JP2000244694A - Image processing apparatus and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To save labor of an administrator in a network system connecting a user and a server. SOLUTION: A private box is automatically registered and issued in a storage device in a server main body 1001 so that a user can use the private box via a network 1006.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method having a device for inputting / outputting image data, a device for storing image data, and a network control device capable of transmitting and receiving image data and control commands through a network. It is.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image data captured by an image capturing device such as a scanner or image data transmitted from a network terminal such as a personal computer connected via a network is temporarily stored in a storage device such as a hard disk. After that, a system called an image server for printing or displaying on a display has been proposed. In particular, when printing is limited, it is often called a print server.

In such an image server system, image data of a user is stored in a specific user area in a storage device, and image data in the specific user area cannot be accessed unless a specific password is used. A system called "private box" has been proposed.

[0004] The private box stores image data that the user does not want others to see in the storage device of the image server by an operation from a network terminal, and then a user who moves in front of the printing device is connected to the printing device. It is used to obtain a hard copy safely without being obtained by another person by executing printing by an operation using a password on the operating device. In such a private box, a user (administrator) of the image server secures a storage area for a specific user in a storage device in advance and authenticates the user.
D was issued.

[0005]

On the other hand, with the spread of networks, "an image server that can be used by anyone at any time, but is not used by anyone else"
The demand for is increasing. For example, when a user prints an image created at home in a print service shop, the image data is conventionally stored in a removable medium such as a magneto-optical disk and brought to the print service shop. Using a network,
A method of transferring image data to a print shop has also been proposed, but without using a private box, the fear of others being able to view the image is not eliminated.

On the other hand, if a private box is used, it cannot be used unless a private box is set by contracting with the shop manager in advance, and a sudden use request of the private box cannot be answered. Inconvenient.

Also, in the case of setting a private box from the system operation unit of the image server, in a system in which only the administrator can set the private box, the administrator of the private box is required to respond to the user's request. Must be resident. Also in the case of setting a private box from the system operation unit of the image server, there is a demand for improving efficiency by enabling automatic setting of a private box and a user ID by an operation of only a user.

The spread of portable image processing devices such as digital cameras and PDAs has created new demands. In many cases, these portable image processing apparatuses do not have a sufficient image data storage device due to miniaturization and restrictions on battery duration. For this reason, the image data is stored in a removable medium such as a memory card, and the removable medium is replaced and used. However, it is inconvenient since many spare removable media are carried around.

It has also been proposed to connect a portable telephone having a network control device to a portable image processing device to transfer image data to a personal computer or the like over a network. However, if the user does not have a printer, transfer the image data to his or her personal computer and then bring the image data back to the print service shop or transfer the data to the image server of the print service shop while worried that others will be able to view the data. Transfer directly or
You will have to either contract with a print service shop in advance and secure a private box.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to automatically register and issue a private box in a server body and to construct a system in which a user can use the private box via a network, thereby saving labor for administrator work. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of achieving the above.

[0011]

According to the present invention, there is provided a data input means for inputting image data, a data output means for outputting the image data, an operation means for instructing operation of each part,
Network control means for transmitting and receiving information via a network, identification issuing means for issuing unique user identification information to a user, storage means having a user area corresponding to the user identification information, the operation means or Means for inputting a password, a mail address, and a transfer destination address from the network control means, and storing the password, the mail address, the transfer destination address, and the image data in a user area corresponding to the user identification information. Means, means for judging the validity of the user based on the user identification information and the password, and permitting only a valid user to process the image data in the user area, and a user area corresponding to the user identification information When the image data is stored in the Means for selecting whether or not to transfer the image data to the transfer destination address; means for deleting image data in the user area when the image data in the user area is stored for the predetermined time or more; and storing the image data for the predetermined time or more. Means for alerting the user before deleting the image data that has been stored; means for transferring the image data to a transfer destination before deleting the image data stored for the predetermined time or more; When there is no image data in the area, the image processing apparatus is configured by including means for deleting the user area and means for notifying the user of the result of the deletion and transfer of the image data to the user.

Also, the present invention provides a data input step of inputting image data, a data output step of outputting the image data, an operation step of instructing the operation of each unit, and a network for transmitting and receiving information via a network. Control process;
An identification issuing step of issuing unique user identification information to the user; a step of inputting a password, a mail address and a transfer destination address by the operation step or the network control step; Storing the password, the e-mail address, the transfer destination address, and the image data in a user area; determining the validity of the user based on the user identification information and the password; Permitting processing of the image data in an area, and, when storing the image data in a user area corresponding to the user identification information, transferring image data stored for a predetermined time or more to the transfer destination address. Selecting whether or not the image data in the user area is stored for the predetermined time or more. If so, the step of deleting the image data, the step of warning the user before deleting the image data stored for the predetermined time or more, and the step of deleting the image data stored for the predetermined time or more Before transferring the image data to a transfer destination; and when there is no image data in the user area, a step of deleting the user area. And providing the image processing method.

Further, the present invention is a medium in which a program for controlling data processing by a computer is recorded. The control program performs input / output of image data to a computer and operation of operation instructions of each unit. To send and receive information via the network, to have the user issue unique user identification information, to input a password, an e-mail address, and a transfer destination address, and to store information in the user area corresponding to the user identification information in the storage means. Storing the password, the mail address, the transfer destination address, and the image data, and determining the validity of the user based on the user identification information and the password. Allow the processing of the image data, and place the image data in the user area corresponding to the user identification information. When storing the image data, the user is allowed to select whether to transfer the image data stored for a predetermined time or more to the transfer destination address, and when the image data in the user area is stored for the predetermined time or more, Before deleting the image data and deleting the image data stored for the predetermined time or more, warn the user, or cause the image data to be transferred to a transfer destination,
When image data does not exist in the user area, the user area is deleted, and a result of the deletion and transfer of the image data is notified to the user, thereby providing a medium on which an image processing control program is recorded.

Here, the data output means may be means for printing and displaying the image data.

[0015] The image data may have a file structure including date and time and data size registered in the storage means.

[0016] The image data may be data based on a file system including a directory structure divided into user areas corresponding to the user identification information.

The image data acquired via the network can be stored in a user area in the storage unit based on an instruction from the network control unit.

The image data stored in the user area in the storage means can be deleted based on an instruction from the network control means.

[0019] The image data from the data input means can be stored in a user area in the storage means based on an instruction from the operation means.

[0020] The image data stored in the user area in the storage means can be hard-copied by a printing device based on an instruction from the operation means.

[0021] Image data stored in a user area in the storage means can be displayed on a display device based on an instruction from the operation means.

