JP2004072139A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an image processing apparatus that repeatedly performs invalidation work on an area in which image data is stored in accordance with a security level to achieve confidentiality.
A digital multi-function peripheral includes an image reading unit, a hard disk, an image forming unit, and a device control unit. If the input of new image data from the image reading unit 2 is confirmed while the previous image data stored in the hard disk 12 is being invalidated by the device control unit 8, the first The invalidation of the image data is interrupted, and the device control unit 8 stores the new image data to be input in an area of the hard disk 12 which is different from the area where the previous image data is stored.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing device such as a digital copier including a scanner device and a printer device, and is preferably connected to a communication path such as a network, and functions as an image communication device and a printer as well as the digital copier. In particular, in order to process image data input to the digital multi-function peripheral, the image data is temporarily stored in a storage device mounted on the device, and the stored multi-function The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for invalidating image data from a storage device for which processing of image data has been completed.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a digital copying machine has been commercialized that electronically scans and reads an image of a document using a scanner device, and records and outputs image data output from the scanner device from a printer device.
[0003]
Recently, digital multifunction peripherals have been evolved into digital multifunction peripherals equipped with communication functions (fax function, printer function, etc.) for communicating with external devices and transmitting and receiving image data.
[0004]
In addition, a storage device for temporarily storing image data to be processed as a digital multifunction peripheral is also provided, and has been improved so that a large amount of image data and a plurality of jobs can be efficiently processed.
[0005]
On the other hand, there are various types of storage devices for storing image data, such as those configured with a semiconductor memory and those configured with a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk device.
These storage devices have different environments for storing image data in terms of storage capacity, cost, writing speed, reading speed, volatility, non-volatility, and the like.
[0006]
Particularly, in a storage device including a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk device, a disk (storage medium) is divided into small units by management data called FAT to manage each area.
[0007]
Then, when data is stored in each area of the disk (storage medium), the FAT data is updated, and when the data stored in each area is read as necessary, the FAT data is updated based on the FAT data. Reading.
[0008]
At present, this hard disk device is mounted on a digital multifunction peripheral as an auxiliary storage device of a semiconductor memory in terms of storage capacity, price (component cost), data transfer speed, etc., and a certain amount of job data is stored on the semiconductor memory. On the other hand, while processing is performed, newly input job data is temporarily stored, and read out and processed on the semiconductor memory when the processing order comes.
This configuration is provided on the market as a processing system (digital multifunction peripheral) for processing image data as a processing system capable of efficiently processing a large amount of job data without stagnation.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, processing of highly confidential document data by such a digital multifunction peripheral poses a security problem.
For example, job data (image data) temporarily stored in each area of the hard disk device is updated with FAT data when it becomes unnecessary, and when new image data is stored, the FAT data is updated based on the FAT data. Unless new image data is overwritten in the area where unnecessary image data is stored, or the image data is forcibly erased as an unnecessary data area, the job data itself remains as data. Because there is.
[0010]
Therefore, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-284572, for example, when processing is completed in the digital multi-function peripheral, the image data area stored in the hard disk device is forcibly erased or generated by a random number. It has been considered to overwrite a given irregular pattern image so that it cannot be reproduced as image data.
[0011]
However, strictly speaking, since the storage device is based on a magnetic storage medium, new image data or image data that has been stored earlier can be obtained by simply overwriting or erasing a specific pattern once. Is not completely unreadable.
[0012]
Further, in order to invalidate the image data stored in the hard disk device, a pattern image generated by a random number is overwritten on the area where the image data is stored, or the storage area of the image data is formatted (clear, (Such as data replacement), it takes a long time, and during that time, even if new image data is input, it will not be accepted immediately and the image data input work will be stalled. I do.
[0013]
In particular, in order to improve the security level, for example, if the invalidation processing is repeated a predetermined number of times for the storage area of the image data of the hard disk device, the processing for new image data is stagnated during that time. .
