Image processing device, control method of the image processing device, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism capable of easily specifying a sharing destination of imaging data.SOLUTION: A MFP 200 can be communicated with a chat server 300 that performs a control for sharing a data received to a designated user. The MFP 200 reads an image of a script, and generates the image data on the basis of this image. Also, the MFP 200 acquires avatar information of the user as a candidate of the sharing destination of the image data from the chat server 300. The MFP 200 displays a destination selection screen 809 for designating the sharing destination of the image data, and transmits the image data for the sharing to the user designated by the destination selection screen 809 onto an operation part 205 to the chat server 300. In the destination selection screen 809, the avatar image of the user is displayed so as to be corresponded to the user that becomes a candidate of the sharing destination of the image data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

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] As work styles become more diverse, the use of virtual offices in the metaverse space and VR conferencing services is increasing. In addition, more and more companies are using business chat as a communication tool. Many business chats have a function that allows users to easily hold video conferences from the chat screen, and in such cases, users who have their video on are generally shown with their own image, while users who have their video off are generally shown with an icon on the chat. In the metaverse space, a character that represents the user's alter ego, called an avatar, participates in the VR conference on the user's behalf. In this case, the avatar often reflects the user's appearance in three dimensions, as it moves in a human-like manner. There are also business chats in which avatars participate in video conferences on business chats, rather than videos or icon images.

[0003] In recent years, scan-to-chat has been used, which allows image data generated by scanning to be easily shared on a business chat. As a related technique, the technique of Patent Document 1 has been proposed. In Patent Document 1, in an image processing device having a button for executing scan-to-chat on an operation unit, an icon image on the chat of a group or individual as a sharing destination is set as the image of the button. This allows a user to easily identify the sharing destination of the image data before pressing the button, and makes it possible to prevent the image data from being shared with an unintended party. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-13620 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In many business chats, users are required to register their own icon images. In the technology of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a default image of a human figure whose gender, etc. cannot be identified, is set as the image of the button for sharing image data with a person whose icon image is not registered. With such a default image, the user cannot specify the sharing destination of the image data.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for easily identifying the sharing destination of image data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the image processing device of the present invention is an image processing device capable of communicating with a chat server which controls sharing of received data with a specified user, and is equipped with a means for reading an image of a document and generating image data based on the image, a means for acquiring avatar information from the chat server for displaying avatar images that three-dimensionally represent users who are candidates for sharing the image data, a means for controlling display of a screen for specifying users with whom the image data will be shared, and a means for transmitting the image data to the chat server for sharing with the users specified on the screen, and is characterized in that an avatar image of the user corresponding to the user who is a candidate for sharing the image data and based on the acquired avatar information is displayed on the screen. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily identify the sharing destination of image data. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system including an MFP as an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration of the MFP in FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration of the chat server of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a file structure stored in a HDD of the chat server of FIG. 1; [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when a user creates an avatar image of himself / herself. [Figure 6] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of avatar information included in the file structure of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a scan-to-chat sequence by the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a control process performed by the MFP when the system of FIG. 1 executes scan to chat. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a control process performed by a chat server when the system of FIG. 1 executes a scan to chat. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing another procedure of the control process performed by the chat server when the system of FIG. 1 executes scan to chat. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a simple login screen displayed on the operation unit in FIG. 2. [Figure 13] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed on the operation unit in FIG. 2. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a display control process of the simple login screen performed by the MFP of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system including MFP200 as an image processing device according to the present embodiment. In Fig. 1, this system is composed of MFP200, chat server 300, PC400, and PC500. Chat server 300 provides a chat service in which messages and image data transmitted from MFP200 and PC400 are received, and the received messages and image data are displayed (shared) on PC500 or a PC (not shown) by a user operation. MFP200 has a function of reading an image of a document, generating image data based on the image, and transmitting the image data to chat server 300. MFP200, PC400, PC500, and chat server 300 are communicatively connected via network 100. Network 100 is a wireless or wired network composed of a WAN or LAN.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of the MFP 200 in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the MFP 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a storage 204, an operation unit 205, a printing unit 206, a reading unit 207, and a communication unit 208. The CPU 201, the ROM 202, the RAM 203, the storage 204, the operation unit 205, the printing unit 206, the reading unit 207, and the communication unit 208 are connected to each other via a bus 209.

[0013] The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the MFP 200. The CPU 201 reads out a control program stored in a ROM 202 or a storage 204 into a RAM 203, and performs various types of control such as reading control and printing control.

[0014] The ROM 202 stores a control program executable by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is a main memory, and is used as a work area and as a temporary storage area for expanding the control programs stored in the ROM 202 and the storage 204. The storage 204 stores image data, print data, programs, and setting information. In the present embodiment, a flash memory is assumed as the storage 204, but an auxiliary storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD) may be used. An embedded multi media card (eMMC) may also be used. In the MFP 200 of the present embodiment, one CPU 201 executes each process shown in a sequence described later using one memory (RAM 203), but this is not limited to this. For example, each process shown in a flowchart described later can be executed by cooperating with a plurality of CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages. Some processes may also be executed using hardware circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs.

