Receiver profile based generation of scan images

Abstract

An example image forming apparatus can include a scanner module to scan a document to be transmitted to a recipient and store electronic raw data representing the document. Further, the image forming apparatus can include a controller to receive a destination address as input to execute a user-selectable scan feature. The controller can retrieve a first user profile and a second user profile associated with the destination address from a database. The first user profile and the second user profile can include first setting information and second setting information, respectively. The controller can process the electronic raw data to generate a scan image according to the first user profile. The first user profile can be selected based on a characteristic of the electronic raw data. The controller can transmit the scan image to the destination address according to the user-selectable scan feature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to image forming techniques. Background Technology

[0002] Image forming apparatuses are capable of performing functions such as transmitting faxed documents, scanning documents, and / or scanning to email. An image forming apparatus can be a single-function peripheral device (SFP) or a multi-function peripheral device (MFP). An exemplary SFP may include a printer, fax machine, scanner, or copier capable of performing one of these functions. An exemplary MFP may combine the functions of multiple devices into a single device to perform some or all of the functions of a printer, scanner, copier, and / or fax machine. Such an image forming apparatus can scan documents and transmit the scanned documents to a recipient address (e.g., an email address or fax number) based on user-defined or default settings. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect, an image forming apparatus is provided, comprising: a scanner module for: scanning a document to be sent to a recipient; and storing electronic raw data representing the document; and a controller connected to the scanner module for: receiving a destination address of the recipient as input to perform user-selectable scanning features; retrieving from a database a first user profile and a second user profile associated with the destination address, the first user profile and the second user profile respectively including first setting information and second setting information; processing the electronic raw data according to the first user profile to generate a scanned image, the first user profile being selected based on characteristics of the electronic raw data; and transmitting the scanned image to the destination address according to the user-selectable scanning features.

[0004] According to another aspect, an image forming method is provided, comprising: activating a scanner module to scan a document to be sent to a recipient; storing electronic raw data representing the document; receiving an email address of the recipient; retrieving a first user profile and a second user profile associated with the email address, the first user profile and the second user profile respectively including first setting information and second setting information; processing the electronic raw data according to the first user profile to generate a scanned image, the first user profile being selected based on priority; and sending a first email to the email address, the first email including the scanned image and an option for selecting the second user profile.

[0005] According to another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, the instructions of which, when executed by a processor of a computing device, cause the processor to perform the following operations: receiving electronic raw data of a destination address and a scanned document from a multifunction device; retrieving a first setting preference associated with the destination address from a database; processing the electronic raw data according to the first setting preference to generate a scanned image; transmitting the scanned image and a hyperlink to the destination address according to user-selectable scanning features, the hyperlink corresponding to a webpage specifying an option for selecting a second setting preference; receiving a selection of the second setting preference via the webpage; processing the electronic raw data according to the second setting information to generate a modified scanned image; and transmitting the modified scanned image to the destination address according to the user-selectable scanning features. Attached Figure Description

[0006] An example is described in the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1A This is a block diagram of an example image forming apparatus, which includes a controller that generates a scanned image based on a first user profile;

[0008] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A block diagram of an example image forming apparatus, depicting additional features;

[0009] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method for generating a scanned image based on a recipient's first user profile;

[0010] Figure 3A This is a functional block diagram of an example system including a processor for transmitting a first email, which includes a scanned image and an option for selecting a second user profile;

[0011] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A The example system includes a functional block diagram of a processor for transmitting a second email, which includes a modified scanned image generated based on a selected second user profile.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a sample email, which includes an electronic form that provides a user profile for modifying settings information for scanned images;

[0013] Figure 5A This is a sample email that depicts the available user profile in the email body, showing the settings information used to modify scanned images;

[0014] Figure 5B Yes Figure 5A The example reply email describes the selected user profile for modifying settings information for the scanned image;

[0015] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of an example computing device including a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium containing instructions for generating a modified scanned image based on a selected second setting preference;

[0016] Figure 7A It is a functional block diagram of an example system including a processor that generates scanned images based on first setting preferences and corresponding web pages;

[0017] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A The functional block diagram includes an example system of a processor that generates a modified scanned image based on a second setting preference received via a webpage; and

