Image processing device and image data transmission method

An image processing device includes: a reading unit to read information stored in a detachable storage medium; a transmission unit to transmit image data outwardly; a determination unit to determine, in a case where the transmission unit transmits the image data, whether or not the information stored in the detachable storage medium is necessary; and a control unit to execute, in a case where the determination unit determines that the information stored in the detachable storage medium is necessary, control to maintain a state capable of reading the information stored in the detachable storage medium until the reading unit reads from the detachable storage medium the information necessary to transmit the image data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image processing device and an image data transmission method.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, an image processing device which has a function (user authentication function) for executing user authentication when a user uses the relevant image processing device exists. Further, an image processing device which has the user authentication function using an IC card as a method of increasing security of the user authentication function exists (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-312302).

In the meantime, in the device for which the user authentication is necessary, if any operation is not executed by the user for a certain period of time in a login state after execution of the user authentication, the device is automatically logged off (logged out). That is, the user authenticated state is automatically released.

However, in the related art, there occurs a problem that the image processing device cannot access the information in the IC card if the device is logged off. More specifically, it is assumed that the image processing device intends to execute a job of transmitting image data by using the information in the IC card. In such a case, if the image processing device is logged off before execution of the relevant job, there occurs a problem that this job cannot be executed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been completed in consideration of the above-described problems. That is, the present invention is to provide an image processing device which changes, in case of executing a job utilizing information stored in a detachable storage medium, its state to a state incapable of reading the information stored in the detachable storage medium until the information stored in the detachable storage medium is read out.

To solve the above-described problems, an image processing device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a reading unit configured to read information stored in a detachable storage medium; a transmission unit configured to transmit image data outwardly; a determination unit configured to determine, in a case where the transmission unit transmits the image data, whether or not the information stored in the detachable storage medium is necessary; and a control unit configured to execute, in a case where the determination unit determines that the information stored in the detachable storage medium is necessary, control to maintain a state capable of reading the information stored in the detachable storage medium until the reading unit reads from the detachable storage medium the information necessary to transmit the image data.

Further, an image data transmission method according to the present invention is characterized by an image data transmission method which is applied to an image processing device including a reading unit configured to read information stored in a detachable storage medium, the method comprising the steps of: accepting an execution instruction of a transmission job for transmitting image data outwardly; determining, in a case where the transmission job of which the execution instruction was accepted in the accepting step is executed, whether or not the information stored in the detachable storage medium is necessary; executing the transmission job of which the execution instruction was accepted in the accepting step; and executing, in a case where it is determined in the determining step that the information stored in the detachable storage medium is necessary to execute the transmission job, control to maintain a state capable of reading the information stored in the detachable storage medium until the information necessary in the transmitting step is read from the detachable storage medium.

Such an object of the present invention as described above and other object and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1a diagram illustrating an example of the whole constitution of a system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. That is, as illustrated inFIG. 1, a mail server101, a file sharing server102, a client PC (personal computer)1(103), a client PC2(104), a black-and-white multifunction device105and a color multifunction device106are together connected to a network107made by an Ethernet or the like. In this network, the mail server101has the function of transmitting E-mails transmitted from the client PC1(103), the client PC2(104) and the like to a transmission destination.

The file sharing server102has the function of enabling various users to share a folder on the file sharing server102through the network, and each of the client PC1(103) and the client PC2(104) can transmit electronic data to the folder on the file sharing server102.

Each of the black-and-white multifunction device105and the color multifunction device106, which is an example of an image processing device, has not only the function of copying a paper document but also the function of converting a scanned paper document into electronic data, transmitting thus acquired electronic data as an E-mail, and transmitting the relevant electronic data to the folder on the file sharing server102.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware constitution of each of computers such as the mail server101, the file sharing server102, the client PC1(103), and the client PC2(104).

As illustrated inFIG. 2, each of the computers includes a CPU (central processing unit)201, a keyboard202, a display203, a mouse204, an HDD (hard disk drive)205, a network I/F (interface) unit206, and a memory207.

