Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Abstract

Provided are an information processing device and an information processing method. The information processing device includes a processor. In a case where information that is a protection target is included in data to be transmitted, the processor displays an image indicating an intention to include the information that is the protection target in an operation screen related to data transmission. In a case where the information that is the protection target is no longer included as a result of an operation by a user, the processor ends display of the image. In a case where a data transmission operation is performed while the image is displayed, the processor displays a warning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to information processing apparatus and information processing methods. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-099862 discloses the following technology: the sum of the values ​​corresponding to the non-compliant characters contained in the print data is used as the non-compliant value, and when the non-compliant value exceeds a threshold, a warning notification is issued or the print job is canceled. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In recent years, numerous regulations concerning information protection (or personal information protection in the case of GDPR) have been established. To ensure user compliance with these regulations, it is crucial to make users aware of any violations.

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to make it easier to notice violations of the provisions for the protection of information compared to the situation of unrestricted exchange of information about the protected object.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus is provided, comprising a processor that, when the data to be transmitted contains information about a protected object, displays an image in an operation screen related to data transmission that indicates the presence of information about the protected object; when the information about the protected object is no longer present due to user operation, the processor terminates the display of the image; and when the data transmission operation is performed while the image is displayed, the processor displays a warning.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the processor does not transmit the data during the period containing information about the protected object.

[0007] According to the third aspect of this disclosure, the processor displays the quantity of information about the protected object contained in the data, and if the information about the protected object changes due to the user's operation, the processor displays the updated quantity of information about the protected object.

[0008] According to the fourth aspect of this disclosure, when a specific operation is performed, the processor displays information about the protected object in a glance and accepts the operation of deleting the information.

[0009] According to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, the processor does not display the image when data that has previously displayed a warning is to be sent.

[0010] According to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, if no operation is performed within a predetermined time after the warning is displayed, the processor automatically performs processing related to the transmission of the data.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, the processor uses a time whose length varies depending on the location of the information processing device as the predetermined time.

[0012] According to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, the processor uses a time whose length varies depending on the current time period as the predetermined time.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, an information processing method is provided in which, when the data to be transmitted contains information about a protected object, an image indicating that the information about the protected object is contained is displayed on an operation screen related to data transmission; when the information about the protected object is no longer contained through user operation, the display of the image ends; and when the data transmission operation is performed while the image is displayed, a warning is displayed.

[0014] (Effect)

[0015] According to the first scheme, compared with the case of unrestricted exchange of information about the protected object, it is easier to notice violations of information protection regulations.

[0016] According to the second scheme, the transmission of information about the protected object can be prevented.

[0017] According to the third scheme, the user can know that the data sent contains information about the protected object.

[0018] According to the fourth scheme, the user can grasp the amount of information about the protected object.

[0019] According to the fifth scheme mentioned above, it is possible to prevent multiple warnings for the same data.

[0020] According to the sixth scheme, it is possible to prevent users from monopolizing the information processing device for extended periods.

[0021] According to the seventh solution, compared with the case of a fixed predetermined time, it is possible to suppress dissatisfaction from others due to long-term monopolization of the device.

[0022] According to the eighth scheme, users can respond to warnings with greater flexibility compared to a fixed predetermined time.

[0023] According to the aforementioned 9th scheme, compared to the situation of unrestricted exchange of information about the protected object, it is easier to notice violations of information protection regulations. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the overall structure of the information processing system in this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the hardware structure of an image processing device.

[0026] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the hardware structure of an external device.

[0027] Figure 4 It is a diagram that represents the functional structure implemented in an information processing system.

[0028] Figure 5 This is an example of a display screen.

[0029] Figure 6 This is an example of a screen showing the input of the destination.

[0030] Figure 7 This is an example of a screenshot showing the input of an attachment.

[0031] Figure 8 This is an example of a modified interface for the attachment.

[0032] Figure 9 This is an example diagram showing the operation screen after the destination has been changed.

[0033] Figure 10 This is an example of a warning that is being displayed.

[0034] Figure 11 This is an example of a screen displaying the start button as an operable button.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the action steps in a hazard mitigation process.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a waiting timetable.

[0037] Figure 14 This is another example of a diagram representing a waiting timetable. Detailed Implementation

[0038] [1] Example

[0039] Figure 1 The overall structure of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment is shown. The information processing system 1 is a system that performs various information processing tasks. The information processing system 1 includes a communication line 2, an image processing device 10, and an external device 20.

