KR100725491B1 - Image Forming Apparatus and Its Use Method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a method of limiting its use, and by setting the functions that can be used according to the security level and limiting the function of the image forming apparatus according to the security level of the document, the original data is easily leaked or It can prevent deformation

Security, Restrictions, Top Secret, Watermark

Description

Image forming apparatus and the using restriction method

1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a flowchart illustrating a security level setting step of a document;

And,

3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of using an image forming apparatus according to a security level of a document.

* Description of symbols on the main parts of the drawings *

110: OPE 120: memory unit

150: rating determination unit 180: control unit

190: function setting unit

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a method of limiting its use, and more particularly, to an apparatus and a method for limiting the use of the image forming apparatus functionally according to the security level of a document.

In general, as office work becomes more complex and diverse, the spread of office automation equipment is gradually increasing, while security is becoming increasingly difficult. Copiers, for example, are almost always equipped with copiers in small offices so that confidential documents can be copied at any time.

As a technique for preventing such a copy, there is a method of storing personal information such as an ID and a password in a memory of an image forming apparatus so that only an authorized user can use the apparatus through a login.

In other words, this function keeps user's personal information for user authentication in a memory configured as a storage medium such as HDD, and when a user wants to use a certain function, only the authorized user can use the function through user authentication. .

This user authentication method configures a predetermined security function so that only an authorized person can use the image forming apparatus. However, as described above, since all data including user personal information are stored in the image forming apparatus, It can be vulnerable. In addition, even in the case of a security document that requires top secret, the authenticated user can always use it, which makes it difficult to manage the security document.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and according to the security level of the document to allow the administrator to set whether to use the function in the image forming apparatus to limit the use of the image forming apparatus functions according to the security level of the document. It is intended to provide a way to do this.

An apparatus for limiting the function of the image forming apparatus according to the security level of a document according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the input unit for selecting the function of the image forming apparatus, the main according to the security level of the document A function setting unit for setting and storing permission to use a function and a detailed function, a security document class determining unit determining a security level of the document, and setting a function according to the security level determined in the document when a predetermined function is selected from the input unit It is determined whether the use set in the unit is a licensed function, but first the first judging step of determining whether the selected function belongs to the licensed main function and the selected function if the main function is licensed in the first judging step. Function granted by configuring a second judgment step of determining whether it is included in the licensed detailed function If that is configured to include a control unit for the functions that are not perform its function, and issued to display an error message if selected.

In the main function determined by the function determining unit, at least one of a copy function, a fax function, a scan function, and a printing function is set. As a detailed function, the copy function is used such as Nup, clone, Reduce / enlarge, autofit, etc. It is desirable to be able to set this as a sub item of each authorized main function.

In addition, the security level of the document is a secret level that restricts the use of all functions that can be performed in the image forming apparatus, and a security level that performs only a normal copy function among the copy functions, and all that can be performed in the image forming apparatus. It is more preferable to include a general grade that enables the use of the function.

In addition, the function limiting method for limiting the function of the image forming apparatus according to the security level of the document according to the present invention for achieving the above object, whether or not to use the main function and detailed functions according to the security level of the document Setting and storing, a security document rating determining step of determining a security level of the document when a predetermined function selected in the image forming apparatus is selected, and major selected to use the selected function according to the security level determined in the document. A first judging step of judging whether it belongs to a function, a second judging step of judging whether the selected function is included in a detailed function that is permitted to be used if the main function is permitted to be used in the first judging step, and the selected function is If the function is granted in the first and second judgment steps, the function is performed and not allowed. If a function that is not selected is selected, an error message is displayed and displayed.

In addition, the main function determined in the first determination step may be set to at least one of a copy function, a fax function, a scan function, and a printing function, and the detailed function determined in the second determination step may be Nup for the copy function. It is desirable to have a sub-item of each major function licensed, such as, clone, Reduce / enlarge, autofit, etc.

In addition, the security level of the document is a security level that restricts the use of all functions that can be performed in the image forming apparatus, and a security level that performs only a normal copy function among the copy functions, and all that can be performed in the image forming apparatus. It is more preferable to include a general grade that enables the use of the function.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail an embodiment of the present invention.

1 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus capable of limiting functions according to a security level of a document according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated, the image forming apparatus 100 may include an operation panel (OPE) 110, a memory 120, a PC interface 130, a scanner 140, a rating judging 150, and a printer. 160, a facsimile 170, a controller 180, and a function setting unit 190.

The operation panel unit 110 includes an input unit 112 provided with a plurality of function keys and numeric keys so as to select various functions of the image forming apparatus or set whether to use the corresponding functions according to the security level according to the present invention, and the control unit ( According to the control of 180, a display unit 114 for displaying the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 is provided.