[0022] The image data stored in the user area in the storage means can be transferred to the transfer destination specified by the operation means by the network control means based on an instruction from the operation means.

The image data stored in the user area in the storage means can be deleted based on an instruction from the operation means.

The network control means can perform transmission and reception with various network terminals connected to the network.

The storage means may be a magnetic recording device.

The data output means includes an electrophotographic printing device, an ink jet printing device, and a CR printing device.
A T display may be included.

[0027] The display device may be a liquid crystal display device.

The data input means can be a flat head scanner, a document self-propelled scanner, or a film scanner.

The network terminal connected to the network can be constituted by a digital camera and a network communication device.

[0030] The network terminal may be a personal computer or a portable information terminal.

[0031]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an image processing system applied to the present invention.

Reference numeral 1001 denotes the main body of the image server, which includes therein a disk array as a storage device 1001a, a network control device 1001b, and a controller as a system control device 1001c for controlling the entire system. I have.

Reference numeral 1002 denotes an electrophotographic digital color printer, which is a storage device 1001 of the main body 1001.
The print processing of the image data in a can be executed.

A flat head scanner 1003 can read a color original and send color image data to the main body 1001.

An operation device 1004 is used for setting operating conditions of each device. Reference numeral 1005 denotes a color liquid crystal display which is a display device.
The image data in 001a can be displayed.

Reference numeral 1006 denotes a network cable;
It represents a network in the world area such as the Internet.

Reference numeral 1007 denotes a personal computer which is one of network terminals connected to the network.
001 can be transferred.

Reference numeral 1008 denotes a portable information terminal (PDA: Pe) which is one of the network terminals connected to the network.
The image data can be transferred to or from the main unit 1001.

Reference numeral 1009 denotes a digital camera, which can transfer fetched image data to the main unit 1001 via a network.

In FIG. 1, 1008 and 1009
Is depicted as physically connected to a network, but it is also possible to use a network connection with a dial-up IP service via a wireless terminal such as a mobile phone.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the present system.

Reference numeral 2001 denotes an image server control unit in the main body 1001, which controls the entire system.

Reference numeral 2002 denotes a storage controller in the main body 1001, which controls the disk array in the main body 1001 to store, read, and delete image data.

Reference numeral 2003 denotes a digital color printer 10
A printer control unit 02 controls the digital color printer 1002 and prints image data.

Reference numeral 2004 denotes the flatbed scanner 10
A scanner control unit 03 controls the flatbed scanner 1003 and captures image data.

2005 is a color liquid crystal display 10
A display control unit 05 controls a display device of the color liquid crystal display 1005 to display image data.

Reference numeral 2006 denotes a system control (operation) unit for controlling the operation device 1004.
01 to each control unit.

Reference numeral 2007 denotes a network control unit in the main body 1001, which transmits and receives image data and control information of each device via a network.

FIG. 3 shows a part of the operating device 1004.

Reference numeral 400 denotes a touch panel display, which is pressed when setting and displaying various operation modes.

A reset key 401 is depressed when returning the operation mode to the standard mode.

Reference numeral 402 denotes a stop key, which is depressed to stop a print or scan operation.

Reference numeral 403 denotes a numeric keypad, which is depressed when setting the number of prints and inputting other numerical values.

Reference numeral 404 denotes a preheating key which is depressed when shifting to a preheating mode for suppressing power consumption of the apparatus and when returning from the preheating mode.

Reference numeral 405 denotes an interrupt key, which is depressed when temporarily interrupting a print being executed and interrupting another operation.

Reference numeral 406 denotes a call key which is depressed, for example, to recall the operation mode executed up to three times.

Reference numeral 407 denotes a password key which is depressed when used in a password mode for management.

Reference numeral 408 denotes a clear key, which is depressed when returning the number of prints to one.

A start key 409 is depressed to start a print or scan operation.

A function key 410 is pressed to set various functions.

The operating device 1004 has a keyboard for inputting character information in addition to the parts shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 shows a display example of the touch panel display 400 of FIG.

Reference numeral 4001 denotes a magnification display, and a touch key 4002 for setting a zoom and a touch key 400 for setting a magnification.
3. The setting is performed using the touch key 4004 for reduction setting and the touch key 4005 for setting the same size.

Reference numeral 4006 denotes a paper selection touch key, which is pressed to select a paper type.

Reference numeral 4007 denotes a print or copy number display.

Reference numeral 4008 denotes a touch key for selecting a document mode, which is depressed when selecting the type of document (text document, photo document, text / photograph mixed document).

Reference numeral 4009 denotes a touch key for turning on / off the automatic density adjustment mode, and reference numeral 4010 denotes a touch key for manually adjusting the density when the density is manually adjusted.

Reference numeral 4011 denotes an ACS (Auto Color Select) touch key. When the touch key is pressed, the monochrome / color of the original is automatically determined.
Automatically selects color scan for color documents.

Reference numeral 4012 denotes a full-color touch key pressed to select full-color copying, 4013 denotes a black-and-white touch key pressed to select black-and-white copying, and 4014 denotes a copy print switching touch key. Press when using as a copy machine to send data.

In the copy mode, when the user presses 4014 again or when the network controller receives a signal from the network, the mode is switched to the printer mode.

Reference numeral 4015 denotes a document detection touch key. When this key is pressed, the position and size of the document are automatically detected.

Reference numeral 4016 denotes a center shift touch key. When this key is pressed, an original image can be copied to the center of the sheet.

Reference numeral 4017 denotes a mode memory touch key group having mode memory touch keys for selecting a desired operation mode from nine operation modes stored in advance.

Reference numeral 4018 denotes a private box function touch key, which is used in this example to call a screen for controlling the private box.

FIG. 5 shows a private box control screen which is called up by pressing the operation section setting touch key shown in FIG. 4, in which a user ID (identification information) is input or a new user registration screen is called up. Can be.

Reference numeral 5001 denotes a user ID input area for a registered user. The user ID number can be input using the numeric keypad 403 in FIG.

Reference numeral 5002 denotes a new user key for calling a new user registration screen. The new user registration screen will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Reference numeral 5003 denotes an OK key, which is pressed to call a password input screen after inputting an ID into 5001. The password input screen will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

A 5004 key is a cancel key, which is pressed to cancel the operation and return to the previous screen.

FIG. 6 shows a new user registration screen.

Reference numeral 6001 denotes a new user's user ID display area, in which a user ID newly automatically issued to the new user is displayed. The algorithm for automatically issuing a user ID will be described later.

Reference numeral 6002 denotes a password input area, and the user can arbitrarily determine and input his / her own password using a keyboard which is a part of the password 1004.

Reference numeral 6003 denotes an OK key, which is pressed to confirm the password input.