[0040] Communication line 2 is a communication system including mobile communication networks and the Internet, which relays data exchange between devices (such as devices, terminals, and systems) that communicate with it. On communication line 2, image processing device 10 is connected via wired communication, and external device 20 is connected via wireless communication. Furthermore, communication between each device and communication line 2 is not limited to… Figure 1 The example shown can be either wired or wireless communication.

[0041] Image processing apparatus 10 is an apparatus for processing image-related information, such as printing, copying, scanning, faxing, and character recognition. For example, image processing apparatus 10 sends image data representing a scanned image or character data representing characters recognized from the image to an external device 20. External device 20 receives the sent data and, for example, displays the content represented by the data (image or characters, etc.).

[0042] In the field of information processing, regulations are sometimes established to protect specific information. For example, the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) stipulates the following to protect personal information: in principle, the transfer of personal information from within the EEA (European Economic Area) to outside the region is prohibited; if personal information must be transferred anyway, consent from the individual is required; and violations are subject to sanctions. Information processing system 1 performs processing to mitigate the risk of being subject to such sanctions.

[0043] Figure 2 This describes the hardware structure of the image processing apparatus 10. The image processing apparatus 10 is a computer including a processor 11, a memory 12, a register 13, a communication device 14, a user interface (UI) device 15, an image reading device 16, and an image forming device 17. The processor 11 includes, for example, an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), registers, and peripheral circuitry. The memory 12 is a recording medium that the processor 11 can read, and may include RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0044] Register 13 is a recording medium that the processor 11 can read, such as a hard disk drive or flash memory. The processor 11 uses RAM as its working area and controls the operation of various hardware components by executing programs stored in ROM or register 13. The communication device 14 has an antenna and communication circuitry, and is a communication unit that performs communication via communication line 2.

[0045] UI device 15 is an interface provided to users of image processing device 10. UI device 15, for example, has a touchscreen with a display unit and a touch panel disposed on the surface of the display, displays images, and accepts user input. In addition to the touchscreen, UI device 15 also has operating components such as a keyboard, and accepts operations on these components.

[0046] Image reading device 16 is hardware (so-called scanner) that reads images displayed on a medium such as paper, and is an image reading unit that reads images from a medium placed in image reading device 16. Image forming apparatus 17 is a so-called printer that forms images on a medium such as paper, and is an image forming unit that forms images on a medium by transferring an image, for example, by electrophotographic means, and fixing it while feeding a medium placed in image forming apparatus 17.

[0047] Figure 3 The hardware configuration of external device 20 is shown. External device 20 is a computer equipped with processor 21, memory 22, registers 23, communication device 24, and UI device 25. The components from processor 21 to UI device 25 are... Figure 2 The hardware shown is of the same type, from processor 11 to UI device 15.

[0048] In information processing system 1, the processors of the aforementioned devices execute programs to control each unit, thereby realizing the functions described below. The actions performed by each function are also represented as actions performed by the processors of the devices that implement that function.

[0049] Figure 4 This describes the functional structure implemented in the information processing system 1. The image processing device 10 includes an information processing unit 101, an operation screen display unit 102, an operation receiving unit 103, a protected object detection unit 104, and a warning display unit 105. The external device 20 includes a data receiving unit 201 and a data display unit 202.

[0050] The information processing unit 101 of the image processing apparatus 10 performs various information processing operations. In this embodiment, the information processing unit 101 performs image processing such as printing, copying, scanning, faxing, and character recognition. The operation screen display unit 102 displays an operation screen for accepting operations related to the information processing performed by the information processing unit 101.

[0051] Figure 5 This represents an example of the displayed operation screen. Figure 5 In this example, the operation screen display unit 102 serves as the operation screen for the scanning service, displaying the "Destination" input field A1, the "Attachment" input field A2, the "Resolution" input field A3, and the scan start button B1. Figure 5 In the example, the destination and attachments have not been entered yet; only the resolution has been entered as "200dpi".

[0052] The operation screen display unit 102 notifies the operation receiving unit 103 of the positions of each input field and button on the screen. The operation receiving unit 103 accepts operations related to information processing performed by the information processing unit 101 on the operation screen displayed on the operation screen display unit 102. The operation receiving unit 103 accepts operations on the notified positions as operations on each input field or button. For example, the operation receiving unit 103 accepts an input operation on input field A1 and provides the destination entered through the accepted input operation to the operation screen display unit 102.

[0053] The operation screen display unit 102 displays the provided destination in the input field A1.

