Image processing device, control method for image processing device, and program

Abstract

To solve a problem in which, conventionally, when a subject of an e-mail is set from an image processing device, the only methods available have been for a user to manually set the subject individually each time an e-mail has been sent, or for a uniform subject to be set when no subject has been specified, making it extremely troublesome to set a subject that is suitable for sorting processing on the e-mail receiving side, for example.SOLUTION: An image processing device 100 can assign names to one or more destinations and manage them in an address book, and when an email is sent to a specified destination with an attached file containing image data generated using a scanner, the image processing device 100 controls the name of the specified destination so as to automatically set it as the subject of the email (S1005, S1006).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method of the image processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the automation of workflows has advanced. For example, when receiving an email, the email software distributes the email according to pre-set distribution rules, and further automatically stores the file attached to the email in a desired folder. The distribution of emails is determined by the subject or the sender. For example, if the subject of an email contains "invoice", the attached file is stored in the invoice folder. As a result, even when invoices are sent from multiple parties, the invoices attached to the emails are automatically stored in a predetermined folder, thus improving work efficiency. Using this automatic email distribution function, for example, a person in charge at a head office with multiple branches automatically distributes various forms such as invoices and end-of-month application forms sent from each branch.

[0003] Devices equipped with email transmission software include multifunction printers and electronic blackboards. Such devices can attach scanned image data or the content written on an electronic blackboard to an email and send it. For example, in a multifunction printer, when the subject is not specified for an email, a subject set uniformly can be registered. Also, for an electronic blackboard, there has been a proposal of a device that can automatically set the email address of the electronic blackboard or the name of the electronic blackboard operator in the subject when sending an email (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In an environment where e-mails are automatically sorted as described above, even for e-mails sent from a multifunction device or an electronic blackboard, it is desirable that they can be appropriately sorted by the subject of the e-mail. However, the subject line setting of e-mails in conventional multifunction devices and electronic blackboards is not assumed to be automatically sorted as described above, and it has been difficult to set a subject line suitable for automatic sorting. In the above-described multifunction device, when no subject is specified, the subject that is uniformly registered is automatically set. Also, in the electronic blackboard of Patent Document 1, the e-mail address of the electronic blackboard and the name of the user are automatically set. For example, when sending an e-mail from a multifunction device or an electronic blackboard, there are cases where different subjects such as "···Claim", "···Application", and "···Report" are desired to be set even for the same user, but such subjects could not be automatically set with the conventional technology. Conventionally, when setting different subjects, it was necessary for the user to manually input an arbitrary subject each time before sending the e-mail. Thus, when sending an e-mail from a multifunction device or an electronic blackboard, the user had to input the subject each time, which was a burden on the user.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. The present invention enables automatic setting of a subject line suitable for the sorting process on the mail receiving side when sending mail with image data generated by scanning with an image processing device, eliminating the need for the user to input the subject line each time when sending mail, and aims to provide a mechanism that can significantly reduce the burden on the user and improve usability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus including a scanner, comprising: first management means for naming each of one or more destinations and managing them in a destination list; control means for controlling to set a subject for an e-mail to which a file including image data generated using the scanner is attached; transmission means for transmitting the e-mail to a designated destination, wherein the control means sets the name of the designated destination as the subject of the e-mail.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, when transmitting image data generated by scanning with an image processing apparatus by e-mail, it is possible to automatically set a subject suitable for the sorting process on the e-mail receiving side. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to input a subject every time when sending an e-mail as in the prior art, and the burden on the user can be significantly reduced, improving the usability.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. However, not all of the features described in this embodiment are essential for the solution means of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention, an example will be described in which image data scanned by an image processing apparatus is transmitted to the mail software of a client terminal through a mail server.

[0011] 〔First Embodiment〕 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration showing an embodiment of the present invention. The system in this embodiment includes an image processing apparatus 100, a client terminal 110, and a mail server 130. The image processing apparatus 100, the client terminal 110, and the mail server 130 are connected via a network 120. In this embodiment, the network 120 may be a wireless connection or a wired connection.

[0012] The image processing apparatus 100 reads an image from a document with a scanner, prints an image with a printer, and performs mail transmission and reception via the mail server 130. The image processing apparatus 100 has an operation unit 102 for input / output with a user. The image processing apparatus 100 has a printer unit 103 for outputting electronic data to a paper medium. The image processing apparatus 100 has a scanner unit 104 for reading a paper medium and converting it into electronic data. The operation unit 102, the printer unit 103, and the scanner unit 104 are connected to a controller unit 101 and realize functions as a multifunction device according to the control of the controller unit 101. The details of the controller unit 101 are shown in FIG. 2 described later.

[0013] The client terminal 110 includes a mail software 111 and a storage 112. The mail software 111 is software that communicates with the mail server 130 to perform transmission and reception of electronic mails. The storage 112 is an area for storing data acquired by the client terminal 110. Examples of the client terminal 110 include a personal computer (PC) and a tablet terminal.

[0014] The mail server 130 is configured to include an email service 131 and a mailbox 132. The email service 131 receives instructions from the image processing apparatus 100 or the client terminal 110, and provides an email transmission function in accordance with SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) defined in RFC5321. Further, upon receiving an instruction from the image processing apparatus 100, the email service 131 provides a mail reception function for mails stored in the mailbox 132 in accordance with POP (Post Office Protocol) defined in RFC5034 or IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) defined in RFC3501.

[0015] Note that in FIG. 1, only the configuration for explaining the present embodiment is described. As long as the implementation of the present invention can be satisfied, other configurations may be included, and it goes without saying that the connection form between the respective components is not limited to this.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of details of the controller unit 101 of the image processing apparatus 100. The CPU 201 performs main arithmetic processing within the controller unit 101. The CPU 201 is connected to the DRAM 202 via a bus. The DRAM 202 is used by the CPU 201 as a work memory for temporarily arranging program data representing arithmetic instructions and data to be processed during the arithmetic operation of the CPU 201.