[0018] Figure 8 The example webpage illustrates the settings information for scanning images and the available settings preferences for modifying those settings. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Image forming apparatuses can perform various scanning functions, such as scan-to-email (e.g., scanning a document and sending the scanned document to an email recipient via email) and scan-to-fax (e.g., scanning a document and transmitting the scanned document to a destination fax machine). Furthermore, the image forming apparatus can perform such functions by scanning a document and processing the scanned document according to setting information. Example setting information may include format settings (e.g., formats such as PDF, JPEG, TIFF, and PNG) and quality settings (e.g., image brightness, color or black and white, resolution, halftone or binary image, and contour enhancement, etc.).

[0020] In some examples, the image forming apparatus can process documents using its default settings. In other examples, the image forming apparatus can provide a user interface (UI) through which a user or sender can define settings. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus can generate scanned images using default or user-defined settings and output the scanned images to the receiver based on the scanning function selected by the user.

[0021] However, when receiving a scanned image, the recipient may prefer a document with different settings. For example, consider a sender who can select settings (e.g., PDF format and black and white) and perform a scan-to-email function from an image forming apparatus. In this example, the image forming apparatus can use the selected settings to generate a scanned image and send it to the recipient's email address. However, when receiving the scanned image, the recipient may prefer a document with different settings (e.g., JPG format and color).

[0022] In this scenario, when the sender and recipient are the same, the sender may have to select different settings and re-execute the scan-to-email function from the image forming apparatus to generate a modified scanned image. When the sender and recipient are different, the recipient may have to transmit the modified settings to the sender and request the sender to re-execute the scan-to-email function using the modified settings. In this case, the recipient may have to wait for the sender to send the modified scanned image. Furthermore, for example, if the original document is unavailable to the sender or the image forming apparatus is inaccessible to the sender, the sender may not be able to re-execute the scan-to-email function. In other examples, even if the sender may know the recipient's preferences, when there are multiple recipients with different preferences, the sender may still have to execute the scan-to-email function multiple times based on the different preferences.

[0023] The examples described herein can provide a user (e.g., a recipient) with options for creating a set of user profiles, which can be mapped to a recipient address (e.g., an email address or fax number) and stored in a server or image forming apparatus. Upon receiving user-selectable scanning features (e.g., scan to email or scan to fax features), the image forming apparatus can scan a document to be sent to the recipient address and store electronic raw data representing that document. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus can retrieve a first user profile associated with the recipient address (e.g., having first setting information), process the electronic raw data to generate a scanned image based on the first user profile, and transmit the scanned image and options for selecting a second user profile to the recipient address. In one example, the first user profile can be selected based on characteristics of the electronic raw data (e.g., size, type (e.g., text or image, etc.), color, or black and white, etc.). In another example, the first user profile can be selected based on priority (e.g., a predefined priority, a priority determined based on usage patterns, etc.).

[0024] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus can receive a selection from a second user profile (e.g., having second setting information), process the stored electronic raw data according to the second user profile to generate a modified scanned image, and transmit the modified scanned image to the recipient's address.

[0025] Therefore, the examples described herein can provide the recipient with the option to select another user profile to modify settings information when receiving a scanned image. Furthermore, once the document has been scanned and the electronic original data has been stored, the recipient can obtain multiple scan outputs from the image forming apparatus by trying various combinations of settings without rescanning the document.

[0026] In the following description, various specific details are set forth for illustrative purposes in order to provide a thorough understanding of the art. However, exemplary apparatuses, devices, and systems may be implemented without these specific details. References to “example” or similar language in the specification indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described may be included in at least one example, but may not be included in others.

[0027] Now turn to the attached image. Figure 1A This is a block diagram of an example image forming apparatus 100, which includes a controller 104 for generating a scanned image based on a first user profile. Figure 1A As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 may include a scanner module 102 and a controller 104 connected to the scanner module 102. Example: The scanner module 102 may be an input device for scanning documents such as photographs and a page of text to convert the document into an electronic version.

