JP4147097B2 - Image forming method, image forming system, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for forming an image via a communication line.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the spread of networks in offices and the like, image forming apparatuses such as digital copying machines and printers having a network connection function have been widely used. An image forming system capable of performing printing and scanning via a network using these image forming apparatuses has become widespread.
[0003]
In such an image forming system, a local copy that prints a scanned image using a printer in the same device, a remote copy that sends a scanned image to a printer on a specified network, and a scanned image that is scanned. Can be printed using a printer in the same device, and can be transmitted to a plurality of printers on a network to perform printing such as multiple copying.
[0004]
In the case of copying a document, the digital copying machine temporarily stores image information of the read document on a recording medium such as a hard disk, and repeatedly reads and outputs arbitrary image information from the stored image information. I have to. According to this digital copying apparatus, an image of the same document can be output a plurality of times by one reading, so that a sorter mechanism having a plurality of bins can be provided by reading a plurality of document images in an appropriate order. The originals can be discharged in a sorted state.
[0005]
Here, in the digital copying machine, when image data is stored on the hard disk or read out from the hard disk, management information such as FAT (file allocation table) is used to store the input information on the recording medium. Information storage / readout processing such as designation of position and designation of information to be output is managed. According to FAT, an information number is assigned to each piece of stored information. Since the FAT reference value is determined by this information number, the storage position of each information can be specified by the information number.
[0006]
In general, the FAT is updated every time a job such as a copying operation is completed. When the FAT is deleted or updated, information specified by the FAT cannot normally be read. Since the FAT is only erased or updated when the job is finished, for example, in the above-mentioned digital copying machine, even after the copy processing of the document is finished, the copy processing of the next document is performed and image information (image data) Until the image data is overwritten, the image data of the document remains on a recording medium such as a hard disk, and there is a risk of leakage of confidential information.
[0007]
Therefore, the problem of confidentiality is particularly important when copying highly confidential documents or documents that are not desired to be known by others. On the other hand, when the confidential mode is set in the digital copying machine, information can be input / output by management information while maintaining confidentiality by overwriting and erasing the image data itself together with erasing or updating the FAT. An example of providing an information processing method and apparatus is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In addition, when overwriting and erasing image data, there was a fear of restoring it by analyzing the image data once it was overwritten. Some are overwritten to prevent the image data from being analyzed.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-223061
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described overwriting process for image data is performed only for local jobs in a certain digital copying machine. For example, the remote receiver of the remote copy or the multiple copy destination is not in the confidential mode, If the device itself does not have a mode, image data may remain on the receiver's hard disk, and there is room for improvement in terms of maintaining the confidentiality of information remaining on the recording medium. It was.
[0010]
In addition, remote copying is permitted or not permitted by permitting remote copying only to a machine designated by a specific IP address or by masking a network port used during remote copying. However, it is usually necessary for an administrator to perform operations such as setting a designated IP address and setting a port, which is a complicated operation for a general user.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and preferably maintains confidentiality after image formation for image data or the like transmitted to a digital copying machine or the like that performs remote copying. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming method, an image forming system, and an image forming apparatus.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention transmits image data connected via a communication line. Has transmission means With the sending device Sent from the sending device An image forming method using a receiving side device for receiving image data and forming an image, wherein the transmitting side device Executable Data confidential mode Get the secret level To the receiving device Executable Data confidential mode Get the secret level , Comparing the security level of the device with the security level of the receiving device; The receiving device If the security level of the device is higher than the security level of the device , Above The image data is transmitted to the reception side device, the reception side device receives the image data transmitted from the transmission side device, stores the received image data in a storage device, and stores the image data Image formation is performed, and the image data stored in the storage device is erased based on the data confidential mode set in the receiving device.
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention transmits image data connected via a communication line. Has transmission means With the sending device Sent from the sending device An image forming system including a receiving side device that receives image data and forms an image, wherein the transmitting side device Executable Data confidential mode Get confidential level First Get Means and the receiving device Executable Data confidential mode Get confidential level Second Get Means, Comparing means for comparing the confidential level acquired by the first acquiring means with the confidential level acquired by the second acquiring means, and the transmitting means is the confidential information acquired by the second acquiring means. When the level is equal to or higher than the confidential level acquired by the first acquisition means , Above Send the image data to the receiving device Shi , The receiving device transmits the transmission By means Receiving means for receiving the transmitted image data, and received Above Storage means for storing image data in a storage device, formation means for forming an image of the image data, and the image data stored in the storage device based on the data confidential mode set in the receiving device And erasing means for erasing.
Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus connected to a receiving apparatus that forms image data through a communication line. Executable Data confidential mode Get confidential level First Get Means and the receiving device Executable Data confidential mode Get confidential level Second Get Means, Comparing means for comparing the confidential level acquired by the first acquiring means with the confidential level acquired by the second acquiring means, and the transmitting means is the confidential information acquired by the second acquiring means. When the level is equal to or higher than the confidential level acquired by the first acquisition means , Above And a transmission unit configured to transmit the image data to a reception-side apparatus.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1001 denotes a digital multi-function peripheral, which includes a scanner unit and a printer unit as will be described later. The digital multi-function peripheral 1001 can transmit an image read from the scanner unit to a local area network (LAN) 1010 and can print out an image received from the LAN 1010 by a printer unit. Also, by providing a FAX transmission / reception unit, an image read from the scanner unit is transmitted to the FAX apparatus 1031 via the PSTN or ISDN 1030, and image data transmitted from the FAX apparatus 1031 is received via the PSTN or ISDN 1030. The image can also be printed out by the printer unit. In addition, a printer 1040 is connected to the LAN 1010, and an image read by the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 can be printed out.
