Image processing apparatus, method of controlling image processing apparatus, and program

Abstract

To provide an image processing apparatus, a control method of the image processing apparatus, and a program, which can prevent image data for other users, even when one user has edited the image data, from being affected by the edition.SOLUTION: An MFP 10 is communicably connected to a plurality of user terminals via a server (message application server 20). In the server, user information on users who use the respective user terminals are stored in a state of being separated into a plurality of channels. The MFP 10 includes: selection means for selecting the channel; acquisition means for acquiring the user information belonging to the channel which has been selected by the selection means, from the server; and transmission means for transmitting image data to the server. Individual storage destination information for each user of the image data in the server, which has been transmitted by the transmission means, is posted to a talk room of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method for an image processing apparatus, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, cloud services have become widespread. As a result, users who use cloud services can receive various services provided by the cloud services. For example, a user can store image data scanned by an image forming device having a scanner in a storage unit on the cloud via a network. In addition, a user can obtain the image data stored in the storage unit on the cloud via a network to an image forming device and print the image data on the image forming device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for displaying a scan button on an image forming device in response to a scan instruction from a business chat, which is a cloud service. In addition, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, when a scan button displayed on an image forming device is operated, image data obtained by scanning on the image forming device can be transmitted to a business chat service. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-99751 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, it is assumed that image data acquired by scanning with an image forming device is shared by multiple users, and each user wants to edit the image data. In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the image data is stored in a predetermined storage server. In addition, information about this image data is communicated to each user. This makes the image data editable by each user. For example, when a user edits image data and then another user refers to the image data, the image data becomes edited image data. In this case, there is a risk that the image data will be in a state where it has been unintentionally edited by the other user.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide an image processing device, a control method for an image processing device, and a program for preventing image data for other users from being affected by editing of image data by one user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the image processing device of the present invention is an image processing device that is communicatively connected to a plurality of information terminals via a server and processes image data, wherein user information regarding users who use each of the information terminals is divided into a plurality of groups and stored in the server, and the image processing device is equipped with a selection means for selecting one of the plurality of groups, an acquisition means for acquiring the user information of a user belonging to the group selected by the selection means from the server, and a transmission means for linking the image data with the user information acquired by the acquisition means and transmitting the image data to the server, and is characterized in that the image data transmitted by the transmission means, or individual storage destination information regarding the storage destination of the image data for each user on the server, is posted to the user's talk room indicated by the user information linked to the image data. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, even when a user edits image data, it is possible to prevent the effect of the editing on image data for other users. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an overall configuration of an image processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a message application server. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a user terminal. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of tenant information stored in a message application server. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the processing executed between the MFP, the message application server, and the user terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the MFP. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the MFP. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the MFP. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments. For example, each part constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can exert the same function. In addition, any configuration may be added.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an image processing system. As shown in Fig. 1, the image processing system 100 includes an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 10, an MFP 11, a user terminal 30, a user terminal 32, and a message application server (server) 20. The MFP 10 and the MFP 11 are connected to the user terminals 30 to 32 via the message application server 20 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The MFP 10 and the MFP 11 are connected to the message application server 20 via a network 101. Similarly, the user terminals 30 to 32 are also connected to the message application server 20 via the network 101.

[0011] The MFP10 and the MFP11 are image processing devices that process image data. The MFP10 and the MFP11 each have a scanner function that reads an original document. As a result, the read data acquired by reading the original document is transmitted to the message application server 20 as image data. In the present embodiment, the image processing system 100 has two image processing devices, but the number of the image processing devices is not particularly limited. For example, the number of the image processing devices may be one, or three or more. The message application server 20 is a cloud server that is disposed on the cloud 21. The message application server 20 can execute various processes related to the transmission and reception of messages, such as the transmission and reception process of messages and the like for the user terminals 30 to 32, and the screen display process for the message transmission and reception. The user terminals 30 to 32 are, for example, information terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and personal computers. For example, a user A who uses the user terminal 30 can access the message application server 20 by operating the user terminal 30. In this embodiment, the image processing system 100 has three information terminals, but the number of information terminals is not particularly limited. For example, the number of information terminals may be two, or may be four or more.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an MFP. Since MFP10 and MFP11 have the same configuration, MFP10 will be representatively described below. As shown in Fig. 2, MFP10 has a control unit 110, an operation unit 116, a reading unit (reading means) 118, a printing unit 120, a wireless communication unit 122, and a communication unit (transmission means) 124. In addition, the control unit 110 has a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a storage 114, an operation unit I / F 115, a reading unit I / F 117, a printing unit I / F 119, a wireless communication unit I / F 121, and a communication unit I / F 123.