[0028] During operation, scanner module 102 can scan documents to be sent to a recipient. Furthermore, scanner module 102 can store electronic raw data representing the documents. In this example, scanner module 102 can store the electronic raw data in the internal storage of image forming apparatus 100 or in external storage connected to image forming apparatus 100. Additionally, the electronic raw data can be stored for a duration that can be defined by an administrator or user. The electronic raw data can be deleted after this duration. Furthermore, the electronic raw data can be generated by image forming apparatus 100 based on maximum values ​​of setting information. In this example, the electronic raw data may include minimally processed image data from the image sensor of scanner module 102. The purpose of the electronic raw data may be to preserve image data obtained from the image sensor with minimal or no information loss.

[0029] Furthermore, controller 104 can receive the recipient's destination address as input to perform user-selectable scanning features. In the example, the user-selectable scanning feature could be a scan-to-email function or a scan-to-fax function, etc. An example destination address could be an email address (e.g., corresponding to a scan-to-email function) or a fax number (e.g., corresponding to a scan-to-fax function). In the example, an identifier can be used to map the stored electronic raw data to the destination address.

[0030] In addition, controller 104 can retrieve a first user profile and a second user profile associated with the destination address from the database (e.g., such as...). Figure 1B (As shown). Example: The first and second user profiles can each include first and second settings information, respectively. For example, the settings information may include formatting settings (e.g., PDF, JPEG, TIFF, and PNG) and quality settings (e.g., brightness, color or black and white, resolution, halftone or binary image, and contour enhancement, etc.). Furthermore, the first and second settings information may differ from the settings information of the electronic raw data. For example, the first settings information may include 200 dots per inch (DPI), while the settings information of the electronic raw data may include the maximum possible DPI.

[0031] Furthermore, controller 104 can process electronic raw data to generate a scanned image based on a first user profile. In this example, the first user profile can be selected based on characteristics of the electronic raw data. Examples of characteristics of the electronic raw data may include size, type (e.g., text or image), color or black and white, and brightness. Additionally, controller 104 can transmit the scanned image to a destination address based on user-selectable scanning features. In one example, when the user-selectable scanning feature is scan to email, controller 104 can send an email including the scanned image as an attachment to the destination address. In another example, when the user-selectable scanning feature is scan to fax, controller 104 can send the scanned image to a destination device associated with the destination address. In this example, the destination device can print the scanned image on a first printing medium.

[0032] As used herein, the term "image forming apparatus" can refer to a device that may include any means of accepting job requests and performing at least one of the following functions or tasks: printing, scanning, copying, and / or faxing. Image forming apparatus 100 may be a single-function peripheral device (SFP) or a multi-function peripheral device (MFP). Example image forming apparatus 100 may be a laser beam printer (e.g., printing using electrophotography) or an inkjet printer (e.g., printing using inkjet printing), etc.

[0033] In some examples, the functions described herein related to the implementation of the controller 104, and any additional instructions described herein related to the storage medium, may be implemented as an engine or module, including any combination of hardware and programming, to implement the functions of the module or engine described herein. The functions of the controller 104 may also be implemented by a processor. In the examples described herein, the processor may include, for example, one or more processors contained in a single device or distributed across multiple devices.

[0034] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A block diagram of an example image forming apparatus 100 depicts additional features. Figure 1B Components with similar names in the Chinese are functionally and / or structurally similar to those in the Chinese. Figure 1A The components described herein are similar. For example... Figure 1B As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 can be communicatively connected to the database 150 via a network. Example database 150 may be a server. Example network may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, and / or a wired connection, etc. In another example, the database 150 may be part of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0035] In the example, database 150 may store the destination addresses of multiple users (e.g., a first user, a second user, and a third user) corresponding to user-selectable scanning features. For example, the first user's email identifier may be stored as identifier A1 corresponding to the scan-to-email function, and the first user's fax number may be stored as identifier A2 corresponding to the scan-to-fax function. Furthermore, database 150 may include mapping information and corresponding profiles for each user (i.e., the first user, the second user, and the third user). For example, the first user's destination address (e.g., identifiers A1 and A2) may be mapped to profiles AP1 to APN. Similarly, the second user's destination address (e.g., identifiers B1 and B2) may be mapped to profiles BP1 to BPN, and so on. During operation, controller 104 may retrieve the profiles associated with the destination addresses from database 150 to process, for example... Figure 1A The aforementioned raw electronic data.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method 200 for generating a scanned image based on a recipient's first user profile. It should be understood that... Figure 2The method 200 described herein is a general illustration, and other processes may be added, or existing processes may be removed, modified, or rearranged without departing from the scope and spirit of this application. Furthermore, it should be understood that these processes may represent instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium, which, when executed, can cause a processor to respond, perform actions, change states, and / or make decisions. The processes of method 200 may represent functions and / or actions performed by functionally equivalent circuitry, such as analog circuitry, digital signal processing circuitry, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or other hardware components associated with the system. Moreover, the example method 200 is not intended to limit the implementation of this application, but rather to illustrate functional information used for designing / manufacturing circuits, generating machine-readable instructions, or using a combination of hardware and machine-readable instructions to perform the illustrated processes.

