Image reading device

Abstract

The purpose is to improve security when setting recipients. [Solution] The image reading device 2 comprises an image reading unit 11, an operation unit 16, and a control unit 10. When the control unit 10 receives a selection instruction via the operation unit 16 to select one of several restricted folders as a save location, and if predetermined conditions for lifting the restriction on the save location folder are met, it sets the folder indicated by the selection instruction as the save location for the image file and executes a process to save the image data to the set save location.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, and particularly to a technique for setting a storage destination of image data.

Background Art

[0002] In an image reading apparatus that reads a document and generates image data, a technique for executing a predetermined process on the obtained image data is known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting a two-dimensional code from image data obtained by reading a paper document and creating a document file by embedding character data indicating related information stored in the detected two-dimensional code into the image data.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for displaying, on a display unit, a screen for allowing a user to select a desired code when a plurality of codes are detected from a scanned image, and executing a process using the selected code.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for detecting a two-dimensional code from image data obtained by reading a plurality of documents and performing sorting of the plurality of documents according to a sorting method stored in the detected two-dimensional code.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Incidentally, in the general image reading device described above, an address book for selecting the storage location of image data may be registered in advance. When the image reading device receives a selection instruction to choose one of several folders indicated in the address book, for example via a touch panel, it sends and saves the generated image data to the folder indicated by the selection instruction.

[0008] However, with such image reading devices, users can select any of the multiple folders indicated in the address book, which means there is a risk of accidentally sending highly sensitive image data, such as confidential documents, to someone else's folder instead of their own.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and aims to improve security when setting the recipient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An image reading device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an image reading unit that reads a document and generates image data; an operation unit that receives user instructions; and a control unit that, when it receives a selection instruction via the operation unit to select one of a plurality of restricted folders as a save location, and when predetermined conditions for lifting the restrictions on the save location folder are met, sets the folder indicated by the selection instruction as the save location for the image data and executes a process to save the image data to the set save location. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, image data is saved to a folder selected by the user only when predetermined conditions for removing restrictions on the use of the destination folder are met. As a result, it becomes possible to prevent, for example, accidentally sending highly confidential image data to someone else's folder, thereby improving security when setting destinations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] It is a front cross-sectional view showing the structure of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of an address book. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of a login screen. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of a home screen. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of a job selection screen. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the first destination setting process. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of a destination selection screen. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of a password input screen. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a destination setting screen. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the second destination setting process. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing the third destination setting process. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing another example of a destination selection screen.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus including an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (First Embodiment) [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1] FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view showing the structure of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction device having a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a transmission function, a printer function, and a facsimile function.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a document transport unit 6, an image reading unit 11, an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, a display unit 15, an operation unit 16, and a transport unit 17, etc.

[0016] The document transport unit 6 transports each document placed on the document glass to the reading position of the image reading unit 11. The document transport unit 6 is configured to open and close the platen glass 7 by rotating vertically around the support axis at the back of the paper surface as shown in Figure 1. The document transport unit 6 also functions as a cover that holds down the document on the platen glass 7 from above.

[0017] The image reading unit 11 is a scanner that optically reads a document and generates image data showing the document image. The image reading unit 11 reads a document that is transported by the document transport unit 6 or a document that is placed on the platen glass 7.

[0018] The image forming unit 12 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, and a transfer device. Based on image data generated by the image reading unit 11, or image data received via the communication unit 22, the image forming unit 12 forms a toner image on the paper P that is transported along the transport path T by the transport unit 17.

[0019] The fixing unit 13 fixes the toner image to the paper P by heating and pressurizing the paper P on which the toner image has been formed. The paper P on which the toner image has been fixed and the image has been formed is discharged into the output tray 8.

[0020] The paper feeding unit 14 includes a manual feed tray and multiple paper feed cassettes. The paper feeding unit 14 uses a pickup roller to pull out sheets of paper P stored in one of the multiple paper feed cassettes or placed in the manual feed tray one by one and feeds them into the transport path T. Note that the paper P is not limited to paper media and may be, for example, an OHP (Overhead Projector) sheet.