[0013] The control unit 110 controls the overall operation of the MFP 10. The CPU 111 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 to the RAM 113, and performs various controls such as reading control and printing control. The ROM 112 stores a control program executable by the CPU 111. The control program includes, for example, a program for causing a computer to execute each means (a control method of the image processing device) of the MFP 10. The ROM 112 also stores a boot program, font data, and the like. The RAM 113 is a main storage memory, and is used as a work area or as a temporary storage area for expanding the various control programs stored in the ROM 112 and the storage 114. The storage 114 stores image data, print data, various programs, various addresses, and various setting information such as automatic ordering settings. The storage 114 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a flash memory, an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD or HDD, or an eMMC. In this embodiment, the MFP 10 executes each process of the control program using one CPU 111 and one memory RAM 113, but is not limited to this. For example, the MFP 10 can also execute each process of the control program using multiple CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages.

[0014] The operation unit I / F 115 connects the operation unit 116 and the control unit 110 so that they can communicate with each other. The operation unit 116 has, for example, a display unit with a touch panel function and hard keys such as a keyboard, and displays information to a user who uses the MFP 10 and detects input from the user. The reading unit I / F 117 connects the reading unit 118 and the control unit 110 so that they can communicate with each other. The reading unit 118 can read an original and obtain read data of the original. The CPU 111 converts the read data into image data such as binary data. The image data is sent to an external device such as the message application server 20, or printed on a recording paper by the printing unit 120. The printing unit I / F 119 connects the printing unit 120 and the control unit 110 so that they can communicate with each other. The CPU 111 transfers image data (print data) stored in the RAM 113 to the printing unit 120 via the printing unit I / F 119. The printing unit 120 prints an image based on the transferred image data on a recording sheet fed from a paper feed cassette. The wireless communication unit I / F 121 connects the wireless communication unit 122 and the control unit 110 so that they can communicate with each other. As a result, the MFP 10 is wirelessly connected to external wireless devices such as the user terminals 30 to 32 so that they can communicate with each other. The communication unit 124 connects the control unit 110 (communication unit I / F 123) and the network 101 so that they can communicate with each other. The communication unit 124 transmits image data and various information about the MFP 10 to the message application server 20 on the network 101, and receives print data and information on the network 101 from the user terminals 30 to 32 on the network 101. The method of transmission and reception via the network 101 is not particularly limited, and examples of the method include a method using electronic mail (E-mail) and a method using other protocols (e.g., FTP, SMB, WEBDAV, etc.). In addition, image data and various setting data can be transmitted and received via the network 101 by accessing via HTTP communication.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the message application server. As shown in FIG. 3, the message application server 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a communication unit 204, and a HDD 205. The CPU 201 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 202 and various information stored in the HDD 205 onto the RAM 203, and executes various processes for controlling the operation of the message application server 20. The ROM 202 stores a control program. The RAM 203 is used as a main memory for the CPU 201, or as a temporary storage area such as a work area. The communication unit 204 transmits and receives data to and from various devices such as the user terminal 30. In this embodiment, the communication unit 204 is capable of communication using a wired LAN. The HDD 205 stores various data such as messages, image data, channel information, and applications.