[0017] The CPU 201 is connected to the I / O controller 203 via a bus. The I / O controller 203 performs input / output operations on various devices according to the instructions of the CPU 201. A SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) I / F 205 is connected to the I / O controller 203, and a Flash ROM 210 is connected thereto. The CPU 201 uses the Flash ROM 210 to permanently store programs, setting information, and document files for realizing the functions of the image processing apparatus. Instead of the Flash ROM, a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) may be connected.

[0018] Also, a network I / F 204 is connected to the I / O controller 203. A wired LAN device or a wireless LAN device is connected to the network I / F 204. The CPU 201 realizes communication on the network 120 by controlling the wired LAN device or the wireless LAN device via the network I / F 204.

[0019] Also, a panel I / F 206 is connected to the I / O controller 203, and the CPU 201 realizes user-oriented input / output to the operation unit 102 via the panel I / F 206. Also, a printer I / F 207 is connected to the I / O controller 203, and the CPU 201 realizes output processing of paper media using the printer unit 103 via the printer I / F 207. Also, a scanner I / F 208 is connected to the I / O controller 203, and the CPU 201 realizes a process of reading an image from a document using the scanner unit 104 via the scanner I / F 208.

[0020] There are various applications for using the functions of the image processing apparatus in the image processing apparatus 100. Examples of such applications include a copy function, a transmission function, a fax function, a box function, and the like.

[0021] When the copy function is executed, the CPU 201 reads program data from the Flash ROM 210 into the DRAM 202 via the SATA I / F 205. The CPU 201 detects a copy instruction from the user to the operation unit 102 via the panel I / F 206 according to the program read into the DRAM 202. When the CPU 201 detects the copy instruction, it receives the document from the scanner unit 104 as electronic data via the scanner I / F 208 and stores it in the DRAM 202. The CPU 201 performs color conversion processing suitable for output on the image data stored in the DRAM 202. The CPU 201 transfers the image data stored in the DRAM 202 to the printer unit 103 via the printer I / F 207 and performs output processing to a paper medium.

[0022] In the transmission function, the process of the CPU 201 detecting a transmission instruction from the user is the same as the aforementioned copy function. The transmission instruction includes a transmission protocol from the user, destination specification, image format, etc. The transmission protocol is SMB, FTP, email (SMTP), etc. The destination is specified by, for example, UNC (Universal Naming Convention). The image format is JPEG, PDF, etc. When the CPU 201 detects the transmission instruction, it receives the document from the scanner unit 104 as electronic data via the scanner 1 / F 208 and stores it in the DRAM 202. The CPU 201 performs image format conversion specified by the user on the image data stored in the DRAM 202. The CPU 201 transfers the image data stored in the DRAM 202 to the destination according to the protocol specified by the user via the network I / F 204.

[0023] In the fax function, the process by which the CPU 201 detects a fax instruction from the user is the same as the aforementioned copy function. When the CPU 201 detects a fax instruction, it receives the original document from the scanner unit 104 as electronic data via the scanner I / F 208 and stores it in the DRAM 202. The CPU 201 performs image format conversion for fax and the like on the image data stored in the DRAM 202. The CPU 201 transfers the image data stored in the DRAM 202 to the fax telephone number and the like specified by the fax instruction via a telephone line network (not shown) to which the fax I / F 209 is connected. Fax via a telephone line is just an example, and it may also be an Internet fax.

[0024] The box function is a function that saves the scanned image in a storage area inside the image processing apparatus 100 or in a memory medium connected to the image processing apparatus 100, or makes the image processing apparatus 100 function as a file server to publish the images stored in the image processing apparatus 100 to an external PC (not shown) or other image processing apparatuses. In the box function, the process by which the CPU 201 detects a box save instruction from the user is the same as the aforementioned copy function. The box save instruction includes a save destination specified by the user, an image format, and the like. The save destination is the path of the internal storage of the image processing apparatus 100 or the memory medium connected to the image processing apparatus 100. The image format is, for example, JPEG, PDF, or the like. When the CPU 201 detects a box save instruction, it receives the original document from the scanner unit 104 as electronic data via the scanner I / F 208 and stores it in the DRAM 202. The CPU 201 performs image format conversion specified by the user and the like on the image data stored in the DRAM 202. The CPU 201 transfers the image data stored in the DRAM 202 to the save destination specified by the user, such as the internal Flash ROM 210 of the image processing apparatus 100 or a memory medium (not shown), via the SATA I / F 205.

[0025] In the fax function, instead of printing the received image, it may be converted into a format that can be viewed on a PC or the like and saved in the box. Also, as a box function, the image processing apparatus 100 serves as a file server such as an SMB server and publishes the contents of the Flash ROM 211. In the box function, the CPU 201 detects an external box access instruction via the network I / F 204. The box access instruction includes an image file path of the access destination and the like. The CPU 201 transfers the image data stored in the Flash ROM 210 corresponding to the specified image file path to the source of the box access instruction via the network I / F 204. Note that the above is an example of the functions of the image processing apparatus 100, and there may be other functions.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration executed by the controller unit 101 of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. All the software executed by the controller unit 101 is executed after the CPU 201 reads the program stored in the Flash ROM 210 into the DRAM 202, and realizes functional units as shown in 301 to 308 in FIG. 3.

[0027] The operation control unit 301 displays a screen image for the user on the operation unit 102, detects a user operation from the operation unit 102, and executes processing associated with screen components such as buttons displayed on the screen. The data storage unit 302 stores and reads requests and data from each control unit in and from the Flash ROM 210.