The memory unit 120 is configured to store various control programs required to implement a function supported by the image forming apparatus 100 or to store data in which use of a corresponding function is set according to a security level of a document.

The PC interface 130 may be connected to a user terminal (not shown) to support a bidirectional communication interface. The PC interface unit 130 receives an operation control command and various data of the image forming apparatus 100 transmitted from the user terminal. In addition, under the control of the controller 180, scan data scanned by the scanner 140 or fax data received through the facsimile 170 are transmitted to the user terminal.

The scanner 140 scans an image of an inserted document under the control of the controller 180, generates a scanned image, is transmitted to the printer 160, is printed, or is transmitted to the user terminal through the PC interface unit 130 and is stored. Or edited.

Rating determination unit 150 is configured to determine the security level of the document. It is usually configured to detect the watermark digitized in the document to determine the corresponding security level.

The printer 160 prints the scan data scanned by the scanner 140 and the fax data output from the facsimile 170 under the control of the controller 180, or the user terminal (not shown) through the PC interface 130. Print the printer data sent from).

The facsimile 170 includes a modem 172 and a Line Interface Unit (hereinafter referred to as "LIU") 174.

The modem 172 modulates the fax data to be transmitted under the control of the controller 180 in an analog form, and demodulates the fax data in analog form input from the LIU 174 and applies it to the controller 180.

The LIU 174 forms a communication path between the communication network and the modem 172 under the control of the controller 180 to interface signals between the modem 172 and the communication network.

The function setting unit 190 according to the input security of the input unit 112, the main function (copy, fax, scan, printer, etc.) and the detailed function (sub-items) for each main function, that is, Nup, Among the various functions of copying such as reduce / enlarge, clone, etc., it is possible to set whether to use a certain function. For reference, Scan function allows you to set detailed functions such as Scan to pc and E-mail.

In addition, the security level of the document can be set in two and three levels, and in the two-level security level, the types of documents are classified into security documents and general documents. In the three-level security level, it is desirable to classify documents into classified documents, confidential documents, and general documents.

On the other hand, in the case of top secret documents, limit the use of all functions of the image forming apparatus, and secure documents and non-confidential documents in such a way that only the copy function can be used, and even the normal copy function can be used only in the detailed functions. It is desirable to. In other words, if you select the functions such as Nup, Reduce / enlarge, and clone in the copy function, use is restricted.

In the case of a general document, it is preferable to set so that all the functions of the image forming apparatus can be used. More preferably, the functions can be set using a user interface (GUI).

The controller 180 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to a control program stored in the memory unit 120. In addition, according to the present invention, when a predetermined function is selected in the input unit 112, the controller 180 determines whether the function set in the function setting unit 190 is permitted according to the security level determined in the document. In the case of the function, the image forming apparatus 100 is controlled to perform the corresponding function and to output and display an error message when an unauthorized function is selected.

 Using the above configuration, a method of limiting use of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a step for setting a security level of a document. When a key for setting a security level of a document is input through the input unit 112 as shown in the drawing, the controller 180 controls the function setting unit ( The setting mode of 190 is displayed on the display unit 114 so that the user can set the security level of the document (S210). That is, it is set whether the security level of the document is two levels (security document, general document) or three levels (top secret, confidentiality, general document).

When the security level is determined in step S210, it is possible to set whether or not to use the main function for each level (S220). Specifically, it is set whether to permit the use of the copy function, the fax function, the scan function, the printer function, etc. according to the security level of the document.

On the other hand, when the setting of the main function is completed in step S220 (S230), the controller 180 enables to set a detailed function (sub-item) to be allowed to use among the main functions that are permitted to be used (S240). In other words, if the copy function is authorized in the main function, the document security includes the N-up function, which automatically prints out multiple sheets in one sheet for saving paper and easy lay-out review of drafts of documents, including general copying. Whether to license according to the grade, or reduce / enlarge function, Auto-fit function to output data that fits or exceeds the size of a single sheet of paper, and automatically prints multiple sheets on the same page. This is to determine whether or not to use the clone copy function that enables relocation and output.

For reference, as a detailed function of the scan function, Scan to PC and E-mail transmission can be set. In the fax function, whether to use the Delay fax function or the like can be determined.

In the case where the security level is set to 2 levels, it is recommended that the security document only enables the normal copy function, when the security level is set to 3 levels, the top secret document restricts all use, and the non-secret document only allows normal copying. desirable. Of course, the general document is set up to use all the functions.

When all the detailed functions of the authorized main functions are set (S240), the controller 180 stores the setting items in the memory unit 120 and ends (S260).

