Communication equipment, email transmission methods

Abstract

To provide a communication device and an email sending method that can prevent the recipient of an email from being exposed to the recipient of the BCC field. [Solution] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a transmission processing unit 37 that sends an email, a first reception processing unit 36 ​​that accepts a setting operation to set the destination type of the first recipient of the unsent email, a first setting processing unit 43 that sets whether or not to enable the encryption function for encrypting the email with S / MIME, and a prohibition processing unit 44 that prohibits the acceptance of the setting operation by the first reception processing unit 36 ​​to set the destination type of the first recipient to BCC when the encryption function is enabled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device and an email transmission method.

Background Art

[0002] A communication device capable of encrypting an email with S / MIME and transmitting the encrypted email is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Incidentally, when the email is encrypted with S / MIME and transmitted, information generated from the certificate of each destination corresponding to the respective destination of the email is embedded in the body of the email. Therefore, when the email encrypted with S / MIME is transmitted to a plurality of destinations including a destination set as BCC, there is a risk that the destination set as BCC will be leaked to the recipient of the email.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a communication device and an email transmission method capable of suppressing leakage of a destination set as BCC to a recipient of an email.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A communication device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a transmission processing unit, a first reception processing unit, a first setting processing unit, and a prohibition processing unit. The transmission processing unit transmits an email. The first reception processing unit accepts a setting operation to set the recipient type of the first recipient of the unsent email. The first setting processing unit sets whether or not to enable the encryption function for encrypting the email with S / MIME. When the encryption function is enabled, the prohibition processing unit prohibits either or both of the following: the acceptance of the setting operation by the first reception processing unit to set the recipient type of the first recipient to BCC, and the transmission processing unit to transmit the email including the first recipient whose recipient type is set to BCC.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an email transmission method which includes a transmission step, an acceptance step, a setting step, and a prohibition step. In the transmission step, an email is transmitted. In the acceptance step, a setting operation is accepted to set the recipient type of the first recipient of the unsent email. In the setting step, the encryption function for encrypting the email with S / MIME is enabled or disabled. In the prohibition step, if the encryption function is enabled, either or both of the following are prohibited: acceptance of the setting operation by the acceptance step to set the recipient type of the first recipient to BCC, and transmission of the email including the first recipient whose recipient type is set to BCC by the transmission step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the recipient of an email from being exposed to the recipients of the BCC field. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a destination setting screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows an example of an address input screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a destination setting screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a destination setting screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a destination setting screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of an address book display screen displayed by an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a destination setting screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a first detailed display screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a destination setting screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a first detailed display screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a transmission history display screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a second detailed display screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of a destination setting screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of a destination setting screen displayed on an information processing device that is communicatively connected to an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of an execution status display screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a job status display screen displayed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a third detailed display screen displayed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a job status display screen displayed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a fourth detailed display screen displayed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of an advanced setting screen displayed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen displayed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of an advanced setting screen displayed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a destination setting screen displayed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen displayed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a first destination setting process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of a first setting operation receiving process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of a second destination setting process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an example of a second setting operation receiving process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30]Figure 30 is a flowchart showing an example of a third destination setting process performed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a flowchart showing an example of a third setting operation reception process performed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a flowchart showing an example of the encryption function switching process performed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] Figure 33 shows an example of a first detailed display screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] Figure 34 shows an example of a destination setting screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] Figure 35 shows an example of a job status display screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] Figure 36 shows an example of a job status display screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] Figure 37 shows an example of an execution status display screen displayed in an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0011] [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1] First, with reference to Figure 1, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] Image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction device having multiple functions, including a scanning function for reading images from original documents, a printing function for forming images based on image data, a fax function, and a copying function. Image forming apparatus 1 is an example of the communication device of the present invention. The communication device of the present invention may be an image processing device such as a scanner, a fax machine, and a copier. Furthermore, the communication device of the present invention may be an information processing device such as a personal computer, a notebook computer, a smartphone, and a tablet terminal.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 comprises an ADF 11, an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, an operation display unit 15, a storage unit 16, a communication unit 17, and a control unit 18.

[0014] The ADF11 transports the document whose image is read by the image reading unit 12. The ADF11 includes a document setting unit, multiple transport rollers, a document holder, and a paper output unit.

[0015] The image reading unit 12 implements the scanning function. The image reading unit 12 includes a document glass, a light source, multiple mirrors, an optical lens, and a CCD.

[0016] The image forming unit 13 implements the printing function. For example, the image forming unit 13 forms an image on a sheet supplied by the paper feeding unit 14 using an electrophotographic method. For example, the image forming unit 13 comprises a plurality of image forming units, an optical scanning device, an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, a fixing device, and a paper output tray. The image forming unit 13 may also form an image on a sheet supplied by the paper feeding unit 14 using other image forming methods, such as an inkjet method.

[0017] The paper feeding unit 14 supplies sheets to the image forming unit 13. The paper feeding unit 14 includes a paper feed cassette, a manual feed tray, and a plurality of transport rollers.

[0018] The operation display unit 15 is the user interface of the image forming apparatus 1. The operation display unit 15 comprises a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit displays various information in response to control instructions from the control unit 18. For example, the display unit is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit inputs various information to the control unit 18 in response to user operations. For example, the operation unit includes operation keys and a touch panel.

[0019] The memory unit 16 is a non-volatile storage device. For example, the memory unit 16 is a storage device such as a non-volatile memory like flash memory, an SSD (solid state drive), or an HDD (hard disk drive).

[0020] The communication unit 17 is a communication interface that performs wired or wireless data communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and an external device that is connected to it in a communicative manner.

[0021] The control unit 18 comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 18 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, and a RAM 23. The CPU 21 is a processor that performs various arithmetic operations. The ROM 22 is a non-volatile memory device in which information such as control programs for causing the CPU 21 to perform various operations is pre-stored. The RAM 23 is a volatile or non-volatile memory device used as temporary storage memory (work area) for the various operations performed by the CPU 21. The CPU 21 executes the various control programs pre-stored in the ROM 22. This allows for comprehensive control of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0022] The image forming apparatus 1 can send images of documents scanned by the scanning function as email attachments.

[0023] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 has email addresses and address groups containing one or more email addresses pre-registered. Specifically, the storage unit 16 stores an address book containing email addresses and the aforementioned address groups.

[0024] [Functional configuration of the control unit 18] Next, with reference to Figure 1, the functional configuration of the control unit 18 that realizes the email sending function will be described.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 18 includes a fifth reception processing unit 31, a sixth reception processing unit 32, a second reception processing unit 33, a first display processing unit 34, a second setting processing unit 35, a first reception processing unit 36, a transmission processing unit 37, a fourth display processing unit 38, a fourth reception processing unit 39, a third display processing unit 40, a third reception processing unit 41, a second display processing unit 42, a first setting processing unit 43, a prohibition processing unit 44, and an erase processing unit 45.

[0026] Specifically, the ROM 22 of the control unit 18 contains a pre-stored email sending program that causes the CPU 21 to function as one of the aforementioned processing units. The control unit 18 then functions as one of the aforementioned processing units by executing the email sending program stored in the ROM 22.

[0027] The email sending program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or flash memory, and may be read from the recording medium and stored in a storage device such as the storage unit 16. Furthermore, some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 18 may be composed of electronic circuits. Also, the email sending program may be a program that causes multiple processors to function as individual processing units included in the control unit 18.

