JP2006253989A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attach information showing that the information is confidential information to an copied output of a confidential original without omission. <P>SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus is provided with a confidential original detecting and determining means for determining whether an original set in an image reading means is a confidential original, a confidentiality identification information attaching means for attaching identification information showing that a printout is confidential information to the printout by an image forming means, and a control means for automatically shifting a user interface means to a confidential output setting mode for attaching the information showing confidential information to an output and attaching the confidentiality identification information to the printout on the basis of the setting when the confidential document detecting and determining means detects that the original is a confidential document during reading the original. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of reading and copying a document.

  Copiers that can read manuscripts optically and output copy prints can easily output any number of copies from some manuscripts, providing users with great convenience. Today, corporate offices, government offices, educational institutions In addition, it has become an indispensable device in convenience stores.

  However, on the other hand, it is easy to copy a manuscript, but even manuscripts containing confidential information can be easily copied. As for the original documents containing confidential information, the physical location is strictly controlled and protection against loss / tampering is generally taken, and the original confidential information documents are regularly located, Realistic protection against leaking or falsification of original confidential documents by means such as checking the contents or storing them in a library that can only be entered and exited by a physically locked person. be able to.

  However, in the method of periodically checking the location and contents of the confidential document as described above, copy the confidential document with a copier, return the original to the original storage location, and take out the copy output. Once a malicious action is performed and the copied printed output is taken outside, it is difficult for outsiders to determine whether the output is confidential information.

  With respect to the problem of confidential information protection in such a confidential document copy, in Patent Document 1, it is possible to select a setting for adding confidential information to an output when a confidential document is copied. Further, Patent Document 2 invents a method for controlling a copier so that a manuscript itself has confidential level information indicating confidential information and only a user having authority higher than the confidential level is permitted to copy. .

However, in the configuration in which the user selects the confidential copy mode in Patent Document 1, even if the copier itself has a means for adding information indicating confidential information to the output, If no setting is made, there is a problem that it is possible to output a copy without adding information indicating confidentiality, and it is impossible to determine whether the output is confidential information. Further, in the configuration of Patent Document 2, copying is permitted only to a user having a legitimate authority, but information indicating that the copy output is a confidential document is not added, and whether or not it is confidential information. A similar problem has arisen in that it is difficult to judge.
JP 07-154617 A JP 2001-160117 A

  As indicated by the above problem, there is a problem that it is necessary to add confidential information to a copy output when the original is confidential information.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above points. When a confidential document is copied, the operation screen is automatically switched so that confidential identification information indicating confidentiality is always added to the copy output. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of adding confidential identification information indicating that it is confidential information to a copy output of the image without any omission.

  A first means for solving such a problem includes an image reading means capable of reading an original image and storing it as digitized image data, and an image forming means capable of forming an image of the image data on a medium and printing it out. A user interface means for receiving operation settings and instructions from the user, a confidential document detection determining means for determining whether the document set on the image reading means is a confidential document, and a print output by the image forming means And a secret identification information adding means for adding identification information indicating that the print output is confidential information. When the document reading operation is performed, the confidential document detection determining means detects that the document is a confidential document. In this case, the user interface means adds information indicating confidential information to the output. An image processing apparatus and a control means for automatically transition the output setting mode.

  The second means is the first means, wherein the confidential document detection determining means reads out non-volatile memory data embedded in the document medium, and determines whether the document is a confidential document by analyzing the data. Image processing apparatus.

  The third means is characterized in that the confidential document detection determination means determines whether or not to make a confidential document by analyzing the digital watermark information added to the document image. Image processing device.

The fourth means is the user interface means in the confidential output setting mode,
(1) Writing confidential information to storage means provided in the print output medium (2) Adding electronic watermark information indicating that the document is a confidential document to the print output data (3) Water indicating the confidential document in the print output image The image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third means, which is selected by any one of mark addition or a combination.

  A fifth means is the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth means, wherein the user interface means is an operation panel provided in the apparatus main body.

  Sixth means is the image according to any one of the first to fourth means, wherein the user interface means is a remote remote access function capable of operating and setting instructions to a device from a host connected to the device over a network. Processing equipment.

  According to the present invention, when a confidential document is copied, the operation screen is automatically switched so that confidential identification information indicating confidentiality is always added to the copy output, so that the copy output of the confidential document is also confidential information. Can be added without omission.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.

  The apparatus of the present invention and its operation will be described in detail below.

[hardware]
Overall configuration Fig. 6 shows the overall configuration. The Controller Unit 2000 is a controller for inputting / outputting image information and device information by connecting to a scanner 2070 as an image input device and a printer 2095 as an image output device while connecting to a LAN 2011 or a public line (WAN) 2051. is there. A CPU 2001 is a controller that controls the entire system. 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 and image data. An operation unit I / F 2006 is an operation unit (UI) 2012 and an interface unit, 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 the public line 2051 and inputs / outputs information. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 2007. 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. A raster image processor (RIP) 2060 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. A device I / F unit 2020 connects an image input / output device such as a scanner 2070 and a printer 2095 to the controller 2000, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner image processing unit 2080 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on the print output image data. The image rotation unit 2030 rotates image data. The image compression unit 2040 performs compression / decompression processing of JPEG for multi-value image data and JBIG, MMR, and MH for binary image data.

  The confidential information reading unit 2075 is connected to the scanner 2070 and reads information indicating the confidential original from the original medium set in the scanner 2070 by a data reading method such as magnetic / wireless. The confidential information writing unit 2097 is connected to a printer 2095 that forms an image on an output medium, and writes confidential information on the medium by means of magnetic / wireless means when printing confidential information.

Image Input / Output Unit An image input / output device is shown in FIG. A scanner unit 2070 serving as an image input device illuminates an image on paper as an original and scans a CCD line sensor (not shown), thereby converting the image into raster signal data 2071 into an electrical signal. 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 controller CPU 2001 gives an instruction to the scanner 2070 (2071), and the feeder 2072 copies the original paper one by one. Feeds and reads the original image.

  The printer unit 2095, which is an image output device, is a part that converts raster image data 2096 into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array. In addition, there is an ink jet method for printing an image directly on a sheet, but any method may be used. The printing operation is started by an instruction 2096 from the controller CPU 2001. The printer unit 2095 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and there are paper cassettes 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104 corresponding thereto. A paper discharge tray 2111 receives paper that has been printed.

Operation Unit The configuration of the operation unit 2012 is shown in FIG. The LCD display unit 2013 has a touch panel sheet pasted on the LCD, displays a system operation screen, and transmits position information to the controller CPU 2001 when a displayed key is pressed. A start key 2014 is used to start a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key 2014, there is a green and red two-color LED 2018, which indicates whether or not the start key 2014 is in a usable state. 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.

