JP2005340951A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus for encrypting information to be referred to when executing image processing.
When a system error is not detected as a result of the system check (S12: NO), the reception of various processes is temporarily stopped (S14), and the data stored in the data storage unit is The encryption status is confirmed (S15). Then, it is determined whether or not all the data is encrypted (S16). If it is determined that there is unencrypted data (S16: NO), the data is encrypted (S17). ). Next, a part of the data encrypted in the data storage unit is decrypted and stored in the RAM (S18). If it is determined that the preparation for receiving the process is completed (S19: YES), the reception of the process such as the data transmission process is permitted (S20).
[Selection] Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that encrypts information to be referred to when executing image processing.

  In recent years, as copying machines have been digitized, they have been put on the market as multifunction machines having various processing capabilities utilizing digital functions such as storage and transmission of image data. The basic configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral includes an image reading unit that reads an image of a document as electronic data, an image processing unit that performs specific processing on digitized image data, an output unit that outputs image data, and the like. It is composed of Here, the output unit includes an image transmission unit that transmits image data to an external device, an image formation unit that forms an image on a sheet, and the like. A storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that temporarily stores image data is also installed.

  The functions installed in such a multifunction machine include a copy function, a print function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, an electronic mail transmission function, an electronic filing function, and the like. Below, the flow of image data in each function will be briefly described. In the copy function, the image processing unit performs predetermined image processing on the image of the document read by the image reading unit, and then temporarily stores it as a final image in the storage unit. Form. In the print function, when a print job is received from a client device connected via a network, the image processing unit develops the data into data that can be processed by the image processing unit, and then temporarily stores it as a final image in the storage unit The image forming unit forms an image on the paper. The scanner function is a method in which an image of a document read by an image reading unit is subjected to predetermined image processing by an image processing unit, and then temporarily stored as a final image in a storage unit, which is connected via a network. To the client device. In the facsimile function, the image of the document read by the image reading unit is processed in the image processing unit so that it can be processed by the destination facsimile machine, and then temporarily stored as a transmission image in the storage unit. Then, the data is transmitted to a facsimile apparatus of an arbitrary destination connected via the facsimile communication network. In the e-mail transmission function, an e-mail draft and a destination e-mail address are received through the operation panel of the multifunction peripheral, and the e-mail is transmitted to an external communication device through a communication line such as the Internet network. In the electronic filing function, image data is stored in the storage unit installed in the multifunction device, and output when an image data selection or processing instruction is issued by an operation from the operation panel of the multifunction device or a client device. The image data is output from the unit.

  As described above, in the multi-function peripheral, an image of a document can be transmitted by electronic data to be printed, and the electronic data can be stored and managed in a storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). However, since it is possible to easily copy, falsify, transfer, etc., information on electronic text, it is desired to enhance the protection of confidentiality in data management.

Therefore, conventionally, an image forming apparatus that encrypts electronic data to be stored in the HDD device and protects the data has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In such an image forming apparatus, when a print job is received from the outside, the image data obtained by developing the print job is encrypted, and then the image data is stored in the HDD device. Then, the image data is decoded at the stage of actual image formation, and transferred to the printing unit of the image forming apparatus to form an image. Therefore, even if a malicious third party takes out the HDD device mounted on the image forming apparatus or illegally accesses it via the communication network, it is stored inside. It is difficult to decipher existing data, and data leakage can be effectively prevented.
JP-A-1-256068 JP-A-2-256343

  However, the data to be protected by the above-described image forming apparatus is for image data necessary for image formation, a facsimile number necessary for transmitting facsimile data, and an e-mail address necessary for transmitting e-mail. Since such information is not subject to protection, there is a problem that personal information may be leaked by leaking such information.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and includes a storage unit that stores information to be referred to when processing image data, and when the unencrypted information is detected in the storage unit, An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that can protect information related to a transmission destination that is referred to when transmitting image data and facsimile data by adopting a configuration that encrypts information.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises means for receiving image data and storage means for storing a plurality of information to be referred to when the received image data is processed, and refers to the information stored in the storage means. In the image processing apparatus for processing the image data, when the information stored in the storage means detects the presence or absence of unencrypted information and the information not encrypted, the information And encrypting means for encrypting information, and storing the encrypted information.

  In the present invention, a storage means for storing information to be referred to when processing image data is provided, and when the information not encrypted is detected in the storage means, the information is encrypted. Therefore, even when information is received in an unencrypted state, it is sequentially encrypted, and information leakage is prevented.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising means for stopping the processing of the received image data when the detection means detects unencrypted information.

