Data deletion control device and program

Abstract

To appropriately determine whether or not to delete data.SOLUTION: A tablet device 100 comprises: an acquisition section 111 that acquires data JA from each of a plurality of source devices S including a first source device S1 and a second source device S2; a data storage section 117 that stores the data JA acquired by the acquisition section 111; and a deletion section 115 that executes deletion processing PD of deleting the data JA from the data storage section 117 in response to a preset deletion condition CD being satisfied when the data JA is acquired from the first source device S1. The deletion section 115 prohibits execution of the deletion processing PD on the data JA when the data JA is acquired from the second source device S2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a data deletion control device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a storage device having a management unit that stores the acquired data in a first area of ​​a storage unit if the acquired data is a first type of data that is not deleted in response to a delete instruction from an unauthenticated user but is deleted in response to a delete instruction from an authenticated user, and does not store the acquired data in a second area of ​​the storage unit even if the acquired data does not fit in the first area, stores the acquired data in the first area if the acquired data is a second type of data that is deleted in response to a delete instruction from a user, and stores at least a portion of the acquired data in the second area if the acquired data does not fit in the first area, and stores the acquired data in the second area if the acquired data is a third type of data that is automatically deleted regardless of a delete instruction from a user, and stores at least a portion of the acquired data in the first area if the acquired data does not fit in the second area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-43511 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the storage device described in Patent Document 1, there are cases where the determination as to whether data should be deleted is not made properly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A data deletion control device according to one embodiment for solving the above problem includes an acquisition unit that acquires data from each of a plurality of source devices including a first source device and a second source device, a storage unit that stores the data acquired by the acquisition unit, and a deletion unit that, when the data is acquired from the first source device, executes a deletion process to delete the data from the storage unit in response to a preset deletion condition being satisfied, and when the data is acquired from the second source device, the deletion unit prohibits the execution of the deletion process on the data.

[0006] A program according to another aspect for solving the above problem is executed by a processor of a data deletion control device, and causes the processor to function as an acquisition unit that acquires data from each of a plurality of source devices including a first source device and a second source device, a memory unit that stores the data acquired by the acquisition unit, and a deletion unit that, when the data is acquired from the first source device, executes a deletion process to delete the data from the memory unit in response to a preset deletion condition being satisfied, and when the data is acquired from the second source device, the deletion unit prohibits the execution of the deletion process on the data. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a tablet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a screen diagram showing an example of a favorites setting screen displayed when fifth data is newly generated. [Figure 4] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control unit of a tablet device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] First, the configuration of a communication system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the communication system 1 includes a tablet device 100, a personal computer 200, a scanner 300, a camera 400, and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory 500.

[0010] The tablet device 100 is connected to each of the personal computer 200, the scanner 300, and the camera 400 so as to be capable of wireless communication in accordance with, for example, the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the tablet device 100 is connected to each of the personal computer 200, the scanner 300, and the camera 400 so as to be capable of wireless communication, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It is sufficient that the tablet device 100 is connected to each of the personal computer 200, the scanner 300, and the camera 400 so as to be capable of communication. The tablet device 100 may be connected to each of the personal computer 200, the scanner 300, and the camera 400 so as to be capable of wired communication, for example, via an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable in accordance with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard.

[0011] The tablet device 100 receives first data JP such as document information, image information, etc. from the personal computer 200. The document information is generated by the personal computer 200 based on, for example, an operation by a user. The tablet device 100 receives second data JS such as image information from the scanner 300. The image information is generated, for example, by the scanner 300 reading an image formed on a document based on an operation by a user. The tablet device 100 receives third data JC such as image information from the camera 400. The image information is generated, for example, by the camera 400 capturing an image based on an operation by a user.