Scanner Image Processing Unit The configuration of the scanner image processing unit 2080 is shown in FIG. The 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. The filter processing unit 2082 performs a convolution operation with a spatial filter. For example, the editing unit 2083 recognizes a closed region 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 region. A scaling unit 2084 performs enlargement and reduction by performing an interpolation operation in the main scanning direction of the raster image when changing the resolution of the read image. The scaling in the sub-scanning direction is performed by changing the scanning speed of an image reading line sensor (not shown). A table 2085 is table conversion performed to convert image data, which is read luminance data, into density data. Binarization 2086 binarizes multi-value grayscale image data by error diffusion processing or screen processing.

  The processed image data is transferred to the image bus via the image bus controller 2081 again.

Printer Image Processing Unit The configuration of the printer image processing unit 2090 is shown in FIG. The 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. A resolution conversion unit 2092 performs resolution conversion for converting image data from the network 2011 or the public line 2051 into the resolution of the printer 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).

Image Compression Unit The configuration of the image compression unit 2040 is shown in FIG. Image bus The / F controller 2041 is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus access sequence, timing control for exchanging data with the input buffer 2042 and the output buffer 2045, mode setting for the image compression unit 2043, and the like. Control. The processing procedure of the image compression processing unit is shown below.

  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 and JBIG expansion) for the image compression unit 2043. After performing the 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. 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 image data can be transferred between the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043, reads the image data from the image bus 2008, and reads the image compression unit 2043. When it is impossible to write an image on the screen, control is performed so as not to transfer data (hereinafter, such control is referred to as handshaking). 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. 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 repeated until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (when processing of the necessary number of pages is completed) or until a stop request is issued from this image compression unit (when an error occurs during compression and expansion). It is.

Image Rotation Unit The configuration of the image rotation unit 2030 is shown in FIG. The image bus I / F controller 2031 is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus sequence, control to set a mode or the like in the image rotation unit 2032, and timing to transfer image data to the image rotation unit 2032 Take control. The processing procedure of the image rotation unit is shown below.
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 makes settings necessary for image rotation (for example, image size, rotation direction / angle, etc.) to 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. 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, the size is 32 bits and the image size to be rotated is 32 × 32 (bits), and when transferring image data on the image bus 2008, image transfer is performed in units of 32 bits ( The image to be handled is assumed to be binary).

  As described above, in order to obtain a 32 × 32 (bit) image, it is necessary to perform the above unit data transfer 32 times, and it is necessary to transfer image data from discontinuous addresses (see FIG. 13). ).

  The image data transferred by the discontinuous addressing is written in the RAM 2033 so that it is rotated at a desired angle at the time of reading. For example, if the rotation is 90 degrees counterclockwise, the first transferred 32-bit image data is written in the Y direction as shown in FIG. By reading in the X direction at the time of reading, the image is rotated.

  After the 32 × 32 (bit) image rotation (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 transfers the image to the image bus I / F controller 2031.

  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.

  Such a series of processing is repeated until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (when processing of the necessary number of pages is completed).

Device I / F Unit The configuration of the device I / F unit 2020 is shown in FIG. 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. In addition, control signals to the external scanner 2070 and printer 2095 are generated. The scan buffer 2022 temporarily stores the image data sent from the scanner 2070 and outputs the image data in synchronization with the image bus 2008. The serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion 2023 arranges the image data stored in the scan buffer 2022 in order or decomposes and converts the image data into a data width that can be transferred to the image bus 2008. The parallel-serial / serial-parallel conversion 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 2095.

  The processing procedure at the time of image scanning is shown below. The image data sent from the scanner 2070 is stored in the scan buffer 2022 in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the scanner 2070. When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, when the 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 2023 in the first-in first-out manner. Is 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 2023, converted into serial image data, and then converted into serial image data through the image bus I / F controller 2021. Transfer on 2008.

  The processing procedure at the time of image printing is shown below. When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, 32-bit image data sent from the image bus is received by the image bus I / F controller, sent to the parallel-serial / serial-parallel conversion 2024, and the number of input data bits of the printer 2095 Are stored in the print buffer 2025. When the image bus 2008 is IEEE1394, the serial image data sent from the image bus is received by the image bus I / F controller, sent to the parallel serial / serial / parallel conversion 2024, and the number of input data bits of the printer 2095 is determined. It is converted into 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.

[software]
Entire System FIG. 4 shows a configuration diagram of the entire network system of the present invention. An apparatus 1001 according to the present invention includes a scanner and a printer, which will be described later. An image read from the scanner can be sent to a local area network 1010 (hereinafter referred to as a LAN), and an image received from the LAN can be printed out by a printer.

  Further, the image read from the scanner can be transmitted to the PSTN or ISDN (1030) by a FAX transmission means (not shown), and the image received from the PSTN or ISDN can be printed out by the printer. Reference numeral 1002 denotes a database server that manages binary images and multi-valued images read by the apparatus 1001 of the present invention 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 1002. An e-mail server 1004 can receive an image read by the apparatus 1001 of the present invention as an e-mail attachment.

  Reference numeral 1005 denotes an e-mail client that can receive and browse e-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, and the apparatus 1001 of the present invention can print out the HTML document provided by the WWW server. Reference numeral 1007 denotes a router that connects the LAN 1010 to the Internet / intranet 1012. The database server (1002), WWW server (1006), e-mail server (1004), and apparatus similar to the apparatus (1001) of the present invention are connected to the Internet / intranet as 1020, 1021, 1022, and 1023, respectively. ing. Further, a user host (1050) is connected so that various devices including the apparatus of the present invention can be used on the network.

  On the other hand, the apparatus 1001 of the present invention can transmit and receive with the FAX apparatus 1031 via the PSTN or ISDN (1030). A printer 1040 is also connected on the LAN, and is configured to print out an image read by the apparatus 1001 of the present invention.

Overall Configuration of Software Block FIG. 5 is a software block diagram of a multifunction machine that implements the present invention.

  Reference numeral 1501 denotes a UI, that is, a user interface, which is a module that mediates with the device when the operator performs various operations and settings of the multifunction peripheral. This module transfers input information to various modules, which will be described later, and requests processing or sets data in accordance with the operation of the operator.

  Reference numeral 1502 denotes an address-book, that is, a database module that manages a data transmission destination, a communication destination, and the like. The contents of the Address-Book are used to add, delete, and acquire data by an operation from the UI 1501 and to provide data sending / communication destination information to each module described later by the operation of the operator.