Here, the CPU201executes whole control of the computer, and the key board202and the mouse204are used to input various operation information to the computer according to user's handlings or operations.

The display203displays a screen. The display203, the keyboard202and the mouse204together constitute a user interface of the computer. The data to be managed in the computer is stored in the HDD205. The network I/F unit206is the interface for connecting the computer to the network107. Further, the data to be used in the process of the CPU201is temporarily stored in the memory207.

FIG. 3is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware constitution of each of the multifunction devices such as the black-and-white multifunction device105and the color multifunction device106. Here, it should be noted that the black-and-white multifunction device105and the color multifunction device106are different from each other only in the point that the former device manages only black-and-white image data and the latter device manages both black-and-white image data and color image data. Therefore, inFIG. 3, the internal constitution of the unit for managing image data is different between the black-and-white multifunction device105and the color multifunction device106, but other constitutions are common between the black-and-white multifunction device105and the color multifunction device106.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, each of the multifunction devices includes a CPU301, an operation unit302, an output image processing unit303, a printer unit304, a memory305, an HDD306, and a network I/F unit206. Further, each multifunction device includes a FAX (facsimile) communication unit308, an input image processing unit309, and an IC card reader/writer (or portable memory reader)310.

Here, the CPU301executes whole control of the multifunction device. The operation unit302accepts user's handlings or operations, inputs received various operation information into the multifunction device, and displays various information under the control of the CPU301. Incidentally, an example of the operation unit302is illustrated inFIG. 4.

The output image processing unit303processes an input (or scanned) image to generate an output image, and a printer unit304outputs onto a paper the output image generated by the output image processing unit303. Further, the data to be used in the process of the CPU301is temporarily stored in the memory305. The data to be managed is stored in the HDD305. Further, the network I/F unit307is the interface for connecting the multifunction device to the network107.

The FAX communication unit308executes facsimile transmission/reception through a telephone line, and the input image processing unit309scans a paper original to generate input image data. The IC card reader/writer310reads/writes data from/to an inserted portable memory. In the following, to simplify the description, an IC card is used as an example of the portable memory. Incidentally, an example of the data stored in the IC card will be illustrated inFIG. 5.

FIG. 4is the diagram illustrating the example of the operation unit302. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the operation unit302includes a liquid crystal panel401, a numeric keypad402, a start button403, and a power saving key404.

The liquid crystal panel401is the panel on which the information to be watched by a user is displayed. Incidentally, the liquid crystal panel401may be made by a touch panel, so that the user inputs various information to the multifunction device by using the touch panel. The numeric keypad402includes various keys for inputting numeric information and the like to the multifunction device.

The start button403is the button by which the user causes the multifunction device to start executing various jobs, and the power saving key404is the button by which the user changes the current mode to the mode (power saving mode) for reducing power consumption of the multifunction device. For example, as described later, if the power saving key404is depressed in the state that the IC card has been inserted into the multifunction device and thus the relevant device has been logged in, the multifunction device executes a process for logoff to set the state that data reading/writing from/to the IC card cannot be executed.

FIG. 5is the diagram illustrating the example of the data stored in the IC card. As illustrated inFIG. 5, a user name802, a password803, a private key804, and a public key certificate805have been stored in an IC card801.

Here, the user name802is the information for uniquely identifying a user, and is used to log in the image processing device. It should be noted that the user name802is also called “user ID”.

Also, the password803is used when the user logs in the image processing device.

The private key804is the key used for encryption and decryption, and is given to only the user who has the IC card801.

The public key certificate805is the certificate which is issued by a trusted third party to certify the relation of the private key804, the public key paired with the private key804, and a legal and rightful owner of the relevant public key (that is, the owner of the IC card801). Here, it should be noted that the public key certificate805includes the information such as the public key signed by the trusted third party, the user name, the term of validity of the certificate, and the like.

