Image reading device, image forming apparatus, and information processing apparatus

Abstract

To prevent a card, such as a my number card with which personal information is displayed, from being duplicated and used illegally.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 100 forms an image based on a result of reading of a document performed by an image reading unit 205 on a recording medium. The image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the document is a card on which personal information is displayed on the basis of the reading result, and when the document is the card, inquires an owner of the card as to whether to permit the use of the reading result. When the use is permitted, the image forming apparatus 100 forms the image based on the reading result on the recording medium, and when the use is not permitted, erases the reading result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus such as a scanner, an image forming apparatus having the image reading apparatus, and an information processing apparatus that controls the operation of the image reading apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the penetration rate of the My Number Card has been increasing. The My Number Card can be used as an identity certificate for face photo-based personal identification instead of a driver's license. In addition, the My Number Card can also be used as a health insurance card. Furthermore, the My Number Card is also planned to be integrated with the driver's license. The My Number Card is linked to a wider range of personal information than conventional identity certificates such as driver's licenses through the My Portal or the like. In addition, not only public services but also services of private business operators in cooperation with the My Number Card are increasing.

[0003] As a method of linking with the My Number Card and the My Portal or the like, there is a method using a short-range wireless communication technology such as NFC (Near Field Communication) in the same manner as a conventional ID (Identification) card. By using short-range wireless communication, communication becomes possible with the IC (Integrated Circuit) chip included in the My Number Card. In addition, there is a technology in which the My Number Card is read by the image reading unit of the image forming apparatus, the My Number is detected from the image of the read My Number Card, and personal information is acquired based on the detected My Number (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As described above, the My Number Card is linked to a wider range of personal information compared to a health insurance card or a driver's license. It can also be used for various private business services. Therefore, the My Number Card has a high risk of being misused by others in case of loss or theft. To prevent unauthorized use by anyone other than the owner, it is necessary to enhance the security of the My Number Card and the My Number.

[0006] When the identity of the cardholder is verified by the face photo on the My Number Card, similar to conventional driver's licenses, etc., the identity verification may be performed only by visually comparing the face photo with the cardholder's face, and facial recognition technology may not be used. In this case, a person other than the owner can forge the identity during visual verification by copying the owner's My Number Card, replacing the face photo, and then processing it. It is difficult for the owner to notice the duplication or forgery of the My Number Card when the copied card is returned after being copied by someone else.

[0007] In view of the above problems, a main object of the present invention is to provide a technique for preventing a card on which personal information such as a My Number Card is displayed from being duplicated and misused.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The image reading apparatus of the present invention includes: a reading unit that reads a document; a determination unit that determines whether the document is a recording medium on which personal information is displayed based on a reading result of the document by the reading unit; and a control unit that, when the document is the recording medium, inquires whether to permit the owner of the recording medium to use the reading result. The information processing apparatus of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that acquires a reading result of a document from a reading unit that reads the document, and includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the document is a recording material on which personal information is displayed based on the reading result, and a control unit that, when the document is the recording material, inquires of the owner of the recording material whether to permit the use of the reading result.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a card on which personal information is displayed from being duplicated and misused.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment employs a tandem method using an intermediate transfer body 108 and can form a color image. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image reading unit 205, an operation unit 301, and a card reader 303 at the upper part. The operation unit 301 is integrally configured with the display unit 302.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 100 forms images of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). For this purpose, the image forming apparatus 100 includes photoreceptors 102Y, 102M, 102C, and 102K corresponding to each color. The Y, M, C, and K at the end of the reference numerals indicate the corresponding colors. The same applies to other components. When it is not necessary to distinguish colors, the Y, M, C, and K at the end of the reference numerals may be omitted.

[0014] The photoreceptor 102 is a drum-shaped image carrier having a photosensitive layer on its surface. The photoreceptor 102 is connected to a drive motor 120. The drive motor 120 transmits a driving force to the photoreceptor 102 to rotate the photoreceptor 102 counterclockwise in the drawing about the drum axis. The photoreceptors 102Y, 102M, 102C, and 102K are provided at predetermined intervals along the image transfer surface of the intermediate transfer member 108.

