Image processing device, image processing method, and program

Abstract

To reduce a labor required for sharing image data transmitted by an image forming device as an archive in a chat service.SOLUTION: An image processing device includes scanning means for scanning an image of an original document to generate image data, first transmission means for transmitting the generated image data to a destination designated by a user, receiving means for receiving a channel designation for a chat service, and second transmission means for transmitting information on the designated channel and the generated image data to a server providing the chat service as a result of the first transmission means transmitting the image data to the destination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that an image processing device transmits image data generated by scanning an image of a document to a chat server that provides a chat service, whereby the image data is uploaded to a chat room of the chat service and shared. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-078084 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case where image data transmitted by an image forming apparatus is to be archived and stored in a chat service, in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to select a destination talk room and input a transmission instruction after the image data transmission is completed.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to reduce the effort required to share image data transmitted by an image forming apparatus as an archive via a chat service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image processing device of the present invention is characterized by having a scanning means for scanning an image of an original document and generating image data, a first transmitting means for transmitting the generated image data to a destination specified by a user, a receiving means for receiving a designation of a channel for a chat service, and a second transmitting means for transmitting information of the designated channel and the generated image data to a server providing the chat service after the first transmitting means has transmitted the image data to the destination. Effect of the Invention

[0007] This reduces the effort required to share image data transmitted by the image forming apparatus as an archive via a chat service. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] System configuration diagram [Diagram 2] A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an MFP [Diagram 3] A diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 4] Diagram showing the configuration of a message application server [Diagram 5] Diagram showing the tenant server configuration [Figure 6] Tenant information diagram [Figure 7] Figure showing an example of the MFP archive transmission destination setting screen [Figure 8] Sequence diagram of archive transmission in the first embodiment [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing archive transmission destination information stored in the MFP according to the second embodiment; [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart of an archive transmission process of an MFP according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting an archive transmission destination of an MFP according to the third embodiment; [Figure 12] Flowchart of archive transmission processing of MFP in the third embodiment [Figure 13] A diagram showing the screen flow for executing a sending job on an 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.

[0010] In this embodiment, an image processing device will be described by taking an example of a multifunction peripheral (MFP: Multi Function Peripheral) having print, scan, and fax functions. Note that the following embodiment does not limit the invention according to the claims, and all of the combinations of features described in the embodiment are not necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0011] <First embodiment> 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a message application service in the present invention. The message application service is composed of MFPs 10 and 11 which are image processing devices, user terminals 20 to 22, a message application server 30, and a tenant server 40. Each of these is connected via a network 70 and is capable of communicating with each other. The network 70 is a wireless or wired network composed of a WAN or LAN. An SMTP server (not shown) for the MFPs 10 and 11 to send emails may be connected to this network 70.

[0012] The MFPs 10 and 11 have a function of printing an image notified by the message application server 30, or a function of reading an original and sending the generated image data to a message application server, which is an example of an information processing device. In the figure, an example is given in which two MFPs, shown as MFPs 10 and 11, are connected, but the number of connections is arbitrary. The MFPs 10 and 11 have the same configuration, and the following description will be given of the MFP 10.

[0013] The user terminals 20 to 22 refer to information terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and personal computers used by users of the message application service. In the figure, three terminals shown as the user terminals 20 to 22 are connected as an example, but the number of connections is arbitrary. A user operates any of the user terminals 20 to 22 to access the message application server 30 on the cloud, exchange messages with other users, and execute installed applications. The user terminals 20 to 22 and the message application server 30 are connected to a wired or wireless communication network, and are capable of transmitting and receiving data between them. In this embodiment, a public line on the Internet is assumed as an example of a communication network, but a dedicated line may also be used. The user terminals 20 to 22 can have the same configuration, and the user terminal 20 will be described below.

[0014] The message application server 30 is a cloud server arranged on the cloud 60, and is an information processing device that provides a service using the message application 306. In other words, the message application server 30 is a server that provides and manages a chat service. The message application server 30 executes the overall processing related to the exchange of messages, such as the transmission and reception processing of messages to and from the user terminals 20 to 22, and the display screen display for the message transmission and reception.