[0015]
A database server 1002 stores a binary image and a multi-valued image read by the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 and manages them as a database. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a database client of the database server 1002 that can browse / search image data stored in the database server 1002.
[0016]
An e-mail server 1004 can receive an image read by the digital multi-function peripheral 1001 as an e-mail attachment file or the like. Reference numeral 1005 denotes an e-mail client, which can receive and browse mail received by the e-mail server 1004 and send e-mail. Reference numeral 1006 denotes a WWW server that provides an HTML document to the LAN 1010, and an HTML document provided by the WWW server 1006 can be printed out by the digital multifunction peripheral 1001. Reference numeral 1007 denotes a DNS server having a correspondence table of host names and IP addresses.
[0017]
Reference numeral 1011 denotes a router, which connects the LAN 1010 with the Internet / intranet 1012. In the Internet / intranet 1012, devices similar to the database server 1002, the WWW server 1006, the electronic mail server 1004, and the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 described above are respectively connected to the database server 1021, the WWW server 1022, the electronic mail server 1023, and the digital multifunction peripheral 1020. It is connected as
[0018]
Next, the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating the entire hardware of the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the controller unit 2000 is connected to a scanner unit 2070 as an image input device and a printer unit 2095 as an image output device, and on the other hand, is connected to a LAN 2011 or a public line (WAN) 2051 so that image information and device information can be obtained. I / O is performed.
[0019]
In the controller unit 2000, a CPU 2001 is a controller that controls the entire system of the digital multi-function peripheral. A RAM 2002 is a system work memory for operating the CPU 2002, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. A ROM 2003 is a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. An HDD 2004 is a hard disk drive that stores system software, image data, and the like.
[0020]
An operation unit I / F 2006 is an interface unit with the operation unit 2012, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2012 to the operation unit 2012. Also, it plays a role of transmitting information input by the user of the system from the operation unit 2012 to the CPU 2001. A network 2010 is connected to the LAN 2011 and inputs / outputs information. A modem 2050 is connected to a public line (WAN) 2051 and inputs / outputs information. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 2007.
[0021]
An image bus I / F 2005 is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 2007 and an image bus 2008 that transfers image data at high speed and converts a data structure. The image bus 2008 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 2008.
[0022]
A RIP (raster image processor) 2060 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. The device I / F unit 2020 connects the scanner unit 2070 and the printer unit 2095, which are image input / output devices, and the controller unit 2000, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner image processing unit 2080 corrects, processes, or edits input image data. A printer image processing unit 2090 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. The image rotation unit 2030 rotates image data. The image compression unit 2040 compresses / decompresses multivalued image data using JPEG and binary image data using JBIG, MMR, or MH.
[0023]
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing image input / output devices constituting the digital multi-function peripheral 1001. As shown in FIG. 3, a scanner unit 2070 as an image input device illuminates an image formed on a paper sheet or the like as an original, and scans a CCD line sensor (not shown), thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. Convert. The original paper is set on the tray 2073 of the original feeder 2072, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 2012, the CPU 2001 in the controller unit 2000 gives an instruction to the scanner unit 2070. Feeds the images one by one and reads the original image.
[0024]
The document feeder 2072 is provided with a document size detection sensor (not shown) necessary for realizing an automatic paper selection mode described later, and can detect the size of the set document.
[0025]
On the other hand, the printer unit 2095, which is an image output device, is a portion that forms an image of raster image data on a medium such as paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, or a micro nozzle array. There is an ink jet method for ejecting ink and printing an image directly on a sheet or the like, but any method may be used in this embodiment. Activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 2001 in the controller unit 2000.
[0026]
The printer unit 2095 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper directions can be selected, and there are paper cassettes 2101, 1022, 2103, and 2104 corresponding thereto. A paper discharge tray 2111 receives paper that has been printed.
[0027]
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit 2012 of the image input / output device that constitutes the digital multifunction peripheral 1001. In the operation unit 2012, the LCD display unit 2013 has a touch panel sheet pasted on the LCD, displays a system operation screen, and displays the position information when the displayed touch key is pressed by the CPU 2001 in the controller unit 2000. To tell. A start key 2014 is used to start a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key 2014, for example, there are two colors of LED 2018, green and red, and the color indicates whether or not the start key 2014 can be used. A stop key 2015 serves to stop an operation in operation. The ID key 2016 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. A reset key 2017 is used when initializing settings from the operation unit 2012.
[0028]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the scanner image processing unit 2080 in the controller unit 2000. In FIG. 5, an image bus I / F controller 2081 is connected to the image bus 2008, and controls the bus access sequence and generates control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2080.