[0015] Along the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 102, an injection charger 103, an exposure device 104, and a developing device 106 are provided. The injection charger 103 has a sleeve 103S and uniformly charges the surface of the rotating photoreceptor 102 with the sleeve 103S. The exposure device 104 selectively irradiates the surface of the uniformly charged photoreceptor 102 with laser light modulated according to data for forming an image. The laser light scans the surface of the photoreceptor 102 with the drum axis direction of the photoreceptor 102 as the main scanning direction. By irradiating the laser light, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 102.

[0016] The developing device 106 develops the electrostatic latent image by attaching a developer (for example, toner) of the corresponding color to the electrostatic latent image. When the electrostatic latent image is developed, a developer image (for example, a toner image) is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 102. A yellow toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 102Y. A magenta toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 102M. A cyan toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 102C. A black toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 102K. Note that the developing device 106 is detachable from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0017] A primary transfer roller 107 is provided at a position facing the photoreceptor 102 with the intermediate transfer member 108 interposed therebetween. The intermediate transfer member 108 is an endless belt-shaped image carrier and is wound around a plurality of rollers including a driving roller. The intermediate transfer member 108 is rotated in the clockwise direction in the drawing by the driving roller. A secondary transfer roller 109 is provided on the downstream side of the photoreceptor 102K in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer member 108, and a belt cleaner 110 is provided on the downstream side of the secondary transfer roller 109.

[0018] The primary transfer roller 107 transfers the monochromatic toner image formed on the corresponding photoreceptor 102 to the transfer surface of the rotating intermediate transfer member 108. The primary transfer roller 107 performs the transfer of the toner image by applying a bias voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image. The transfer is performed in the order of the photoreceptor 102Y, the photoreceptor 102M, the photoreceptor 102C, and the photoreceptor 102K at a timing corresponding to the interval between the photoreceptors 102 and the rotation speed of the intermediate transfer member 108. Thereby, the toner images of each color are superimposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer member 108. The toner remaining on the photoreceptor 102 after the transfer is removed by a drum cleaner (not shown).

[0019] The intermediate transfer member 108 conveys the transferred toner images of each color to the secondary transfer roller 109 by rotation. The secondary transfer roller 109 conveys the sheet-like recording medium 130 from the paper feed tray 101 at a timing when the toner image is conveyed by the intermediate transfer member 108. The secondary transfer roller 109 sandwiches and conveys the recording medium 130 between itself and the intermediate transfer member 108, thereby transferring the plurality of color toner images carried by the intermediate transfer member 108 onto the recording medium 130 at once. A bias voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image is applied to the secondary transfer roller 109 during the transfer. The toner remaining on the intermediate transfer member 108 after the transfer is removed by the belt cleaner 110. Note that the secondary transfer roller 109 contacts the intermediate transfer member 108 during the transfer (solid line) and separates from the intermediate transfer member 108 after the transfer (dashed line).

[0020] The secondary transfer roller 109 conveys the recording medium 130 onto which the toner image has been transferred to the fixing unit 111. The fixing unit 111 melts and fixes the multicolor toner image transferred onto the recording medium 130 onto the recording medium 130. To that end, the fixing unit 111 includes a fixing roller 112 and a pressure roller 113. The fixing roller 112 and the pressure roller 113 are each formed in a hollow shape, and a heater 114 is built into the hollow portion.

[0021] The fixing unit 111 sandwiches and conveys the recording medium 130 onto which the toner image has been transferred between the fixing roller 112 and the pressure roller 113. At that time, the fixing unit 111 heats and melts the toner image with the heater 114. Further, when the pressure roller 113 is pressed against the fixing roller 112, the melted toner image is fixed to the recording medium 130. The fixing unit 111 has a temperature sensor (not shown) and is controlled so as to ensure a temperature sufficient for fixing. The recording medium 130 onto which the toner image has been fixed is discharged outside the image forming apparatus 100 by the paper discharge roller 131.