[0015] The tenant server 40 is a cloud server arranged on the cloud 60, and is a server that stores and provides information about each tenant. Details of the tenant information stored in the tenant server 40 will be described in the section describing FIG.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 10. As shown in FIG.

[0017] The control unit 110 including the CPU 111 controls the overall operation of the MFP 10. The CPU 111 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 112 or the HDD 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 ROM 112 also stores a boot program, font data, and the like. The RAM 113 is a main memory, and is used as a work area and a temporary storage area for expanding the various control programs stored in the ROM 112 and the HDD 114. The HDD 114 stores image data, print data, various programs, various addresses, and various setting information. The HDD 114 is a storage medium, and may be a solid state drive (SSD), an embedded multi media card (eMMC), or the like instead of an HDD.

[0018] In the MFP 10 of this embodiment, one CPU 111 executes each process shown in the flowchart described below using one memory (RAM 113), but this is not limited to this. For example, each process can be executed by multiple CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and HDDs working together. Also, some of the processes can be executed using hardware circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs.

[0019] An operation unit I / F 115 connects an operation unit 116 including a display unit such as a touch panel and hard keys to the control unit 110. The operation unit 116 displays information to the user and detects inputs from the user.

[0020] The reading unit I / F 117 connects the control unit 110 to a reading unit 118 such as a scanner. The reading unit 118 reads an image of a document, and the CPU 111 generates image data. The image data generated based on the image read by the reading unit 118 is sent to an external device or printed on a recording sheet. The reading unit 118 is also provided with an ADF, which transports a document placed on a document tray of the reading unit 118, and the reading unit 118 scans the document. The ADF can transport multiple documents with one scan command, and the reading unit 118 can scan the multiple documents.

[0021] The printing unit I / F 119 connects the control unit 110 to a printing unit 120, such as a printer. 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 recording paper fed from a paper feed cassette.

[0022] The wireless communication unit I / F 121 is an I / F for controlling the wireless communication unit 122, and connects the control unit 110 to external wireless devices via wireless communication. User terminals denoted by 20 to 22 may be used as the external wireless devices.

[0023] The FAX unit I / F 123 controls the FAX communication unit 124, thereby connecting the FAX communication unit 124 to the public line network 80. The FAX unit I / F 123 is an I / F for controlling the FAX communication unit 124, and is capable of connecting to the public line network and controlling the facsimile communication protocol by controlling a modem and an NCU for facsimile communication.

[0024] The communication unit I / F 125 connects the control unit 110 and the network 70. The communication unit I / F 125 allows the communication unit 126 to transmit image data and various information inside the device to an external device on the network 70, and receives print data and information on the network 70 from an information processing device on the network 70. As a method of transmission and reception via the network 70, transmission and reception using electronic mail (E-mail) and file transmission using other protocols (for example, FTP, SMB, WEBDAV, etc.) can be performed. In addition, image data and message data can be transmitted and received over the network 70 by accessing from the user terminal 20 and the message application server 30 through HTTP communication. Furthermore, it is possible to access the MFP 10 from a web browser of the user terminal 20 via the network and perform various settings of the MFP 10 (remote UI function).

[0025] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the user terminal 20. Note that the user terminal 20 in this embodiment is assumed to be a device such as a smartphone or a tablet PC, but may be any other device as long as it is an information processing device that can be connected to the network 70 using Wi-Fi communication or the like.

[0026] The CPU 207 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 208 and executes various processes for controlling the operation of the user terminal 20. The ROM 208 stores the control program. The RAM 209 is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory and a work area for the CPU 207. The HDD 210 stores various data such as photographs and electronic documents.

[0027] The operation panel 201 has a touch panel function capable of detecting a user's touch operation, and displays various screens provided by the OS and an e-mail sending application. The operation panel 201 is also used to check information stored in the message application server 30. The user can input a desired operation instruction to the user terminal 20 by inputting a touch operation to the operation panel 201. The user terminal 20 has hardware keys (not shown), and the user can input an operation instruction to the user terminal 20 by using the hardware keys.