  In the present invention, when the unencrypted information is detected in the storage means, the processing of the received image data is stopped, so that the image processing apparatus in the state where the information is not encrypted is used. Usage is restricted and information leakage is prevented.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is configured to store a plurality of sets of mutually related information in the storage unit, and decrypts a part of the information encrypted by the encryption unit. Decoding means is provided.

  In the present invention, since a plurality of pieces of information related to each other are stored and a part of the encrypted information is decrypted, while maintaining the confidentiality of the information, Part of information necessary for processing image data can be disclosed.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the information is information on a destination of the received image data, and includes means for transmitting the image data with reference to the information.

  In the present invention, since information related to the transmission destination of image data is encrypted, leakage of personal information such as a facsimile number, a communication address of the apparatus, and an e-mail address can be prevented.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the information includes information related to a name of a transmission destination, and the decoding unit is configured to decode the information.

  In the present invention, the information related to the name of the destination among the information related to the destination to be encrypted is decrypted. Therefore, the information such as the facsimile number, the communication address of the apparatus, the e-mail address, etc. It is possible to perform transmission processing by presenting the name of the transmission destination while maintaining confidentiality.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a receiving unit that receives information to be stored in the storage unit; and a unit that determines whether or not the received information is encrypted. It is characterized in that it is configured to encrypt information that is determined to be not.

  In the present invention, when receiving the information to be referred to when processing the image data, it is determined whether or not the information is encrypted, and the information determined not to be encrypted is encrypted. Therefore, the encryption processing can be omitted for the encrypted information, and the time required for the processing can be shortened.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the receiving means includes means for reading the information from a recording medium on which the information is recorded.

  In the present invention, since information necessary for processing image data is recorded on a recording medium and the information is read from the recording medium, information can be shared between different apparatuses. It becomes possible.

  According to the present invention, there is provided storage means for storing information to be referred to when processing image data, and the information is encrypted when unencrypted information is detected in the storage means. Therefore, even when information is received in an unencrypted state, it is sequentially encrypted, and information leakage can be prevented.

  In the case of the present invention, when the unencrypted information is detected in the storage means, the processing of the received image data is stopped, so that the use of the image processing apparatus in a state where the information is not encrypted is used. And leakage of information can be prevented.

  In the case of the present invention, a plurality of pieces of information related to each other are stored, and a part of the encrypted information is decrypted. Some information necessary for data processing can be disclosed.

  According to the present invention, since information related to the transmission destination of image data is encrypted, leakage of personal information such as a facsimile number, a communication address of the apparatus, and an e-mail address can be prevented.

  In the case of the present invention, since the information related to the name of the destination is decrypted among the information related to the destination to be encrypted, information such as the facsimile number, the communication address of the apparatus, and the e-mail address is confidential. The transmission processing can be performed by presenting the name of the transmission destination while maintaining the property.

  According to the present invention, when information to be referred to when processing image data is received, it is determined whether or not the information is encrypted, and the information that is determined not to be encrypted is encrypted. Therefore, the encryption process can be omitted for the encrypted information, and the time required for the process can be shortened.

  According to the present invention, information necessary for processing image data is recorded on a recording medium, and the information is read from the recording medium, so that information can be easily shared between different apparatuses. Can be achieved.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a multifunction machine having a print function and a data transmission function will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a multifunction machine according to the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. The multifunction peripheral 100 includes a printing unit, an image reading unit, and communication means (communication IF, facsimile communication IF) (see FIG. 2), as will be described later. A print process for forming an image thereon, a copy process for reading an image of a document and copying it on a sheet, a data transmission process for transmitting facsimile data and e-mail to the outside, and the like are executed. In addition to the communication means, a means for receiving data includes an operation panel 105 provided on the front surface of the multifunction peripheral 100 and a memory card slot 106 provided on the side surface. The operation panel 105 includes various operation keys for accepting user operation instructions, and accepts data input by direct operation by the user. In addition, the memory card slot 106 can be loaded with a memory card M, and accepts data input through the memory card M.