Reference numeral 6004 denotes a cancel key which is depressed when canceling the operation and returning to the previous screen.

Reference numeral 6005 denotes a mail address input area. The user can input a mail address using a keyboard.

Reference numeral 6006 denotes an automatic transfer request button.
The user who wants automatic transfer presses the OK key 6003 before pressing it. When the user presses 6006, a transfer destination address input screen shown in FIG. 7 appears.

FIG. 7 shows an automatic transfer destination address input screen.

Reference numeral 39001 denotes a transfer destination address input area. The user can input a transfer destination address using a keyboard.

Reference numeral 39002 denotes an OK key. When pressed, the transfer destination address is determined, and the screen returns to the screen shown in FIG.

A cancel key 39003 is pressed to cancel the operation and return to the previous screen.

FIG. 8 shows a screen for confirming the password input by the new user in input area 6002 of FIG. O
Displayed when K key 6003 is pressed.

Reference numeral 7001 denotes a password re-input area. The user inputs the password input to the input area 6002 again using the keyboard which is a part of the operation device 1004.

Reference numeral 7002 denotes an OK key, which is depressed to confirm the password input to the re-input area 7001.

Reference numeral 7003 denotes a cancel key, which is pressed to cancel the operation and return to the previous screen. If the input area 60
When the input password of 02 and the input password of the re-entry area 7001 are different, the screen of FIG. 8 is continuously displayed. Therefore, pressing the cancel key 7003 returns to the screen of FIG. 6 and resets the password. Input area 60
If the input password of 02 and the re-input area 7001 are equal, the password of the user is determined and stored in the image server, and the screen transits to the function selection screen of the private box shown in FIG. How to save the password will be described later.

FIG. 9 shows a password input screen of a registered user. The user ID input area 500 shown in FIG.
Called when the user presses the OK key 5003 after inputting the ID in 1.

Reference numeral 8001 denotes a password input area in which a registered user inputs his / her own password using a keyboard which is a part of the operation device 1004.

[0098] Reference numeral 8002 denotes an OK key, which is pressed when the password input to the password input area 8001 is determined.

A cancel key 8003 is pressed to cancel the operation and return to the previous screen. If the entered password is correct, the screen changes to a private box function selection screen shown in FIG. If the password is not correct, the screen will not transition and the correct password will be entered or the previous screen will be returned by the cancel key.

FIG. 10 shows a private box function selection screen.

Reference numeral 9001 denotes an image display function key;
Is a print output function key, 9003 is a scanner input function key, 9004 is a data transfer function key, and 9005 is a data deletion function key. The keys are selectively pressed to select an operation screen of each function.

Reference numeral 9006 denotes an OK key. When any one of 9001 to 9005 is selected and pressed, the screen changes to an operation screen of each function.

A cancel key 9007 is pressed to cancel the operation and return to the previous screen.

FIG. 11 shows an image display operation screen, which is called by pressing the OK key 9006 after the image display function is selected by the image display function key 9001 in FIG.

Reference numeral 10001 denotes an area for inputting an image number representing image data to be displayed.

Reference numeral 10002 denotes a list of image numbers of image data stored in a user area that can be used by the user in the storage device.

Reference numerals 10003 and 10004 are scroll keys for scrolling a list of image numbers.

The user can confirm the image number to be selected from the list displayed at 10002.

Reference numeral 10005 denotes a display key.
Press to display the image of the image number input to 1. When the button 10005 is pressed, the image server control unit 2
In response to the instruction of 001, the storage device control unit 2002
A file of image data corresponding to the image number input to 001 is read from the user area of the storage device,
The image data is transferred to the display control unit 2005.
The display control unit 2005 displays the transferred image on the screen of the image display device 1005 in FIG. 1000
A cancel key 6 is pressed to cancel the operation and return to the previous screen.

FIG. 12 shows a print output operation screen, which is called by pressing an OK key 9006 after the image display function is selected by the print output function key 9002 in FIG.

Reference numeral 11001 denotes an area for inputting an image number representing image data to be printed.

Reference numeral 11002 denotes a list of image numbers of image data stored in a user area available to the user in the storage device.

Reference numerals 11003 and 11004 are scroll keys for scrolling the list of image numbers. On the list displayed in 11002, the user can confirm the image number to be selected.

Reference numeral 11005 denotes an OK key.
The image number input to 1 is determined, and pressed to shift to a print screen described in FIG.

A cancel key 11006 is pressed to cancel the operation and return to the previous screen.

FIG. 13 shows a print screen.
Called by pressing 110005 of 2. FIG.
3 is basically the same as FIG. 4, and only different parts will be described.

A private box function key 12001 is the same as the private box function key 4018 in FIG. 4, but is highlighted to indicate that the private box function is selected.

Numeral 12002 displays the image number selected in 11001 of FIG. 12 and indicates that it is selected as a print target. When the start key 409 in FIG. 3 is pressed in this state, the image server control unit 2001
In response to the instruction, the storage device control unit 2002
The file of the image data corresponding to the image number input to the storage device is read from the user area of the storage device, and the image data is transferred to the printer control unit 2003. The printer control unit 2003 prints out the transferred image using the printing apparatus 1002 in FIG.

Before pressing the start key 409 in FIG. 3, it is also possible to set the number of prints and set image processing functions such as enlargement and reduction on the operation screen in FIG.

FIG. 14 shows a scanner input operation screen, which is called by pressing the OK key 9006 after the scanner input function is selected by the scanner input key 9003 in FIG. FIG. 14 is basically the same as FIG. 4 and only different parts will be described.

A private box function key 13001 is the same as the private box function key 4018 shown in FIG. 4, but is highlighted to indicate that the private box function is selected.

Reference numeral 13002 denotes a message indicating that the scanner input function has been selected.

Reference numeral 13003 denotes an image number given as a file name when image data is stored as a file in the user area of the storage device by a scanner input. The image number having the smallest value among the unused image numbers in the user area of the storage device is assigned to the image number. If there is no image data in the user area, the image number is 1
Is assigned. In this state, when the start key 409 in FIG. 3 is pressed, the scanner control unit 2004 operates according to the instruction of the image server control unit 2001, and the scanner device 1 in FIG.
003 is driven to fetch image data and transferred to the storage device control unit 2002. The storage device control unit 2002
Image data is stored in the user area with the image number displayed in 3003 as a file name.

Before pressing the start key 409 in FIG.
On the operation screen in FIG. 14, it is also possible to set image processing functions such as enlargement and reduction. When the image data is stored, if the automatic transfer destination address is stored in an automatic transfer information file described later, the operation screen transits to the screen of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a screen for selecting whether or not to perform automatic transfer to the transfer destination determined by the user before automatic deletion when the image data exceeds the storage time limit.

