JP2008123202A - Security system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the security system of an image forming apparatus for improving the convenience of a user while maintaining secrecy and its program. <P>SOLUTION: This security system is provided with a time limit management setting means 3 for setting a security period for data stored in a storage means, and for setting the date of security period release; a relax setting means 4 for setting the right or wrong of relax of the delay of the security period set by the time limit management setting means; a rank setting means 5 for setting at least two or more security ranks in data stored in a storage means; and a control means 20 for decreasing the security rank set by the rank setting means 5 when the time limit release setting date or security period set in the security set storage data passes, and the relax setting by the relax setting means is set so as to be right, and for successively decreasing the security rank in every preliminarily set security extention period. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a security system for a device provided with a storage means for storing data, and is particularly applied to an image forming apparatus.

  In order to maintain the confidentiality of data used for image formation (data data and image data), conventional digital stencil printers cannot be printed unless simple authentication such as password is set in the device and password authentication is passed. Function, a function that prevents the printing drum on which the master that made the plate making confidential data is wound from being drawn out from the machine, a plate release box that contains the used master that made plate making the confidential data (used master that made the content of general data that is not confidential data) Some of them are equipped with functions called so-called secret mode and security mode.

  In plate making / printing via the network, a password is set in advance on the computer that sends the data, and the password is entered on the digital stencil machine body, and compared with the preset password. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a device having a function of performing plate making / printing when the two match. In Patent Document 2, it is proposed to restrict the plate making / printing using a security card.

JP 2001-216123 A JP 2006-015622 A

  For devices equipped with a secret mode or security mode, if these modes are set, the functions of the digital stencil printing machine enclosure are restricted, so the data can be general data or confidential data. It is the same as applying security uniformly. In other words, if the plate making master of confidential data remains in the device, the printing operation cannot be performed, so that a user who wants to perform printing using non-sensitive data cannot perform printing, and the printing work becomes complicated.

  When using a password or security card for printing approval, security is applied to each data and each user, which increases convenience, but stores data with security settings in the storage means provided in the device. When security is set, confidentiality is required, so printing restrictions are set.However, if a certain amount of time or a predetermined event using an image using confidential data is exceeded, the confidentiality is set. May be unnecessary. For example, exam questions and the like no longer need to be kept confidential once the test event period ends.

  In such cases, the data remains stored in the storage means unless the security settings are canceled or the security-sensitive data is deleted, and a specific access that can be used by a person who knows the password or a security card If you forget your password or card, you will not be able to deal with security or delete data. In addition, when storing such confidential data in the storage means, unnecessary data occupies the storage space, resulting in a situation where the storage means cannot be used effectively.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a security system for an image forming apparatus that is easy to use for a user while maintaining confidentiality, and a program therefor.

  Accordingly, the invention of claim 1 provides security for an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet based on data read by an image reading unit, data transmitted from a network, or data stored in a portable storage medium. A storage means for storing each data, a security setting means for performing a setting for permitting access only to a specific person for the data stored in the storage means, and a security period for the data stored in the storage means The time limit management setting means for setting the deadline for setting the security period or releasing the security period, the relaxation setting means for setting whether or not the security period set by the time limit management setting means is delayed, and the data stored in the storage means Rank setting means for setting at least two security ranks and security setting means; If the time limit release setting date or security period set by the time management setting means for the stored data set with security is exceeded and the mitigation setting by the mitigation setting means is enabled, the security set by the rank setting means It is characterized by having a control means for lowering the rank and sequentially lowering the security rank for each preset security extension period.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security system for an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet based on data read by an image reading unit, data transmitted from a network, or data stored in a portable storage medium. There are storage means for storing each data, security setting means for permitting only a specific person to access the data stored in the storage means, and setting of a security period for the data stored in the storage means Alternatively, a timed management setting means for setting a date for canceling the security period, an extension setting means for setting the security period set by the timed management setting means, whether or not the security period can be extended, and an extension setting means for setting the period, and storing in the storage means Access recording means for recording the access history to recorded data, and security setting procedures When the time limit release setting date or security period set by the time management setting means for the stored data set as security in the above has been exceeded, and the extension period has been set to allow extension of the security period or security period release date , Refer to the access history recorded by the access recording means, select the extension period data according to the access frequency or the latest access date and time from the preset extension period data group, and cancel the time extension of the selected extension period data It has a control means for resetting as a set date or a security period.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security system for an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording sheet based on data read by an image reading unit, data transmitted from a network, or data stored in a portable storage medium. There are storage means for storing each data, security setting means for permitting only a specific person to access the data stored in the storage means, and setting of a security period for the data stored in the storage means Alternatively, a time limit management setting means for setting a date for releasing the security period, a rank setting means for setting at least two security ranks in the data stored in the storage means, and a security period or security set by the time limit management setting means Extension setting means to set whether to extend the period cancellation date and the period The time limit release setting date or security period set by the time management setting means for the stored data set with security by the security setting means has been exceeded, and the extension period can be extended by the extension setting means. If it is, the security rank set by the rank setting means is referred to, the extension period data corresponding to the extension period corresponding to the security rank is selected from the preset extension period group, and the selected extension period data Is characterized by having control means for resetting as a time limit cancellation setting date or security period.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the security system for an image forming apparatus according to the first, second, or third aspect, the time limit release setting set by the time limit management setting means for the stored data that is security-set by the security setting means. If the due date or security period has been exceeded and the mitigation setting by the mitigation setting means has been set to No, or if the extension of the security period has been set to no by the extension setting means, the time limit cancellation setting date or security period period The extension process or the security rank demoting process is not performed, and the stored data set with security is deleted.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the security system for an image forming apparatus according to the first, third or fourth aspect, a usage amount detecting means for detecting a used capacity of the storage means and a margin for setting a margin for the capacity of the storage means. If the use capacity of the storage means detected by the use amount detection means exceeds the reference margin set by the margin setting means, the control means has a storage means for storing data candidates to be deleted. Select from the non-set stored data group for which no security setting is made, and then select according to the security rank set by the rank setting means so that the used capacity does not exceed the standard margin The feature is that the accumulated data selected until the time is deleted.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the security system for the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, when the security ranks of the stored data that are deletion candidates are the same, the oldest access date, the lowest access frequency, It is characterized in that the stored data to be deleted is selected on the condition that at least one of the data sizes in descending order.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the security system for an image forming apparatus according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the increase / decrease amount of the used capacity of the storage means detected by the used amount detecting means relative to the reference margin set by the margin setting means. If there is a frequency that exceeds the reference margin frequently, the control means refers to the recording data of the margin limit recording means. Is gradually reduced and the reference margin is changed so that the reference margin is gradually increased when the frequency exceeding the reference margin occurs at a low frequency.