[0028] The fifth reception processing unit 31 accepts the address input operation, in which the user enters an email address.

[0029] For example, in the image forming apparatus 1, the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 2 is displayed on the operation display unit 15 in response to predetermined user operations on the operation display unit 15. The destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 2 includes a destination tab X11, an advanced setting tab X12, operation keys X13, X14, X15, and X16. In Figure 2, the destination tab X11 is shown as selected by inverted text.

[0030] For example, the fifth reception processing unit 31 displays the address input screen X20 shown in Figure 3 on the operation display unit 15 in response to a user operation on the operation key X13 included in the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 2. The address input screen X20 shown in Figure 3 includes an input address display field X21, a software keyboard X22, operation keys X23 and X24, etc. The input address display field X21 displays the email address to be entered. The software keyboard X22 is used to input characters into the input address display field X21. Operation key X23 is used for the address input operation. Operation key X24 is used to input an instruction to end the display of the address input screen X20.

[0031] The sixth reception processing unit 32 accepts a registered address specification operation, which specifies an email address included in the address book.

[0032] Furthermore, the sixth reception processing unit 32 accepts an address group specification operation that specifies the address group included in the address book.

[0033] For example, the sixth reception processing unit 32 displays the address book display screen X40 shown in Figure 7 on the operation display unit 15 in response to a user operation on the operation key X14 included in the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 2. The address book display screen X40 shown in Figure 7 includes an address book display area X41, operation keys X42 and X43, etc. The address book display area X41 displays a part of the address book in list format. In the address book display area X41 shown in Figure 7, two address groups ("g_without_mail" and "g_with_mail") and two email addresses ("1@mail" and "2@mail") are displayed. Note that the address book also includes email addresses and addresses other than the address groups. Each address displayed in the address book display area X41 has a checkbox X44 (see Figure 7) attached to it. The checkbox X44 is used for temporary address assignment. Operation key X42 is used for specifying addresses, that is, for the registered address specification operation and the address group specification operation. Operation key X43 is used to input the instruction to end the display of the address book display screen X40. The user can arbitrarily switch the addresses displayed in the address book display area X41 by performing a predetermined operation on the address book display screen X40.

[0034] The second reception processing unit 33 displays each of the previously sent emails on the operation display unit 15 and accepts a first email designation operation in which the displayed previously sent email is designated.

[0035] Furthermore, the second reception processing unit 33 accepts the first email specification operation, as well as a second email specification operation that specifies the email that has already been sent using a method different from the first email specification operation.

[0036] For example, the second reception processing unit 33 displays the transmission history display screen X70 shown in Figure 12 on the operation display unit 15 in response to a user operation on the operation key X15 included in the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 2. The transmission history display screen X70 shown in Figure 12 includes a transmission history display area X71, operation key X73, and operation key X74. In the transmission history display area X71, each of the sent emails is displayed in list format along with a detail display key X72 (see Figure 12). The detail display key X72 is used for the second email specification operation. The transmission history display area X71 accepts an operation to tentatively specify the sent emails. In Figure 12, the tentatively specified sent emails are highlighted. Operation key X73 is used for final specification of the sent emails, i.e., the first email specification operation. Operation key X74 is used to input an instruction to end the display of the transmission history display screen X70.

[0037] The first display processing unit 34, in response to the second email specification operation, displays each of the recipients included in the sent email specified by the second email specification operation (hereinafter referred to as "second recipients") along with the recipient type on the operation display unit 15.

[0038] For example, the first display processing unit 34 displays the second detailed display screen X80 shown in Figure 13 on the operation display unit 15 in response to a user operation (the second email specification operation) on the detailed display key X72 corresponding to the inverted sent email among the four sent emails included in the transmission history display screen X70 shown in Figure 12. The second detailed display screen X80 shown in Figure 13 includes a detailed display area X81 and an operation key X82. In the detailed display area X81, each of the second recipients included in the sent email specified using the detailed display key X72 is displayed in list format along with an icon image X32 (see Figure 13) indicating the recipient type of the second recipient. The operation key X82 is used to input an instruction to end the display of the second detailed display screen X80.

[0039] The second setting processing unit 35, in response to an address specification operation in which an email address is specified, sets the email address specified by the address specification operation as the recipient of the unsent email (hereinafter referred to as the "first recipient"), and sets the TO as the recipient type of the first recipient.

[0040] Specifically, the addressing operation includes the address input operation and the registered addressing operation.

[0041] For example, the second setting processing unit 35, in response to the address input operation (an operation on the operation key X23 while an email address is displayed in the input address display field X21) received on the address input screen X20 shown in Figure 3, sets the email address entered by the address input operation (the email address displayed in the input address display field X21) as the first destination, and sets TO as the destination type of the first destination.

[0042] Furthermore, the second setting processing unit 35, in response to the address group specification operation that specifies the address group, sets each email address included in the address group specified by the address group specification operation as the first destination, and sets the TO as the destination type for each of the first destinations collectively.

[0043] For example, the second setting processing unit 35, in response to the address group specification operation (an operation on the operation key X42 while the address group is provisionally specified) received on the address book display screen X40 shown in Figure 7, sets each email address included in the address group "g_with_mail" specified using the checkbox X44 as the first destination, and simultaneously sets the TO as the destination type for each of the first destinations.

[0044] Furthermore, the second setting processing unit 35, in response to the first email specification operation, sets each of the second recipients included in the sent email specified by the first email specification operation as the first recipient, and sets the recipient type of each of the first recipients to be the same as the recipient type of the second recipient corresponding to the first recipient.

[0045] For example, the second setting processing unit 35, in response to the first email specification operation (an operation on the operation key X73 while the sent email has been provisionally specified) received on the transmission history display screen X70 shown in Figure 12, sets each of the second recipients included in the inverted sent email as the first recipient, and sets the recipient type of each of the first recipients to be the same as the recipient type of the second recipient corresponding to the first recipient.

[0046] The first reception processing unit 36 ​​accepts a setting operation to set the recipient type of the first recipient of the unsent email.

[0047] For example, the first reception processing unit 36 ​​displays each of the first destinations set according to the address specification operation, along with the destination type, on the operation display unit 15 (an example of a display unit of the present invention), and accepts the setting operation for each of the first destinations.

[0048] For example, the first reception processing unit 36 ​​displays the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 4 on the operation display unit 15 in response to the address input operation (an operation on the operation key X23 while an email address is displayed in the input address display field X21) received on the address input screen X20 shown in Figure 3. The destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 4 includes a destination display field X31. The destination display field X31 displays the first destination set by the second setting processing unit 35. The destination display field X31 also includes an icon image X32 indicating the destination type of the first destination, and a destination type setting key X33 used for the setting operation. The destination type setting key X33 displays the current destination type of the first destination.

[0049] For example, the first reception processing unit 36 ​​displays the destination type selection area X34 shown in Figure 5 on the operation display unit 15 in response to the setting operation (operation on the destination type setting key X33) received on the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 4. The destination type selection area X34 accepts the user's operation to select the changed destination type. For example, in the destination type selection area X34 shown in Figure 5, the user can select either CC or BCC as the changed destination type.

[0050] For example, when the first reception processing unit 36 ​​receives an operation from a user to select BCC in the destination type selection area X34 shown in Figure 5, it displays the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 6 on the operation display unit 15. In the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 6, the fact that the destination type of the first destination has been changed to BCC is indicated by an icon image X32 and a destination type setting key X33.