[0037] At point 202, the scanner module can be enabled to scan documents to be sent to the recipient. At point 204, the electronic raw data representing the document can be stored. In this example, the electronic raw data can be stored in the scanner module's internal memory or in external storage connected to the scanner module.

[0038] At point 206, the recipient's email address can be received. At point 208, a first user profile and a second user profile associated with the email address can be retrieved. In the example, the first user profile and the second user profile may each include first and second setting information, respectively. At point 210, the electronic raw data can be processed according to the first user profile to generate a scanned image. In the example, the first user profile may be selected based on priority. For example, the priority may be a predefined priority (e.g., defined by the recipient), or the priority may be determined based on the recipient's usage patterns (e.g., how the recipient uses the profile with the scanning features), etc.

[0039] At point 212, a first email, including a scanned image and options for selecting a second user profile, can be sent to that email address. In the example, the first email may include an electronic form in the email body and a scanned image as an attachment, the electronic form including options for selecting a second user profile. Furthermore, a reply email including the selection of the second user profile can be received. Once the selection is received, second settings information associated with the second user profile can be retrieved, and the original electronic data can be processed according to the second user profile to generate a modified scanned image. Additionally, a second email including the modified scanned image can be sent to that email address.

[0040] Furthermore, example method 200 may include a process that provides the option to create a first user profile and a second user profile before processing the electronic raw data. Additionally, the first user profile and the second user can be mapped to email addresses using an authentication mechanism. Furthermore, the mapped user profiles can be stored in a database (e.g., Figure 1B (Database 150). In the example, in response to the scan-to-email function, a first user profile and a second user profile associated with the email address can be retrieved from the database. The example method 200 described herein can be implemented as part of an image forming apparatus including a scanner module, or as part of a server connected to the scanner module.

[0041] Figure 3A This is a functional block diagram of example system 300, including processor 312 for transmitting a first email 316 comprising a scanned image and options for selecting a second user profile. Sender 302 may provide a document to scanner module 306 and select a user-selectable scan feature (e.g., scan to email function 304). Once the selection is received, scanner module 306 may scan the document to generate electronic raw data 308. Furthermore, electronic raw data 308 may be stored in storage 310 using identifiers. For example, when the user-selectable scan feature is scan to email function 304, electronic raw data 308 may be mapped to the email address of recipient 318. In this example, electronic raw data 308 may be stored as key-value pairs (e.g., the key may represent an email address, and the value may represent electronic raw data 308).

[0042] Furthermore, processor 312 can retrieve a first user profile and a second user profile associated with an email address from database 314. For example, the first user profile and the second user profile may each include first and second settings information. Additionally, processor 312 can process electronic raw data 308 based on the first user profile to generate a scanned image. In one example, the first user profile may be selected based on priority. Furthermore, processor 312 can send a first email 316 to the email address of recipient 318. Example first email 316 may include a scanned image and an electronic form to provide options for selecting a second user profile, thereby modifying the settings information of the scanned image.

[0043] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A The example system 300 includes a processor 312 for transmitting a second email 354, which includes a modified scanned image generated based on a selected second user profile. Figure 3BComponents with similar names in the Chinese are functionally and / or structurally similar to those in the Chinese. Figure 3A The components described herein are similar. In the example, receiver 318 may use receiver device 350 to select another user profile via an electronic form. For example, receiver 318 may select a second user profile and send that selection to processor 312 via an electronic form (e.g., as shown in 352).

