Abstract:
A communication apparatus transmits data to a plurality of destinations. The apparatus includes a first input unit that inputs an individual setting as to whether the data is encrypted for each of the plurality of destinations for an encryption transmission. The apparatus also includes a second input unit that inputs an individual setting as to whether the data is encrypted for each transmission job. Further, the apparatus includes a transmission control unit that, when the transmission job includes at least two sets of the destinations, if the transmission job is set to be encrypted, performs the encryption transmission for each of the destinations, and, if the transmission job is set to be not encrypted, performs the encryption transmission for each of the destinations to be encrypted and performs a transmission without an encryption for each of the destinations not to be encrypted.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a communication apparatus that is capable of transmitting information using plural transmission methods, a method of controlling such an apparatus, and a program for enabling a computer to execute such a method. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     An image processing apparatus such as a network-connected multifunction machine that has communication functions may be configured to transmit the same set of image data to plural destinations, for example. In such an apparatus, the destination designation operations for designating the plural destinations with respect to a transmission job (transmission process) may be completed in one operation sequence, for example. 
     In recent years and continuing, security is becoming an important issue in the field of communications. For example, an image registration server that registers and distributes images registered in client terminal apparatuses may have means for registering an encryption key of each transmission terminal and means for encrypting an image using its registered encryption key to transmit the image. The terminal receiving such an image may use a dedicated decryption key to decrypt the received image. In this way, security measures may be implemented against interception of data communications, eavesdropping, data access under false identity, and data tampering, for example (e.g., see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2001-092608). 
     In the case of designating transmission destinations in conventional imaging apparatuses, when a destination requiring transmission of an encrypted image is selected, it may not be possible to simultaneously select another destination that does not require such encryption transmission, or even if selection of such a destination is possible, actual image transmission to the selected destination may be not be possible, for example. Similarly, when a destination that does not require transmission of an encrypted image is selected, another destination that requires transmission of an encrypted image may not be selected, or such transmission may not be enabled. 
     Accordingly, when a user wishes to transmit an image to a destination that requires encrypted image transmission and another destination that does not require encrypted image transmission such as a destination within a LAN that does not involve transmission via an external network, the user may have to perform the same designation operations two times which can be quite burdensome. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention solve one or more of the above problems by providing a communication apparatus that is capable of reducing the burden of the user in designation operations associated with data transmission, a method for controlling such an apparatus, and a program enabling a computer to execute such a method. According to one aspect of the present invention, a destination that requires encryption transmission and a destination that does not require encryption transmission may be selected at once in one designation operation sequence for one transmission job to be transmitted simultaneously so that the burdens imposed on the user in performing transmission operations may be reduced. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, a communication apparatus is provided that transmits data using a plurality of transmission methods, the apparatus including: 
     a transmission information input unit that inputs transmission information including destination information and encryption information; and 
     an encryption unit that generates encrypted data based on the encryption information; 
     wherein when at least two sets of the destination information are input for a transmission job, an encryption determination process is performed on each set of destination information to determine whether encryption transmission involving transmission of the encrypted data is to be performed. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the communication apparatus of the above embodiment may further include: 
     a forced encryption setting information storing unit that stores forced encryption setting information for each set of the destination information, the forced encryption setting information indicating whether the encryption transmission is to be performed; and 
     a transmission job encryption setting unit that sets job encryption information indicating whether the encryption transmission is to be performed for the transmission job; 
     wherein the encryption determination process is performed on each set of the destination information based on the job encryption information and the forced encryption setting information. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, when at least one set of destination information pertaining to a first type destination that requires the encryption transmission and at least one set of destination information pertaining to a second type destination that does not require the encryption transmission are input for the transmission job, 
     a user guidance message is output indicating that the destination information pertaining to the first type destination and the destination information pertaining to the second type destination have been input; and 
     when a command to continue the transmission job is input in response to the user guidance message, the encryption transmission is performed for the first type destination, and normal transmission is performed for the second type destination. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, when at least one set of destination information pertaining to a first type destination that requires the encryption transmission and at least one set of destination information pertaining to a second type destination that does not require the encryption transmission are input for the transmission job; and 
     when the job encryption information indicates that the encryption transmission does not have to be performed for the transmission job; 
     the encryption transmission is performed for the first type destination. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, when at least one set of destination information pertaining to a first type destination that requires the encryption transmission is input, an encryption process is performed on the at least one set of destination information pertaining to the first type destination; and 
     when the encryption process ends in failure, transmission operations of the transmission job are not performed. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, when at least one set of destination information pertaining to a first type destination that requires the encryption transmission and at least one set of destination information pertaining to a second type destination that does not require the encryption transmission are input, an encryption process is performed on the at least one set of destination information pertaining to the first type destination; and 
     when the encryption process ends in failure, transmission operations of the transmission job that are directed to the second type destination are performed. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, when a first set of destination information pertaining to a destination requiring the encryption transmission is input, an encryption process is performed on the first set of destination information; and 
     when the encryption process ends in failure, transmission operations of the transmission job that are associated with the first set of destination information are not performed and transmission operations of the transmission job that are associated with the sets of destination information other than the first set of destination information are performed. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for controlling a communication apparatus that transmits data using a plurality of transmission methods, the method including the steps of: 
     inputting at least two sets of destination information for one transmission job; and 
     determining whether encryption transmission is to be performed for each set of the destination information. 