[0022] When the image reading unit 205 functions as, for example, a copier or a scanner, it reads an image from a document. The reading of the image is performed in response to an instruction from the user via the operation unit 301 with the document placed on the image reading unit 205. The image reading unit 205 generates image data representing the read image. At the time of copying, the laser light output from the exposure device 104 is modulated based on the image data generated by the image reading unit 205. When functioning as a scanner, the image data is transferred to an external device such as a personal computer connected via a portable recording medium or a network. The portable recording medium is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a memory card, a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD, a Blu-ray disk, or the like.

[0023] The operation unit 301 is a user interface configured integrally with the display unit 302. The operation unit 301 is an input interface, and the display unit 302 is an output interface. For the input interface, various buttons, touch panels, etc. can be used. The output interface may include a speaker in addition to the display unit 302.

[0024] Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of a controller that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The controller is an information processing apparatus including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 202, a storage unit 203, and a network interface (I / F) 204. The CPU 201 is connected to the operation unit 301, the card reader 303, and the image reading unit 205. The image forming apparatus 100 can communicate with an external server 206 via the network I / F 204. The external server 206 can communicate with the user terminal 401. The user terminal 401 is an information processing terminal such as a personal computer or a smartphone.

[0025] The CPU 201 reads out the control program and information stored in the storage unit 203 and executes various controls by the image forming apparatus 100. The RAM 202 is composed of a volatile storage medium such as SRAM (Static RAM) or DRAM (Dynamic RAM). The RAM 202 is used as a temporary storage area such as a work area when the CPU 201 executes processing. The storage unit 203 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 203 is used as a storage area for the image data generated by the image reading unit 205 and other various data.

[0026] The network I / F 204 controls communication with the external server 206 according to control signals from the CPU 201. The image forming apparatus 100 transmits and receives control signals and various types of information to and from the external server 206 via the network I / F 204. The external server 206 records personal information of the user such as user information, and can transmit and receive control signals and various types of information to and from the image forming apparatus 100 and the user terminal 401.

[0027] Information such as instructions and settings input from the operation unit 301 is transmitted to the CPU 201. The CPU 201 performs processing based on the input information. The CPU 201 displays various screens on the display unit 302. The card reader 303 is a contactless card reader capable of performing short-range wireless communication with a card incorporating an IC chip such as an ID card or a My Number card owned by the user, according to control signals from the CPU 201. The CPU 201 can obtain various types of information stored in the IC chip, such as the contact information of the card owner, by means of the card reader 303.

[0028] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the user interface during copying. FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) illustrate the screens displayed on the display unit 302. FIG. 3(c) illustrates the state of the card reader 303.

[0029] At the time of copying, the user places the original on the image reading unit 205 and inputs a copy instruction using the operation unit 301. The CPU 201 acquires the copy instruction from the operation unit 301 and controls the image reading operation for copying by the image reading unit 205. The copy instruction is given through the setting screen of FIG. 3(a).

[0030] After the user inputs setting information such as color / monochrome, equal magnification / magnification, and paper size from the setting screen in Fig. 3(a), and then presses the start button, an instruction for copying is input. The CPU 201 executes an operation of reading the original document by the image reading unit 205 in response to the copying instruction. The image data generated as a reading result by the image reading unit 205 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 203 by the CPU 201. Then, the CPU 201 analyzes the image data to determine whether the original document is a My Number card.

[0031] The determination of whether it is a My Number card is made, for example, by previously storing the format of the My Number card in the storage unit 203 and comparing the format with the image data. For example, the format includes the size of the My Number card, common displays (characters, patterns) on the My Number card, the position of the display, etc. When the image obtained from the image data is the same size as the My Number card and the common displays (characters, patterns) on the My Number card are described at the same positions as those on the My Number card, it is determined that the original document is a My Number card.

[0032] When it is determined that the original document is a My Number card, the CPU 201 displays the screen in Fig. 3(b) on the display unit 302. The screen in Fig. 3(b) is an instruction screen that instructs the user to bring the My Number card closer to the card reader 303. As shown in Fig. 3(c), the card reader 303 has a picture of touching the card drawn so that it is easy to understand where the user should bring the My Number card closer.