[0051] Furthermore, the first reception processing unit 36 ​​displays each destination group, which includes one or more of the first destinations set in accordance with the address group specification operation, along with the destination type set collectively on the operation display unit 15, and accepts the setting operation to set the destination type of each of the first destinations included in each destination group collectively.

[0052] For example, the first reception processing unit 36 ​​displays the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 8 on the operation display unit 15 in response to the address group specification operation (an operation on the operation key X42 while the address group is provisionally specified) received on the address book display screen X40 shown in Figure 7. The destination display field X31 shown in Figure 8 displays the destination group ("g_with_mail") composed of the first destinations set by the second setting processing unit 35. The icon image X32 shown in Figure 8 displays the destination type of each of the first destinations included in the destination group. The destination display field X31 shown in Figure 8 includes a detail display key X51.

[0053] Here, the first reception processing unit 36 ​​displays each of the first destinations included in the destination group specified by the destination group specification operation on the operation display unit 15, along with the destination type, in response to the destination group specification operation that specifies the destination group displayed on the operation display unit 15. This allows the user to confirm each of the first destinations included in the destination group.

[0054] For example, the destination group specification operation is an operation on the detailed display key X51 shown in Figure 8.

[0055] For example, the first reception processing unit 36 ​​displays the first detailed display screen X60 shown in Figure 9 on the operation display unit 15 in response to the destination group specification operation (operation on the detailed display key X51) received on the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 8. The first detailed display screen X60 shown in Figure 9 includes a detailed display area X61 and operation keys X62, etc. In the detailed display area X61, each of the first destinations included in the destination group is displayed in list format along with an icon image X32 (see Figure 9) indicating the destination type of the first destination. In the detailed display area X61 shown in Figure 9, three email addresses ("1@mail", "2@mail", and "3@mail") are displayed. Note that the destination group also includes addresses other than email addresses. Operation key X62 is used to input an instruction to end the display of the first detailed display screen X60.

[0056] For example, the first reception processing unit 36 ​​displays the destination type selection area X34 (see Figure 5) on the operation display unit 15 in response to the setting operation (operation on the destination type setting key X33) received on the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 8. Then, the first reception processing unit 36 ​​sets the destination type for each of the first destinations included in the destination group ("g_with_mail") displayed in the destination display field X31 (see Figure 8) in response to the user's operation in the destination type selection area X34. For example, when the first reception processing unit 36 ​​receives a user operation to select CC in the destination type selection area X34, it displays the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 10 on the operation display unit 15. Also, when the first reception processing unit 36 ​​receives a user operation on the detailed display key X51 on the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 10, it displays the first detailed display screen X60 shown in Figure 11 on the operation display unit 15.

[0057] Furthermore, the first reception processing unit 36 ​​displays each of the first recipients set in accordance with the first email specification operation, along with the recipient type, on the operation display unit 15, and accepts the setting operation for each of the first recipients.

[0058] For example, the first reception processing unit 36 ​​displays the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 14 on the operation display unit 15 in response to the first email specification operation (an operation on the operation key X73 when the previously sent email has been provisionally specified) received on the transmission history display screen X70 shown in Figure 12. The operation key X16 shown in Figures 2 and 14 is used for the first email specification operation to specify the previously sent email that was sent last.

[0059] Here, the first reception processing unit 36, when a first destination is set in response to a user operation on the operation display unit 15 (an example of the first display unit of the present invention), displays each of the set first destinations on the operation display unit 15 and accepts the setting operation to set the destination type for each first destination to one of TO, CC, or BCC.

[0060] Furthermore, when the first destination is set in response to a user operation on the operation display unit (an example of the second display unit of the present invention) of another communication device such as a personal computer that is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus 1, the first reception processing unit 36 ​​displays each of the set first destinations on the operation display unit and accepts the setting operation to set the destination type to one or more of TO, CC, and BCC for each first destination.

[0061] For example, when the address specification operation is received by the operation display unit of the external information processing device, the first reception processing unit 36 ​​displays the destination setting screen X90 shown in Figure 15 on the operation display unit. In the destination setting screen X90 shown in Figure 15, each of the first destinations set in accordance with the address specification operation is displayed in a list format along with checkboxes X91 corresponding to TO, checkboxes X91 corresponding to CC, and checkboxes X91 corresponding to BCC. Each checkbox X91 is used to turn on or off the setting of the corresponding destination type.

[0062] The transmission processing unit 37 sends the email.

[0063] For example, the transmission processing unit 37 executes a transmission process when the first destination is set and a user operation is received on the start key (not shown) included in the operation display unit 15. In the transmission process, a reading process is performed to read the image of the document using the image reading unit 12, the image of the document read by the reading process is attached to the email, and the email with the attached image of the document is sent to each of the first destinations. The image reading unit 12 reads the image of the document to be attached to the email in response to the input of an instruction to send the email (operation on the start key).

[0064] The fourth display processing unit 38 displays one of the first recipients included in the email to be sent on the operation display unit 15 while the image reading unit 12 is reading the image of the document.

[0065] For example, the fourth display processing unit 38 displays the execution status display screen X100 shown in Figure 16 on the operation display unit 15 while the image reading unit 12 is reading an image of the document. The execution status display screen X100 is a screen for displaying information about the job that is currently running. The execution status display screen X100 shown in Figure 16 includes a destination display area X101. The destination display area X101 displays one of the first destinations included in the email to be sent.

[0066] The fourth reception processing unit 39 displays each of the emails currently being sent on the operation display unit 15 and accepts a fourth email designation operation to designate the displayed email that is currently being sent.

[0067] For example, the fourth reception processing unit 39 displays the job status display screen X110 shown in Figure 17 on the operation display unit 15 in accordance with predetermined user operations on the operation display unit 15. The job status display screen X110 shown in Figure 17 includes a send job tab X111, a status key X112, a log key X113, a running job display area X114, and a detail display key X115. In Figure 17, the job status display screen X110 is shown with the send job tab X111 selected. Also in Figure 17, the status key X112 is shown to be selected by inverted text. In the running job display area X114, each of the emails being sent is displayed along with the detail display key X115. The detail display key X115 is used for the fourth email specification operation.

[0068] The third display processing unit 40, in response to the fourth email specification operation, displays each of the recipients included in the email being sent (hereinafter referred to as the "third recipient") specified by the fourth email specification operation, along with the recipient type, on the operation display unit 15.

[0069] For example, the third display processing unit 40 displays the third detailed display screen X120 shown in Figure 18 on the operation display unit 15 in response to the fourth email specification operation (operation on the detailed display key X115) received on the job status display screen X110 shown in Figure 17. The third detailed display screen X120 shown in Figure 18 includes a detailed display area X121 and operation keys X122, etc. In the detailed display area X121, each of the third recipients included in the email being sent, specified using the detailed display key X115, is displayed in list format along with an icon image X32 (see Figure 18) indicating the recipient type of the third recipient. Operation key X122 is used to input an instruction to end the display of the third detailed display screen X120.

[0070] The third reception processing unit 41 displays each of the previously sent emails on the operation display unit 15 and accepts a third email designation operation in which the displayed previously sent email is designated.

[0071] For example, when the third reception processing unit 41 receives a user operation on the log key X113 on the job status display screen X110 shown in Figure 17, it displays the completed job display area X131 shown in Figure 19 on the operation display unit 15. In Figure 19, the selected state of the log key X113 is indicated by an inverted display. In the completed job display area X131, each of the sent emails is displayed along with the detail display key X132. The detail display key X132 is used for the third email specification operation.