  In the present embodiment, when data is transplanted from the conventionally used multi-function device 200 at the time of replacement of a machine or the like, data can be transplanted using the memory card M. The data to be transplanted includes facsimile data and data related to the destination of the e-mail. In order to prevent such personal information from leaking to the outside, the MFP 100 encrypts the data. The data is managed in a state.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100. The MFP 100 includes a control unit 101. The control unit 101 includes a RAM 102, a communication IF 103, a facsimile communication IF 104, an operation panel 105, a memory card slot 106, a data management unit 107, an image memory 111, a printing unit 112, and an image reading. Hardware such as the unit 113 is connected. The control unit 101 is composed of a CPU for controlling these hardware and a ROM storing a control program executed by the CPU. The CPU loads and executes a program stored in the ROM, thereby executing a composite. The machine 100 functions as an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  The RAM 102 is composed of, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory, and temporarily stores data generated during execution of the control program, data generated during execution of print processing and data transmission processing, and the like.

  The communication IF 103 is an interface for connecting to an external communication network N1, receives a print job from the information processing apparatuses 300, 300,..., 300 such as a personal computer connected to the communication network N1, and performs information processing. Information to be notified is transmitted to the devices 300, 300,. In addition, the multifunction peripheral 100 has an electronic mail transmission function so that the electronic mail created by the multifunction peripheral 100 can be transmitted to the information processing apparatuses 300, 300,. . The communication IF 103 controls transmission / reception of such various data.

  The facsimile communication IF 104 is provided with a line termination circuit for connection to the public telephone line network N2, so that facsimile data can be transmitted / received to / from the external facsimile apparatus 400 connected to the public telephone line network N2. Therefore, the facsimile communication IF 104 includes an encoding circuit that encodes facsimile data to be transmitted, a decoding circuit that decodes received facsimile data, and the like.

  The operation panel 105 includes an operation unit 105a that receives an operation instruction from the user and a display unit 105b that displays information to be notified to the user. The operation unit 105a includes various operation keys for accepting operation instructions from the user, and accepts a function switching operation, setting value input for each function, processing execution start instruction, and the like. The display unit 105b includes a liquid crystal display, and displays the operation status of the multifunction peripheral 100, various setting values input through the operation unit 105a, information to be notified to the user, and the like. Further, a part of the display unit 105b includes a touch panel type software button configured to accept various selection operations. Such software buttons include, in addition to a selection button that accepts a user's selection operation, an alphanumeric button for inputting an email draft and a destination address.

  The memory card slot 106 is configured so that a memory card M, which is a portable recording medium, can be mounted, and a memory card IF 106a for reading data recorded on the memory card M and writing data to be recorded is provided. I have. The memory card M includes a connector corresponding to the standard of the memory card IF 106a, a built-in controller, a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, and the like in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 101 input through the memory card IF 106a. The built-in controller controls data input / output, and performs data read processing and data write processing.

  In the present embodiment, the destination address of the e-mail transmitted through the communication IF 103 and the facsimile number of the other party of the facsimile data transmitted through the facsimile communication IF 104 can be registered using the operation panel 105. These data recorded on the memory card M can be read. Data input through the operation panel 105 and data read through the memory card slot 106 are stored in the data storage unit 110 via the data management unit 107. The data storage unit 110 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) having a magnetic recording medium.

  The data management unit 107 monitors the encryption status of data stored in the data storage unit 110. If unencrypted data is stored, it is encrypted and stored in the data storage unit 110. In addition, even if it is encrypted, if it is not encrypted with a predetermined encryption method, it is once decrypted and then re-encrypted with a predetermined encryption method, and then the data The data is stored in the storage unit 110. Therefore, an encryption processing unit 108 and a decryption processing unit 109 are connected to the data management unit 107.

  The encryption processing unit 108 includes an input buffer for inputting data for performing encryption processing, an arithmetic unit for performing arithmetic processing including a predetermined encryption algorithm on the data set in the input buffer, and an arithmetic unit. It is composed of an output buffer or the like that holds the calculation result. For example, AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) can be used as the encryption algorithm. The data to be encrypted is input to the input buffer, the input data set in the input buffer is extracted, the arithmetic unit performs arithmetic processing, and when the arithmetic processing is completed, the arithmetic result is written to the output buffer. The data management unit 107 acquires the data encrypted by the encryption processing unit 108 by taking out the data for which the calculation has been completed from the output buffer.

