Electronic equipment and image processing device

Abstract

To automatically convert location information, and prevent the leakage of private information using access to a storage device that stores the location information as a condition when using the location information.SOLUTION: Electronic equipment includes a storage unit, an acquisition unit that acquires first manuscript data including location information indicating the location of information, and an extraction processing unit that extracts location information from the first manuscript data. The storage unit stores the extracted location information. Further, the electronic device includes a replacement processing unit that deletes the location information from the first manuscript data and adds positional information indicating the storage location of the location information in the storage unit to the first manuscript data to generate the second manuscript data, and an output unit that outputs a second manuscript on the basis of the second manuscript data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and an image processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Links (hyperlinks) may be placed on web pages. For example, if the link destination is another web page, the link includes the URL of the other web page. When a link is selected, the browser obtains the data of the web page of the linked URL. As a result, the linked web page is displayed. It is possible to easily jump to another page. Patent Document 1 describes a technology related to links. Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a method in which, if an error occurs at a linked destination displayed on a web browser, the URL at which the error occurred and error information are stored, and from the second time onwards, if the same URL is found in the stored information, the display color corresponds to the error information (communication error, movement to linked destination, user interruption, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-014207 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There are files that you want to keep private even after uploading them. There are also web pages that you want to keep private. In other words, there are times when you want to limit viewers to specific people or related parties. However, in order to inform specific people of the file's storage location (address) or URL, information indicating the location of the information (location information), such as an address or URL, may be printed out. Files containing location information may also be distributed. However, for example, if the printed material is taken away, the file is copied, or the file is sent to the wrong person, the location information of the information you want to keep private may be leaked. There is a problem that the leaked location information may lead to the information you want to keep private being leaked to outsiders.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to prevent leakage of non-public information by automatically converting location information and making access to a storage device that stores the location information a condition for using the location information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a memory unit, an acquisition unit that acquires first manuscript data based on a first manuscript including location information i2 indicating the location of information, and an extraction processing unit that extracts the location information i2 from the acquired first manuscript data, wherein the memory unit stores the extracted location information i2 and further includes a replacement processing unit that erases the location information i2 from the first manuscript data and generates second manuscript data by adding location information indicating the storage location of the location information i2 in the memory unit to the first manuscript data, and an output unit that outputs a second manuscript based on the second manuscript data. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of determining whether or not a user has authority to use an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a replacement mode of location information according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a replacement mode of location information according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process when inputting position information according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process when inputting position information according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process in an erase mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process in an erase mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process in an edit mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process in an edit mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process in an upload mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process in an upload mode according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electronic device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. As an example of the electronic device, an image processing device 100 will be described. Note that the present disclosure can also be understood as a system including the electronic device and a computer 4.

[0009] (Image processing device 100) First, an example of an image processing device 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are diagrams showing an example of an image processing device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0010] 1, the image processing device 100 may be a multifunction peripheral. The multifunction peripheral can use document reading, printing, and transmission functions. The multifunction peripheral is also an image forming device.

[0011] In FIG. 1, the X-axis direction is the front-to-rear direction of the image processing device 100 when viewed from the front. In this description, the surface on which the operation panel 212 of the image processing device 100 is installed is referred to as the front (front). The +X direction is the front side of the image processing device 100, and the -X direction is the rear side. The Y-axis direction is the left-to-right direction of the image processing device 100 when viewed from the front. The Z-axis direction is the up-to-down direction of the image processing device 100 when viewed from the front. Note that left-to-right, front-to-rear, up-to-down, and front are names used to explain the relative positional relationships of the various parts. The actual arrangement relationship, etc. may be different from the arrangement relationship, etc. indicated by these names.

[0012] The scanner 101 is attached to the top of the image processing device 100. The scanner 101 includes a document transport device 102 and a reading device 103. The document transport device 102 is disposed above the reading device 103. The document transport device 102 transports a document set in a document tray 104. The document transport device 102 can be opened and closed in the vertical direction. It is also possible to open the document transport device 102 and set a document on the contact glass on the top surface of the reading device 103. The reading device 103 (scanner 101) reads the document being transported or the document set on the contact glass. In addition, a printing unit 218 is provided inside the image processing device 100. A first discharge tray 105 is provided on the side surface on the +Y side (right side) of the image processing device 100. In addition, a second discharge tray 106 is provided inside the body of the image processing device 100. Printed paper is discharged to the first discharge tray 105 or the second discharge tray 106.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing device 100 includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 211, an operation panel 212, a scanner 101, a printing unit 218, and a communication unit 219.

[0014] The control unit 201 includes a control circuit 202. For example, the control circuit 202 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 201 includes at least an extraction processing unit 203, a replacement processing unit 204, an authority determination unit 205, an alternate processing unit 206, a transmission processing unit, a print processing unit, an erasure processing unit 207, an edit processing unit 208, a generation processing unit 209, and an upload processing unit 210. The extraction processing unit 203, the replacement processing unit 204, the authority determination unit 205, the alternate processing unit 206, the erasure processing unit 207, the edit processing unit 208, the generation processing unit 209, and the upload processing unit 210 are functionally realized by the control circuit 202 executing a program stored in the storage unit 211. The control unit 201 may include circuits (hardware) that perform the processes of an extraction processing unit 203, a replacement processing unit 204, an authority determination unit 205, an agent processing unit 206, an erasure processing unit 207, an edit processing unit 208, a generation processing unit 209, and an upload processing unit 210. The processes performed by each unit will be described in detail later.

[0015] The image processing device 100 includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and a storage as the storage unit 211. The storage is either or both of a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid state drive (SSD). The control unit 201 executes a program stored in the storage unit 211.

[0016] The operation panel 212 accepts user operations. For example, the operation panel 212 includes a touch panel 213 and a display panel 214. The display panel 214 displays various information to the person using the image processing device 100. The display panel 214 may be a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel. The control unit 201 controls the display on the display panel 214. The touch panel 213 accepts operation instructions from the person using the image processing device 100. The touch panel 213 detects contact input and senses the touch position. The control unit 201 recognizes an image (e.g., a button) displayed at the touch position. As a result, the control unit 201 recognizes the content of the operation performed by the user.

[0017] The scanner 101 includes, for example, a lamp 215 and an image sensor 216 (line sensor). The scanner 101 may also include an imaging lens and a plurality of mirrors. An image data generating circuit 217 of the scanner 101 reads an image of an original document and generates image data of the original document (image reading process).