[0014]
Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and when invalidating the image data stored in the image data storage means (memory), the image data is stored according to the security level. Performs invalidation repeatedly on the specified area to achieve sufficient confidentiality of the image data, while efficiently accepting new image data by invalidating image data that is no longer required as an image processing device. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing device that takes into account that the image quality does not decrease.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an image data input unit for inputting image data, an image data storage unit for storing image data input from the image data input unit, and an image data storage unit. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image data processing unit that processes image data; and an image data invalidation unit that invalidates image data in the image data storage unit, wherein the image data invalidation unit includes the image data invalidation unit. When the input of new image data is confirmed from the image data input unit while invalidating the previous image data stored in the image data storage unit by the unit, the image data invalidation unit The invalidation of the previous image data stored in the image data storage means is interrupted, and the input new image data is The previously the stored area of the image data of the image data storage means and has a structure characterized by having a function to be stored in another area.
[0016]
According to the present invention, when the input of new image data is confirmed from the image data input means while the previous image data stored in the image data storage means is invalidated by the image data invalidating means, Interrupting the invalidation processing of the previous image data stored in the storage means by the image data invalidation means, and inputting new image data to the area where the previous image data is stored in the image data storage means. Is stored in another area.
[0017]
According to the present invention, it is possible to receive input of new image data to be processed as a device, process the image data efficiently without stagnating the image data, and improve the security level of the received image data as a device. Become.
[0018]
In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when the image data invalidating means invalidates the image data newly input from the image data input means by the image data invalidating means, the new image data is A function to invalidate the image data is provided.
[0019]
According to the present invention, the new image data is invalidated by the image data invalidating means together with the previous image data when the invalidating processing by the image data invalidating means for the new image data input from the image data input means is completed. I do.
[0020]
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the process which invalidates image data is efficiently processed, and it becomes possible to suppress the fall of the image data processing capability as an apparatus to the minimum required.
Also, the security level of the image data at the installation location can be secured.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral that is an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
A digital multifunction peripheral 1 serving as an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an image reading unit 2 serving as an image data input unit for inputting image data, and an image data storage unit storing image data input from the image reading unit 2. A hard disk 12, an image forming unit 6 as image data processing means for processing image data stored in the hard disk 12, and a device control unit 8 as image data invalidating means for invalidating image data in the hard disk 12. When the device control unit 8 invalidates the previous image data stored in the hard disk 12 by the device control unit 8, input of new image data from the image reading unit 2 is confirmed. When the invalidation of the previous image data stored in the hard disk 12 by the device control unit 8 is interrupted, That has a function to be stored in an area different from the new image data and region stored in the image data of the previous hard disk 12.
[0022]
A digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image reading unit 2, an operation unit 4, an image forming unit 6, a device control unit 8, a communication unit 10, a hard disk (HD) 12, and a management unit 14. I have.
[0023]
The image reading unit 2 includes, for example, a charge coupled device (CCD) 2a as an image reading device, and functions as image data input means for inputting image data.
[0024]
The operation unit 4 includes an input unit 4a including various input keys and a display unit 4b including display means such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and inputs operation and conditions of the apparatus. And conditions are displayed.
[0025]
The image forming unit 6 includes a volatile memory 6a and a printing unit 6b such as a laser scanning unit (LSU), and outputs image data stored in the image data storage unit. Work as
[0026]
The device control unit 8 and the management unit 14 function as image data invalidating means for invalidating (erasing) the image data stored in the image data storing means by a program set as an option.
[0027]
Further, the device control unit 8 and the management unit 14 operate as an invalid (erase) number control unit that performs the invalidation (erase) operation by the image data invalidating unit a plurality of times for the image data to be erased by the program set as an option. Has a function.
[0028]
The communication unit 10 controls communication with an external network.
[0029]
The hard disk 12 functions as an image data storage unit that stores image data input from each input unit (input path: each mode mounted as the digital multi-function peripheral 1, for example, a scanner, a facsimile, a network, or the like).
The image data storage means can be configured as a storage device having a magnetic storage medium.
[0030]
The management unit 14 manages, for example, a process of erasing unnecessary data, as well as the management of the entire apparatus.
[0031]
When the digital MFP 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a copying machine, the image data of the document read by the image reading unit 2 is output from the image forming unit 6 as a copy.
[0032]
The image reading unit 2 includes a CCD 2a, and can electronically read an image of a document set at a reading position.
Then, the read image data of the document is completed as an output image on the volatile memory 6a, and is temporarily stored in the hard disk 12.
When there are a plurality of originals, the reading and storing operations are repeated.
[0033]
Thereafter, based on the processing mode instructed by the operation unit 4, the image data stored in the hard disk 12 is sequentially read out at appropriate timing and sent to the volatile memory 6a.
