information, second communication means for transmitting the second input information, and reading out the image data from the first storage means and storing the image data on a recording medium. An image forming apparatus having an image forming unit for forming an image on the first unit, and receiving the first input information transmitted from the first communication unit and the second input information transmitted from the second communication unit A third communication unit, a second storage unit for storing one or more pieces of attribute information relating to the image data, and an authentication unit for authenticating the first input information by using one of the one or more pieces of attribute information. You An image processing system comprising an image management apparatus, when storing the image data in the first storage means,
The second input information is stored in the second storage means as one or more pieces of attribute information, and the first input information is stored in any of the one or more pieces of attribute information stored in the second storage means. If the above applies, the authentication means permits the image forming operation of the image forming means, and when the image data is read out from the first storage means and formed on a recording medium, the single or plural In the attribute information, the attribute information corresponding to the first input information is set as processed, and when all of the singular or plural attribute information is set as processed, the attribute information is stored in the first storage unit. An image processing system for erasing image data. 16. The image processing system according to claim 15, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are distribution information of the image data. 17. When erasing the image data stored in the first storage unit in a case where all of the one or more pieces of attribute information are processed settings, the second storage unit 17. The image processing system according to claim 15, wherein the stored one or more pieces of attribute information are also deleted. 18. An input unit for inputting first input information and second input information, and a first communication unit for transmitting the first input information and the second input information and receiving image data. An image processing apparatus having an image processing unit, an image reading unit that reads an image formed on a recording medium to create image data, a first storage unit that stores the image data, and a second input unit that inputs third input information. Input means for transmitting the third input information, reading the image data from the first storage means, and transmitting the image data to the image processing apparatus;
Communication means, and an image forming apparatus having an image forming means for reading out the image data from the first storage means and forming an image on a recording medium, and the first and second data transmitted from the first communication means. A third communication unit that receives the second input information and the third input information transmitted from the second communication unit, a second storage unit that stores one or more pieces of attribute information regarding the image data, An image processing apparatus having an authentication unit that authenticates the first input information based on either one or a plurality of pieces of attribute information, wherein the image data is stored in the first storage unit. At that time,
The third input information is stored in the second storage means as one or more pieces of attribute information, and the first input information is stored in any of the one or more pieces of attribute information stored in the second storage means. And the second input information is information for requesting image formation, the authentication unit permits the image formation operation, and the singular or plural images stored in the second storage unit are stored. If the first input information corresponds to any of the attribute information, and the second input information is information requesting image transmission, the authentication unit permits the image transmission operation, When the image data is read from the first storage means and is formed on a recording medium, or when the image data is read from the first storage means and the first information processing apparatus is provided via the second communication means. When images are sent to When the attribute information corresponding to the first input information among the single or multiple attribute information is set as processed, and when all of the single or multiple attribute information is set as processed, the first An image processing system for erasing image data stored in the storage means. 19. The image processing system according to claim 18, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are destination information of the image data. 20. When erasing the image data stored in the first storage means when all of the one or more pieces of attribute information have been processed, the second storage means 20. The image processing system according to claim 18, wherein the stored one or more pieces of attribute information are also deleted. 21. An input means for inputting first input information, second input information and third input information, and said first and second input information.
And an image processing apparatus having first communication means for transmitting and receiving third input information and transmitting and receiving image data, and receiving the image data transmitted from the image processing apparatus and transmitting the image data to the first image processing apparatus. A second communication unit that reads from the storage unit and transmits an image to the image processing apparatus;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a first storage unit that stores the image data; an image forming unit that reads the image data from the first storage unit and forms an image on a recording medium; The first and second transmitted
A third communication unit that receives the first and third input information, a second storage unit that stores one or more pieces of attribute information related to the image data, and the first one of the one or more pieces of attribute information. An image processing system comprising: an image management device having an authentication unit that authenticates input information, wherein the image data is stored in the first storage unit.