     According to a preferred embodiment, the method of the above embodiment may further include the steps of: 
     storing forced encryption setting information for each set of the destination information, the forced encryption setting information indicating whether the encryption transmission is to be performed; 
     setting job encryption information indicating whether the encryption transmission is to be performed for the transmission job; and 
     determining whether to perform the encryption transmission for each set of the destination information based on the forced encryption setting information and the job encryption information. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable program is provided that is run on a computer installed in a communication apparatus that transmits data using a plurality of transmission methods, the program being executed by the computer to perform the steps of: 
     storing forced encryption setting information indicating whether to perform encryption transmission for a plurality of sets of destination information; 
     setting job encryption information indicating whether to perform encryption transmission for the transmission job; 
     inputting at least two of the sets of destination information as designated destinations for the transmission job; and 
     determining whether to perform the encryption transmission for each of the designated destinations based on the forced encryption setting information and the job encryption information; 
     wherein when at least one set of destination information pertaining to a first type destination and at least one set of destination information pertaining to a second type destination are input as the designated destinations for the transmission job, a user guidance message is output indicating that the designated destinations include the first type destination and the second type destination; and 
     when a command to continue the transmission job is issued in response to the user guidance message, the encryption transmission is performed for the first type destination and normal transmission is performed for the second type destination. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a network-connected multifunction machine of the network system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of an operations indication unit of the network-connected multifunction machine; 
         FIGS. 4A-4E  are tables illustrating exemplary contents of address book information; 
         FIG. 5  is a table showing exemplary contents of communication history information; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating RSA encryption used for G3 fax transmission; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating S/MIME encryption used for e-mail transmission; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram showing an example of a S/MIME e-mail message; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram showing an example of a transmission application screen; 
         FIGS. 10A-10D  are diagrams showing specific examples of destination buttons displayed on the transmission application screen; 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating a transmission process according to one example; 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating an e-mail transmission process according to one example; 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating an encryption determination process according to one example; 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating a G3 Fax transmission process according to one example; 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart illustrating a file transfer process according to one example; 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart illustrating a transmission process according to another example; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram showing a guidance message screen that may be displayed in the transmission process of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a flowchart illustrating a transmission process according to another example; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram showing a guidance message screen that may be displayed in the transmission process of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram illustrating another guidance message screen that may be displayed in the transmission process of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a flowchart illustrating process steps of an e-mail transmission process according to another example; 
         FIG. 22  is a flowchart illustrating process steps of the e-mail transmission process continued from  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a flowchart illustrating process steps of an e-mail transmission process according to another example; 
         FIG. 24  is a flowchart illustrating process steps of the e-mail transmission process continued from  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a flowchart illustrating process steps of an e-mail transmission process according to another example; and 
         FIG. 26  is a flowchart illustrating process steps of the e-mail transmission process continued from  FIG. 25 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     In this drawing, plural workstations WS 1 -WSn, a mail server SM, a file server SF, and a network-connected multifunction machine FX are connected to a local area network (LAN). The above apparatuses are also connected to the Internet via a router RT so that the workstations WS 1 -WSn, the mail server SM, the file server SF, and the network-connected multifunction machine FX may exchange data with other external terminals via the Internet. 
     In the present embodiment, the mail server SM provides public electronic mail gathering/distributing services to users of the workstations WS 1 -WSn and the network-connected multifunction machine FX. 
     The file server SF uses the FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or SMB (Server Message Block) to provide file transmission/reception/storage services to users of the workstations WS 1 -WSn and the network-connected multifunction machine FX. 
     The workstations WS 1 -WSn are each used by specific users and have various programs installed therein such as an image processing program (image depiction program), a web browser, and e-mail client software. It is noted that each of the workstations WS 1 -WSn may be used by one specific user or plural specific users. 
     The network-connected multifunction machine FX as a communication apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention has plural transmission functions including an e-mail processing function for exchanging image information and report information in the form of e-mail messages, a fax communication function for establishing connection with an analog public network PSTN and transmitting image information according to the group 3 fax transmission scheme using the public network PSTN as a transmission path, a scan-to-e-mail function for transmitting read image data via e-mail, and a file transfer function such as the FTP or the SMB for transferring read image data to the file server SF for storage, for example. The network-connected multifunction machine FX may also have an encryption communication function for encrypting transmission data, for example. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of the network-connected multifunction machine FX. 
     The illustrated network-connected multifunction machine FX includes a system control unit  1  that performs various control processes including control processes for controlling overall operations of the present network-connected multifunction machine FX, encryption control processes, and transmission control processes; a system memory  2  that functions as a working area for the system control unit  1  and stores the control process programs to be executed by the system control unit  1  and data for enabling execution of the control process programs; a parameter memory  3  that stores information unique to the present network-connected multifunction machine FX; and a clock circuit  4  that outputs current time information. 
     The network-connected multifunction machine FX also includes a scanner  5  that reads a document image at a predetermined resolution; a plotter  6  that records/outputs an image at a predetermined resolution; and an operations indication unit  7  including operation keys and indication devices for enabling operation of the present network-connected multifunction machine FX. 
     The network-connected multifunction machine FX also includes an encoding/decoding unit  8  for compressing an image signal into compressed image information and decompressing the compressed image information back to the original image signal; and a magnetic disk unit  9  that stores plural sets of compressed image information and other types of data files, for example. 
     The network-connected multifunction machine FX also includes a group 3 fax modem  10  that embody group 3 modem functions including a low-speed modem function (e.g., V. 21 modem) for exchanging transmission procedure signals and a high-speed modem function (e.g., V. 17 modem, V. 34 modem, V. 29 modem, or V. 27 tar modem) primarily for exchanging image information, for example. 
     A network control unit  11  connects the network-connected multifunction machine FX to the analog public network PSTN and has an automatic call transmission/reception function. 
     A local area network interface circuit  12  connects the network-connected multifunction machine FX to the LAN, and a local area network transmission control unit  13  performs communication control processes for controlling communication of protocol suites to enable data exchange between other data terminal apparatuses connected to the LAN. 
     The system control unit  1 , the system memory  2 , the parameter memory  3 , the clock circuit  4 , the scanner  5 , the plotter  6 , the operations indication unit  7 , the encoding/decoding unit  8 , the magnetic disk unit  9 , the group 3 fax modem  10 , the network control unit  11 , and the local area network transmission control unit  13  are interconnected by an internal bus  14 , and data exchange between these units are performed primarily via the internal bus  14 . 
     It is noted that data may be directly exchanged between the network control unit  11  and the group 3 fax modem  10 . 