[0012] A USB memory 500 is also attached to the tablet device 100. Fourth data JM such as document information, image information, etc. are stored in the USB memory 500. The tablet device 100 acquires the fourth data JM such as document information, image information, etc. from the USB memory 500. The tablet device 100 has a function of displaying characters and images on the operation display mechanism 120, which will be described later. With this function, the tablet device 100 operates as a viewer that displays data acquired from the personal computer 200, the scanner 300, the camera 400, and the USB memory 500. For example, when the tablet device 100 acquires first data JP, it displays a document or an image based on the acquired first data JP. Also, for example, when the tablet device 100 acquires second data JS, it displays an image based on the second data JS. Also, for example, when the tablet device 100 acquires third data JC, it displays an image based on the third data JC. Also, when the tablet device 100 acquires fourth data JM, it displays a document or an image based on the fourth data JM.

[0013] Each of the personal computer 200 and the USB memory 500 corresponds to an example of the first source device S1. Each of the scanner 300 and the camera 400 corresponds to an example of the second source device S2. The first source device S1 and the second source device S2 are included in the source device S. The first source device S1 and the second source device S2 will be further described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the source device S refers to a device that functions as a data source that supplies data to the tablet device 100.

[0014] The tablet device 100 corresponds to an example of a "data deletion control device." The camera 400 corresponds to an example of an "imaging device." The USB memory 500 corresponds to an example of a "storage device."

[0015] Next, the configuration of the tablet device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the tablet device 100 according to this embodiment. 2, the tablet device 100 includes a control unit 110, an operation display mechanism 120, a first communication interface 130, and a second communication interface 140. The control unit 110 controls each part of the tablet device 100. Each of the operation display mechanism 120, the first communication interface 130, and the second communication interface 140 is connected to the control unit 110 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0016] The control unit 110 includes a processor 110A such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory 110B such as a ROM (Read Only Memory). The memory 110B stores a control program PG.

[0017] The processor 110A may be configured with multiple processors, or may be configured with a single processor. The processor 110A may be hardware programmed to realize the functions of each unit described below. That is, the processor 110A may be configured with the control program PG mounted as a hardware circuit. In this case, for example, the processor 110A is configured with an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like. In the following description, a case will be described in which the processor 110A executes the control program PG to realize various functions of the control unit 110.

[0018] The memory 110B has a storage area for storing programs executed by the processor 110A and data processed by the processor 110A. The memory 110B stores the control program PG executed by the processor 110A, as well as various image data, setting data, and the like related to the operation of the tablet device 100. The memory 110B has a nonvolatile storage area that stores programs and data in a nonvolatile manner. The memory 110B may include, for example, a ROM, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a SSD (Solid State Drive) as the nonvolatile storage area. The memory 110B may also include a volatile storage area, and may configure a work area that temporarily stores programs executed by the processor 110A and data to be processed. The memory 110B may include, for example, a RAM as the volatile storage area.

[0019] The operation display mechanism 120 includes, for example, a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a touch sensor formed integrally with the display surface of the display panel. The LCD executes display of information on the LCD and the like in accordance with the control of the control unit 110. The LCD displays, for example, a favorite setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 3. Furthermore, the touch sensor accepts an operation from the user U. The touch sensor generates a signal corresponding to the operation accepted from the user U, and outputs the generated signal to the control unit 110. The touch sensor detects, for example, an operation on the favorites setting screen 600 shown in FIG.

[0020] The first communication interface 130 is a communication interface that performs wireless communication with each of the personal computer 200, the scanner 300, and the camera 400 in accordance with the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. The first communication interface 130 includes an antenna for transmitting and receiving a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) signal, and an interface circuit for processing a signal transmitted through the antenna. The first communication interface 130 is an interface board having an antenna and an interface circuit, and is connected to a main board on which the processor 110A of the control unit 110 and the like are mounted. Alternatively, the antenna and the interface circuit that constitute the first communication interface 130 are mounted on the main board of the control unit 110. The first communication interface 130 receives the first data JP from the personal computer 200, receives the second data JS from the scanner 300, and receives the third data JC from the camera 400.

[0021] The second communication interface 140 is a communication interface that performs wired communication in accordance with the USB standard. The second communication interface 140 includes a connector that transmits and receives USB signals, and an interface circuit that processes signals transmitted through the connector. The connector and interface circuit of the second communication interface 140 are mounted on the main board of the control unit 110. A USB memory 500 is attached to the connector of the second communication interface 140, and the second communication interface 140 acquires fourth data JM from the USB memory 500.