[0044] Furthermore, the selection of a second user profile (e.g., 352) can be received by the processor 312 along with an identifier. Upon receiving the selection of the second user profile (e.g., 352), the processor 312 can retrieve settings information associated with the second user profile from the database 314 and retrieve electronic raw data 308 corresponding to the identifier from the storage 310. Furthermore, the processor 312 can process the retrieved electronic raw data 308 according to the second user profile to generate a modified scan image and send a second email (e.g., 354) including the modified scan image to the recipient 318.

[0045] Figure 4 Example email 400 includes an electronic form 410 that provides a user profile (e.g., 412 and 414) for modifying settings information of scanned image 406. In this example, a processor of an image forming apparatus or server can process electronic raw data representing a document based on the first user profile to generate scanned image 406. Furthermore, the processor can send example email 400 (via the email account of the image forming apparatus (e.g., 404)) including scanned image 406 to the recipient's address (e.g., the recipient's email address (e.g., 402)). For example, email 400 may indicate that the scanned image was generated based on the first user profile (e.g., as shown in 408).

[0046] In addition, the example email 400 may include an electronic form 410 depicting available user profiles. For example... Figure 4As shown, there are two available user profiles (e.g., 412 and 414) associated with a recipient having different setting information. For example, the second user profile 412 may include a type "color" and a resolution of "600" DPI. The third user profile 414 may include a type "black and white" and a resolution of "1200" DPI. Other example setting information may include resolution (e.g., "100", "200", "300", "600", "1200", and "2400" DPI), rotation angle (e.g., "0", "90", "180", and "270"), attribute X (e.g., "VX1", "VX2", and "VX3") or attribute Y (e.g., "VY1", "VY2", and "VY3"), etc. Furthermore, when selecting one of the user profiles (e.g., 412 or 414), the "Submit" option 416 can be used to send the selected user profile to the processor. Upon receiving the selected user profile, the processor can process the electronic raw data according to the selected user profile.

[0047] Figure 5A Example email 500A depicts a user profile (e.g., 510 and 512) in the email body for modifying settings information of scanned image 506. In this example, the processor of the image forming apparatus can process electronic raw data representing a document based on the first user profile to generate scanned image 506. Figure 5A As shown, the image forming apparatus can transmit an email 500A containing a scanned image 506 to a recipient (e.g., to email address 502) via an email address 504 associated with the image forming apparatus. Example email 500A may indicate that the scanned image 506 is processed according to a first user profile (e.g., 508). Furthermore, email 500A may depict available profiles (e.g., 510 and 512) for modifying settings information of the scanned image 506. Additionally, the recipient can select one of the profiles (e.g., a second user profile 510 and a third user profile 512) and transmit the selected user profile to the email address 504 of the image forming apparatus by replying to email 500A, as shown. Figure 5B What is depicted.

[0048] Figure 5B Yes Figure 5A The example reply email 500B to email 500A describes the selected user profile (e.g., 510) for modifying settings information for scanned image 506. Figure 5B Components with similar names in the Chinese are functionally and / or structurally similar to those in the Chinese. Figure 5A The components described herein are similar. For example... Figure 5BAs shown, the recipient can select a preferred user profile (e.g., shown in 510) from available user profiles (e.g., first user profile 510 and second user profile 512). Furthermore, the recipient can send a reply email 500B with the selected preferred user profile to the image forming apparatus's email address 504.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of an example computing device 600, which includes a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium 604 storing instructions (e.g., 606 to 618) to generate a modified scan image according to a selected second setting preference. The computing device 600 may include a processor 602 and a machine-readable storage medium 604 communicatively coupled via a system bus. The processor 602 may be any type of central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, or processing logic that interprets and executes the machine-readable instructions stored in the machine-readable storage medium 604.

[0050] Machine-readable storage medium 604 may be random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage device that can store information and machine-readable instructions executable by processor 602. For example, machine-readable storage medium 604 may be synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate (DDR), rambus DRAM (RDRAM), rambus RAM, or storage media such as floppy disks, hard disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and pen drives. In this example, machine-readable storage medium 604 may be a non-transitory machine-readable medium. Machine-readable storage medium 604 may be remote, but accessible to computing device 600.