  The invention according to claim 8 is installed in the control means or the print server of the image forming apparatus, so that at least the data read by the image reading means, the data transmitted from the network, or the mobile phone is transmitted to the control means or the print server. A step of performing security settings for permitting only a specific person access to the data stored in the storage means for storing data stored in the possible storage medium, and security for the data stored in the storage means A timed management setting step for setting a period or a date for releasing a security period, a relaxation setting step for setting whether or not a security period set by the timed management setting means is delayed, and a data stored in the storage means A label that sets at least two security ranks. If the time limit release setting date or security period set by the time limit management setting means for the stored data set security by the security setting means exceeds the security setting means, and the relaxation setting by the relaxation setting means is enabled, The security rank set by the rank setting means is lowered, and a step of sequentially lowering the security rank is executed for each preset security extension period.

  According to the present invention, the time limit cancellation setting date or security period set by the time management setting unit for the stored data set with security by the security setting unit is exceeded, and the security period set by the time management setting unit is delayed. If the mitigation setting by the mitigation setting means that sets whether or not the security is allowed is set, the security rank set by the rank setting means that sets at least two security ranks in the accumulated data is lowered and preset. The security rank is lowered sequentially for each extended security period, so if the time limit release setting date or the security period is exceeded, the access authority to the data with security in the stored data stored in the storage means becomes wider So keep confidentiality Want can also be made to have the flexibility in data management, user-friendliness is improved.

  According to the present invention, the time limit cancellation setting date or security period set by the time management setting unit for the stored data set with security by the security setting unit has exceeded, and the security period or extension of the security period cancellation date has been extended by the extension setting unit. Is set to enable, refer to the access history recorded by the access recording means, select the extension period data according to the access frequency or the latest access date and time from the preset extension period data group, and select Since the extended period data is reset as the time limit release setting date or security period, the confidential organization of the data can be extended according to the importance and frequency of use of the stored data set with security, so confidentiality is maintained. However, data management can be flexible Usability is better of.

  According to the present invention, the time limit cancellation setting date or security period set by the time management setting unit for the stored data set with security by the security setting unit has exceeded, and the security period or extension of the security period cancellation date has been extended by the extension setting unit. Is set to be possible, referring to the security rank set by the rank setting means, selecting the extension period data corresponding to the extension period corresponding to the security rank from the preset extension period group, and Since the selected extension period data is reset as the time limit cancellation setting date or security period, the confidential organization of the data can be extended according to the security level of the stored data set with security, so the confidentiality can be maintained Data management flexibility, and There selfishness is improved.

  According to the present invention, when the time limit cancellation setting date or the security period for the stored data set with security by the security setting means has been exceeded and the relaxation setting by the relaxation setting means is set to “No”, or the security period is set by the extension setting means. If the extension of the time limit is set to No, the accumulated data set for security will be deleted without performing the processing for extending the time limit release setting date or the security period, or degrading the security rank. Since it is not necessary to delete the lost data, the usability of the device is further improved.

  According to the present invention, when the usage capacity of the storage means detected by the usage amount detection means exceeds the reference margin set by the margin setting means, the accumulated data candidates to be deleted are stored in the storage data stored in the storage means. Select from the non-set stored data group for which no security setting is made, and then select according to the security rank set by the rank setting means, so that the used capacity of the storage means does not exceed the reference margin The stored data selected up to is deleted, so it is possible to increase the margin by reducing the storage capacity used while prioritizing the deleted data, and to provide flexibility in data management while maintaining confidentiality. And user convenience is improved.

  According to the present invention, when the security ranks of stored data that are candidates for deletion are the same, the storage that is to be deleted is subject to at least one of the following order: oldest access date, lower access frequency, and larger data size. Since data is selected, it is possible to increase the margin by reducing the use capacity of the storage means while giving detailed priorities to the deleted data, allowing flexibility in data management while maintaining confidentiality, In addition, user convenience is further improved.