[0018] The printing unit 218 includes, for example, a sheet feeding unit, an image forming unit, and a sheet transport unit. For example, the sheet feeding unit includes a paper feed roller and a sheet cassette. The sheet feeding unit feeds the sheets stacked in the sheet cassette one by one. The image forming unit forms an image and prints the formed image on the fed sheet. For example, the image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, and a fixing device. For example, the sheet transport unit includes a plurality of transport roller pairs. The sheet transport unit discharges the paper (printed material) after image formation to one of the discharge trays. Note that the printing format of the image forming unit is not limited to the electrophotographic method. The image forming unit may print by ejecting ink.

[0019] The communication unit 219 includes a communication control circuit and a communication memory. The communication unit 219 can communicate with the data server 3 and the computer 4 wirelessly or by wire. The computer 4 and the data server 3 shown in FIG. 2 belong to, for example, the same local network as the image processing device 100. The computer 4 and the data server 3 each include a processor, a storage medium (storage), and a communication circuit. The computer 4 and the data server 3 can exchange data and files with the communication unit 219. The communication unit 219 can also communicate with the computer 4 (external computer 4) connected to a wide area network 5 (for example, the Internet).

[0020] (Determination of usage rights) The determination of the presence or absence of usage authority (access authority) will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a process of determining the presence or absence of usage authority of the image processing device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0021] The authority determination unit 205 (control circuit 202) determines whether or not a person who has accessed the image processing device 100 has the authority to use the device. In other words, the authority determination unit 205 authenticates the user and allows the authenticated user to log in. The storage unit 211 stores the user information i1 in a non-volatile manner. The user information i1 includes information on a person who has the authority to use the device. The user information i1 is data in which values ​​are defined for each authority holder for predetermined items. The items are, for example, a user name, a password, and the address of the computer 4 to be used. The user information i1 is registered in advance. If it is determined that the user has the authority to use the device, the control unit 201 allows the user to log in to the image processing device 100.

[0022] When logging in, the user may input information to the operation panel 212. For example, the user inputs authentication information to the operation panel 212. The authentication information is, for example, a user name and a password. The authority determination unit 205 compares the input authentication information with the user information i1. When all of the input authentication information matches the user information i1, the authority determination unit 205 determines that the user has the authority to use. When it is determined that the user has the authority to use, the authority determination unit 205 approves the login (access permission). The user can set and operate the image processing device 100 using the operation panel 212. When even a part of the input authentication information does not match the user information i1, the authority determination unit 205 determines that the user does not have the authority to use.

[0023] A user can also log in to the image processing device 100 using the computer 4. The user can operate the computer 4 to transmit authentication information to the image processing device 100. The communication unit 219 receives the authentication information. In this case, the authority determination unit 205 compares the received authentication information with the user information i1. The authority determination unit 205 then determines whether or not the user has authority to use the image processing device 100. When it is determined that the user has authority to use the image processing device 100, the authority determination unit 205 transmits a login (access permission) to the computer 4 that transmitted the authentication information. The user can set and operate the image processing device 100 using the computer 4.

[0024] The start of FIG. 3 is the time when authentication information is input to the operation panel 212 or the communication unit 219. The authority determination unit 205 compares the input authentication information with the user information i1 (step S301). Based on whether the authentication information and the user information i1 match, the authority determination unit 205 determines whether or not the user has the right to use the image processing device (step S302). When it is determined that the user has the right to use the image processing device (Yes in step S302), the authority determination unit 205 permits login (step S303→END). When the login is permitted, the control unit 201 accepts the setting of the image processing device 100 using the operation panel 212 or the computer 4. Also, when an instruction to execute a job is given, the control unit 201 executes the job. When it is determined that the user does not have the right to use the image processing device (No in step S302), the authority determination unit 205 does not permit login (step S304→END). The logged out state continues. It is not possible to set the image processing device 100, and it is not possible to start a job.

[0025] When a predetermined logout condition is satisfied, the control unit 201 cancels the logged-in state. For example, the logout condition may be that no operation has been performed on the operation panel 212 for a predetermined period of time, that a job has been completed, or that a request from the computer 4 that has been permitted to log in has not been received for a predetermined period of time.

[0026] (Replacement mode for location information i2) Next, an example of a replacement mode of the location information i2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are diagrams showing an example of a replacement mode according to the embodiment.

[0027] In this description, location information i2 is information indicating the location of information. For example, location information i2 is the storage location of a file. Location information i2 is, for example, the address (path) of the storage location of a file stored in data server 3. Location information i2 may also be the URL of a web page. Location information i2 is not limited to the address of the storage location and the web page. Location information i2 may also be the address of an SNS or information for receiving a service and logging in to a specific web page. Location information i2 may also be a two-dimensional code converted from an address or URL.

[0028] Here, there are files and web pages that one wishes to keep private. In other words, there are files and web pages that can only be viewed by a limited number of people. In order to convey the location information i2 to a specific person, the location information i2 may be printed. Also, a file including the location information i2 may be saved or transmitted. However, if the printed matter is taken away or the file is illegally obtained, there is a risk that the location information i2 may be used by outsiders to view or obtain the information that one wishes to keep private. In order to prevent information leakage, the image processing device 100 has a replacement mode. An example of the process of the replacement mode will be described below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0029] A specific example of the process of the replacement mode will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The status column at the top of Fig. 4 indicates that a file "data-A" is stored in the data server 3, and that a website is set up at the URL "https: / www.abc.com / sys / data-A.html" on the wide area network 5. Note that when the replacement mode is executed, the file may not be registered in the data server 3. Also, when the replacement mode is executed, the website may not be established.

[0030] First, as shown in item 1 of Fig. 4, the image processing device 100 acquires the first original data. As shown in Fig. 4, the image processing device 100 may acquire the first original data by reading the OCR of the scanner 101. Also, the image processing device 100 may acquire the first original data by transmission from the computer 4.

[0031] When the first manuscript data is acquired, as shown in item 2 of Fig. 4, the extraction processing unit 203 extracts the location information i2, and stores the extracted location information i2 in the storage unit 211. As shown in item 2 of Fig. 4, the control unit 201 stores each piece of location information i2 in a different location.

[0032] When storage of the location information i2 is completed, as shown in item 3 of Fig. 4, the replacement processing unit 204 erases the location information i2 and adds location information i3 indicating the storage location of the location information i2 in the storage unit 211 to the first manuscript data to generate second manuscript data. The diagram at the bottom of Fig. 4 shows an example of the second manuscript data. As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit may cause the printing unit 218 to print out the second manuscript data, or may cause the communication unit 219 to output the file.