  Reference numeral 1503 denotes a Web-Server module, which is used for notifying management information of the multifunction peripheral in response to a request from a Web client (not shown). The management information is read via a later-described Control-API 1518 and notified to a Web client via an HTTP 1512, a TCP / IP 1516, and a Network-Driver 1517 which will be described later.

  Reference numeral 1504 denotes a universal-send, that is, a data distribution module, which distributes data instructed to the operator by the UI 1501 to a communication (output) destination similarly designated. When the operator uses the scanner function of this device to instruct the generation of distribution data, the device is operated via the below-described Control-API 1518 to generate data.

  Reference numeral 1505 denotes a module that is executed when a printer is designated as an output destination in the Universal-Send 1504.

  A module 1506 is executed when an E-mail address is designated as a communication destination in the Universal-Send 1504.

  A module 1507 is executed when a database is specified as an output destination in the Universal-Send 1504.

  Reference numeral 1508 denotes a module that is executed when a multifunction device similar to this device is designated as an output destination in the Universal-Send 1504.

  Reference numeral 1509 denotes a Remote-Copy-Scan module, which uses the scanner function of this multifunction device, and is equivalent to the Copy function realized by this multifunction device alone, using another multifunction device connected via a network as an output destination. This module performs processing.

  Reference numeral 1510 denotes a Remote-Copy-Print module, which uses the printer function of this multifunction device, and is equivalent to the Copy function realized by this multifunction device alone with another multifunction device connected via a network or the like as an input destination. This module performs processing.

  Reference numeral 1511 denotes a security application for controlling the control of reading a confidential document and copy printing. When it is detected that the document is a confidential document, or when an instruction for adding confidential information is issued from the UI 1501 to the print output, the security I / F is issued. From 1528, detection information is acquired or a confidential output command is issued.

  Reference numeral 1512 denotes a module used when the multi-function peripheral communicates using HTTP, and provides communication to the Web-Server 1503 and Web-Pull-Print 1511 modules described above using a TCP / IP 1516 module described later.

  An lpr module 1513 provides communication to the printer module 1505 in the above-described Universal-Send 1504 by a TCP / IP 1516 module described later.

  An SMTP module 1514 provides communication to the E-mail module 1506 in the above-described Universal-Send 1504 by a TCP / IP 1516 module described later.

  Reference numeral 1515 denotes an SLM, ie, a Salutation-Manager module, which communicates with the database module 1517, DP module 1518, Remote-Copy-Scan 1509 module, and Remote-Copy-Print 1510 module in the above-mentioned Universal-Send 1504 by the TCP / IP 1516 module described later. It is to provide.

  Reference numeral 1516 denotes a TCP / IP communication module, which provides network communication to the various modules described above using a network-driver described later.

  Reference numeral 1517 denotes a network driver that controls a portion physically connected to the network.

  Reference numeral 1518 denotes a control-API that provides an interface with an upstream module such as Universal-Send 1504 to a downstream module such as Job-Manager 1519 described later, and reduces dependency between upstream and downstream modules. It enhances the applicability of each.

  Reference numeral 1519 denotes a job manager, which interprets processing instructed from the various modules described above via the control-API 1518 and gives instructions to each module described later. In addition, this module centrally manages hardware processing executed in the multifunction peripheral.

  Reference numeral 1520 denotes a 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 which compresses data read by a scan process executed by the Job-Manager 1519 and Scan-Manager 1524 according to the FBE format.

  Reference numeral 1522 denotes a JPEG-CODEC, which performs JPEG compression of read data and JPEG expansion processing of print data in scan processing executed by the Job-Manager 1519 and Scan-Manager 1524 and print processing executed by the Print-Manager 1526. Is.

  Reference numeral 1523 denotes an MMR-CODEC, which performs MMR compression of read data and MMR expansion processing of print data in scan processing executed by the job manager 1519 and scan manager 1524 and print processing executed by the print manager 1526. Is.

  Reference numeral 1524 denotes a scan manager, which manages and controls scan processing instructed by the job manager 1519.

  Reference numeral 1525 denotes a SCSI driver, which communicates with the Scan-Manager 1524 and the scanner unit to which the multifunction peripheral is internally connected.

  Reference numeral 1526 denotes a print manager, which manages and controls print processing instructed by the job manager 1519.

  Reference numeral 1527 denotes an engine-I / F driver, which provides an interface between the print-manager 1526 and the printing unit.

  Reference numeral 1528 denotes a security I / F that provides an I / F to a confidential information reading unit 2075 connected to the scanner 2070 and a confidential information writing 2097 connected to the printer 2095.

Application An embodiment of an embedded application according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 64 shows a built-in application block relating to distribution of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 4050 is a block showing the operation unit application of the present invention shown 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 distribution. Reference numeral 4200 denotes a block indicating a Web Pull Print module. Reference numeral 4250 denotes a block indicating a Web Server module. 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 the broadcast distribution by a publicly known Notes Server. 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 the 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. 4650 is a publicly known Web Server including information content. Reference numeral 4700 denotes a known web browser that accesses the web server of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the application group will be described in detail with reference to each block.

Details of the User Interface (hereinafter referred to as UI) shown in the User Interface application 4050 block are as described above. Here, the Address Book 4051 will be described. This Address Book is stored in a non-volatile storage device (non-volatile memory, hard disk, etc.) in the device of the present invention, in which the characteristics of the device connected to the network are described. For example, those listed below are included.

-Device official name or alias name-Device network address-Device processable network protocol-Device processable document format-Device processable compression type-Device processable image resolution-Printer device Paper size that can be fed, and paper feed stage information-Folder name that can store documents in the case of a server (computer) device. It becomes possible to discriminate.

  The Address Book can be edited, and can be downloaded and used, or directly referenced, stored in a server computer or the like in the network.

Remote Copy Application The remote copy application discriminates resolution information that can be processed by a device designated as a delivery destination from the Address Book 4051, and compresses an image binary image read by a scanner using a known MMR compression in accordance therewith. It is converted into a known TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), passed through the SLM 4103, and transmitted to the printer device on the network. Although not described in detail, the SLM 4103 is a kind of network protocol including device control information called a known Salutation Manager (or Smart Link Manager).

Broadcast distribution application Unlike the remote copy application, the broadcast distribution application can transmit images to a plurality of distribution destinations by one-time image scanning. 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.