[0072] The second display processing unit 42, in response to the third email specification operation, displays each of the second recipients included in the sent email specified by the third email specification operation, along with the recipient type, on the operation display unit 15.

[0073] For example, the second display processing unit 42 displays the fourth detailed display screen X140 shown in Figure 20 on the operation display unit 15 in response to the third email specification operation (operation on the detailed display key X132) received in the completed job display area X131 shown in Figure 19. The fourth detailed display screen X140 shown in Figure 20 includes the detailed display area X141 and the operation key X142. In the detailed display area X141, each of the second recipients included in the sent email specified using the detailed display key X132 is displayed in list format along with an icon image X32 (see Figure 20) indicating the recipient type of the second recipient. The operation key X142 is used to input an instruction to end the display of the fourth detailed display screen X140.

[0074] The first configuration processing unit 43 sets whether or not to enable the encryption function for encrypting the email using S / MIME.

[0075] For example, in the image forming apparatus 1, the advanced settings screen X150 shown in Figure 21 is displayed on the operation display unit 15 in response to the user's operation on the advanced settings tab X12 included in the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 2. The advanced settings screen X150 shown in Figure 21 includes an operation key X151. The operation key X151 displays information indicating whether the encryption function is currently enabled or not.

[0076] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1, when a user operation is received for operation key X151 on the advanced setting screen X150 shown in Figure 21, the confirmation screen X160 shown in Figure 22 is displayed on the operation display unit 15. The confirmation screen X160 shown in Figure 22 includes a message to the user, as well as operation keys X161 and X162. Operation key X161 is used for a function switching operation to switch the encryption function between enabled and disabled. Operation key X162 is used to input an instruction to end the display of the confirmation screen X160.

[0077] The first setting processing unit 43 switches the encryption function on or off in response to the function switching operation (operation on operation key X161) received on the confirmation screen X160 shown in Figure 22.

[0078] For example, in the image forming apparatus 1, when the function switching operation is accepted on the confirmation screen X160 shown in Figure 22, and the encryption function is switched from disabled to enabled, the advanced settings screen X150 shown in Figure 23 is displayed. The operation key X151 included in Figure 23 displays information indicating that the encryption function is currently enabled.

[0079] Incidentally, when the aforementioned email is encrypted and sent using S / MIME, the body of the email contains information generated from the certificate of each of the aforementioned first recipients of the email. Therefore, if the aforementioned email encrypted with S / MIME is sent to multiple aforementioned first recipients, including those set in the BCC field, there is a risk that the recipients of the email may be exposed to the information of the aforementioned first recipients set in the BCC field.

[0080] In contrast, the image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention can prevent the first recipient, which is set as BCC, from being leaked to the recipient of the email, as will be explained below.

[0081] The prohibition processing unit 44 prohibits the acceptance of the setting operation by the first reception processing unit 36 ​​to set the destination type of the first destination to BCC when the encryption function is enabled.

[0082] For example, when the encryption function is enabled, the prohibition processing unit 44 restricts the destination types displayed in the destination type selection area X34 (hides BCC) as shown in Figure 24. In other words, it prohibits accepting user operations to select BCC in the destination type selection area X34.

[0083] Furthermore, the prohibition processing unit 44 prohibits accepting the first email specification operation, which specifies the sent email including the second recipient whose recipient type is set to BCC, when the encryption function is enabled.

[0084] For example, when the encryption function is enabled, the prohibition processing unit 44 prohibits the display of the sent email, including the second recipient whose recipient type is set to BCC, on the transmission history display screen X70 (see Figure 12).

[0085] Furthermore, if the encryption function is enabled in the image forming apparatus 1, the display of the sent emails, including the second recipient for whom the certificate is not available, on the transmission history display screen X70 (see Figure 12) is also prohibited.

[0086] When the encryption function is changed from disabled to enabled by the first setting processing unit 43, the erase processing unit 45 erases at least the first destinations whose destination type is set to BCC among the configured first destinations.

[0087] For example, the erase processing unit 45 erases all of the configured first destinations when the encryption function is changed from disabled to enabled by the first setting processing unit 43.

[0088] Here, in the image forming apparatus 1, when the function switching operation is accepted on the confirmation screen X160 shown in Figure 22 and the encryption function is switched from disabled to enabled, and there is a first destination whose destination type is set to BCC, the switching of the encryption function by the first setting processing unit 43 is reserved, and the message display area X171 shown in Figure 25 is displayed on the operation display unit 15. The message display area X171 displays a message indicating that all of the set first destinations will be erased when the encryption function is set from disabled to enabled, along with operation keys X172 and X173. Operation key X172 is used to input an instruction to allow the first setting processing unit 43 to switch the encryption function. Operation key X173 is used to input an instruction to deny the switching of the encryption function by the first setting processing unit 43.

[0089] Furthermore, if the encryption function is changed from disabled to enabled by the first setting processing unit 43, the erasure processing unit 45 may erase only the first destination whose destination type is set to BCC from among the configured first destinations.

[0090] [First destination setting process] The following describes an example of the procedure for the first destination setting process executed by the control unit 18 in the image forming apparatus 1, with reference to Figure 26. Here, steps S11, S12, etc., represent the numbers of the processing procedures (steps) executed by the control unit 18. The first destination setting process is executed when a user operation is received for the operation key X13 on the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 2.

[0091] <Step S11> First, in step S11, the control unit 18 displays the address input screen X20 shown in Figure 3 on the operation display unit 15. The processing in step S11 is performed by the fifth reception processing unit 31 of the control unit 18.

[0092] <Step S12> In step S12, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the address input operation has been received on the address input screen X20 shown in Figure 3.

[0093] Here, if the control unit 18 determines that the address input operation has been received (Yes side of S12), it proceeds to step S13. If the address input operation has not been received (No side of S12), the control unit 18 waits for the address input operation to be received in step S12.

[0094] <Step S13> In step S13, the control unit 18 sets the email address entered in the address input operation as the first destination, and sets the TO as the destination type for the first destination. The processing in step S13 is performed by the second setting processing unit 35 of the control unit 18.

[0095] <Step S14> In step S14, the control unit 18 executes the first setting operation acceptance process described below.

[0096] [First setting operation acceptance processing] Next, with reference to Figure 27, an example of the procedure for the first setting operation acceptance process performed in step S14 of the first destination setting process will be described, along with a partial example of the email sending method of the present invention.

[0097] <Step S21> First, in step S21, the control unit 18 displays a destination setting screen X10 (see Figure 4) on the operation display unit 15, which includes a destination display field X31 corresponding to the first destination set according to the address input operation. The processing in step S21 is an example of the reception step of the present invention and is executed by the first reception processing unit 36 ​​of the control unit 18.

[0098] <Step S22> In step S22, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the setting operation (operation on the destination type setting key X33) has been received on the destination setting screen X10.

[0099] If the control unit 18 determines that it has received the setting operation (Yes in S22), it proceeds to step S23. If it has not received the setting operation (No in S22), the control unit 18 proceeds to step S27.

[0100] <Step S23> In step S23, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the encryption function is enabled.

[0101] If the control unit 18 determines that the encryption function is enabled (Yes in S23), it proceeds to step S24. If the encryption function is not enabled (No in S23), the control unit 18 proceeds to step S25.