Reference numeral 40001 denotes a dialog box for displaying a message asking the user whether or not the currently stored image is to be automatically transferred.

Reference numeral 40002 denotes an affirmation key. When this key is pressed, a flag is set in the automatic transfer information file, which will be described later, to automatically transfer the current image data.

Reference numeral 40003 denotes a negative key. When this key is pressed, it is set in the automatic transfer information file to be described later that the current image data is not to be automatically transferred.

The screen returns to FIG. 14 regardless of which of the buttons 40002 and 40003 is pressed.

FIG. 16 shows a data transfer operation screen, which is called by pressing an OK key 9006 after the data transfer function is selected by 9004 in FIG.

An address input area 14001 is used to input an Internet address using a keyboard which is a part of the operation device 1004 in FIG.

Reference numeral 14002 denotes an area for inputting the image number of the image data to be transferred.

14003 is an all data transfer key,
Press this button to select all image data in the user area of the storage device as transfer targets at one time.

Reference numeral 14004 denotes a list of image numbers of image data stored in the user area that can be used by the user in the storage device.

Reference numerals 14005 and 140006 are scroll keys for scrolling the list of image numbers. From the list displayed in 14004, the user can confirm the image number to be selected.

Reference numeral 14007 denotes a transfer key. When this key is pressed, the storage device control unit 2002 instructs the image server control unit 2001 to store the image data in the area 14002 or the image number selected by the all data transfer key 14003. The file is read out as a file and transferred to the network control unit 2007.

On the other hand, the network control unit 2007 accesses the address input in the address input area 14001 via the Internet, and transfers the image data delivered from the storage device control unit 2002 as a file (FTP). I do.

A cancel key 14008 is pressed to cancel the operation and return to the previous screen.

FIG. 17 shows a data transfer operation screen during image data transfer.

Reference numeral 15001 denotes a dialog box for displaying a message informing the user that the data is being transferred, and is displayed when the transfer key 14007 in FIG. 16 is pressed to start data transfer. When the transfer ends normally, the operation screen transitions to FIG. 18, and when the transfer does not end normally, the operation screen transitions to FIG.

FIG. 18 shows an operation screen displayed when image data transfer ends normally.

Reference numeral 16001 denotes a dialog box for displaying a message informing the user of the normal transfer end.

An OK key 16002 is pressed after the user confirms the message in the dialog box 16001, and the operation screen returns to the data transfer operation screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 shows an operation screen displayed when image data transfer is not normally completed.

Reference numeral 17001 denotes a dialog box for displaying a message notifying the user that the transfer has not been completed normally.

An OK key 17002 is pressed after the user confirms the message of the OK key 17002, and the operation screen returns to the data transfer operation screen of FIG.

FIG. 20 shows a data deletion operation screen, which is called by pressing the OK key 9006 after the data deletion function is selected by 9005 in FIG.

Reference numeral 18001 denotes an area for inputting the image number of the image data to be deleted.

Reference numeral 18002 denotes an all data deletion key.
Press this button to select all image data in the user area of the storage device to be deleted at one time.

Reference numeral 18003 denotes a list of image numbers of image data stored in the user area that can be used by the user in the storage device.

Reference numerals 18004 and 18005 are scroll keys for scrolling the list of image numbers. From the list displayed in 18003, the user can confirm the image number to be selected.

[0182] Reference numeral 18006 denotes a delete key. When this key is pressed, if an image number is designated in the area 18001, the operation screen transits to FIG. 21 and all data delete is selected by the all data delete key 18002. If so, the operation screen transitions to FIG.

A cancel key 18007 is pressed to cancel the operation and return to the previous screen.

FIG. 21 shows a deletion confirmation screen displayed when the deletion key 18006 is pressed after the image number is designated in the area 18001.

Reference numeral 19001 denotes a dialog box for displaying a message for confirming whether or not the user intends to delete data.

In a field 19002, the image number input in the area 18001 is displayed.

Reference numeral 19003 denotes a cancel key, which is depressed to cancel deletion, and the operation screen returns to FIG.

Reference numeral 19004 denotes a delete decision key. When this key is pressed, the storage device control unit 2002 deletes the image data input in the area 18001 from the user area of the storage device in response to an instruction from the image server control unit 2001. I do.

FIG. 22 shows a state in which the delete key 1800 is selected after the delete all image data is selected with the delete all data key 18002.
6 shows a deletion confirmation screen displayed when 6 is pressed.

Reference numeral 20001 denotes a dialog box for displaying a message for confirming whether the user intends to delete data.

Reference numeral 20002 denotes a cancel key, which is depressed to cancel deletion, and the operation screen returns to FIG.

Reference numeral 20003 denotes a delete decision key. When this key is pressed, the storage device control unit 2002 deletes all image data in the user area of the storage device in accordance with an instruction from the image server control unit 2001.

In FIGS. 4 to 22 described above, FIG.
The private box control using the system control unit 2006 of the operation device 1004 has been described.

[0164] On the other hand, the private box control from the network terminals such as the personal computer 1007, the portable information terminal 1008, and the digital camera 1009 in FIG. .

FIG. 23 shows an operation screen composed of hypertext displayed when the network terminal of the image server is accessed using the browser from the network terminal.

Reference numeral 21001 denotes an area in which a registered user inputs his / her user ID.

Reference numeral 21002 denotes a new user button for a new user to register his or her private box.

When the user ID is input in area 21001, the hypertext screen transits to FIG. 26, and when the new user button 21002 is selected, the hypertext screen transits to FIG.

FIG. 24 shows a hypertext screen for a new user to register his or her private box from a network terminal, and corresponds to the screen of FIG. 6 of the system control unit 2006 described above.

Reference numeral 22001 denotes an area for displaying a user ID automatically issued to the user.

[0225] Reference numeral 22002 denotes the same as the new user button 21002 in FIG. 23, but is highlighted to indicate that it is selected.

Reference numeral 22003 denotes an area where the user inputs a password to be set in his or her private box. When the password is input, the hypertext operation screen transits to the password confirmation screen in FIG.

Reference numeral 22004 denotes a mail address input area, and a user who wants to notify by mail can input a mail address.

Reference numeral 22005 denotes a transfer destination address input area. A user who wants automatic transfer before image data whose storage period has expired is deleted can input a transfer destination address.

FIG. 25 shows a screen for confirming the password set in area 22003 of FIG.

Reference numeral 23001 denotes a password re-input area. When the user inputs the same password as in the area 22003, the password is determined, and the hypertext operation screen transits to the function selection screen of FIG.