[0029]
The filter processing unit 2082 performs a convolution operation with a spatial filter. For example, the editing unit 2083 recognizes a closed area surrounded by a marker pen from the input image data, and performs image processing such as shading, shading, and negative / positive inversion on the image data in the closed area. . The scaling unit 2084 performs an enlargement / reduction process by performing an interpolation operation in the main scanning direction of the raster image when changing the resolution of the read image. Note that scaling in the sub-scanning direction is performed by changing the scanning speed of an image reading line sensor (not shown). The table conversion unit 2085 converts the image data, which is the read luminance data, into a table of density data. A binarization unit 2086 binarizes multi-value grayscale image data by error diffusion processing, screen processing, or the like. The image data that has been processed by the above-described units is transferred to the image bus 2008 via the image bus controller 2081 again.
[0030]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the printer image processing unit 2090 in the controller unit 2000. In FIG. 6, an image bus I / F controller 2091 is connected to the image bus 2008, and controls the bus access sequence and generates control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2090. The resolution conversion unit 2092 performs resolution conversion for converting image data acquired via the network 2011 or the public line 2051 into the resolution of the printer unit 2095. The smoothing processing unit 2093 performs processing to smooth out jaggies of the image data after resolution conversion (roughness of an image appearing at a black and white border such as an oblique line).
[0031]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the image compression unit 2040 in the controller unit 2000. In FIG. 7, an image bus I / F controller 2041 is connected to the image bus 2008, controls its bus access sequence, performs timing control for exchanging data with the input buffer 2042 and the output buffer 2045, and Control such as mode setting for the image compression unit 2043 is performed. Here, the processing procedure of the image compression unit 2040 will be described.
[0032]
First, settings for image compression control are performed from the CPU 2001 to the image bus I / F controller 2041 via the image bus 2008. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 2041 performs settings necessary for image compression (for example, MMR compression, JBIG expansion, etc.) for the image compression unit 2043. Then, after making necessary settings, the CPU 2001 again permits image data transfer to the image bus I / F controller 2041. In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2041 starts transferring image data from each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008.
[0033]
The received image data is temporarily stored in the input buffer 2042, and the image is transferred at a constant speed in response to an image data request from the image compression unit 2043. At this time, the input buffer determines whether or not image data can be transferred between the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043. If reading of image data from the image bus 2008 and writing of an image to the image compression unit 2043 are impossible, control is performed so as not to transfer data (hereinafter, such control is performed). This is called “handshake”.)
[0034]
The image compression unit 2043 temporarily stores the received image data in the RAM 2044. This is because several lines of data are required depending on the type of image compression processing to be performed, and several lines of image data are prepared in order to compress the first one line. This is because the image cannot be compressed unless it is empty. The image data subjected to the image compression is immediately sent to the output buffer 2045. The output buffer 2045 performs handshaking with the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043 and transfers the image data to the image bus I / F controller 2041.
[0035]
The image bus I / F controller 2041 transfers the transferred compressed (or expanded) image data to each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008. Such a series of processing is performed until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (that is, until processing of the required number of pages is completed) or until a stop request is issued from the image compression unit 2043 (for example, an error occurs during compression and decompression). Until it is repeated.
[0036]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the image rotation unit 2030 in the controller unit 2000. In FIG. 8, an image bus I / F controller 2031 is connected to the image bus 2008 and functions to control the bus sequence, control to set a mode or the like in the image rotation unit 2032, and image data to the image rotation unit 2032. Performs timing control for transfer. Here, a detailed processing procedure of the image rotation unit 2032 will be described.
[0037]
In the image rotation unit 2032, first, settings for image rotation control are performed from the CPU 2001 to the image bus I / F controller 2031 via the image bus 2008. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 2041 performs settings necessary for image rotation (for example, settings such as an image size, a rotation direction, and an angle) for the image rotation unit 2032. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 2001 again permits image data transfer to the image bus I / F controller 2041.
[0038]
In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2031 starts transferring image data from each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008. Here, 32 (bit) is the size, the image size to be rotated is 32 × 32 (bit), and image transfer is performed in units of 32 (bit) when image data is transferred onto the image bus 2008. Assumed to be performed. It is assumed that the image to be handled is a binary image.
[0039]
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an outline of data transfer related to image rotation. That is, in order to obtain a 32 × 32 (bit) image, it is necessary to transfer the unit data as described above 32 times as shown in FIG. 9, and it is necessary to transfer the image data from a discontinuous address. There is.
[0040]
Here, the image data transferred by the discontinuous addressing is written in the RAM 2033 so that it is rotated to a desired angle at the time of reading. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining reading and writing of data related to image rotation. For example, if the rotation is 90 degrees counterclockwise, the 32 (bit) image data transferred first is written in the Y direction as shown in FIG. The image is rotated by reading in the X direction at the time of reading.
[0041]
After the 32 × 32 (bit) image rotation (that is, writing to the RAM 2033) is completed, the image rotation unit 2032 reads the image data from the RAM 2033 by the above-described reading method, and the image is transferred to the image bus I / F controller 2031. Forward. Then, the image bus I / F controller 2031 that has received the rotated image data transfers the data to each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008 by continuous addressing. The series of processing described above is repeated until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (that is, until processing of the required number of pages is completed).