  If the destination device determines that the well-known network printer protocol LPD (Line Printer Daemon) and the well-known LIPS can be processed as a printer control command from the Address Book 4051, the image reading is similarly performed according to the image resolution determined from the Address Book 4051. In this embodiment, the image itself is compressed using a well-known FBE (First Binary Encoding), further LIPS-coded, and transmitted to the counterpart device using the LPR which is a well-known network printer protocol.

  If the delivery destination device is communicable with the SLM and is a server device, the address book 4051 determines the server address and the designation of the folder in the server, and the binary image read by the scanner is read in the same way as the remote copy application. It is possible to compress using known MMR compression, convert it into a known TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), and store it in a specific folder of a server device on the network through the SLM.

  Further, in the device of this embodiment, 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 used. Using compression, it is also possible to convert to a known JFIF and store it in a specific folder of a server device on the network through the SLM.

  When the delivery destination device is a known E-Mail server, the e-mail address described in Address Book 4051 is determined, and the binary image read by the scanner is compressed using a known MMR compression. A TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is used, and a known SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) 4153 is used for transmission to the E-Mail server. Subsequent distribution is performed in accordance with Mail Server 4550.

Web Pull Print Application Since the Web Pull Print application is not directly related to the present embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

Web Server Application Since the Web Server application is not directly related to the present embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

Overview of Operation Unit FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the operation unit. The LCD display unit (3001) has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays a system operation screen, and transmits the position information to the controller CPU when a displayed key is pressed. A start key (3002) is used when starting a document image reading operation. There is a green and red two-color LED in the center of the start key, and the color indicates whether the start key is ready for use. A stop key (3003) serves to stop an operation in progress. The ID key (3004) is used when inputting the user ID of the user. A reset key (3005) is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

  Hereinafter, each screen of the operation unit will be described in detail.

Operation screen (Fig. 17)
The functions provided by the device of the present invention are divided into six major categories: Copy / Send / Retrieve / Tasks / Management / Configuration, which are the six main tabs displayed at the top of the operation screen (3010) ( COPY / SEND / RETREIVE / TASKS / MGMT / CONFIG) (3011-3016). By pressing these main tabs, switching to the screen of each category is performed. If switching to another category is not permitted, the display color of the main tab will change, and pressing the main tab will not respond.

  Copy includes a function for performing normal document copying using its own scanner and printer, and a function for performing document copying (remote copying) using a scanner connected to its own scanner via a network. . Send is a function for transferring a document placed on a scanner of the own apparatus to an e-mail, a remote printer, a fax, a file transfer (FTP), and a database, and a plurality of destinations can be designated. Retrieve is a function for acquiring an external document and printing it with a printer included in the own apparatus. WWW, e-mail, file transfer and fax can be used as document acquisition means. Tasks automatically processes a document sent from the outside such as a fax or an Internet print, and generates and manages a task for periodically performing a retrieve. Management manages jobs, address books, bookmarks, documents, account information, and the like. In the configuration, settings (network, clock, etc.) regarding the own device are performed.

  Hereinafter, a method for setting these functions will be described using an example of an LCD screen display.

ID input screen (Fig. 18)
An ID input screen (3020) is displayed immediately after power-on and when the ID key is pressed. When the user ID and password are correctly input on the ID input screen and the OK button is pressed, the above-described operation screen is displayed and the operation becomes possible. Switching between the ID input area (3021) and the password input area (3022) can be performed by directly pressing the input area.

COPY screen (Figure 22)
When the start button is pressed while the COPY screen is displayed, the scanner operates, and a copy corresponding to each setting parameter displayed on the screen is output from the selected printer.

  The COPY main screen (3100) includes a printer selection button (3103) and a printer display area (3102), an image quality selection button (3105) and an image quality display area (3104), and a copy parameter display (3101) similar to that of a conventional copying machine. , Enlargement / reduction setting buttons (3106, 3107), paper selection button (3108), sorter setting button (3110), duplex copy setting button (3112), density indicator and density setting button (3109), and numeric keypad (3114). The

  When the printer selection button (3103) is pressed, a list (3120) of available printers (printers owned by the printer and printers connected via a network) shown in FIG. 23 is displayed in a pull-down manner. When a desired printer is selected from the list, the list disappears and the selected printer name is displayed in the printer display area (3102).

  When the image quality setting button (3105) is pressed, an image quality list (3125) shown in FIG. 24 is displayed, and a desired image quality can be selected from the list.

  When the above-described copy parameter setting button is pressed, sub-screens for performing settings corresponding to the respective buttons (enlargement / reduction setting: 3130 in FIG. 25, paper selection: 3140 in FIG. 26, sorter setting: 3150 in FIG. 27, duplex copy setting : 3160) in FIG. 28 is displayed, and the parameters can be set in the same manner as in the conventional copying machine. Also, the density setting can be operated in the same manner as a conventional copying machine.

SEND screen (Fig. 29)
When the start button is pressed when the Send screen is displayed, the scanner operates, and processing for transmitting the read image data by the transmission method specified for the set destination is started.

  The SEND main screen (3200) includes a destination display area (3202), a detailed destination number display area (3203), a destination scroll button (3204), an address book button (3208), a New button (3209), an Edit button (3210), Delete button (3211), Subject input area (3205), Message input area (3206), File Name input area (3207), Cover page check button (3212), Put In HD check button (3213), Print Out check button ( 3214) and a Scan Setting button (3215). At initialization including reset, as indicated by reference numeral 3201 in FIG. 30, one destination is not displayed in the destination display area, and an operation explanation screen is displayed.

  A list of input destinations is displayed in the destination display area (3202). Input is appended to the end sequentially. The number of destinations currently set is displayed in the detailed destination number display area (3203).

  After selecting a destination from the destination display area, pressing the Delete button (3211) deletes the selected destination.

  When the Subject input area (3205), Message input area (3206), and File Name input area (3207) are pressed, a full keyboard is displayed, and each input becomes possible.

Address book sub-screen (Fig. 31)
When the Address Book button (3208) is pressed, an address book sub-screen (3220 in FIG. 31) is displayed. The destination to which the selection mark (3232) is attached in the address book display area (3221) is added to the destination display area (3202) of the SEND main screen by pressing an OK button (3231). The display of the address book is sorted by class, name ascending order, name descending order by pressing a sort item setting button (3224-3226). In the item selection number display area (3227), the number of items with selection marks is displayed.

  When the OK button (3231) or the cancel button (3230) is pressed, the address book sub-screen is closed and the SEND main screen is displayed.

  When the Detail button (3229) is pressed while one item in the address book is selected, the Detail sub-screen (3235 in FIG. 32) is displayed. On the Detail sub-screen, all information obtained from the address book is displayed as information on the selected item.