[0021] The display unit 15 is a liquid crystal display or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, etc. The display unit 15 displays various screens.

[0022] The operation unit 16 includes several hard keys, such as a start key 16A, for inputting commands to start execution of processes such as copying or scanning. The operation unit 16 also includes a touch panel 16B that is positioned on top of the display unit 15. User instructions are input to the operation unit 16.

[0023] The transport unit 17 includes a transport roller pair 17A and an discharge roller pair 17B, etc., and a transport motor. When the transport roller pair 17A and the discharge roller pair 17B, etc. are rotated by the drive of the transport motor, the paper P fed by the paper feeding unit 14 is transported along the transport path T.

[0024] Referring to Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 1 further includes a control unit 100, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 18, an image processing unit 19, an image memory 20, a facsimile communication unit 21, and a communication unit 22.

[0025] The control unit 100 includes a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0026] The control unit 100 functions as a control unit 10 when a control program stored in ROM or HDD 18 is executed by the processor. The control unit 10 controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 10 may also be configured using logic circuits, rather than relying on operation based on a control program.

[0027] The control unit 100 is electrically connected to the document transport unit 6, image reading unit 11, image forming unit 12, fixing unit 13, paper feeding unit 14, display unit 15, operation unit 16, transport unit 17, HDD 18, image processing unit 19, image memory 20, facsimile communication unit 21, and communication unit 22, etc.

[0028] In this embodiment, the control unit 100, document transport unit 6, image reading unit 11, display unit 15, operation unit 16, HDD 18, image processing unit 19, image memory 20, facsimile communication unit 21, and communication unit 22 function as an image reading device 2.

[0029] The HDD18 is a large-capacity storage device for storing various types of data. The HDD18 stores various control programs for realizing the general operation of the image forming apparatus 1. As part of the above-mentioned control programs, the HDD18 stores a first setting program for executing the first destination setting process described later.

[0030] HDD18 also stores a password for each folder and stores folder information in association with user information. Specifically, HDD18 pre-stores an address book 30, as shown in Figure 3, which associates user IDs and passwords as user information with folder names and paths as folder information. Note that HDD18 is an example of a storage unit in the claims.

[0031] The image processing unit 19 performs image processing on the image data generated by the image reading unit 11 as needed. The image memory 20 temporarily stores the image data generated by the image reading unit 11. The facsimile communication unit 21 transmits and receives image data via a public network.

[0032] The communication unit 22 includes a communication module such as a LAN (Local Area Network) board. The control unit 10 performs data communication with external devices such as a PC (Personal Computer) 23 connected via the network through the communication unit 22.

[0033] Each part of the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a power supply. When the user turns on the power, power is supplied from the power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0034] [Operation] The operation of the image forming apparatus 1 during the execution of the first destination setting process according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 4 to 10, etc.

[0035] When the power to the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, the control unit 10 displays the login screen 40 shown in Figure 4 on the display unit 15. When the touch panel 16B detects, for example, a user input operation on the software keyboard, the control unit 10 displays the entered string in boxes 42 and 44 on the display unit 15.

[0036] In this case, the control unit 10 displays the string "0001" in the box 42 indicating the user ID and the string "AA11" in the box 44 indicating the password on the display unit 15.

[0037] In this situation, when the touch panel 16B detects a user touch operation on key 46, the control unit 10 receives a login authentication instruction and determines whether the entered information (a combination of strings indicated by boxes 42 and 44) ​​matches any of the user information (a combination of user ID and password) indicated in the address book 30.

[0038] In this case, the control unit 10 determines that the entered information matches any of the user information shown in the address book 30 and allows the user to log in. On the other hand, if the control unit 10 determines that the entered information does not match any of the user information shown in the address book 30, it does not allow the user to log in.

[0039] When the control unit 10 allows the user to log in, it displays the home screen 50 shown in Figure 5 on the display unit 15. When the touch panel 16B detects the user's touch operation on the key 52 on the home screen 50, the control unit 10 accepts the instruction to select a scan function and displays the job selection screen 60 shown in Figure 6 on the display unit 15.