[0033] The details of the replacement mode process will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The start of FIG. 5 is, for example, the time when the operation panel 212 accepts the selection of the replacement mode. The user may also input a start command for the replacement mode at the computer 4. When the start command is input, the computer 4 transmits a request to start the replacement mode. The start of FIG. 5 may also be the time when the communication unit 219 receives a request to start the replacement mode from the computer 4. In other words, the use of the replacement mode can be started using the operation panel 212 or the computer 4. The control unit 201 starts the replacement mode process.

[0034] In the replacement mode, the acquisition unit acquires first manuscript data based on the first manuscript including location information i2 indicating the location of information. The extraction processing unit 203 extracts the location information i2 from the acquired first manuscript data. The storage unit 211 stores the extracted location information i2. The replacement processing unit 204 erases the location information i2 from the first manuscript data, and generates second manuscript data by adding location information i3 indicating the storage location of the location information i2 in the storage unit 211 to the first manuscript data. The output unit outputs the second manuscript based on the second manuscript data. This makes it possible to automatically erase the location information i2 in the first manuscript data. In addition, it is possible to automatically output the second manuscript. The location information i2 can be automatically converted to the storage location (location information i3) of the location information i2. An outsider cannot access the file or web page corresponding to the location information i2 just by obtaining the second manuscript. It is possible to prevent information that is desired to be kept private from being leaked. Since the storage location of the location information i2 is protected by security measures such as user authentication, leakage of information that is desired to be kept private can be reliably prevented.

[0035] The acquisition unit may be the scanner 101 or the communication unit 219. The first original is an original including the location information i2. For example, the first original is a sheet of paper on which the location information i2 is printed or handwritten. The first original may also be a file (data) including the location information i2.

[0036] When using the scanner 101 as an acquisition unit, the user places a first original on the scanner 101. The control unit 201 causes the scanner 101 to read the original. In this case, the scanner 101 generates image data (image file) of the first original as first original data.

[0037] When using the communication unit 219 as an acquisition unit, the user operates the computer 4. The computer 4 transmits data including the location information i2 as the first original data to the communication unit 219 (image processing device 100). In this case, the first original data may be an image file or a file including the location information i2 as text data.

[0038] When the replacement mode is started, the acquisition unit acquires the first manuscript data (step S501). Next, the extraction processing unit 203 (control circuit 202) extracts the location information i2 from the acquired first manuscript data (step S502).

[0039] When the first manuscript data is image data, the extraction processing unit 203 performs OCR processing on the first manuscript data. Through OCR processing, the extraction processing unit 203 recognizes each symbol included in the first manuscript data. Then, based on a predetermined algorithm, the extraction processing unit 203 extracts location information i2 from characters and symbols included in the first manuscript data. In this way, the extraction processing unit 203 may extract location information i2 by using image data obtained by reading with the scanner 101 as the first manuscript data and performing OCR processing on the first manuscript data. This makes it possible to automatically extract location information i2. There is no need for the user to take the trouble of specifying location information i2. When the first manuscript data is a file including text data, the extraction processing unit 203 recognizes the text included in the file.

[0040] When indicating a data address, the symbols "￥" and " / " are often used. For example, the extraction processing unit 203 may recognize a sentence including multiple symbols "￥" or " / " in the first manuscript data as location information i2. The storage unit 211 may also store data for recognition. The data for recognition is data in which a symbol string used for recognizing the location information i2 is defined in advance. For example, the data for recognition defines symbol strings such as "WWW" and "com". The extraction processing unit 203 may recognize a sentence including the symbol string defined in the data for recognition as location information i2. The extraction processing unit 203 may recognize multiple pieces of location information i2.

[0041] After extracting the location information i2, the control unit 201 (extraction processing unit 203) stores the extracted location information i2 in a non-volatile manner in the storage unit 211 (step S503). In the storage unit 211, an area for storing the location information i2 may be determined in advance.

[0042] Next, the replacement processor 204 (control circuit 202) erases the location information i2 from the first original data (step S504). If the first original data is image data, the replacement processor 204 fills the entire description range of the location information i2 with a single color (e.g., white). If the first original data is a file including text data, the replacement processor 204 erases the symbol string recognized as the location information i2.

[0043] Then, the replacement processor 204 (control circuit 202) adds the position information i3 to the first original data to generate second original data (step S505). For example, the replacement processor 204 generates a PDF file as the second original data.

[0044] The location information i3 indicates the storage location of the location information i2. The location information i3 is the storage location (address) in the storage unit 211 of the location information i2 stored in step S503. For example, the location information i3 is a symbol string. For example, the format of the location information i3 is a format in which a folder name and a file name are connected with the symbol ¥, such as "\\xxxxxx\□□□□\△△△△\◇◇◇◇". The location information i3 may be a two-dimensional code obtained by converting a symbol string indicating a storage location according to a predetermined rule. For example, the location information i3 may be a QR code (registered trademark). In the case of a two-dimensional code, the storage location cannot be ascertained by merely peeking. This makes it difficult for information to be leaked.

[0045] The replacement processor 204 may write the location information i3 as a link to the second manuscript data. That is, the replacement processor 204 includes the address of the storage location of the location information i2 in the storage unit 211 in the link. The replacement processor 204 can set a link, and generates a file in a file format in which the setting is saved as the second manuscript data.

[0046] Then, the output unit outputs the second manuscript based on the second manuscript data (step S506). The control unit 201 may cause the printing unit 218 to perform printing based on the second manuscript data. In this case, the output unit is the printing unit 218, and the second manuscript is printed paper. The control unit 201 may also cause the communication unit 219 to transmit the second manuscript data to the computer 4 that has transmitted the first manuscript data. In this case, the output unit is the communication unit 219, and the second manuscript is output as a file. The control unit 201 may store the generated second manuscript data in the storage unit 211 or an external storage device in a non-volatile manner. This allows the second manuscript data to be reused at any time. The second manuscript data can be stored in an area that can be accessed only by those who have the usage authority. The second manuscript data can be stored in a place where there is little risk of information leaking to outsiders.

[0047] The operation panel 212 may accept a setting of an output type of the second manuscript data. For example, the operation panel 212 accepts a setting of printing, transmitting, or saving the second manuscript data. The user may set and select the output type of the second manuscript data on the computer 4. The computer 4 transmits the setting contents to the communication unit 219. In this case, the control unit 201 outputs the second manuscript data according to the received setting.

[0048] (Processing when location information i3 is entered) Next, an example of a process flow when the position information i3 is input will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are diagrams showing an example of a process flow when the position information i3 is input in the image processing device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0049] The location information i2 is stored in the storage unit 211. There are cases where a user wishes to view data or a web page corresponding to this location information i2. In this case, the user inputs the second manuscript data or the position information i3 (storage position) described in the second manuscript to the image processing device 100.