[0033] When the CPU 201 detects that the My Number Card has been brought close to the card reader 303, it performs short-range wireless communication with the IC chip of the My Number Card and obtains the contact information of the owner of the My Number Card pre-recorded in the IC chip. The CPU 201 notifies the contact information of the owner of the My Number Card that the My Number Card has been copied via the network I / F 204 and the external server 206. That is, the CPU 201 inquires of the owner of the My Number Card whether the use of the reading result (image data) of the My Number Card is permitted or not.

[0034] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram of a message screen displayed on the user terminal 401 that has obtained a notification that the My Number Card has been copied. The notification that the My Number Card has been copied includes a map and address of the installation location of the image forming apparatus 100 and the content (usage content) of the process to be executed, which are pre-recorded in the storage unit 203 of the image forming apparatus 100. The user checks these contents notified to the user terminal 401 on the message screen and selects permission or non-permission for use. The selection result (permission information / non-permission information) is transmitted from the user terminal 401 to the image forming apparatus 100 via the external server 206. The CPU 201 determines whether to print (use) or delete the image data according to the selection result.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing during the copy operation by the image forming apparatus 100 configured as described above.

[0036] The CPU 201 detects that an original document has been placed on the image reading unit 205 (S501). The detection of the original document is performed, for example, based on the result of reading at least a part of the document table glass by the image reading unit 205 after the pressure plate that can be opened and closed with respect to the document table glass has been opened and closed. When the image of the original document is included in the read result, the original document is detected.

[0037] After detecting the original document, the CPU 201 acquires the setting information input via the setting screen shown in Fig. 3(a) from the operation unit 301, and acquires a copy instruction when the start button is pressed (S502). When the CPU 201 acquires the copy instruction, it executes the reading process of the original document by the image reading unit 205 (S503). The CPU 201 acquires the image data that is the reading result from the image reading unit 205 and stores it in the storage unit 203.

[0038] The CPU 201 analyzes the image data stored in the storage unit 203 to determine whether the original document is a My Number card (S504). If the original document is a My Number card (S505: Y), the CPU 201 displays the instruction screen shown in Fig. 3(b) on the display unit 302 and instructs the user to bring the My Number card close to the card reader 303 (S506). The user brings the My Number card close to the card reader 303 in response to this instruction.

[0039] When the CPU 201 detects that the My Number card has come close to the card reader 303, it performs short-range wireless communication with the IC chip of the My Number card and acquires the contact information of the owner of the My Number card from the IC chip (S507). The CPU 201 notifies the owner of the My Number card that the card is being copied via the network I / F 204 and the external server 206 using the acquired contact information of the owner of the My Number card (S508). Thereby, the CPU 201 inquires the owner about the availability of using the image data. After the notification, the CPU 201 acquires a notification of permission information or non-permission information for copying from the user terminal 401 via the external server 206 and the network I / F 204 (S509).

[0040] When the obtained notification is permission information (S509: Y), the CPU 201 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to execute printing processing using the image data stored in the storage unit 203 (S510). When the obtained notification is non-permission information (S509: N), the CPU 201 displays on the display unit 302 that copying is not permitted and deletes the image data from the storage unit 203 (S511). When the original document is not a My Number card (S505: N), the CPU 201 causes the image forming apparatus 100 to execute printing processing using the image data stored in the storage unit 203 (S510).

[0041] As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the original document is a My Number card when performing copy processing. When it is a My Number card, permission to copy is confirmed with the owner of the My Number card. When copying is permitted by the owner, the image forming apparatus 100 performs copy processing of the original document (My Number card), and when copying is not permitted, the read result (image data) is deleted. That is, when the original document is a My Number card, the image forming apparatus 100 inquires of the owner whether or not the image data, which is the read result, can be used. If permission is given, the image data is used, and if not, the image data is deleted. By such processing, it is possible to prevent the My Number card from being copied (used) against the will of the owner.

[0042] Although the present embodiment has described the case where the original document is a My Number card, the present embodiment is effective not only for My Number cards but also for cards incorporating an IC chip such as ID cards and driver's licenses. Further, although the case of executing copy processing has been described as an example in the present embodiment, the present embodiment is also effective when storing the image data generated by reading the original document in a portable recording medium such as an external memory or transmitting it to an external device such as a personal computer. In this case, the image data of the original document stored in the storage unit 203 can be stored in a portable recording medium or transmitted to an external device when permission information is obtained from the user terminal 401, and is deleted without being stored or transmitted when non-permission information is obtained.