[0042]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the device I / F unit 2020 in the controller unit 2000. As shown in FIG. 11, the image bus I / F controller 2021 is connected to the image bus 2008, and controls the bus access sequence and generates control and timing of each device in the device I / F unit 2020. . Also, control signals to the external scanner unit 2070 and printer unit 2095 are generated.
[0043]
Here, the scan buffer 2022 temporarily stores the image data sent from the scanner unit 2070 and outputs the image data in synchronization with the image bus 2008. The serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion unit 2023 arranges or sequentially decomposes the image data stored in the scan buffer 2022 and converts the image data into a data width that can be transferred to the image bus 2008. The parallel-serial / serial-parallel conversion unit 2024 decomposes the image data transferred from the image bus 2008 or arranges the image data in order, and converts the image data into a data width that can be stored in the print buffer 2025. A print buffer 2025 temporarily stores image data sent from the image bus 2008 and outputs the image data in synchronization with the printer unit 2095.
[0044]
Here, a processing procedure at the time of image scanning in the device I / F 2020 will be described. First, the image data sent from the scanner unit 2070 is stored in the scan buffer 2022 in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the scanner unit 2070.
[0045]
When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, when image data is 32 bits or more in the buffer, the image data is sent from the buffer to the serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion unit 2023 by 32 bits in a first-in first-out manner. The image data is converted into bit image data and transferred to the image bus 2008 through the image bus I / F controller 2021. When the image bus 2008 is IEEE1394, the image data in the buffer is first-in-first-out, sent from the buffer to the serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion unit 2023, converted into serial image data, and the image data through the image bus I / F controller 2021. Transfer to the bus 2008.
[0046]
Next, a processing procedure at the time of image printing in the device I / F 2020 will be described. First, when the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, 32-bit image data sent from the image bus 2008 is received by the image bus I / F controller 2021, sent to the parallel serial / serial / parallel conversion unit 2024, and the printer 2095. Are divided into image data having the number of input data bits and stored in the print buffer 2025. On the other hand, when the image bus 2008 is IEEE1394, serial image data sent from the image bus 2008 is received by the image bus I / F controller, sent to the parallel serial / serial / parallel conversion unit 2024, and input data bits of the printer 2095. The image data is converted into a number of image data and stored in the print buffer 2025. Then, in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the printer 2095, the image data in the buffer is sent to the printer 2095 in a first-in first-out manner.
[0047]
FIG. 12 is a software block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of software that operates in the digital multifunction peripheral 1001.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 12, reference numeral 1501 denotes a user interface (UI), which is a module that mediates with a device when an operator performs various operations and settings of the digital multi-function peripheral. The user interface 1501 transfers input information to various modules, which will be described later, and requests processing or sets data in accordance with operator operations.
[0049]
Reference numeral 1502 denotes an address book (Address-Book), which is a database module for managing data transmission destinations, communication destinations, and the like. The contents of the address book 1502 are used to add, delete, and acquire data by an operation from the user interface 1501 and to provide data sending / communication destination information to each module described later by an operator's operation.
[0050]
A web server module 1503 is used to notify management information of the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 in response to a request from a web client (not shown). The management information is read via an API control unit (Control-API) 1518, which will be described later, and is notified to the Web client via an HTTP 1512, a TCP / IP 1516, and a network driver (Network-Driver) 1517, which will be described later.
[0051]
A broadcast distribution (Universal-Send) module 1504 distributes data, and distributes data instructed to the operator by the user interface 1501 to a communication (output) destination similarly designated. is there. When an operator instructs the generation of distribution data using the scanner function of the digital decoder, the apparatus is operated via an API control unit 1518 described later to generate data.
[0052]
Reference numeral 1505 denotes a P550 module that is executed when a printer is designated as an output destination in the broadcast distribution module 1504. Reference numeral 1506 denotes an e-mail module which is executed when an e-mail address is designated as a communication destination in the broadcast distribution 1504. Reference numeral 1507 denotes a DB module which is executed when a database is designated as an output destination in the broadcast distribution module 1504. Reference numeral 1508 denotes a DP module, which is executed when a digital multifunction machine similar to this device is designated as an output destination in the broadcast distribution module 1504.
[0053]
Reference numeral 1509 denotes a remote-copy-scan module that uses the scanner function of the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 to output another digital multifunction peripheral (for example, the digital multifunction peripheral 1020) connected via a network or the like. This is a module that performs processing equivalent to the copy function realized by the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 alone.
[0054]
Reference numeral 1510 denotes a remote-copy-print module, which uses the printer function of the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 as an input destination for another multifunction peripheral (for example, the digital multifunction peripheral 1020) connected via a network or the like. This module performs processing equivalent to the copy function realized by the digital multifunction peripheral 1001.
[0055]
Reference numeral 1511 denotes a Web-Pull-Print module that reads and prints information on various websites on the Internet or an intranet.
[0056]
Reference numeral 1512 denotes an HTTP module, which is used when the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 communicates by HTTP, and provides communication to the above-described web server 1503 and web pull print 1511 module by a TCP / IP module 1516 described later. It is.
[0057]
Reference numeral 1513 denotes an lpr module which provides communication to the printer module 1505 in the broadcast distribution module 1504 described above by a TCP / IP 1516 module which will be described later.
[0058]
Reference numeral 1514 denotes an SMTP module, which provides communication to the e-mail module 1506 in the broadcast distribution module 1504 described above by a TCP / IP module 1516 described later.