[0050] First, a specific example of processing of the position information i3 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. After logging in, as shown in item 1 of Fig. 6, the image processing device 100 inputs the position information i3 by reading with the scanner 101, receiving with the communication unit 219, or inputting with the operation panel 212.

[0051] The user may input the position information i3 to the operation panel 212. In other words, the operation panel 212 may accept the input of the position information i3. In this case, the operation panel 212 displays a software keyboard. The user inputs by touching the keyboard.

[0052] In addition, the user may transmit the position information i3 from the computer 4. For example, when the link of the position information i3 in the second manuscript data is operated on the computer 4, the computer 4 may transmit the position information i3 to the communication unit 219.

[0053] Alternatively, the location information i3 may be input using the scanner 101. In this case, the user places a printed material including the location information i3 in the scanner 101. The scanner 101 reads the printed material and generates image data. The control unit 201 performs OCR processing on the generated image data. The control unit 201 may extract and recognize the location information i3 from the text obtained by the OCR processing. The algorithm for recognizing the location information i3 may be the same as that for the location information i2.

[0054] 6, the proxy processing unit 206 (control circuit 202) acquires data from a location indicated by location information i2 corresponding to input position information i3. The proxy processing unit 206 may cause the printing unit 218 to print the acquired data. The proxy processing unit 206 may also cause the communication unit 219 to transmit the acquired data.

[0055] The details of the process when the position information i3 is input will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Note that before inputting the position information i3, it is necessary to be authorized to use (login to) the image processing device 100. After it is determined that the user has the authorization to use the image processing device 100, the input of the position information i3 is accepted. Unless it is determined that the user has the authorization to use the image processing device 100, the control unit 201 will not start the process of Fig. 7 even if the position information i3 is input.

[0056] 7 starts when a user who has been granted usage rights (login) inputs location information i3 to the image processing device 100. First, the control unit 201 (control circuit 202) determines whether or not location information i2 is stored in a memory location corresponding to the input location information i3 (step S701). This is because the location information i2 may have already been deleted from the memory unit 211.

[0057] If the memory unit 211 does not have a storage location with the same address as the input location information i3, the control unit 201 may determine that the location information i2 is not stored. When it is determined that the location information i2 is not stored in the corresponding storage location (No in step S701), the control unit 201 notifies that the location information i2 is not stored (step S702). For example, the control unit 201 causes the display panel 214 to display that the location information i2 is not stored. The control unit 201 may also notify the computer 4 that has transmitted the location information i3 that the location information i2 is not stored. Then, the control unit 201 ends the processing of this flowchart (END).

[0058] When it is determined that the location information i2 is stored in the corresponding storage location (Yes in step S701), the control unit 201 determines whether the person determined to have the usage authority has the authority to view the information of the location information i2 (step S703). For example, the user information i1 may include data that defines the scope of authority of each user for the image processing device 100. For example, a specific user may not be given the authority to view the information corresponding to the location information i2.

[0059] When it is determined that there is no viewing authority (No in step S703), the control unit 201 notifies the user that there is no viewing authority (step S704). For example, the control unit 201 causes the display panel 214 to display that there is no viewing authority. The control unit 201 may also notify the computer 4 that has transmitted the position information i3 that there is no viewing authority. Then, the control unit 201 ends the processing of this flowchart (END).

[0060] When viewing authority is present (Yes in step S703), the proxy processing unit 206 (control circuit 202) acquires data from the location indicated by the location information i2 corresponding to the input location information i3, or transmits the location information i2 corresponding to the location information i3 to the computer 4 that transmitted the authentication information and location information i3 to the acquisition unit (step S705 → END).

[0061] In this way, the storage unit 211 stores user information, which is information on a person who has the right to use. When the acquisition unit receives the authentication information and the position information i3, the authority determination unit 205 determines whether or not the person who inputted the authentication information has the right to use, based on the user information and the input authentication information. When the authority determination unit 205 determines that the person has the right to use, the proxy processing unit 206 acquires data from a location indicated by the location information i2 corresponding to the input location information i3, or transmits the location information i2 corresponding to the input location information i3 to the computer 4 that transmitted the authentication information and the position information i3 to the acquisition unit. This makes it necessary to authenticate the image processing device 100 in order to access information corresponding to the location information i2. An outsider who does not have the right to use the image processing device 100 cannot access the location of the location information i2 even if he or she obtains a printed matter or file including the position information i3. Therefore, an outsider cannot obtain data or web page information at the location of the location information i2. This prevents leakage of private information.

[0062] The position information i3 can be input using the operation panel 212. In this manner, the operation panel 212 may receive the input of the authentication information and the position information i3. The authentication information and the position information i3 may be input to the operation panel 212.

[0063] When the location information i2 indicates a storage location of the data (address of a data server), the proxy processing unit 206 may cause the communication unit 219 to acquire the data. When the location information i2 is a URL of a web page, the proxy processing unit 206 may cause the communication unit 219 to acquire content data of the web page. Then, the proxy processing unit 206 may generate page data by drawing based on the acquired content data. The proxy processing unit 206 may cause the printing unit 218 to print the acquired data or the generated page data. When the position information i3 is input to the communication unit 219, the proxy processing unit 206 may cause the communication unit 219 to transfer the acquired data or the generated page data to the computer 4 that transmitted the position information i3.

[0064] In this way, when it is determined that the user has the right to use, the proxy processing unit 206 causes the printing unit 218 to print based on the acquired data, or transmits the acquired data to the computer 4 that transmitted the authentication information and location information i3. This allows a person who has the right to use the image processing device 100 to use the data located at the location indicated by the location information i2. Only those who have the right to use the data can print the data or content. Only those who have the right to use the data can obtain the data or content.

[0065] Furthermore, the proxy processing unit 206 may cause the communication unit 219 to transmit the location information i2 corresponding to the position information i3 to the computer 4 that has transmitted the position information i3. Alternatively, the proxy processing unit 206 may cause the communication unit 219 to transmit the location information i2 corresponding to the position information i3 to an address set on the operation panel 212 or the computer 4. In other words, the communication unit 219 may send the location information i2 itself.

[0066] The operation panel 212 may accept a selection of one or more processes to be executed from among printing, transmission, and transfer of the location information i2. In this case, the proxy processing unit 206 executes the selected processes. The user may also select a process to be executed from among printing, transmission, and transfer of the location information i2 at the computer 4. The computer 4 may transmit the selected process content to the communication unit 219. In this case, the proxy processing unit 206 executes the process requested by the computer 4.