     Also, it is noted that the operations indication unit  7  may embody a transmission information input unit of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the system control unit  1  and the system memory  2  may embody an encryption unit, a forced encryption setting information storing unit, and a job encryption information setting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of the operations indication unit  7 . 
     In this example, the operations indication unit  7  includes a start key  7   a  for inputting a start command for starting transmission/reception operations of the network-connected multifunction machine FX, a stop key  7   b  for inputting a stop command for stopping operations of the network-connected multifunction machine FX, ten keys  7   c  for inputting number (numerical value) information such as a phone/fax number. 
     The operations indication unit  7  also includes a liquid crystal touch panel unit  7   d  that is displayed on a display screen of a liquid crystal display unit. The touch panel unit  7   d  enables operations through touching appropriate areas of the display screen, and functions as a user interface of the network-connected multifunction machine FX. 
     The operations indication unit  7  also includes a mode clear key  7   e  for clearing operation modes, an initial setting key  7   f  for inputting an initial setting start command, and an interruption key  7   g  for inputting an interruption command. 
     According to one embodiment, the network-connected multifunction machine FX includes address book information that registers destination information on transmission destinations to which a transmission process of the network-connected multifunction machine FX may be directed. For example, the network-connected multifunction machine FX may include address book information as is shown in  FIG. 4A . 
     The address book information of  FIG. 4A  includes  100  entries of e-mail destinations that may be referenced upon establishing e-mail communication, 100 entries of fax destinations that may be referenced upon establishing group 3 fax communication, 100 entries of group destinations that may be referenced upon establishing e-mail communication, and 100 entries of file transfer destinations that may be referenced upon establishing file transfer communication. 
     As is shown in  FIG. 4B , for example, one entry of e-mail destination information may include information items such as an e-mail destination name, an e-mail address, the position of a corresponding registered user of the e-mail destination, an encryption flag for indicating whether information transmitted to the present destination should always be encrypted (forced encryption setting information), and a public key A used for encryption communication. 
     As is shown in  FIG. 4C , for example, one entry of fax destination information may include information items such as a fax destination name, a fax number (or telephone number), the location of the registered fax destination, an encryption flag for indicating whether information transmitted to the present destination should always be encrypted (forced encryption setting information), and a public key B used for encryption communication. 
     As is shown in  FIG. 4D , for example, one entry of group destination information may include names of more than one e-mail destinations. 
     As is shown in  FIG. 4E , for example, one entry of file destination information may include information items such as a file destination name, a network path describing a transfer destination directory, a login user name and password used for logging into the file server SF, and an encryption flag for indicating whether encryption communication should be performed upon transmitting information to the present file destination. 
     According to one embodiment, the network-connected multifunction machine FX may generate and store communication history information as is shown in  FIG. 5  for each sequence of communication operations (reception operations and transmission operations). 
     The communication history information may include information items such as an ID for distinguishing each individual set of communication history information, a corresponding communication mode such as communication type (e.g., e-mail transmission/reception, fax transmission/reception, file transfer) and encryption requirement of the relevant communication history information, the communication start time, the communication end time, communication pages, and the communication outcome. 
     In the following, examples of encryption communication are described. 
     In group 3 fax transmission, encryption communication according to the ITU-T standard JT-T30 may be implemented. In this case, the encryption communication may conform to the RSA encryption scheme. Specifically, as is shown in  FIG. 6 , the transmission side encrypts a communication message (plain text) into encrypted text using a public key acquired from the reception side, and the reception side receives the encrypted text and decodes the received encrypted text using a private key corresponding to the public key used by the transmission side to restore the encrypted text back into the original plain text (communication message). 
     In this case, the public key B registered in the fax destination information may correspond to a public key transmitted from the reception side. In one embodiment, the public key may be registered manually by the operator of the network-connected multifunction machine FX, or alternatively, the network-connected multifunction machine FX may be configured to register the public key automatically by performing predetermined communication processes. For example, the public key may be automatically registered through e-mail, and when heightened security is desired, S/MIME (Secure Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) may be used. 
     In e-mail communication, S/MIME encryption may be used, for example. It is noted that encryption communication using S/MIME conforms to RFC 2311 (S/MIME Version 2 Message Specification) and RFC 2315 (PKCS #7: Cryptographic Message Syntax Version 1.5) issued by IETF. 
     As is shown in  FIG. 7 , in S/MIME encryption communication, the transmission side generates a common key and encrypts a communication message into encrypted text. The generated common key is encrypted by a public key transmitted from the reception side. The encrypted text and the encrypted common key are then transmitted to the reception side. 
     At the reception side, the encrypted common key is received and decoded using a private key corresponding to the public key used to encrypt the common key to generate the common key, and the generated common key is used to decode the encrypted text to thereby obtain the original communication message. 
     As is shown in  FIG. 8 , an e-mail message that is encrypted according to the S/MIME encryption scheme includes header information with at least one set of destination information (“To:” field), at least one set of encrypted key information corresponding to the destination information included in the header information (including an identifier assigned to the receiver), and encrypted text as main text information. 
     Upon receiving the e-mail, the e-mail receiving side searches for corresponding key information based on the identifier included in the encrypted key information of the received e-mail to decrypt the encrypted key information with a private key and obtain a common key. Then, the receiving side uses the common key to decrypt the encrypted main text into plain text. 
     In the case of performing file transfer using FTP, for example, encryption is realized using the SSL (Security Socket Layer). In this case, the message being exchanged remains unencrypted (i.e., in plain text), and the message stored in the file server SF may be in plain text. 
     In the case of using SMB, operations related to encryption may merely include the use of an encryption password upon logging in. 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram showing an exemplary transmission application display screen that may be displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel unit  7   d  of the operations indication unit  7  when a user is to perform transmission operations using the network-connected multifunction machine FX as is described above. 
     In this example, the user may set operation conditions such as document read mode, read conditions PO 5 , density PO 6 , file format PO 7 , and document delivery mode PO 8 , for example. 