  The configuration of the decryption processing unit 109 is basically the same as that of the encryption processing unit 108, and an input buffer for inputting data for performing the decryption process, and a predetermined value for the data set in the input buffer. An arithmetic unit that performs arithmetic processing including a decoding algorithm, an output buffer that holds an arithmetic result of the arithmetic unit, and the like are provided. The data to be decoded is input to the input buffer, the input data set in the input buffer is taken out, the arithmetic unit performs arithmetic processing, and the arithmetic result is written in the output buffer when the arithmetic processing is completed. The data management unit 107 acquires the data decoded by the decoding processing unit 109 by taking out the data for which the calculation has been completed from the output buffer.

  The image memory 111 is constituted by a semiconductor memory, and image data developed from a print job received through the communication IF 103, image data developed from facsimile data received through the facsimile communication IF 104, and an original image by the image reading unit 113. Is temporarily stored. The image data temporarily stored in the image memory 111 is transferred to a transfer destination according to the purpose of use according to an instruction from the control unit 101. In other words, when an image is formed on paper, it is transferred to the printing unit 112, when it is transmitted as facsimile data, it is transferred to the facsimile communication IF 104, and when it is transmitted as attachment data of an e-mail, it is transmitted to the communication IF 103. The

The printing unit 112 includes, for example, a charger that charges the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential, and a laser writing device that generates an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum by emitting laser light according to image data received from the outside. , A developing device that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum to make it visible, and a transfer device that transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum onto a sheet such as paper or an OHP film Etc. (not shown), and an image desired by the user is formed on a sheet by electrophotography.
In this embodiment, the image formation is performed by the electrophotographic method using the laser writing apparatus. However, the image formation may be performed by the ink jet method, the thermal transfer method, and the sublimation method. It is.

  The image reading unit 113 includes a light source that irradiates light to a reading document, an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), an AD converter, and the like (not shown), and is set at a predetermined reading position. An image of the original is imaged on the image sensor and converted into an analog electric signal, and the obtained analog electric signal is AD converted by an AD converter. Then, digital image data is generated by correcting the light distribution characteristics of the light source at the time of document reading, sensitivity variations of the image sensor, and the like on the digital signal obtained by AD conversion. The image data generated by the image reading unit 113 is sent to the image memory 111, and is used, for example, as document data for facsimile data to be transmitted.

  Hereinafter, an operation when the data related to the transmission destination is stored in the data storage unit 110 using the memory card M will be described with reference to a screen example displayed on the display unit 105 b of the operation panel 105. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 105b. When the memory card M is inserted in the memory card slot 106, the control unit 101 of the multifunction peripheral 100 displays an initial screen as shown in FIG. 3A on the display unit 105b of the operation panel 105. On this initial screen, there are arranged a data read button 11, a data save button 12, a cancel button 13, and an execute button 14 constituted by touch panel type software buttons. When the data reading button 11 is pressed by the user and then the execution button 14 is pressed, a screen for reading data recorded on the memory card M is displayed. In addition, when the data save button 12 is pressed by the user and the execution button 14 is subsequently pressed, a screen for writing data to the memory card M is displayed. If the cancel button 13 is pressed, the process ends without executing any process.

  When the data reading process is selected on the initial screen described above, a reading start screen as shown in FIG. 3B is displayed on the display unit 105 b of the operation panel 105. On the reading start screen, a list 21 of readable data is displayed, and page switching buttons 22u and 22d, a cancel button 23, and an execution button 24 for switching the display range are arranged. The list 21 displays readable data in units of records. In the list in the figure, “transmission destination” represents the name of a transmission destination such as an individual name and company name, and “information 1” represents a facsimile number, an e-mail address, and the like. When a large number of records are recorded in the read data, pages outside the display range can be displayed using the page switching buttons 22u and 22d. Further, when the cancel button 23 is pressed, the data reading process is canceled, and when the execution button 24 is pressed, the data reading process is started.

  Data relating to the transmission destination read through the memory card IF 106 a is stored in the data storage unit 110 through the data management unit 107. When the reading of the data stored in the memory card M is completed, a notification screen as shown in FIG. 3C is displayed on the display unit 105b of the operation panel 105, and the reading of the data is completed for the user. To be notified.

  FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating data stored in the data storage unit 110 and the RAM 102. FIG. 4A shows data stored in the data storage unit 110. In the data storage unit 110, a management number, a destination name, a facsimile number, and an e-mail address are managed in association with each other. In the present embodiment, the data management unit 107 confirms the encryption status of data in the data storage unit 110, and when unencrypted data is detected, the encryption processing unit 108 performs encryption. I am doing so. That is, when data is newly stored through the memory card M or the like, it is stored in an unencrypted state, and is then encrypted when detected by the data management unit 107. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the data (record) from the management number 001 to the management number 005 is encrypted, and the subsequent data is not encrypted. Note that the data of the management number 002 indicates that there is no data of the corresponding e-mail address.