[0067] (Erase mode) Next, an example of the process in the erase mode will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are diagrams showing an example of the process in the erase mode according to the embodiment.

[0068] First, a specific example of processing in the erase mode will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In the erase mode, as shown in item 1 of Fig. 8, the image processing device 100 receives input of information for identifying location information to be erased. For example, the image processing device 100 receives input of image data, a file including text, or a symbol string.

[0069] Based on the input image data, a file including text, or a symbol string, the extraction processing unit 203 recognizes the location information i2 to be deleted or the position information i3 corresponding to the location information i2 to be deleted. As shown in item 2 of Fig. 8, the deletion processing unit 207 deletes the location information i2 instructed to be deleted.

[0070] When the deletion mode is selected, the deletion processing unit 207 deletes the location information i2 stored in the storage location of the input location information i3 or the input location information i2 from the storage unit 211. This makes it possible to delete unnecessary information. It is possible to prevent unnecessary information from accumulating in the storage unit. It is possible to effectively utilize the storage area of ​​the storage unit 211. In addition, it is possible to directly specify the location information i2 to be deleted. It is also possible to select the location information i2 to be deleted by inputting the location information i3.

[0071] The details of the erase mode process will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The start of FIG. 9 is, for example, the point at which the operation panel 212 accepts the selection of the erase mode. Alternatively, the start of FIG. 9 is the point at which the communication unit 219 receives a request to start the erase mode. When the user inputs a start command to the computer 4, the computer 4 transmits a request to start the erase mode. The communication unit 219 accepts the request to start the erase mode from the computer 4. In this way, the use of the erase mode can be started using the operation panel 212 or the computer 4. The control unit 201 starts the erase mode process.

[0072] The acquisition unit or operation panel 212 accepts input of image data, a file including text, or a symbol string (step S901). The user inputs location information i2 to be erased, position information i3 of the location information i2 to be erased, or a two-dimensional code thereof.

[0073] Specifically, the scanner 101 can be used to input image data. The user sets a sheet of paper on which location information i2, position information i3, or at least one of these two-dimensional codes is written in the scanner 101. Then, the control unit 201 causes the scanner 101 to read the document. By reading, the scanner 101 generates image data (image file).

[0074] When using the communication unit 219, the user performs an operation to transmit image data to the computer 4. The location information i2, the position information i3, or image data in which these two-dimensional codes are described is selected. The image data including at least one of the location information i2 and the position information i3 is transmitted from the computer 4 to the image processing device 100.

[0075] When image data is input, the extraction processing unit 203 (control circuit 202) performs OCR processing on the image data. Through OCR processing, the extraction processing unit 203 recognizes each symbol included in the image data. Furthermore, when the image data includes a two-dimensional code, the extraction processing unit 203 decodes the two-dimensional code, and extracts and reproduces the symbol string included in the two-dimensional code.

[0076] The user may also input a file transmission command to the computer 4. In this case, a file including at least one of the location information i2 and the position information i3 in text (symbol string) is selected. The computer 4 transmits the selected file. As a result, the communication unit 219 receives a file in which an address or URL is written in text.

[0077] Furthermore, operation panel 212 may accept input of a symbol string indicating an address or URL. That is, in the erase mode, operation panel 212 may accept setting of an address or URL. In this case, operation panel 212 displays a software keyboard. The user inputs by touching the keyboard.

[0078] The erasure processing unit 207 (control circuit 202) recognizes a symbol string indicating an address or URL (step S902). Among the symbol string extracted from image data, the symbol string included in a file, or the symbol string input to the operation panel 212, the erasure processing unit 207 recognizes the symbol string indicating an address or URL. Note that if the erasure processing unit 207 cannot recognize the symbol string indicating an address or URL, it may end this flowchart.

[0079] In data addresses and URLs, the symbol "￥" or " / " is often used. Therefore, the erasure processing unit 207 may recognize a sentence including a plurality of symbols "￥" or " / " as an address or URL description. The storage unit 211 may store recognition data. The recognition data is data in which a symbol string used for recognizing an address or URL is defined in advance. For example, symbol strings such as "WWW" and "com" are defined in the recognition data. The erasure processing unit 207 may recognize a sentence including a symbol string defined in the recognition data as an address or URL description. The algorithm for recognizing an address or URL description is not limited to the above-mentioned method.

[0080] The deletion processing unit 207 checks whether the symbol string of the recognized address or URL includes a symbol string that matches the location information i2 stored in the storage unit 211 (step S903). If there is no matching location information i2 (No in step S903), the deletion processing unit 207 checks whether the symbol string of the recognized address or URL includes a symbol string that matches the location information i3 (step S904). If there is no match with the location information i3 either (No in step S904), the control unit 201 notifies an error (step S905).

[0081] The control unit 201 may display an error on the display panel 214. Furthermore, when image data or a file is input to the communication unit 219, the control unit 201 may cause the communication unit 219 to transmit an error to the computer 4 that transmitted the image data or file. Then, the control unit 201 ends the processing of this flowchart (END).

[0082] When the symbol string of the recognized address or URL matches the location information i2 stored in the memory unit 211 (Yes in step S903), or when the symbol string of the recognized address or URL matches the position information i3 (Yes in step S904), the erasure processing unit 207 checks whether an input to cancel the erasure has been received within a predetermined time from a predetermined point in time (step S906).

[0083] The predetermined time is, for example, when it is determined that the symbol string of the recognized address or URL contains a description that matches the location information i2 stored in memory unit 211 (Yes in step S903), or when it is determined that the symbol string of the recognized address or URL contains a description that matches the storage location of location information i2 in memory unit 211 (Yes in step S904). The predetermined time is determined in advance. Operation panel 212 may accept the setting of the predetermined time. In this case, erasure processing unit 207 uses the set predetermined time.

[0084] The operation panel 212 may receive the cancellation of the deletion. Alternatively, the user may input a command to cancel the deletion on the computer 4. When the command is input, the computer 4 transmits a request to cancel the deletion. In this manner, the deletion of the location information i2 can be canceled using the operation panel 212 or the computer 4.

[0085] If an input to cancel the deletion is received within the predetermined time (Yes in step S906), the control unit 201 (deletion processing unit 207) ends the process (END). If an input to cancel the deletion is not received within the predetermined time (No in step S906), the deletion processing unit 207 deletes the location information i2 (step S907 → END). Specifically, the deletion processing unit 207 deletes the location information i2 that matches the recognized address or URL. Alternatively, the deletion processing unit 207 deletes the location information i2 stored in the storage location of the position information i3 that matches the recognized address or URL.