  According to the present invention, there is a margin limit recording means for recording, as history information, an increase / decrease amount of the used capacity of the storage means detected by the usage amount detecting means with respect to the reference margin set by the margin setting means. Refer to the recording data of the degree limit recording means, and if the frequency exceeding the standard margin is frequently occurring, the standard margin is gradually decreased, and if the frequency exceeding the standard margin is low frequency Since the reference margin is changed to gradually increase the reference margin, the storage area capacity of the storage means can be changed according to the amount of accumulated data, and flexibility in data management while maintaining confidentiality And the convenience for the user is further improved.

  According to the present invention, the security system can be configured by installing the security program according to the present invention in the control unit of the image forming apparatus or the print server.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be sequentially described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and redundant description is omitted as much as possible. The security system described in each embodiment is described as being applied to a digital stencil printing apparatus, which is an example of an image forming apparatus. However, the image forming apparatus is not limited to a digital stencil printing apparatus. Of course, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus and a server to which the image forming apparatus is connected. When configuring each form of security system, the program may be installed on an image forming apparatus or server from a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM storing a security program for configuring the security system. Alternatively, a security system may be built in each device in advance.

  The digital stencil printing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a printing drum 101 around which a master is wound, a press roller 102 serving as a printing pressure means, a plate making means 103, and a plate discharging means 104. The recording paper 106 fed from the paper feeding means 105 disposed on the right side of the main body 100 is pressed against the printing drum 101 by the press roller 102, so that the image of the master 107 wound around the outer peripheral surface of the drum is recorded on the recording paper 106. A well-known configuration is adopted in which the recording paper 106 transferred to the image and transferred with the image is conveyed by the conveying means 108 to the paper discharging means 109 disposed on the left side of the apparatus main body 100.

  A scanner 110 serving as an image reading unit is disposed on the upper part of the apparatus main body 100, reads a document image, and acquires image data used for plate making. In the apparatus main body 100, a control unit 20 for controlling each unit and a storage device 30 serving as a storage unit connected to the control unit 20 via a signal line are arranged. In this embodiment, the storage device 30 is a known hard disk device used as a storage device such as a personal computer. Various data are stored / stored in the storage device 30, and the stored data includes image data read by the scanner 110 and image data transmitted from a personal computer via a network. In this embodiment, the control means 20 is constituted by a known computer that includes a calculation unit, a memory, and a timer.

An operation unit 111 of the digital stencil printing apparatus is disposed on the upper front of the apparatus main body 100. The operation unit 111 is provided with a display unit 115 together with a numeric keypad 112 and start keys 113 and 114 for printing and sales. The display unit 115 is configured by an LCD having a touch panel function, and various guidance information and various operation screens are appropriately displayed on the screen. When the operation screen is operated by a device user (user), the display unit 115 displays the information on each screen. The contents corresponding to the selected switch are set in the control means 20 and the digital stencil printing apparatus. The display unit 115 displays a switch for activating a mode relating to image data management. When this switch is operated, a menu screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display unit 115. This is the basic configuration of the digital stencil printing apparatus.
(First embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 2, the security system 1 includes a storage device 30 serving as a storage unit that stores each data, and a security setting that allows only a specific person to access the data stored in the storage device 30. Means 2, a time limit management setting means 3 for setting a time limit release setting date that becomes a date for releasing the security period for the data stored in the storage device 30, and a time limit release setting date set by the time limit management setting means 3 There are provided relaxation setting means 4 for setting whether or not relaxation is possible, rank setting means 5 for setting at least two security ranks for data stored in the storage device 30, and control means 20.

  The security setting means 2, the time limit management setting means 3, the relaxation setting means 4 and the rank setting means 5 are displayed on the display unit 115 in this embodiment, and various switches are displayed in the displayed state. It is configured. When the displayed switch is operated, the corresponding setting is set in the control means 20, and each part is controlled.

  The security setting means 2 is composed of the screens shown in FIGS. The screen shown in FIG. 3 is a part of the menu screen. On this screen, the operation switches 2A and 2B for inputting and selecting the user name for managing the stored data and the document name of the stored data to be managed are selected. A switch 2C for displaying the submenu screen shown in FIG. 4 and switches 2D and 2E for confirming cancellation and setting of the operation contents on the screen of FIG. 3 are displayed.

  The screen shown in FIG. 4 is a submenu screen that is displayed when the security setting switch 2C of FIG. 3 is operated. This screen includes a switch 2F for displaying the submenu screen shown in FIG. A password switch 2H operated at times, a time setting switch 2J operated when reading a screen including the time management setting means 3 shown in FIG. 6, and a switch 2K operated when reading a screen including the relaxation setting means 4 shown in FIG. Is displayed.

  The submenu screen shown in FIG. 5 selects and sets switches 2N and 2P for selecting whether or not to allow only a specific person access to stored data arbitrarily selected by the user, and a confidential rank. The switch 5A and switches 2Q and 2R for confirming the cancellation and setting of the operation content on the screen of FIG. 5 are displayed. The rank setting means 5 includes the switch 5A and the switch 2R.

  The time management setting means 3 is displayed on the time setting screen shown in FIG. On this screen, switches 3A and 3B for selecting whether or not to perform security management (time limit setting), a field 3C for inputting the date for setting the security time limit cancellation by date, and an icon for moving a cursor displayed in the field 3C The switch 3D and switches 3F and 3G for confirming cancellation and setting of the operation content on the screen of FIG. 6 are displayed.