FIG. 26 shows a screen on which a registered user enters a password when a user ID is entered in area 21001 of FIG.
006 corresponds to the screen of FIG.

Reference numeral 24001 denotes a password input area. If the entered password is equal to the registered password corresponding to the user ID, the validity of the user is confirmed. The hypertext operation screen is the function selection screen shown in FIG. Transitions to.

FIG. 27 is a screen for selecting a function to be performed on the private box from the network terminal.

Reference numeral 25001 denotes an anchor tag linked to the hypertext screen of the data transfer function. By selecting the anchor tag, the hypertext screen transits to FIG.

Reference numeral 25002 denotes an anchor tag linked to the hypertext screen of the data deletion function. By selecting the anchor tag, the hypertext screen transits to FIG.

FIG. 28 is a screen for operating the data transfer function.

Reference numeral 26001 denotes a file name input area for designating an image data file to be transferred.

Reference numeral 26002 denotes a message asking the user whether or not the currently stored image is to be automatically transferred.

Reference numeral 26003 denotes an affirmation key. When this key is pressed, a flag is set in an automatic transfer information file, which will be described later, to automatically transfer image data to be transferred.

Reference numeral 26004 denotes a negative key. When this key is pressed, it is set in an automatic transfer information file to be described later that the image data to be transferred is not to be automatically transferred.

Reference numeral 26005 denotes a transfer start key. When this key is pressed, the screen changes to FIG. 29, and the network terminal displays the image data designated in the input area 26001
Transfer the file to the image server. In the case of a user for whom a transfer destination address is not set in an automatic transfer information file to be described later, a message 26002, a positive key 2600
3. The negative key 26004 is not displayed.

FIG. 29 is a screen showing that data is being transferred.

A message 27001 informs the user that the image data is being transferred to the image server.

When the transfer ends normally, the screen changes to FIG. 30, and when the transfer does not end normally, the screen changes to FIG.

FIG. 30 shows a screen indicating normal termination of data transfer.

Reference numeral 28001 denotes a message for notifying the user of the normal end of the transfer.

Reference numeral 28002 denotes an image number assigned to the transferred data. At this time, the storage device control unit 2 receiving the data from the network control unit 2007 in accordance with the instruction of the image server control unit 2001
Reference numeral 002 automatically assigns an unused image number having the smallest value among the image numbers assigned to the image data stored in the user area corresponding to the private box in the storage device.

FIG. 31 is a screen showing that the data transfer did not end normally.

A message 29001 informs the user that the transfer has not been completed normally.

FIG. 32 shows a screen for operating the data deletion function, which is displayed when the anchor tag 25002 in FIG. 27 is selected. This screen corresponds to the screen of FIG. 20 of the system control unit 2006 described above.

Reference numeral 30001 denotes an area for inputting the image number of the image data to be deleted.

Reference numeral 30002 denotes a button selected when batch deletion of all data is selected.

[0199] Reference numeral 30003 displays a list of image numbers of image data currently stored in the user area corresponding to the private box. Area 30001
When the image number is designated by the user, the screen transits to FIG. 33. When all data deletion is selected by the button 30002, the screen transits to FIG.

FIG. 33 is a screen for confirming whether or not the user really intends to delete the image data of the image number designated in the area 30001.

Reference numeral 31001 denotes a message for confirming whether the image of the image number designated by the user is to be deleted.

Reference numeral 31002 denotes a delete button. When selected, the screen transits to FIG.

Reference numeral 31003 denotes a cancel button. When selected, the screen returns to FIG. 32 and the deletion of image data is not executed.

FIG. 34 is a screen for confirming whether or not the user really has the intention to delete all data selected with button 30002.

Reference numeral 32001 denotes a message for asking the user whether the user really wants to delete all image data.

Reference numeral 32002 denotes a delete button. When selected, the screen transits to FIG.

Reference numeral 32003 denotes a cancel button. When selected, the screen returns to FIG. 32 and the deletion of image data is not executed.

FIG. 35 is a screen showing the completion of deletion of the image data corresponding to the image number designated in area 30001.

[0209] Reference numeral 33001 denotes a message notifying the user of the completion of deletion of the designated image number. At this time, according to an instruction from the image server, the storage device control unit 20
02 deletes the image data corresponding to the image number designated by the network control unit 2007 from the user area.

FIG. 36 shows a screen indicating completion of deletion of all image data selected by button 30002.

[0211] Reference numeral 34001 denotes a message notifying the user of the completion of deletion of all image data in the user area corresponding to the private box. At this time, in accordance with an instruction from the image server, the storage device control unit 2002 deletes the image data from the user area as specified by the network control unit 2007.

As shown in FIG. 23 to FIG. 36, the operation of using the browser from the network terminal allows the network terminal to register the private box, transfer the image data to the image server, and delete the image data. It becomes possible.

FIG. 37 conceptually shows a user area corresponding to the private box in the storage device described above. 37 represents one user area. The user area is a logical area in the storage device corresponding to each user's private box on a one-to-one basis, and is configured by a directory in a so-called file system.

[0214] Reference numeral 35001 denotes a directory name, and the user ID is directly used as the directory name. From the operation screen of the system control unit 2006 or the network terminal, access to directories other than the directory, which is a user area, is restricted, and access to directories, which are user areas of other users, cannot be performed. Similarly, files in each user area are restricted so that other users' files cannot be accessed.

[0215] Reference numeral 35002 denotes a password file in which the password of the user registered from the system control unit 2006 or the network terminal is stored as a file.

Reference numerals 35003 and 35004 denote image data files, respectively. Each image data file has 35
005 has an image number of 005 as a file name.

As attributes of the image data file,
It has a file data size of 350006 and an update time of the image data file of 35007. The image number, which is the file name of each image data file, is used for operating image data as described above. The directory name of the directory that is each user area is a user ID.
Is used for the operation of the user area.

[0218] Reference numeral 35008 denotes a mail address file, which stores a mail address when a mail address is input from the system control unit 2006 or a network terminal when a user area is registered, as described above. If no e-mail address is entered, the e-mail address file 35008 will be empty data.

An automatic transfer information file 35009 stores a transfer destination address and the presence or absence of a transfer request for each image data. 38509 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 38 shows an automatic transfer information file.

Reference numeral 41001 denotes a transfer destination address storage unit, which stores the transfer destination address when the transfer destination address is input from the system control unit 2006 or the network terminal when the user area is registered, as described above. When the transfer destination address is not input, the storage unit 410
01 is empty data.

When the storage unit 41001 is empty data,
It is determined that the user does not request the automatic transfer, and the function of inquiring whether to transfer without image data is not displayed on the operation screen of the system control unit 2006 or the network terminal as described above.