FIG. 6is a flow chart describing an example of the image transmission process to be executed by the image processing device. Here, it should be noted that the process of the relevant flow chart is executed under the control of the CPU301provided in the black-and-white multifunction device105or the color multifunction device106. In the following, this process will be described as the image transmission process to be executed by the black-and-white multifunction device105(simply called the multifunction device105hereinafter). However, the black-and-white multifunction device105may be replaced by the color multifunction device106.

Initially, the user inserts the IC card801which is the portable memory into the IC card reader/writer310. Then, the multifunction device105reads the user name802and the password803stored in the IC card801, through the IC card reader/writer310. On the other hand, pairs of user names and passwords capable of logging in the multifunction device105have been previously stored in the HDD306. Thus, the CPU301searches from the HDD306the user name same as the user name802read from the IC card801. Then, in a case where the relative user name is found from the HDD306as the result of search, if the password paired with the user name found from the HDD306coincides with the password803read from the IC card801, the CPU301permits the user who inserted the IC card801to log in the multifunction device105(S501). On the other hand, in a case where the user name same as the user name802read from the IC card801is not found from the HDD306in the step S501, the CPU301inhibits the relevant user from logging in the multifunction device105, and the process ends. Further, even in a case where the user name same as the user name802read from the IC card801is found from the HDD306but the password paired with the user name found from the HDD306does not coincide with the password803read from the IC card801, the CPU301likewise inhibits the relevant user from logging in the multifunction device105, and the process ends.

Next, the user designates transmission destination and transmission protocol of the image data through the operation unit302and the like. Further, the user designates a time of transmitting the image data according to need. Then, for example, if the user sets a paper original to the input image processing unit309and depresses the start button403, the multifunction device105accepts reservation for executing an image data transmission job. If the time of transmitting the image data is designated, the multifunction device105accepts the reservation as a “reserved transmission job”. Then, the paper original set on the input image processing unit309is read, the original image data is generated based on the read paper original, and the generated image data is stored in the HDD306(S502).

After the user was authenticated and thus the authenticated user logged in the multifunction device105in the step S501, the state that the IC card reader/writer310can access the IC card801is maintained. However, if the operation unit302is not handled or operated for a predetermined time, the multifunction device105automatically releases the login state. This operation is called “auto logoff”. After the auto logoff, it is controlled by the CPU301of the multifunction device105to inhibit the IC card reader/writer310from accessing the IC card810. Incidentally, the time for executing the auto logoff is previously set by the user or an administrator, and the set time is stored in the HDD306or the like of the multifunction device105. This time is called “auto logoff time”.

Next, the multifunction device105determines whether or not it becomes the auto logoff time set in a setting file stored in, for example, the HDD306(S503). If it is determined that it becomes the auto logoff time (YES in the step S503), the multifunction device105further determines whether or not the transmission job accepted in the step S502is the transmission using the information in the IC card801and the transmission in the relevant transmission job has ended (S504).

Here, it should be noted that the transmission using the information in the IC card801is, for example, electronic signature transmission which uses the private key804and the public key certificate805. Besides, the transmission using the information in the IC card801may be a case where information of a transmitter acquired from the IC card801is added to transmission image data and then actually transmitted. For example, in a case where image data is attached to an E-mail and the relevant E-mail is then transmitted, it is supposed that an E-mail address to be input to a “from:” field of the relevant E-mail is acquired from the IC card801. In this case, such an operation is equivalent to the transmission using the information in the IC card801.

Then, if it is determined in the step S504that the transmission job accepted in the step S502is the transmission not using the information in the IC card801, or if it is determined in the step S504that the transmission job accepted in the step S502is the transmission using the information in the IC card801but the transmission in the relevant transmission job has ended, the multifunction device105executes an auto logoff process (S508).