[0022] 2, the control unit 110 includes an acquisition unit 111, a determination unit 112, a reception unit 113, a generation unit 114, a deletion unit 115, a communication control unit 116, and a data storage unit 117. Each of these units is realized by, for example, the processor 110A executing the control program PG, through cooperation between software and hardware. In other words, the processor 110A executes the control program PG to function as the acquisition unit 111, the determination unit 112, the reception unit 113, the generation unit 114, the deletion unit 115, and the communication control unit 116. The processor 110A executes the control program PG to cause the memory 110B to function as the data storage unit 117. The control program PG corresponds to an example of a "program".

[0023] The data storage unit 117 stores data acquired by the acquisition unit 111. The data storage unit 117 includes a first storage area AR1 and a second storage area AR2. The first storage area AR1 stores data acquired by the acquisition unit 111 from the first source device S1. The first source device S1 includes a personal computer 200 and a USB memory 500. That is, for example, the first data JP and the fourth data JM are stored in the first storage area AR1. The first data JP is data acquired by the acquisition unit 111 from the personal computer 200. The fourth data JM is data acquired by the acquisition unit 111 from the USB memory 500.

[0024] The second storage area AR2 stores data acquired by the acquisition unit 111 from the second source device S2. The second source device S2 includes a scanner 300 and a camera 400. That is, the second storage area AR2 stores, for example, second data JS and third data JC. The second data JS is data acquired by the acquisition unit 111 from the scanner 300. The third data JC is data acquired by the acquisition unit 111 from the camera 400. The data storage unit 117 corresponds to an example of a "storage unit."

[0025] The acquisition unit 111 acquires data from each of a plurality of source devices including a first source device S1 and a second source device S2. The first source device S1 includes, for example, a personal computer 200 and a USB memory 500. The second source device S2 includes, for example, a scanner 300 and a camera 400.

[0026] That is, the acquisition unit 111 acquires, for example, the first data JP from the personal computer 200 and acquires the fourth data JM from the USB memory 500. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 111 acquires, for example, the second data JS from the scanner 300 and acquires the third data JC from the camera 400. Then, the acquisition unit 111 stores the first data JP, the fourth data JM, the second data JS, and the third data JC in the data storage unit 117. For example, the acquisition unit 111 stores the first data JP and the fourth data JM in the first storage area AR1 of the data storage unit 117. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 111 stores the second data JS and the third data JC in the second storage area AR2 of the data storage unit 117.

[0027] When the acquisition unit 111 acquires the data JA, the determination unit 112 determines whether or not the acquisition unit 111 has acquired the data JA from the first source device S1. When the acquisition unit 111 acquires the data JA, the determination unit 112 determines whether or not the acquisition unit 111 has acquired the data JA from the second source device S2. The data JA is any one of the first data JP, the fourth data JM, the second data JS, and the second data JS.

[0028] When the determination unit 112 determines that the data JA has been acquired from the first source device S1, the deletion unit 115 executes a deletion process PD to delete the data JA from the data storage unit 117 in response to the preset deletion condition CD being satisfied. Furthermore, when the determination unit 112 determines that the data JA has been acquired from the second source device S2, the deletion unit 115 prohibits the execution of the deletion process PD on the data JA.

[0029] The deletion condition CD is, for example, that the number of pieces of data stored in the first storage area AR1 of the data storage unit 117 exceeds a preset threshold number THM. The threshold number THM is, for example, 30 pieces. For example, when the number of data stored in the first storage area AR1 of the data storage unit 117 is 31, the deletion unit 115 deletes the one data item that was stored the oldest on the date and time of storage in the first storage area AR1 of the data storage unit 117 as a deletion process PD. Also, for example, when the number of data stored in the first storage area AR1 of the data storage unit 117 is 32, the deletion unit 115 deletes two data items in order of the oldest date and time they were stored in the first storage area AR1 of the data storage unit 117 as a deletion process PD.