Reference numeral 41002 denotes a storage unit for the image number, and reference numeral 41003 denotes a flag storage unit for determining whether or not there is a transfer request for the image number.

The storage units 41002 and 41003 are stored in pairs. As described above, when automatic transfer is requested from the system control unit 2006 or the network terminal when storing image data, an image number is set in the storage unit 41002, and a 1 flag indicating a transfer request is set in the storage unit 41003. Is set. If automatic transfer is not requested when image data is stored, an image number is set in the storage unit 41002, and 0 indicating no transfer request is set in the storage unit 41003.

The above is an explanation of the basic functions of the present system.

(Specific Example) Next, the control of the present system will be described with a specific example.

Now, when a user wants to transfer image data to a private box, if the private box can be automatically secured in response to a request from an external network terminal, the above-mentioned problem can be solved. Become. As a result, a private box can be freely obtained via an image server on an image server installed in a print service shop, a convenience store, or the like, and image data can be transferred to the image server. It is also possible to obtain a hard copy of the image without being seen.

Also, in an event hall where many people use the digital camera or in a tourist spot, a private box can be freely set on an image server installed in a place where people gather, such as a booth or a station of the hall, New services are also possible, such as temporarily storing image data from a digital camera in a private box, and then printing or transferring the image data to another network terminal.

On the other hand, if the private box (user area) can be registered unilaterally, there is a possibility that the storage limit of the storage device will be exceeded. Therefore, image data left for a certain period of time is automatically deleted. Further, there is a demand for automatically managing a storage device by automatically deleting a private box in which image data is no longer stored. At this time, by storing the user's e-mail address in user area units, it is desired to be able to give advice to the user before deleting data, or to be notified that data has been deleted or the user area has been deleted. There are also requests.

Further, image data left unintentionally for a certain period of time or longer is not deleted unilaterally, but the destination address is stored in the unit of user area, so that it is automatically transferred to the destination before deletion. There is also a request to delete data after transferring and saving it.

This is because when the image data of the digital camera is transferred to the private box on the go and the storage period has expired without being able to visit the place where the image server is located for some reason, the personal computer owned by the user is not stored. This is a particularly effective technique when it is desired to save image data in a workstation.

(Management Control Processing) Based on such a background, an example of management control of the present system will be described with reference to flowcharts.

FIG. 39 shows a control routine for managing each user area. This control routine is executed by the image server control unit 2001.

When the user accesses through the system control unit 2006 or the network control unit 2007 as in the example of the operation screen described above, the image server control unit 2001 executes the control routine shown in FIG.

In step S36001, it is determined whether the user is a new user or not. If the user is a new user, go to step S36002. If the user is a registered user, go to step S360.
Go to 04.

In step S36002, the image server control unit 2001 causes the storage device control unit 2002 to search and operate a user directory in the storage device.
Among the vacant user IDs, the smallest non-negative value is acquired as a new user ID, and a directory having the user ID as a directory name is acquired as a user area in the storage device.

Next, in step S36003, the password input from the operation screen is stored as a password file in the user area. Step S36008
In, it is determined whether a mail address has been input from the operation screen. If an e-mail address has been input, the process advances to step S36009; otherwise, the process advances to step S36010.

In step S36009, the input mail address is stored in a mail address file in the user area.

In step S36010, it is determined whether a transfer destination address has been input from the operation screen.
If the transfer destination address has been input, step S360
If not, the process proceeds to step S36006.

In step S36011, the input transfer destination address is stored in the transfer destination address storage section of the automatic transfer information file in the user area.

In step S36004, the image server control unit 2001, which has received the user ID and password input from the operation screen, sets the storage device control unit 200
2 instructs to search the directory corresponding to the input user ID and check the password file in the directory.

At step S36005, the user I
The process proceeds to step S36006 only when the validity of D and the password is determined and the directory corresponding to the user ID exists and the password file in the directory matches the input password. Proceed to step S36007 to exit the control routine.

In step S36006, the directory to be accessed from the operation screen is the directory corresponding to the user ID, and the user can perform image processing on each image data.

When the image data is stored in the storage device, it is stored in the user area as a data file corresponding to the image data size, as described with reference to FIG. When the user finishes the image processing and finishes accessing,
Proceed to step S36007 to exit the control routine.

With this control, the assignment of the user ID and the setting of the password are automatically performed, and the private box can be automatically acquired. Further, it is possible to store the mail address and the transfer destination address for each user.

FIG. 40 shows a timeout check routine that the image server control unit 2001 causes the storage device control unit 2002 to periodically execute in order to prevent image data from being left unattended.

This time-out check routine is automatically executed in the storage device control unit 2002 at a predetermined interval, for example, every other day in accordance with an instruction from the image server control unit 2001.

In step S37001, the update date and time of the image data file having the smallest image number is read in the user area corresponding to the smallest user ID. In step 37002, a predetermined storage time limit, for example, 7 days is compared with the update date of the image data file. If the image data is stored for a longer time than the predetermined storage time limit, the process proceeds to step S37003. If not, the process proceeds to step S37006.

In step S37003, the automatic transfer file in the current user area is searched to determine whether or not there is a transfer request for the current image data. If there is a transfer request, the process proceeds to step S37004, and if there is no transfer request, the process proceeds to step S37005.

In step S37004, the current target image number and transfer destination address are listed in a transfer list in the memory of the storage device control unit 2002. In step S37005, the current target image number, mail address, and presence or absence of a transfer request are listed in a deletion list in the memory of the storage device control unit 2002.

In step S37006, for example,
It is determined whether or not the image data has been stored for 6 days, which is one day shorter than the storage period of 7 days, that is, longer than the mail notification period. If the storage time is longer than the mail notification deadline, the process proceeds to step S37007, otherwise, the process proceeds to step S37008.

In step S37007, the current target image number, mail address, and presence / absence of a transfer request are listed in a notification list in the memory of the storage device control unit 2002.

In step S37008, the existence of the next image data file is determined, and if there is an image file with an image number larger than the current object, the image with the larger image number closest to the current object image number is determined. The file becomes the next target image number, and the flow advances to step S37009.

If there is no image file with a larger image number than the current target and there is a directory with a user ID larger than the current target directory, the smallest non-negative image number in that directory becomes the next image number, and step S37009 Proceed to.

If there is no image file with an image number larger than the current target and there is no directory with a user ID larger than the current target directory, it is determined that the check of the last image data has been completed, and step S3
Proceed to 7010.

In step S37009, the update date and time of the next image data is read, and in step S37002
Return to

In step S37010, the notification mail from which the image data is deleted after a certain period of time is sent to the user by the network control based on the image number, the mail address, and the presence or absence of the transfer request in the notification list in the memory in the storage device control unit 2002. Issued by unit 2007.