[0059]
Reference numeral 1515 denotes an SLM (Salutation-Manager) module, which communicates with the database module 1517, the DP module 1518, the remote copy scan module 1509, and the remote copy print module 1510 in the broadcast distribution module 1504 described above by a TCP / IP module 1516 described later. Is to provide.
[0060]
Reference numeral 1516 denotes a TCP / IP communication module, which provides network communication to the various modules described above by a network driver 1517 described later. Reference numeral 1517 denotes a network driver that controls a portion physically connected to the network.
[0061]
An API control unit 1518 provides an interface with an upstream module such as a broadcast distribution module 1504 to a downstream module such as a job manager (Job-Manager) 1519 described later. This will reduce the dependency and improve the applicability of each.
[0062]
Reference numeral 1519 denotes a job manager, which interprets processing instructed from the various modules described above via the API control unit 1518 and gives instructions to each module described later. In addition, this module centrally manages hardware processing executed in the digital multifunction peripheral 1001.
[0063]
Reference numeral 1520 denotes a codec manager (CODEC-Manager) that manages and controls various compression / decompression of data in the process instructed by the job manager 1519. Reference numeral 1521 denotes an FBE encoder (FBE-Encoder) which compresses data read by a scan process executed by a job manager 1519 and a scan manager (Scan-Manager) 1524 in the FBE format.
[0064]
Reference numeral 1522 denotes a JPEG codec (JPEG-CODEC), which is used to scan data read in a scan process executed by the job manager 1519 and the scan manager 1524 and a print process executed by the print manager (Print-Manager) 1526. JPEG compression and JPEG expansion processing of print data are performed. Reference numeral 1523 denotes an MMR codec (MMR-CODEC). In the scan processing executed by the job manager 1519 and the scan manager 1524 and the print processing executed by the print manager 1526, MMR compression of the read data and MMR of the print data are performed. An expansion process is performed.
[0065]
Reference numeral 1524 denotes a scan manager (Scan-Manager) that manages and controls scan processing instructed by the job manager 1519. Reference numeral 1525 denotes a SCSI driver, which communicates with the scanner unit to which the scan manager 1524 and the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 are internally connected.
[0066]
Reference numeral 1526 denotes a print manager (Print-Manager) that manages and controls print processing instructed by the job manager 1519. An engine interface (Engine-I / F) driver 1527 provides an I / F between the print manager 1526 and the printing unit. A parallel port driver 1528 provides an I / F when the web pull print 1511 outputs data to an output device (not shown) via the parallel port.
[0067]
Embodiments of an embedded application according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a built-in application block relating to image distribution in the present embodiment.
[0068]
In FIG. 13, reference numeral 4050 denotes a block showing an application of the user interface (UI) 1501 of the operation unit of the present embodiment described in FIG. Reference numeral 4100 denotes a block indicating the transmission side of the remote copy application. Reference numeral 4150 denotes a block indicating the transmission side of the broadcast delivery (Universal Send). Reference numeral 4200 denotes a block indicating a Web Pull Print module. Reference numeral 4250 denotes a block indicating a web server module.
[0069]
Reference numeral 4300 denotes a block indicating the remote copy receiving side (printing side). Reference numeral 4350 denotes a block for receiving and printing an image transmitted by broadcast delivery by a general-purpose printer. Reference numeral 4400 denotes a block indicating a remote print receiving side (printing side). Reference numeral 4450 denotes a block for receiving and storing an image transmitted by broadcast distribution by a known Notes server.
[0070]
Reference numeral 4500 denotes a block for receiving and storing a binary image from the image transmitted by the broadcast distribution. Reference numeral 4550 denotes a block for receiving and storing an image transmitted by broadcast distribution by a known mail server. Reference numeral 4600 denotes a block for receiving and storing a multi-valued image transmitted by broadcast distribution. Reference numeral 4650 denotes a block indicating a known web server (Web Server) including information contents. Reference numeral 4700 denotes a known web browser for accessing the web server of the present invention. Hereinafter, the application group will be described in detail with reference to each block.
[0071]
First, a UI (User Interface) application 4050 will be described. Details of the UI shown in the block 4050 are as described above. Here, an Address Book 4051 will be described. The address book 4051 is stored in a non-volatile storage device (non-volatile memory, hard disk, etc.) in the digital multi-function peripheral 1001, and in this, features of devices connected to the network are described. For example, those listed below are included.
[0072]
(A) The official name or alias name of the device,
(B) the network address of the device,
(C) Network protocol that can be processed by the device,
(D) a document format that can be processed by the device;
(E) compression type that can be processed by the device;
(F) the device's processable image resolution,
(G) Paper size that can be fed in the case of a printer device, paper feed stage information,
(H) Name of a folder in which a document in the case of a server (computer) device can be stored.
[0073]
Further, the remote copy application 4100, the broadcast distribution application 4150, the web server application 4250, and the web pull print application 4200 can determine the characteristics of the distribution destination based on the information described in the address book 4051. In addition, the address book 4051 can be edited, and the address book 4051 can be downloaded and used stored in a server computer or the like in the network, or directly referenced. Next, each application described above will be described in detail.