[0028] The job control unit 303 controls the execution of a job according to an instruction from another control unit. The image processing unit 304 processes the image data into a format suitable for each use according to an instruction from the job control unit 303. The print processing unit 305 prints and outputs an image on a paper medium via the printer I / F 207 according to an instruction from the job control unit 303. The reading processing unit 306 reads the set document via the scanner I / F 208 in accordance with an instruction from the job control unit 303.

[0029] The network control unit 307 inputs and outputs data from / to a LAN, Wi-Fi, or a public communication network via the network I / F 204 in accordance with instructions from each control unit. Further, the network control unit 307 enables the data stored in the Flash ROM 210 by the data storage unit 302 via the network control unit 307 to be accessed from an external device. Examples of the data stored in the Flash ROM 210 include images such as PDF and JPEG.

[0030] The FAX control unit 308 performs reception processing on the FAX data received from the network control unit 307 in accordance with an instruction from the job control unit 303, instructs printing to the printing processing unit 305, or converts the FAX data into an image such as PDF or JPEG and stores it in the data storage unit 302. Further, the FAX control unit 308 transmits FAX data via the network control unit 307 based on the image data read by the reading processing unit 306.

[0031] Hereinafter, the outline of the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 14. Hereinafter, FIGS. 7A and 7B are collectively referred to as FIG. 7, and FIGS. 9A and 9B are collectively referred to as FIG. 9.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution rule creation screen in the mail software 111 of the client terminal 110. In the mail software 111 of the client terminal 110, it is possible to set distribution rules that can distribute received mails and attached data according to arbitrary conditions.

[0033] Hereinafter, the distribution rules set on the screen of FIG. 4 will be described. When setting the distribution rules for received emails, first, the user opens the distribution rule creation screen 400 from the mail software 111. For example, when distributing emails whose subject contains "invoice", in this distribution rule creation screen 400, the user checks "the subject contains the following characters" like the distribution rule condition 401, and enters "invoice" in the conditional expression 402. Also, the user checks "store the attached file in a folder" as the process 403 to be executed when receiving an email for which the distribution rule condition 401 applies. When the user presses the folder selection screen 404, a folder selection dialog (not shown) is displayed, and the user can select the storage destination for the attached file. In the example of FIG. 4, the storage destination selected here is displayed in the file path 405 like "\branch\invoice". When the user presses the OK button 406, the rule created in the distribution rule creation screen 400 as described above is registered in the mail software 111, and received emails will be distributed according to this rule.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the sequence of destination registration according to the present embodiment. The processing of the image processing apparatus 100 in FIG. 5 is executed by each function realized by the CPU 201 of the image processing apparatus 100 reading a program stored in the Flash ROM 210 or the like into the DRAM 202 and executing it. In the present embodiment, since the information registered in the destination of the image processing apparatus 100, for example, the name of the destination is used as the subject of the email, it is necessary to register the destination in advance. In the following sequence, the operations at the time of error, which are not essential to the essence of the present embodiment, will be omitted from the description.

[0035] First, when the image processing apparatus 100 starts up, it displays the home screen 600 on the operation unit 102. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the home screen 600 of the image processing apparatus 100. Buttons for calling each function such as copy and print are arranged on the home screen 600. Although it is also possible to use user authentication, since it is not a matter directly related to the present embodiment, the description is omitted here.

[0036] When the user presses the destination registration button 601 on the home screen 600 of the image processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 6, the image processing apparatus 100 detects the pressing operation of the destination registration button 601 (S500). In response to this, the image processing apparatus 100 displays the destination registration screen 700 shown in FIG. 7(a) on the operation unit 102 (S501). Note that the Scan to mail button 602 and the setting button 603 on the home screen 600 will be described later.

[0037] FIG. 7(a) is a diagram showing an example of the destination registration screen 700 of the image processing apparatus 100. On the destination registration screen 700, registered destinations 701 are displayed. One destination is composed of the type of communication protocol (mail, fax, FTP, SMB, etc.) 702, name 703, destination 704, and the like.

[0038] When the user presses the new registration button 705, the image processing apparatus 100 detects the pressing operation of the new registration button 705 (S502). In response to this, the image processing apparatus 100 displays the destination type selection screen 709 shown in FIG. 7(b) on the operation unit 102 (S503). FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing an example of the destination type selection screen 709 of the image processing apparatus 100. On the destination type selection screen 709, as buttons corresponding to the protocol of the type of destination to be registered, an E-mail button 710, a Fax button 711, a file button 712, and a group button 713 are displayed, and the user selects the protocol of the type to be registered. When the user presses the close button 714, the image processing apparatus 100 closes the destination type selection screen 709 and displays the destination registration screen 700 on the operation unit 102.

[0039] Here, when the user presses the E-mail button 710, the image processing apparatus 100 detects the pressing operation of the E-mail button 710 (S504). In response to this, the image processing apparatus 100 displays the mail destination registration screen 715 shown in FIG. 7(c) on the operation unit 102 (S505). FIG. 7(c) is a diagram showing an example of the mail destination registration screen 715 of the image processing apparatus 100. On the mail destination registration screen 715, there are areas for registering a name 716 and an email address 717. When these are selected, a soft keyboard screen (not shown) is displayed, and information can be registered. Note that in S504 above, when another protocol is selected, a screen for inputting necessary information according to the selected protocol such as a phone number or a file path is displayed. Note that the name 716 can be registered even if it is not input.

[0040] When the user inputs necessary information into the name 716 or the email address 717, the image processing apparatus 100 detects the input of information into the name 716 or the email address 717 (S506). In response to this, the image processing apparatus 100 displays the input information in the areas of the name 716 and the email address 717 (S507).