[0028] The camera 204 captures an image in response to an image capture instruction from the user. The photograph captured by the camera 204 is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 210. It is also possible to obtain information from a QR code read by the camera 204 using a program capable of analyzing QR codes (registered trademark).

[0029] The user terminal 20 can exchange data with various peripheral devices via an NFC communication unit 205, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit 206, and a wireless LAN communication unit 211. The Bluetooth communication unit 206 of the user terminal 20 may be compatible with Bluetooth Low Energy.

[0030] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the message application server 30. A CPU 301 reads out a control program stored in a ROM 302 and a message application 306 stored in a HDD 305, and executes various processes for controlling the operation of the message application server 30.

[0031] The ROM 302 stores a control program. The RAM 303 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 301. The HDD 305 stores various data such as messages, images, channel information, applications, etc. Data can be transmitted and received via the communication unit 304 to and from various devices such as the user terminal 20 and the MFP 10. The communication unit 304 may perform wired communication using Ethernet (registered trademark) or wireless communication such as Wi-Fi. A message application 306 is installed in the HDD 305 and runs on the CPU 301.

[0032] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the tenant server 40. The CPU 401 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 402 and executes various processes for controlling the tenant information 601. The stored tenant information 601 will be described later. The ROM 402 stores the control program. The RAM 403 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 401. The HDD 405 stores the tenant information 601 and the like. Data can be sent and received via the communication unit 404 to and from various models such as the message application server 30.

[0033] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of tenant information 601 stored in the HDD 405 in the tenant server 40. The tenant information 601 has one or more groups, and there are two groups in the example of Fig. 6. Depending on the configuration of the message application 306, one piece of tenant information may have only one piece of group information, in which case the tenant information 601 and the group information are equivalent.

[0034] Each group has information constituting the group. Taking group information 602 as an example, the group has user information 603 , channel information 604 , printer information 606 , cooperative application information 607 , and file information 608 .

[0035] User information 603 indicates information about each user belonging to a group. Channel information 604 is information for grouping the user information 603, and holds a list 605 that collects the user information corresponding to each channel.

[0036] The printer information 606 is information for identifying the MFP. An application using the group information 602 can send various commands to any MFP by referring to this information. The printer information 606 may be an IP address or a MAC address of the MFP, or a uniquely identifiable ID. The ID may be an ID issued by the MFP 10 when the information of the MFP 10 is registered in the message application server 30. An application using the group information 602 can send commands such as a print command to any MFP by referring to the printer information. The printer information 606 is associated with a group, but may also be associated with a channel or with cooperative application information described later. For example, the configuration may be such that the MFP 1 is associated with application 1, and the MFPs 1 and 2 are associated with application 2. The printer information 606 may also be associated with tenant information 601. That is, in the case of tenant 1 in FIG. 6, a printer indicated by the printer information 606 commonly associated with tenant 1 is used.

[0037] The linked application information 607 is information for identifying a linked application that is linked with the message application 306 corresponding to the group information 602 .

[0038] The file information 608 is information on a file that is held in association with the group information 602. For example, by transmitting the file information 608 to the MFP 10, the MFP 10 can print the file. Although the file information 608 is associated with a group, it may also be associated with each channel. For example, when a user posts a file to channel 1, which is a talk room, the file posted to channel 1 is stored in association with the file. The user can check the stored file within the channel, or download it to the user terminal 20.

[0039] When the message application 306 refers to a user list corresponding to the tenant information 601, the message application 306 refers to group information 602 held in the HDD 405 of the tenant server 40 via the communication unit 304, and user information 603 is listed. The same applies to channel information 604, printer information 606, linked application information 607, and file information 608.

[0040] Fig. 7 shows a setting screen flow for archive transmission displayed on the operation panel 201 of the user terminal 20 using the remote UI function. In this embodiment, the setting is performed on the user terminal 20, but the screen of Fig. 7 may be displayed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 10. The settings input on the setting screen of Fig. 7 are accepted by the CPU 111 of the MFP 10.