[0043] In this embodiment, when unauthorized information is obtained from the user terminal 401, the image data is erased as non-copyable. However, even when neither authorized information nor unauthorized information is obtained within a predetermined time from the process of S508, the image data may be erased as non-copyable. That is, if no response to the inquiry is received even after a predetermined time has elapsed since inquiring the owner about the availability of using the image data, the use of the image data may be made unavailable. Also, in this embodiment, it is set to notify the contact information of the owner of the My Number Card, but notifications may be made to other contact information such as the guardian of the owner. In that case, other contact information such as the guardian is recorded in advance in the IC chip of the My Number Card.

[0044] (Second Embodiment) Since the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. In the second embodiment, personal information (owner information) capable of identifying the owner of the My Number Card is obtained from the image data generated by reading the document, and a notification for inquiring the owner about permission / non-permission of copy processing is made.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of the controller according to the second embodiment. The configuration of the controller itself is the same as the configuration of the controller according to the first embodiment described in FIG. 2. Differences from the controller of the first embodiment will be described.

[0046] In the second embodiment, when the CPU 201 determines that the document is a My Number Card from the image data stored in the storage unit 203, the CPU 201 obtains the owner information from the image data. The owner information is at least one of personal information such as the name, address, date of birth, and My Number described on the My Number Card. The CPU 201 obtains the owner information from the image data by, for example, character recognition processing. The CPU 201 transmits the obtained owner information to the external server 206 via the network I / F 204.

[0047] The external server 206 identifies the owner based on the owner information acquired from the image forming apparatus 100, and notifies the contact information (user terminal 401) of the identified owner. In this case, the external server 206 holds in advance information associating the owner information that can be acquired from the My Number card with the contact information of the owner identified by the owner information.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing during the copy operation by the image forming apparatus 100 configured as described above. The processing from S701 to S704 is the same as the processing of S501 to S504 in the first embodiment (FIG. 5), and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0049] When the original document is a My Number card (S705: Y), the CPU 201 acquires the owner information from the image data stored in the storage unit 203 (S706). The CPU 201 transmits the acquired owner information to the external server 206 (S707). The external server 206 identifies the owner based on the owner information acquired from the image forming apparatus 100, and notifies the contact information (user terminal 401) of the identified owner that the My Number card is being copied. Thereby, the owner is inquired about the availability of using the image data.

[0050] After transmitting the owner information, the CPU 201 acquires a notification of permission information or non - permission information from the user terminal 401 via the external server 206 and the network I / F 204 (S708). The subsequent processing is the same as the processing of S509 to S511 in the first embodiment (FIG. 5), and thus the description thereof is omitted (S708, S710). Also, the processing when the original document is not a My Number card (S705: N) is the same as the processing in the first embodiment (FIG. 5), and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0051] As described above, when performing copy processing, the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment determines whether the original document is a minor number card. If it is a minor number card, the owner information of the minor number card is acquired and transmitted to the external server 206. The external server 206 confirms the permission to copy with the owner of the minor number card based on the owner information acquired from the image forming apparatus 100. When copying is permitted by the owner, the image forming apparatus 100 performs copy processing on the original document (minor number card), and when copying is not permitted, the reading result (image data) is deleted. That is, when the original document is a minor number card, the image forming apparatus 100 inquires of the owner through the external server 206 whether the image data, which is the reading result, can be used. If permission is granted, the image data is used, and if not, the image data is deleted. By such processing, it is possible to prevent the minor number card from being copied (used) against the will of the owner.

[0052] Although the present embodiment has described the case where the original document is a minor number card, the present embodiment is effective not only for minor number cards but also for cards printed with personal information of the owner such as ID cards and driver's licenses. Further, in the present embodiment, the case of executing copy processing has been described as an example. However, the present embodiment is also effective when storing the image data generated by reading the original document in a portable recording medium such as an external memory or transmitting it to an external device such as a personal computer. In this case, the image data of the original document stored in the storage unit 203 can be stored in a portable recording medium or transmitted to an external device when permission information is acquired from the user terminal 401, and is deleted without being stored or transmitted when non-permission information is acquired.