[0041] Next, when the user presses the registration button 718, the image processing apparatus 100 detects the pressing operation of the registration button 718 (S508). In response to this, the image processing apparatus 100 registers the information input into the name 716 and the email address 717 (hereinafter referred to as "destination information") so as to be managed in a destination list stored in the Flash ROM 210 or the like (S509). Further, as shown in FIG. 7(d), the image processing apparatus 100 displays the destination registration screen 700 on the operation unit 102 (S510). The destination list is stored in the Flash ROM 210 or the like and manages by attaching names to one or more destinations (for example, email addresses).

[0042] FIG. 7(d) is a diagram showing an example of the destination registration screen 700 of the image processing apparatus 100. The destination 719 has a type of "mail", a name of "Headquarters", and a destination of "honsha@kaisha.com". Also, the destination 720 has the same type and the same destination as the destination 719, but has a name of "Branch A - Invoice", corresponding to the destination newly registered in S509 of FIG. 5. That is, in the destination book of this embodiment, even if they have the same email address, when different names are attached, they can be registered and managed as different destinations. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the name of the destination is used as the subject of the email. Therefore, even when sending an email to the same email address "honsha@kaisha.com", when the destination 719 is selected, "Headquarters" is set as the subject, while when the destination 720 is selected, "Branch A - Invoice" is automatically set as the subject.

[0043] Here, when the user presses the Details / Edit button 706, the image processing apparatus 100 displays the mail destination registration screen 715 in FIG. 7(c), and the details of the destination can be confirmed and edited. Also, when the user selects a destination and presses the Delete button 707, the image processing apparatus 100 deletes the selected destination. Further, when the user presses the Close button 708, the image processing apparatus 100 closes the destination registration screen 700 and returns the display to the home screen 600.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the sequence at the time of sending an email according to this embodiment. The processing of the image processing apparatus 100 in FIG. 8 is executed by each function realized by the CPU 201 of the image processing apparatus 100 reading a program stored in the Flash ROM 210 or the like into the DRAM 202 and executing it. Also, the processing of the mail server 130 is executed by each function realized by the CPU of the mail server 130 executing a program. Further, the processing of the client terminal 110 is executed by each function realized by the CPU of the client terminal 110 executing a program.

[0045] In this embodiment, the image data scanned by the user operating the image processing apparatus 100 is transmitted to the mail software 111 of the client terminal 110 via the mail server 130. The mail software 111 that has received the mail distributes the mail in accordance with the distribution rules created as shown in FIG. 4. In the following sequence, the description of the operations at the time of error, which is not essential to this embodiment, will be omitted.

[0046] When the user presses the Scan to mail button 602 on the home screen 600 of the image processing apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 6, the image processing apparatus 100 detects the pressing operation of the Scan to mail button 602 (S800). In response to this, the image processing apparatus 100 calls the Scan to mail function and displays a Scan to mail setting screen 900 as shown in FIG. 9(a) on the operation unit 102 (S801).

[0047] FIG. 9(a) is a diagram showing an example of the Scan to mail setting screen 900 according to this embodiment. When the user presses the start button 907, the image processing apparatus 100 attaches the electronic data scanned based on the settings in the scan settings 901 to an e-mail and transmits it to the destination set by pressing the destination selection button 903. The scan settings 901 are for setting the color settings and size at the time of reading, and those other than those shown in FIG. 9(a) may be set. Note that in a state where no destination is selected, the start button 907 is grayed out and cannot be selected. Also, when the user presses the cancel button 906, the image processing apparatus 100 closes the Scan to mail setting screen 900 and returns the display to the home screen 600. Also, when the user presses the subject / body button 902, in response to detecting this operation, the image processing apparatus 100 displays a subject / body setting screen 1100 as shown in FIG. 11 and accepts the input of the subject and body of the mail. Here, the subject / body setting screen 1100 will be described.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the subject / body setting screen 1100 according to this embodiment. On the subject / body setting screen 1100, the subject and body of the email when sending can be specified. When the user presses each of the subject area 1101 and the body area 1102, in response to detecting this operation, the image forming apparatus 100 displays a software keyboard screen (not shown). From this software keyboard screen, the user can input an arbitrary string as the subject and body. Also, when the user presses the OK button 1103, in response to detecting this operation, the image forming apparatus 100 holds the strings input in the subject area 1101 and the body area 1102 in the DRAM 202 or the like. Further, when the user presses the cancel button 1104, in response to this operation, the image forming apparatus 100 does not hold the strings input in the subject area 1101 and the body area 1102, closes the previous subject / body setting screen 1100, and returns the display to the Scan to mail setting screen 900.

[0049] Returning to the description of FIG. 8 below. Next, when the user presses the destination selection button 903 and further presses the address book button 904, the image forming apparatus 100 detects this operation (S802). In response to this, the image forming apparatus 100 displays a destination list screen 908 as shown in FIG. 9(b) on the operation unit 102 (S803). Here, when the user newly presses the input button 905, in response to this operation, the image forming apparatus 100 displays a mail destination registration screen 715 on the operation unit 102. On the destination list screen 908, a destination list 909 of which the type 702 of the communication protocol is "mail" among the destination lists registered in the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed. Regarding the operations of the new registration button 911, the details / edit button 912, and the delete button 913, since they are the same as the new registration button 705, the details / edit button 706, and the delete button 707 respectively, they are omitted. Also, when the user presses the cancel button 915, in response to this operation, the image forming apparatus 100 closes the destination list screen 908 without selecting a destination and returns the display to the Scan to mail setting screen 900.