[0015] Operation unit 205 is composed of, for example, a display unit such as a touch panel and hard keys. Operation unit 205 displays information to a user and detects input from the user. In this embodiment, a configuration in which MFP 200 includes operation unit 205 including a display unit will be described, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, MFP 200 may be configured to include an operation unit that does not include a display unit, and a display unit different from this operation unit may be connected to MFP 200. In such a configuration, CPU 201 of MFP 200 performs display control to display various screens on this display unit.

[0016] The printing unit 206 prints image data (print data) stored in the RAM 203 on a recording sheet fed from a paper feed cassette (not shown). The reading unit 207 reads an image of an original document, and the CPU 201 converts the image into image data such as binary data. Image data generated based on the image read by the reading unit 207 is sent to an external device or printed on a recording sheet. The communication unit 208 connects to the network 100. The communication unit 208 also transmits image data to an external device on the network 100 and receives print data from an external device. As a method of transmission and reception via the network 100, transmission and reception using e-mail and file transmission using other protocols (for example, FTP, SMB, WEBDAV, etc.) can be performed. Furthermore, the communication unit 208 can also transmit and receive image data and various setting data via the network 100 by accessing from the PC 500 via HTTP communication.

[0017] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of chat server 300 in Fig. 1. In Fig. 3, chat server 300 includes CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, HDD 304, and communication unit 305. CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, HDD 304, and communication unit 305 are connected to each other via bus 306.

[0018] CPU 301 is made up of an arithmetic circuit, and reads out programs stored in ROM 302 or HDD 304 to RAM 303 and executes various processes. ROM 302 stores messages processed by chat server 300. ROM 302 also stores system programs and the like used for controlling user management and content management. HDD 304 functions as a storage area, and stores application programs and the like for executing various processes. HDD 304 is an example of a storage device, and can be configured with an SSD (Solid State Drive) or the like other than an HDD. Communication unit 305 is an interface for connecting various devices to each application. Chat server 300 communicates with PC 400, MFP 200, and the like via network 100 under the control of CPU 301.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a file structure 401 stored in HDD 304 of chat server 300 in Fig. 1. File structure 401 includes one or more pieces of group information. In the example of Fig. 4, two pieces of group information 402, 403 exist, but one file structure may include only one piece of group information.

[0020] Group information 402 and 403 include information on groups 1 and 2, respectively. In this embodiment, group information 402 and 403 have the same configuration, and the configuration will be described below using group information 402 as an example. Group information 402 includes user information 404, channel information 405, printer information 406, and linked application information 407.

[0021] User information 404 is information on users belonging to group 1. For example, user information 404 includes, as information on user A belonging to group 1, account information on user A, an icon image of user A, and avatar information on user A. User A's account information is account information on user A registered in chat server 300. User A's icon image is an image that identifies user A, for example, an image including one initial of user A. User A's avatar information is information for displaying an avatar image created by user A that three-dimensionally represents user A. Creation of the avatar image and the configuration of the avatar information will be described later.

[0022] Channel information 405 is information for grouping user information 404, and holds a user list that groups users corresponding to each channel. For example, channel information 405 holds user list 408 including user A, user B, user C, user D, etc. Printer information 406 indicates device information of MFP 200. An application that uses group information 402 can send various commands to any MFP by referring to printer information 406.

[0023] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when a user creates his / her own avatar. A user can access chat server 300 from PC 400 or the like to create his / her own avatar.

[0024] 5(a) shows an example of a base selection screen 501. The base selection screen 501 is a screen that allows the user to select a base for the avatar. The user selects one base, for example, base 502, from the multiple bases displayed on the base selection screen 501, and presses a decision button 503 to decide the base for the avatar.

[0025] FIG. 5(b) shows an example of a detailed setting screen 504. The detailed setting screen 504 is a screen for making detailed settings for the determined base. The user can customize the hairstyle, face shape, eyes, body type, clothes, etc. in detail from the base. FIG. 5(b) shows, as an example, the detailed setting screen 504 when the user presses the face shape selection button 505. The user can select a desired face shape from the listed face shape patterns 506.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of avatar information 600 included in the file structure 401 of FIG. 4. The avatar information 600 is composed of a plurality of objects, and each object further includes various information. For example, the eye object 601 includes x, y, z coordinate information indicating the distance from the center of the avatar image, size information indicating the size, mesh information indicating the appearance of the eye, lighting information indicating the angle and strength of light, a close value indicating the open / closed degree of the eye, and the like. When the close value is the maximum value, that is, 100, it indicates a state in which the eyes are closed. The face information indicates the face data of the avatar displayed by default. By using the avatar information 600, it is often possible to reproduce the avatar image on a server other than the chat server 300, a PC, or the like. In this embodiment, a plurality of pieces of avatar information 600 corresponding to a plurality of facial expressions may be registered in advance, or the avatar information 600 may be dynamically generated in cooperation with the chat server 300 or a server not shown.