[0041] It is possible to specify an archive destination on a setting screen 701. On this setting screen, it is possible to perform settings for transmitting image data generated by scanning by the MFP 10 to a destination specified by the user, and then transmitting the same image data to another destination as an archive. In addition to the image data, the transmission result may also be transmitted as an archive.

[0042] A type column 702 displays the transmission type when sending as an archive, such as chat, fax, file (SMB, FTP), or e-mail. When the user selects a pull-down menu 708, a setting screen 730 is displayed, and selection items 731 are displayed. The user can select the transmission type from chat, e-mail, SMB, FTP, fax, IFAX, etc. A plurality of pull-down menus may be displayed on the setting screen 701, allowing the user to select a plurality of transmission types. In this case, a destination can be selected for each selected type.

[0043] In the user name field 703, the user name to be used for authentication is input. In the password field 704, the password to be used for authentication is input. The user name and password input here may be authentication information for accessing a message application service (chat service), or may be a password for accessing an SMB server, FTP server, or SMTP server. Here, the user name and password are left blank if authentication is not performed, such as for fax.

[0044] In the destination field 705, the user can specify a destination for archive transmission. The method of specifying the destination differs depending on the transmission type. When chat is selected as the transmission type, the tenant server 40 is accessed and a list of talk rooms in which the user corresponding to the input authentication information participates is displayed. This is realized by the MFP 10 acquiring channel information of the channel (talk room) in which the user corresponding to the authentication information participates from the message application server 30 or the tenant server 40 via the network 70. When the type is not chat, the destination is input either by direct input from an input terminal such as a keyboard or soft keyboard (not shown), or by designation from an address book stored in the HDD 114 of the MFP 10.

[0045] When the authentication button 707 is selected, a setting screen 710 is displayed. This setting screen 710 displays a list of channels in which the user corresponding to the user ID and PASS entered in the setting screen 701 is participating. In other words, a list of channels corresponding to the user, that is, a list of channels for chat services (message application services), is displayed. Furthermore, a list of other users with whom the user corresponding to the user ID and PASS entered in the setting screen 701 has been in contact recently is also displayed. When a user is selected in the setting screen 710, archive image data is posted to a personal chat room. A personal chat room is a chat room for users to chat one-on-one.

[0046] When the OK button 712 is selected with the check box 711 selected, the destination (channel) corresponding to the selected check box is registered as the destination for archive transmission. On the setting screen 720, the destination field 705 displays the destination (channel 1) set by the user.

[0047] When the transmission type is, for example, fax transmission, the destination of the archive transmission is a destination selected from the address book of the MFP 10 or a destination manually entered by the user. When the address book button 709 on the setting screen 701 is selected, an address book screen (not shown) is displayed, and the CPU 111 accepts the selection of the destination from the user. The addresses displayed on the address book screen are addresses stored in the HDD 114 of the MFP 10. These addresses include email addresses, fax phone numbers, PC host names, IP addresses, etc.

[0048] A file name of the image to be transmitted is input in a file name field 706. A setting screen 710 is a screen for setting chat destination information, which is displayed when an authentication button 707 is pressed and authentication is successful, as an archive destination.

[0049] 8 is a sequence diagram for sending an archive to a business chat server in this embodiment. Each operation (step) of the MFP 10 in the sequence diagram of this embodiment is executed by the CPU 111 reading a control program stored in the ROM 112 or HDD 114 into the RAM 113 and executing the program.

[0050] In step S801, the user uses the remote UI function from the operation panel 201 of the user terminal 20 to input archive destination settings on the setting screen 701.

[0051] In S 802 , the user presses the authentication button 707 on the operation panel 201 of the user terminal 20 .

[0052] In S803, the CPU 111 transmits the user name and password entered on the setting screen 701 to the tenant server 40, and executes an authentication request.

[0053] In S804, the tenant server 40 performs authentication, and if successful, transmits an OK response (access token) to the MFP 10.

[0054] In S805, the CPU 111 transmits the access token received in S803 from the tenant server 40 and a request to acquire channel information to the tenant server, and acquires chat destination information.