[0050] On the destination list screen 908, when the user selects a destination 910 with a name of, for example, "Branch A - Invoice" and a destination of "honsha@kaisha.com", in response to this operation, the image processing apparatus 100 checks the first column of the table in the destination list 909. Note that on the destination list screen 908, the user can select multiple destinations. When the user presses the OK button 914 while at least one destination is selected, the image processing apparatus 100 detects this operation (S804). In response, the image processing apparatus 100 sets the destination selected on the destination list screen 908 as the email transmission destination (S805).

[0051] Next, the image processing apparatus 100 sets the subject of the email based on the destination set in S805 and the email settings etc. set in the image processing apparatus 100 (subject automatic setting process: S806). In this embodiment, while referring to the settings stored in the image processing apparatus 100 itself, the subject to be set at the time of email transmission is determined, and the subject is automatically set. This will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 10.

[0052] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the subject automatic setting process in the first embodiment. The processes shown in this flowchart are executed by the respective functions realized by the CPU 201 of the image processing apparatus 100 reading the program stored in the Flash ROM 210 etc. into the DRAM 202 and executing it.

[0053] First, when the user operates the image processing apparatus 100 to select the email transmission destination, at S1000, the image processing apparatus 100 accepts this destination selection operation and proceeds to S1001. At S1001, the image processing apparatus 100 determines whether the subject has been set by the user (whether there has been a change in the subject setting). As described above, the subject setting is performed when the user presses the subject / body button 902 on the Scan to mail setting screen 900 and on the subject / body setting screen 1100 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0054] Here, when the subject line is set (or there is a change in the subject line setting) (Yes in S1001), the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to S1002 for processing. In S1002, the image processing apparatus 100 sets an arbitrary character string input in the subject line area 1101, for example, "Branch A_Invoice", as the subject line at the time of email transmission, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0055] On the other hand, when the subject line is not set (there is no change in the subject line setting), that is, when the subject line is blank (No in S1001), the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to S1003 for processing. In S1003, the image processing apparatus 100 determines whether the setting value of "Use destination information as the subject line" is ON. Various settings including "Use destination information as the subject line" are to be set in advance by the user from the setting button 603 on the home screen 600. Here, various settings including "Use destination information as the subject line" will be described with reference to FIG. 12.

[0056] When the user presses the setting button 603 on the home screen 600, the image processing apparatus 100 displays a setting screen 1200 as shown in FIG. 12 on the operation unit 102 in response to this operation. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the setting screen 1200 according to the first embodiment. The setting screen 1200 is a screen where various settings of the image processing apparatus 100 can be made. For example, under a setting such as the setting path 1201 "Top / Function Settings / Transmission / Mail Settings", the user can select various settings related to mail transmission as displayed in the area 1202 to change the settings. In the setting 1203 of "Subject when omitted" in the area 1202, an arbitrary string can be set as the "Subject when omitted". Also, in the setting 1204 of "Use destination information in subject", the setting value of "Use destination information in subject" can be set to ON (enabled) or OFF (disabled). In the example of FIG. 12, "Attached Image" is set as the setting 1203 of "Subject when omitted", and "ON" is set as the setting 1204 of "Use destination information in subject". When the user presses the close button 1205, in response to this operation, the image processing apparatus 100 returns to the home screen 600.

[0057] Next, return to the description of S1003 in FIG. 10. In S1003, when the setting value of the setting 1204 of "Use destination information in subject" is OFF (No in S1003), the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to S1004. In S1004, the image processing apparatus 100 sets an arbitrary string set in the setting 1203 of "Subject when omitted" as the subject of the mail. In the example of FIG. 12, since "Attached Image" is set as the setting 1203 of "Subject when omitted", the image processing apparatus 100 sets "Attached Image" as the subject of the email and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0058] On the other hand, in S1003 above, when the setting value of the setting 1204 of "Use destination information in subject" is ON (Yes in S1003), the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to S1005. In S1005, the image processing apparatus 100 determines whether a name is registered for the selected destination. Here, when no name is registered for the destination (No in S1005), the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to S1004.

[0059] On the other hand, if a name is registered for the destination (Yes in S1005), the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to S1006 for processing. In S1006, the image processing apparatus 100 sets the name of the selected destination as the subject of the email. For example, if the selected destination is the destination 910 shown in FIG. 9(b), since the name of the destination is "A Branch Office_Invoice", the image processing apparatus 100 sets "A Branch Office_Invoice" as the subject of the email and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0060] Returning to the description of FIG. 8 below. The image processing apparatus 100 that has set the subject as shown in S806 described above updates the Scan to mail setting screen 900 as shown in FIG. 9(c) (S807). As a result, on the Scan to mail setting screen 900, the information of the destination 910 selected in S804 is displayed in the transmission destination list 916 in the table of FIG. 9(c). Here, when the user presses the subject / body button 902, in response to this operation, the image processing apparatus 100 displays the subject / body setting screen 1100. At this time, the subject set in S806 is reflected in the subject area 1101 of the subject / body setting screen 1100.

[0061] Furthermore, when the user presses the start button 907 on the Scan to mail setting screen 900, the image processing apparatus 100 detects this operation (S808). In response to this, the image processing apparatus 100 executes a scan according to the scan setting 901 (S809), attaches the scan data to an email according to the SMTP protocol, and sends the email to the mail server 130 (S810). When the transmission of the email is completed, the image processing apparatus 100 displays a transmission completion screen (end screen) (not shown) on the operation unit 102 (S811) to notify the user of the completion of the transmission.

[0062] When the mail server 130 that has received the email from the image processing apparatus 100 receives an instruction for POP reception from the mail software 111 of the client terminal 110 (S812), it sends the email to the mail software 111 of the client terminal 110 (S813).