[0040] When the touch panel 16B detects a user touch operation on key 62 on the job selection screen 60, the control unit 10 accepts the instruction to select a transmission job and starts executing the first destination setting process shown in Figure 7. In the first destination setting process, the control unit 10 first displays the destination selection screen 80 shown in Figure 8 on the display unit 15 (step S10).

[0041] At this time, the control unit 10 displays a list 82 on the destination selection screen 80 on the display unit 15, showing the names and paths of the folders indicated in the address book 30. After the processing in step S10, the control unit 10 repeatedly determines that it has not received a selection instruction to choose one of the multiple restricted folders as the save destination until the key 86 on the destination selection screen 80 is touched (NO in step S11).

[0042] When the touch panel 16B detects a user touch on one of the multiple checkboxes 84 corresponding to each of the multiple folders, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display a check mark on the touched checkbox 84. Here, the control unit 10 displays a check mark on the display unit 15 for the checkbox 84 corresponding to the folder named "AA" and with the path "Path / FTP / 001".

[0043] With one of the multiple checkboxes 84 checked, when the touch panel 16B detects a user touch operation on the key 86, the control unit 10 determines that a folder selection instruction has been received (YES in step S11) and displays the password input screen 90 shown in Figure 9 on the display unit 15 (step S12).

[0044] After the processing in step S12, the control unit 10 repeatedly determines that it has not received a password authentication instruction until the key 94 on the password input screen 90 is touched (NO in step S13). When the touch panel 16B detects, for example, a user input operation on the software keyboard, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display the entered string (in this case, the string "AA11") in the box 92.

[0045] In this situation, when the touch panel 16B detects a user touch operation on the key 94, the control unit 10 determines that it has received a password authentication instruction (YES in step S13), retrieves the password corresponding to the folder indicated by the selection instruction (in this case, the password "AA11") from the address book 30, and determines whether the retrieved password matches the entered string (step S14).

[0046] In this case, the control unit 10 determines that the acquired password matches the entered string (YES in step S14) and displays the destination setting screen 101 shown in Figure 10 on the display unit 15 (step S15). At this time, the control unit 10 displays the list 102 showing the folders selected on the destination selection screen 80 on the destination setting screen 101 to the display unit 15.

[0047] After the processing in step S15, the control unit 10 repeatedly determines that it has not received a destination setting instruction until the key 104 on the destination setting screen 101 is touched (NO in step S16). In this situation, when the touch panel 16B detects a user touch operation on the key 104, the control unit 10 determines that it has received a setting instruction (YES in step S16) and sets the folder indicated in list 102 as the destination for the image file (step S17). After the processing in step S17, the control unit 10 terminates the first destination setting process.

[0048] On the other hand, if the control unit 10 determines that the acquired password does not match the entered string (NO in step S14), it displays an error screen on the display unit 15 indicating that the password is incorrect, without setting the folder indicated by the folder selection instruction as the destination for sending the image file (step S18). After processing in step S18, the control unit 10 terminates the first destination setting process.

[0049] Once the control unit 10 has set the destination for the image file as described above, it instructs the image reading unit 11 to read multiple originals or originals on the platen glass 7 that are being transported one by one by the original transport unit 6, and generates image data representing the original images.

[0050] The control unit 10 converts the generated image data into an image file in a predetermined file format (for example, PDF (Portable Document Format) format). The control unit 10 then sends the generated image file to the folder specified by the configured destination via the communication unit 22 using the SMB (Server Message Block) transmission function or the FTP (File Transfer Protocol) transmission function for storage.

[0051] According to the first embodiment, when the control unit 10 receives a selection instruction via the operation unit 16 to select one of a plurality of restricted folders as a save location, and the predetermined conditions for removing the restriction on the save location folder are met, the control unit 10 sets the folder indicated by the selection instruction as the save location for the image file and executes a process to save the image file to the set save location.