Search sub screen (Fig. 33)
When the Search button (3228) in the address book sub-screen is pressed, a search sub-screen (3240) for searching for a destination from the local address book or an external address server is displayed. The upper part of the search sub screen is a search condition setting part. The search target class display area (3245), the search target attribute display area (3247), the search target condition display area (3249), and the search target address book display area (3252) are displayed. When the search target class setting button (3246) is pressed, a search target class list is displayed (3260 in FIG. 34). What is selected from this list is displayed in the search target class display area. A search target attribute list is displayed by pressing a search target attribute setting button (3248) (3261 in FIG. 35). The attributes displayed in this list vary as follows depending on the selected search target class. Common Name / Address / Country (Class: Person), Common Name / Owner / Location / Model / Type / Resolution / Color / Finisher (Class: Printer), Common Name / Member (Class: Group) Everything).

  When the search target condition setting button (3250) is pressed, a search target condition list is displayed (3262 in FIG. 36), and a condition is selected from the list. When a search target address book setting button (3253) is pressed, a list of search target address books is displayed (3263 in FIG. 37), from which a selection can be made. When the search target attribute value input area (3251) is pressed, a full keyboard (3040) shown in FIG. 20 is displayed, and a value can be input.

  When the Do Search button (3254) is pressed, a search is performed according to the set search conditions. The search result is displayed in the search result display area (3241), and the number of cases is displayed in the search result number display area (3244).

  When the Detail button (3255) is pressed with one of the items in the search result display area selected, detailed information (3235) for the item is displayed.

  A selection mark is added to an item in the search result display area to be added to the destination (3265 in FIG. 38). When the OK button (3257) is pressed, the search sub-screen is closed and the screen returns to the SEND main screen, and the item with the selection mark added is added to the destination. When the cancel button (3256) is pressed, the search sub screen is closed and the screen returns to the SEND main screen, but the destination is not changed.

Detailed destination subscreen (FIGS. 39, 40, 41, and 42)
When the New button (3209) on the SEND main screen is pressed, the Person class details sub-screen (3270) is displayed, and a new destination can be set. To enter a destination, press the transmission method selection button (3271 to 3274) corresponding to the transmission method (e-mail, fax, printer, FTP) or press the detailed destination input area (3275 to 3278). The keyboard (3050) and the others are displayed as a full keyboard (3040) and can be input. Reference numerals 3279 to 3282 denote buttons for performing transmission options of the respective transmission methods, but detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The Person class details sub-screen (3290) is also displayed when the Edit button (3210) is pressed while the Person class destination is selected on the SEND main screen. When the details of the selected destination are displayed in the corresponding area of the detailed destination input area (3275-3278) and the keyboard is displayed by the method described above, the destination can be edited.

  When the Edit button (3210) is pressed while the destination of the Data Base class is selected on the SEND main screen, the Data Base class details sub-screen (3310) is displayed. A database name (3311) and a folder list (3312) are displayed on the database class details sub-screen.

  When the Edit button (3210) is pressed while the Group class destination is selected on the SEND main screen, the Group class details sub-screen (3320) is displayed. Group member display (3321) is displayed on the Group class details sub-screen.

HD SETTING sub screen (Fig. 43)
When the Put Into HD check button (3213) is pressed, an HD SETTING sub-screen (3330) for setting for transmission to the hard disk is displayed. Detailed description is omitted.

Print Out subscreen (Figure 44)
When the Print Out check button (3214) is pressed, a printout subscreen (3340) is displayed. On the printout sub-screen, the number of prints, paper size, enlargement / reduction ratio, duplex printing, sorting, resolution, etc. are set. When the paper size selection button (3345) is pressed, a list of paper sizes (3360 in FIG. 45) is displayed, from which a selection is made. When the sorter selection button (3350) is pressed, a list of selectable sorters (3365 in FIG. 46) is displayed.

Scan Setting sub-screen (Figure 47)
When the Scan Setting button (3215) is pressed, a Scan Setting sub-screen (3370) is displayed. When one scan setting is selected from the Preset mode selection area (3371) in the Scan Setting sub-screen, the corresponding preset resolution, scan mode, and density are displayed in the respective display areas (3377, 3379, 3381). The These values can be changed manually. In FIG. 48, 3390 is a screen in which a paper size selection list is displayed in a pull-down state, and the size and orientation of the paper to be used are selected from this list. 4931 of FIG. 49 and 3392 of FIG. 50 respectively show a state in which a list of resolutions and scan modes is displayed in a pull-down manner.

RETRIIVE screen (Fig. 51)
The RETRIIVE main screen (3400) includes sub-tabs of WWW (3401), E-mail (3402), Fax (3403), FTP (3404) and a PUT INTO HD check button (3405) commonly used in each sub-category, A PRINT SETTING button (3406) is displayed. By pressing the sub tab, the corresponding WWW, E-mail, Fax, and FTP sub screens are displayed. At initialization including reset, the WWW sub-screen is displayed.

WWW sub-screen (Fig. 51)
When the start button is pressed while the WWW sub-screen is displayed, the home page is printed according to each setting displayed on the screen. However, nothing will function even if the start button is pressed when nothing is displayed in the URL input area.

  When the URL input area (3411) on the WWW sub-screen (3400) is pressed, the full keyboard (3040) is displayed, and the URL can be directly input. When the Link Depth (3412) and Max Pages (3414) input areas are pressed, a numeric keyboard (3050) is displayed, and a numerical value can be directly input.

Bookmark sub-screen (Figure 55)
When the Bookmark button (3419) is pressed, a Bookmark sub-screen (3460) is displayed. A list of bookmarks that have been set is displayed in the bookmark display area (3461) in the Bookmark sub-screen, and a selected display state is brought about by pressing any one line. When the OK button (3466) is pressed, the Bookmark sub-screen is closed and the URL corresponding to the selected item is displayed in the URL input area of the WWW sub-screen. Description of the function of other buttons in the Bookmark sub-screen is omitted.

E-mail sub screen (Fig. 52)
On the E-mail sub-screen (3430), settings for receiving E-mail are made. When each input area (3431 to 3433) is pressed, a full keyboard (3040) is displayed and input becomes possible.

Fax sub screen (Fig. 53)
On the fax sub-screen (3440), a fax number is entered. When an input area (3441) is pressed, a numeric keyboard (3050) is displayed, and a fax number can be input.

FTP Server sub-screen (Figure 54)
On the FTP Server sub-screen (3450), settings for receiving data from the server are performed. When each input area (3451 to 3453) is pressed, a full keyboard (3040) is displayed and input becomes possible.