When there is no transfer request, a message as shown in FIG. 41 is sent as mail, and when there is a transfer request, a message as shown in FIG. 42 is sent as mail. The image number in the e-mail message is obtained from the information in the notification list by using the network control unit 2
007 is converted into a character code and added.

In step S37011, the network control unit 2007 executes automatic transfer of image data from the image number and transfer destination address in the transfer list in the memory in the storage device control unit 2002. At this time, information as to whether or not the transfer was successful is stored in the storage device
002 is added to the deletion list in the transfer list in the memory.

In step S37012, the image data is automatically deleted based on the image number, the mail address, the presence or absence of the transfer request, and the success or failure of the transfer in the deletion list in the memory in the storage device control unit 2002.
In step 07, a mail of the deletion information notification is transmitted.

If there is no transfer request, a message as illustrated in FIG. 43 is sent as a mail. If there is a transfer / request and the transfer is successful, a message as illustrated in FIG. 44 is sent as a mail. If there is a transfer request and the transfer is unsuccessful, a message as illustrated in FIG. 45 is sent as a mail. The image number in the e-mail message is converted into a character code and added by the network control unit 2007 from the information in the deletion list. When the process in step S37012 ends, the process advances to step S37013 to exit the timeout check routine.

With this timeout check routine, it becomes possible to automatically delete the abandoned image data and to manage the free space of the storage device.
Further, it becomes possible to send advice to the user by e-mail before the automatic deletion of the neglected image data b. Further, it is possible to automatically transfer the image data to a transfer destination determined by the user before deleting the neglected image data. Further, it becomes possible to automatically notify the user of information of deletion of image data, success of transfer, and improper transfer as mail.

FIG. 46 shows an image server control unit 2001 for automatically deleting unnecessary user areas.
Shows a user area check routine that is periodically executed by the storage device control unit 2002.

This user area check routine is executed, for example, at a predetermined interval, for example, every other day, in the storage device control unit 2002 after the timeout check routine described above with reference to FIG. Automatically executed.

In step S38001, the directory corresponding to the smallest non-negative user ID is to be checked.

In step S38002, it is determined whether or not an image data file exists in the target directory. If image data exists or the user is accessing the directory, the flow advances to step S38006, and if image data does not exist, If the user has not accessed, the process proceeds to step S38003.

At step S38003, it is determined whether or not the data stored in the mail address file in the user area is empty data. If it is empty data, it is determined that mail transfer is not desired, and step S38005
If not, it is determined that mail transfer is desired, and the flow advances to step S38004.

In step S38004, a mail notifying that the user area is to be deleted is transmitted by the network control unit 2007 to the mail address stored in the mail address file in the user area.

FIG. 47 shows an example of a mail message for deleting a user area.

In step S38005, a directory in which no image data exists and which is not accessed by the user is deleted as an unnecessary user area.
D is released.

[0271] In step S38006, it is determined whether or not a directory having a user ID having a value greater than the value of the user ID of the current target directory exists in the storage device.
The process proceeds to step S38007 with the larger user ID closest to to the next user ID, and if not, the directory of the last user ID has been checked, so the process proceeds to step S38008 to exit the user area check routine.

In step S38007, the directory corresponding to the next user ID is set as a target directory, and the flow returns to step S38002.

With this user area check routine,
The unnecessary user area is automatically deleted, and the user ID can be managed. In addition, it is possible to automatically notify a user who wants a mail notification of information on automatic deletion of a user area by mail.

From the above description, advantages of the control of the present system will be listed.

(1) In an image processing system, a private box can be obtained from a system control unit or a network terminal without the intervention of an administrator.

(2) It becomes possible to manage the image data in the private box based on the storage time and to automatically delete unnecessary private boxes.

(3) By transferring an image via a network or taking in data from a scanner, image data can be stored in a private box.

(4) It is possible to automatically give an advice to a user using a mail before the storage time of image data in the private box exceeds a predetermined time.

(5) When the storage time of image data in the private box exceeds a predetermined time and is deleted, the image data can be automatically transferred to a transfer destination registered in advance by the user and then deleted. Becomes

(6) The storage time of the image data in the private box exceeds the predetermined time, and the user is automatically notified that the private data has been deleted or transferred, or that the private pox has been automatically deleted. Notification can be made possible.

(7) After storing the image data in the private box, the image data is printed from the operation device connected to the printing device, displayed on the display device, and the image data in the private box is transmitted via the network. And transfer it.

The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, and a printer).
The present invention may be applied to an apparatus including two devices (for example, a copying machine and a facsimile machine).

It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. Then, a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or M) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
(PU) reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium, so that the effects of the present invention can be enjoyed.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM
(A mask ROM, a flash EEPROM, or the like) can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0287] Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the function expansion port inserted into the computer or the memory provided in the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

The output device is not limited to an electrophotographic printer, but may be an ink jet printer. Also, as the light source of the printer,
In addition to the laser light source, the present invention can be applied to a system using an LED.

[0289]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A private box is automatically registered and issued to the storage device in the server body, and the user can use it via a network, so that an image processing apparatus and system that can reduce the work of the administrator can be constructed. it can.

Further, according to the present invention, image data left for a predetermined time or longer is automatically deleted. However, a desired user is advised in advance by an automatic mail before the deletion, and the user is asked before the deletion. Since the image data is automatically transferred to the transfer destination set at the time of registration, the work of the administrator can be reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, the storage device is automatically managed by automatically deleting the private box that is no longer needed, but the deletion is automatically notified to the desired user by mail. Therefore, the work of the administrator can be further reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the system.

FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating a configuration of an operation unit.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing a touch panel screen.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for registering or accessing a private box.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for registering or accessing a private box.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for inputting a transfer destination address.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for registering or accessing a private box.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for registering or accessing a private box.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for selecting a function.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for image display.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for image printing.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for image printing.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for capturing an image by a scanner.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for an automatic transfer request.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for image transfer.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for image transfer.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for image transfer.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for image transfer.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for deleting an image.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for deleting an image.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a touch panel screen for deleting an image.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a browser screen for registering or accessing a private box.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a browser screen for registering or accessing a private box.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a browser screen for registering or accessing a private box.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a browser screen for registering or accessing a private box.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a browser screen for selecting a function.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing a browser screen for image transfer.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a browser screen for image transfer.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a browser screen for image transfer.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing a browser screen for image transfer.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing a browser screen for deleting an image.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing a browser screen for deleting an image.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing a browser screen for deleting an image.