[0063] The mail software 111 of the client terminal 110 receives an e-mail from the mail server (S814). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a mail screen 1300 when an e-mail received by the mail software 111 at the client terminal 110 is opened. The header information 1301 of the e-mail includes the subject set in S806 (in this example, "A Branch_Invoice"), and the body 1302 is the mail body at the time of transmission.

[0064] The mail software 111 sorts and processes the e-mail received in S814 according to the sorting rules set as shown in FIG. 4 (S815 - S817). An example of the sorting rules shown in FIG. 4 is that when the subject contains "Invoice", the attached file is stored in the path "\Branch\Invoice" of the storage 112. Therefore, the mail software 111 checks the subject of the mail received in S814 (S815), checks the sorting rules (S816), collates the subject "A Branch_Invoice" with the sorting rules, and stores (saves) the attached file of the mail in a predetermined path (S817).

[0065] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a storage screen 1400 of the client terminal 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 14(a), there are three folders in the folder where the folder path 1401 is "\Branch". When the user presses the "Invoice" folder 1402, the folder of "\Branch\Invoice" shown in FIG. 4(b) is displayed. FIG. 4(b) shows that the attached file "A Branch_Invoice.pdf" 1403 automatically stored by the process of S817 is stored in the folder of "\Branch\Invoice".

[0066] As in the above processing, in the first embodiment, when sending image data generated by scanning with an image processing apparatus by email, destination information (using names in the first embodiment) associated with each destination is automatically set as the subject of the email. In the destination book of this embodiment, it is possible to register different names for one email address as different destinations. For this reason, the user can easily set an arbitrary subject just by selecting a destination when sending an email, and can easily correspond to sorting in the email software on the receiving side. For example, even when it is desired to set different subjects such as "·· Invoice", "·· Application Form", "·· Report", etc., it is only necessary to register in advance destinations with information including "Invoice", "Application Form", "Report", etc. in the name. When sending an email, just by selecting a destination, automatic setting of the subject becomes possible. Therefore, it is no longer necessary for the user to input the subject every time when sending an email as in the prior art, and the burden on the user can be significantly reduced and the usability can be improved.

[0067] 〔Second Embodiment〕 Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. However, not all of the features described in this embodiment are essential to the solution means of the present invention. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which image data scanned by an image processing apparatus is sent to the email software of a client terminal through an email server. Note that the description of the same parts as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0068] In the above-described first embodiment, an example was described in which the name for each destination (even if the email addresses are the same but the names are different, they are managed as different destinations) is used to automatically set the name of the destination in the subject line when sending an email. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which, when sending an email to a plurality of destinations with the same subject line at once, the name of the group destination is automatically set in the subject line. A group destination is something that can be registered by grouping a plurality of destinations as one group destination regardless of the protocol type. That is, in the destination book, a name is given to a group including a plurality of destinations, and it can be managed in the destination book. In this embodiment, it is assumed that only destinations with the protocol of mail are selected multiple times to create a group destination.

[0069] First, the registration of the group destination will be described with reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B. Hereinafter, FIGS. 15A and 15B will be collectively referred to as FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a group destination registration screen 1500 when newly registering a group destination in the image processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. In particular, the screen shown in FIG. 15(a) is displayed on the operation unit 102 of the image processing apparatus 100 when the user presses the group button 713 on the destination type selection screen 709 at the time of destination registration.

[0070] On the group destination registration screen 1500, the group destination name 1501 can be arbitrarily set by the user. In the example of FIG. 15(a), "Announcement from the Head Office" is set. Here, when the user presses the cancel button 1504, the image processing apparatus 100 closes the group destination registration screen 1500 without registering the group destination and returns to the destination registration screen 700. Also, when the user presses the add button 1502 from the address book, the image processing apparatus 100 displays a list of destinations 1505 registered in the address book, as shown in FIG. 15(b), on the operation unit 102.

[0071] In the destination list 1505, a region 1506 for selecting the destinations to be registered as the group destination, the protocol type 1507, the name 1508, and the destination 1509 are displayed. In the example of Fig. 15(b), the user selects three destinations of mails whose names 1507 are "Branch A", "Branch B", and "Branch C" from the destination list 1505 as group destinations. When the user presses the cancel button 1511, in response to detecting this operation, the image forming apparatus 100 closes the destination list 1505 without holding the selected destinations, and returns the display to the group destination registration screen 1500. Also, when the user presses the OK button 1510, in response to detecting this operation, the image forming apparatus 100 registers the destinations selected as the group destination, and returns the display to the group destination registration screen 1500 as shown in Fig. 15(c).

[0072] In the example shown in Fig. 15(c), the three mails registered as the group destination are displayed in the group destination list 1512. Here, when the user presses the OK button 1503, in response to detecting this operation, the image forming apparatus 100 registers the group destination with the information displayed in Fig. 15(c), and returns the display to the destination registration screen 700.

[0073] Next, with reference to Fig. 16, the operation when selecting a group destination and sending an email will be described. Fig. 16(a) is a diagram showing an example of the destination list screen 908 that the image forming apparatus 100 displays in S803 of Fig. 8 in the second embodiment. Here, it is assumed that a group destination is selected, and an arbitrary subject is automatically set uniformly for a plurality of email destinations, and an email is sent. In this case, the user selects the group destination 1600 and presses the OK button 914. When the image processing apparatus 100 detects this operation (S804 in FIG. 8), the image processing apparatus 100 sets the destination selected on the destination list screen 908 as the email transmission destination (S805). Further, the image processing apparatus 100 sets the subject of the destination set in S805 (in the example of FIG. 16(a), "Notification from the Head Office") as the subject of the email (subject setting; S806). Note that the details of the subject setting process in S806 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted. The image processing apparatus 100 that has set the subject in this way updates the Scan to mail setting screen 900 as shown in FIG. 16(b) (S807).