[0055] In S806, the tenant server 40 transmits the channel information to the MFP 10. Here, the channel information includes identification information (such as name and ID) of the channel corresponding to the user of the authentication information entered on the setting screen 701, the names of other users corresponding to that user, image save destination URLs, chat posting destination URLs, etc. If the user participates in multiple channels, identification information of the multiple channels is transmitted to the MFP 10.

[0056] In S807, the CPU 111 displays the setting screen 710 based on the channel information received in S806.

[0057] In S808, the user selects a destination such as a channel on the setting screen 710 from the operation panel 201 of the user terminal 20.

[0058] In S809, the user completes the settings by pressing the OK button 712 and the Complete button 721 on the operation panel 201 of the user terminal 20. This completes the process of setting the destination for archive transmission.

[0059] After the above setting process is completed, the user executes fax transmission from the operation unit 116 of the MFP 10 at any timing in S810. In order to execute this fax transmission, it is necessary to select a fax button 1303 displayed on a home screen 1301 in FIG. 13. This home screen is a screen displayed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 10. When this fax button 1303 is selected, a fax setting screen (not shown) is displayed. On this fax setting screen, transmission settings such as a fax destination, transmission resolution, scan size, and single-sided / double-sided setting and scan settings can be accepted. After accepting these transmission settings and scan settings, the CPU 111 accepts an instruction to execute a fax, whereby the reading unit 118 scans an original and generates image data. Then, the fax communication unit 124 faxes the generated image data to a destination specified on the fax setting screen. In this embodiment, fax transmission is executed as an example of a transmission job, but any job that transmits an image to an external device such as file transmission (SMB, FTP) or e-mail may be used. The above operation is the transmission process by the first transmission means.

[0060] In S811, the CPU 111 transmits a fax to the destination specified by the user in S810. In S812, the CPU 111 receives a fax reception completion notification.

[0061] In S813, based on the determination that the fax reception completion notification has been received in S812, the CPU 111 transmits the faxed image data to the destination specified by the user as the destination of the archive in S808 using the access token received in S803. Here, an example will be described in which chat is selected as the type of archive transmission. That is, in S813, the image data is transmitted to the message application server 30. At that time, the identification information of the channel of the posting destination (transmission destination) selected on the setting screen 710 is also transmitted to the message application server 30. The message application server 30 executes a process of posting the received image data to the channel indicated by the received identification information based on the received image data and the identification information of the channel. This allows the image data transmitted by fax transmission or the like to be recorded and shared as an archive on the channel of the chat service. Also, the transmitted data does not have to be posted to the channel. In that case, the identification information of the channel selected on the setting screen 710 is transmitted to the message application server 30, and the image data is stored in a folder corresponding to the channel corresponding to the identification information. This folder can be referenced by accessing the message application server 30 from the terminal device with a message application. The above operation is the transmission process by the second transmission means.

[0062] In the above example, the trigger for executing the archive transmission process is the receipt of a fax reception completion notification, but this is not limited to this. For example, CPU 111 may determine that fax transmission has been completed, and execute the archive transmission process based on the completion of transmission. Also, execution of the archive transmission process may be started in response to an instruction to execute fax transmission. In this way, as long as it is based on the execution of image data transmission process (including fax transmission, email transmission, etc.), it may be based on the start, the end, a completion notification, or an execution instruction.

[0063] Although the above example has been described taking fax transmission as an example, the archive transmission process can also be executed based on the execution of email transmission or file transmission.

[0064] By executing the above process, it is possible to reduce the effort required to share image data transmitted by an image forming apparatus as an archive via a chat service.

[0065] <Second embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which archive settings are common to users of the MFP 10. In the second embodiment, a case in which an archive destination can be registered for each user who operates the MFP 10 will be described.

[0066] 9 is an example of a registration of an archive destination for each user, stored in the HDD 114 of the MFP 10. The user who performed the registration is associated with the archive destination, user name, password, and user type and saved.