     Then, the user may select a destination to which a message is to be transmitted from the destination buttons PO 3  that are registered and displayed on the touch panel unit  7   d . It is noted that the user may select plural destinations to simultaneously transmit a message to plural destinations, for example. 
     In the case where destinations to be designated include a combination of e-mail destinations, fax destinations, and file destinations, destinations associated with a particular transmission method may be displayed by selecting a relevant button PO 1  or PO 2  , for example. 
       FIGS. 10A-10D  are diagrams showing specific examples of the destination buttons PO 3 . The illustrated destination buttons PO 3  are each assigned a set of the information registered in the illustrated address book information. 
     Specifically, the destination button shown in  FIG. 10A  is registered under button ID “0001”, and includes a destination name “NIHON TARO” and an icon “SY1” indicating that the transmission destination corresponds to a folder that is provided over a network. 
     The destination button shown in  FIG. 10B  is registered under button ID “0002”, and includes a destination name “Sales Division 1” and an icon “SY2” indicating that the transmission destination corresponds to plural destinations that are grouped together. 
     The destination button shown in  FIG. 10C  is registered under button ID “0003”, and includes a destination name “XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Corporation”, an icon “SY3” indicating that that destination corresponds to an e-mail destination, and an icon “SY4” indicating that the destination has information for encryption registered (i.e., a public key is registered). 
     The destination button shown in  FIG. 10D  is registered under button ID “0004”, and includes a destination name “XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Corporation”, an icon “SY5” indicating that the destination is a fax destination, and an icon “SY6” indicating that transmission messages directed to the destination should always be encrypted (i.e., the encryption flag is set to “encrypt”). 
     The user may select one or more destinations as is necessary or desired from the operations screen indicating these destination buttons. 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating process steps for performing a transmission job according to one example. 
     According to this example, a user may set a transmission document on the scanner  5  (step  101 ), operate the operations indication unit  7  to set the network-connected multifunction machine FX to read mode (step  102 ), and input at least one destination (step  103 ) to start transmission operations. The destination input operations may include setting the destination buttons to on mode and operating the ten keys  7   c  of the operations indication unit  7 , for example. 
     Then, the network-connected multifunction machine FX may be in standby mode until the user presses the start key  7   a  (loop formed by steps  102 ,  103 , and negative determination NO in step  104 ). It is noted that at this point, the user may also set conditions pertaining to encryption for the designated transmission operations (transmission job). 
     When the start key  7   a  is pressed and a positive determination (YES) is made in step  104 , the document set on the scanner  5  is read according to the designated read mode and the read image data are stored in the magnetic disk unit  9  (step  105 ). It is noted that the stored image data may be compressed as is necessary or desired, for example. 
     In a case where the destinations designated by the user include one or more e-mail destinations (step  106 , YES), an e-mail transmission process directed to the designated e-mail destinations is performed (step  107 ). On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  106 , the e-mail transmission process is not performed. 
     In a case where the destinations designated by the user include one or more fax destinations (G3 Fax destination) (step  108 , YES), a fax (G3 Fax) transmission process directed to the designated fax destinations is performed (step  109 ). On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  108 , the fax transmission process of step  109  is not performed. 
     In a case where the destinations designated by the user includes one or more file destinations (file transfers) (step  110 , YES), a file transfer process that is directed to the designated file destinations is performed (step  111 ). On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  110 , the file transfer process of step  111  is not performed. 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating exemplary process steps of the e-mail transmission process of step  107 . 
     According to this example, a common key used for encryption communication is generated (step  201 ), read data corresponding to a transmission message is encrypted according to a predetermined encryption scheme using the common key generated in step  201 , and the encrypted data are stored in the magnetic disk unit  9  (step  202 ). 
     Then, a determination is made as to whether the destinations designated by the user include a group destination (step  203 ), and if a positive determination (YES) is made, a destination organization process is performed for acquiring the e-mail destinations registered in the group destination (step  204 ). By performing the destination organization process of step  204 , the e-mail destinations to which the present e-mail transmission process is directed may be organized. For example, when overlapping destination designations are detected as a result of designating a single e-mail destination when this single destination actually belongs to a designated group destination, one of the overlapping designations may be retained and the rest of the designations may be canceled. On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  203 , the destination organization process of step  204  is not performed. 
     Then, one e-mail destination is selected from the designated destinations (step  205 ), and an encryption determination process is performed for determining whether the selected e-mail destination requires transmission through encryption communication (step  206 ). 
     In the case where it is determined by the encryption determination process that encryption communication is required for the selected e-mail destination (step  207 , YES), the selected e-mail destination is stored in an encryption transmission destination list (step  208 ), the common key generated in step  201  is encrypted using the public key A stored in association with the selected e-mail destination (step  209 ), and the encrypted common key is then registered in an encrypted common key list (step  210 ). 
     Then, a determination is made as to whether the encryption determination process has been performed on all the designated destinations (step  211 ), and if a negative determination (NO) is made in step  211 , the process goes back to step  205  so that a next e-mail destination may be selected and the encryption determination process may be performed thereon. 
     When the selected e-mail destination does not require encryption communication so that a negative determination (NO) is made in step  207 , the selected e-mail destination is stored in a normal transmission destination list (step  212 ) after which the process moves on to step  211 . 
     When the encryption determination process is performed on all the designated e-mail destinations so that a positive determination (YES) is made in step  211 , a determination is made as to whether at least one e-mail destination is registered in the encryption transmission destination list (step  213 ). 
     If a positive determination (YES) is made in step  213 , encrypted transmission data are generated based on the encryption transmission destination list, the encrypted data, and the encrypted common key list (step  214 ), and e-mail containing the encrypted transmission data generated in step  214  (encrypted e-mail) is transmitted to the relevant e-mail destinations (step  215 ). On the other hand, if a negative determination (NO) is made in step  213 , steps  214  and  215  are not performed. 