  The relaxation setting means 4 is displayed on the relaxation setting screen shown in FIG. On this screen, switches 4A and 4B for selecting whether or not to perform relaxation setting, switches 4C and 4D for selecting whether to perform relaxation contents automatically or manually, and how often the relaxation is performed are defined. A field 4E for inputting the “relaxation period” and switches 4F and 4G for confirming cancellation and setting of the operation contents on the screen of FIG. 7 are displayed.

  In the security system 1 having such a configuration, the control means 20 causes the time limit release setting date set by the time limit management setting means 3 to exceed the accumulated data set by the security setting means 2, and the relaxation setting means 4 When the relaxation setting is set to (possible), control is performed to lower the security rank set by the rank setting means 5 and to sequentially lower the security rank every preset security extension period. In this security extension period, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the security rank and extension period are set in advance in a memory (not shown) of the control means 20.

  Next, the image data obtained by the operator reading the document from the scanner 110 is stored in the storage device 30 provided inside the digital stencil printing apparatus with a time limit setting that automatically cancels the security setting when the specified date arrives. The case where it wants to preserve | save is demonstrated to an example.

  Hereinafter, the description will be continued based on the flowchart of FIG. When the switch displayed on the display unit 115 is operated (step ST1), the menu screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display unit 115 of the digital stencil printing apparatus (step ST2). However, the screen of FIG. 3 is a menu state in which “Security Setting” has already been selected as “Set” in the screen of FIG. 5 and is “Not Set” in the initial state, and the submenu screen shown in FIG. The “password”, “timed setting”, and “relaxation setting” switches are displayed in a masked state.

  When the operator inputs various information related to stored data such as the user name and document name on the menu screen of FIG. 3, or selects the “security setting” switch 2C related to security (step ST3), FIG. Are displayed on the display unit 115 (step ST4). When the “security setting” switch 2F is selected on the submenu screen shown in FIG. 4 (step ST5), the submenu screen shown in FIG. 5 is further opened and displayed on the display unit 115 (step ST6).

  When the “set” switch 2N is selected on the submenu screen of FIG. 5 (step ST7), the stored data corresponding to the document name input in FIG. 3 is thereafter treated as confidential data. In the submenu screen of FIG. 5, “person only” is selected as the “secret rank”. This rank is such that only those who have correctly entered the password set at the time of data registration can be accessed. Normally, the person himself / herself sets the password at the time of data registration, so it is described as “Only the person” here, but correctly, only those who share the password set at the time of data registration as described above It will be accessible.

  In addition, the “secret rank” has a rank of permitting “registered users only” access, which is registered in the control means 20 in advance by the administrator of the digital stencil printing apparatus in order to permit the use of the printing apparatus. The user can access the classified data. Therefore, in terms of the confidential rank, “person only” is a higher rank, “registered user only” is a lower rank, that is, the security rank is “person only”> “registered user only”.

  In step ST7, when it is set so that specific stored data among the data stored in the storage device 30 is handled as confidential data, as shown in the submenu screen shown in FIG. The switches “2H”, “2J”, and “2K” for “password”, “time limit setting”, and “summation setting” are displayed and can be input.

  When making plate making or printing using classified stored data, or changing document information or document settings related to the data, authentication by password entry is required. This password entry is entered using a menu (not shown). Prompted. Then, the stored data is handled as confidential data, but after the designated date, the switches 2J and 2K for “time setting” and “relaxation setting” are operated when it is desired to gradually reduce the confidential rank.

  When the “time setting” switch 2J is selected (step ST8), the time setting screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 115 (step ST9). However, FIG. 6 shows the menu state when “set time” is selected as “set”, and since it is “not set” in the initial state, the field 3C for inputting the date, the icon for cursor operation, “ The “clear” switch 3E and the like are masked.

  Here, when the switch 3A for setting the time limit is operated (step ST10), items for designating the time limit, the field 3C, the icon switch 3D, and the like are displayed, and the settings are made by operating the setting switch 3G after the input. By confirming the contents, the data is thereafter set as time-sensitive confidential data and stored in the storage device 30. In this embodiment, “06/16/2006” is set as the time limit setting date.

  Next, when the “relaxation setting” switch 2K in FIG. 4 is selected and operated (step ST11), the relaxation setting screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed (step ST12). However, the screen of FIG. 7 is a menu state when “set” is selected for “relaxation setting”, and is “not set” in the initial state, and “automatic relaxation” and “manual relaxation” The switches 4C and 4D, the field 4E, etc. are masked.

  When the “setting” switch 4A for relaxation setting is selected (step ST13), switches 4C and 4D for designating a relaxation method and a relaxation period and a field 4E are displayed. Here, the “manual relaxation” switch 4D is selected, and the “relaxation period” is set to “1 day”.

  The above is the outline of the process of reading a document from the scanner 111 and storing it as confidential data with time limit in the storage device 30. These series of processes may be performed by the digital stencil printing machine alone or by the digital stencil printing machine. A similar security process may be performed on image data transmitted from a personal computer connected to the printing apparatus via a network (not shown). Alternatively, the same confidential processing may be performed on data stored in a flash memory or a hard disk as a portable storage medium for image data.

  In this embodiment, the time limit release setting date is designated by the year / month / day in the time limit management setting means 3, but the security period such as 20 days or 2 months is set instead of the time unit designation or the time limit release setting deadline. It may be.