[0074]
The remote copy application 4100 determines resolution information that can be processed by the device designated as the distribution destination from the address book 4051. Then, according to the determination result, the binary image read by the scanner is compressed using a known MMR compression, converted to a known TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), and sent to the printer device on the network through the SLM 4103. . The SLM 4103 is a kind of network protocol including device control information called a known salutation manager, and is also called a smart link manager.
[0075]
Unlike the remote copy application 4100, the broadcast distribution application 4150 can transmit images to a plurality of distribution destinations with a single image scan. Further, the distribution destination is not limited to the printer device, but can be directly distributed to a so-called server computer. Hereinafter, it demonstrates in order according to a delivery destination.
[0076]
When the destination device is capable of processing a known network printer protocol LPD (Line Printer Daemon) and a known LIPS as a printer control command and is determined from the address book 4051, the image resolution determined from the address book 4051 is the same. Follow the steps below to scan the image. In this embodiment, for example, the image itself is compressed using a well-known FBE (First Binari Encoding), further LIPS-encoded, and transmitted to the counterpart device using the LPR which is a well-known network printer protocol.
[0077]
When the delivery destination device is communicable with the above-described SLM and is a server device, the server address and the designation of the folder in the server are determined from the address book 4051. Similarly to the remote copy application 4100, the binary image read by the scanner is compressed using a known MMR compression, converted into a known TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), and sent to a server device on the network through the SLM. It can be stored in a specific folder.
[0078]
Also, in the digital multi-function peripheral 1001, when the server as the counterpart device determines that a known JPEG-compressed multi-value image can be processed, the multi-value read image similar to the above-described binary image is converted to the known JPEG compression. Can be converted into a known JFIF and stored in a specific folder of a server device on the network through the SLM.
[0079]
When the distribution destination device is a known E-mail server, the mail address described in the address book 4051 is determined, and the binary image read by the scanner is compressed using the known MMR compression. Then, it is converted to a known TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) and transmitted to an E-mail server using a known Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) 4153. Subsequent distribution is executed according to the mail server 4550.
[0080]
The web pull print application 4200 reads and prints information on various websites on the Internet or an intranet. Further, the web server application 4250 notifies management information of the web client's own device in response to a request from the web client.
[0081]
Next, the operation in the confidential document mode will be described below.
[0082]
When image data is stored in the HDD 2004, management information called FAT (file allocation table) is also stored. In this FAT, a data number is assigned to each image data written to the hard disk 2004, and each time image data is written. Remembered. Since the FAT reference value is determined by this data number, the writing position of the written image data is specified by the data number. Here, if the confidential data mode is not set, only the FAT information is cleared when the image data becomes unnecessary.
[0083]
On the other hand, the machine having the confidential document mode is configured so that the operator can designate the confidential document mode by the operation unit 2012. When the confidential document mode is set, when a job such as copying ends and the image data stored on the HDD 2004 is no longer necessary, not only the FAT information but also the area where the image data is stored. The image is erased by overwriting zero data. In addition, by setting a plurality of security levels from the operation unit 2012, not only the data is overwritten with 0 data, but also the randomly generated data is overwritten in the area where the image data is stored to delete the image. It is also possible to arbitrarily specify the number of overwrites.
[0084]
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system that includes the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 according to the present embodiment and can execute remote copying. The image forming system shown in FIG. 14 includes a digital copying machine 2902 and a digital copying machine 2903 in addition to the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 described above. The digital multifunction peripherals 1001, 2902, and 2903 are connected via the LAN 1010 and can communicate with each other.
[0085]
In an image forming system in which a transmission side apparatus (for example, digital multifunction peripheral 1001) and a reception side apparatus (for example, digital multifunction peripheral 2902) having the above-described configuration are connected via a communication line (for example, LAN 1010), Image formation or the like is executed according to the procedure described in the following flowchart. That is, the transmission side device determines whether or not the data confidential mode is set in the own device, and if it is determined that the data confidential mode is set in the own device, whether or not the data confidential mode is set in the reception side device. judge. When it is determined that the data confidential mode is set in the receiving device, the image data is transmitted to the receiving device. On the other hand, the receiving device receives the image data transmitted from the transmitting device, stores the received image data in a storage device, and forms an image of the image data. And the image data memorize | stored in the memory | storage device are erase | eliminated based on the data confidential mode set to the receiving side apparatus.
[0086]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a control procedure when selecting a printer when performing remote copy in the image forming system of the embodiment. A job execution instruction is issued from the start key in the operation unit 2012 on the digital copying machine 1001 (step S1501). As a result, the optimum printer for the copy mode set by the operation unit 2012 is selected from the digital copiers 1001, 2902, and 2903 (step S1502). Here, for example, it is assumed that the digital copying machine 2902 is selected.
[0087]
Next, it is determined whether the digital copying machine 1001 is in the confidential document mode (step S1503). If it is determined that the digital copying machine 1001 is in the confidential document mode (YES), the security level of the digital copying machine 1001 (transmission side) is acquired (step S1504).
[0088]
For example, details of the security level in the present embodiment are as follows when image data is no longer needed and an erasure instruction is given:
Level 0: Update only FAT.