     Then, a determination is made as to whether at least one e-mail destination is registered in the normal transmission destination list (step  216 ). If a positive determination (YES) is made in step  216 , normal transmission data are generated based on the normal transmission destination list and the read data (step  217 ), and an e-mail containing the normal transmission data generated in step  217  is transmitted to the relevant e-mail destinations (step  218 ). On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  216 , steps  217  and  218  are not performed. 
     Then, transmission history information pertaining to the present e-mail transmission process is generated and stored (step  219 ) after which the relevant e-mail transmission process is ended. 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating exemplary process steps of the encryption determination process performed in step  206  of  FIG. 12 . 
     According to this example, a determination is made as to whether encryption setting for the present transmission job is set to “encrypt” (step  301 ). It is noted that the encryption setting of a transmission job may be set by the user. 
     When a positive determination (YES) is made in step  301 , a determination is made as to whether public key information is registered in association with a relevant destination (e.g., if the relevant destination is an e-mail destination, the public key A may be registered; and if the relevant destination is a fax destination, the public key B may be registered) (step  302 ). When a positive determination (YES) is made in step  302 , it is determined that the relevant destination requires encryption of transmission data directed thereto ( 303 ). 
     On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  302 , it is determined that the relevant destination does not require encryption of transmission data directed thereto ( 304 ). 
     Also, when it is determined that the encryption setting for a transmission job is not set to “encrypt” so that a negative determination (NO) is made in step  301 , a determination is made as to whether the encryption flag value of a relevant destination is set to “encrypt” (step  305 ). 
     When a positive determination (YES) is made in step  305 , the process moves on to step  303  where it is determined that the relevant destination requires encryption of transmission data directed thereto. On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  305 , the process moves on to step  304  where it is determined that the relevant destination does not require encryption of transmission data directed thereto. 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating exemplary process steps of the G3 Fax transmission process performed in step  109  of  FIG. 11 . 
     According to this example, one fax destination is selected from the designated destinations (step  401 ), and the encryption determination process illustrated in  FIG. 13  is performed on the selected destination (step  402 ). Then, the outcome of the encryption determination process for the selected destination is checked to determine whether the relevant destination requires encryption communication (step  403 ). 
     When a positive determination (YES) is made in step  403 , the public key B that is registered in association with fax destinations is acquired for the relevant destination, and the acquired public key B is used on the read data to generate encrypted data (step  404 ). 
     Then, a call is made to the relevant destination using the network control unit  11  and the encrypted data generated in step  404  are transmitted to the relevant destination predetermined through predetermined Group 3 Fax communication (encryption communication) operations (step  405 ). 
     Then, communication history information pertaining to the transmission operations for the selected destination is generated and stored (step  406 ). 
     Then, a determination is made as to whether transmission operations have been completed for all the designated fax destinations (step  407 ). When a negative determination (NO) is made in step  407 , the process goes back to step  401  so that transmission operations may be performed for the remaining destinations. 
     When a negative determination (NO) is made in step  403 , a call is made to the relevant destination using the network control unit  11  and the read data are transmitted to the relevant destination through predetermined Group 3 Fax communication operations (step  408 ). 
     Then, the process moves on to step  406  where communication history information pertaining to the corresponding transmission operations is generated and stored. Then, the process moves on to step  407 . When it is determined that transmission operations have been performed for all the designated fax destinations (step  407 , YES), the present G3 Fax transmission process may be ended. 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart illustrating exemplary process steps of the file transfer process performed in step  111  of  FIG. 11 . 
     According to this example, a file destination is selected from the designated destinations (step  501 ), and the encryption determination process as is shown in  FIG. 13  is performed on the selected destination (step  502 ). Then, the outcome of the encryption determination process for the relevant destination is checked to determine whether the relevant destination requires encryption communication (step  503 ). 
     When a positive determination (YES) is made in step  503 , connection in SSL mode is established with the file server SF using a login user name and a login password that are registered in association with the relevant destination and the read data are transferred to a network path registered in association with the relevant file destination to be stored in the file server SF (step  504 ). 
     Then, communication history information pertaining to the present transmission operations is generated and stored (step  505 ). 
     Then, a determination is made as to whether transmission operations have been completed for all the designated file destinations (step  506 ). When a negative determination (NO) is made in step  506 , the process goes back to step  501 , and transmission operations are performed for the remaining destinations. 
     When a negative determination (NO) is made in step  503 , connection in non-SSL mode is established with the file server SF, and read data are transferred to the network path that is registered in association with the relevant destination to store the data in the file server SF (step  507 ). 
     Then, the process moves on to step  505  where communication history information pertaining to the present transmission operations is generated. Then, the process moves on to step  506  to determine whether transmission operations have been completed for all the designated file destinations. 
     As can be appreciated, according to the above example, destinations that require encryption communication and destinations that do no require encryption communication may be designated in one designation operation sequence so that the burden imposed on the user for designating destinations may be reduced and user-friendliness may be improved, for example. 
       FIG. 16  is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary sequence of process steps for executing a transmission job. 
     According to this example, a user may set a transmission document on the scanner  5  (step  601 ), operate the operations indication unit  7  to set the network-connected multifunction machine FX to read mode (step  602 ), and input at least one destination (step  603 ) to start transmission operations. The destination input operations may include setting the destination buttons to on mode and operating the ten keys  7   c  of the operations indication unit  7 , for example. 
     Then, the network-connected multifunction machine FX may be in standby mode until the user presses the start key  7   a  (loop formed by steps  602 ,  603 , and negative determination NO in step  604 ). It is noted that at this point, the user may also set conditions pertaining to encryption for the designated transmission operations (transmission job). 
     When the start key  7   a  is pressed so that a positive determination (YES) is made in step  604 , the encryption settings of the designated destinations are checked (step  605 ), and a determination is made as to whether the destinations designated in step  603  include both a destination having an encryption flag set on and a destination having an encryption flag set off (step  606 ). 