  In this form, the confidential rank is set to two ranks of “person only” and “registered user only”. For example, it is classified into categories such as “confidential”, “own department”, “self section”, etc. A so-called authentication server may be used for the access management.

  Next, the monitoring status by the security system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The control means 20 makes a determination by periodically checking the time-sensitive data stored in the storage device 30 with an appropriate time interval (step ST20). Here, the current date is recognized by the timer of the control means 20. As long as “current date” <“time limit date”, the data is treated as confidential data, and plate-making / printing of the data or change of the data or setting information (for example, release of security settings) Etc.), password authentication is always performed.

  However, when “timed date” ≦ “current date”, that is, when the date specified in the timed setting (here, “06/16/2006”) is exceeded, “relaxation setting” It is determined whether or not it is possible (step ST21). In this embodiment, since it is set (possible) to execute “relaxation setting”, it is determined whether or not there is a rank lower than the current confidential rank (step ST22). If there is a lower secret rank here, the secret rank is lowered by one, and here it is automatically changed from “person only” to “registered user only” (step ST23), and the set period is also displayed. It is reset as the time limit set value (step ST24). That is, the confidential data becomes confidential data in which the time limit setting date is “06/17/2006”, the confidential rank is “registered user only”, and other setting items are the same, and is stored in the storage device 30.

  And the change regarding the security of the said confidential data is displayed on the display part 115, and it is notified to the user registered or defined beforehand (step ST25). When the digital stencil printing machine is connected to a personal computer via a network, the personal computer's IP address and network name are registered in association with the user name, and there is a change related to the security of the confidential data on the personal computer. You may make it notify that.

  Thereafter, the reset time setting date (here, “June 17, 2006”) is determined by returning to step ST20, and when the current date has passed the time setting date, the relaxation setting is set in step ST21. Whether or not it is possible is determined, and the confidential rank is determined in step ST22. Here, when there is a lower secret rank, the secret rank lowering process is sequentially executed so that it is lowered by one. In the present embodiment, since there are two types of confidential ranks, “person only” and “registered user only”, “registered user only” is the lowest security rank, so in the second determination of step ST22, step ST26, step Proceeding to ST27 and ST28, the relaxation setting, the time limit setting, and the security setting are canceled and the password is invalidated. Thereafter, the confidential data with a time limit is treated as general data.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the relaxation setting is set to “set” has been described. However, when the relaxation setting is set to “not set” by operating the switch 4B in FIG. 7 (step ST20), the time limit setting is performed. As soon as the date specified here ("06/16/2006") is exceeded, the time-sensitive confidential data is automatically deleted from the storage device 30 (step ST29).

  According to the security system 1 according to the present embodiment described above, data stored in the storage device 30 in the digital stencil printing apparatus can be managed with appropriate confidentiality. For example, it is suitable for the case where the stored data is required to have high confidentiality until the test date, such as school test questions, but is not necessary after the test date. In addition, there is often no problem even if such data is deleted after the time limit has passed, but if the security settings are maintained, the registered person or a member of the group who can release the security (a third party) ) Can't do that. However, according to the present invention, after the time has elapsed, the confidential rank of the confidential data is automatically lowered to the general data, so that even a third party can perform an operation such as deletion.

That is, since the access authority to the stored data that has been converted into confidential data is widened, the data management can be made flexible while maintaining the confidentiality, and the usability of the user is improved. Moreover, since confidential data that has expired is automatically deleted from the storage device 30, convenience for the operator is achieved and effective use of the storage area of the storage device 30 can be achieved.
(Second Embodiment)
The feature of this embodiment is that data is handled as confidential data until a designated time limit setting date, and thereafter, the time limit setting date is extended depending on the degree of reference to the confidential data.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the security system 1A according to this embodiment includes a storage device 30, a security setting unit 2, a time management setting unit 3, and a security period cancellation date set by the time management setting unit 3. Extension setting means 6 for setting whether or not the extension is possible and the period thereof, an access recording means 7 for recording an access history to data stored in the storage device 30, and a control means 20A.

  FIG. 12 is a submenu screen displayed on the display unit 115 when the security setting switch 2C on the menu screen shown in FIG. 3 is operated. The difference from the submenu shown in FIG. 4 is that an “extension setting” switch 2S for displaying the extension setting means 6 is displayed instead of the “relaxation setting” switch 2K.

  The extension setting means 6 is displayed on the extension setting screen shown in FIG. On this screen, switches 6A and 6B for selecting whether or not to perform extension setting, switches 6C and 6D for selecting whether to perform extension setting automatically or manually, and “extension period” for determining how long to extend. Is displayed, and switches 6F and 6G for canceling the operation contents and confirming the setting on the screen of FIG. 13 are displayed.

  The access recording means 7 is a storage unit that stores the access date and time and the number of accesses (access frequency) for the stored data stored in the storage device 30 in association with the document name of the stored data.

  In this embodiment, the control means 20 </ b> A is composed of the same components as the personal computer, like the control means 20. Then, the time limit release setting date set by the time management setting unit 3 for the stored data set with security by the security setting unit 2 has been exceeded, and the extension setting unit 6 is set to extend the security period (possible). If there is, the access history recorded by the access recording means 7 is referred to, the extension period data corresponding to the access frequency or the latest access date and time is selected from the preset extension period data group, and the selected extension period data is selected. Reset as the time limit release setting date. In this extended period data group, as shown in FIG. 14, the latest access date and time and the extended period are associated with each other and stored in advance in a memory (not shown) of the control means 20A.