If the logoff process is executed, the multifunction device105releases the authentication of the user who logged in the multifunction device105in the step S501. Further, if the IC card801remains being inserted in the IC card reader/writer310at the time when the logoff process is executed, the CPU301inhibits the IC card reader/writer310from reading/writing the data from/to the IC card801remaining being inserted. Then, if it is detected that the IC card801has been removed from the IC card reader/writer310, the CPU301permits the IC card reader/writer310to execute data reading/writing.

Even in the case where the multifunction device105executes the auto logoff process in the step S508, if the information in the IC card801is not used, the multifunction device105executes the transmission job accepted in the step S502(S509). That is, in the step S509, the image data stored in the HDD306is transmitted to the destination designated in the step S502. Here, it is supposed that the destination includes the color multifunction device106, the client PC1(103), the client PC2(104), the file sharing server102, and the like.

Further, as a transmission method, it is supposed to use a method of attaching image data to an E-mail, or a method of using a protocol such as an FTP (File Transfer Protocol), a WebDAV (Distributed Authoring and Versioning protocol for the WWW) or the like. Especially, in the case where the image data is transmitted by using the E-mail, the transmission through the mail server101is executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S504that the transmission job accepted in the step S502is the transmission using the information in the IC card801but the transmission in the relevant transmission does not end, the multifunction device105does not execute the auto logoff process by ignoring it (S505), and the flow advances to a step S510.

Besides, if it is determined in the step S503that it does not become the auto logoff time (NO in the step S503), the flow advances to the step S510.

In the step S510, the multifunction device105determines whether or not to start executing the transmission job. That is, if a time to transmit the image data has been designated in the transmission job accepted in the step S502, the multifunction device105determines whether or not to start executing the transmission job based on whether or not it becomes the designated time. On the other hand, if the time to transmit the image data is not designated in the transmission job accepted in the step S502, the multifunction device105determines to execute the transmission job, and the flow advances to a step S506. Meanwhile, if the multifunction device105determines not to execute the transmission job, the flow returns to the step S503.

In the step S506, the multifunction device105executes the transmission job accepted in the step S502. Here, if the transmission job to be executed by the multifunction device105is a job other than the transmission job which uses the information in the IC card801, the following job is executed. That is, an electronic signature which is generated by using the private key804and the public key certificate805read from the IC card801is added to the image data stored in the HDD306, and the acquired image data is transmitted to the destination. Here, as a transmission method, it is supposed to use a method of attaching the image data to an E-mail, or a method of using a protocol such as an FTP (File Transfer Protocol), a WebDAV (Distributed Authoring and Versioning protocol for the WWW) or the like.

Then, the multifunction device105determines whether or not the transmission job ends (S507). If it is determined that the transmission job ends, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the transmission job does not end yet, the flow returns to the step S503.

Incidentally, if it is determined in the step S504that the transmission job accepted in the step S502is the transmission using the information in the IC card801and the information necessary for the relevant transmission job has already been read out from the IC card801, it is possible to determine that the relevant transmission job has ended.

Further, the auto logoff process may be executed after it is determined in the step S507that the transmission job using the information in the IC card801has ended.

According to the process as described in the flow chart ofFIG. 6, in the case where the user executes the transmission with the electronic signature added by using the information in the IC card, the auto logoff which is not intended by the user can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation that the user cannot read out the information in the IC card while he/she is executing the transmission.

In particular, when the “reserved transmission job” is accepted in the step S502, the auto logoff is never executed before it becomes the transmission time, whereby the reserved transmission job can surely be executed.

FIG. 7is a flow chart describing another example of the transmission process to be executed by the image processing device according to the present embodiment. Here, the multifunction device105may execute not only the process in the flow chart ofFIG. 6but also the process in the flow chart ofFIG. 7.

The flow chart ofFIG. 6describes the transmission process of the multifunction device105to be executed in the case where the auto logoff is executed if any operation to the multifunction device105is not executed for the predetermined time. On the other hand, the flow chart ofFIG. 7describes the process of the multifunction device105to be executed in a case where the power saving key is depressed by the user after an instruction to execute the transmission job was accepted.