[0030] When the determination unit 112 determines that the data JA has been acquired from the second source device S2, the reception unit 113 receives an instruction CM from the user as to whether or not to execute the deletion process PD in response to the deletion condition CD being satisfied. When the receiving unit 113 receives a first instruction CM1 indicating that a deletion process PD is to be executed in response to the deletion condition CD being satisfied, the receiving unit 113 stores the data JA in the first storage area AR1 of the data storage unit 117. As a result, the data JA is changed to data for which the deletion process PD is to be executed in response to the deletion condition CD being satisfied. On the other hand, when the receiving unit 113 receives a second instruction CM2 indicating that the deletion process PD is not to be executed in response to the deletion condition CD being satisfied, the receiving unit 113 stores the data JA in the second storage area AR2 of the data storage unit 117. Furthermore, when the determination unit 112 determines that the data JA has been acquired from the first source device S1, the reception unit 113 does not receive an instruction from the user as to whether or not to execute the deletion process PD.

[0031] The generation unit 114 generates new fifth data JB based on an instruction from the user U. The generation unit 114 stores the generated fifth data JB, for example, in the second storage area AR2 of the data storage unit 117. That is, the deletion unit 115 prohibits execution of the deletion process PD on the fifth data JB. The receiving unit 113 receives an instruction CM from a user as to whether or not to execute a deletion process PD in response to the deletion condition CD being satisfied when the generating unit 114 generates the fifth data JB. When the receiving unit 113 receives a first instruction CM1 indicating that a deletion process PD is to be executed in response to the deletion condition CD being satisfied, the receiving unit 113 stores the fifth data JB in the first storage area AR1 of the data storage unit 117. As a result, the fifth data JB is changed to data for which the deletion process PD is to be executed in response to the deletion condition CD being satisfied.

[0032] The communication control unit 116 receives the first data JP from the personal computer 200 , the second data JS from the scanner 300 , and the third data JC from the camera 400 via the first communication interface 130 . In addition, the communication control unit 116 acquires the fourth data JM from the USB memory 500 via the second communication interface 140.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a screen diagram showing an example of a favorites setting screen 600 displayed on the LCD of the operation display mechanism 120 by the reception unit 113 when the generation unit 114 newly generates the fifth data JB. FIG. 3 illustrates a case where the generation unit 114 newly generates, as the fifth data JB, data corresponding to a blank notebook or a lined notebook.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the favorite setting screen 600 includes a title display section 610, a first format 611, a second format 612, a third format 613, a fourth format 614, a length, width and number of sheets setting section 620, a favorite setting section 630, a file name input section 640, a cancel button 650, and an OK button 660.

[0035] The title display section 610 displays "Create blank paper / lined notebook", indicating that this is the favorites setting screen 600 that is displayed when the user creates new data corresponding to blank paper or lined notebook as the fifth data JB. The first format 611 , the second format 612 , the third format 613 , and the fourth format 614 are displayed below the title display section 610 .

[0036] A first format 611, a second format 612, a third format 613, and a fourth format 614 are displayed so that a user U can select a data format corresponding to a new notebook to be created. The first format 611 corresponds to, for example, a blank notebook, and the second format 612 corresponds to a notebook on paper with widely spaced ruled lines. The third format 613 corresponds to a notebook on paper with narrower ruled lines than the second format 612. The fourth format 614 corresponds to a notebook on paper with grid lines.

[0037] 3, the first format 611 has been selected by the user U. A selection mark MC1 indicates that the first format 611 has been selected by the user U. The length, width, and number of sheets setting unit 620 accepts a selection of portrait or landscape as the paper used for the notebook from the user U. The length, width, and number of sheets setting unit 620 also accepts from the user U the number of sheets of paper used for the notebook. In Fig. 3, a check mark MC2 is displayed in the position corresponding to portrait orientation, and portrait orientation is selected. Also, the number of sheets is set to 10.

[0038] The favorites setting unit 630 sets, based on an input from the user U, whether the note data generated as the fifth data JB is to be stored in the first storage area AR1 or the second storage area AR2 of the data storage unit 117. In the favorites setting section 630, text information "Add to favorites (will not be subject to automatic deletion)" and a check mark input section are displayed.