[0054] Figure 6 This is an example of a screen displaying the input of a destination. Figure 6 In this example, the operation screen display unit 102 displays a destination such as "xxx.xxx@xxx.com" in the input field A1. This destination is a specific individual's email address. The operation processing unit 103 also provides the destination of the information entered through the operation screen to the protected object detection unit 104.

[0055] If the data to be sent contains information about a protected object, the protected object detection unit 104 detects that information. In this embodiment, the information about the protected object is personal information. Personal information refers to information that can identify an individual, such as name, date of birth, and address. If the data to be sent is document data representing a string, the protected object detection unit 104 detects personal information from the string in the document represented by the document data.

[0056] The protected object detection unit 104 stores strings used for names and addresses, and detects these strings from strings in documents. In addition, the protected object detection unit 104 also stores strings used to describe birth dates (e.g., "year", "month", "day", and yuan symbols), and detects these strings and numbers as birth dates when they are arranged together.

[0057] If the data to be sent is image data, the protected object detection unit 104 identifies a string from the image represented by the image data and detects personal information from the identified string.

[0058] The method for detecting personal information from strings is as described above. Figure 6 In the example, the protected object detection unit 104 detects email addresses such as "xxx.xxx@xxx.com" as destinations of specific individuals as personal information to be protected.

[0059] When the protected object detection unit 104 detects information about a protected object, it provides the detected information to the operation screen display unit 102. When the protected object information is provided, that is, when the data to be transmitted includes information about a protected object, the operation screen display unit 102 displays an image indicating the inclusion of information about a protected object on an operation screen related to data transmission. This image is used to notify that information about a protected object is included, and is hereinafter referred to as a "protection notification image".

[0060] Operation screen display unit 102 will Figure 6 The operation screen shown is the operation screen for the scanning service accompanying data transmission, and is an operation screen related to data transmission. A protection notification image is displayed. In this embodiment, the operation screen display unit 102 uses... Figure 6 The badge image C1 is overlaid on the start button B1 and displayed as an image indicating that it contains information about the protected object. The operation screen display unit 102 displays the amount of information about the protected object included in the data to be sent.

[0061] exist Figure 6 In this example, since it only contains information that is intended to be protected, the operation screen display unit 102 displays a marker image C1 containing a number such as "1". Here, further input is made into the input field A2.

[0062] Figure 7 This represents an example of an input screen with attachments. Figure 7 In the example, the operation screen display unit 102 displays the attachment "yyy.pdf" in the input field A2.

[0063] The operation receiving unit 103 provides the object detection unit 104 with the information input via the operation screen. When personal information is detected from a string contained in the attachment as document data, the object detection unit 104 detects the attachment as object of protection. The object detection unit 104 provides the detected attachment as object of protection information to the operation screen display unit 102. In this case, the operation screen display unit 102 displays an image indicating the inclusion of object of protection information on the operation screen related to data transmission.

[0064] exist Figure 7 In the example, the operation screen display unit 102 displays an identifier image C2 containing the number "2". Thus, the operation screen display unit 102 displays the quantity of information about protected objects included in the data to be transmitted, and when the information about protected objects changes due to operations on the operation screen, it displays the updated quantity of information about protected objects. For example, in... Figure 7 In the example, it was set that the operation of changing the attachment to one that does not contain personal information was performed.

[0065] Figure 8 This shows an example of the operation screen after the attachment has been modified. Figure 8 In the example, the operation screen display unit 102 displays the attachment "zzz.pdf" in input field A2. Because zzz.pdf does not contain personal information, the protected object detection unit 104 notifies the operation screen display unit 102 that the attachment is not information of a protected object. When the operation screen display unit 102 receives this notification, it will... Figure 8 The identifier image C1 containing the number "1" is displayed again as shown, thus displaying the number of protected objects updated with the changed information.

[0066] exist Figure 8 In the example, the destination is changed from a specific individual's email address to a representative email address used in an organization, etc.

[0067] Figure 9 This is an example of the user interface after changing the destination. Figure 9 In the example, the operation screen display unit 102 displays a representative address such as "www.www@www.cm" in the input field A1.

[0068] Since the representative destination does not include personal information, the protected object detection unit 104 notifies the operation screen display unit 102 that the destination is not information of a protected object. Upon receiving this notification, i.e., when the information of a protected object no longer exists due to user operation, the operation screen display unit 102... Figure 9The display of the identification image ends as shown. This way, when the input content is changed until the identification image is no longer displayed and scanning begins, the scanned and transmitted data will not contain information about the protected object.