Then, the image data is transferred from the volatile memory 6a to the printing unit 6b at the timing of writing to the printing unit 6b.
[0034]
When a plurality of read image data are to be printed, the image data is similarly stored in the hard disk 12 as an output image in page units, sent from the hard disk 12 to the volatile memory 6a in accordance with the output mode, and is output by the number of output sheets. The data is repeatedly transferred to the printing unit 6b in accordance with the timing of writing to the printing unit 6b.
[0035]
Next, when the digital MFP 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a printer, the image data received by the communication unit 10 is output from the image forming unit 6 via the volatile memory 6a or the like.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication unit 10 is connected to a network 15 by a communication cable or the like, and receives image data from external devices PC1, PC2, etc. such as a personal computer (PC) connected to the network 15. Is to be received.
[0037]
The image data received by the communication unit 10 is sent to the volatile memory 6 a in page units as image data to be output, and is temporarily stored in the hard disk 12.
Then, the data is again sent from the hard disk 12 to the volatile memory 6a, and is transferred to the printing unit 6b in the same manner as when used as a copying machine.
[0038]
When the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a network scanner, image data of a document read by the image reading unit 2 is transmitted from the communication unit 10 via the network 15 to an arbitrary personal computer or the like. Can be transmitted to the external devices PC1, PC2,.
Here also, the image of the document is electronically read by the CCD 2a provided in the image reading section 2.
[0039]
Then, the read image data of the document is completed as an output image on the volatile memory 6a, and is temporarily stored in the hard disk 12.
Then, the data is again sent from the hard disk 12 to the volatile memory 6a, and is transmitted from the communication unit 10 to a target destination after establishing communication with the destination specified via the operation unit 4.
[0040]
Further, the communication unit 10 is connected to a telephone line (not shown) other than the network 15, and the same operation is performed when the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a facsimile machine.
[0041]
Here, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 including the hard disk 12 as a storage device for temporarily storing image data is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be similarly applied to a case where a nonvolatile memory that can be held, a memory with a backup function, another storage device (medium) using a magnetic storage medium, or the like is provided.
[0042]
Each component of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment is controlled by the device control unit 8, monitors operation instructions from the input unit 4a such as a tablet and a key group provided in the operation unit 4, and Information to be notified to the user, such as information on the state of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, is accurately guided and displayed via the display unit 4 b.
[0043]
The management unit 14 manages information on each component managed by the device control unit 8, and the device control unit 8 controls the operation of the entire digital multi-function peripheral 1 based on the information. .
[0044]
In the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of the present invention, when the device control unit 8 invalidates the image data newly input from the image reading unit 2 by the device control unit 8, the new image data is invalidated together with the previous image data. It has a function to convert.
[0045]
Next, the operation unit 4 including the input unit 4a and the display unit 4b will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation unit 4 in detail.
The operation unit 4 includes the input unit 4a and the display unit 4b as described in FIG. 1, and the operation unit 4 includes an operation panel 40 as shown in FIG.
[0046]
The operation panel 40 includes a liquid crystal panel 41, a "start" key 16, an "all clear" key 17, a "clear" key 18, a "ten" key 22, a "printer" key 23a, a "fax / image transmission" key 23b, A “copy” key 23c, a “job status” key 25, a “user setting” key 24, and the like are arranged.
[0047]
The display unit 4b is configured by a dot matrix type liquid crystal panel 41, and is capable of providing detailed guidance and display of information to be notified to a user as the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment.
A transparent touch panel (transparent tablet) is provided on the screen of the liquid crystal panel 41. When the touch panel is operated according to information displayed on the liquid crystal panel 41, the information is input to the system as instruction information. It also functions as a part of the input unit 4a.
[0048]
The input unit 4a further includes a key group arranged adjacent to the liquid crystal panel 41, a "start" key 16 for instructing a copy start, and an "all clear" for interrupting a process being executed. Key 17, a "clear" key 18 for clearing the contents of the designated mode, a "ten" key 22 for designating the number of copies, a "printer" key 23a serving as a mode switching key, a "fax / image" A "send" key 23b, a "copy" key 23c, a "job status" key 25 for checking the status of a job (reserved job), a "user setting" key 24, and the like are included.