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown, the machine-readable storage medium 604 may store instructions 606-618. In the example, instructions 606-618 may be executed by processor 602 to generate a modified scan image according to a selected second setting preference. In some examples, the machine-readable storage medium 604 may store instructions to enable a user to create a first setting preference and a second setting preference, thereby generating a scan image. Furthermore, the machine-readable storage medium 604 may store instructions to map the first setting preference and the second setting preference to a destination address according to priority. Additionally, the machine-readable storage medium 604 may store instructions to store the mapped first setting preference and second setting preference.

[0052] Instruction 606 can be executed by processor 602 to receive electronic raw data of a destination address and a scanned document from a multifunction device. Instruction 608 can be executed by processor 602 to retrieve a first setting preference associated with the destination address from a database. Instruction 610 can be executed by processor 602 to process the electronic raw data to generate a scanned image according to the first setting preference.

[0053] Instruction 612 can be executed by processor 602 to transmit a scanned image and a hyperlink to a destination address based on a user-selectable scan feature. An example hyperlink may correspond to a webpage specifying an option for selecting a second setting preference. In an example, when the user-selectable scan feature is a scan-to-email function, the instruction to transmit the scanned image and hyperlink to the destination address may include an instruction to transmit an email containing the scanned image and hyperlink to the destination address. For example, the scanned image may be included as an attachment in the email, and the hyperlink may be included in the body of the email. In another example, when the user-selectable feature is a scan-to-fax function, the instruction to transmit the scanned image and hyperlink to the destination address may include an instruction to transmit the image and hyperlink to a destination device associated with the destination address. An example destination device may print the scanned image on a first printing medium and the hyperlink on a second printing medium.

[0054] Before transmitting the scanned image and hyperlink, the machine-readable storage medium 604 may include instructions for the following operations:

[0055] - Use identifiers to store the electronic raw data of the received scanned documents.

[0056] -A webpage is generated at a network server connected to computing device 600, including a first setting preference, an identifier, and options for selecting a second setting preference.

[0057] - Associate hyperlinks with web pages. In the example, the web page can be displayed in a web browser when a hyperlink is activated.

[0058] Instruction 614 can be executed by processor 602 to receive a selection of a second setting preference via a webpage. Instruction 616 can be executed by processor 602 to process the electronic raw data according to the second setting information, thereby generating a modified scanned image. In this example, the instructions for processing the electronic raw data according to the second setting information may include instructions for the following operations:

[0059] -Receive selections and identifiers for second-order settings preferences via a webpage.

[0060] - Retrieve the electronic raw data corresponding to the identifier, and

[0061] - The retrieved raw electronic data is processed according to the second setting preference to generate a modified image.

[0062] In addition, instruction 618 can be executed by processor 602 to transfer a modified scan image to a destination address based on user-selectable scan features.

[0063] Figure 7A This is a functional block diagram of an example system 700, which includes a processor 712 that generates a scanned image (e.g., 720) based on a first setting preference and a corresponding webpage 716. A sender 702 can provide a document to a scanner module 706 and select a user-selectable scan feature 704. The example user-selectable scan feature 704 could be a scan-to-email function or a scan-to-fax function.

[0064] Once a selection is received, scanner module 706 can scan the document to generate electronic raw data 708. Furthermore, electronic raw data 708 can be stored in storage 710 using an identifier. Additionally, processor 712 can receive a destination address (e.g., an email address or fax number). In this example, when the user selects scanning feature 704 as the scan-to-email function, electronic raw data 708 can be mapped to an email message identifier. In this example, electronic raw data 708 can be stored as a key-value pair (e.g., the key can represent the email message identifier, and the value can represent electronic raw data 708).

[0065] Furthermore, processor 712 can retrieve a first setting preference associated with the destination address from database 714. Additionally, processor 712 can process electronic raw data 708 according to the first setting preference to generate a scanned image (e.g., 720). Furthermore, processor 712 can generate a webpage 716 in web server 718. In this example, processor 712 can transmit hyperlinks corresponding to webpage 716 along with the scanned image (e.g., shown in 720) to receiver 722 according to user-selectable scanning features 704.