  The data storage unit 110 stores the data of each item of the destination name, the facsimile number, and the e-mail address in an encrypted state, but can accept the transmission processing of the facsimile data or the e-mail. If it is in the state, as shown in FIG. 4B, a part of the information (name of the transmission destination) is decrypted and held in the RAM 102. As described above, since only the name of the transmission destination is decrypted, the name of the transmission destination can be displayed on the display unit 105b of the operation panel 105, and the selection operation by the user can be accepted. it can. On the other hand, since the facsimile number and the e-mail address are stored in an encrypted state, information leakage can be minimized.

  Hereinafter, processing executed by the multifunction machine 100 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing executed by the multifunction peripheral 100 when the power is turned on. When the MFP 100 is powered on, the control unit 101 performs a system check by communicating with each connected hardware (step S11). Then, the control unit 101 determines whether or not a system error has been detected (step S12). If a system error is detected (S12: YES), the control unit 101 displays that the error has been detected on the display unit 105b of the operation panel 105. Then, error processing is executed (step S13).

  If no system error is detected (S12: NO), the acceptance of processing is temporarily stopped (step S14), and the facsimile data transmission processing, e-mail transmission processing, etc. are temporarily stopped. Next, the data management unit 107 confirms the encryption status of the data stored in the data storage unit 110 (step S15), and determines whether all data is encrypted (step S16). If it is determined that there is unencrypted data (S16: NO), an encryption process described later is executed (step S17).

  When it is determined in step S16 that all data is encrypted (S16: YES), or when the encryption process in step S17 is completed, a part of the data stored in the data storage unit 110 is decrypted. And stored in the RAM 102 (step S18). That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, only the destination name is decrypted, and the decrypted data is stored in the RAM 102.

  Next, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the preparation for accepting the process is completed by determining whether or not the decoding process executed in step S18 is completed (step S19). When it is determined that the preparation is not completed (S19: NO), the process waits until the preparation for accepting the process is completed. If it is determined that the preparation for accepting the process is completed (S19: YES), the acceptance of the process is permitted (step S20).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the encryption processing. The data management unit 107 acquires a management number corresponding to the start position of the encryption process by referring to the data stored in the data storage unit 110 (step S21). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4A, since the management number “005” is encrypted, the management number “006” is acquired as the start position of the encryption process.

  Next, the start position acquired in step S21 is set as the execution position of the encryption process, and the data encryption process is executed (step S22). Specifically, the data at the execution position is read out and sent to the encryption processing unit 108 to execute the encryption process, and the encrypted data is stored in the data storage unit 110 again. When the encrypted data is stored in the data storage unit 110, for example, the original data is overwritten and saved.

  Next, the data management unit 107 increments the management number by one and updates the execution position of the encryption process (step S23). Then, the data management unit 107 determines whether or not all data has been encrypted (step S24), and determines that there remains unencrypted data (S24: NO), the process is performed. Return to step S22. If it is determined that all data has been encrypted (S24: YES), the encryption process according to this flowchart is terminated.

  Hereinafter, processing at the time of transmission of facsimile data or electronic mail will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the data transmission process. First, the multi-function device 100 can send a facsimile data transmission instruction and an e-mail transmission instruction through the operation panel 105, and the control unit 101 instructs transmission processing based on information input through the operation panel 105. It is determined whether or not there is (step S31). When it is determined that there is no instruction for transmission processing (S31: NO), it waits until there is an instruction for transmission processing.

  If it is determined that there is an instruction for transmission processing (S31: YES), a transmission mode setting screen is displayed to determine whether the facsimile transmission mode is selected (step S32). FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 105b during transmission processing. FIG. 8 shows a transmission mode setting screen. A facsimile transmission mode selection button 31 and an e-mail transmission mode selection button 32 are arranged at the center of the screen. When one of the selection buttons 31 (32) is pressed by the user's hand, it is determined that the transmission mode is selected.