[0049]
As described above, various modes are set by the key operation of the operation panel 40 serving as the operation unit 4 described above, and processing is performed on the image data of the document taken in from the image reading unit 2.
[0050]
In the printer mode, basically, job data is transmitted via the network 15, so that key operations on the operation panel 40 can be performed by the digital multifunction peripheral 1 such as confirming (calling) a job or canceling a job. The operation is limited to a specific operation such as a confirmation operation on the transferred job data.
[0051]
Next, a security system mounted on the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
As a simple processing flow, image data to be processed as an apparatus is temporarily stored in the hard disk 12.
Thereafter, the stored image data is deleted (invalidated) from the hard disk 12 at a stage when the stored image data becomes unnecessary due to completion of processing, clear instruction, or the like.
At this time, the stored image data is erased (invalidated) according to the security level.
[0052]
In the following description, a copy operation in which image data of an original is read and output as a recorded matter from a printer will be described. However, when the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a printer, or when read as a scanner. The same processing is performed when used as a transmission device such as a facsimile or a network scanner for transmitting image data.
[0053]
FIGS. 3 to 11 are cut-out screens displayed on the liquid crystal panel 41 of FIG. 2, and enable the “image data erasing process” for erasing image data temporarily stored in the hard disk 12. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a display transition state of the display unit 4b in each processing step of deleting (invalidating) unnecessary image data from the hard disk 12 according to a security level.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the sequence of a series of processes for performing a copying operation in the digital copying machine according to the present embodiment and thereafter erasing the image data on the hard disk 12.
[0054]
FIG. 3 shows a display screen (basic screen) 41a of the liquid crystal panel 41 in a state where the “image data erasing process” has not yet been enabled, and the “image data erasing process” as the digital MFP 1 according to the present embodiment. Although the function is pre-installed in the apparatus, this function is set so as not to operate at first.
[0055]
By performing the input setting of the product key from the necessity of security for the document data at the installation location, the operation of the “image data erasing process” function becomes possible.
[0056]
It should be noted that this pre-installed function is selectively enabled by using a product key and can be used thereafter, as described in the proposal of the present applicant (JP-A-2001-309099). It is.
[0057]
FIG. 4 shows that the “image data erasing process” can be operated at the lower left of the display screen 41a of the liquid crystal panel 41 so that the user can recognize that the “image data erasing process” is enabled by inputting the product key. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which an icon 42 indicating a situation is displayed.
[0058]
When the icon 42 at the lower left of the display screen 41a of the liquid crystal panel 41 is pressed (touched) with the finger when the “image data erasing process” is not operating (when the apparatus is on standby), the liquid crystal The display screen 41a of the panel 41 transitions as shown in FIG.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, version information of this function relating to the security kit is displayed in a window substantially at the center of the display screen 41a of the liquid crystal panel 41.
[0059]
Note that the "image data erasing function" is treated as an option on the digital multifunction peripheral 1 as a "data security kit", and is guided and displayed as a "data security kit" in the window display.
As a result, the contents and version of the “data security kit” and the “image data erasing function” can be confirmed.
[0060]
When the “image data erasing process” is operating (eg, when erasing data on the hard disk 12) by ending the job, clearing the job, or the like, the display on the liquid crystal panel 41 is performed as shown in FIG. A window indicating that data is currently being erased is displayed in the approximate center of the screen 41a.
[0061]
Then, at this time, when the icon 42 at the lower left of the display screen 41a of the liquid crystal panel 41 is pressed (touched) with a finger, the display screen 41a of the liquid crystal panel 41 transitions to FIG.
Here, at the approximate center of the display screen 41a of the liquid crystal panel 41, the fact that the image data erasing process on the hard disk 12 is being performed by the "image data erasing process" and the progress thereof are displayed at a level.
Thereby, the operation status of the image data erasing process by the “image data erasing process” can be confirmed.
[0062]
Further, when the image data on the hard disk 12 is erased by the "image data erasing process", the image is displayed at a glance by displaying the icon in a form different from a normal display such as blinking an icon. It is effective to make it clear.
[0063]
Next, FIG. 8 shows that “image data erasure processing” acts on the hard disk 12 due to a difference in security level for document data or the like at the installation location, and erases (invalidates) the image data stored on the hard disk 12. When the number of times is set arbitrarily, an operation instruction for starting the “image data erasing process” so as to forcibly erase (invalidate) the image data stored on the hard disk 12 is given. 6 is a detailed setting display screen (security setting screen) 43 of the liquid crystal panel 41.