[0086] (Edit mode) Next, an example of processing in the edit mode will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are diagrams showing an example of processing in the edit mode according to the embodiment.

[0087] First, a specific example of processing in the edit mode will be described with reference to Fig. 10. In the edit mode, as shown in item 1 of Fig. 10, the image processing device 100 receives input of information for identifying location information i2 to be edited. For example, the image processing device 100 receives input of image data, a file including text, or a symbol string.

[0088] Also, in the edit mode, as shown in item 2 of Fig. 10, the image processing device 100 receives an input of new location information i2. For example, the image processing device 100 receives an input of image data, a file containing text, or a symbol string. Based on the input information, the extraction processing unit 203 recognizes the new location information i2.

[0089] Based on the input image data, a file including text, or a symbol string, the extraction processing unit 203 recognizes the location information i2 to be edited or the position information i3 corresponding to the location information i2 to be edited. As shown in item 3 of Fig. 10, the editing processing unit 208 edits the location information i2 for which editing is instructed.

[0090] When the edit mode is selected, the edit processing unit 208 performs editing to change the location information i2 stored in the storage location of the input location information i2 or the input position information i3 to the input new location information i2. The file to be saved in the server may change due to corrections, etc. Also, the URL of the web page may change. As a result, the location information i2 may change. However, if the location information i2 in the storage unit 211 can be changed to the changed address or URL, there is no need to newly store the changed location information i2. If the previous storage location is input to the image processing device 100, the latest data or web page after the change can be used.

[0091] The details of the edit mode processing will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The start of FIG. 11 is, for example, the point in time when the operation panel 212 accepts the selection of the edit mode. Alternatively, the start of FIG. 11 is the point in time when the communication unit 219 receives a request to start the edit mode. When the user inputs a start command to the computer 4, the computer 4 transmits a request to start the edit mode. The communication unit 219 accepts the request to start the edit mode from the computer 4. In this way, the use of the edit mode can be started using the operation panel 212 or the computer 4. The control unit 201 starts the edit mode processing.

[0092] The acquisition unit or operation panel 212 accepts input of image data, a file including text, or a symbol string (step S1101). The user inputs location information i2 to be edited, position information i3 of the location information i2 to be edited, or a two-dimensional code thereof.

[0093] Specifically, the scanner 101 can be used to input image data. The user sets a sheet of paper on which location information i2, position information i3, or at least one of these two-dimensional codes is written in the scanner 101. Then, the control unit 201 causes the scanner 101 to read the document. By reading, the scanner 101 generates image data (image file).

[0094] Image data can also be input to the communication unit 219. In this case, the user performs an operation to transmit image data to the computer 4. Image data describing the location information i2, position information i3, or these two-dimensional codes is selected. As a result, image data including at least one of the location information i2 and position information i3 is transmitted from the computer 4 to the communication unit 219. When image data is input, the extraction processing unit 203 performs OCR processing of the image data. Through the OCR processing, the extraction processing unit 203 recognizes each symbol included in the image data. Furthermore, when the image data includes a two-dimensional code, the extraction processing unit 203 decodes the two-dimensional code, and extracts and reproduces the symbol string included in the two-dimensional code.

[0095] The user may also input a file transmission command to the computer 4. In this case, a file including at least one of the location information i2 and the position information i3 in text (symbol string) is selected. The computer 4 transmits the selected file. As a result, the communication unit 219 receives a file in which an address or URL is written in text.

[0096] Furthermore, operation panel 212 may accept input of a symbol string indicating an address or URL. That is, in the edit mode, operation panel 212 may accept setting of an address or URL. In this case, operation panel 212 displays a software keyboard. The user touches the keyboard to input.

[0097] There may be cases where data not including an address or URL is input. Therefore, the edit processing unit 208 (control circuit 202) recognizes a symbol string indicating an address or URL (step S1102). The edit processing unit 208 recognizes a symbol string indicating an address or URL using a method similar to that used in the erase mode. The edit processing unit 208 recognizes a symbol string indicating an address or URL from among a symbol string extracted from image data, a symbol string included in a file, a symbol string obtained by restoring a two-dimensional code, or a symbol string input to the operation panel 212. If the edit processing unit 208 cannot recognize any symbol string indicating an address or URL, it may end this flowchart.

[0098] Next, the edit processing unit 208 checks whether the symbol string of the recognized address or URL includes a symbol string that matches the location information i2 stored in the storage unit 211 (step S1103). If there is no matching location information i2 (No in step S1103), the edit processing unit 208 checks whether there is any symbol string of the recognized address or URL that matches the location information i3 in the storage unit 211 (step S1104). If there is no match with the location information i3 either (No in step S1104), the control unit 201 notifies an error (step S1105).

[0099] The control unit 201 may display an error on the display panel 214. Furthermore, when image data or a file is input to the communication unit 219, the control unit 201 may cause the communication unit 219 to transmit an error to the computer 4 that transmitted the image data or file. Then, the control unit 201 ends the processing of this flowchart (END).

[0100] If the symbol string of the recognized address or URL matches the stored location information i2 (Yes in step S1103), or if the symbol string of the recognized address or URL matches any of the location information i3 (Yes in step S1104), the acquisition unit or operation panel 212 accepts input of the changed location information i2 (new location information i2) (step S1106). The user inputs the changed location information i2 or its two-dimensional code.

[0101] The scanner 101 can be used to input the new location information i2. The user sets the new location information i2 or a sheet of paper on which the two-dimensional code is written in the scanner 101. Then, the control unit 201 makes the scanner 101 read the document. By reading, the scanner 101 generates image data (image file). The communication unit 219 can also be used to input the new location information i2. The user performs an operation to transmit image data on the computer 4. Image data in which the new location information i2 is described is selected. As a result, the image data including the new location information i2 is transmitted from the computer 4 to the image processing device 100. When the image data is input, the extraction processing unit 203 (control circuit 202) performs OCR processing on the image data. By the OCR processing, the extraction processing unit 203 recognizes characters and symbols included in the image data. Furthermore, when the image data includes a two-dimensional code, the extraction processing unit 203 decodes the two-dimensional code, and extracts and reproduces the symbol string included in the two-dimensional code.

[0102] The user may also input a file transmission command to the computer 4. In this case, a file including the new location information i2 as text (symbol string) is selected. The computer 4 transmits the selected file. As a result, the communication unit 219 receives a file including the new location information i2 as text (symbol string).