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing a browser screen for deleting an image.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a browser screen for deleting an image.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing a user area (private box).

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing an automatic transfer information file.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing control processing of a user area.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a control process of a timeout check.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a mail message sent to a user.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a mail message sent to a user.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a mail message sent to a user.

FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a mail message sent to a user.

FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a mail message sent to a user.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a control process of a user area check.

FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a mail message sent to a user.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1001 Server body 1002 Digital color printer 1003 Flatbed scanner 1004 Operating device 1005 Display device 1006 Network cable 1007 Network terminal 1008 Portable information terminal 1009 Digital camera 2001 Image server control unit 2002 Storage device control unit 2003 Printer control unit 2004 Scanner control unit 2005 Display Control unit 2006 System control unit 2007 Network control unit

Claims (35)

[Claims] A data input unit for inputting image data; a data output unit for outputting the image data; an operation unit for instructing an operation of each unit; a network control unit for transmitting and receiving information via a network; An identification issuing unit that issues unique user identification information to a user; a storage unit having a user area corresponding to the user identification information; a password, a mail address, and a transfer destination address from the operation unit or the network control unit. Means for inputting, in the user area corresponding to the user identification information, the password, the mail address, the transfer destination address,
Means for storing the image data; means for judging the validity of the user based on the user identification information and the password; means for permitting only the valid user to process the image data in the user area; When storing the image data in the user area corresponding to the information, means for selecting whether to transfer the image data stored for a predetermined time or more to the transfer destination address, and the image data in the user area is A means for deleting the image data when the image data is stored for a predetermined time or more; a means for giving a warning to the user before deleting the image data stored for the predetermined time or more; Means for transferring the image data to a transfer destination before deleting the image data stored in the user area; An image processing apparatus according to claim and means for deleting the user area, a deletion of said image data, that the results of the transfer equipped with means for notifying the user. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said data output means is means for printing and displaying said image data.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data has a file structure including a date and time and a data size registered in the storage unit. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is data based on a file system including a directory structure divided into user areas corresponding to the user identification information. . 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image data obtained via a network is stored in a user area in said storage unit based on an instruction from said network control unit. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 6. The image data stored in a user area in the storage unit is deleted based on an instruction from the network control unit.
The image processing device according to any one of the above. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image data from said data input unit is stored in a user area in said storage unit based on an instruction from said operation unit. Image processing device. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image data stored in a user area in said storage unit is hard-copied by a printing apparatus based on an instruction from said operation unit. Image processing device. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image data stored in a user area in said storage means is displayed on a display device based on an instruction from said operation means. Image processing device. 10. Based on an instruction from the operation means,
5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data stored in the user area in the storage unit is transferred to a transfer destination specified by the operation unit by the network control unit. . 11. Based on an instruction from the operation means,
5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data stored in the user area in the storage unit is deleted. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the network control unit performs transmission and reception with various network terminals connected to a network. 13. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said storage means is a magnetic recording device. 14. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said data output means includes an electrophotographic printing device. 15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said data output means includes an ink jet printing apparatus.
14. The image processing device according to any one of claims 13 to 13. 16. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said data output means includes a CRT display device. 17. The image processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the display device is a liquid crystal display device. 18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said data input means is a flat head scanner.
The image processing device according to any one of the above. 19. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said data input means is a document self-propelled scanner. 20. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said data input means is a film scanner. 21. A network terminal connected to the network, comprising a digital camera and a network communication device.
0. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 22. The image processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said network terminal is a personal computer. 23. The image processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said network terminal is a portable information terminal. 24. A data input step of inputting image data, a data output step of outputting the image data, an operation step of instructing operation of each unit, a network control step of transmitting and receiving information via a network, An identification issuing step of issuing unique user identification information to a user; a step of inputting a password, a mail address, a transfer destination address by the operation step or the network control step; In the user area,
Storing the password, the mail address, the transfer destination address, and the image data; determining the validity of the user based on the user identification information and the password; and determining only the valid user and the image in the user area. A step of permitting data processing; and, when storing the image data in a user area corresponding to the user identification information, selecting whether to transfer the image data stored for a predetermined time or more to the transfer destination address. And if the image data in the user area is stored for the predetermined time or longer, the step of deleting the image data; and, before deleting the image data stored for the predetermined time or longer, Issuing a warning, and transferring the image data to a transfer destination before deleting the image data stored for the predetermined time or more. And when there is no image data in the user area, deleting the user area; and deleting the image data and notifying the user of the result of the transfer. Image processing method. 25. An image processing method according to claim 24, wherein said data output means is means for printing and displaying said image data. 26. The image processing method according to claim 24, wherein the image data has a file structure including a date and time and a data size registered in the storage unit. 27. The image processing method according to claim 24, wherein the image data is data based on a file system including a directory structure divided into user areas corresponding to the user identification information. . 28. The image processing apparatus according to claim 24, wherein image data obtained via a network is stored in a user area in said storage unit based on an instruction from said network control step. Image processing method. 29. The image processing method according to claim 24, wherein the image data stored in the user area in the storage unit is deleted based on an instruction from the network control step. . 30. Based on an instruction from the operation step,
28. The image processing method according to claim 24, wherein the image data from the data input step is stored in a user area in the storage unit. 31. Based on an instruction from the operation step,
28. The image processing method according to claim 24, wherein the image data stored in the user area in the storage unit is hard copied by a printing device. 32. Based on an instruction from the operation step,
The image data stored in the user area in the storage means is displayed on a display device.
28. The image processing method according to any one of the above items. 33. Based on an instruction from the operation step,
The image data stored in the user area in the storage means is transferred to the transfer destination specified in the operation step by the network control step.
28. The image processing method according to any one of the above items. 34. Based on an instruction from the operation step,
28. The image processing method according to claim 24, wherein the image data stored in the user area in the storage unit is deleted. 35. A medium recording a program for controlling data processing by a computer, said control program causing the computer to input / output image data and to operate an operation instruction of each section, and To send and receive information via the Internet, issue unique user identification information to the user, enter a password, e-mail address, and transfer destination address.
The password, the mail address, the transfer destination address, and the image data are stored, and the validity of the user is determined based on the user identification information and the password, and only the valid user is provided with the image data in the user area. When storing the image data in the user area corresponding to the user identification information, the user is allowed to select whether or not to transfer the image data stored for a predetermined time or more to the transfer destination address. If the image data in the area is stored for the predetermined time or more, the user is warned before deleting the image data and deleting the image data stored for the predetermined time or more, or the image data is deleted. To the transfer destination, and if there is no image data in the user area, the user area is Is divided, the deletion of the image data, medium recording an image processing control program for causing notify the result of transfer to the user.