[0052] In this way, image files are saved to the folder selected by the user only if the predetermined conditions for lifting the restrictions on the destination folder are met. As a result, it becomes possible to prevent, for example, accidentally sending highly confidential image data to someone else's folder, thus improving security when setting destinations.

[0053] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when the control unit 10 receives a folder selection instruction, it displays a password input screen 90 on the display unit 15, and when a string is entered via the operation unit 16, it retrieves the password corresponding to the folder indicated by the selection instruction from the HDD 18, and if the retrieved password matches the entered string, it sets the folder indicated by the selection instruction as the save location for image files, and if the retrieved password does not match the entered string, it does not set the folder indicated by the selection instruction as the save location for image files.

[0054] In this way, multiple folders are password-protected, and image files are only saved to a folder if the user enters the pre-set password associated with that folder. This prevents users from saving image files to folders they do not have permission to access. As a result, it becomes even more reliable to prevent, for example, accidentally sending highly confidential image data to someone else's folder, thus further improving security when setting destinations.

[0055] (Second Embodiment) The following describes a second embodiment of the present invention, but the same configuration and operation as in the first embodiment will not be described again.

[0056] [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1] In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the HDD 18 stores a second setting program for executing a second destination setting process, which will be described later, instead of the first setting program described above.

[0057] [Operation] The operation of the image forming apparatus 1 during the execution of the second transmission destination setting process will be described below with reference to Figure 11.

[0058] The processes in steps S20, S21, 23 to 29 in the second destination setting process shown in Figure 11 are the same as the processes in steps S10 to 18 in the first destination setting process shown in Figure 7. The process in step S22 of the second destination setting process will now be explained.

[0059] In the second destination setting process, when the control unit 10 determines that it has received a folder selection instruction (YES in step S21), it determines whether the folder indicated by the folder information corresponding to the user information of the logged-in user in the address book 30 matches the folder indicated by the selection instruction (step S22).

[0060] If the control unit 10 determines that the folder indicated by the folder information does not match the folder indicated by the selection instruction (NO in step S22), it executes the processes from step S23 onwards. If the control unit 10 determines that the folder indicated by the folder information does match the folder indicated by the selection instruction (YES in step S22), it executes the processes from step S26 onwards without executing the processes from steps S23 to S25.

[0061] According to the second embodiment, the control unit 10 (i) displays the password input screen 90 on the display unit 15 if the information entered via the operation unit 16 matches the user information (i.e., login is permitted) and the folder indicated by the folder information corresponding to the logged-in user's user information does not match the folder indicated by the selection instruction. If the folder indicated by the folder information matches the folder indicated by the selection instruction, the control unit 10 sets the folder indicated by the selection instruction as the save location for the image file without displaying the password input screen 90 on the display unit 15. The control unit 10 (ii) does not set the save location for the image file if the information entered via the operation unit 16 does not match the user information (i.e., login is not permitted).

[0062] This allows logged-in users to save image data to their pre-associated folders without having to enter a password. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0063] (Third embodiment) The following describes a third embodiment of the present invention, but the same configuration and operation as in the first embodiment will not be described again.

[0064] [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1] In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the HDD 18 stores a third setting program for executing a third transmission destination setting process, which will be described later, instead of the first setting program described above.

[0065] [Operation] The operation of the image forming apparatus 1 during the execution of the third transmission destination setting process will be described below with reference to Figures 12 and 13.

[0066] The processes in steps S33 to S35 of the third destination setting process shown in Figure 12 are the same as the processes in steps S15 to S17 of the first destination setting process shown in Figure 7. The processes in steps S30 to S32 of the third destination setting process will now be explained.

[0067] In the third destination setting process, the control unit 10 first extracts folder information (folder name and path) corresponding to the logged-in user's user information from the address book 30 (step S30). After the processing in step S30, the control unit 10 displays the destination selection screen 130 shown in Figure 13 on the display unit 15 (step S31).

[0068] At this time, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 15 to display a list 132 showing folder information extracted from the address book 30 on the destination selection screen 130. In this way, the control unit 10 makes the folder indicated by the folder information corresponding to the logged-in user's user information among the multiple folders selectable as the save location for image files, while making the other folders unavailable as save locations for image files.