[0039] In the favorite setting section 630, a check mark MC3 is displayed in the check mark input section as a default setting. In this case, the note data generated as the fifth data JB is stored in the second storage area AR2 of the data storage section 117. In this case, the deletion section 115 prohibits the execution of the deletion process PD on the fifth data JB. Furthermore, when the check mark MC3 in the check mark input section is erased by a user operation, the note data generated as the fifth data JB is stored in the first storage area AR1 of the data storage section 117. In this case, the deletion section 115 executes a deletion process PD on the fifth data JB in response to the fact that the deletion condition CD is satisfied.

[0040] The file name input unit 640 receives input from the user U of a file name corresponding to the note generated as the fifth data JB. The cancel button 650 is touched by the user U when the user U wishes to cancel all settings and inputs made by the user U on the favorites setting screen 600. The OK button 660 is touched by the user U when the user U wishes to execute all of the settings and inputs made by the user U on the favorites setting screen 600 .

[0041] Next, the processing of the control unit 110 of the tablet device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing of the control unit 110 of the tablet device 100. First, in step S101, the acquisition unit 111 determines whether or not data JA has been acquired. If the acquisition unit 111 determines that the data JA has not been acquired (step S101; NO), the process goes to a standby state. If the acquisition unit 111 determines that the data JA has been acquired (step S101; YES), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0042] Then, in step S103, the determination unit 112 determines whether or not the acquisition unit 111 has acquired the data JA from the first source device S1. If the determination unit 112 determines that the acquisition unit 111 has acquired the data JA from the first source device S1 (step S103; YES), the process proceeds to step S113. If the determination unit 112 determines that the acquisition unit 111 has not acquired the data JA from the first source device S1 (step S103; NO), the process proceeds to step S105. Then, in step S105, the determination unit 112 determines that the acquisition unit 111 has acquired the data JA from the second source device S2. Next, in step S107, the acquisition unit 111 stores the data JA in the second storage area AR2 of the data storage unit 117. As a result of the data JA being stored in the second storage area AR2, execution of the deletion process PD on the data JA is prohibited.

[0043] Next, in step S109, the receiving unit 113 determines whether or not a first instruction CM1 indicating that a deletion process PD is to be executed in response to the deletion condition CD being satisfied has been received. If the reception unit 113 determines that the first command CM1 has not been received (step S109; NO), the process then returns to step S101. If the reception unit 113 determines that the first command CM1 has been received (step S109; YES), the process proceeds to step S111. Then, in step S111, the reception unit 113 stores the data JA in the first storage area AR1 of the data storage unit 117. In other words, the reception unit 113 moves the data JA from the second storage area AR2 to the first storage area AR1 of the data storage unit 117. As a result of the data JA being moved from the second storage area AR2 to the first storage area AR1, the prohibition on execution of the deletion process PD for the data JA is lifted. Then, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0044] Next, in step S115, the deletion unit 115 determines whether or not a deletion condition CD is satisfied. The deletion condition CD is, for example, that the number of data items stored in the first storage area AR1 of the data storage unit 117 exceeds a preset threshold number THM. The threshold number THM is, for example, 30 items. If the deletion unit 115 determines that the deletion condition CD is not satisfied (step S115; NO), the process goes to a standby state. If the deletion unit 115 determines that the deletion condition CD is satisfied (step S115; YES), the process proceeds to step S117. Then, in step S117, the deletion unit 115 executes the deletion process PD. That is, the deletion unit 115 deletes the data stored in the first storage area AR1 of the data storage unit 117 in order from the oldest data. Then, the process returns to step S101. Note that the number of data items deleted by the deletion unit 115 corresponds to the difference obtained by subtracting the threshold number THM from the number of data items stored in the first storage area AR1 of the data storage unit 117 before the deletion.

[0045] The function of the tablet device 100 as a viewer is executed, for example, separately from or in parallel with the operation of Fig. 4. For example, after storing the data JA in the first storage area AR1 in step S113 and after storing the data JA in the second storage area AR2 in step S107, the acquisition unit 111 displays information related to the acquired data JA on the operation and display mechanism 120. This operation is executed separately from the operation of Fig. 4. The acquisition unit 111 displays documents and images on the operation and display mechanism 120 based on the data JA in response to an operation on the operation and display mechanism 120.