[0102] <Step S24> In step S24, the control unit 18 restricts the destination type displayed in the destination type selection area X34, which is displayed according to the setting operation, to TO or CC (see Figures 5 and 24). This prevents the user from selecting BCC. The processing in step S24 is an example of the prohibition step of the present invention and is executed by the prohibition processing unit 44 of the control unit 18.

[0103] <Step S25> In step S25, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the user has made an operation to select the changed destination type in the destination type selection area X34.

[0104] Here, if the control unit 18 determines that it has received an operation from the user to select the changed destination type (Yes side of S25), it moves the process to step S26. If it has not received an operation from the user to select the changed destination type (No side of S25), the control unit 18 waits for an operation from the user to select the changed destination type in step S25.

[0105] <Step S26> In step S26, the control unit 18 sets the destination type in accordance with the user's operation to select the changed destination type.

[0106] <Step S27> In step S27, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the instruction to send the email has been received.

[0107] Specifically, the control unit 18 determines that an instruction to send the email has been entered when the first destination is set and a user operation is received on the start key (not shown) included in the operation display unit 15.

[0108] If the control unit 18 determines that an instruction to send the email has been received (Yes in S27), it proceeds to step S28. If no instruction to send the email has been received (No in S27), the control unit 18 proceeds to step S22.

[0109] <Step S28> In step S28, the control unit 18 executes the transmission process. The process in step S28 is an example of the transmission step of the present invention and is executed by the transmission processing unit 37 of the control unit 18.

[0110] [Second destination setting process] Next, with reference to Figure 28, an example of the procedure for the second destination setting process executed by the control unit 18 in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The second destination setting process is executed when a user operation is received for the operation key X14 on the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 2.

[0111] <Step S31> First, in step S31, the control unit 18 displays the address book display screen X40 (see Figure 7) on the operation display unit 15. The processing in step S31 is performed by the sixth reception processing unit 32 of the control unit 18.

[0112] <Step S32> In step S32, the control unit 18 determines whether the registered address specification operation or the address group specification operation has been accepted on the address book display screen X40.

[0113] Here, if the control unit 18 determines that the registration address specification operation or the address group specification operation has been accepted (Yes side of S32), it proceeds to step S33. If the registration address specification operation or the address group specification operation has not been accepted (No side of S32), the control unit 18 waits in step S32 for the registration address specification operation or the address group specification operation to be accepted.

[0114] <Step S33> In step S33, the control unit 18 sets the first destination in accordance with the operation received in step S32. Specifically, in accordance with the registered address specification operation received in step S32, the control unit 18 sets the email address specified by the registered address specification operation as the first destination and sets the TO as the destination type for the first destination. In addition, in accordance with the address group specification operation received in step S32, the control unit 18 sets each of the email addresses included in the address group specified by the address group specification operation as the first destination and sets the TO as the destination type for each of the first destinations collectively. The processing in step S33 is performed by the second setting processing unit 35 of the control unit 18.

[0115] <Step S34> In step S34, the control unit 18 executes the second setting operation acceptance process described below.

[0116] [Second setting operation acceptance processing] Next, with reference to Figure 29, another example of the email sending method of the present invention will be described, along with an example of the procedure for the second setting operation acceptance process performed in step S34 of the second destination setting process.

[0117] <Step S41> First, in step S41, the control unit 18 displays a destination setting screen X10 (see Figure 8) on the operation display unit 15, which includes a destination display field X31 corresponding to the first destination set by the registration address specification operation, or the destination group set according to the address group specification operation. The processing in step S41 is another example of the reception step of the present invention and is executed by the first reception processing unit 36 ​​of the control unit 18.

[0118] <Step S42> In step S42, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the setting operation (operation on the destination type setting key X33) has been received on the destination setting screen X10.

[0119] If the control unit 18 determines that it has received the setting operation (Yes side of S42), it proceeds to step S43. If it has not received the setting operation (No side of S42), the control unit 18 proceeds to step S47.

[0120] <Step S43> In step S43, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the encryption function is enabled.

[0121] If the control unit 18 determines that the encryption function is enabled (Yes in S43), it proceeds to step S44. If the encryption function is not enabled (No in S43), the control unit 18 proceeds to step S45.

[0122] <Step S44> In step S44, the control unit 18 restricts the destination type displayed in the destination type selection area X34, which is displayed according to the setting operation, to TO or CC (see Figures 5 and 24). The processing in step S44 is another example of the prohibition step of the present invention and is performed by the prohibition processing unit 44 of the control unit 18.

[0123] <Step S45> In step S45, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the user has made an operation to select the changed destination type in the destination type selection area X34.

[0124] Here, if the control unit 18 determines that it has received an operation from the user to select the changed destination type (Yes side of S45), it proceeds to step S46. If it has not received an operation from the user to select the changed destination type (No side of S45), the control unit 18 waits for an operation from the user to select the changed destination type in step S45.

[0125] <Step S46> In step S46, the control unit 18 sets the destination type in response to the user's operation to select the changed destination type. Specifically, if the control unit 18 receives an operation on the destination type setting key X33 included in the destination display field X31 where the first destination is displayed, it sets the destination type for the first destination. Also, if the control unit 18 receives an operation on the destination type setting key X33 included in the destination display field X31 where the destination group is displayed, it sets the destination type for each of the first destinations included in the destination group all at once.

[0126] <Step S47> In step S47, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the destination group specification operation has been accepted.

[0127] Specifically, the control unit 18 determines that the destination group specification operation has been accepted when it receives a user operation on the detailed display key X51 (see Figure 8) included in the destination display field X31 where the destination group is displayed.

[0128] If the control unit 18 determines that the destination group specification operation has been accepted (Yes side of S47), it proceeds to step S48. If the destination group specification operation has not been accepted (No side of S47), the control unit 18 proceeds to step S49.

[0129] <Step S48> In step S48, the control unit 18 displays a first detailed display screen X60 (see Figure 9) on the operation display unit 15, which includes each of the first destinations included in the destination group specified by the destination group designation operation. The control unit 18 also moves the process to step S49 in response to an input of an instruction to end the display of the first detailed display screen X60. The process in step S48 is executed by the first reception processing unit 36 ​​of the control unit 18.

[0130] <Step S49> In step S49, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the instruction to send the email has been input.

[0131] If the control unit 18 determines that an instruction to send the email has been received (Yes in S49), it proceeds to step S50. If no instruction to send the email has been received (No in S49), the control unit 18 proceeds to step S42.

[0132] <Step S50> In step S50, the control unit 18 executes the transmission process. The process in step S50 is another example of the transmission step of the present invention, and is executed by the transmission processing unit 37 of the control unit 18.

[0133] [Third Destination Setting Process] Next, with reference to Figure 30, an example of the procedure for the third destination setting process executed by the control unit 18 in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The third destination setting process is executed when a user operation is received for the operation key X15 on the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 2.

[0134] <Step S61> First, in step S61, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the encryption function is enabled.

[0135] If the control unit 18 determines that the encryption function is enabled (Yes in S61), it proceeds to step S62. If the encryption function is not enabled (No in S61), the control unit 18 proceeds to step S63.

[0136] <Step S62> In step S62, the control unit 18 displays a transmission history display screen X70 (see Figure 12) on the operation display unit 15, which includes all sent emails except those sent to the second recipient whose recipient type is set to BCC. In other words, sent emails including the second recipient whose recipient type is set to BCC are excluded from the display. This makes it possible to avoid setting the recipient type of the first recipient to BCC in response to the first email specification operation when the encryption function is enabled. Of the processing in step S62, the processing of excluding sent emails including the second recipient whose recipient type is set to BCC from the display is performed by the prohibition processing unit 44 of the control unit 18.