[0103] Furthermore, the operation panel 212 may accept input of a symbol string indicating an address or URL. That is, in the edit mode, the operation panel 212 may accept setting of new location information i2. In this case, the operation panel 212 displays a software keyboard. The user touches the keyboard to input information.

[0104] The edit processing unit 208 (control circuit 202) recognizes a symbol string indicating new location information i2 (step S1107). Among the symbol string extracted from image data, the symbol string included in a file, the symbol string obtained by restoring a two-dimensional code, or the symbol string input to the operation panel 212, the edit processing unit 208 recognizes a symbol string indicating an address or URL as new location information i2. Note that when there are symbol strings indicating multiple addresses or URLs, the edit processing unit 208 may display a screen on the display panel 214 for selecting new location information i2. In this case, the edit processing unit 208 recognizes the symbol string selected on the operation panel 212 as new location information i2.

[0105] Then, the edit processing unit 208 changes the stored location information i2 to the new location information i2 (step S1108→END). For example, the edit processing unit 208 changes the specified location information i2 or the location information i2 corresponding to the specified position information i3 to the new location information i2.

[0106] (Upload mode) Next, an example of the process in the upload mode will be described with reference to Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 are diagrams showing an example of the process in the upload mode according to the embodiment.

[0107] First, a specific example of processing in the upload mode will be described with reference to Fig. 12. First, as shown in item 1 of Fig. 12, the image processing device 100 acquires upload data by reading with the scanner 101 or receiving with the communication unit 219. Then, the generation processing unit 209 (control circuit 202) generates an upload file based on the upload data.

[0108] The image processing device 100 acquires the manuscript data to be uploaded in order to recognize the upload destination address. For example, as shown in item 2 of FIG. 12, the image processing device 100 may acquire the manuscript data to be uploaded (first manuscript) by reading the OCR of the scanner 101. The image processing device 100 may also acquire the manuscript data to be uploaded (first manuscript data) by transmission from the computer 4. The upload destination address may be directly input to the operation panel 212.

[0109] 12, the extraction processing unit 203 extracts the upload destination address from the manuscript data for upload as location information i2. The extraction processing unit 203 stores the extracted location information i2 in the storage unit 211. When storage of the location information i2 is completed, the upload processing unit 210 transmits the upload file to the upload destination address as shown in item 4 of FIG.

[0110] Furthermore, as shown in item 5 of Fig. 12, the replacement processor 204 processes the manuscript data for uploading. Specifically, the replacement processor 204 deletes the location information i2 and adds the position information i3 to the manuscript data for uploading (first manuscript data) to generate second manuscript data. The diagram at the bottom of Fig. 5 shows an example of the second manuscript data. As shown in Fig. 5, the control unit may cause the printing unit 218 to print out the contents of the second manuscript data, or may cause the communication unit 219 to output a file.

[0111] When upload mode is selected, generation processing unit 209 generates an upload file based on the upload data acquired by the acquisition unit. Upload processing unit 210 transmits the generated upload file to the upload destination address extracted by extraction processing unit 203 from the upload manuscript data acquired by the acquisition unit, or to the upload destination address input to operation panel 212. This makes it possible to easily upload data to a desired location (location). Acquisition and generation of the upload file, and setting of the save destination of the upload file can be completed with a single unit.

[0112] The details of the upload mode process will be described with reference to FIG. 13. The start of FIG. 13 is, for example, the point at which operation panel 212 accepts the selection of the upload mode. Alternatively, the start of FIG. 13 is the point at which communication unit 219 receives a request to start the upload mode. When the user inputs a start command to computer 4, computer 4 transmits a request to start the upload mode. Communication unit 219 accepts the request to start the upload mode. In this way, the use of the upload mode can be started using operation panel 212 or computer 4. Control unit 201 starts the upload mode process.

[0113] The acquisition unit acquires data to be uploaded (step S1301). The user inputs a file to be uploaded.

[0114] The scanner 101 can be used to input data for uploading. The user places an original of a document that the user wishes to digitize and upload in the scanner 101. The control unit 201 then causes the scanner 101 to read the original. By reading the original, the scanner 101 generates image data. Based on the data for uploading acquired by the scanner 101, the generation processing unit 209 (control circuit 202) generates an upload file (step S1302). For example, the generation processing unit 209 generates a PDF file.

[0115] The communication unit 219 can be used to input data for uploading. In this case, the user inputs a file transmission command to the computer 4. In this case, the data (file) to be uploaded is selected. The computer 4 transmits the selected data for uploading. As a result, the communication unit 219 receives the data for uploading. Based on the data for uploading received by the communication unit 219, the generation processing unit 209 (control circuit 202) generates an upload file (step S1302). For example, the generation processing unit 209 generates a PDF file.

[0116] The acquiring unit or the operation panel 212 receives an input of an upload destination address (step S1303). In order to input the upload destination address, manuscript data for uploading (first manuscript data) may be input to the acquiring unit. The acquiring unit may acquire a file including image data and text as manuscript data for uploading.

[0117] The manuscript for uploading is a manuscript that includes an upload destination address. For example, the manuscript for uploading is a piece of paper on which the upload destination address (location information i2) is printed or handwritten. The manuscript data for uploading may also be a file (data) that includes the upload destination address.

[0118] When acquiring manuscript data to be uploaded, the scanner 101 can be used. The user places a manuscript to be uploaded in the scanner 101. The control unit 201 causes the scanner 101 to read the manuscript to be uploaded. In this case, the scanner 101 generates image data of the manuscript to be uploaded as manuscript data to be uploaded.

[0119] The manuscript data to be uploaded can also be acquired using the communication unit 219. In this case, the user operates the computer 4. The computer 4 transmits data including an upload destination address to the communication unit 219 as the manuscript data to be uploaded. In this case, the manuscript data to be uploaded may be an image file or a file including the upload destination address as text data.

[0120] When the manuscript data to be uploaded is image data, the extraction processing unit 203 performs OCR processing of the manuscript data to be uploaded. Through OCR processing, the extraction processing unit 203 recognizes each symbol included in the manuscript data to be uploaded. Then, based on a predetermined algorithm, the extraction processing unit 203 extracts an upload destination address from each symbol included in the manuscript data to be uploaded. Furthermore, when the image data includes a two-dimensional code, the extraction processing unit 203 decodes the two-dimensional code, and extracts and reproduces the symbol string included in the two-dimensional code.

[0121] When the communication unit 219 receives a file in which an upload destination address is written in text, the extraction processing unit 203 extracts the upload destination address from the symbol string contained in the file. The operation panel 212 may also accept input of the upload destination address. In this case, the operation panel 212 displays a software keyboard. The user touches the keyboard to input.