[0016] An area for storing data for each user is secured in the HDD 205. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, a user A storage area 206 for a user A who uses the user terminal 30 and a user B storage area 207 for a user B who uses the user terminal 31 are secured in the HDD 205. Data from the user terminal 30 is stored in the user A storage area 206. Data from the user terminal 31 is stored in the user B storage area 207. The number of user storage areas secured in the HDD 205 is not limited to two. An area for storing data for each channel is secured in the HDD 205. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, a channel X storage area 208 for a channel X is secured in the HDD 205. Data of the channel X is stored in the channel X storage area 208. The number of channel storage areas secured in the HDD 205 is not limited to one.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a user terminal. The user terminals 30 to 32 have the same configuration, so the user terminal 30 will be representatively described below. In this embodiment, a smartphone or a tablet terminal is used as the user terminal 30, but the user terminal 30 is not limited to a smartphone or a tablet terminal as long as it is an information terminal (information processing device) that can connect to the network 101 using Wi-Fi communication or the like. As shown in FIG. 4, the user terminal 30 has an operation panel 301, a CPU 302, a ROM 303, a RAM 304, a HDD 305, a camera 306, an NFC communication unit 307, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 308, and a wireless LAN communication unit 309. The CPU 302 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 303 and various information stored in the HDD 305 into the RAM 304, and executes various processes for controlling the operation of the user terminal 30. The ROM 303 stores a control program. The RAM 304 is used as the main memory of the CPU 302, or as a temporary storage area such as a work area. The HDD 305 stores various types of data, such as photographs and electronic documents.

[0018] The operation panel 301 has a touch panel function and can detect touch operations by the user A. The operation panel 301 can display various screens provided by, for example, an OS or an e-mail transmission application. The operation panel 301 is also used to check information stored in the message application server 20. The user A can input a desired operation instruction to the user terminal 30 via the operation panel 301. The user terminal 30 may have hard keys such as a keyboard. In this case, the user A can input a desired operation instruction to the user terminal 30 via the hard keys. The camera 306 can capture an image in response to an image capture instruction from the user A. The image (photo) captured by the camera 306 is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 305. The user terminal 30 can also acquire information from a QR code read by the camera 306 using a program capable of analyzing a QR code (registered trademark). The user terminal 30 can transmit and receive data to and from various peripheral devices via the NFC communication unit 307, the Bluetooth communication unit 308, and the wireless LAN communication unit 309. The Bluetooth communication unit 308 is preferably compatible with Bluetooth Low Energy.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of tenant information stored in the message application server. The tenant information 400 shown in FIG. 5 is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 205, and includes a group 401 and a group 411. Here, the group 401 will be described as a representative example. The number of groups included in the tenant information 400 is two in this embodiment, but is not limited to this, and may be one or three or more. The group 401 includes user information 402, channel information 403, printer information 404, and file information 405. The user information 402 is user information related to users belonging to the group 401. The user information 402 in FIG. 5 includes user information related to user A who uses the user terminal 30, user information related to user B who uses the user terminal 31, and user information related to user C who uses the user terminal 32. In addition, the user information 402 is linked to file information 406 for each user. In FIG. 5, the user information related to user A is linked to file information 406. The file information 406 includes at least one file that can be referenced only by user A. Moreover, the file information 406 is stored in the user A's storage area 206 .

[0020] Channel information 403 is information obtained by dividing user information 402 into a plurality of groups. Channel information 403 in FIG. 5 includes channel X, channel Y, and channel Z. Here, channel X will be described as a representative example. User information related to user A and user information related to user B are allocated to channel X as list 407. The number of pieces of user information allocated to channel X is two in the configuration shown in FIG. 5, but is not limited to this. Channel X is stored in channel X storage area 208. Printer information 404 includes printer information A related to MFP 10 and printer information B related to MFP 11. By using printer information 404, various commands can be transmitted to any MFP included in printer information 404. File information 405 includes at least one file of any format. This file is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, image data, video data, audio data, or the like.

[0021] Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing processing executed between the MFP, the message application server, and the user terminal. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the MFP. Note that Fig. 7(a) shows a sending screen operated when sending image data, and Fig. 7(b) shows a channel selection screen operated when selecting a channel. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal. Note that Fig. 8(a) is a chat screen between the user terminal 30 and the MFP 10, and Fig. 8(b) is a chat screen between the user terminal 31 and the MFP 10.