[0137] <Step S63> In step S63, the control unit 18 displays a transmission history display screen X70 (see Figure 12), which includes the emails that have already been sent, on the operation display unit 15.

[0138] <Step S64> In step S64, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the second email designation operation has been accepted.

[0139] If the control unit 18 determines that the second email designation operation has been accepted (Yes side of S64), it proceeds to step S65. If the second email designation operation has not been accepted (No side of S64), the control unit 18 proceeds to step S66.

[0140] <Step S65> In step S65, the control unit 18 displays a second detailed display screen X80 (see Figure 13) on the operation display unit 15, which includes each of the second recipients in the sent email specified by the second email designation operation. The control unit 18 also moves the process to step S66 in response to an input of an instruction to end the display of the second detailed display screen X80. The processing in step S65 is performed by the first display processing unit 34 of the control unit 18.

[0141] <Step S66> In step S66, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the first email designation operation has been accepted.

[0142] If the control unit 18 determines that the first email designation operation has been accepted (Yes side of S66), it proceeds to step S67. If the first email designation operation has not been accepted (No side of S66), the control unit 18 proceeds to step S64.

[0143] <Step S67> In step S67, the control unit 18 sets each of the second recipients included in the sent email specified by the first email specification operation as the first recipient, and sets the recipient type of each of the first recipients to be the same as the recipient type of the second recipient corresponding to the first recipient. The processing in step S67 is performed by the second setting processing unit 35 of the control unit 18.

[0144] <Step S68> In step S68, the control unit 18 executes the third setting operation acceptance process described below.

[0145] [Third setting operation acceptance processing] Next, with reference to Figure 31, another example of the email transmission method of the present invention will be described, along with an example of the procedure for the third setting operation acceptance process performed in step S68 of the third destination setting process.

[0146] <Step S71> First, in step S71, the control unit 18 displays a destination setting screen X10 (see Figure 14) on the operation display unit 15, which includes a destination display field X31 corresponding to each of the first destinations set by the first email specification operation. The processing in step S71 is another example of the reception step of the present invention and is performed by the first reception processing unit 36 ​​of the control unit 18.

[0147] <Step S72> In step S72, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the setting operation (operation on the destination type setting key X33) has been received on the destination setting screen X10.

[0148] If the control unit 18 determines that it has received the setting operation (Yes in S72), it proceeds to step S73. If it has not received the setting operation (No in S72), the control unit 18 proceeds to step S77.

[0149] <Step S73> In step S73, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the encryption function is enabled.

[0150] If the control unit 18 determines that the encryption function is enabled (Yes in S73), it proceeds to step S74. If the encryption function is not enabled (No in S73), the control unit 18 proceeds to step S75.

[0151] <Step S74> In step S74, the control unit 18 restricts the destination type displayed in the destination type selection area X34, which is displayed according to the setting operation, to TO or CC (see Figures 5 and 24). The processing in step S74 is another example of the prohibition step of the present invention and is performed by the prohibition processing unit 44 of the control unit 18.

[0152] <Step S75> In step S75, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the user has made an operation to select the changed destination type in the destination type selection area X34.

[0153] Here, if the control unit 18 determines that it has received an operation from the user to select the changed destination type (Yes side of S75), it proceeds to step S76. If it has not received an operation from the user to select the changed destination type (No side of S75), the control unit 18 waits for an operation from the user to select the changed destination type in step S75.

[0154] <Step S76> In step S76, the control unit 18 sets the destination type in accordance with the user's operation to select the changed destination type.

[0155] <Step S77> In step S77, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the instruction to send the email has been input.

[0156] If the control unit 18 determines that an instruction to send the email has been received (Yes in S77), it proceeds to step S78. If no instruction to send the email has been received (No in S77), the control unit 18 proceeds to step S72.

[0157] <Step S78> In step S78, the control unit 18 executes the transmission process. The process in step S78 is another example of the transmission step of the present invention, and is executed by the transmission processing unit 37 of the control unit 18.

[0158] [Encryption function switching process] Next, with reference to Figure 32, an example of the procedure for the encryption function switching process executed by the control unit 18 in the image forming apparatus 1, along with an example of the remaining part of the email transmission method of the present invention, will be described. Note that the encryption function switching process is executed when a user operation is received for the operation key X151 on the advanced settings screen X150 (see Figure 21).

[0159] <Step S81> First, in step S81, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the encryption function is disabled.

[0160] If the control unit 18 determines that the encryption function is disabled (Yes in S81), it proceeds to step S83. If the encryption function is not disabled (No in S81), the control unit 18 proceeds to step S82.

[0161] <Step S82> In step S82, the control unit 18 disables the encryption function. The process in step S82 is an example of the setting steps of the present invention and is performed by the first setting processing unit 43 of the control unit 18.

[0162] <Step S83> In step S83, the control unit 18 displays a confirmation screen X160 (see Figure 22) on the operation display unit 15.

[0163] <Step S84> In step S84, the control unit 18 switches the subsequent processing according to the operation received on the confirmation screen X160. Specifically, if the control unit 18 receives the function switching operation (operation on operation key X161) on the confirmation screen X160 (Yes side of S84), it moves the processing to step S85. Also, if the control unit 18 receives an operation on the confirmation screen X160 (No side of S84), it terminates the encryption function switching process.

[0164] <Step S85> In step S85, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the first destination that has been set already exists.

[0165] If the control unit 18 determines that a pre-configured first destination exists (Yes in S85), it proceeds to step S87. If the pre-configured first destination does not exist (No in S85), the control unit 18 proceeds to step S86.

[0166] <Step S86> In step S86, the control unit 18 enables the encryption function. The processing in step S86 is another example of the setting steps of the present invention and is performed by the first setting processing unit 43 of the control unit 18.

[0167] <Step S87> In step S87, the control unit 18 displays a message display area X171 (see Figure 25) containing a message to the user on the operation display unit 15.

[0168] <Step S88> In step S88, the control unit 18 switches the subsequent processing according to the operation received in the message display area X171. Specifically, if the control unit 18 receives an operation for operation key X172 in the message display area X171 (Yes side of S88), it moves the processing to step S89. Also, if the control unit 18 receives an operation for operation key X173 in the message display area X171 (No side of S88), it terminates the encryption function switching process.

[0169] <Step S89> In step S89, the control unit 18 erases the configured first destination. This prevents the first destination, whose destination type is set to BCC, from remaining after the encryption function is switched from disabled to enabled. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the transmission of the email containing the first destination, whose destination type is set to BCC. The processing in step S89 is performed by the erasure processing unit 45 of the control unit 18.

[0170] <Step S90> In step S90, the control unit 18 enables the encryption function. The processing in step S90 is another example of the setting steps of the present invention and is performed by the first setting processing unit 43 of the control unit 18.

[0171] Thus, in the image forming apparatus 1, when the encryption function is enabled, the first reception processing unit 36 ​​is prohibited from accepting the setting operation to set the recipient type of the first recipient to BCC. This makes it possible to prevent the first recipient, which has been set to BCC, from being leaked to the recipient of the email.

[0172] Furthermore, the prohibition processing unit 44 may prohibit the transmission processing unit 37 from sending the email including the first recipient whose recipient type is set to BCC when the encryption function is enabled. Also, the prohibition processing unit 44 may prohibit both the acceptance of the setting operation by the first reception processing unit 36 ​​to set the recipient type of the first recipient to BCC, and the transmission processing unit 37 from sending the email including the first recipient whose recipient type is set to BCC when the encryption function is enabled.