HD Setting Sub Screen When a Put In HD check button (3405) common to each category is pressed, an HD Setting sub screen (3330) is displayed. The function is the same as the Send HD Setting subscreen.

Print Setting subscreen (Figure 56)
When a Print Setting button (3406) common to each category is pressed, a Print Setting sub-screen (3470) is displayed. The function is the same as Send's Print Out subscreen.

TASKS screen (Figure 57)
When the start key is pressed while the TASKS screen is displayed, an automatic RETRIVE operation is executed in accordance with the parameters set on the TASKS screen.

  Sub-tabs (3501 to 3505) of WWW, E-mail, Print Receive, Fax Receive, and Fax Polling are displayed on the TASKS main screen (3500). At initialization including reset, a WWW sub-screen (3500) is displayed.

WWW sub-screen (Figure 57)
In the WWW task list display area (3511), tasks held in the device are displayed in the input order. Selection marks are added to tasks that actually need to be executed. A task for which no selection mark is displayed is held in the device as a task, but is not actually executed.

  When a New button (3513) is pressed, a WWW task details sub-screen (3520 in FIG. 58) is displayed, and a new task can be input. The WWW task details sub-screen will be described later.

  When the Edit button (3514) is pressed while one task is selected from the WWW task list, the WWW task details sub-screen (3520) including the selected task information is displayed, and the settings can be edited. Become.

  When the Delete button (3515) is pressed with one task selected from the WWW task list, the selected task is deleted.

WWW task details sub-screen (Figure 58)
The WWW task detail sub-screen (3520) includes components (3521 to 533) having a common function to the RETRIIVE main screen and the RETRIVE WWW sub-screen, check time display area (3534), check time setting button (3535), and PRINT WHEN. A CHANGED check button (3536), a transfer check button (3537), an OK button (3539), and a cancel button (3538) are displayed. Description of the parts common to RETRIEVE is omitted.

  The check time display area (3534) displays blank when the WWW task setting sub-screen is displayed with the New button, and displays the set task execution time when displayed with the Edit button. Also, immediately after the setting is made on the check time sub-screen described later, the set task execution time is displayed.

  When the check time setting button (3535) is pressed, a check time sub-screen to be described later is displayed, and the timing for executing the task can be set.

Check time sub-screen (Fig. 59, Fig. 60, Fig. 61)
On the check time sub-screen (3550), a schedule mode setting button (3551 to 553), a time input area (3554), an OK button (3558), and a cancel button (3557) are displayed. In addition, when the Once button (3551) is selected among the schedule mode setting buttons, a month input area (3555) and a date input area (3556) are displayed. When the Weekly button (3552) is selected, a day setting check button (3561) is displayed. When the Monthly button (3553) is selected, a date input area (3571) is displayed. When each input area is pressed, a numeric keyboard (3050) is displayed, and numerical values can be input. The day setting check button can select a plurality of days of the week.

MGMT screen (Fig. 62)
Reference numeral 3600 denotes a management screen. Detailed description is omitted.

CONFIG screen (Fig. 63)
Reference numeral 3700 denotes a configuration screen. Detailed description is omitted.

Full keyboard (Figure 20)
The full keyboard (3040) is displayed when the character input area is pressed. www. When the button (3041) and the com button (3042) are pressed, the characters “www.” And “com” are input, respectively. Since the other keys have the same functions as before, the description is omitted.

Ten keyboard (Fig. 21)
The numeric keyboard (3050) is displayed when the numeric input area or the month input area is pressed. A description of each key is omitted.

Error screen (Figure 19)
The error screen (3030) is displayed when there is some error.

  The error screen includes a message display area (3031) for displaying an error message in text, and an OK button (3032) for closing the error screen.

Device Information Service (DIS)
A database that stores setting values for devices, functions of devices (scanners, printers, etc.), status, billing information, etc. in the controller in a data format conforming to the Control API, and the device information service (hereinafter referred to as DIS) Defined as). FIG. 65 shows exchanges between the DIS 7102 and the job manager 7101 and the scan and print document managers 7103 and 7104.

  Basically, dynamic information such as a job start command is instructed directly from each job manager 7101 to each document manager, and static information such as device functions and job contents refers to the DIS 7102. Static and dynamic information and events from each document manager are transmitted to the job manager 7101 via the DIS 7102.

  When data is set and acquired from each DocumentManager to the DIS database, the internal data format of DIS is based on the Control API. Therefore, mutual conversion between the data format conforming to the Control API and the data format understood by each DocumentManager is possible. Process. For example, when setting status data from each DocumentManager, device-specific data is interpreted, converted into corresponding data defined by the Control API, and written to the DIS database.

  When data is set and acquired from the JobManager to the DIS database, no data conversion occurs between the JobManager and the DIS.

  In the DIS, event data is updated based on various event information notified from the DocumentManager.

  FIG. 66 shows various databases (hereinafter referred to as DBs) held in the DIS, and each DB will be described. A rounded rectangle in FIG. 66 represents each DB.

  7201 is a superviser DB, which holds status and user information about the entire device, and holds information that needs to be backed up, such as a user ID and password, in an HD device or a non-volatile storage device such as a backup memory. Is done.

  Reference numeral 7202 denotes a Scan Component DB, and reference numeral 7203 denotes a Print Component DB. These Component DBs are held corresponding to each existing component. For example, in the case of a device consisting only of a printer, only the PrintComponentDB exists, and for example, in the case of a device equipped with a FAX, the FAX ComponentDB is held. In each ComponentDB, the corresponding DocumentManager sets the function and status of the Component at the time of initialization.

  Reference numeral 7204 denotes a ScanJobServiceDB, and 7205 denotes a PrintJobServiceDB. These JobServiceDBs, like ComponentDB, set functions that can be used by the corresponding DocumentManager at the time of initialization, and their support status.

  Next, JobDB and DocumentDB will be described. Reference numeral 7206 denotes a ScanJobDB, 7207 denotes each JobDB of the PrintJobDB, 7208 denotes a ScanDocumentDB, and 7209 denotes a PrintDocumentDB.

  JobDB and DocumentDB are dynamically secured and initialized by JobManager each time a job and its accompanying document are generated, and necessary items are set. Each DocumentManager reads out items necessary for processing from JobDB and DocumentDB before starting processing of Job, and starts Job. After that, when the job is finished, these jobs and the DB of the document associated therewith are released. Since Job has one or more Documents, a plurality of DocumentDBs may be secured for a certain Job.

  Reference numeral 7210 denotes a database holding event information notified from each document manager, and 7211 denotes a counter table for recording the number of scans and the number of prints of the apparatus.