[0064]
By using the detailed setting display screen (security setting screen) 43 to set the number of deletions suitable for the security level, the image data is repeatedly deleted when the image data becomes unnecessary. The security level can be maintained, and the reduction in the processing level for the image data as an apparatus due to the improvement in the security level can be suppressed to a minimum.
[0065]
Further, the image data stored on the hard disk 12 can be deleted (invalidated) at an arbitrary timing, which is effective when important document data is processed.
[0066]
The operation of each mode will be briefly described below.
(All data area erase mode)
When the "delete all data area" key 43a displayed on the upper left of the detailed setting display screen 43 of the liquid crystal panel 41 shown in FIG. 8 is pressed, the data on the hard disk 12 is deleted at that time.
At this time, a confirmation window is displayed at the approximate center of the detailed setting display screen 43 of the liquid crystal panel 41 for confirmation (FIG. 9), and if there is an operation instruction of “delete”, data deletion on the hard disk 12 is started. You.
[0067]
FIG. 10 shows the progress of the data erasing operation on the hard disk 12 as a level display at approximately the center of the detailed setting display screen 43 of the liquid crystal panel 41.
[0068]
On the right side of the “delete all data area” key 43a on the detailed setting display screen 43 of the liquid crystal panel 41, as shown in FIG. The "all data area erase count" key 43b is displayed so that the setting can be made between seven.
[0069]
The set number of times is also displayed beside the “all data area erase count” key 43b on the detailed setting display screen 43 of the liquid crystal panel 41. (The default setting value is “1”.)
[0070]
When the "all data area erase count" key 43b of the detailed setting display screen 43 of the liquid crystal panel 41 is pressed, the "all data area erase count" setting screen 44 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 41 as shown in FIG. The number of times is set arbitrarily by operating the “up” key 44 a or the “down” key 44 b of the “all data area erase count” setting screen 44 of the liquid crystal panel 41.
[0071]
(Automatic data erase mode at power-on)
When the "auto power-on erasure" key 43c displayed in the middle section of the detailed setting display screen 43 of the liquid crystal panel 41 shown in FIG. Can be set so that the data on the hard disk 12 is deleted every time the power is turned on.
[0072]
As shown in FIG. 8, the number of times this "automatic erasure at power-on" is repeatedly executed is displayed on the right side of the "automatic erasure at power-on" key 43c on the detailed setting display screen 43 of the liquid crystal panel 41. For example, a "number of times of automatic erasure at power-on" key 43d is displayed so that a setting between 1 and 7 can be made.
[0073]
The set number of times is also displayed beside the "number of times of automatic erasure at power-on" key 43d on the detailed setting display screen 43 of the liquid crystal panel 41. (In the default setting state, the automatic erasing mode at power-on is not set, and the number of times is “0”.)
[0074]
When the "number of times of automatic erasing at power-on" key 43d on the detailed setting display screen 43 of the liquid crystal panel 41 is pressed, the "all data area erasing times" setting screen is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 41 as shown in FIG. 44 is displayed, and the number of times is set arbitrarily by operating the “up” key 44 a or the “down” key 44 b of the “all data area erase count” setting screen 44 of the liquid crystal panel 41.
[0075]
(Automatic data deletion mode at the end of each job)
When the "number of times of automatic deletion at the end of job" key 43e displayed on the lower part of the detailed setting display screen 43 of the liquid crystal panel 41 shown in FIG. In addition, the number of operations for erasing data on the completed job from the hard disk 12 can be set.
[0076]
When the "number of times of automatic deletion at the end of job" key 43e of the detailed setting display screen 43 of the liquid crystal panel 41 is pressed, the "all data area deletion times" setting screen is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 41 as shown in FIG. 44 is displayed. For example, by operating the “up” key portion 44a or the “down” key portion 44b of the “all data area erase count” setting screen 44 of the liquid crystal panel 41 between 1 and 7, the count can be arbitrarily set. Is set.
Further, the number of times of repeatedly executing the automatic data deletion mode at the end of each job is displayed next to the “number of times of automatic deletion at the end of job” key 43e on the detailed setting display screen 43 of the liquid crystal panel 41. . (The default setting value is “1”.)