[0074] Note that the image processing apparatus 100 displays the information of the group destination 1600 selected by the user in S804 in the transmission destination list 1601 of the Scan to mail setting screen 900. At this time, the name "Notification from the Head Office" and the number of destinations "3" are displayed, but other information may be displayed. Here, when the user presses the subject / body button 902, in response to this operation, the image processing apparatus 100 displays the subject / body setting screen 1100 as shown in FIG. 11 on the operation unit 102. At this time, the subject "Notification from the Head Office" set in S806 is reflected in the subject area 1101 of the subject / body setting screen 1100.

[0075] With the above configuration, when sending image data generated by scanning with an image processing apparatus by email, by automatically setting the destination information (using "name" in this embodiment) of the group destination as the subject of the email, an arbitrary same subject can be easily set for a plurality of destinations. That is, the user can easily set an arbitrary subject for a plurality of destinations simply by selecting a group destination when sending an email, and can easily correspond to the sorting in the email software on the receiving side. Therefore, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary for the user to input the subject every time when sending an email, and the burden on the user can be significantly reduced and the usability can be improved.

[0076] 〔Third Embodiment〕 Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. However, not all of the features described in this embodiment are essential for the solution means of the present invention. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which image data scanned by an image processing apparatus is transmitted to the email software of a client terminal through an email server. Note that the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0077] In the first embodiment described above, an example was described in which a name was attached to the destination at the time of destination registration and the name of the destination was automatically set as the subject at the time of email transmission. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which, at the time of destination registration, in addition to the name of the destination, the subject at the time of email transmission is attached and registered, and the subject attached and registered to the destination at the time of email transmission is automatically set as the subject of the email.

[0078] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an email destination registration screen 715 displayed by the image processing apparatus 100 in S505 when the user selects an email by selecting a destination type in S504 of FIG. 5. Hereinafter, FIGS. 17A and 17B will be collectively referred to as FIG. 17. The email destination registration screen 715 shown in FIG. 17(a) is provided with a subject area 1700 where the subject to be set at the time of email transmission can be specified. In the example of FIG. 17(a), "Branch A_Invoice" is set in the subject area 1700 (S505 to S507).

[0079] Here, when the user presses the registration button 718, the image processing apparatus 100 detects the pressing operation of the registration button 718 (S508). In response to this, the image processing apparatus 100 registers the destination information input in the name 716, the subject 1700, and the email address 717 in the address book (S509), and as shown in FIG. 17(b), displays the destination registration screen 700 on the operation unit 102 (S510).

[0080] The destination registration screen 700 of the present embodiment is configured such that a new subject 1701 is added to the registered destination 701 as shown in FIG. 17(b). For example, although the destinations 1702 and 1703 have the same destination email address "honsha@kaisha.com", the subjects are "A Branch_Invoice" and "A Branch_Monthly Application", respectively, and different subjects are set. When the user selects the destination 1702 as the destination of the email, the image processing apparatus 100 sets "A Branch_Invoice" as the subject of the email, and when the user selects the destination 1703, the image processing apparatus 100 sets "A Branch_Monthly Application" as the subject of the email (S806).

[0081] Here, the subject setting process of S806 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the subject automatic setting process in the third embodiment. Note that the processes shown in this flowchart are executed by the respective functions realized by the CPU 201 of the image processing apparatus 100 reading a program stored in the Flash ROM 210 or the like into the DRAM 202 and executing it.

[0082] In the third embodiment, when the setting value of the setting 1204 of "using the destination information as the subject" in S1003 is ON (Yes in S1003), the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to the process of S1801. In S1801, the image processing apparatus 100 determines whether a subject is registered for the selected destination. Here, if no subject is registered for the destination (in the case of No in S1801), the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to S1004 for processing.

[0083] On the other hand, if a subject is registered for the destination (in the case of Yes in S1801), the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to S1802 for processing. In S1802, the image processing apparatus 100 sets the subject registered for the selected destination as the subject of the e-mail. For example, if the selected destination in the destination list 1710 shown in FIG. 17(c) is destination 1711, since the name of the destination is "A Branch_Invoice", the image processing apparatus 100 sets "A Branch_Invoice" as the subject of the e-mail and ends the processing of this flowchart. Since the other steps are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0084] As in the above processing, in the third embodiment, when transmitting image data generated by scanning with an image processing apparatus by e-mail, the destination information associated with each destination (using the subject in the third embodiment) is automatically set as the subject of the e-mail. Note that in the destination list of this embodiment, it is possible to register different subjects for one e-mail address as different destinations. For this reason, the user can easily set an arbitrary subject simply by selecting a destination when sending an e-mail, and can easily correspond to sorting in the mail software on the receiving side. For example, even when it is desired to set different subjects such as "·· Invoice", "·· Application Form", "·· Report", etc., it is only necessary to register in advance destinations with information including subjects such as "Invoice", "Application Form", "Report", etc., and at the time of sending an e-mail, it is possible to automatically set the subject simply by selecting a destination. Therefore, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary for the user to input a subject every time when sending an e-mail, and the burden on the user can be significantly reduced and the usability can be improved.

[0085] 〔Fourth Embodiment〕 In the fourth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which a destination obtained by associating the subject entered manually by the user when sending an email with the email address that is the destination of the email can be registered in the destination book. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of subject automatic setting processing in the fourth embodiment. Note that the processing shown in this flowchart is executed by functions realized by the CPU 201 of the image processing apparatus 100 reading a program stored in the Flash ROM 210 or the like into the DRAM 202 and executing it.