  Events notified from Document Manager include Component status transition from Scan Document Manager, Scan processing operation completion and various errors, Component Status transition from Print Document Manager, Print processing operation completion, paper jam, paper feed cassette open, etc. The event ID for identifying each event is determined in advance.

  When an event is issued from the DocumentManager, the DIS registers the event ID issued in the event database 7211 and, if necessary, detailed data associated with the event. In addition, when the cancellation of the event is notified from the DocumentManager, the event data designated to be deleted is deleted from the event database 7211.

  When an event is polled by the job manager, the DIS refers to the event database 7210, returns the event ID currently generated and detailed data associated with the event to the job manager if necessary, and if no event has occurred. Reply to that effect.

  Further, when the event of the completion of the scan processing operation and the completion of the print processing operation is notified, the counter value of the user who performed the scan and print is updated. The counter by this software is written back every time the value is updated in the backed up memory device or the non-volatile storage device of the HD device so that the value is not lost due to accidental power interruption or the like.

Scan Operation Details of the scan operation will be described below. FIG. 67 is a conceptual diagram of blocks related to the scanning operation. A CPU 8101, a memory 8102, an image compression / decompression board 8104, a scanner 8107, and a SCSI I / F circuit 8103 that provides an I / F for connecting this system are connected to the PCI bus 8105. A SCSI I / F circuit 8103 and a scanner (or a scanner function unit of a copier having a composite function) 8107 are connected by a SCSI interface cable 8106.

  Further, an IDE controller 8108 is connected to the PCI bus 8105, and is connected to an IDE hard disk 8110 via an IDE cable 8109. FIG. 68 shows a software structure related to the scanning operation. The JobManager 8201 has a function of classifying and storing application level requests. The DIS8202 stores parameters necessary for the scanning operation from the application level. A request from the application is stored in the memory 8102. The scan operation management unit 8203 acquires information necessary for scanning from the job manager 8201 and the DIS 8202. The scan operation management unit 8203 receives the job number / document number table data 8301 shown in FIG. 69 from the job manager 8201, and receives a scan parameter 8302 from the DIS 8202 based on the job number / document number table data 8301. As a result, scanning is performed based on the scanning conditions requested by the application.

  The scan operation management unit 8203 passes the scan parameters 8302 acquired from the DIS 8202 to the scan sequence control unit 8204 in the order of document numbers. Upon receiving the scan parameter 8302, the scan sequence control unit 8204 controls the SCSI control unit 8207 in accordance with the content of the scan image attribute 8308. As a result, by operating the SCSI controller 8103 connected to the PCI 8105 in FIG. 67, a scan is executed by sending a SCSI control command to the scanner 8107 via the SCSI cable 8106. Scanned images are stored in the SCSI controller 8103 via the SCSI cable 8106 and further stored in the memory 8102 via the PCI 8105.

  The scan sequence control unit 8204 compresses the scan image stored in the Memory 8102 according to the content of the scan image compression format 8309 of the scan parameter 8302 when the scan is completed and the image is stored in the Memory 8102 via the PCI 8105. Therefore, a request is issued to the compression / decompression control unit 8205. The compression / decompression control unit 8205 that has received the request uses the CODEC 8104 connected to the PCI 8105 to perform compression according to the designation of the scan image compression format 8309 from the scan sequence control unit 8204. The compression / decompression control unit 8205 stores the compressed image in the Memory 8102 via the PCI 8105.

  When the compression / decompression control unit 8205 compresses the scan image into the format specified by the scan image compression format 8309 and stores it in the Memory 8102, the scan sequence control unit 8204 stores the scan image in the Memory 8102 according to the image file type 8307 of the scan parameter 8302. File compressed compressed images. The scan sequence control unit 8204 requests the file system 8206 to create a file in the file format specified by the image file type 8307 of the scan parameter 8302.

  The file system 8206 converts the compressed image stored in the Memory 8102 into a file according to the image file type 8307 from the scan sequence control unit 8204, transfers the file to the IDE Controller 8108 via the PCI 8105, and transfers the IDE Hard Disk 8110 via the IDE Cable 8109. The scanned compressed image is converted into a file by transferring to. When the file system 8206 stores the image filed in the IDE Hard Disk 8110, the scan sequence control unit 8204 sends back a scan end notification to the scan operation management unit 8203, assuming that one current process on the Scanner 8107 has ended. .

  At this time, if there is a document that has not been scanned on the scanner 8107 and a scan request is issued from the job manager 8201, the scan operation is again performed by the scan sequence control unit using the scan parameter 8302 stored in the DIS 8202. Request.

  If there is no unscanned document on the Scanner 8107, or if there is no scan request from the JobManager 8201, a scan end notification is issued to the JobManager 8201, assuming that the scan operation has ended.

Printing Operation The printing operation will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 70 is a conceptual diagram of blocks relating to the printing operation. A CPU 9001, a memory 9002, an image compression / expansion board 9004, a printer 9007, and an engine I / F board 9003 that provides an I / F for connecting this system are connected to the PCI bus 9005. An Engine I / F board 9003 and a printer (or a printer function unit of a copier having a composite function) 9007 are connected by an engine interface cable 9006.

  The Engine I / F board has a DPRAM inside, and through this DPRAM, parameter setting to the printer, reading of the printer status, and exchange of print control commands are performed. The board has a video controller, and transmits image data developed on the PCI to the printer via the engine interface cable in accordance with VCLK (Video Clock) and HSYNC given from the printer via the engine interface cable. The transmission timing is shown in FIG. 71. VCLK continues to come out and HSYNC is given in synchronization with the start of one line of the printer. The video controller reads data for the set image width (WIDTH) from the set memory (SOURCE) on the PCI and outputs it to the engine interface cable as a video signal. After repeating this for the designated line (LINES), an IMAGE_END interrupt is generated.

  As described above, when a print job instruction is passed from the application program on the CPU to the Control API, the Control API passes this to the controller-level JobManager as a job. Furthermore, this JobManager stores the job settings in the DIS and instructs the PrintManager to start the job. When the PrintManager receives a job, it reads information necessary for job execution from the DIS and sets it in the printer via the Engine I / F board and DPRAM.

  FIG. 72 shows setting items of the Engine I / F board, and FIG. 73 shows setting items, control commands, and status commands via the DPRAM of the printer.

  For the sake of simplicity, the operation will be specifically described on the assumption that this job is a non-compressed, letter (11 ″ × 8.5 ″) size binary image, two pages and one copy, and the printer has a performance of 600 dpi.

  First, when this job is received, PrintManager calculates the number of image bytes of the width of this image (in this case, it is on the 8.5 ″ side).