[0027] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a scan-to-chat sequence in the system of Fig. 1. Scan-to-chat is a function for sharing image data generated by scanning on a chat. In this embodiment, as an example, a case will be described in which a user included in user list 408 held in channel information 405 and not shown in Fig. 4 uses scan-to-chat.

[0028] 7, first, the user makes a login request to chat server 300 to MFP 200 (S (step) 701). Specifically, the user inputs authentication information such as a user name and password for logging in to chat server 300 into operation unit 205 of MFP 200. MFP 200 transmits the input authentication information to chat server 300 (S702).

[0029] Chat server 300 performs user authentication using the received authentication information. If authentication is successful, chat server 300 transmits a login success notification to MFP 200 (S703). When MFP 200 receives the login success notification, scan-to-chat execution button 802, which has been displayed in a grayed-out manner on home screen 801 of FIG. 8 displayed on operation unit 205, becomes selectable. Note that, in this embodiment, a configuration will be described in which control is performed so that scan-to-chat execution button 802 cannot be selected by the user until MFP 200 receives the login success notification, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a configuration in which scan-to-chat execution button 802 is additionally displayed on home screen 801 in response to MFP 200 receiving the login success notification may be used.

[0030] When the user presses the scan-to-chat execution button 802 (S704), the MFP 200 displays a scan-to-chat screen 803 on the operation unit 205. The scan-to-chat screen 803 includes a destination confirmation button 804, a reset button 805, a black and white start button 806, a color start button 807, and a user selection button 808.

[0031] The destination confirmation button 804 displays the number of destinations set as the posting destinations (share destinations) of the image data generated by scanning. In the example of FIG. 8, one posting destination is selected. When multiple posting destinations are selected, the number of the set posting destinations is displayed as the number of destinations in the destination confirmation button 804. The reset button 805 is a button for instructing to clear the set destinations. The black and white start button 806 is a button for instructing to start the black and white scan transmission process. In the black and white scan transmission process, the MFP 200 reads the image of the set document, generates black and white image data based on this image, and transmits this black and white image data to the set destination. The color start button 807 is a button for instructing to start the color scan transmission process. In the color scan transmission process, the MFP 200 reads the image of the set document, generates color image data based on this image, and transmits this color image data to the set destination. The user selection button 808 is a button for instructing to display the destination selection screen 809.

[0032] Next, MFP 200 requests chat server 300 for a destination list, which is a list of users who are candidate destinations (S705). Chat server 300 acquires user list 408 including this user from channel information 405 of file structure 401 stored in HDD 304. Chat server 300 transmits acquired user list 408 to MFP 200 as a destination list (S706).

[0033] MFP 200 requests avatar information 600 of users indicated in acquired user list 408 from chat server 300 (S707). Chat server 300 transmits avatar information 600 of users corresponding to the request received from MFP 200 from file structure 401 stored in HDD 304 to MFP 200 (S708).

[0034] Thereafter, when the user selects user selection button 808, MFP 200 causes operation unit 205 to display destination selection screen 809 of Fig. 8 based on the received avatar information 600 (S709). Display control of destination selection screen 809 will be described later. In addition, in this embodiment, MFP 200 may store acquired avatar information 600 in storage 204. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user may set in advance whether or not to acquire avatar information 600 on a setting screen (not shown), and whether or not to acquire avatar information 600 may be controlled based on that setting.

[0035] Next, when the user selects a posting destination on destination selection screen 809 (S710) and instructs execution of a scan (S711), MFP200 executes a scan in accordance with this instruction (S712). MFP200 generates a file including image data based on the image of the scanned document (S713), and transmits the generated file and destination information indicating the posting destination selected on destination selection screen 809 to chat server 300 (S714).

[0036] Chat server 300 stores the received file in a file storage area (not shown) provided for each destination user or channel (S715), after which the sequence of FIG.

[0037] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the control process performed by MFP 200 when the system of Fig. 1 executes scan to chat. The control process of Fig. 9 is realized by CPU 201 of MFP 200 executing a program stored in ROM 203 or storage 204. Note that, as in Fig. 7, Fig. 9 also describes, as an example, a case where a user included in user list 408 held in channel information 405 but not shown in Fig. 4 uses scan to chat.

[0038] 9, CPU 201 accepts a login request to chat server 300 from a user (S901). As described above, the user makes a login request by inputting authentication information for logging in to chat server 300 into operation unit 205 of MFP 200. CPU 201 transmits the authentication information input into operation unit 205 to chat server 300. Chat server 300 performs user authentication using the received authentication information. If authentication is successful, chat server 300 transmits a login success notification to MFP 200, and if authentication is unsuccessful, transmits a login failure notification to MFP 200.