[0173] Furthermore, the first reception processing unit 36 ​​may, in response to the destination group specification operation that specifies the destination group displayed on the operation display unit 15, display each of the first destinations included in the destination group specified by the destination group specification operation, along with the destination type, on the operation display unit 15, and accept the setting operation for each of the first destinations.

[0174] For example, the first reception processing unit 36 ​​may display the first detailed display screen X60 shown in Figure 33 on the operation display unit 15 in response to the destination group specification operation (operation on the detailed display key X51) received on the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 8. The first detailed display screen X60 shown in Figure 33 includes a destination type setting key X33 corresponding to each of the first destinations included in the destination group. This allows the user to individually set the destination type for each of the first destinations included in the destination group.

[0175] For example, the first reception processing unit 36 ​​may display the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 34 when the destination type for each of the first destinations is individually set in the first detailed display screen X60 shown in Figure 33. The destination type setting key X33 included in the destination setting screen X10 shown in Figure 34 displays type identification information that can identify the type of destination included in the destination group.

[0176] Furthermore, the fourth reception processing unit 39 may accept the fourth email specification operation by displaying the type identification information, which allows identification of the type of recipient included in the email, on the operation display unit 15 along with the email being sent.

[0177] For example, the fourth reception processing unit 39 may display the job status display screen X110 shown in Figure 35 on the operation display unit 15 in response to predetermined user operations on the operation display unit 15. The job status display screen X110 shown in Figure 35 includes a display area X181 for displaying the type identification information.

[0178] Furthermore, the third reception processing unit 41 may accept the third email specification operation by displaying the type identification information, which can identify the type of recipient included in the email, on the operation display unit 15 along with the email that has already been sent.

[0179] For example, the third reception processing unit 41 may display the completed job display area X131 shown in Figure 36 on the operation display unit 15 when a user operation for the log key X113 is received on the job status display screen X110 shown in Figure 35. The completed job display area X131 shown in Figure 36 includes a display area X191 for displaying the type identification information.

[0180] Furthermore, the fourth display processing unit 38 may display the recipient type of the first recipient if there is only one first recipient in the email to be sent, and may not display the recipient type if there are multiple first recipients in the email to be sent.

[0181] For example, if there is only one first recipient in the email to be sent, the fourth display processing unit 38 may display the execution status display screen X100 shown in Figure 37 on the operation display unit 15 while the image reading unit 12 is reading the image of the document. The recipient display area X101 shown in Figure 37 includes an icon image X32 indicating the recipient type of the first recipient in the email to be sent.

[0182] [Notes on the invention] The following is an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and processing function described below can be selected and combined as desired.

[0183] <Note 1> A communication device comprising: a sending processing unit for sending an email; a first receiving processing unit for receiving a setting operation to set the recipient type of a first recipient of an unsent email; a first setting processing unit for enabling or disabling an encryption function for encrypting the email with S / MIME; and a prohibition processing unit for prohibiting either or both of the following when the encryption function is enabled: receiving a setting operation by the first receiving processing unit to set the recipient type of the first recipient to BCC, and the sending processing unit for sending the email including the first recipient whose recipient type is set to BCC.

[0184] <Note 2> The communication device as described in Appendix 1, wherein the prohibition processing unit prohibits the acceptance of the setting operation by the first reception processing unit to set the destination type of the first destination to BCC when the encryption function is enabled, and the communication device includes an erase processing unit that erases at least the first destinations whose destination type is set to BCC from the set first destinations when the encryption function is set from disabled to enabled by the first setting processing unit.

[0185] <Note 3> The communication device according to Appendix 1 or 2, comprising: a second setting processing unit that, in response to an address specification operation in which an email address is specified, sets the email address specified by the address specification operation as the first destination and sets TO as the destination type of the first destination; the first receiving processing unit displays each of the first destinations set in response to the address specification operation along with the destination type on the display unit and accepts the setting operation for each first destination; and the prohibition processing unit prohibits the acceptance of the setting operation by the first receiving processing unit to set the destination type of the first destination to BCC when the encryption function is enabled.

[0186] <Note 4> The communication device has in advance registered address groups including one or more email addresses, the second setting processing unit sets each of the email addresses included in the address group specified by the address group specification operation as a first destination and sets the TO collectively as the destination type for each of the first destinations, and the first receiving processing unit displays each of the destination groups including one or more first destinations set in response to the address group specification operation on the display unit along with the destination type set collectively, and accepts the setting operation to set the destination type for each of the first destinations included in the destination group collectively for each destination group, as described in Appendix 3.

[0187] <Note 5> The communication device according to Appendix 4, wherein the first reception processing unit, in response to a destination group specification operation that specifies the destination group displayed on the display unit, displays each of the first destinations included in the destination group specified by the destination group specification operation along with the destination type on the display unit, and accepts the setting operation for each of the first destinations.

[0188] <Note 6> A communication device according to any one of the appendices 3 to 5, comprising: a second reception processing unit that displays each of the sent emails on the display unit and accepts a first email designation operation that designates the displayed sent emails; the second setting processing unit, in response to the first email designation operation, sets each of the second recipients included in the sent emails designated by the first email designation operation as the first recipient, and sets the recipient type of each of the first recipients to be the same as the recipient type of the second recipient corresponding to the first recipient; and a prohibition processing unit that, when the encryption function is enabled, prohibits accepting the first email designation operation that designates a sent email including a second recipient whose recipient type is set to BCC.

[0189] <Note 7> The communication device as described in Appendix 6, wherein the second reception processing unit accepts a second email specification operation that specifies the sent email in a manner different from the first email specification operation, and the communication device includes a first display processing unit that, in response to the second email specification operation, displays each of the second recipients included in the sent email specified by the second email specification operation, along with the recipient type, on the display unit.

[0190] <Note 8> A communication device according to any one of the appendices 3 to 7, comprising: a third reception processing unit that displays each of the sent emails on the display unit and accepts a third email designation operation for designating the displayed sent emails; and a second display processing unit that, in response to the third email designation operation, displays each of the second recipients included in the sent emails designated by the third email designation operation, along with the recipient type, on the display unit.

[0191] <Note 9> The communication device described in Appendix 8, wherein the third reception processing unit displays type identification information on the display unit that can identify the type of recipient included in the email along with the email that has been sent, and accepts the third email specification operation.

[0192] <Note 10> A communication device according to any one of the appendices 3 to 9, comprising: a fourth reception processing unit that displays each of the emails being sent on the display unit and accepts a fourth email designation operation for designating the displayed emails being sent; and a third display processing unit that, in response to the fourth email designation operation, displays each of the third recipients included in the emails being sent designated by the fourth email designation operation, along with the recipient type, on the display unit.

[0193] <Note 11> The communication device described in Appendix 10, wherein the fourth reception processing unit displays type identification information on the display unit that can identify the type of recipient included in the email along with the email being transmitted, and accepts the fourth email specification operation.

[0194] <Note 12> A communication device according to any one of the appendices 3 to 11, comprising: an image reading unit that reads an image of a document attached to an email in response to an input instruction to send the email; and a fourth display processing unit that, while the image reading unit is reading the image of the document, causes one of the first recipients included in the email to be sent to be displayed on the display unit, wherein the fourth display processing unit displays the recipient type of the first recipient if there is one first recipient included in the email to be sent, and does not display the recipient type if there are multiple first recipients included in the email to be sent.