InFIG. 7, the processes to be executed in steps S601and S602are respectively the same as those to be executed in the steps S501and S502described inFIG. 6, whereby the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In a step S603, the multifunction device105determines whether or not the power saving key404is depressed by the user. If it is determined that the power saving key404is not depressed by the user, the flow advances to a step S610. Then, in the step S601, the multifunction device105determines whether or not to start executing the transmission job. That is, if a time to transmit the image data has been designated in the transmission job accepted in the step S602, the multifunction device105determines whether or not to start executing the transmission job based on whether or not it becomes the designated time. On the other hand, if the time to transmit the image data is not designated in the transmission job accepted in the step S602, the multifunction device105determines to execute the transmission job, and the flow advances to a step S606. Meanwhile, if the multifunction device105determines not to execute the transmission job, the flow returns to the step S603.

In the step S606, the multifunction device105executes the transmission job accepted in the step S602. Here, the content of the transmission job to be executed by the multifunction device105in the step S606is the same as that of the transmission job to be executed by the multifunction device105in the step S506ofFIG. 6.

Then, the multifunction device105determines whether or not the transmission job ends (S607). If it is determined that the transmission job ends, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the transmission job does not end yet, the flow returns to the step S603.

If it is determined in the step S603that the power saving key404is depressed by the user, the flow advances to a step S604. In the step S604, the multifunction device105further determines whether or not the transmission job accepted in the step S602is the transmission using the information in the IC card801(for example, the electronic signature transmission using the private key804and the public key certificate805).

In the step S604, if the multifunction device105determines that the transmission job accepted in the step S602is the transmission not using the information in the IC card801, the flow advances to a step S608. In the step S608, the multifunction device105executes the logoff process, and the flow further advances to a step S609. Here, it should be noted that electrical power consumption of the multifunction device105is reduced in the power saving mode. More specifically, in this mode, a temperature of the fixing unit provided in the multifunction device is lowered, and a backlight of the liquid crystal panel provided on the operation unit302is turned off. Besides, in the case where the user is logging in the multifunction device105, the relevant user is logged off as soon as the mode of the multifunction device105is changed to the power saving mode. At the same time, the multifunction device105inhibits the IC card reader/writer310from accessing the IC card801.

Then, in the step S609, the multifunction device105executes the transmission job accepted in the step S602, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the multifunction device105determines in the step S604that the transmission job accepted in the step S602is the transmission using the information in the IC card801, the flow advances to a step S605. In the step S605, the multifunction device105ignores the depression of the power saving key404and does not execute the logoff process, and the flow further advances to the step S610. Incidentally, in the step S605, it is also possible to set the multifunction device105not to ignore the depression of the power saving key404. More specifically, in this case, it is possible to permit, in response to the depression of the power saving key404, the multifunction device105to enter into a mode for reducing the power consumption by not executing only the logoff process.

Further, if it is determined in the step S604that the transmission job accepted in the step S602is the transmission using the information in the IC card801and the information necessary for the relevant transmission job has already been read out from the IC card801, it is possible to determine that the relevant transmission job has ended.

Furthermore, it is also possible to set the multifunction device105to enter into the mode for reducing the power consumption after it is determined in the step S607that the transmission job using the information in the IC card801has ended.

According to the process as described in the flow chart ofFIG. 7, in the case where the user executes the transmission with the electronic signature added by using the information in the IC card, the logoff can be prevented even if the power saving key404is intentionally depressed by the user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation that the user cannot read out the information in the IC card while he/she is executing the transmission.

FIG. 8is a flow chart describing another example of the transmission process to be executed by the multifunction device105according to the present embodiment. Here, the multifunction device105may execute not only the process in the flow chart ofFIG. 6and/or the process in the flow chart ofFIG. 7, but also the process in the flow chart ofFIG. 8.

InFIG. 8, the processes to be executed in steps S701and S702are respectively the same as those to be executed in the steps S501and S502described inFIG. 6, whereby the explanation thereof will be omitted.