[0067] 10 is a flowchart of the MFP 10 when performing archive transmission to the business chat server in this embodiment. Note that, in each operation (step) of the MFP 10 in the sequence diagram of this embodiment, the CPU 111 reads a control program stored in the ROM 112 or HDD 114 into the RAM 113 and executes it.

[0068] In S1001, the CPU 111 executes user authentication. In S1002, the CPU 111 accepts scan settings, transmission settings, and a transmission execution instruction from the user authenticated in S1001. Details of the transmission execution will be described later with reference to Fig. 13. In S1003, the CPU 111 controls the reading unit 118 to scan the original.

[0069] In S1004, the CPU 111 generates image data from the document read in S1003. In S1005, the CPU 111 transmits the generated image data to the destination specified by the user in S1002. In S1006, when the CPU 111 completes transmission, the process proceeds to S1007.

[0070] In S1007, the CPU 111 checks whether there is an archive transmission destination registered by the user authenticated in S1001 in the archive destinations for each user stored in the HDD 114 described in Fig. 9. If it is registered, the process proceeds to S1008, and if it is not registered, the process proceeds to S1009.

[0071] In step S1008, the CPU 111 executes archive transmission to the registered destination. The image data transmitted here is the image data transmitted in step S1005.

[0072] In step S1009, the CPU 111 checks whether the logged-in user is an administrator. If the logged-in user is not an administrator, the process proceeds to step S1010. If the logged-in user is an administrator, the process ends.

[0073] In S1010, the CPU 111 checks whether there is an archive transmission destination registered by the administrator in the archive destinations for each user stored in the HDD 114 described in Fig. 9. If there is an archive transmission destination registered, the process proceeds to S1011, and if there is no archive transmission destination registered, the process ends.

[0074] In step S1011, the CPU 111 executes archive transmission to the address registered by the administrator, and ends the process.

[0075] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various forms that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0076] For example, in this embodiment, if an administrator registers an archive destination, after sending to the archive destination registered by a general user, sending is also performed to the archive destination registered by the administrator, but it is not necessary to send to the administrator.

[0077] FIG. 13 shows a screen flow for executing a transmission job displayed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 10. In FIG.

[0078] When a scan button 1302 is pressed on a home screen 1301, the screen transitions to a job selection screen 1310.

[0079] A list of scan jobs supported by the MFP 10 is displayed on the job selection screen 1310. The user selects the job he or she wishes to execute. In this embodiment, the case where E-MAIL is selected will be described as an example. Pressing an E-MAIL button 1311 transitions to an E-MAIL setting screen 1320.

[0080] The E-mail setting screen 1320 allows the setting of destinations, scan settings, and transmission settings. The number of destinations specified is displayed in a destination confirmation field 1321. Pressing the reset button 1322 clears the set information. Pressing the transmission setting button 1323 allows the setting of transmission-related items such as scan size, file format, and double-sided original. Pressing black and white start 1324 and color start 1325 scans in black and white or color, respectively, and starts E-mail transmission.

[0081] By executing the above process, it is possible to reduce the effort required to share image data transmitted by an image forming apparatus as an archive on a chat service, while improving convenience for each user.

[0082] <Third embodiment> A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the third embodiment, a case where a chat message is also transmitted after an image is transmitted will be described.

[0083] Fig. 11 shows a setting screen for archive transmission displayed on the operation panel 201 of the user terminal 20 using the remote UI function. In this embodiment, the setting is performed on the user terminal 20, but the setting may also be performed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 10. Note that the items described in Fig. 7 are omitted.

[0084] It is possible to set whether or not to send a message after sending an image in a message field 1102. To send a message, select "Yes" from the pull-down menu, and to not send a message, select "No."

[0085] In the mention field 1103, it is possible to set whether to add mention information to the message to be sent. It is possible to select from a pull-down menu the members belonging to the channel selected in the destination field. By adding mention information to a chat message and sending it, it is possible to notify a specific user in a group. In the text field 1104, it is possible to set the content of the message to be sent.

[0086] In step S813, the message set on the setting screen 1101 is transmitted together with the image data from the MFP 10 to the message application server 30. Then, the message application server 30 posts the received message and image data to the specified channel.