     When it is determined that both types of destinations (i.e., destinations with encryption ON flags and destinations with encryption OFF flags) are designated so that a positive determination (YES) is made in step  606 , a guidance message GM # 1  as is shown in  FIG. 17  is displayed on the display screen (step  607 ), and the user is prompted to select whether to continue the transmission operations by operating a transmission continuation button BB 1  of the guidance message GM # 1  or terminate the transmission operations by operating a transmission stop button BB 2  of the guidance message GM # 1  (step  608 ). 
     In a case where the transmission stop button BB 2  is operated so that a positive determination (YES) is made in step  608 , the document image set on the scanner  5  is read according to the designated read mode, and the read image data are stored in the magnetic disk unit  9  (step  609 ). In one embodiment, the image data to be stored may be compressed as is necessary or desired. 
     In a case where the destinations designated by the user include one or more e-mail destinations (step  610 , YES), an e-mail transmission process directed to the designated e-mail destinations is performed (step  611 ). On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  610 , the e-mail transmission process of step  611  is not performed. 
     In a case where the destinations designated by the user include one or more fax destinations (G3 Fax destinations) (step  612 , YES), a fax (G3 Fax) transmission process directed to the designated fax destinations is performed (step  613 ). On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  612 , the fax transmission process of step  613  is not performed. 
     In a case where the destinations designated by the user include one or more file destinations (file transfers) (step  614 , YES), a file transfer process that is directed to the designated destinations is performed (step  615 ). On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  614 , the file transfer process of step  615  is not performed. 
     As can be appreciated, in the present example, when designated destinations include destinations requiring encryption communication as well as destinations not requiring encryption communication, a guidance message informing the user that both types of destinations are designated is displayed in order to prompt the user to select whether to continue with the transmission operations. In this way, user errors in destination designation operations may be avoided, for example. 
       FIG. 18  is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary sequence of process steps for performing a transmission job. 
     According to the present example, a user may set a transmission document on the scanner  5  (step  701 ), operate the operations indication unit  7  to set the network-connected multifunction machine FX to read mode (step  702 ), and input at least one destination (step  703 ) to start transmission operations. Then, the network-connected multifunction machine FX may be in standby mode until the user presses the start key  7   a  (loop formed by steps  702 ,  703 , and negative determination NO in step  704 ). It is noted that at this point, the user may also set conditions pertaining to encryption for the designated transmission operations (transmission job). 
     When the start key  7   a  is pressed so that a positive determination (YES) is made in step  704 , the encryption settings of the designated destinations are checked (step  705 ), and a determination is made as to whether the destinations designated in step  703  include both a destination having an encryption flag set on (i.e., “encrypt”) and a destination having an encryption flag set off (i.e., “not encrypt”)(steps  705  and  706 ). 
     When it is determined that both types of destinations (i.e., destinations with encryption ON flags and destinations with encryption OFF flags) are designated so that a positive determination (YES) is made in step  706 , a determination is made as to whether the encryption setting of the transmission job is set to “not encrypt” (step  707 ). 
     If a positive determination (YES) is made in step  707 , a guidance message GM # 2  as is shown in  FIG. 19  is displayed on the display screen that informs that user that one or more destinations that require encryption communication are included (step  708 ). On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  708 , a guidance message GM # 3  as is shown in  FIG. 20  is displayed on the display screen that informs the user that one or more destinations that does not require encryption communication are included (step  709 ). 
     When the guidance message GM # 2  or GM # 3  is displayed, the user may operate a transmission continuation button BB 1  or a transmission stop button BB 2  to select whether to continue with the transmission operations (step  710 ). 
     In a case where the transmission stop button BB 2  is operated so that a positive determination (YES) is made in step  710 , the document image set on the scanner  5  is read according to the designated read mode, and the read image data are stored in the magnetic disk unit  9  (step  711 ). In one embodiment, the image data to be stored may be compressed as is necessary or desired. 
     In a case where the destinations designated by the user include one or more e-mail destinations (step  712 , YES), an e-mail transmission process as is described above that is directed to the designated e-mail destinations is performed (step  713 ). On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  712 , the e-mail transmission process of step  713  is not performed. 
     In a case where the destinations designated by the user include one or more fax destinations (G3 Fax destinations) (step  714 , YES), a fax (G3 Fax) transmission process directed to the designated fax destinations is performed (step  715 ). On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  714 , the fax transmission process of step  715  is not performed. 
     In a case where the destinations designated by the user includes one or more file destinations (file transfers) (step  716 , YES), a file transfer process that is directed to the designated destinations is performed (step  717 ). On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  716 , the file transfer process of step  717  is not performed. 
     As can be appreciated, in the present example, when designated destinations include destinations with encryption settings that are different from the encryption setting set for the relevant transmission job, a guidance message informing the user of such an effect is displayed on the display screen in order to prompt the user to select whether to continue with the transmission operations. In this way, user errors in destination designation operations may be avoided, for example. 
       FIGS. 21 and 22  are flowcharts illustrating another exemplary sequence of process steps for performing an e-mail transmission process. 
     According to this example, a common key used for encryption communication is generated (step  801 ), read data corresponding to a transmission message is encrypted according to a predetermined encryption scheme using the common key generated in step  801 , and the encrypted data are stored in the magnetic disk unit  9  (step  802 ). 
     Then, a determination is made as to whether the destinations designated by the user include a group destination (step  803 ), and if a positive determination (YES) is made, a destination organization process is performed for acquiring the e-mail destinations registered in the group destination (step  804 ). By performing the destination organization process of step  804 , the e-mail destinations to which the present e-mail transmission process is directed may be organized. For example, when overlapping destination designations are detected as a result of designating a single e-mail destination when this single destination actually belongs to a designated group destination, one of the overlapping designations may be retained and the rest of the designations may be canceled. On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  803 , the destination organization process of step  804  is not performed. 
     Then, one e-mail destination is selected from the designated destinations (step  805 ), and an encryption determination process is performed for determining whether encryption communication is to be implemented for the selected e-mail destination (step  806 ). 