[0053] In this embodiment, when unauthorized information is obtained from the user terminal 401, the image data is erased as non-copyable. However, even when neither the permission information nor the unauthorized information is obtained within a predetermined time from the process of S707, the image data may be erased as non-copyable. That is, when a predetermined time has elapsed after inquiring the owner about the availability of using the image data and there is no response to the inquiry, the use of the image data may be made unavailable. Also, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the contact information of the owner of the My Number Card is notified, but it may be notified to other contact information such as the guardian of the owner. In this case, other contact information such as the guardian is recorded in advance in the external server 206.

[0054] The owner information may be information obtained by image recognition such as a face photo in addition to information obtained by character recognition such as name, address, date of birth, and My Number. In this case, the external server 206 holds in advance information associating the owner information including the information of the face photo printed on the My Number Card with the contact information of the owner identified by the owner information.

[0055] When a recording material such as a card on which personal information such as a My Number Card is displayed is read by an image reading device such as the image reading unit 205, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first and second embodiments as described above confirms the permission to use the reading result with the owner of the card. Only when the owner permits, the image forming apparatus 100 enables the use of the reading result (image data) for copying and the like. Therefore, even when a card (recording material) on which personal information such as a My Number Card is displayed is lost or stolen, it is possible to prevent the card (recording material) from being copied by others. In this way, the security of the card (recording material) including personal information such as the My Number Card is improved.

[0056] In the above description, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 has been described, but the configuration may be only that of the image reading unit 205. In this case, an information processing apparatus including the CPU 201, the RAM 202, the storage unit 203, and the network I / F 204 is provided inside the image reading unit 205 or connected to the image reading unit 205. Since it is not the image forming apparatus 100, the reading result is not used for copying, but the reading result is used for saving to a portable recording medium or transmitting to an external device.

Claims

1. A reading means for reading a document, A determination means for determining whether or not the document is a recording material on which personal information is displayed based on the reading result of the document by the reading means, When the document is the recording material, a control means for inquiring whether or not to permit the use of the reading result to the owner of the recording material, characterized by comprising: An image reading apparatus.

2. The recording material has an IC chip for storing the contact information of the owner, and further comprises a reading means for reading information from the IC chip, The control means is characterized in that it inquires whether or not to permit the use of the reading result to the contact information read from the IC chip by the reading means. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control means acquires the personal information displayed on the document from the reading result, and transmits the acquired personal information to a device that holds information associating the personal information with the contact information of the owner specified by the personal information, thereby inquiring whether or not to permit the use of the reading result. Characterized by: The image reading apparatus according to claim 1.

4. Further comprising a storage means for storing the reading result, The control means is characterized in that when the use of the reading result is not permitted, the reading result is erased from the storage means. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The control means is characterized in that when the use of the reading result is not permitted, a display means displays that the use is not possible. The image reading apparatus according to claim 4.

6. Further comprising a communication means for communicating with an external device, The control means is characterized in that when the use of the reading result is permitted, the reading result can be transmitted to the external device via the communication means. The image reading apparatus according to claim 4.

7. The control means is characterized in that when the use of the reading result is permitted, the reading result can be saved from the storage means to a portable storage medium. The image reading apparatus according to claim 4.

8. The control means is characterized in that when no response to the inquiry is received even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the inquiry, the use of the reading result is made impossible. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, and When the use of the reading result is permitted, an image forming unit that forms an image based on the reading result of the document by the reading unit, characterized by comprising: An image forming apparatus. **Claim 10** An information processing apparatus that acquires a reading result of a document from a reading unit that reads the document, a determination unit that determines whether or not the document is a recording material on which personal information is displayed based on the reading result; and a control unit that, when the document is the recording material, inquires whether or not to permit the use of the reading result to the owner of the recording material, characterized by comprising: An information processing apparatus. **Claim 11** The control unit enables the use of the reading result when the use of the reading result is permitted, and deletes the reading result when the use of the reading result is not permitted, The information processing apparatus according to claim 10.

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