[0039] CPU 201 determines whether or not login to chat server 300 has been successful (S902). In S902, if a login success notification is received from chat server 300, it is determined that login to chat server 300 has been successful, and if a login failure notification is received from chat server 300, it is determined that login to chat server 300 has failed.

[0040] If it is determined in S902 that login to chat server 300 has failed, CPU 201 notifies a login failure error (S903). Specifically, CPU 201 causes operation unit 205 to display an error message indicating that login to chat server 300 has failed. Thereafter, the control process in FIG. 9 ends.

[0041] If it is determined in S902 that login to chat server 300 has been successful, CPU 201 controls scan-to-chat execution button 802 to be selectable on home screen 801 displayed on operation unit 205. Next, when CPU 201 detects that the user has pressed scan-to-chat execution button 802 (S904), CPU 201 causes operation unit 205 to display scan-to-chat screen 803. Furthermore, CPU 201 requests a destination list from chat server 300 (S905). Having received this request, chat server 300 obtains user list 408 including this user from file structure 401 stored in HDD 304, and transmits user list 408 to MFP 200 as a destination list.

[0042] Next, CPU 201 determines whether or not acquisition of the destination list from chat server 300 was successful (S906). If it is determined in S906 that acquisition of the destination list from chat server 300 has failed, CPU 201 notifies of a destination acquisition error (S907). Specifically, CPU 201 causes operation unit 205 to display an error message indicating that acquisition of the destination list has failed. Thereafter, the control process in FIG. 9 ends.

[0043] If it is determined in S906 that the destination list has been successfully acquired from chat server 300, CPU 201 selects one of the multiple users shown in the acquired destination list. Next, CPU 201 requests avatar information 600 of the selected user from chat server 300 (S908). Note that, in the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which avatar information 600 of a user selected from multiple users shown in the destination list is requested, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a configuration may be used in which multiple pieces of avatar information 600 corresponding to multiple users shown in the destination list are requested all at once. Alternatively, a configuration may be used in which both the destination list and avatar information 600 are requested in S905. Alternatively, a configuration may be used in which only avatar information 600 or only an icon image is requested according to a setting made by the user.

[0044] Next, CPU 201 determines whether avatar information 600 of the selected user has been acquired (S909). If it is determined in S909 that avatar information 600 of the selected user has been acquired, CPU 201 sets the acquired avatar information 600 and the user name of the selected user as display information of the selected user (S910). Next, the control process in FIG. 9 proceeds to S914, which will be described later.

[0045] 9 proceeds to S911. In the present embodiment, if avatar information 600 of the selected user is not registered in chat server 300, chat server 300 transmits an icon image of the selected user to MFP 200.

[0046] In S911, the CPU 201 determines whether or not an icon image of the selected user has been acquired. If it is determined in S911 that an icon image of the selected user has been acquired, the CPU 201 sets the acquired icon image as the display information of the selected user (S912). Next, the control process in FIG. 9 proceeds to S914, which will be described later.

[0047] If it is determined in S911 that the icon image of the selected user is not to be acquired, the CPU 201 sets the user name of the selected user to the display information of the selected user (S913). Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not all users shown in the destination list have been selected (S914).

[0048] If it is determined in S914 that no user shown in the destination list is to be selected, CPU 201 selects the next user from the multiple users shown in the destination list, and returns to S908. Note that in this embodiment, CPU 201 may perform control so as not to select the user operating MFP 200, that is, the user logged in to MFP 200, from the multiple users shown in the destination list.

[0049] If it is determined in S914 that all users shown in the destination list have been selected, the CPU 201 waits until the user selects the user selection button 808. When the user selects the user selection button 808, the CPU 201 causes the operation unit 205 to display the destination selection screen 809 of Fig. 8 based on the display information for each user set in S910 to S913 (S915).

[0050] On destination selection screen 809, avatar images of user A and user B are displayed in association with user A and user B, whose avatar information 600 is registered on chat server 300. On destination selection screen 809, for user C, whose avatar information 600 and icon image are not registered on chat server 300, only the user name of user C is displayed. On destination selection screen 809, an icon image of user D is displayed in association with user D, whose avatar information 600 and icon image are registered on chat server 300. When the user selects a posting destination on destination selection screen 809, the screen of operation unit 205 switches to scan-to-chat screen 803.

[0051] When CPU 201 accepts a posting destination selection from the user on destination selection screen 809 (S916), it switches the screen of operation unit 205 to scan-to-chat screen 803. Thereafter, when CPU 201 accepts a scan execution instruction such as when the user presses black and white start button 806 or color start button 807 on scan-to-chat screen 803 (S917), it controls reading unit 207 to start scanning the set document. Next, CPU 201 determines whether the scan was successful (S918).