WIDTH = 8.5 × 600 ÷ 8≈630 (Bytes)
Next, the number of lines is calculated.

LINES = 11 × 600 = 6600 (Lines)
These calculated values and the SOURCE address where the given first page image is stored are set in WIDTH, LINES, and SOURCE shown in FIG. At this point, the Engine I / F board is ready for image output, but the HSYNC signal from the printer does not come (VCLK is coming) and no image data is being output.

  Next, PrintManager writes 1 as the number of output copies to a predetermined address (BookNo) of the DPRAM shown in FIG. After that, an output paper feed request (FEED_REQ) for the first page is issued, and an IMAGE_REQ from the printer is awaited. When IMAGE_REQ is received from the printer, IMAGE_START is issued. In response to this, the printer starts to issue HSYNC, and the Engine I / F board waiting for HSYNC outputs an image. When the printer detects the trailing edge of the output paper, it outputs IMAGE_END, and when the output paper is discharged, it outputs SHEET_OUT. The PrintManager receives IMAGE_END of the first page, sets WIDTH, LINES, and SOURCE of the second page to the Engine I / F board, issues FEED_REQ, and waits for IMAGE_REQ. The operation after the IMAGE_REQ of the second page comes is the same as that of the first page.

[Description of automatic switching of confidential setting mode]
Next, a case where a confidential document is copied in the apparatus having the configuration of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 and the operation screen diagrams shown in FIGS.

  First, at 501 and 502, the user sets an original on the scanner 2070. In 503, the confidential information reading unit 2075 connected to the scanner reads the confidential identification information added to the document, and notifies the security application 1511 of the read result via the Security I / F 1528. Here, as a means for adding confidential identification information to the original, a storage means that can be embedded in the original medium and can read and write the memory contents wirelessly is used. Therefore, since it is sufficient to determine whether or not the document is a confidential document in 503 as long as the document medium and the confidential information reading unit 2075 can communicate with each other wirelessly, it is necessary to set the document at a specific position or to physically contact it There is no. As other means for adding confidential identification information, a method such as magnetism or using a digital watermark on a document image can be implemented, but the description of the embodiment is omitted here.

  If the confidential information reading unit 2075 cannot read the information indicating the confidentiality as a result of the determination in 503 as a confidential document, the copy start is started as a normal copy setting screen instead of the confidential copy setting in 509. Accept. When the user presses the copy key in 509, the original is read by the scanner 2070 in 510, print output is performed based on the copy output setting designated by the user in 511, and the process ends.

  If it is determined in step 503 that the document is a confidential document, the security I / F 1528 notifies the security application 1511 of the result, and the security application 1511 switches the UI display to the confidential copy setting screen shown in FIG. Notifies that copying is in progress and displays a transition to the confidential copy mode. That is, when a confidential document is detected, the apparatus automatically shifts the operation screen to the confidential copy mode. In the UI display of FIG. 1, the user selects whether to cancel the copy by pressing the cancel button 101 or to proceed to the confidential copy setting by pressing the confirmation button 102. When the user presses the confirmation button 102, the UI 1501 transitions to the confidential copy output setting mode screen, FIG. 2, where the user selects any one of the confidential identification information addition methods for the confidential document copy output.

  In FIG. 2, in 201, confidential identification information is written to a memory chip capable of reading and writing data wirelessly in a medium embedded type, in 202, confidential information is written by digital watermark, and in 203, a confidential mark is output by a watermark. In FIG. 2, the 203 water mark is selected. Subsequently, when the user determines the confidential output setting and presses the OK button 204, the screen shifts to the normal copy setting screen shown in FIG. When the user presses the start key after setting the copy at 505, the original is scanned at 507. At 508, the printer 2095 forms an image on the print medium and the 2097 confidential information writing unit receives the confidential identification information from the user. Prints out while writing in the method selected on the screen of FIG.

  As in the above embodiment, in the configuration of the present invention, when the original to be copied is a confidential original, identification information that can be determined to be confidential information is always added to the copy output.

The figure which shows UI screen when it detects that a manuscript is a confidential manuscript. Confidential output setting UI screen Flow chart of copy operation in the apparatus of the present invention Configuration diagram of the entire network system of the present invention Overall configuration diagram of the software of this system Overall block diagram of this system Outline drawing of scanner unit, printer unit, and operation unit Diagram showing the operation unit Block diagram of the scanner image processing unit Block diagram of the printer image processing unit Block diagram of the image compression processing unit Block diagram of the image rotation unit Illustration of image rotation processing Illustration of image rotation processing Device I / F block diagram Overall view of the operation unit The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section The figure which shows the screen of the operation section Embedded application description block diagram Diagram showing the exchange between DIS and JobManager, PrintManager, ScanManager Diagram showing database and counter in DIS Scanning hardware control block diagram Software control block diagram for scanning Schematic diagram of parameter table for scanning Block diagram for printing Print image data transfer timing diagram The figure which shows the print parameter register table in the Engine I / F board The figure which shows the communication command table of a printer and Engine I / F board.

Explanation of symbols

2000 Controller unit 2001 CPU
2002 RAM
2003 ROM
2004 HDD
2005 Image Bus I / F
2006 I / F
2010 Network 2020 Device I / F
2050 modem

Claims (6)

Image reading means capable of reading an original image and storing it as digitized image data;
Image forming means capable of forming an image of image data on a medium and printing it out;
User interface means for accepting settings and instructions for operation of the device from the user;
A confidential document detection determination unit that determines whether the document set in the image reading unit is a confidential document;
Confidential identification information adding means for adding identification information indicating that the print output is confidential information to the print output by the image forming means;
When the confidential document detection determination unit detects that the document is a confidential document during a document reading operation, the user interface unit is automatically set to a confidential output setting mode in which information indicating confidential information is added to the output. And an image processing apparatus comprising: control means for adding confidential identification information to the print output based on the setting.   2. The image processing according to claim 1, wherein the confidential document detection determination unit determines whether the document is a confidential document by reading out nonvolatile memory data embedded in the document medium and analyzing the data. apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the confidential document detection determination unit determines whether the document is a confidential document by analyzing digital watermark information added to the document image. The user interface means, in the confidential output setting mode,
(1) Writing confidential information to storage means provided in the print output medium (2) Adding electronic watermark information indicating that the document is a confidential document to the print output data (3) Water indicating the confidential document in the print output image The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is selected by any one or a combination of mark addition.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user interface unit is an operation panel provided in the apparatus main body.   5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user interface means has a remote remote access function capable of operating and setting instructions to a device from a host connected to the device through a network.