[0046] When executing the deletion process PD in step S117, the deletion unit 115 may perform a process of excluding data JA that is not displayed by the viewer function of the tablet device 100 from the data to be deleted. For example, in a process of deleting data stored in the first storage area AR1 in order from the oldest data, if the data to be deleted is data that has not been displayed by the viewer function, the deletion unit 115 may skip the process of deleting the data. Also, when the data to be deleted is data that has not been displayed by the viewer function, the deletion unit 115 may display a screen on the operation display mechanism 120 to prompt the user to select whether or not to delete the data. Then, when an operation to select the deletion is received, the deletion unit 115 may execute the deletion, and when an operation to not select the deletion is received, the deletion unit 115 may skip the deletion of the data.

[0047] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4, the tablet device 100 of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 111 that acquires data JA from each of a plurality of source devices S including a first source device S1 and a second source device S2, a data storage unit 117 that stores the data JA acquired by the acquisition unit 111, and a deletion unit 115 that, when the data JA is acquired from the first source device S1, executes a deletion process PD to delete the data JA from the data storage unit 117 in response to satisfying a preset deletion condition CD, and, when the data JA is acquired from the second source device S2, the deletion unit 115 prohibits execution of the deletion process PD on the data JA.

[0048] According to this configuration, when data JA is acquired from a first source device S1, a deletion process PD is executed to delete the data JA from the data storage unit 117 in response to a preset deletion condition CD being satisfied, and when data JA is acquired from a second source device S2, execution of the deletion process PD on the data JA is prohibited. Therefore, by appropriately setting each of the first source device S1 and the second source device S2, the deletion process PD can be executed appropriately. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a large amount of data to be deleted from being stored in the data storage unit 117, causing a shortage of remaining capacity of the data storage unit 117. In addition, it is possible to prevent data that should not be deleted from being deleted from the data storage unit 117, causing a loss of convenience for the user.

[0049] In addition, in the tablet device 100 of this embodiment, when the data JA is acquired from the second source device S2, the tablet device 100 further includes a reception unit 113 that receives an instruction from the user U as to whether or not to execute the deletion process PD in response to the deletion condition CD being satisfied, and when the data JA is acquired from the first source device S1, the reception unit 113 does not accept an instruction from the user U as to whether or not to execute the deletion process PD.

[0050] According to this configuration, when the data JA is obtained from the second source device S2, an instruction from the user U as to whether or not to execute the deletion process PD in response to the deletion condition CD being satisfied is accepted, and when the data JA is obtained from the first source device S1, an instruction from the user U as to whether or not to execute the deletion process PD is not accepted. Therefore, even for data JA acquired from the second source device S2, if the user determines that the deletion process PD may be executed in response to the deletion condition CD being satisfied, the deletion process PD is executed in response to the deletion condition CD being satisfied. This makes it possible to prevent a large amount of data to be deleted from being stored in the data storage unit 117, thereby preventing the remaining capacity of the data storage unit 117 from running short.

[0051] In the tablet device 100 according to this embodiment, the first source device S1 includes a personal computer 200 that is connected to the tablet device 100 so as to be able to communicate with the tablet device 100.

[0052] According to this configuration, the first source device S 1 includes a personal computer 200 . Therefore, when the first data JP is acquired from the personal computer 200, a deletion process PD is executed to delete the first data JP from the data storage unit 117 in response to the preset deletion condition CD being satisfied. Since the first data JP is stored in the personal computer 200, even if the first data JP is deleted in the tablet device 100, the first data JP can be easily acquired from the personal computer 200. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a large amount of data to be deleted from being stored in the data storage unit 117, which causes the remaining capacity of the data storage unit 117 to run short.

[0053] In the tablet device 100 according to this embodiment, the first source device S1 includes a USB memory 500 that is communicably connected to the tablet device 100 and stores data JA.

[0054] According to this configuration, the first source device S1 includes a USB memory 500. Therefore, when the fourth data JM is acquired from the USB memory 500, a deletion process PD is executed to delete the fourth data JM from the data storage unit 117 in response to a preset deletion condition CD being satisfied. Since the fourth data JM is stored in the USB memory 500, even if the fourth data JM is deleted in the tablet device 100, the fourth data JM can be easily acquired from the USB memory 500. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a large amount of data to be deleted from being stored in the data storage unit 117, which causes the remaining capacity of the data storage unit 117 to run short.