[0022] As the process based on the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 6 starts, a sending screen 701 shown in FIG. 7(a) is displayed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 10. The sending screen 701 includes a saved file name display area 702, a sending destination display area 703, a forced termination command button 704, and a scan start button 705. In the configuration shown in FIG. 7(a), a default file name "Sample3" is input in the saved file name display area 702, but this is not limited thereto. The user can freely input a file name in the saved file name display area 702. In the configuration shown in FIG. 7(a), nothing is displayed in the sending destination display area 703, but this is not limited thereto. For example, a default sending destination may be set in the sending destination display area 703. For example, the default sending destination may be the sending destination to which image data was sent last time.

[0023] Also, by selecting the destination display area 703, the screen displayed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 10 transitions from the sending screen 701 to a channel selection screen 711 shown in FIG. 7B. The channel selection screen 711 includes a saved file name display area 702, a destination display area 703, a forced termination command button 704, and a scan start button 705, as in the sending screen 701. Also, in a field 706 below the destination display area 703, a destination channel candidate display area 712, a destination channel candidate display area 713, and a destination channel candidate display area 714 are displayed. The destination channel candidate display area 712 is channel information (group information) related to channel X, and a storage area for a user (user information) belonging to channel X is set as a destination of image data. The destination channel candidate display area 713 is channel information related to channel Y, and a storage area for a user belonging to channel Y is set as a destination of image data. The destination channel candidate display area 714 is channel information related to channel Z, and sets a storage area for a user belonging to channel Z as a destination of image data. The destination channel candidate display area 712 to the destination channel candidate display area 714 can be acquired from the message application server 20 via the communication unit 124. In this manner, in this embodiment, the communication unit 124 also functions as an acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of pieces of channel information. The user can select one of the destination channel candidate display areas 712 to 714 (selection step). In this manner, in this embodiment, the channel selection screen 711 functions as a selection means for selecting one of the destination channel candidate display areas 712 to 714.

[0024] 6, in step S501, the CPU 111 of the MFP 10 performs HTTP communication with the message application server 20 via the communication unit 124. This communication is a communication for making a request to acquire channel information from the message application server 20. The command transmitted in step S501 is not particularly limited, and an example of the command is "HTTP GET / channels." By accessing this URL, the message application server 20 becomes able to execute step S502.

[0025] In step S502, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 generates a channel information list.

[0026] In step S503, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 transmits the result of generation in step S502 to the MFP 10 via the communication unit 204 as a response to the HTTP communication in step S501.

[0027] In step S504, CPU 111 of MFP 10 receives the channel information list transmitted in step S503. After receiving this, CPU 111 displays channel selection screen 711, in which destination channel candidate display area 712 to destination channel candidate display area 714 have been updated, on operation unit 116. This allows the user to select one of destination channel candidate display areas 712 to 714 displayed on operation unit 116. The "channel-id" of this selected destination channel candidate display area is stored in storage 114 of MFP 10.

[0028] In step S505, CPU 111 of MFP 10 performs HTTP communication with message application server 20 via communication unit 124. This communication is a communication for making a request to acquire user information belonging to the destination channel candidate display area (channel) selected in step S504 from message application server 20 (acquisition step). In addition, in order to indicate the channel selected in step S504, "channel-id" stored in storage 114 of MFP 10 in step S504 is added to the command. In addition, the command transmitted in step S505 is not particularly limited, and an example of the command is "HTTP GET / channels / {channel-id} / members / ". By accessing this URL, message application server 20 can execute step S506.

[0029] In step S506, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 generates a list of user information associated with the channel specified by the "channel-id" assigned in step S505.

[0030] In step S507, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 transmits the result of generation in step S506 to the MFP 10 via the communication unit 204 as a response to the HTTP communication in step S505.

[0031] In step S508, CPU 111 of MFP 10 determines whether the user has selected scan start button 705, and performs reading of the document by reading unit 118. This read data is converted into image data and temporarily stored in storage 114 or the like. Note that in this embodiment, the image data acquired in step S508 is read data of the document read by reading unit 118, but is not limited to this. Other examples of image data may include image data captured by a digital camera or a smartphone, or image data acquired via the Internet.