  Next, the characteristic part of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. An example will be described in which an apparatus operator reads an original from the scanner 110 and wants to store it in a storage device 30 provided inside the digital stencil printing apparatus with a time limit setting that automatically cancels the security setting when a specified date arrives. However, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are omitted, and the parts related to the extension setting will be described.

  When it is desired to extend the time limit release setting date of the confidential data, the “security setting” switch 2C of the menu image shown in FIG. 3 is operated (step ST30), and the submenu of FIG. 12 is displayed (step ST31). When the “extension setting” switch 2S of this menu is operated (step ST32), an extension setting screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the display unit 115 (step ST33). However, the screen of FIG. 13 is a menu state when “set” is selected for “extension setting”, and since it is “not set” in the initial state, the “automatic extension” and “manual extension” switches 6C, 6D and the “extended period” field 6E are masked.

  When the “set” switch 6A is selected on the extension setting screen (step ST34), “automatic extension” and “manual extension” switches 6C and 6D and a field 6E for specifying the extension method and the extension period are displayed. . Here, the “automatic extension” switch 6C is selected.

  The security system 1A having such a configuration periodically performs a time check (step ST35) with an appropriate time interval on the time-sensitive confidential data stored in the digital stencil printing apparatus. Here, the current date is recognized by the timer of the control means 20A. As long as “current date” <“time limit date”, the data is treated as confidential data, and plate-making / printing of the data or change of the data or setting information (for example, release of security settings) Etc.), password authentication is always performed. At this time, the number of times of plate making / printing and the time stamp at that time are stored as a history by the access recording means 7 for each confidential data (step ST36).

  However, when “timed date” ≦ “current date”, that is, when the date specified in the timed setting (here, “06/16/06”) is exceeded, the setting information of the data It is determined whether or not “extension setting” is possible (step ST37), and if “set” is set to enable, the extension method is further referred to. In this embodiment, since “automatic extension” is set, the extension period is determined in accordance with a rule predetermined in the digital stencil printing apparatus (step ST38).

  Here, the extension period is determined from the extension period data group shown in FIG. Here, if the latest access date is between 3 days ago and the extension period is between 2 days, 3 days and 7 days ago, the extension period will not be extended if it exceeds 1 day or 7 days Is set to Then, taking into account the extended period, the time limit setting is automatically reset (step ST39), and the “extension setting” is automatically canceled (step ST40).

  That is, for example, if the latest access date and time is within 3 days, the confidential data will be extended by 2 days in the time limit setting date, “06/18/2006”, “extension setting” is “not set”, other settings The item becomes the same confidential data.

  And the change regarding the security of the said confidential data is displayed on the display part 115, and it is notified to the user registered or defined beforehand (step ST41).

  After that, if the date set for the time limit (here, “06/06/2006”) is exceeded, the extension setting is rejected (“not set”), so the confidential data that has passed the time limit cancellation setting date Is automatically deleted immediately as unnecessary (step ST42).

  In this embodiment, the latest access date is used as an extension parameter for the time limit release setting date. However, the extension parameter is not limited to the latest access date for confidential data. The extension date may be set according to the access date, and the time and date may be reset by adding the extension date according to the number of accesses. Alternatively, as in the first embodiment, the extension date may be set according to the confidential rank, and the time limit date may be reset by adding the extended date according to the confidential rank. In this case, rank setting means 5 similar to that of the first embodiment may be added to the system configuration, and the extension data group of FIG. 8 may be set in advance in the memory of the control means 20A.

  In this embodiment, the number of times (extended number) that the extension date is selected and the time limit release setting date is reset is set to one, and the expired confidential data is deleted when the time limit release setting date is reached. However, the number of times of resetting (the number of times of extension) is not limited to one, and the data may be automatically deleted after extending a plurality of times.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the extension setting is set to “set” (possible) has been described. However, when the extension setting is set to “not set” by operating the switch 6B in FIG. 13, the date specified in the time limit setting ( Here, if “2006/06/16”) is exceeded (step ST35), the time-sensitive confidential data is automatically deleted from the storage device 30 (step ST42).

According to the security system 1A according to the present embodiment described above, data stored in the storage device 30 in the digital stencil printing apparatus can be managed with appropriate confidentiality. That is, high confidentiality must be maintained for a predetermined period from the start of confidentiality of confidential data, but after the time expires, flexible security management can be provided by providing an extended period according to the demand for the data. It can be performed. Moreover, since confidential data that has expired is automatically deleted from the storage device 30, convenience for the operator is achieved and effective use of the storage area of the storage device 30 can be achieved.
(Third embodiment)
When the storage device 30 is mounted on the digital stencil printing apparatus as described above, each image data used for plate making can be stored by storing it in the storage device 30, but it is related to the frequency of use of the device. Even if the function of automatically setting the time limit and deleting the one that has exceeded the time limit is activated, the stored data capacity may gradually increase and use the usable capacity of the storage device 30 in some cases.

  At this time, the storage device 30 is not only used for data storage, but may be used for storing fonts or data spools during printing, so that all the usable capacity of the storage device 30 can be used for data storage. is not. For this reason, it is assumed that there is a margin of how much more can be used for data storage as an index.