Then, if the transmission job is accepted, the flow advances to a step S703. In the step S703, the multifunction device105determines whether or not the transmission job accepted in the step S702is the transmission using the information in the IC card801(for example, the electronic signature transmission using the private key804and the public key certificate805).

In the step S703, if the multifunction device105determines that the transmission job accepted in the step S702is the transmission not using the information in the IC card801, the flow advances to a step S704. In the step S704, the multifunction device105normally executes the accepted transmission job, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the multifunction device105determines in the step S703that the transmission job accepted in the step S702is the transmission using the information in the IC card801, the flow advances to a step S705. In the step S705, the multifunction device105locks the IC card801so that the IC card802cannot be removed from the IC card reader/writer310until the transmission ends. For example, “to lock the IC card801” implies that the IC card insertion port of the IC card reader/writer310is mechanically closed. Then, the flow advances to a step S706to execute the transmission job.

Subsequently, if the transmission job ends in the step S706, the flow further advances to a step S707. In the step S707, the multifunction device105unlocks the IC card801so that the IC card801can be removed from the IC card reader/writer310.

According to the process as described in the flow chart ofFIG. 8, in the case where the user executes the transmission with the electronic signature added by using the information in the IC card, it is possible to prevent that the IC card is removed from the IC card reader/writer310. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation that, if the IC card is removed from the IC card reader/writer310before the transmission job is executed or while the transmission job is being executed, the user cannot read out the information in the IC card.

Incidentally, as described above, the multifunction device105unlocks the IC card801in the step S705. In addition to this operation, for example, it is also possible to set the power saving key404so as not to be able to be depressed by the user.

According to the first exemplary embodiment as described above, the logoff of the image processing device can be prevented until the transmission job using the information stored and recorded in the IC card801ends.

In addition to the above exemplary embodiment, the present invention may be applied to a system which includes plural devices, or to equipment which includes a single device, such as a scanner, a printer, a PC, a copying machine, a multifunction machine, or a facsimile machine).

Also, the present invention can be achieved by directly or remotely supplying software program codes to realize the respective functions of the above-described exemplary embodiment to the system or the equipment, and reading and executing the supplied program codes with the computer included in the system or the equipment.

Therefore, also the program codes themselves installed to the relevant computer for realizing the respective functions of the above-described exemplary embodiment achieve the present invention. That is, the computer programs themselves for achieving the above functions and processes are included in the present invention.

In that case, because the form of program is no object if it has an actual function as the program, an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to an OS, and the like may be included as the program.

As the storage medium for supplying the program codes, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, an MO (magnetooptical) disk, a CR-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, a DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R), or the like can be used.

Besides, the program may be downloaded from a website of the Internet/intranet by using a browser of a client computer. That is, the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installing function together with the computer program may be downloaded from the relevant website into a recording medium such as a hard disk or the like. Moreover, the present invention can be also achieved by dividing the program codes constituting the program of the present invention into plural files and downloading the respective files from different websites. That is, a WWW server for downloading the program files for achieving the function processes of the present invention with use of the computer to plural users may be included in the scope of the present invention.

Moreover, it is possible to encrypt the program of the present invention, store the encrypted program in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, and distribute the acquired storage media to the users. In that case, it is possible to cause the user who has satisfied a predetermined condition to download key information for decrypting the encrypted program from the website through the Internet/intranet, decrypt and execute the program encrypted by using the key information, and install the decrypted program into the computer.

Moreover, the respective functions of the above-described exemplary embodiment may be realized by executing the read program with the computer. Besides, an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer may execute a part or all of the actual process according to instructions of the program. Of course, the respective functions of the above-described exemplary embodiment can be achieved in this case.

In addition, the program read from the recording medium may be written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Further, a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit may execute a part or all of the actual process according to in instructions of the program. Thus, the functions of the above-described exemplary embodiment may be realized.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-050744, filed on Feb. 27, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.