[0069] Additionally, in information processing system 1, sometimes data transmission is initiated while an identification image is displayed (e.g., pressing the scan start button B1). In this case, the operation receiving unit 103 notifies the warning display unit 105 that it has accepted the operation to initiate information processing including data transmission. Upon receiving this notification, i.e., when a data transmission operation is performed while an identification image is displayed, the warning display unit 105 displays a warning.

[0070] Figure 10 This is an example of a warning that is displayed. In Figure 10 In the example, the warning display unit 105 displays a warning string such as "There may be a violation of regulations, so no processing will be performed." Figure 10 The example is in Figure 7 The warning displayed when the start button B1 is pressed in the operation screen shown. In this case, the warning display unit 105 displays the input field A11, which is the destination of the information of the detected protected object, and the input field A12, which is also the attachment of the information of the detected protected object.

[0071] Thus, when the operation to start sending data is performed while the identification image is displayed, the warning display unit 105 displays information about the protected object at a glance. This operation is an example of a "specific operation" of this disclosure. At this time, the warning display unit 105 displays the start button B3 in an inoperable state and the cancel button B4 in an operable state.

[0072] Furthermore, the operation receiving unit 103 accepts input operations on input fields A11 and A12 as operations to delete information of the displayed protected object. When information that is not a protected object is entered into both input fields A11 and A12 by the user and the information of the displayed protected object is deleted, the warning display unit 105 displays the start button B3 of the process in an operable state.

[0073] Figure 11 This is an example of a screen displaying the start button B3 as an operable button. Figure 11 In the example, input was entered in input fields A11 and A12. Figure 9 The destination and accessories are shown. At this time, the warning display unit 105 displays a message such as "If this parameter is used, there is no problem." to clear the warning string, and displays the start button B3 and the cancel button B4 of the process in an operable state.

[0074] The "parameters" referred to here are the input information such as the destination and attachments. The information processing unit 101 does not perform information processing when the cancel button B4 is pressed, but performs information processing when the start button B3 is pressed. Thus, in this embodiment, the information processing unit 101 does not accept the press of the start button B3 during the period containing information about the protected object, and therefore no data is transmitted during this period.

[0075] The data sent by the information processing unit 101 is received by the data receiving unit 201 of the external device 20. The data receiving unit 201 provides the received data to the data display unit 202. The data display unit 202 displays the provided data, i.e., data that does not contain information about the protected object.

[0076] The image processing apparatus 10 performs risk reduction processing to mitigate the risks associated with data transmission through the above-described structure.

[0077] Figure 12 This is an example of the action process in risk reduction. First, the image processing device 10 (operation screen display unit 102) displays an operation screen for accepting operations related to information processing performed by the image processing device 10 (step S11).

[0078] Next, the image processing device 10 (operation receiving unit 103) accepts an operation related to the information processing performed by the information processing unit 101 on the displayed operation screen (step S12). Figure 12 In this example, an operation related to information processing involving the transmission of accompanying data is accepted. Next, if the transmitted data contains information about a protected object, the image processing apparatus 10 (protected object detection unit 104) performs processing to detect the information about the protected object (step S13).

[0079] Next, the image processing device 10 determines whether information about the protected object was detected in step S13 (step S21). If the image processing device 10 determines that information about the protected object was detected ("Yes"), it then determines whether a data transmission operation has been accepted (step S22). If the image processing device 10 determines that a transmission operation has not been accepted ("No"), it returns to step S12 to perform an action (accepting an input operation).

[0080] If the image processing device 10 (warning display unit 105) determines in step S22 that a transmission operation has been accepted ("Yes"), it displays a warning, a list of protected objects, a flag image, and a message indicating that a transmission operation cannot be performed (step S23). After displaying this message, the image processing device 10 returns to step S12 to perform an operation (acceptance of input operation).

[0081] When it is determined in step S21 that no information about the protected object has been detected ("No"), the image processing device 10 displays an operation screen that can accept data transmission operations (step S31). Next, the image processing device 10 (operation acceptance unit 103) accepts the data transmission operation in the operation screen displayed in step S31 (step S32). Then, the image processing device 10 (information processing unit 101) transmits the data based on the accepted transmission operation (step S33).