  In this case, if the amount of data storage used increases and the set margin is exceeded, the margin is obtained by some method such as not accepting data storage registration or forcibly deleting data from the stored data. Must recover.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, the security system 1B according to the present embodiment includes the storage device 30, the security setting unit 2, the time limit management setting unit 3, the relaxation setting unit 4, the rank setting unit 5, and the used capacity of the storage device 30. Used amount detecting means 8 and margin setting means 9 for setting a margin for the capacity of the storage device 30, and a storage device detected by the usage amount detecting means 8 for the reference margin set by the margin setting means 9. There is provided margin limit recording means 10 for recording a time stamp when the used capacity of 30 is exceeded as history information.

  In the storage device 30 of this embodiment, the storage area is divided into an area for storing / accumulating image data and an area for storing / accumulating other data. In this embodiment, when the usage capacity of the storage device 30 detected by the usage amount detection unit 8 exceeds the reference margin set by the margin setting unit 9, the control unit 20 deletes accumulated data candidates to be deleted. Is selected from the non-set stored data group in which the security setting is not made in the stored data of the storage device 30, and then selected according to the security rank set by the rank setting means 5, and the use of the storage device 30 is selected. The selected accumulated data is deleted until the capacity does not exceed the reference margin. That is, the security system 1B according to the present embodiment is characterized in that when the accumulated data is forcibly deleted from the storage device 30, the deletion is performed in consideration of the characteristics of the data.

  Hereinafter, the method of deleting data in the storage device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 17, but it is assumed that the reference margin is already set in the control unit 20 by the margin setting unit 9.

  The control unit 20 calculates a necessary deletion capacity from the reference margin and the usage amount detected by the usage amount detection unit 8 (step ST50). Next, the type of data stored in the storage device 30 is referred to by referring to a data table or the like to determine whether confidential data and general data are stored (step ST51). Next, data candidates to be deleted from the general data are selected to generate a deletion list, and the listed data capacity is also calculated. (Step ST52). At this time, as a selection rule, selection is made in order from the oldest access, that is, the least recently used.

Then, the size (list size) of the deletion candidate data is reduced from the necessary deletion amount necessary for recovering the necessary margin (step ST53). Next, whether or not the necessary margin can be recovered by deleting the deletion candidate data is determined from the required deletion capacity and the list size (step ST54), and if it can be recovered (required deletion capacity ≦ 0), it is listed. The file is actually deleted (step ST55). If the required margin cannot be recovered even with the selected deletion candidate data (necessary deletion capacity> 0), it will be listed as a candidate for deletion from confidential data, and it will be listed as not being in time for deletion of general data alone The calculated data capacity is also calculated. (Step ST57). At this time, since the confidential rank is set for the confidential data, first, the confidential rank is selected from those having a low confidential rank. If there are a large number of data with the same confidential rank, as in the case of general data, the selection rules are selected in order of oldest access, that is, the least recently used. Then, the size (list size) of the deletion candidate data is reduced from the necessary deletion amount necessary to recover the necessary margin (step ST53). Next, whether or not the necessary margin can be recovered by deleting the deletion candidate data in the confidential data is determined from the required deletion capacity and the list size (step ST54), and when it can be recovered (required deletion capacity ≦ 0). Then, the listed file is actually deleted (step ST55).
It should be noted that a situation in which the necessary margin cannot be secured even if all the files listed are deleted is a fatal system error in the first place, and is not considered here.

  After the data is deleted, the margin limit recording means 10 refers to the margin history in which the frequency of capacity shortage with respect to the reference margin is recorded, and the frequency is verified (steps ST56 and 58). Here, if there is an event that frequently cuts the margin, that is, if the margin detection frequency is high, it is considered that the margin setting is too large (the capacity available for data storage is too small), and the margin is It is slightly destroyed and reset (step ST59). This means that the allocation to the capacity that can be used for data storage has increased.

  Conversely, if there is almost no event that cuts off the margin, that is, if the margin detection frequency is low, it is assumed that the margin setting is too small (the capacity available for data storage is too large) and the margin is slightly increased. And resetting (step ST60). This means that the allocation to a usable capacity other than data storage has increased.

  However, in the digital stencil printing machine system, as described above, the capacity that can be used for data storage is often limited to a certain range, so if the limit value is reached as a result of slight increase or decrease, the limiter It will take.

  In this way, in this embodiment, the margin of data storage is performed in consideration of security information, and an appropriate capacity can be automatically adjusted and ensured. It is possible to effectively use the resources of the storage device 30 installed in the storage device. In this mode, deletion candidates are selected in order of increasing confidentiality rank. However, there is a converse idea that this policy should not be left behind in order of higher confidentiality rank. The method of deleting may be used, and is not limited to this embodiment.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus to which a security system according to the present invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the security system concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a front view of a part of menu screen displayed on the display means. It is a front view of the screen on which the security setting means was displayed. It is a front view of the screen on which the security setting means was displayed. It is a front view of a time setting screen on which time setting means is displayed. It is a front view of the relaxation setting screen on which the relaxation setting means is displayed. It is a figure which shows an example of an extension data group. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the various settings in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows one form of the time limit change control in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the security system in 2nd Embodiment. It is a front view of the screen as which the security setting means in 2nd Embodiment was displayed. It is a front view of the time limit setting screen on which the extension setting means is displayed. It is a figure which shows another example of an example of an extension data group. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the characteristic part of the control content of the control means in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the security system in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the characteristic part of the control content of the control means in 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1A, 1B Security system 2 Security setting means 3 Time management setting means 4 Relaxation setting means 5 Rank setting means 6 Extension setting means 7 Access recording means 8 Usage amount detecting means 9 Margin setting means 10 Margin limit recording means 20, 20A, 20B Control means 30 Storage means 110 Image reading means 106 Recording paper