[0087] Fig. 12 is a flowchart of the MFP 10 when sending a message to the business chat server in the archive transmission line in this embodiment. In the flow of Fig. 12, the CPU 111 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 112 or the HDD 114 into the RAM 113 and executes it. Also, a description of the archive transmission process will be omitted.

[0088] In S1201, the CPU 111 checks whether the setting in the message field 1102 is "Yes." If it is "Yes," the process proceeds to S1202. If it is "No," the process ends.

[0089] In S1202, the CPU 111 adds a mention if there is a setting in the mention field 1103, and if there is no setting, sends the message registered in the text field 1104 in chat without adding a mention, and then ends the process.

[0090] By executing the above process, it is possible to reduce the effort required to share image data and messages sent by the image forming apparatus as an archive on a chat service.

[0091] <Other embodiments> The present invention can be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium. Then, one or more processors in the computer of the system or device can read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10 MFP 30 Message Application Server 118 Reading unit

Claims

1. A scanning means for scanning an image of an original and generating image data; a first transmission means for transmitting the generated image data to a destination designated by a user; A reception means for receiving a designation of a channel of the chat service; and a second transmitting means for transmitting information of the specified channel and the generated image data to a server providing the chat service when the first transmitting means transmits the image data to the destination.

2. 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the image data is posted to the specified channel by the second transmitting means transmitting information about the specified channel and the generated image data to the server.

3. a receiving means for receiving information of a plurality of channels of the chat service; 2 . The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the accepting unit accepts the channel designation by accepting a user's selection from a plurality of channels indicated by the received information on the plurality of channels.

4. The apparatus further includes a registration means for registering information on the specified channel, 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said registration means registers said channel information in association with a user of said image processing apparatus.

5. 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the second transmitting means transmits information about the specified channel and the generated image data to the server when the first transmitting means completes transmitting the image data to the destination.

6. The image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second transmitting means transmits information about the specified channel and the generated image data to the server when the image processing device receives a notification indicating that the first transmitting means has completed transmitting the image data to the destination.

7. 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the second transmitting means transmits to the server information about the specified channel, the generated image data, and a message input by a user when the first transmitting means transmits the image data to the destination.

8. a scanning step of scanning an image of an original document to generate image data; a first transmission step of transmitting the generated image data to a destination designated by a user; a reception process for receiving a designation of a chat service channel; A program that causes a computer to execute a second transmission step of transmitting information about the specified channel and the generated image data to a server that provides the chat service by sending the image data to the destination in the first transmission step.

9. The program according to claim 8, characterized in that the image data is posted to the specified channel by transmitting information about the specified channel and the generated image data to the server in the second transmission step.

10. A receiving step of receiving information of a plurality of channels of the chat service is further performed by the computer, 9. The program according to claim 8, wherein the accepting step accepts the channel designation by accepting a user's selection from a plurality of channels indicated by the received information on the plurality of channels.

11. A registration step of registering information of the specified channel is further performed by the computer, 9. The program according to claim 8, wherein in said registration step, said channel information is registered in association with a user of an image processing device.

12. The program according to claim 8, characterized in that in the second transmission process, upon completion of the transmission of the image data to the destination in the first transmission process, information about the specified channel and the generated image data are transmitted to the server.

13. The program according to claim 8, characterized in that in the second transmission process, upon receiving a notification indicating that the transmission of the image data to the destination in the first transmission process has been completed, information about the specified channel and the generated image data are transmitted to the server.

14. The program according to claim 8, characterized in that in the second transmission step, by transmitting the image data to the destination in the first transmission step, information of the specified channel, the generated image data, and a message input by the user are transmitted to the server.

15. a scanning step of scanning an image of an original document to generate image data; a first transmission step of transmitting the generated image data to a destination designated by a user; a reception process for receiving a designation of a chat service channel; An image processing method characterized by having a second transmission step of transmitting information of the specified channel and the generated image data to a server providing the chat service by transmitting the image data to the destination in the first transmission step.

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