     In the case where it is determined by the encryption determination process that encryption communication is to be implemented for the selected e-mail destination (step  807 , YES), the selected e-mail destination is stored in an encryption transmission destination list (step  808 ), the common key generated in step  801  is encrypted using the public key A stored in association with the selected e-mail destination (step  809 ). 
     Then, a determination is made as to whether encryption has been properly performed on the common key (step  810 ), and when a positive determination (YES) is made, the encrypted common key generated in step  809  is registered in an encrypted common key list (step  811 ). When a negative determination (NO) is made in step  810 , an encryption failure flag is set (step  812 ). It is noted that the encryption failure flag may be reset at the initial point of performing an e-mail transmission process. 
     Then, a determination is made as to whether the encryption determination process has been performed on all the designated destinations (step  813 ), and if a negative determination (NO) is made in step  813 , the process goes back to step  805  so that a next e-mail destination may be selected and the encryption determination process may be performed thereon. 
     In a case where the encryption determination process determines that encryption communication is not required for the selected e-mail destination so that a negative determination (NO) is made in step  807 , the selected e-mail destination is stored in a normal transmission destination list (step  814 ) after which the process moves on to step  813 . 
     When the encryption determination process is performed on all the designated e-mail destinations so that a positive determination (YES) is made in step  813 , a determination is made as to whether one or more encryption failure flags are set (step  815 ). When encryption of the common key is successfully performed for all the relevant destinations so that a negative determination (NO) is made in step  815 , a determination is made as to whether one or more destinations are registered in the encryption transmission destination list (step  816 ). 
     In a case where a positive determination (YES) is made in step  816 , encrypted transmission data are generated based on the encryption transmission destination list, the encrypted data, and the encrypted common key list (step  817 ), and an e-mail containing the encrypted transmission data generated in step  817  (encrypted e-mail) is transmitted to the relevant e-mail destinations (step  818 ). On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  816 , steps  817  and  818  are not performed. 
     Then, a determination is made as to whether at least one e-mail destination is registered in the normal transmission destination list (step  819 ). If a positive determination (YES) is made in step  819 , normal transmission data are generated based on the normal transmission destination list and the read data (step  820 ), and e-mail containing the normal transmission data generated in step  820  are transmitted to the relevant e-mail destinations (step  821 ). On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  819 , steps  820  and  821  are not performed. 
     Then, transmission history information pertaining to the present e-mail transmission operations is generated and stored (step  822 ) after which the relevant e-mail transmission process is ended. 
     In a case where one or more encryption failure flags are set so that a positive determination (YES) is made in step  815 , it is determined that the present transmission job has been a failure (step  823 ), and the process moves on to step  822  where communication history information pertaining to the present transmission job is generated and stored (step  823 ). 
     As can be appreciated, according to the present example, when an encryption process (public key encryption process) performed on at least one destination ends in failure, the relevant transmission job is not performed. For example, such an arrangement may be used in the case where highly confidential document information is transmitted. 
       FIGS. 23 and 24  are flowcharts illustrating another exemplary sequence of process steps for performing an e-mail transmission job. 
     According to this example, a common key used for encryption communication is generated (step  901 ), read data corresponding to a transmission message is encrypted according to a predetermined encryption scheme using the common key generated in step  901 , and the encrypted data are stored in the magnetic disk unit  9  (step  902 ). 
     Then, a determination is made as to whether the destinations designated by the user include a group destination (step  903 ), and if a positive determination (YES) is made, a destination organization process is performed for acquiring the e-mail destinations registered in the group destination (step  904 ). By performing the destination organization process of step  904 , the e-mail destinations to which the present e-mail transmission process is directed may be organized. For example, when overlapping destination designations are detected as a result of designating a single e-mail destination when this single destination actually belongs to a designated group destination, one of the overlapping designations may be retained and the rest of the designations may be canceled. On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  903 , the destination organization process of step  904  is not performed. 
     Then, one e-mail destination is selected from the designated destinations (step  905 ), and an encryption determination process is performed for determining whether encryption communication is to be implemented for the selected e-mail destination (step  906 ). 
     In the case where it is determined by the encryption determination process that encryption communication is to be performed for the selected e-mail destination (step  907 , YES), the selected e-mail destination is stored in an encryption transmission destination list (step  908 ), the common key generated in step  901  is encrypted using the public key A stored in association with the selected e-mail destination (step  909 ). 
     Then, a determination is made as to whether encryption has been properly performed on the common key (step  910 ), and when a positive determination (YES) is made, the encrypted common key generated in step  909  is registered in an encrypted common key list (step  911 ). When a negative determination (NO) is made in step  910 , an encryption failure flag is set (step  912 ). It is noted that the encryption failure flag may be reset at the initial point of performing an e-mail transmission process. 
     Then, a determination is made as to whether the encryption determination process has been performed on all the designated destinations (step  913 ), and if a negative determination (NO) is made in step  913 , the process goes back to step  905  so that a next e-mail destination may be selected and the encryption determination process may be performed thereon. 
     In a case where the encryption determination process determines that encryption communication is not required for the selected e-mail destination so that a negative determination (NO) is made in step  907 , the selected e-mail destination is stored in a normal transmission destination list (step  914 ) after which the process moves on to step  913 . 
     When the encryption determination process is performed on all the designated e-mail destinations so that a positive determination (YES) is made in step  913 , a determination is made as to whether one or more encryption failure flags are set (step  915 ). When encryption of the common key is successfully performed for all the relevant destinations so that a negative determination (NO) is made in step  915 , a determination is made as to whether one or more destinations are registered in the encryption transmission destination list (step  916 ). 
     In a case where a positive determination (YES) is made in step  916 , encrypted transmission data are generated based on the encryption transmission destination list, the encrypted data, and the encrypted common key list (step  917 ), and e-mail containing the encrypted transmission data generated in step  917  (encrypted e-mail) are transmitted to the relevant e-mail destinations (step  918 ). On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  916 , steps  917  and  918  are not performed. 