In addition, setting the use function according to the security level of the document can be set only by an authorized user, thereby solving a problem that may occur due to indiscriminate function limitation.

As described above, a process when the user wants to use the image forming apparatus 100 after the usable function according to the security level of the document is set will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of using an image forming apparatus according to a security level of a document. As shown, when the user selects a predetermined function through the input unit 112 (S310), the controller 180 determines the security level of the document in order to determine whether the selected function is an authorized function (S320). .

That is, the controller 180 detects an invisible watermark with reference to the data copied from the document, and reads out a security level (secret, confidential, general, etc.). Since this process is usually possible by using a scan function or a copy function, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

According to the security level of the document read in step S320, the controller 180 determines whether the function selected by the user in the function setting unit 190 is permitted (S330).

That is, it is determined whether the function selected by the user (Copy, Fax, Scan, etc.) is the main function authorized according to the security level of the document (first determination step).

If the main function is permitted to be used in the first judging step, the user selects the detailed function (sub-item) from the authorized main functions and determines whether the corresponding detailed function is the authorized function (second determination). Step) (S340).

For example, if the non-confidential document is set to allow only the normal copy function, the user can use the copy function in the first judgment step, but the functions such as Nup, Reduce / enlarge, and clone among the detailed functions in the second judgment step. Is not available.

If the function is not permitted to be used in step S330 or step S340, an error message (that the function cannot be used) may be output to call the user's attention (S360).

If the authorized function is selected in step S340, the function is performed and ends (S350).

In the present invention, when describing the use process of the image forming apparatus according to the security level, the user first selects the main function (step S330), and in the case of the main function permitted for use, the present invention has been described as determining whether or not to permit the detailed function. In operation S310, the user may select one of the detailed functions and determine whether the corresponding detailed function is a licensed function according to the security level of the document.

Although the present invention has been described in detail only with respect to the described embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations are possible within the technical scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations belong to the appended claims.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus and the method for limiting its use according to the present invention, it is possible to limit the functions in the image forming apparatus according to the security level of the document so that the original data can be easily prevented from being leaked or modified. .

Claims (8)

An apparatus for limiting the function of an image forming apparatus according to a security level of a document, An input unit for selecting a function of the image forming apparatus; A function setting unit for setting and storing whether to use a main function and a detailed function according to a security level of the document; A security document rating determination unit that determines a security level of the document; And When a predetermined function is selected in the input unit, it is determined whether the function set in the function setting unit is a licensed function according to the security level determined in the document, but firstly, whether the selected function belongs to a main function that is permitted to be used. And a second judgment step of judging whether the selected function is included in the licensed detailed function if the main function is licensed to be used in the first judging step. And a controller for outputting and displaying an error message when a function that is not selected is selected. The method of claim 1, The main function set by the function setting unit is A function limiting apparatus for an image forming apparatus, characterized in that at least one of a copy function, a fax function, a scan function, and a print function. The method of claim 2, The detailed function set by the function setting unit is In the case of the copy function, the function limiting device of the image forming apparatus, characterized in that the sub-item of each main function licensed, such as Nup, clone, Reduce / enlarge, autofit, and the like. The method of claim 3, wherein The security level of the document A security class for restricting the use of all functions that can be performed in the image forming apparatus and a security level for performing only a normal copy function among copy functions, and a general level for enabling all functions that can be performed in the image forming apparatus. Function limiting apparatus of the image forming apparatus, characterized in that divided to include. In the function limiting method for limiting the function of the image forming apparatus according to the security level of the document, Setting and storing permission to use main functions and detailed functions according to the security level of the document; A security document rating determining step of determining a security level of the document when a predetermined function selected by the image forming apparatus is selected; A first judging step of judging whether the selected function belongs to an authorized main function according to the security level determined in the document; A second judging step of judging whether the selected function is included in a detailed function that is permitted to be used if the main function that is permitted to be used in the first judging step; And If the selected function is a function granted in the first and second determination steps, performing the corresponding function and outputting and displaying an error message when an unauthorized function is selected; Limitation method. The method of claim 5, The main function determined in the first determination step is A method for limiting the function of an image forming apparatus, characterized in that at least one of a copy function, a fax function, a scan function, and a print function. The method of claim 6, The detailed function determined in the second determination step is The copying function is a sub-item of each main function that is licensed, such as Nup, clone, Reduce / enlarge, autofit, etc. The method for limiting the function of the image forming apparatus. The method of claim 7, wherein The security level of the document A security class for restricting the use of all functions that can be performed in the image forming apparatus and a security level for performing only a normal copy function among copy functions, and a general level for enabling all functions that can be performed in the image forming apparatus. Method for limiting the function of the image forming apparatus, characterized in that divided to include.

Images