[0122] The control unit 201 stores the input upload destination address in a non-volatile manner in the storage unit 211 (step S1304). The upload processing unit 210 transmits the generated upload file to the upload destination address (step S1305). As a result, the upload file is uploaded.

[0123] When an upload destination address is input to operation panel 212 (Yes in step S1306), there is no manuscript data to be uploaded, so control unit 201 ends the processing of the flowchart (END). On the other hand, if the upload destination address is not input from operation panel 212 (No in step S1306), replacement processing unit 204 (control circuit 202) erases the upload destination address from the manuscript data to be uploaded (step S1307). If the manuscript data to be uploaded is image data, replacement processing unit 204 fills in the entire range in which the upload destination address is written with a single color such as white. If the manuscript data to be uploaded is a file including text data, replacement processing unit 204 erases the symbol string of the upload destination address.

[0124] The replacement processing unit 204 (control circuit 202) adds the storage location of the upload destination address to the manuscript data for upload as position information i3, and generates second manuscript data (step S1308). The added position information i3 may be a two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code is obtained by converting a symbol string indicating the storage location of the upload destination address according to a predetermined rule. Step S1308 is the same process as step S505 in FIG. 4. Then, based on the second manuscript data, the output unit outputs the second manuscript (step S1309). The control unit 201 may cause the printing unit 218 to perform printing based on the second manuscript data. In this case, the output unit is the printing unit 218. The control unit 201 may also cause the communication unit 219 to transmit the second manuscript data to the computer 4 that has transmitted the manuscript data for upload (first manuscript data). In this case, the output unit is the communication unit 219.

[0125] The operation panel 212 may accept settings and selections for outputting the second manuscript data. For example, the operation panel 212 may accept at least one of settings for printing based on the second manuscript data, settings for a destination address for the second manuscript data, and settings for a storage destination for the second manuscript data. The user may also set and select the output of the second manuscript data on the computer 4. The computer 4 transmits at least one of settings for printing based on the second manuscript data, settings for a destination address for the second manuscript data, and settings for a storage destination for the second manuscript data to the communication unit 219. In this case, the control unit 201 outputs the second manuscript data according to the received settings.

[0126] The storage unit 211 stores the upload destination address in a non-volatile manner. The replacement processing unit 204 sets the manuscript data for uploading as the first manuscript data. The replacement processing unit 204 sets the upload destination address as location information i2 and erases the upload destination address from the manuscript data for uploading. The replacement processing unit 204 generates second manuscript data by adding the storage position of the erased upload destination address in the storage unit 211 to the manuscript data for uploading. This makes it possible to automatically erase the location information in the manuscript data for uploading. In addition, the second manuscript can be automatically output. The description of the upload destination address can be automatically converted into the location information i3 of the upload destination address. An outsider cannot access the file or web page corresponding to the location information i2 just by obtaining the second manuscript. It is possible to prevent information that is desired to be kept private from being leaked.

[0127] The image processing device 100 according to the embodiment includes an electronic device, and the output unit can print and output the second document on paper. This makes it possible to print paper on which the location information i2 is converted into position information i3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 100 image processing device, 101 scanner, 102 document transport device, 103 reading device, 104 document tray, 201 control unit, 202 control circuit, 203 extraction processing unit, 204 replacement processing unit, 205 authority determination unit, 206 proxy processing unit, 207 deletion processing unit, 208 editing processing unit, 209 generation processing unit, 210 upload processing unit, 211 storage unit, 212 operation panel, 213 touch panel, 214 display panel, 215 lamp, 216 image sensor, 217 image data generation circuit, 218 printing unit, 219 communication unit, 3 data server, 4 computer, 5 wide area network, i1 user information, i2 location information, i3 position information

Claims

1. A storage unit; an acquisition unit that acquires first manuscript data based on a first manuscript including location information indicating a location of information; an extraction processing unit that extracts the location information from the acquired first manuscript data; The storage unit stores the extracted location information, a replacement processing unit that erases the location information from the first document data and adds location information indicating a storage location of the location information in the storage unit to the first document data to generate second document data; an output unit that outputs a second document based on the second document data, The storage unit stores user information which is information of a person having a usage authority, an authority determination unit that, when the acquisition unit receives an input of authentication information and the location information, determines whether or not a person who has input the authentication information has use authority based on the user information and the input authentication information; and an agent processing unit that, when the authority determination unit determines that the user has the authority to use the device, acquires data from a location indicated by the location information corresponding to the input location information, or transmits the location information corresponding to the input location information to a computer that has transmitted the authentication information and the location information to the acquisition unit, an erasure processing unit that erases, when an erasure mode is selected, the input location information or the location information stored in the storage location of the input position information from the storage unit; The erasure processing unit checks whether or not an input to cancel the erasure has been received within a predetermined time from when it has been determined that the location information or the position information corresponding to the location information is included in the first manuscript, and if the input to cancel has been received, the electronic device does not erase the location information from the memory unit, and if the input to cancel has not been received, the electronic device erases the location information from the memory unit.

2. If it is determined that the user has the right to use the information, The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the proxy processing unit causes a printing unit to print based on the acquired data, or causes the acquired data to be transmitted to the computer that transmitted the authentication information and the location information.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 , further comprising an operation panel for receiving input of the authentication information and the position information.

4. 4. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising an editing processing unit that, when an editing mode is selected, edits the input location information, or the location information stored in the memory location of the input position information, to new input location information.

5. a generation processing unit that generates an upload file based on the upload data acquired by the acquisition unit when an upload mode is selected; The electronic device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an upload processing unit that transmits the generated upload file to an upload destination address extracted by the extraction processing unit from the manuscript data for upload acquired by the acquisition unit, or to an upload destination address inputted into an operation panel.

6. The storage unit stores the upload destination address, The replacement processing unit: The manuscript data to be uploaded is the first manuscript data, The upload destination address is used as the location information, and the upload destination address is deleted from the manuscript data for uploading; The electronic device according to claim 5 , further comprising: generating the second manuscript data by adding a storage location in the storage unit of the deleted upload destination address to the manuscript data to be uploaded.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the position information is a symbol string including an alphabet or a two-dimensional code.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the storage unit stores the generated second manuscript data in a non-volatile manner.

9. the acquisition unit is a scanner, The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the extraction processing unit extracts the location information by treating the image data obtained by reading the scanner as the first original data and performing OCR processing on the first original data.

10. An electronic device comprising: The output unit is an image processing apparatus capable of printing and outputting the second original on a sheet of paper.

Images