     Then, a determination is made as to whether at least one e-mail destination is registered in the normal transmission destination list (step  919 ). If a positive determination (YES) is made in step  919 , normal transmission data are generated based on the normal transmission destination list and the read data (step  920 ), and e-mail containing the normal transmission data generated in step  920  are transmitted to the relevant e-mail destinations (step  921 ). On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  919 , steps  920  and  921  are not performed. 
     Then, transmission history information pertaining to the present e-mail transmission operations is generated and stored (step  922 ) after which the relevant e-mail transmission process is ended. 
     In a case where one or more encryption failure flags are set so that a positive determination (YES) is made in step  915 , the process moves on to step  919 . That is, encryption communication operations are not performed in this case. 
     As can be appreciated, according to the present example, when an encryption process (public key encryption process) performed on at least one destination ends in failure, encryption communication operations of the relevant transmission job are not performed, and only normal communication operations are performed. In this way, the burden imposed on the user may be reduced. 
       FIGS. 25 and 26  are flowcharts illustrating another exemplary sequence of process steps for performing an e-mail transmission job. 
     According to this example, a common key used for encryption communication is generated (step  1001 ), read data corresponding to a transmission message is encrypted according to a predetermined encryption scheme using the common key generated in step  1001 , and the encrypted data are stored in the magnetic disk unit  9  (step  1002 ). 
     Then, a determination is made as to whether the destinations designated by the user include a group destination (step  1003 ), and if a positive determination (YES) is made, a destination organization process is performed for acquiring the e-mail destinations registered in the group destination (step  1004 ). By performing the destination organization process of step  1004 , the e-mail destinations to which the present e-mail transmission process is directed may be organized. For example, when overlapping destination designations are detected as a result of designating a single e-mail destination when this single destination actually belongs to a designated group destination, one of the overlapping designations may be retained and the rest of the designations may be canceled. On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  1003 , the destination organization process of step  1004  is not performed. 
     Then, one e-mail destination is selected from the designated destinations (step  1005 ), and an encryption determination process is performed for determining whether encryption communication is to be implemented for the selected e-mail destination (step  1006 ). 
     In the case where it is determined by the encryption determination process that encryption communication is to be implemented for the selected e-mail destination (step  1007 , YES), the selected e-mail destination is stored in an encryption transmission destination list (step  1008 ), the common key generated in step  1001  is encrypted using the public key A stored in association with the selected e-mail destination (step  1009 ). 
     Then, a determination is made as to whether encryption has been properly performed on the common key (step  1010 ), and when a positive determination (YES) is made, the encrypted common key generated in step  1009  is registered in an encrypted common key list (step  1011 ). When a negative determination (NO) is made in step  1010 , an encryption failure flag is set (step  1012 ). It is noted that the encryption failure flag may be reset at the initial point of performing an e-mail transmission process. 
     Then, a determination is made as to whether the encryption determination process has been performed on all the designated destinations (step  1013 ), and if a negative determination (NO) is made in step  1013 , the process goes back to step  1005  so that a next e-mail destination may be selected and the encryption determination process may be performed thereon. 
     In a case where the encryption determination process determined that encryption communication is not required for the selected e-mail destination so that a negative determination (NO) is made in step  1007 , the selected e-mail destination is stored in a normal transmission destination list (step  1014 ) after which the process moves on to step  1013 . 
     When the encryption determination process is performed on all the designated e-mail destinations so that a positive determination (YES) is made in step  1013 , a determination is made as to whether one or more encryption failure flags are set (step  1015 ). When encryption of the common key is successfully performed for all the relevant destinations so that a negative determination (NO) is made in step  1015 , a determination is made as to whether one or more destinations are registered in the encryption transmission destination list (step  1016 ). 
     In a case where a positive determination (YES) is made in step  1016 , encrypted transmission data are generated based on the encryption transmission destination list, the encrypted data, and the encrypted common key list (step  1017 ), and an e-mail containing the encrypted transmission data generated in step  1017  (encrypted e-mail) are transmitted to the relevant e-mail destinations (step  1018 ). On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  1016 , steps  1017  and  1018  are not performed. 
     Then, a determination is made as to whether at least one e-mail destination is registered in the normal transmission destination list (step  1019 ). If a positive determination (YES) is made in step  1019 , normal transmission data are generated based on the normal transmission destination list and the read data (step  1020 ), and e-mail containing the normal transmission data generated in step  1020  are transmitted to the relevant e-mail destinations (step  1021 ). On the other hand, when a negative determination (NO) is made in step  1019 , steps  1020  and  1021  are not performed. 
     Then, transmission history information pertaining to the present e-mail transmission operations is generated and stored (step  1022 ) after which the relevant e-mail transmission process is ended. 
     In a case where one or more encryption failure flags are set so that a positive determination (YES) is made in step  1015 , a determination is made as to whether the relevant transmission operations should be terminated based on user settings (step  1023 ). When a negative determination (NO) is made in step  1023 , the process moves on to step  1019 . That is, encryption communication operations of the present transmission job are not performed in this case. 
     In the case where a positive determination (YES) is made in step  1024 , the process moves on to step  1022 , and communication history information pertaining to the present e-mail transmission operations is generated and stored. 
     As can be appreciated, according to the present example, when a public key encryption process performed for at least one destination ends in failure, user settings may be referenced in order to determine whether to terminate all communication operations of the relevant transmission job or terminate only encryption communication operations while performing normal communication operations. In this way, communication operations may be controlled as is necessary or desired according to user settings. 
     According to another example, when a public key encryption process performed for a destination ends in failure, encryption transmission operations directed to this destination is not performed but encryption transmission operations and normal transmission operations directed to the other designated destinations are performed. 
     Although the present invention is shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it is obvious that equivalents and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the specification. The present invention includes all such equivalents and modifications, and is limited only by the scope of the claims. 
     The present application is based on and claims the benefit of the earlier filing date of Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-022322 filed on Jan. 31, 2006, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.