[0052] If it is determined in S918 that the scan has failed, the CPU 201 notifies the user of a scan error (S919). Specifically, the CPU 201 causes the operation unit 205 to display an error message indicating that the scan has failed. Then, the control process in FIG. 9 ends.

[0053] If it is determined in S918 that the scan was successful, CPU 201 generates a file including image data based on the image of the read document (S920). Next, CPU 201 transmits the generated file and destination information indicating the posting destination selected in S916 to chat server 300 (S921), and ends this process.

[0054] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of control processing performed by chat server 300 when the system of Fig. 1 executes scan to chat. The control processing of Fig. 10 is realized by CPU 301 of chat server 300 executing a program stored in ROM 302 or HDD 304.

[0055] 10, when the CPU 301 receives authentication information from the MFP 200 (S1001), the CPU 301 performs user authentication by checking the received authentication information against registered user information (not shown) stored in the HDD 304. The CPU 301 determines whether the user authentication is successful (S1002).

[0056] If it is determined in S1002 that the user authentication has failed, the CPU 301 transmits a login failure notification to the MFP 200 (S1003) and ends this process. If it is determined in S1002 that the user authentication has succeeded, the CPU 301 transmits a login success notification to the MFP 200 (S1004). Next, when the CPU 301 accepts a request for a destination list from the MFP 200 (S1005), the CPU 301 transmits the destination list to the MFP 200 based on the user information received from the MFP 200 together with the request and indicating the user who issued the request (S1006). In S1006, the CPU 301 acquires a user list including the user from the channel information 405 of the file structure 401 stored in the HDD 304, and transmits the acquired user list to the MFP 200.

[0057] Next, when CPU 301 receives a request for avatar information 600 from MFP 200 (S1007), it starts a process of searching file structure 401 for avatar information 600 of a user corresponding to this request. CPU 301 determines whether or not avatar information 600 of a user corresponding to this request is registered in file structure 401 (S1008).

[0058] If it is determined in S1008 that avatar information 600 of the user corresponding to this request is registered in file structure 401, CPU 301 acquires the corresponding avatar information 600 from file structure 401. CPU 301 transmits the acquired avatar information 600 to MFP 200 (S1009). Next, the control process in FIG. 10 proceeds to S1013, which will be described later.

[0059] If it is determined in S1008 that avatar information 600 of the user corresponding to this request is not registered in file structure 401, CPU 301 starts a process of searching file structure 401 for an icon image of the user corresponding to this request. CPU 301 determines whether or not an icon image of the user corresponding to this request is registered in file structure 401 (S1010).

[0060] If it is determined in S1010 that an icon image of the user corresponding to this request is registered in the file structure 401, the CPU 301 acquires the corresponding icon image from the file structure 401. The CPU 301 transmits the acquired icon image to the MFP 200 (S1011). Next, the control process in FIG. 10 proceeds to S1013, which will be described later.

[0061] If it is determined in S1010 that the icon image of the user corresponding to this request is not registered in the file structure 401, the CPU 301 transmits null data to the MFP 200 (S1012). Note that in S1012, a default image registered in advance may be transmitted to the MFP 200.

[0062] Next, when CPU 301 receives the file from MFP 200 (S1013), it stores this file in a predetermined folder corresponding to the destination information received together with this file. Next, CPU 301 performs a screen update process to display this file on the chat screen (S1014), and ends this process.

[0063] According to the embodiment described above, the avatar images of users who are candidates for the posting destination of the image data are displayed in association with the users on the destination selection screen 809. This allows the user to easily specify the posting destination of the image data.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, when avatar information 600 of a user who is a candidate for the posting destination of image data is not registered in chat server 300, an icon image of the user who is a candidate for the posting destination of image data is displayed in association with the user on destination selection screen 809. This allows the user to specify the posting destination of the image data from the icon image.

[0065] In the present embodiment, an avatar image that can identify whether a user who is a candidate for a posting destination is offline or not may be displayed. Here, like the close value in FIG. 6, avatar information 600 often has morphing information that can control blinking, opening and closing of the mouth, eye movement, and the like. By controlling such morphing information, it is possible to display avatar information 600 with various expressions on destination selection screen 809. The following describes a configuration in which chat server 300 transmits avatar information 600 to MFP 200 for displaying avatar images that can identify whether a user who is a candidate for a posting destination is offline.

[0066] Fig. 11 is a flow chart showing another procedure of the control process performed by chat server 300 when the system of Fig. 1 executes scan to chat. The control process of Fig. 11 is similar to the control process of Fig. 10 described above, and the following will particularly explain the contents that differ from the control process of Fig. 10 described above. The control process of Fig. 11 is also realized by CPU 301 of chat server 300 executing a program stored in ROM 302 or HDD 304, like the control process of Fig. 10 described above.