Overwrite image data with level 1: 0 data and erase it,
Level 2: Overwrite and erase image data with random data,
Level 3: Erase the image data with random data over 3 times
The higher the level value, the higher the confidential level. For example, it is assumed here that the confidential level is acquired as 2. Note that the type and level of the confidential level are not limited to those described above.
[0089]
That is, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, the deletion of the image data based on the data confidential mode in the receiving apparatus is performed by updating the FAT related to the image data, overwriting the image data with 0 data, or the random data. The image data is overwritten (one time or a plurality of times).
[0090]
Next, it is determined whether the digital copier 2902 which is the selected printer (reception side) is operating in the confidential document mode (step S1505). As a result, if it is determined that the document is operating in the confidential document mode (YES), the security level of the digital copying machine 2902 is acquired (step S1506).
[0091]
Next, the security level of the digital copying machine 1001 and the security level of the digital copying machine 2902 are compared (step S1507). For example, if the security level of the digital copier 2902 is acquired as 2 or 3 in step S1506, it is determined that the security level on the receiving side is the same as or higher than that on the transmitting side. Determines that copying is possible and performs remote copy. If it is determined in step S1503 that the digital copying machine 1001 on the transmission side is not in the confidential document mode (NO), the process advances to step S1508 to execute remote copy. As described above, the digital copying machine 2902 deletes the received image data in accordance with the confidential level (step S1510).
[0092]
That is, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the transmission side apparatus determines that the data confidential mode is set in the own apparatus, it further determines the confidential level of the data confidential mode (for example, step S1504). ). If it is determined that the data confidential mode is set in the receiving apparatus, the confidential level of the data confidential mode is further determined (for example, step S1506). Then, the confidential level of the receiving device is compared with the confidential level of the receiving device, and when it is determined that the confidential level of the receiving device is not lower than the confidential level of the transmitting device (for example, NO in step S1507). The image data is transmitted to the receiving apparatus.
[0093]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the receiving-side digital copier 2902 selected in step S1505 is not in the confidential document mode (NO), or in step S1507, it is determined that the receiving-side security level is lower than the transmitting-side security level. If YES (YES), the process advances to step S1509 to prohibit remote copy and not accept a job.
[0094]
In other words, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the transmission side apparatus determines that the data confidential mode is not set in the own apparatus (for example, NO in step S1503), the data confidentiality in the reception side apparatus. The image data is transmitted to the receiving apparatus without determining whether or not the mode is set. The receiving apparatus forms an image of the received image data (for example, step S1508), and then deletes the image data stored in the storage device according to the data confidential mode in the receiving apparatus (for example, step S1510). ).
[0095]
Also, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when the transmission-side apparatus determines that the data confidential mode is not set in the reception-side apparatus (for example, NO in step S1505), the transmission-side apparatus On the other hand, the execution of the job is stopped without transmitting the image data (for example, step S1509).
[0096]
Further, when the transmission side apparatus determines that the confidential level of the reception side apparatus is lower than the confidential level of the transmission side apparatus (for example, YES in step S1507), the image data is not transmitted to the reception side apparatus. The job execution is stopped (for example, step S1509).
[0097]
In the above-described embodiment, the confidential level of the transmitter / receiver is acquired, and remote copy is permitted when the confidential level of the receiver is the same as or higher than the confidential level of the transmitter, but the receiving side is operating in the confidential document mode. In this case, remote copying may be permitted at the confidential level on the receiving side regardless of the data confidential mode and the confidential level on the transmitting side. In addition, it is possible to select not to execute the erasing process on the image data on the receiving side.
[0098]
In the above-described embodiment, a list of digital copying machines and printers that can receive remote copies connected to the network 1010 may be displayed on the operation unit 2012. Then, the operator may select a device displayed in the printer list and give an instruction to submit a job, and perform remote copy on the selected device. When displaying the printer list, a device that is determined not to operate in the confidential document mode, a security level of the remote printer is determined, for example, a device that is determined to be lower than the security level on the transmission side, etc. May not be displayed in the printer list or may not be selected.
[0099]
As described above, the image forming system including the digital copying machine according to the present embodiment enables remote copying according to the setting state of the confidential document mode on the transmission side / reception side, and is transmitted at the remote copy destination. The image data or the like is not left in the receiving apparatus. As a result, it is possible to perform remote copy or duplicate copy with high confidentiality.
[0100]
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but a device (for example, a copier, a facsimile machine, etc.) composed of a single device. You may apply to.
[0101]
Also, an object of the present invention is to supply a recording medium (or storage medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or CPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved when the MPU) reads and executes the program code stored in the recording medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the recording medium on which the program code is recorded constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0102]
Further, after the program code read from the recording medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0103]
When the present invention is applied to the recording medium, program code corresponding to the flowchart described above is stored in the recording medium.
[0104]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to suitably maintain confidentiality after image formation for image data or the like that is transmitted to a digital copying machine or the like that performs remote copying.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the entire hardware of the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an image input / output device constituting the digital multi-function peripheral 1001.
4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit 2012 of an image input / output device that constitutes the digital multifunction peripheral 1001. FIG.
5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a scanner image processing unit 2080 in the controller unit 2000. FIG.
6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a printer image processing unit 2090 in the controller unit 2000. FIG.
7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an image compression unit 2040 in the controller unit 2000. FIG.