[0066] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A The example system 700 includes a processor 712 that generates a modified scanned image 754 based on a second setting preference received via a webpage 716. Figure 7B Components with similar names in the Chinese are functionally and / or structurally similar to those in the Chinese. Figure 7AThe components described herein are similar. In the example, receiver 722 can use destination device 750 (e.g., computer, smartphone, etc.) via webpage 716 to select another setting preference. Furthermore, web server 718 can use an identifier to submit the selection of a second setting preference (e.g., 752) to processor 712. For example, when a user can select scan feature 704 (e.g., ... Figure 7A As shown, when the email scanning function is activated, recipient 722 can receive an email with a scanned image as an attachment and a hyperlink in the email body. Furthermore, once the hyperlink is activated, recipient 722 can access a first settings preference via webpage 716. On webpage 716, recipient 722 can select a second settings preference and click the "Submit" option.

[0067] Furthermore, the second setting preference selected on webpage 716 can be received by processor 712 along with the identifier. Upon receiving the second setting preference, processor 712 can retrieve setting information associated with the second setting preference from database 714, and can retrieve electronic raw data 708 corresponding to the identifier from storage 710.

[0068] In the example, processor 712 can obtain electronic raw data 708 using an identifier. Furthermore, processor 712 can process the retrieved electronic raw data 708 according to a second setting preference to generate a modified scan image 754, which can be transmitted to receiver 722 according to user-selectable scan features 704.

[0069] In another example, when the user selects scan feature 704 as the scan-to-fax function, processor 712 can transmit the scanned image to destination device 750 (e.g., a fax machine) to print the scanned image on a first print medium and a hyperlink on a second print medium. In this case, receiver 722 can open webpage 716 using a user device (e.g., a computing device) by entering the hyperlink in a web browser and select a second settings preference on webpage 716.

[0070] Figure 8 An example webpage 800 is illustrated, depicting settings information for a scanned image and available setting preferences for modifying those settings (e.g., 806 and 808). In the example, webpage 800 can be displayed in a web browser on a destination device associated with a recipient when hyperlink 802 is activated. Example webpage 800 may include first setting preferences for outputting the scanned image (e.g., shown in 804).

[0071] like Figure 8As shown, there are two available setting preferences (e.g., 806 and 808) associated with a recipient who has different setting information. Furthermore, when selecting another setting preference using the available options (e.g., 806 and 808), the recipient can submit the selected setting preference using the "Submit" option 810. Upon submission, the other setting preference can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus via a web server. In this example, the selected setting preference can be transmitted to a printer address mapped to webpage 800 (e.g., the email ID of the image forming apparatus). In other examples, webpage 800 may also include an identifier that maps the stored electronic raw data to webpage 800, allowing the image forming apparatus to retrieve the electronic raw data using this identifier.

[0072] The examples above are for illustrative purposes. Although the examples above have been described in conjunction with their exemplary embodiments, various modifications are possible without departing from the teachings of the subject matter described herein. Other substitutions, modifications, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the subject matter. Furthermore, the features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or any methods or processes disclosed herein may be combined in any combination, except for some such combinations of features that are mutually exclusive.

[0073] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof have the same meaning as the term “including” or suitable variations thereof. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “based on” means “at least partially based on.” Therefore, a feature described as being based on a certain stimulus may be based on that stimulus or a combination of stimuli that include that stimulus. Additionally, the terms “first” and “second” are used to identify individual elements and do not indicate a specified order or number of these elements.