[0067] In FIG. 11, steps S1101 to S1108 are performed which are similar to steps S1001 to S1008.

[0068] If it is determined in S1108 that the user avatar information 600 corresponding to the request received in S1107 is not registered in the file structure 401, then S1113 to S1115, S1116, and S1117, which are similar processes to S1010 to S1014 described above, are performed, and the control process of Figure 11 ends.

[0069] If it is determined in S1108 that avatar information 600 of the user corresponding to the request accepted in S1107 is registered in file structure 401, CPU 301 acquires status information indicating whether the user corresponding to this request is offline (S1109). Next, CPU 301 determines whether the acquired status information indicates an offline state (S1110).

[0070] If it is determined in S1110 that the acquired status information indicates an offline status, CPU 301 transmits avatar information 600 for displaying an avatar image that can identify that the user is in an offline status to MFP 200 (S1111). The avatar image that can identify that the user is in an offline status is, for example, an avatar image with eyes closed. In S1111, for example, CPU 301 acquires avatar information 600 of the user corresponding to this request from file structure 401, and transmits edited avatar information 600 in which the close value of eye object 601 of the acquired avatar information 600 has been changed to the maximum value to MFP 200. Alternatively, CPU 301 acquires avatar information 600 of the user corresponding to this request from file structure 401, in which the close value of eye object 601 has been set to the maximum value, and transmits this avatar information 600 to MFP 200. Thereafter, steps S1116 and S1117, which are the same processes as steps S1013 and S1014 described above, are carried out, and the control process of FIG. 11 ends.

[0071] If it is determined in S1110 that the acquired state information does not indicate an offline state, CPU 301 transmits avatar information 600 for displaying an avatar image that can identify that the user is not offline to MFP 200 (S1112). An avatar image that can identify that the user is not offline is, for example, an avatar image with eyes open. For example, CPU 301 acquires avatar information 600 of a user corresponding to this request from file structure 401, and transmits edited avatar information 600 in which the close value of eye object 601 of the acquired avatar information 600 is changed to a predetermined value that indicates an open eye state to MFP 200. Alternatively, CPU 301 acquires avatar information 600 of a user corresponding to this request from file structure 401, in which the close value of eye object 601 is set to the above-mentioned predetermined value, and transmits this avatar information 600 to MFP 200. Thereafter, steps S1116 and S1117, which are the same processes as steps S1013 and S1014 described above, are carried out, and the control process of FIG. 11 ends.

[0072] In the embodiment described above, an avatar image that allows a user to identify whether or not the user is offline is displayed on destination selection screen 809 based on avatar information 600 received from chat server 300. This allows the user to know whether or not the person to whom image data is to be posted is offline.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, when a user who is a candidate for a destination of posting of image data is offline, MFP 200 acquires, from chat server 300, avatar information 600 for displaying an avatar image that can identify that the user is offline. When a user who is a candidate for a destination of sharing of image data is not offline, MFP 200 acquires, from chat server 300, avatar information 600 for displaying an avatar image that can identify that the user is not offline. In this way, based on avatar information 600 acquired from chat server 300, avatar images that can identify whether the user is offline or not can be displayed on destination selection screen 809.

[0074] In this embodiment, MFP 200 may change the close value of eye object 601 of avatar information 600 acquired from chat server 300. In such a configuration, MFP 200 acquires status information indicating whether or not a user corresponding to avatar information 600 is offline when acquiring avatar information from chat server 300. For example, when it is determined that the user is offline based on the acquired status information, MFP 200 performs control to change the close value of eye object 601 of avatar information 600 acquired from chat server 300 to a maximum value. By performing such control, it is possible to display an avatar image that can identify whether or not the user is offline on destination selection screen 809, regardless of what facial expression avatar information 600 corresponding to is acquired from chat server 300.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an avatar image or an icon image based on the avatar information 600 may be added to the icon displayed on the simple login screen for performing simple login.

[0076] Simple login is a function that allows a user to log in to MFP200 simply by selecting an icon displayed on operation unit 205 that represents a pre-registered user, without having to enter authentication information such as a user name and password into operation unit 205.

[0077] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a simple login screen 1201 displayed on operation unit 205 of FIG. 2. Icons of user A, user B, and user C are displayed on simple login screen 1201. In addition, avatar images based on avatar information 600 registered in chat server 300 are added to icon 1202 of user A and icon 1203 of user B on simple login screen 1201. Also, a default icon image prepared in advance is added to icon 1204 of user C whose avatar information 600 is not registered in chat server 300. In this embodiment, the user can perform settings related to simple login screen 1201 from setting screen 1301 of FIG. 13 displayed on operation unit 205.