Claims (8)

A security system for an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet based on data read by an image reading unit, data transmitted from a network, or data stored in a portable storage medium,
Storage means for storing the data;
Security setting means for performing setting for permitting access only to a specific person with respect to data stored in the storage means;
A time period management setting means for setting a security period for the data stored in the storage means or setting a security period cancellation date;
A relaxation setting means for setting whether or not the security period set by the timed management setting means is delayed;
Rank setting means for setting at least two or more security ranks in the data stored in the storage means;
If the time limit release setting date or security period set by the time limit management setting means for the stored data set security by the security setting means has exceeded and the relaxation setting by the relaxation setting means is set to be possible, the rank A security system for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that lowers the security rank set by the setting unit and sequentially lowers the security rank every preset security extension period. A security system for an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet based on data read by an image reading unit, data transmitted from a network, or data stored in a portable storage medium,
Storage means for storing the data;
Security setting means for performing setting for permitting access only to a specific person with respect to data stored in the storage means;
A time period management setting means for setting a security period for the data stored in the storage means or setting a security period cancellation date;
Whether to extend the security period set by the time period management setting means or the security period cancellation date and extension setting means for setting the period;
Access recording means for recording an access history to the data stored in the storage means;
The time limit cancellation setting date or security period set by the time management setting unit for the stored data set with security by the security setting unit has been exceeded, and the extension period can be extended by the extension setting unit. If it is set, the access history recorded by the access recording means is referred to, the extension period data corresponding to the access frequency or the latest access date / time is selected from the preset extension period data group, and the selected extension A security system for an image forming apparatus, comprising control means for resetting period data as the time limit cancellation setting date or security period. A security system for an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet based on data read by an image reading unit, data transmitted from a network, or data stored in a portable storage medium,
Storage means for storing the data;
Security setting means for performing setting for permitting access only to a specific person with respect to data stored in the storage means;
A time period management setting means for setting a security period for the data stored in the storage means or setting a security period cancellation date;
Rank setting means for setting at least two or more security ranks in the data stored in the storage means;
Whether to extend the security period set by the time period management setting means or the security period cancellation date and extension setting means for setting the period;
The time limit cancellation setting date or security period set by the time management setting unit for the stored data set with security by the security setting unit has been exceeded, and the extension period can be extended by the extension setting unit. If set, refer to the security rank set by the rank setting means, select the extension period data according to the security rank from the preset extension period group, the selected extension period data, A security system for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that resets the time limit cancellation setting date or security period.   The control means is that the time limit cancellation setting date or security period set by the time management setting means for the stored data security set by the security setting means has exceeded, and the relaxation setting by the relaxation setting means is set to be no. Or if the extension period is not set to extend the security period or the security period cancellation date by the extension setting means, the time period cancellation setting date or security period extension process or the security rank demotion process is not performed, 4. The security system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein stored data set with security is deleted. A usage amount detecting means for detecting a used capacity of the storage means;
Having a margin setting means for setting a margin for the capacity of the storage means;
When the used capacity of the storage means detected by the used amount detection means exceeds the reference margin set by the margin setting means, the control means stores the accumulated data candidates to be deleted in the storage means. A state in which data is selected from non-set stored data groups for which no security setting has been made, and then selected according to the security rank set by the rank setting means, and the used capacity does not exceed the reference margin 5. The security system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 3 or 4, wherein the selected accumulated data is deleted until.   When the security ranks of the stored data that are candidates for deletion are the same, the control means is subject to deletion on the condition of at least one of the oldest access date, the least frequent access, and the largest data size. 6. The security system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein stored data is selected. A margin limit recording means for recording an increase / decrease amount of the used capacity of the storage means detected by the usage amount detection means with respect to the reference margin set by the margin setting means as history information;
The control means refers to the recording data of the margin limit recording means, and when the frequency exceeding the reference margin is frequently generated, the control margin is gradually decreased and the frequency exceeding the reference margin is exceeded. 7. The security system for an image forming apparatus according to 5 or 6, wherein the reference margin is changed so as to gradually increase the reference margin when the frequency of occurrence is low. By being installed in the control unit or print server of the image forming apparatus, at least the data read by the image reading unit, the data transmitted from the network, or the portable storage medium is stored in the control unit or print server. A security setting for performing a setting for allowing only a specific person access to the data stored in the storage means in which the data is stored;
A timed management setting step for setting a security period for the data stored in the storage means or setting a security period cancellation date;
A mitigation setting step for setting whether or not the security period set by the timed management setting means is delayed, and
A rank setting step for setting at least two or more security ranks in the data stored in the storage means;
If the time limit release setting date or security period set by the time limit management setting means for the stored data set security by the security setting means has exceeded and the relaxation setting by the relaxation setting means is set to be possible, the rank A security program for an image forming apparatus, wherein a security rank set by a setting unit is lowered and a step of sequentially lowering the security rank is executed for each preset security extension period.

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