  If it is determined that the facsimile transmission mode is selected (S32: YES), the control unit 101 displays a transmission destination list on a screen as shown in FIG. 8B (step S33). In the screen shown in FIG. 8B, the transmission destination list 41 and the page switching buttons 42u and 42d are arranged. When there are a large number of lists, other lists are displayed using the page switching buttons 42u and 42d. It can be displayed. Each item of the transmission destination list 41 is configured by a touch panel type software button, and a transmission destination can be selected by a pressing operation.

  The control unit 101 determines whether or not a transmission destination is selected through the screen illustrated in FIG. 8B (step S34), and determines that no transmission destination is selected (S34: NO), the transmission destination. Wait until is selected. If it is determined that the transmission destination has been selected (S34: YES), the control unit 101 inquires of the data management unit 107 about the facsimile number based on the management number (step S35). In response to the inquiry, the data management unit 107 decrypts the corresponding data (step S36), acquires a facsimile number, and notifies the control unit 101 of the acquired facsimile number (step S37). Upon receiving the notification of the facsimile number, the control unit 101 sends the facsimile data to the facsimile communication IF 104 and executes a facsimile transmission process (step S38).

  If it is determined in step S32 that the facsimile transmission mode is not selected (S32: NO), it is determined whether or not the e-mail transmission mode is selected (step S39). If it is determined that the e-mail transmission mode is not selected (S39: NO), the process returns to step S32.

  If it is determined that the e-mail transmission mode is selected (S39: YES), the control unit 101 displays a transmission destination list on a screen as shown in FIG. 8C (step S40). In the screen shown in FIG. 8C, a destination list 51 and page switching buttons 52u and 52d are arranged as described above, and a list outside the display range is displayed using the page switching buttons 52u and 52d. It can be displayed. Each item in the transmission destination list 51 is configured by a touch panel type software button so that a transmission destination can be selected by a pressing operation.

  The control unit 101 determines whether or not a transmission destination is selected through the screen illustrated in FIG. 8C (step S41), and determines that no transmission destination is selected (S41: NO), the transmission destination Wait until is selected. If it is determined that the transmission destination has been selected (S41: YES), the control unit 101 inquires of the data management unit 107 about the e-mail address based on the management number (step S42). In response to the inquiry, the data management unit 107 decrypts the corresponding data (step S43), acquires the e-mail address, and notifies the control unit 101 of the acquired e-mail address (step S44). Receiving the notification of the e-mail address, the control unit 101 sends the e-mail to the communication IF 103 and executes e-mail transmission processing (step S45).

  In this embodiment, the memory card M having a built-in semiconductor memory is used as a recording medium for recording data related to the transmission destination. However, a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, etc. A configuration using an optical disk may also be used. Further, a configuration in which data is taken in through the communication IF 103 may be used.

1 is a perspective view showing a multifunction machine according to the present embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the multifunction machine. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen displayed on a display part. It is a conceptual diagram explaining the data which a data storage part and RAM hold | maintain. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing executed by the multi-function peripheral when power is turned on. It is a flowchart explaining the process sequence of an encryption process. It is a flowchart explaining the procedure of a data transmission process. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen displayed on a display part at the time of a transmission process.

Explanation of symbols

100 MFP 101 Control Unit 102 RAM
103 Communication IF
104 Facsimile communication IF
105 Operation Panel 106 Memory Card Slot 107 Data Management Unit 108 Encryption Processing Unit 109 Decryption Processing Unit 110 Data Storage Unit 111 Image Memory 112 Printing Unit 113 Image Reading Unit M Memory Card

Claims (7)

An image processing apparatus comprising: means for receiving image data; and storage means for storing a plurality of information to be referred to when processing the received image data, and processing the image data with reference to the information stored in the storage means In
Among the information stored in the storage means, comprising a detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of unencrypted information, and an encryption means for encrypting the information when detecting unencrypted information, An image processing apparatus configured to store encrypted information.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit that stops processing of received image data when the detection unit detects unencrypted information.   A plurality of sets of information related to each other are stored in the storage means, and the storage means includes a decryption means for decrypting a part of the information encrypted by the encryption means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.   4. The information according to claim 1, further comprising means for transmitting the image data with reference to the information, the information being information regarding a destination of the received image data. Image processing device.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information includes information related to a name of a transmission destination, and the decoding unit is configured to decode the information.   Receiving means for receiving information to be stored in the storage means, and means for determining whether the received information is encrypted, wherein the encryption means encrypts information determined to be unencrypted. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is configured to be configured as described above.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the reception unit includes a unit that reads the information from a recording medium on which the information is recorded.

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