[0032] In step S509, the CPU 111 of the MFP 10 performs HTTP communication with the message application server 20 via the communication unit 124. This communication is a communication for linking the image data acquired in step S508 with the user information acquired in step S505 and transmitting them to the message application server 20, that is, for uploading (transmission step). The command transmitted in step S509 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, "HTTP PUT / users / {user-id} / drive / items / : / {filename}: / content". Here, "filename" is the file name set in the saved file name display area 702. Also, "user-id" is one of those acquired in step S507. By accessing this URL, the message application server 20 is able to execute step S510.

[0033] In step S510, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 stores the image data transmitted in step S509 in a storage area for each user based on the user information associated with the image data. Specifically, for example, if user A is specified by "user-id", the image data is stored in the storage area 206 for user A.

[0034] If the image data is successfully saved in step S510, the process proceeds to step S511. In step S511, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 transmits location information of the save destination of the image data in step S510 to the MFP 10 via the communication unit 204 as a response to the HTTP communication in step S509.

[0035] In step S512, CPU 111 of MFP 10 performs HTTP communication with message application server 20 via communication unit 124. This communication is for sending a message to a chat room generated between MFP 10 and a user terminal. The command transmitted in step S512 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, "HTTP POST / chats." This message includes location information of the image data transmitted in step S509, that is, individual storage destination information (individual storage destination information) related to the storage destination for each user in message application server 20.

[0036] In step S513, when the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 receives the message in step S512, the CPU 201 requests the user terminal 30 via the communication unit 204 to display the message (chat content).

[0037] In step S514, CPU 302 of user terminal 30 displays chat screen 900 shown in FIG. 8A on operation panel 301. Chat screen 900 is a chat screen for user A displayed on operation panel 301 of user terminal 30. Chat screen 900 includes user 901, user 902, and message 903. User 901 indicates user A who uses user terminal 30. Also, a talk room between user A (user terminal 30) and MFP 10 is currently displayed. User 902 indicates a user (user B, user C, user D) other than user A. Message 903 includes URL "File: / / XXXX / YYYY" as location information of the save destination of image data in step S510.

[0038] After step S513 is executed, if there is a "user-id" for which the sequence has not yet been executed, the processes of steps S515 to S519 are executed for that "user-id." The processes of steps S515 to S519 are the same as the processes of steps S509 to S513, except that the "user-id" is different.

[0039] In step S520 after executing step S519, the CPU 302 of the user terminal 31 displays a chat screen 910 shown in FIG. 8B on the operation panel 301. The chat screen 910 is a chat screen for user B displayed on the operation panel 301 of the user terminal 31. The chat screen 910 includes a user 911, a user 912, and a message 913. The user 911 indicates the user B who uses the user terminal 31. Also, a talk room between the user B (user terminal 31) and the MFP 10 is currently displayed. The user 912 indicates a user (user A, user C, user D) other than the user B. The message 913 includes a URL "File: / / XXXX / ZZZZ" as location information of the save destination of the image data in step S516.

[0040] As described above, in the MFP 10, the CPU 111 can transmit image data from the reading unit 118 via the communication unit 124. Then, location information of the storage destination of the image data is posted to the talk room of the user indicated by the user information linked to the image data, that is, displayed on a user terminal used by a user in the channel to which the user information linked to the image data belongs. Note that, although the location information of the storage destination of the image data is displayed in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image data transmitted via the communication unit 124 may be displayed.