8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an image rotation unit 2030 in the controller unit 2000. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an outline of data transfer related to image rotation;
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining reading and writing of data related to image rotation.
11 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a device I / F unit 2020 in the controller unit 2000. FIG.
12 is a software block diagram showing an overall configuration of software that operates in the digital multi-function peripheral 1001. FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a built-in application block related to image distribution in the embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system including the digital multifunction peripheral 1001 according to the embodiment and capable of executing remote copy.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a control procedure when selecting a printer when performing remote copy in the image forming system according to the embodiment;

Claims (13)

An image forming method using a transmission-side apparatus having a transmission means for transmitting image data and a reception-side apparatus that receives the image data transmitted from the transmission- side apparatus and forms an image, connected via a communication line There,
The transmitting device is:
Get the security level of Oite executable data confidentiality mode to the own device,
Get the security level of Oite executable data confidentiality mode to the receiving device,
Comparing the security level of the device with the security level of the receiving device;
If the security level of the receiving-side apparatus is the secret level or more of the own device, it transmits the image data to the receiving device,
The receiving side device
Receiving the image data transmitted from the transmission side device;
Storing the received image data in a storage device;
Perform image formation of the image data,
An image forming method comprising: erasing the image data stored in the storage device based on the data confidential mode set in the receiving device.   The erasing of the image data based on the data confidential mode in the receiving side device is any one of update of the FAT related to the image data, overwriting of the image data with 0 data, or overwriting of the image data with random data. The image forming method according to claim 1. The transmitting side apparatus, the self-determines whether the setting of the data security mode in the device, when it is judged not to be the set of data security mode in its own device, Oite executable data confidentiality mode to the receiving device Without acquiring the confidential level of the image data, the image data is transmitted to the receiving device,
The said receiving side apparatus deletes the said image data memorize | stored in the said memory | storage device according to the said data confidential mode in this receiving side apparatus, after performing the image formation of the received said image data. Or the image forming method of 2. The transmitting-side apparatus determines whether the setting of the data security mode in the receiving apparatus, when determining that the setting of the data security mode at the receiving device that is not the image to the receiving-side apparatus 4. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein execution of the job is stopped without transmitting data. 5. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission apparatus selects a reception apparatus suitable for an image forming condition set by an operation unit from a plurality of reception apparatuses connected via the communication line. The image forming method according to any one of the above. When the transmission side apparatus determines that the confidential level of the reception side apparatus is lower than the confidential level of the transmission side apparatus, the execution of the job is stopped without transmitting the image data to the reception side apparatus. The image forming method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: An image forming system comprising: a transmitting side device connected via a communication line and having a transmitting means for transmitting image data; and a receiving side device for receiving image data transmitted from the transmitting side device and forming an image. And
The transmitting device is
A first acquisition means for acquiring a security level of Oite executable data confidentiality mode to the own device,
A second acquisition means for acquiring a security level of Oite executable data confidentiality mode to the receiving device,
Comparing means for comparing the security level acquired by the first acquisition means with the security level acquired by the second acquisition means;
The transmission unit, when the security level acquired by the second acquisition unit is confidential level than obtained in the first obtaining means, transmits the image data to the receiving device,
The receiving device is
Receiving means for receiving the image data transmitted by the transmitting means;
Storage means for storing said received image data in a storage device,
Forming means for forming an image of the image data;
An image forming system comprising: an erasing unit that erases the image data stored in the storage device based on the data confidential mode set in the receiving device.   8. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the erasing unit performs any one of updating of the FAT related to the image data, overwriting of the image data with 0 data, or overwriting of the image data with random data. . The transmission-side apparatus has determination means for determining whether or not the data confidential mode is set in the own apparatus. When it is determined that the data confidential mode is not set in the own apparatus, the second apparatus acquires the confidential information. Without acquiring the level, the image data is transmitted to the receiving device,
The said receiving side apparatus deletes the said image data memorize | stored in the said memory | storage device according to the said data confidential mode in this receiving side apparatus, after performing the image formation of the received said image data. Or the image forming system according to 8. The transmission side device includes a second determination unit that determines whether or not the data confidential mode is set in the reception side device, and when determining that the data confidential mode is not set in the reception side device, 10. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the execution of the job is stopped without transmitting the image data to the receiving apparatus. The transmitting-side apparatus, and characterized in that from a plurality of receiving devices connected via the communication line, further comprising a selection means for selecting a receiving device suitable for setting image forming conditions by the operation unit The image forming system according to any one of claims 7 to 10. When the transmission side apparatus determines that the confidential level of the reception side apparatus is lower than the confidential level of the transmission side apparatus, the execution of the job is stopped without transmitting the image data to the reception side apparatus. the image forming system according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that. An image forming apparatus connected via a communication line to a receiving side apparatus that forms image data,
A first acquisition means for acquiring a security level of Oite executable data confidentiality mode to the own device,
A second acquisition means for acquiring a security level of Oite executable data confidentiality mode to the receiving device,
Comparing means for comparing the security level acquired by the first acquisition means with the security level acquired by the second acquisition means;
The transmission unit, when the security level acquired by the second acquisition means is acquisition was security level than in the first acquisition means, transmission means for transmitting the image data to the receiving device An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images