The third input information is stored in the second storage means as single or plural attribute information, and the first input information is stored in either the single or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means. If the second input information is information requesting image formation, the authentication unit permits the image formation operation, and the singular or plural images stored in the second storage unit are stored. The first information in any of the attribute information
And the second input information is information requesting image transmission, the authentication unit permits the image transmission operation, and stores the image data in the first storage unit. Read out from the first storage means and read out the image data from the first storage means and send the image to the image processing apparatus via the second communication means, the singular or plural In the attribute information, the attribute information corresponding to the first input information is set as processed, and when all of the singular or plural attribute information is set as processed, the attribute information is stored in the first storage unit. An image processing system for erasing image data. 22. The image processing system according to claim 21, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are destination information of the image data. 23. When erasing the image data stored in the first storage unit in the case where all of the one or more pieces of attribute information have been processed, the second storage unit The image processing system according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the stored one or more pieces of attribute information are also deleted. 24. A first storage unit for storing image data, a second storage unit for storing attribute information of the image data, and reading the image data from the first storage unit and storing the read image data on a recording medium. Using an image processing system having an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit for forming an image, reading out the image data from the first storage unit and processing the attribute information when the image information is formed on a recording medium; Setting the image data stored in the first storage means when all the attribute information has been processed. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the attribute information is distribution destination information of the image data. 26. First storage means for storing image data, second storage means for storing one or more pieces of attribute information of the image data, and reading out the image data from the first storage means. An image processing system comprising an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium, an input unit for inputting input information, and an authentication unit for authenticating the input information based on the single or plural attribute information. In the case where the input information corresponds to any of the single or plural pieces of attribute information, the authentication unit permits the image forming operation, and reads out the image data from the first storage unit and records the image data on a recording medium. When the image information is formed thereon, the attribute information corresponding to the input information among the single or multiple attribute information is set as processed, and the single or multiple attribute information is all processed. And controlling the image processing system to delete the image data stored in the first storage unit when the setting is completed. 27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are distribution destination information of the image data. 28. When erasing the image data stored in the first storage means in a case where all of the one or more pieces of attribute information have been processed, the second storage means 28. The control method of the image processing system according to claim 26, wherein the stored one or more pieces of attribute information are also deleted. 29. An image reading means for reading an image formed on a recording medium to create image data, a first storage means for storing the image data, and storing one or more pieces of attribute information of the image data. Second storage means for storing;
Image forming means for reading the image data from the first storage means and forming an image on a recording medium; input means for inputting first input information and second input information; and the single or plural attribute information Using an image processing system provided with an image forming apparatus having an authentication unit for authenticating the second input information according to any one of the first and the second input information when storing the image data in the first storage unit. When information is stored in the second storage means as one or more pieces of attribute information, and the second input information corresponds to any of the one or more pieces of attribute information stored in the second storage means, The authentication unit permits the image forming operation, and reads out the image data from the first storage unit and forms an image on a recording medium. When the attribute information corresponding to the force information is set as processed, and when the single or plural attribute information is all set as processed, the image data stored in the first storage unit is deleted. Characteristic control method of image processing system. 30. The control method according to claim 29, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are distribution destination information of the image data. 31. When erasing the image data stored in the first storage means in a case where the single or plural pieces of attribute information are all processed settings, the second storage means 31. The control method for an image processing system according to claim 29, wherein the stored one or more pieces of attribute information are also deleted. 32. An information processing apparatus having first input means for inputting first input information, and first communication means for transmitting the first input information, and an image formed on a recording medium. An image reading unit that reads and creates image data; a first storage unit that stores the image data; a second storage unit that stores one or more pieces of attribute information of the image data; An image forming unit that reads from the storage unit and forms an image on a recording medium, a second input unit that inputs second input information, and a second input unit that receives the first input information transmitted from the first communication unit. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image forming apparatus having an authentication unit that authenticates the first input information based on any one of the single or the plurality of pieces of attribute information; When storing in the storage means, the second input information is stored as single or plural attribute information in the second storage means, and any one of the single or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means When the first input information corresponds to the above, the authentication means permits the image forming operation, and when the image data is read from the first storage means and formed on a recording medium, Alternatively, the attribute information corresponding to the first input information among a plurality of pieces of attribute information is set as processed, and when all of the singular or plural pieces of attribute information are set as processed, the first storage means A method for controlling an image processing system, comprising: erasing image data stored in a computer. 33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are distribution destination information of the image data. 34. When erasing the image data stored in the first storage means in a case where the single or plural pieces of attribute information are all processed settings, the second storage means 34. The control method for an image processing system according to claim 32, wherein the stored one or more pieces of attribute information are also deleted. 35. A first input means for inputting first input information and second input information, and a first input means for transmitting the first input information and the second input information and receiving image data. An image processing apparatus having communication means of the following, image reading means for reading an image formed on a recording medium to create image data, first storage means for storing image data from the image reading means, and the image data Second storage means for storing one or more pieces of attribute information, image forming means for reading out the image data from the first storage means and forming an image on a recording medium, and second inputting third input information. Input means, the first communication means transmitted from the first communication means.