[0077]
Note that only the automatic data deletion mode at the end of each job is automatically set when the operation of the security kit (“image data deletion processing”) is permitted by the product key input setting described above. It is assumed that.
[0078]
As described above, the purchase of the "Data Security Kit" has created an environment in which the "Image Data Erasing Function" can operate, and the "Image Security Kit" The number of times of operation of the "data erasing function" is set.
Further, it is possible to instruct to start erasing data on the hard disk 12 as needed.
[0079]
The flow of processing in the copy mode will be described as an example with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
When the power of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 is turned on (ON), first, the device control unit 8 checks each device constituting the device (step S101).
[0080]
As a result of the check, if there is no problem (step S102 “Y”), warm-up is started so as to be in a predetermined operable state (step S103).
[0081]
On the other hand, if an abnormality (deficiency) is confirmed ("N" in step S102), error processing such as confirmation of the abnormality (deficiency) on the display screen and display of a window requesting confirmation is performed (step S102). Step S104).
[0082]
Next, during the warm-up without any particular problem, it is confirmed whether the "automatic power-on erasure mode" for initializing the hard disk 12 at power-on is set (step S105), and the mode is set. If so, initialization of the hard disk 12 is started (step S106), and the progress of the initialization operation is displayed on a display screen in a window (step S107).
[0083]
At this time, the initialization by erasing the data of the hard disk 12 is repeated by the number of erasures set in advance on the setting screen of the liquid crystal panel 41 shown in FIGS. 8 and 11 (step S108).
[0084]
When the above processing is completed, the display screen 41a of the liquid crystal panel 41 of the operation panel 40 becomes the display state of the basic screen shown in FIG. 8, and upon completion of the warm-up (step S109), enters the job instruction standby state (step S109). S110).
[0085]
In this state (during standby), the original is placed at the set position of the image reading unit 2 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the copy mode is set for the original, and a copy start operation of the operation panel 40 is instructed. When the "start" key 16 is turned on (S111), it is electronically scanned by the CCD 2a of the image reading unit 2 and is generated as image data on the volatile memory 6a in page units (step S112).
[0086]
Then, the image data is temporarily stored on the hard disk 12 from the volatile memory 6a, and management information (FAT data or the like) on the image data stored in the hard disk 12 is managed by the management unit 14 (step S113).
[0087]
Next, the image data stored in the hard disk 12 is read out again as print data on the volatile memory 6a in synchronization with the recording timing (step S114), and the LSU (LSU) of the printing unit 6b is synchronized with the printer. The data is transferred to a laser scanning unit and printed out (step S115).
[0088]
Then, when it is confirmed that the image data has been printed out by the printer, the management data such as FAT data is updated as the processing is completed (step S116), and when a series of print processing is completed, this series of print processing is completed. The process of deleting the image data on the hard disk 12 is performed on the storage area of the image data used for the process (step S117).
[0089]
Also at this time, the initialization by erasing the data of the hard disk 12 is repeated by the number of erasures set in advance on the setting screen of the liquid crystal panel 41 shown in FIGS. 8 and 11 (step S118).
[0090]
The above is the basic description of the operation of invalidating the image data on the hard disk 12 according to the security level.
[0091]
Next, while erasing the image data on the hard disk 12, while accepting the input of new image data and efficiently processing the image data, the security of the stored image data is compensated. explain.
[0092]
Note that, as described in the security setting screen (detailed setting display screen) 43 of the liquid crystal panel 41 shown in FIG. There are three hard disk erasing modes of "automatic erasure at the end of job" and "automatic erasure at the end of job". This time, description will be made mainly on improvement of job efficiency in the "automatic erasure at the end of job" mode.
[0093]
The “delete all data area” is a mode used when it is necessary to forcibly delete data on the hard disk 12 when processing highly confidential data, and accepts a new job for processing. Erasing the data currently on the hard disk 12 is prioritized, and “automatic erasure at power-on” refers to a warm-up state in which the apparatus is operable after power-on. This is because the apparatus cannot be processed as a device even if image data is received during the uploading, so that the erasure of the data on the hard disk 12 is prioritized.
[0094]
An example in which “the number of times of automatic erasure at the end of a job” is set to two or more (N times) on the security setting screen 43 of the liquid crystal panel 41 shown in FIG. 8 will be described.