[0041] As described above, after step S513 is executed, if there is a "user-id" for which the sequence has not yet been executed, the processes of steps S515 to S519 are executed for the "user-id". That is, the transmission by the communication unit 124 and the posting to the talk room are performed in accordance with each user information. As a result, the chat screen 900 shown in FIG. 8(a) is displayed on the operation panel 301 of the user terminal 30, and the chat screen 910 shown in FIG. 8(b) is displayed on the operation panel 301 of the user terminal 31. By operating the chat screen 900, the user A can access the URL "File: / / XXXX / YYYY" of the storage destination of the image data included in the message 903 and edit the image data stored in the storage destination. And, the image data stored in the storage destination for each user such as user B is not stored in the storage destination for user A, so that the editing result by user A is prevented from being reflected, that is, the editing result by user A is prevented from being influenced. Furthermore, by operating the chat screen 910, user B can access the URL "File: / / XXXX / YZZZ" of the storage destination of the image data included in the message 913, and edit the image data stored in the storage destination. This image data is prevented from reflecting the results of editing by user A. In this way, in the image processing system 100, even if a user edits image data, it is possible to prevent the image data of other users from being affected by the editing.

[0042] As described above, in the image processing system 100, image data transmitted from the MFP 10 is stored in a storage destination (individual storage destination) for each user in the message application server 20. In addition, in the image processing system 100, the image data can also be stored in a storage destination (shared storage destination) that can be shared by each user in the message application server 20. An example of this storage destination is the channel X storage area 208. When image data is stored in a storage destination that can be shared by each user, shared storage destination information regarding the storage destination is posted to the talk room, that is, displayed on the user terminal. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the MFP. A destination selection screen 801 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed when one of the destination channel candidate display areas 712 to 714 is selected on the channel selection screen 711 (see FIG. 7(b)). The destination selection screen 801 includes a saved file name display area 702, a destination display area 703, a forced termination command button 704, and a scan start button 705, similar to the channel selection screen 711. Also, buttons 802 and 803 are displayed in a field 706 below the delivery destination display area 703. The button 802 is a button that is operated when image data is saved in a save destination that can be shared by each user and shared save destination information (shared save destination information) is displayed to each user. The button 803 is a button that is operated when image data is saved in a save destination for each user and individual save destination information is displayed to users in the same channel. Thus, in this embodiment, the buttons 802 and 803 function as a switching unit that switches between displaying the shared save destination information and displaying the individual save destination information. This allows the user to select whether the shared save destination information or the individual save destination information is displayed on the user terminal according to his / her desire.

[0043] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the MFP. As shown in Fig. 10, in step S601, similar to step S501, the CPU 111 of the MFP 10 performs HTTP communication with the message application server 20 via the communication unit 124. This causes a request to acquire channel information from the message application server 20. When the message application server 20 receives the request in step S601, it generates a channel information list, similar to steps S502 and S503, and transmits it to the MFP 10 as a response to the HTTP communication. After step S601 is executed, the processing proceeds to step S602.

[0044] In step S602, the CPU 111 judges whether or not a channel information list has been acquired from the message application server 20. If it is judged in step S602 that the channel information list has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S603. On the other hand, if it is judged in step S602 that the channel information list has not been acquired, the process remains in step S602 and waits.

[0045] In step S603, similarly to step S504, CPU 111 displays channel selection screen 711 (see FIG. 7(b)) on operation unit 116. Note that destination channel candidate display area 712 to destination channel candidate display area 714 on channel selection screen 711 use the channel information list acquired in step S602, that is, are updated by the channel information list. Then, the user can select one of destination channel candidate display areas 712 to 714. CPU 111 receives the result of this selection from operation unit 116, and the process proceeds to step S604.

[0046] In step S604, similarly to step S508, CPU 111 determines whether the user has selected scan start button 705, reads the document using reading unit 118, and the process proceeds to step S605. Note that the read data of the document is converted into image data and temporarily stored in storage 114 or the like.

[0047] In step S605, the CPU 111 displays a destination selection screen 801 (see FIG. 9) on the operation unit 116. This allows the user to operate the button 802 or the button 803 as desired. As described above, the button 802 is a button that is operated when image data is saved in a save destination that can be shared by each user and shared save destination information is displayed to each user. The button 803 is a button that is operated when image data is saved in a save destination for each user and individual save destination information is displayed to users in the same channel. Then, the CPU 111 judges whether or not the button 803 has been operated. If it is judged as a result of this judgment that the button 803 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S606. On the other hand, if it is judged that the button 803 has not been operated, that is, that the button 802 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S612.