[0078] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 1301 displayed on the operation unit 205 of FIG. 2. The setting screen 1301 is displayed by selecting a setting menu (not shown) displayed on the operation unit 205. In the setting screen 1301, a user name 1302, a password 1303, and a setting 1304 for whether or not to obtain information to be added to an icon from the chat server 300 can be set. Hereinafter, information to be added to an icon displayed on the simple login screen 1201 is referred to as "icon additional information". When the setting 1304 is set to "Yes", an avatar acquisition setting 1305, an acquisition ID 1306, and an acquisition password 1307 can also be set. The avatar acquisition setting 1305 is a setting indicating whether or not to obtain icon additional information from the chat server 300. The acquisition ID 306 is an identifier used when obtaining icon additional information from the chat server 300. The acquisition password 1307 is a password used when obtaining icon additional information from the chat server 300. In this embodiment, settings related to simple login screen 1201 can be made for each user permitted to log in by simple login. In other words, it is possible to set for each icon whether or not information registered in chat server 300 is to be added to the icon displayed on simple login screen 1201. Note that login to chat server 300 may also be performed by login authentication to MFP 200 using single sign-on.

[0079] The icon additional information obtained from chat server 300 may be obtained each time simple login screen 1201 is displayed. Also, icon additional information obtained when setting on setting screen 1301 may be stored in storage 204, and read from storage 204 when simple login screen 1201 is displayed.

[0080] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of display control processing of the simple login screen performed by MFP 200 of Fig. 1. The display control processing of Fig. 14 is realized by CPU 201 of MFP 200 executing a program stored in ROM 203 or storage 204. Note that in the display control processing of Fig. 14, it is assumed that the user has already set settings on setting screen 1301.

[0081] 14, when CPU 201 receives a display request for simple login screen 1201 from a user (S1401), the display control process proceeds to S1402. In S1402, CPU 201 determines whether or not it is necessary to acquire icon additional information from chat server 300. If avatar information 600 or an icon image that will become the icon additional information is stored in storage 204, it is determined that it is not necessary to acquire the icon additional information from chat server 300. In this case, CPU 201 reads avatar information 600 or an icon image from storage 204, and sets them as the icon additional information of the corresponding icon (S1403). Thereafter, the display control process proceeds to S1412, which will be described later.

[0082] In S1402, if avatar information 600 or an icon image serving as icon additional information is not stored in storage 204, it is determined that icon additional information needs to be acquired from chat server 300. In this case, CPU 201 attempts to log in to chat server 300 using the information set in acquisition ID 1306 and acquisition password 1307 on setting screen 1301 (S1404). Next, CPU 201 determines whether or not logging in to chat server 300 has been successful (S1405).

[0083] If it is determined in S1405 that login to chat server 300 has been successful, CPU 201 selects one user from among users permitted to log in by simple login. CPU 201 determines whether avatar acquisition setting 1305 on setting screen 1301 corresponding to the selected user is set to "Yes" or "No" (S1406).

[0084] If it is determined in S1406 that avatar acquisition setting 1305 is set to "yes", CPU 201 makes a request to chat server 300 to acquire avatar information 600 of the selected user (S1407). Next, the display control process proceeds to S1409, which will be described later.

[0085] If it is determined in S1406 that the avatar acquisition setting 1305 is set to “no”, the CPU 201 makes a request to the chat server 300 to acquire an icon image of the selected user (S1408). Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not acquisition of the avatar information 600 or the icon image has been successful (S1409).

[0086] If it is determined in S1409 that the acquisition of the avatar information 600 or the icon image has been successful, the CPU 201 sets the data acquired in S1407 or S1408 as icon additional information for the selected user (S1410). Next, the display control process proceeds to S1412, which will be described later.

[0087] If it is determined in S1405 that login to chat server 300 has failed, or if it is determined in S1409 that acquisition of avatar information 600 or an icon image has failed, the display control process proceeds to S1411. In S1411, CPU 201 sets a previously prepared default icon image as the icon additional information of the selected user. Next, CPU 201 determines whether or not icon setting has been completed for all users permitted to log in by simple login (S1412).

[0088] If it is determined in S1412 that the setting of the icon of any user permitted to log in by simple login is not completed, the CPU 201 selects the next user from among the users permitted to log in by simple login. Then, the display control process returns to S1406.

[0089] If it is determined in S1412 that the icons of all users permitted to log in by simple login have been set, the CPU 201 causes the operation unit 205 to display the simple login screen 1201 (S1413). Then, this process ends.

[0090] In the embodiment described above, whether or not to add an avatar image based on information obtained from chat server 300 to an icon displayed on simple login screen 1201 is set on setting screen 1301. This makes it possible to easily specify which user an icon displayed on simple login screen 1201 corresponds to, in addition to specifying the posting destination of image data, based on avatar information 600 managed by chat server 300.