[0055] In the tablet device 100 according to this embodiment, the second source device S2 includes a camera 400 and a scanner 300.

[0056] According to this configuration, the second source device S2 includes the camera 400 and the scanner 300. Therefore, when the tablet device 100 acquires the third data JC from the camera 400, the tablet device 100 prohibits execution of the deletion process PD for the third data JC. When the third data JC is deleted in the tablet device 100, if the third data JC is not stored in the camera 400, it is not easy for the user U to acquire the third data JC again. Furthermore, when the second data JS is acquired from the scanner 300, the deletion process PD for the second data JS is prohibited. When the second data JS is deleted in the tablet device 100, if the second data JS is not stored in the scanner 300, it is not easy for the user U to acquire the second data JS again. Therefore, it is possible to prevent data that should not be deleted from the data storage unit 117, which would impair the convenience of the user U.

[0057] Furthermore, the tablet device 100 according to this embodiment further includes a generation unit 114 that newly generates fifth data JB, and a deletion unit 115 prohibits execution of a deletion process PD for the fifth data JB generated by the generation unit 114.

[0058] According to this configuration, execution of a deletion process PD of newly generated fifth data JB is prohibited in tablet device 100. Since the fifth data JB is data newly generated in tablet device 100, when the fifth data JB is deleted, user U cannot acquire the fifth data JB. Therefore, it is possible to prevent data that should not be deleted from data storage unit 117, which would impair the convenience of user U.

[0059] The control program PG of the tablet device 100 in this embodiment is a control program PG executed by a processor 110A possessed by the tablet device 100, and causes the processor 110A to function as an acquisition unit 111 that acquires data JA from each of a plurality of source devices S including a first source device S1 and a second source device S2, a data storage unit 117 that stores the data JA acquired by the acquisition unit 111, and a deletion unit 115 that, when the data JA is acquired from the first source device S1, executes a deletion process PD to delete the data JA from the data storage unit 117 in response to satisfying a predetermined deletion condition CD, and when the data JA is acquired from the second source device S2, the deletion unit 115 prohibits execution of the deletion process PD on the data JA.

[0060] This configuration provides the same effects as the tablet device 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0061] This embodiment shows one embodiment, and any modification and application are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0062] In this embodiment, a case where the "data deletion control device" is configured with a tablet device 100 will be described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The "data deletion control device" may include a control unit 110, a first communication interface 130, and a second communication interface 140, which will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The "data deletion control device" may be configured with, for example, a smartphone. The "data deletion control device" may be configured with, for example, a so-called notebook computer, or a personal computer. In these cases, the device has a function of displaying and outputting data, a function of editing data, and a function of deleting the data. The "data deletion control device" may be configured with, for example, a printer, a copier, or a multifunction peripheral (MFP). In these cases, the device has a function of printing and outputting data, and a function of deleting the data.

[0063] In addition, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the "imaging device" is the camera 400, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The "imaging device" may be any device that captures an image of a subject and forms an image. The "imaging device" may be, for example, a video camera.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the "storage device" is a USB memory 500, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The "storage device" only needs to store data and output the stored data to the tablet device 100. The "storage device" may be, for example, a card-type memory that is configured to be detachable from the tablet device 100. The "storage device" may be, for example, an SD (registered trademark) card or a micro SD (registered trademark) card.

[0065] Furthermore, the source devices connected to the tablet device 100 are not limited to those described above, and which source is the first source device and which source is the second source device are not necessarily limited. For example, if the tablet device 100 has a built-in camera, an external camera of the tablet device 100 may be the first source device, and a camera built into the tablet device 100 may be the second source device.