[0074] This specification has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing examples. However, it should be understood that other forms, details, and examples may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: Scanner module, used for: Scan the documents to be sent to the recipient; as well as Store the electronic original data representing the document; and The controller, connected to the scanner module, is used for: The destination address of the receiver is received as input to perform user-selectable scanning features; Retrieve a first user profile and a second user profile associated with the destination address from the database. The first user profile and the second user profile include first setting information and second setting information, respectively. The electronic raw data is processed according to the first user profile to generate a scanned image, wherein the first user profile is selected based on the characteristics of the electronic raw data; Based on the user-selectable scanning features, the scanned image and the options for selecting the second user profile are transmitted to the destination address; Receive a response including a selection of the second user profile; Once the selection is received, the raw electronic data is processed according to the second user profile to generate a modified scanned image; and The modified scanned image is sent to the destination address.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is used for: When the user-selectable scanning feature is the scan to email function, an email including the scanned image as an attachment is transmitted to the destination address.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is used for: When the user-selectable scanning feature is scan to fax, the scanned image is transmitted to a destination device associated with the destination address, wherein the destination device is used to print the scanned image on a first printing medium.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The scanner module is used to store the electronic raw data in the internal memory of the image forming apparatus or in an external memory connected to the image forming apparatus, wherein the stored electronic raw data is mapped to the destination address using an identifier.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The destination address is an email address or fax number.

6. An image forming method, comprising: Enable the scanner module to scan documents to be sent to the recipient; Store the electronic original data representing the document; Receive the recipient's email address; Retrieve a first user profile and a second user profile associated with the email address, wherein the first user profile and the second user profile respectively include first settings information and second settings information; The electronic raw data is processed according to the first user profile to generate a scanned image, wherein the first user profile is selected based on priority. A first email is sent to the email address, the first email including the scanned image and an option to select the second user profile; Receive a reply email that includes a selection of the second user profile; Once the selection is received, the raw electronic data is processed according to the second user profile to generate a modified scanned image; as well as A second email, including the modified scanned image, will be sent to the email address.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, Sending the first email, which includes the scanned image and the options, includes: The first email is sent, including an electronic form in the body of the email and the scanned image as an attachment, the electronic form including the option for selecting the second user profile.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising: Options are provided for creating the first user profile and the second user profile; An authentication mechanism is used to map the first user profile and the second user profile to the email address; as well as The mapped user profiles are stored in a database, wherein, in response to the receive scan-to-email function, the first user profile and the second user profile associated with the email address are retrieved from the database.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by a processor of a computing device, cause the processor to perform the following operations: Receive the electronic raw data of the destination address and scanned document from the multi-functional device; Retrieve from the database a first setting preference associated with the destination address; The raw electronic data is processed according to the first setting preference to generate a scanned image; The scanned image and hyperlink are transmitted to the destination address according to the user-selectable scan features, wherein the hyperlink corresponds to a webpage that specifies an option for selecting a second setting preference; Receive the selection of the second setting preference via the webpage; The raw electronic data is processed according to the second setting preference to generate a modified scanned image; as well as Based on the user-selectable scanning features, the modified scan image is transmitted to the destination address.

10. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 9, wherein, The instructions for transferring the scanned image and the hyperlink to the destination address include instructions for the following operations: When the user-selectable scanning feature is the scan to email function, an email including the scanned image and the hyperlink is transmitted to the destination address, wherein the scanned image is included as an attachment in the email and the hyperlink is included in the body of the email.

11. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 9, wherein, The instructions for transferring the scanned image and the hyperlink to the destination address include instructions for the following operations: When the user-selectable scanning feature is scan to fax, the image and the hyperlink are transmitted to a destination device associated with the destination address, wherein the destination device is used to print the scanned image on a first printing medium and the hyperlink on a second printing medium.

12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 9, further comprising instructions for the following operations: Before transmitting the scanned image and the hyperlink: Identifiers are used to store the electronic raw data of the received scanned documents; A webpage is generated at a network server communicatively connected to the computing device, comprising the first setting preference, the identifier, and the option for selecting the second setting preference; and Associate the hyperlink with the webpage, wherein, When the hyperlink is activated, the webpage is displayed in a web browser.

13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 12, wherein, Instructions for processing the electronic raw data according to the second setting preference include instructions for the following operations: The selection of the second setting preference and the identifier are received via the webpage; Retrieve the electronic raw data corresponding to the identifier; as well as The retrieved raw electronic data is processed according to the second setting preference to generate the modified image.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 9, further comprising instructions for the following operations: Users can create a first setting preference and a second setting preference for generating the scanned image; The first setting preference and the second setting preference are mapped to the destination address according to priority. as well as The first and second settings preferences are stored and mapped.

Images