[0082] As described above, in this embodiment, when a data transmission operation is performed while an identifier image representing information containing the protected object is displayed, a warning is displayed. Therefore, compared to the case of unrestricted exchange of information about the protected object, it is easier to notice a violation of information protection regulations.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, data is not transmitted while the data to be transmitted contains information about the protected object. This prevents violations of the regulations regarding the transmission of information about the protected object. Additionally, in this embodiment, an icon representing the quantity of information about the protected object is displayed. Thus, users who understand the meaning of the icon can grasp the situation regarding the presence of information about the protected object in the data to be transmitted and the quantity of such information.

[0084] [2] Variation Example

[0085] The above embodiment is merely one embodiment of this disclosure, and can be modified as follows. Furthermore, the embodiments and their modifications can be combined and implemented as needed.

[0086] [2-1] Information of the protected object

[0087] In this embodiment, personal information as defined in the GDPR is protected information, but it is not limited to this. For example, confidential information determined according to a company's regulations can also be protected information. Furthermore, information determined to be non-transmittable according to the usage rules of an information processing service can be protected information. Additionally, not only documented or written information, but also processing configuration information can be protected information.

[0088] [2-2] Protect notification images

[0089] In the embodiment, using Figure 6 The image shown is used as a protection notification image, but is not limited to it. For example, an image whose color, thickness, or font differs from information that is not a protected object can be used as a protection notification image.

[0090] [2-3] Protect notification images

[0091] In this embodiment, the operation screen display unit 102 always displays a protection notification image when it detects information about a protected object, but it is not limited to this. For example, the operation screen display unit 102 may also not display the protection notification image when sending data for which a warning has already been displayed in the past.

[0092] The operation screen display unit 102 stores, for example, the data to be sent or information about that data (filename or file size, etc.). When new data to be sent is entered, the operation screen display unit 102 compares the data with the stored information. If the data is the same, the operation screen display unit 102 does not display the protection notification image; if the data is different, the operation screen display unit 102 displays the protection notification image.

[0093] When the protection notification image is not displayed, the operation screen display unit 102 displays an operation screen that allows transmission operations to be accepted; when the protection notification image is displayed, the operation screen display unit 102 displays an operation screen that prevents transmission operations from being accepted. According to this modified example, it is possible to prevent situations where warnings are received multiple times even for the same data.

[0094] [2-4] Automatic handling after warnings

[0095] In this embodiment, after displaying a warning, the information processing unit 101 does not perform any data transmission-related processing (specifically, the execution or termination of data transmission) unless there is user interaction, but it is not limited to this. For example, if no operation is performed within a predetermined time after the warning is displayed, the information processing unit 101 may automatically perform data transmission-related processing. This time is the waiting time for the processing to be executed, hereinafter referred to as the "waiting time".

[0096] Specifically, the information processing unit 101 performs data transmission processing or data transmission suspension processing as data transmission-related processing. When performing data transmission processing, in cases where there is a user whose operation of deleting information of a protected object is time-consuming, this prevents the user from monopolizing the image processing device 10 for an extended period of time, thus effectively utilizing the image processing device 10.

[0097] The process of suspending data transmission includes, for example, switching from an operation screen displaying the start button to an operation screen without the start button (such as a menu screen). In the case of suspending data transmission, the user's prolonged monopolization of the image processing device 10 is prevented, thus effectively utilizing the image processing device 10. Furthermore, the waiting time can be predetermined, but it can also be varied.

[0098] For example, the information processing unit 101 sets a waiting time as the length of which varies depending on the position of its own device (= image processing device 10). The information processing unit 101 uses a waiting time schedule that associates the position of its own device with the waiting time.

[0099] Figure 13 An example of waiting for a timetable. Figure 13 In the example, the location of the device itself, such as "inside the company" and "outside the company", is associated with a waiting time of "T1" and a shorter "T2".

[0100] In this modified example, the image processing apparatus 10 is configured to input and save the location information of the installation location when the device is installed. When the operation screen display unit 102 displays a warning, the information processing unit 101 reads the location information stored in the device and determines whether the location of the device, as indicated by the read location information, is inside or outside the company. If the device is inside the company, the information processing unit 101 sets a waiting time T1 to perform data transmission-related processing; if the device is outside the company, the information processing unit 101 sets a waiting time T2 to perform data transmission-related processing.

[0101] When comparing internal and external users, it becomes clear that the image processing device 10 is easily shared with people outside the company. If a warning is displayed, time is spent deleting information about the protected object, thus increasing the time spent exclusively using the image processing device 10. While employees within the company can tolerate the longer exclusive use time due to its use in their work, those outside the company, whose use is unrelated to their own work, are more likely to become dissatisfied with the extended exclusive use time.