[0066] The deletion conditions for automatic deletion by the deletion process PD can be set arbitrarily. For example, deletion conditions related to the amount or size of data, or a non-use period during which data is not used, may be set, and data that meets these deletion conditions may be deleted by the deletion process PD. Furthermore, the number of deletion conditions is not limited to one, and multiple conditions for automatic deletion, such as a second deletion condition, may be provided in addition to the deletion condition. In this case, it is preferable that at least one deletion condition is a condition for automatically deleting data acquired from the first source device and not automatically deleting data acquired from the second source device, as described in this embodiment.

[0067] In this embodiment, we will explain the case where the control program PG is realized by the processor 110A provided in the tablet device 100 executing the control program PG, but it is also possible to configure the control program PG in the form of a recording medium on which the control program PG is recorded so as to be readable by a computer, or a transmission medium for transmitting this control program PG. The recording medium may be a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device. Examples of the recording medium include portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, HDDs, CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), Blu-ray (registered trademark) Discs, magneto-optical disks, flash memories, and card-type recording media. The recording medium may be a non-volatile storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, or a HDD that is an internal storage device provided in the tablet device 100.

[0068] The functions of the control unit 110 of the tablet device 100 may be realized by one or more processors or semiconductor chips. The control unit 110 may further include a co-processor such as a SoC (System-on-a-Chip), an MCU (Micro Control Unit), or an FPGA. The control unit 110 may perform various controls by making both the CPU and the co-processor work together, or by selectively using one of the two.

[0069] The processing units in the flowchart of Fig. 4 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the control unit 110 of the tablet device 100, and are not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names thereof. The processing units in the flowchart may be divided into more processing units according to the processing contents. One processing unit may also be divided so as to include more processes. The order of the processing may be appropriately changed within the scope that does not impair the spirit of the invention.

[0070] Each functional unit shown in FIG. 2 indicates a functional configuration, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. It is not necessarily required to implement hardware corresponding to each functional unit individually, and it is also possible to implement a configuration in which one processor executes a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units. In the above-mentioned embodiment, some of the functions realized by software may be hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of each of the other units of the tablet device 100 can also be changed arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1...communication system, 100...tablet device (data deletion control device), 110...control unit, 110A...processor, 110B...memory, 111...acquisition unit, 112...determination unit, 113...reception unit, 114...generation unit, 115...deletion unit, 116...communication control unit, 117...data storage unit (storage unit), 120...operation display mechanism, 130...first communication interface, 140...second communication interface, 200...personal computer, 300...scanner, 400...camera (imaging device), 500...USB memory (storage device), AR1...first storage area, AR2...second storage area, CD...deletion condition, CM...instruction, CM1...first instruction, CM2...second instruction, PD...deletion process, S...source device, S1...first source device, S2...second source device, THM...threshold number, PG...control program (program), U...user.

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires data from each of a plurality of source devices including a first source device and a second source device; A storage unit that stores the data acquired by the acquisition unit; a deletion unit that, when the data is acquired from the first source device, executes a deletion process to delete the data from the storage unit in response to a preset deletion condition being satisfied; Equipped with the deletion unit prohibits execution of the deletion process on the data when the data is acquired from the second source device. Data deletion control device.

2. a reception unit configured to receive, when the data is acquired from the second source device, an instruction from a user as to whether or not to execute the deletion process in response to the deletion condition being satisfied; when the data is acquired from the first source device, the reception unit does not receive an instruction from the user regarding whether or not to execute the deletion process. The data deletion control device according to claim 1.

3. The first source device includes a personal computer communicatively connected to the data deletion control device, 3. The data deletion control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first source device is communicatively connected to the data deletion control device and includes a storage device that stores the data.

3. The data deletion control device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The second source device includes at least one of an imaging device and a scanner.

3. The data deletion control device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A generating unit that generates new data is further provided, The deletion unit prohibits execution of a deletion process of the data generated by the generation unit.

3. The data deletion control device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A program executed by a processor included in a data deletion control device, The processor, an acquisition unit that acquires data from each of a plurality of source devices including a first source device and a second source device; a storage unit that stores the data acquired by the acquisition unit; and a deletion unit that executes a deletion process of deleting the data from the storage unit in response to a preset deletion condition being satisfied when the data is acquired from the first source device; Function as a the deletion unit prohibits execution of the deletion process on the data when the data is acquired from the second source device. program.

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