Second communication means for receiving the second input information and reading the image data from the first storage means and transmitting the image to the image processing apparatus; and any one of the single or plural attribute information When storing the image data in the first storage unit using an image processing system including an image forming apparatus having an authentication unit that authenticates the second input information,
The third input information is stored as single or plural attribute information in the second storage means, and the first input information is stored in any of the single or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means. And if the second input information is information requesting image formation, the authentication unit permits the image formation operation, and the singular or plural stored in the second storage unit If the first input information corresponds to any of the attribute information, and the second input information is information requesting image transmission, the authentication unit permits the image transmission operation, When the image data is read out from the first storage unit and an image is formed on a recording medium, or when the image data is read out from the first storage unit and sent to the image processing apparatus via the second communication unit. Image sent In the singular or plural attribute information, the attribute information corresponding to the first input information is set as processed, and when all of the singular or plural attribute information is set to processed, the A method for controlling an image processing system, wherein the image data stored in the first storage means is deleted. 36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are distribution destination information of the image data. 37. When erasing the image data stored in the first storage means in a case where all of the one or more pieces of attribute information have been processed, the second storage means 37. The control method for an image processing system according to claim 35, wherein the stored one or more pieces of attribute information are also deleted. 38. Input means for inputting first input information,
And an information processing apparatus having first communication means for transmitting the first input information, image reading means for reading an image formed on a recording medium to create image data, and a first means for storing the image data Storage means, second input means for inputting second input information, second communication means for transmitting the second input information, and reading out the image data from the first storage means and storing the image data on a recording medium. An image forming apparatus having an image forming unit for forming an image on the first unit, and receiving the first input information transmitted from the first communication unit and the second input information transmitted from the second communication unit A third communication unit, a second storage unit for storing one or more pieces of attribute information relating to the image data, and an authentication unit for authenticating the first input information by using one of the one or more pieces of attribute information. You Using an image processing system and an image management device, when storing the image data in the first storage means,
The second input information is stored in the second storage means as one or more pieces of attribute information, and the first input information is stored in any of the one or more pieces of attribute information stored in the second storage means. When the authentication unit is applicable, the authentication unit permits the image forming operation of the image forming unit, and when the image data is read from the first storage unit and formed on a recording medium, the single or plural In the attribute information, the attribute information corresponding to the first input information is set as processed, and when all of the singular or plural attribute information is set as processed, the attribute information is stored in the first storage unit. A method for controlling an image processing system, which comprises deleting erased image data. 39. The control method according to claim 38, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are distribution destination information of the image data. 40. When erasing the image data stored in the first storage means in the case where all of the one or more pieces of attribute information have been processed, the second storage means The method according to claim 38 or claim 39, wherein the stored one or more pieces of attribute information are also deleted. 41. Input means for inputting first input information and second input information, and first communication means for transmitting said first input information and said second input information and receiving image data. An image processing apparatus having an image processing unit, an image reading unit that reads an image formed on a recording medium to create image data, a first storage unit that stores the image data, and a second input unit that inputs third input information. Input means for transmitting the third input information, reading the image data from the first storage means, and transmitting the image data to the image processing apparatus;
Communication means, and an image forming apparatus having an image forming means for reading out the image data from the first storage means and forming an image on a recording medium, and the first and second data transmitted from the first communication means. A third communication unit that receives the second input information and the third input information transmitted from the second communication unit, a second storage unit that stores one or more pieces of attribute information regarding the image data, When storing the image data in the first storage unit using an image processing system including an image processing apparatus having an authentication unit that authenticates the first input information based on either one or a plurality of pieces of attribute information To
The third input information is stored as single or plural attribute information in the second storage means, and the first input information is stored in any of the single or plural attribute information stored in the second storage means. Applies, and when the second input information is information requesting image formation, the authentication unit permits the image formation operation, and the singular or plural stored in the second storage unit When the first input information corresponds to any of the attribute information, and the second input information is information requesting image transmission, the authentication unit permits the image transmission operation, When the image data is read from the first storage means and is formed on a recording medium, or when the image data is read from the first storage means and the first information processing apparatus is provided via the second communication means. Image sent to In the singular or plural attribute information, the attribute information corresponding to the first input information is set as processed, and when all of the singular or plural attribute information is set to processed, the A method for controlling an image processing system, wherein the image data stored in the first storage means is deleted. 42. The method according to claim 41, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are distribution destination information of the image data. 43. When erasing the image data stored in the first storage means in a case where the single or plural pieces of attribute information are all processed settings, the second storage means 43. The control method for an image processing system according to claim 41, wherein the stored one or more pieces of attribute information are also deleted. 44. An input means for inputting first input information, second input information and third input information, and said first and second input information.
And an image processing apparatus having first communication means for transmitting and receiving third input information and transmitting and receiving image data, and receiving the image data transmitted from the image processing apparatus and transmitting the image data to the first image processing apparatus. A second communication unit that reads from the storage unit and transmits an image to the image processing apparatus;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a first storage unit that stores the image data; an image forming unit that reads the image data from the first storage unit and forms an image on a recording medium; The first and second transmitted
A third communication unit that receives the first and third input information, a second storage unit that stores one or more pieces of attribute information related to the image data, and the first one of the one or more pieces of attribute information. When using an image processing system including an image management device having an authentication unit that authenticates input information, when storing the image data in the first storage unit,
The third input information is stored in the second storage unit as single or multiple attribute information, and the first input information is stored in any of the single or multiple attribute information stored in the second storage unit. And if the second input information is information requesting image formation, the authentication unit permits the image formation operation, and the singular or plural stored in the second storage unit If the first input information corresponds to any of the attribute information, and the second input information is information requesting image transmission, the authentication unit permits the image transmission operation, When the image data is read out from the first storage means and formed on a recording medium, or when the image data is read out from the first storage means and the image data is sent to the image processing apparatus via the second communication means. When sent When the attribute information corresponding to the first input information among the singular or plural attribute information is set as processed, and when all of the singular or plural attribute information is set as processed, the first A method for controlling an image processing system, comprising erasing image data stored in storage means. 45. The control method according to claim 44, wherein the one or more pieces of attribute information are distribution destination information of the image data. 46. When erasing the image data stored in the first storage means in the case where all of the one or more pieces of attribute information have been processed, the second storage means 46. The control method for an image processing system according to claim 44, wherein the stored one or more pieces of attribute information are also deleted.