[0048] In step S606, similar to step S505, CPU 111 performs HTTP communication with message application server 20 via communication unit 124. This causes a request to be made to acquire, from message application server 20, user information belonging to the destination channel candidate display area (channel) selected in step S603. When message application server 20 receives the request in step S606, it generates a user information list, similar to steps S506 and S507, and transmits it to MFP 10 as a response to the HTTP communication. After step S606 is executed, the process proceeds to step S607.

[0049] In step S607, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a user information list (user list) has been acquired from the message application server 20. If it is determined in step S607 that the user information list has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S608. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S607 that the user information list has not been acquired, the process remains in step S607 and waits.

[0050] In step S608, similar to step S509, CPU 111 performs HTTP communication with the message application server 20 via communication unit 124. As a result, the image data (image file) acquired in step S604 and the user information acquired in step S606 are linked and transmitted to the message application server 20. When the message application server 20 receives the image data in step S608, similar to step S510, the message application server 20 stores the image data in a storage area for each user. Also, similar to step S511, the message application server 20 transmits the storage destination of the image data to MFP 10 as a response to the HTTP communication.

[0051] In step S609, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the transmission of the image data was successful and whether or not there was a response from the message application server 20. If it is determined in step S609 that the transmission of the image data was successful, the process proceeds to step S610. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S609 that the transmission of the image data was not successful, the process remains in step S609 and waits.

[0052] In step S610, similarly to step S512, CPU 111 performs HTTP communication with message application server 20 via communication unit 124. This allows a message to be sent to a chat room generated between MFP 10 and the user terminal. This message includes location information of image data in message application server 20, that is, individual storage destination information regarding the storage destination. When message application server 20 receives the message in step S610, it requests the user terminal to display the message, similarly to step S513. This causes chat screen 900 (see FIG. 8(a)) or chat screen 910 (see FIG. 8(b)) to be displayed on operation panel 301 in the user terminal.

[0053] In step S611, CPU 111 searches the user information list acquired in step S605 to determine whether or not there is any user information remaining for which the processes in steps S608 to S610 have not been executed. If it is determined in step S611 that there is still user information remaining, the process returns to step S608, and the subsequent steps are executed in sequence. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S611 that there is no user information remaining, the process ends.

[0054] In step S612 after executing step S605, CPU 111 performs HTTP communication with message application server 20 via communication unit 124. As a result, image data (image file) acquired in step S604 is transmitted to message application server 20 for the destination channel candidate display area selected in step S603. When message application server 20 receives image data in step S612, it stores the image data in channel X storage area 208 linked to the destination channel candidate display area, and transmits the storage destination of the image data to MFP 10.

[0055] In step S613, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the transmission of the image data was successful and whether or not there was a response from the message application server 20. If it is determined in step S613 that the transmission of the image data was successful, the process proceeds to step S614. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S613 that the transmission of the image data was not successful, the process remains in step S613 and waits.

[0056] In step S614, CPU 111 performs HTTP communication with message application server 20 via communication unit 124. This enables a message to be sent to the chat room in the destination channel candidate display area selected in step S603. This message includes location information of channel X storage area 208, which is the storage destination of image data, i.e., shared storage destination information. When message application server 20 receives the message in step S614, it requests the user terminal to display the message. As a result, the image data in the shared storage destination, the shared storage destination information, etc. are displayed on operation panel 301 in the user terminal.