[0195] <Note 13> The communication device according to any one of the appendices 3 to 12, wherein the display unit includes a first display unit provided on the communication device and a second display unit provided on another communication device that is communicably connected to the communication device, and the first reception processing unit, when a first destination is set in response to a user operation on the first display unit, displays each of the set first destinations on the first display unit and accepts the setting operation to set the destination type to one of TO, CC, and BCC for each first destination, and when a first destination is set in response to a user operation on the second display unit, displays each of the set first destinations on the second display unit and accepts the setting operation to set the destination type to one or more of TO, CC, and BCC for each first destination.

[0196] <Note 14> An email sending method comprising: a sending step of sending an email; a receiving step of accepting a setting operation to set the recipient type of a first recipient of the unsent email; a setting step of enabling or disabling an encryption function for encrypting the email with S / MIME; and a prohibition step of prohibiting, when the encryption function is enabled, either or both of the following: accepting the setting operation by the receiving step to set the recipient type of the first recipient to BCC, and sending the email including the first recipient whose recipient type is set to BCC by the sending step.

[0197] Furthermore, the present invention may also be a program that causes one or more processors included in a communication device to execute the method described in Appendix 14. Alternatively, the present invention may also be a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is stored non-temporarily. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0198] 1. Image forming apparatus 11 ADF 12 Image reading unit 13 Image forming unit 14 Paper feed section 15 Operation display section 16 Memory section 17 Communications Department 18 Control Unit 31. Fifth Reception Processing Unit 32. 6th Reception Processing Unit 33 Second Reception Processing Unit 34. First display processing unit 35 Second setting processing unit 36. First Reception Processing Unit 37 Transmission Processing Unit 38. Fourth Display Processing Unit 39. Fourth Reception Processing Unit 40 Third Display Processing Unit 41 Third Reception Processing Unit 42 Second Display Processing Unit 43 First setting processing unit 44 Error Processing Unit 45 Erasure Processing Unit

Claims

1. A sending processing unit that sends an email, A first reception processing unit that accepts a setting operation to set the recipient type of the first recipient of the unsent email, A first setting processing unit that sets whether or not to enable the encryption function for encrypting the aforementioned email using S / MIME, When the encryption function is enabled, a prohibition processing unit prohibits either or both of the following: the acceptance of the setting operation by the first reception processing unit to set the destination type of the first destination to BCC, and the transmission processing unit to send the email including the first destination whose destination type has been set to BCC. A communication device equipped with the following features.

2. The prohibition processing unit prohibits the acceptance of the setting operation by the first reception processing unit to set the destination type of the first destination to BCC when the encryption function is enabled. The aforementioned communication device is The system includes an erasure processing unit that, when the encryption function is changed from disabled to enabled by the first setting processing unit, erases at least the first destinations whose destination type is set to BCC among the configured first destinations. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The system includes a second setting processing unit that, in response to an address specification operation in which an email address is specified, sets the email address specified by the address specification operation as the first destination and sets TO as the destination type of the first destination, The first reception processing unit displays each of the first destinations set in accordance with the address specification operation along with the destination type on the display unit, and accepts the setting operation for each first destination. The prohibition processing unit prohibits the acceptance of the setting operation by the first reception processing unit to set the destination type of the first destination to BCC when the encryption function is enabled. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The communication device has an address group pre-registered that includes one or more of the aforementioned email addresses. The second setting processing unit, in response to an address group specification operation that specifies the address group, sets each of the email addresses included in the address group specified by the address group specification operation as the first destination, and sets TO collectively as the destination type for each of the first destinations. The first reception processing unit displays each destination group, which includes one or more first destinations set in accordance with the address group specification operation, along with the destination type set collectively on the display unit, and accepts the setting operation to set the destination type of each first destination included in each destination group collectively. The communication device according to claim 3.

5. The first reception processing unit, in response to a destination group specification operation that specifies the destination group displayed on the display unit, displays each of the first destinations included in the destination group specified by the destination group specification operation, along with the destination type, on the display unit, and accepts the setting operation for each first destination. The communication device according to claim 4.

6. The system includes a second receiving processing unit that displays each of the previously sent emails on the display unit and accepts a first email specification operation for specifying the displayed sent email. The second setting processing unit, in response to the first email specification operation, sets each of the second recipients included in the sent email specified by the first email specification operation as the first recipient, and sets the recipient type of each of the first recipients to be the same as the recipient type of the second recipient corresponding to the first recipient. The prohibition processing unit prohibits the acceptance of the first email specification operation, which specifies the sent email including the second recipient whose recipient type is set to BCC, when the encryption function is enabled. The communication device according to claim 3.

7. The second reception processing unit receives a second email specification operation that specifies the email that has already been sent in a different manner than the first email specification operation, along with the first email specification operation. The aforementioned communication device is The system includes a first display processing unit that, in response to the second email specification operation, displays each of the second recipients included in the sent email specified by the second email specification operation, along with the recipient type, on the display unit. The communication device according to claim 6.

8. A third receiving processing unit that displays each of the previously sent emails on the display unit and accepts a third email designation operation for specifying the displayed previously sent email, A second display processing unit that, in response to the third email specification operation, displays each of the second recipients included in the sent email specified by the third email specification operation, along with the recipient type, on the display unit; The communication device according to claim 3, comprising:

9. The third reception processing unit displays type identification information on the display unit that can identify the type of recipient included in the email along with the sent email, and accepts the third email specification operation. The communication device according to claim 8.

10. A fourth receiving processing unit that displays each of the emails being sent on the display unit and accepts a fourth email designation operation to designate the displayed email being sent, A third display processing unit that, in response to the fourth email specification operation, displays each of the third recipients included in the email being sent that is specified by the fourth email specification operation, along with the recipient type, on the display unit; The communication device according to claim 3, comprising:

11. The fourth reception processing unit displays type identification information on the display unit that can identify the type of recipient included in the email, along with the email being sent, and accepts the fourth email specification operation. The communication device according to claim 10.

12. An image reading unit reads the image of the document attached to the email in response to the input of the instruction to send the email, A fourth display processing unit causes the display unit to display one of the first recipients included in the email to be sent while the image reading unit is reading the image of the document, Equipped with, The fourth display processing unit displays the recipient type of the first recipient if there is only one first recipient in the email to be sent, and does not display the recipient type if there are multiple first recipients in the email to be sent. The communication device according to claim 3.

13. The display unit includes a first display unit provided on the communication device and a second display unit provided on another communication device that is communicably connected to the communication device. The first reception processing unit, when a first destination is set in response to a user operation on the first display unit, displays each of the set first destinations on the first display unit and accepts the setting operation to set the destination type to one of TO, CC, and BCC for each first destination; and when a first destination is set in response to a user operation on the second display unit, displays each of the set first destinations on the second display unit and accepts the setting operation to set the destination type to one or more of TO, CC, and BCC for each first destination. The communication device according to claim 3.

14. Sending steps for sending an email, A reception step that accepts a setting operation to set the recipient type of the first recipient of the unsent email, A setting step to enable or disable the encryption function that encrypts the aforementioned email using S / MIME, If the encryption function is enabled, a prohibition step prohibits either or both of the following: the acceptance of the setting operation by the acceptance step to set the destination type of the first destination to BCC, and the sending step to send the email including the first destination whose destination type is set to BCC. Email sending methods including

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