[0095]
FIG. 14 is a time chart showing the movement of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 as an image processing apparatus when processing a received job.
The first time chart (conventional 1) shown in FIG. 14 is such that the image data stored on the hard disk 12 is invalidated (erased) when the processing is completed after receiving the preceding job 1 (Job 1). ) Is repeated a set number of times (N times).
[0096]
Further, when the job for invalidating (erasing) is repeated N times and a new job 2 (Job 2) is received while the digital multifunction peripheral 1 is on standby, the same operation as the preceding job 1 (Job 1) is performed. It can be seen that the processing is being performed.
[0097]
In this way, if a new job is input when the processing of the preceding job has been completed and the invalidation processing has also been completed, the processing of the new job does not stagnate, As shown in the second time chart (conventional 2), the processing of the preceding job 1 (Job1) is completed, and the invalidation processing for the data of the preceding job 1 (Job1) is performed a set number of times (N times). If a new job 2 (Job 2) is input at the timing of repetition (before: even after receiving Job 1), the job will be stagnated (standby) during that time.
[0098]
Therefore, according to the present invention, as shown in the third time chart (a), the processing of the preceding job 1 (Job1) is completed, and the invalidation processing for the data of the preceding job 1 (Job1) is performed a set number of times. When a new job 2 (Job 2) is input at the timing of repeating the job (N times) (including before and after receiving Job 1), a series of erasing operations (one time of the repetitive erasing operation) is performed. The new job 2 (Job2) is received and processed at the timing when the erasing operation () is completed.
When the processing of the new job 2 (Job2) is completed, the data of the preceding job 1 (Job1) and the data of the new job 2 (Job2) are invalidated.
[0099]
At this time, on the hard disk 12, as shown in FIG. 15, the image data area of the preceding job 1 (Job 1) has been invalidated at least once, and the remaining data is invalidated. Is temporarily suspended, a new job 2 (Job 2) is accepted, and image data input as data of the new job 2 (Job 2) is stored in another area on the hard disk 12.
[0100]
When the data of the new job 2 (Job 2) is also completed (unnecessary), the data is stored in the area where the data of the preceding job 1 (Job 1) and the data of the new job 2 (Job 2) are stored. Is repeated a set number of times (N times).
[0101]
The order of erasing a plurality of invalid job data is as shown in the third time chart (a) in FIG. 14 at the stage when the processing for the data of the new job 2 (Job 2) is completed. Data invalidation processing is repeated a set number of times (N times) for the data area of the new job 2 (Job 2), and then data invalidation is performed for the area of the preceding job 1 (Job 1). When the processing of the rest of the processing (2 to N times) is performed and the processing for the data of the new job 2 (Job2) is completed, as shown in the fourth time chart (b) of FIG. The rest of the data invalidation processing (from 2 to N times) is performed on the preceding job 1 (Job 1) area, and then the data of the new job 2 (Job 2) is deleted. Nothing And a method for processing of repetitions set number of times (N times).
[0102]
Here, regarding the interrupt method during the erasure of data on the hard disk 12, the description above has been made with reference to "new job 2 (Job2) at the timing when a series of erasure operations (one erasure operation of repeated erasure operations) is completed". However, if the job data is divided into a plurality of areas and stored and managed (in units of sectors), each area in which data to be erased is stored (in units of sectors) It is also possible to manage the number of times of erasure and the like in detail and control the sector unit so as not to stagnate a newly input job as much as possible, and to respond quickly. (Minimize user waiting time.)
[0103]
Further, according to the present invention, as shown in the fourth time chart (b), the processing of the preceding job 1 (Job 1) is completed, and the invalidation processing for the data of the preceding job 1 (Job 1) is performed a set number of times. Input a new job 2 (Job 2) (reservation of a new job such as operation of a device, input of data, etc.) at the timing (before: including after receiving Job 1) at which repetition is performed for minutes (N times). If there is, a new job 2 (Job 2) is received and processed at the timing when a series of erasing operations (one erasing operation of repeated erasing operations) is completed.
When the processing of the new job 2 (Job2) is completed, the data of the preceding job 1 (Job1) and the data of the new job 2 (Job2) are invalidated.