[0091] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0092] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) An image processing device capable of communicating with a chat server which controls sharing of received data with a specified user, comprising: means for reading an image of an original document and generating image data based on the image; means for acquiring avatar information from the chat server for displaying avatar images that three-dimensionally represent users who are candidates for sharing the image data; means for controlling display of a screen for specifying users with whom the image data will be shared; and means for transmitting the image data to the chat server for sharing with the users specified on the screen, wherein the image processing device is characterized in that an avatar image of the user corresponding to the user who is a candidate for sharing the image data and based on the acquired avatar information is displayed on the screen. (Configuration 2) The image processing device according to configuration 1, wherein the acquiring means acquires an icon image for identifying a user who is a candidate for sharing the image data from the chat server when avatar information for displaying an avatar image of the user who is a candidate for sharing the image data is not registered in the chat server, and the screen displays the acquired icon image, which is an icon image of the user who is a candidate for sharing the image data, in association with the user. (Configuration 3) The image processing device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the screen displays an avatar image corresponding to a user who is a candidate for sharing the image data and which can identify whether the user is offline or not. (Configuration 4) The image processing device described in Configuration 3, wherein the acquiring means acquires avatar information for displaying an avatar image that identifies a user who is a candidate for sharing the image data as being offline when the user is offline, and acquires avatar information for displaying an avatar image that identifies a user who is a candidate for sharing the image data as being not offline when the user is not offline. (Configuration 5) The image processing device according to configuration 3 or 4, further comprising: a means for acquiring status information indicating whether a user who is a candidate for sharing the image data is offline or not; and a means for changing a setting value indicating the degree of eye opening and closing included in the acquired avatar information. (Configuration 6) An image processing device as described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a means for setting whether or not to add an avatar image based on information obtained from the chat server to a predetermined icon displayed on the display means, the predetermined icon being an icon for logging in to the image processing device without entering authentication information and representing a pre-registered user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 200 MFP 201 CPU 205 Operation section 207 Reading unit 208 Communications Department 300 Chat Server 600 Avatar Information 809 Destination selection screen 1301 Setting screen

Claims

1. An image processing device capable of communicating with a chat server that controls sharing of received data with a designated user, A means for reading an image of a document and generating image data based on the image; a means for acquiring, from the chat server, avatar information for displaying avatar images that three-dimensionally represent users who are candidates for sharing the image data; A control means for displaying a screen for designating a sharing destination of the image data; means for transmitting the image data to be shared with a user designated on the screen to the chat server; The image processing device is characterized in that the screen displays an avatar image of a user who is a candidate for sharing the image data, the avatar image being associated with the user and based on the acquired avatar information.

2. the acquiring means, when avatar information for displaying an avatar image of a user who is a candidate for sharing the image data is not registered in the chat server, acquires an icon image for identifying the user from the chat server; The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the acquired icon image, which is an icon image of a user who is a candidate for sharing the image data, is displayed on the screen in association with the user.

3. The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein an avatar image is displayed on the screen in association with a user who is a candidate for sharing the image data, and which indicates whether the user is offline or not.

4. The image processing device described in claim 3, characterized in that the acquiring means acquires avatar information for displaying an avatar image that can identify that a user who is a candidate for sharing the image data is offline when the user is offline, and acquires avatar information for displaying an avatar image that can identify that a user who is a candidate for sharing the image data is not offline when the user is not offline.

5. means for acquiring status information indicating whether or not a user who is a candidate for sharing the image data is offline; 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a means for changing a setting value indicating an eye opening / closing degree included in the acquired avatar information.

6. a setting unit for setting whether or not to add an avatar image based on information acquired from the chat server to a predetermined icon displayed on the display unit, 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined icon is an icon for logging in to the image processing apparatus without inputting authentication information, and is an icon representing a pre-registered user.

7. A method for controlling an image processing device capable of communicating with a chat server that controls sharing of received data with a designated user, comprising the steps of: A step of reading an image of a document and generating image data based on the image; acquiring, from the chat server, avatar information for displaying avatar images three-dimensionally representing users who are candidates for sharing the image data; A step of controlling display of a screen for designating a sharing destination of the image data; transmitting the image data to the chat server for sharing with the user designated on the screen; A control method for an image processing device, characterized in that an avatar image of a user who is a candidate for sharing the image data is displayed on the screen, the avatar image being associated with the user and based on the acquired avatar information.

8. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an image processing device capable of communicating with a chat server that controls sharing of received data with a designated user, comprising: The method for controlling the image processing device includes: A step of reading an image of a document and generating image data based on the image; acquiring, from the chat server, avatar information for displaying avatar images three-dimensionally representing users who are candidates for sharing the image data; A step of controlling display of a screen for designating a sharing destination of the image data; transmitting the image data to the chat server for sharing with the user designated on the screen; The program is characterized in that the screen displays an avatar image of a user who is a candidate for sharing the image data, the avatar image being associated with the user and based on the acquired avatar information.

Images