[0069] After the processing in step S31, the control unit 10 repeatedly determines that it has not received a folder selection instruction until the key 136 on the destination selection screen 130 is touched (NO in step S32). In this situation, when the touch panel 16B detects a user touch operation on the checkbox 134 corresponding to the extracted folder (in this case, one folder), the control unit 10 displays a check mark on the touched checkbox 134 on the display unit 15.

[0070] With a check mark displayed in the checkbox 134 corresponding to the extracted folder, when the touch panel 16B detects a user touch operation on the key 136, the control unit 10 determines that it has received a folder selection instruction (YES in step S32) and executes the processes from step S33 onwards.

[0071] According to the third embodiment, if the information input via the operation unit 16 matches the user information (i.e., login is permitted), the control unit 10 makes the folder indicated by the folder information corresponding to the logged-in user's user information among multiple folders selectable as the image file save location, while making the other folders unselectable as file save locations. If the information input via the operation unit 16 does not match the user information (i.e., login is not permitted), the control unit 10 does not set the image file save location.

[0072] In this way, access to multiple folders is restricted for non-logged-in users, and logged-in users can only save image files in their own folders, which are pre-associated with their user information. As a result, logged-in users cannot save image data outside of their own folders. Therefore, this prevents, for example, the accidental sending of highly confidential image data to someone else's folder, thus further improving security when setting destinations.

[0073] (Other variations) In the first to third embodiments, one folder information was associated with one user information in the address book 30, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. For example, multiple folder information may be associated with one user information.

[0074] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the password corresponding to a folder and the password for user information were set to be the same in the address book 30, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. For example, the password corresponding to a folder may be set separately and be different from the password for user information.

[0075] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, a color multifunction printer is used as the image forming apparatus 1, but this is merely one example, and other image forming apparatuses such as a monochrome multifunction printer, a copier, or a facsimile machine may be used.

[0076] Furthermore, the configuration and processing of the above embodiment shown with reference to Figures 1 to 13 are merely one embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to such configuration and processing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 2 Image reading device 10 Control Unit 11 Image reading unit 15 Display 16. Operations Department 18 HDD

Claims

1. An image reading unit that reads the original document and generates image data, A control panel where user instructions are entered, Image reading device comprising: a control unit that, when it receives a selection instruction via the operation unit to select one of a plurality of folders whose use is restricted as a save location, sets the folder indicated by the selection instruction as the save location for the image data and executes a process to save the image data to the set save location, if predetermined conditions for lifting the use restriction on the save location folder are met;

2. A memory unit that stores passwords for each folder, It further includes a display unit, The control unit, When the selection instruction is received via the operation unit, the password input screen is displayed on the display unit. When a string is input via the operation unit, the password corresponding to the folder indicated by the selection instruction is retrieved from the storage unit, and if the retrieved password matches the string, the folder indicated by the selection instruction is set as the save location for the image data. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein if the acquired password does not match the string, the folder indicated by the selection instruction is not set as the storage location for the image data.

3. It further includes a memory unit that stores folder information and user information in association, The control unit, (i) When the information input via the operation unit matches the user information, If the folder indicated by the folder information corresponding to the user information does not match the folder indicated by the selection instruction, the password input screen is displayed on the display unit. If the folder indicated by the folder information corresponding to the user information matches the folder indicated by the selection instruction, the folder indicated by the selection instruction is set as the save location for the image data without displaying the password input screen on the display unit. (ii) If the information input via the operation unit does not match the user information, the image reading device according to claim 2, wherein the storage location for the image data is not set.

4. It further includes a memory unit that stores folder information and user information in association, The control unit, If the information input via the operation unit matches the user information, the folder indicated by the folder information corresponding to the user information can be selected as the storage location for the image data from among the multiple folders, while the other folders cannot be selected as the storage location for the image data. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein if the information input via the operation unit does not match the user information, the setting of the storage location for the image data is not performed.

Images