[0104]
At this time, on the hard disk 12, as shown in FIG. 15, the image data area of the preceding job 1 (Job 1) has been invalidated at least once, and the remaining data is invalidated. Is temporarily suspended, a new job 2 (Job 2) is accepted, and image data input as data of the new job 2 (Job 2) is stored in another area on the hard disk 12.
[0105]
When the data of the new job 2 (Job 2) is also completed (unnecessary), the data is stored in the area where the data of the preceding job 1 (Job 1) and the data of the new job 2 (Job 2) are stored. Is repeated a set number of times (N times).
[0106]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when the previous image data stored in the image data storage unit is invalidated by the image data invalidation unit, a new image data is input from the image data input unit. When the input of the new image data is confirmed, the invalidation processing of the previous image data stored in the image data storage means by the image data invalidation means is interrupted, and the new image data to be input is stored in the image data storage section. The image data stored in the image data storage means can be stored in an area different from the area where the image data of the means is stored.When invalidating the image data stored in the image data storage means, the image data is stored in accordance with the security level. An invalid operation is repeatedly performed on the area where the image data is stored, and sufficient security of the stored image data can be achieved. Accepting an input of over data, together with the processed efficiently without causing stagnation of the image data, it is possible to improve the security level of the device with respect to the received image data.
[0107]
According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when the invalidation processing by the image data invalidating means for the new image data input from the image data input means is completed, the new image data is added to the image data together with the previous image data. The image data can be invalidated by the invalidating means, and the process of invalidating the image data can be efficiently processed, so that the reduction in the processing performance of the image data as a device can be minimized.
Also, the security level of the image data at the installation location can be secured.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral that is an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing in detail a configuration of an operation unit of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram (normal state) of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel of FIG. 2 (a state in which an icon indicating that “image data erasure processing” is operable) is displayed.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel of FIG. 2 (version information display screen).
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel of FIG. 2 (“image data erasing process” operation screen).
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel of FIG. 2 (“image data erasing process” operation status confirmation screen).
FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel of FIG. 2 (detailed setting display screen).
FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel of FIG. 2 (erase confirmation screen).
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel of FIG. 2 (data erasure work progress display screen).
FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel of FIG. 2 (“all data area erase count” setting screen).
FIG. 12 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating the flow of processing in the copy mode.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the flow of processing in the copy mode.
FIG. 14 is a time chart showing the movement when processing a job received by a digital multifunction peripheral as an image processing apparatus according to the related art and the present invention so as to be understood.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the timing of performing data invalidation processing on an area in which data of a preceding job and a new job are stored in the time charts (a) and (b) of FIG. 14;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Digital MFP (image processing device)
2 Image reading unit (image data input means)
2a CCD
4 Operation unit 4a Input unit 4b Display unit 6 Image forming unit (image data processing means)
6a Volatile memory 6b Printing unit 8 Device control unit (image data invalidating means)
10 Communication unit 12 Hard disk (image data storage means)
14 Management unit 15 Network 16 “Start” key 17 “All clear” key 18 “Clear” key 22 “Ten” key 23a “Printer” key 23b “Fax / image transmission” key 23c “Copy” key 24 “User setting” key 25 "Job status" key 40 Operation panel 41 Liquid crystal panel 41a Display screen (basic screen)
42 Icon 43 Detailed setting display screen (security setting screen)
43a "All data area erase" key 43b "All data area erase count" key 43c "Automatic erase at power-on" key 43d "Automatic erase count at power-on" key 43e "Automatic erase count at job end" Key 44 “All data area erase count” setting screen 44a “Up” key 44b “Down” key PC1, PC2 External device

Claims (2)

Image data input means for inputting image data, image data storage means for storing image data input from the image data input means, and image data processing for processing image data stored in the image data storage means Means, and an image processing apparatus comprising image data invalidating means for invalidating image data in the image data storage means,
The image data invalidating unit is configured to input new image data from the image data input unit when invalidating the previous image data stored in the image data storage unit by the image data invalidating unit. When confirmed, the invalidation of the previous image data stored in the image data storage means by the image data invalidation means is interrupted, and new image data to be input is transferred to the previous image of the image data storage means. An image processing apparatus having a function of storing data in an area different from an area in which data is stored. The image data invalidating means has a function of invalidating the new image data together with the previous image data when the image data newly input from the image data input means is invalidated by the image data invalidating means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

Images