[0057] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-mentioned embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and having one or more processors of a computer in the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0058] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) An image processing device that is communicably connected to a plurality of information terminals via a server and processes image data, In the server, user information relating to users who use each of the information terminals is stored in a plurality of groups; The image processing device includes: A selection means for selecting one group from the plurality of groups; an acquisition means for acquiring, from the server, the user information of the users belonging to the group selected by the selection means; a transmission means for linking the image data with the user information acquired by the acquisition means and transmitting the linked image data to the server, An image processing device characterized in that the image data transmitted by the transmission means, or individual storage destination information regarding the storage destination of the image data for each user on the server, is posted to the user's chat room indicated by the user information linked to the image data. (Configuration 2) The image data transmitted by the transmitting means can be stored in a storage location on the server that can be shared by the users, 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the image data or shared destination information regarding destinations that can be shared by the users is posted to a chat room of the user. (Configuration 3) The image processing device according to configuration 2, further comprising a switching unit for switching between posting of the individual save destination information and posting of the shared save destination information. (Configuration 4) The image processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the individual save destination information is displayed as a URL. (Configuration 5) The image processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the user information is posted together with the individual storage destination information. (Configuration 6) The group selected by the selection means includes a plurality of pieces of user information; 6. The image processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the transmission by the transmission means and the posting to the user's talk room are performed in accordance with the user information. (Configuration 7) The acquiring means is capable of acquiring group information regarding the plurality of groups, 7. The image processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the selection means is capable of selecting the group by using the group information. (Configuration 8) The image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, further comprising a reading means for reading an original document and acquiring read data of the original document as the image data. (Method 1) A method for controlling an image processing device that is communicatively connected to a plurality of information terminals via a server and processes image data, comprising the steps of: In the server, user information relating to users who use each of the information terminals is stored in a plurality of groups; The method for controlling the image processing device includes: a selection step of selecting one group from the plurality of groups; an acquisition step of acquiring, from the server, the user information belonging to the group selected in the selection step; a transmission step of linking the image data with the user information acquired in the acquisition step and transmitting the linked image data to the server, A control method for an image processing device, characterized in that the image data transmitted in the transmission process, or individual storage destination information regarding the storage destination of the image data for each user on the server, is posted to a chat room of the user indicated by the user information linked to the image data. (Configuration 10) A program for causing a computer to execute each of the means of the image processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 10, 11 MFP 20 Message Application Server (Server) 30, 31, 32 User terminal 110 Control section 111 CPU 118 Reading unit 124 Communications Department 206 User A storage area 207 Storage area for User B 403 Channel Information

Claims

1. An image processing device that is communicably connected to a plurality of information terminals via a server and processes image data, In the server, user information relating to users who use each of the information terminals is stored in a plurality of groups; The image processing device includes: A selection means for selecting one group from the plurality of groups; an acquisition means for acquiring, from the server, the user information of the users belonging to the group selected by the selection means; a transmission means for linking the image data with the user information acquired by the acquisition means and transmitting the linked image data to the server, An image processing device characterized in that the image data transmitted by the transmission means, or individual storage destination information regarding the storage destination of the image data for each user on the server, is posted to the user's chat room indicated by the user information linked to the image data.

2. The image data transmitted by the transmitting means can be stored in a storage location on the server that can be shared by the users, The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the image data or the shared storage destination information regarding the storage destination that can be shared by each of the users is posted in a talk room of the user.

3. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a switching unit for switching between posting of the individual save destination information and posting of the shared save destination information.

4. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the individual storage destination information is displayed as a URL.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the user information is posted together with the individual storage destination information.

6. The group selected by the selection means includes a plurality of pieces of user information; The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission by the transmission means and the posting to the user's talk room are performed in accordance with the user information.

7. the acquiring means is capable of acquiring group information relating to the plurality of groups; 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection means is capable of selecting the group by using the group information.

8. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reading unit for reading an original document and acquiring read data of the original document as the image data.

9. A method for controlling an image processing device that is communicatively connected to a plurality of information terminals via a server and processes image data, comprising: In the server, user information relating to users who use each of the information terminals is stored in a plurality of groups; The method for controlling the image processing device includes: a selection step of selecting one group from the plurality of groups; an acquisition step of acquiring, from the server, the user information belonging to the group selected in the selection step; a transmission step of linking the image data with the user information acquired in the acquisition step and transmitting the linked image data to the server, A control method for an image processing device, characterized in that the image data transmitted in the transmission process, or individual storage destination information regarding the storage destination of the image data for each user on the server, is posted to a chat room of the user indicated by the user information linked to the image data.

10. 2. A program for causing a computer to execute each of the means of the image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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