[0102] Therefore, in this modified example, as described above, by shortening the standby time when the device is located outside the company, and shortening the time from the display of a warning to the transmission of data or to the cessation of data transmission, compared with the case of a fixed waiting time, it is possible to suppress the situation where the image processing device 10 is monopolized for a long time, which may cause dissatisfaction to others.

[0103] Furthermore, the information processing unit 101 sets the waiting time as a duration that varies depending on the current time period. The information processing unit 101 uses a waiting time schedule that associates the current time period with the waiting time.

[0104] Figure 14 Another example of waiting for a schedule. Figure 14 In the example, the current time periods such as "during working hours" and "outside of working hours (overtime)" are associated with "T3" and waiting times such as "T4" which are longer than T3.

[0105] When a warning is displayed on the operation screen display unit 102, the information processing unit 101 reads the current time from its own clock function and determines whether the read current time is within working hours or outside working hours. If the current time is within working hours, the information processing unit 101 sets the waiting time to T3 and performs data transmission-related processing; if the current time is outside working hours, the information processing unit 101 sets the waiting time to T4 and performs data transmission-related processing.

[0106] Comparing working hours with outside working hours, there are fewer users of the image processing device 10 outside of working hours. Therefore, as described above, by increasing the waiting time when the current time is outside of working hours, the time from the display of the warning to the transmission of data or the cessation of data transmission is increased, giving users more leeway to process the warning compared to a fixed waiting time.

[0107] [2-5] Functional Structure

[0108] The structure of the functions implemented in information processing system 1 is not limited to Figure 4 The structure is shown in the figure. For example, in the embodiment, the operation screen display unit 102 of the image processing apparatus 10 performs the actions of displaying the operation screen for accepting operations related to information processing, as well as displaying warnings, a list of protected objects, identification images, and the display of operations that cannot be sent. These actions can also be performed by various functions.

[0109] Furthermore, for example, the actions performed by the operation display unit 102 and the operation receiving unit 103 can be performed by a single function. The functions implemented by the image processing device 10 can be implemented using computer resources provided by two or more information processing devices or cloud services. In short, if implemented as a whole information processing system… Figure 4 The functions shown in the figure allow for the free determination of the range of actions performed by each function and the device used to implement each function.

[0110] [2-6] Processor

[0111] In the above embodiments, processor refers to processor in a broad sense, which can be a general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) or a special-purpose processor (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0112] Furthermore, the operation of the processor in the above embodiments can be performed not only by a single processor, but also by multiple processors located in physically separate positions working together. Additionally, the order of the processor's actions is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments and can be appropriately modified.

[0113] [2-7] Public Categories

[0114] This disclosure, in addition to information processing devices such as image processing apparatus and external devices, can also be understood as an information processing system (information processing system 1 is an example) having various information processing devices. Furthermore, this disclosure can be understood as an information processing method for implementing the processing performed by each information processing device, and can be understood as a program for enabling the computer controlling each information processing device to function. This program can be provided in the form of a recording medium such as an optical disc containing the program, or can be downloaded to a computer via a communication line such as the Internet and installed, thus providing it as available.

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a processor, When the data to be transmitted contains information about a protected object, the processor displays an image in the data transmission-related operation screen that indicates the presence of the information about the protected object. If, through user interaction, the information about the protected object is no longer included, the processor terminates the display of the image. When the data transmission operation is performed while the image is displayed, the processor displays a warning. The processor displays the number of protected objects contained in the data, and if the information of the protected objects changes due to the user's operation, the processor displays the updated number of protected objects.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, During the period containing information about the protected object, the processor does not transmit the data.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When a specific operation is performed, the processor displays information about the protected object in a glance and accepts the operation to delete that information.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, If the processor needs to send data for which a warning has already been displayed in the past, it will not display the image.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, If no operation is performed within a predetermined time after the warning is displayed, the processor automatically performs processing related to the transmission of the data.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The predetermined time has a length that varies depending on the location of the information processing device.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The predetermined time has a different length depending on the current time period.

8. An information processing method, wherein when the data to be transmitted contains information about a protected object, an image indicating the presence of said protected object information is displayed on an operation screen related to data transmission. The display of the image ends when the user's operation causes the image to no longer contain information about the protected object. If the data transmission operation is performed while the image is displayed, a warning will be displayed. The data displays the number of protected objects whose information is included in the data. If the information of the protected objects changes due to the user's operation, the data will be updated to show the number of protected objects whose information has changed.

Images