[0086] In the fourth embodiment, after the processing of S1002, the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to the processing of S1901. In S1901, the image processing apparatus 100 inquires of the user whether to register a destination including the subject set in S1002 (a character string manually entered by the user in the subject area 1101) as the destination (for example, as the name). For example, the user's selection is prompted by displaying a dialog such as "Do you want to register a destination including the entered subject in the destination information? [Yes], [No]" on the operation unit 102. Here, if it is selected not to register ([No]), that is, if there is a response not to perform the above registration (in the case of No in S1901), the image processing apparatus 100 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0087] On the other hand, if it is selected to register ([Yes]), that is, if there is a response to perform the above registration (in the case of Yes in S1901), the image processing apparatus 100 proceeds to the processing of S1902. In S1902, the image processing apparatus 100 registers the subject entered in the subject area 1101 and the email address specified as the destination in the Flash ROM 210 or the like as destination information with the name and destination, and ends the processing of this flowchart. In the above description, a configuration has been described in which the subject entered by the user can be registered in the destination book as the name of the destination. However, as in the third embodiment, the subject manually entered by the user may be made registrable in the destination book as the name of the subject at the time of email transmission.

[0088] As described above, the subject line manually input by the user when sending an email can be newly registered in the destination list as the destination information of the recipient of the email, and the usability of the user can be improved.

[0089] As described above, according to each of the embodiments, when sending image data scanned by an image processing apparatus by email, it is possible to automatically set a subject line suitable for the distribution process on the email receiving side. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to input the subject line every time when sending an email as in the prior art, and the burden on the user can be significantly reduced, thereby improving the usability of the user.

[0090] Note that the configurations of the various data described above and their contents are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that they may be configured with various configurations and contents according to the use and purpose. Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, or a storage medium. Specifically, it may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of one device. In addition, all configurations combining the above-described embodiments are also included in the present invention.

[0091] 〔Other Embodiments〕 The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in a computer of the system or the apparatus read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. In addition, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of each embodiment) are possible based on the gist of the present invention, and they are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. That is, all configurations combining the above-described embodiments and their modifications are also included in the present invention.

[0092] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) An image processing apparatus including a scanner, a first management means for respectively naming one or more destinations and managing them in a destination list, control means for controlling to set a subject for an e-mail to which a file including image data generated by using the scanner is attached, transmission means for transmitting the e-mail to a designated destination, wherein the control means sets the name of the designated destination as the subject of the e-mail. An image processing apparatus characterized by this. (Configuration 2) a second management means for managing whether a subject setting indicating whether to use the name of a destination as the subject of an e-mail is valid or invalid, wherein the control means sets the name of the designated destination as the subject of the e-mail when the subject setting is valid. The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 1, characterized by this. (Configuration 3) wherein the control means sets a predetermined subject previously managed in the image processing apparatus as the subject of the e-mail when the subject setting is invalid. The image processing apparatus according to Configuration 2, characterized by this. (Configuration 4) input means for a user to input the subject of the e-mail, wherein the control means does not set the name of the designated destination as the subject of the e-mail and sets the input subject as the subject of the e-mail when the subject of the e-mail is input by the user using the input means. The image processing apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, characterized by this. (Configuration 5) When the subject of the e-mail is input from the input means, the control means controls to be able to register the input subject as the name of the destination of the e-mail in the destination list, according to Configuration 4 of the image processing apparatus according to claim 1. (Configuration 6) When the subject of the e-mail is input from the input means, the control means inquires the user whether to register the input subject as the name of the destination of the e-mail in the destination list, and performs the registration according to the response instructing the registration from the user, according to Configuration 5 of the image processing apparatus according to claim 1. (Configuration 7) The first management means can manage different destinations with different names attached to one e-mail address in the destination list, according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6 of the image processing apparatus according to claim 1. (Configuration 8) The destinations managed by the first management means in the destination list include a group of destinations including a plurality of destinations, according to any one of claims 1 to 7 of the image processing apparatus according to claim 1. (Method 1) A control method for an image processing apparatus having a scanner and a management means for managing a destination list by attaching a name to each of one or more destinations, a setting step of controlling to set a subject for an e-mail to which a file including image data generated by using the scanner is attached; and a transmission step of transmitting the e-mail to a designated destination, wherein in the setting step, the name of the designated destination is set as the subject of the e-mail, according to the control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 1. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an image processing apparatus according to Method 1.

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus including a scanner, first management means for respectively naming one or more destinations and managing them in a destination list, control means for controlling to set a subject for an e-mail to which a file including image data generated by using the scanner is attached, transmission means for transmitting the e-mail to a designated destination, wherein the control means sets the name of the designated destination as the subject of the e-mail. The image processing apparatus is characterized by this.

2. Second management means for managing whether a subject setting indicating whether to use the name of a destination as the subject of an e-mail is valid or invalid, wherein the control means sets the name of the designated destination as the subject of the e-mail when the subject setting is valid. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control means sets a predetermined subject pre-managed in the image processing apparatus as the subject of the e-mail when the subject setting is invalid.

4. Input means for a user to input the subject of the e-mail, wherein the control means does not set the name of the designated destination as the subject of the e-mail and sets the input subject as the subject of the e-mail when the subject of the e-mail is input by the user using the input means. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is characterized by this.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control means controls to be able to register the input subject in the destination list as the name of the destination of the e-mail when the subject of the e-mail is input from the input means.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control means inquires the user whether to register the input subject in the destination list as the name of the destination of the e-mail when the subject of the e-mail is input from the input means, and performs the registration in response to a response instructing the registration from the user.

7. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first management means can manage different names for one e-mail address as different destinations in the destination list.

8. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the destinations managed by the first management means in the destination book include destination groups including a plurality of destinations.

9. A control method for an image processing apparatus having a scanner and a management means for managing a destination book by assigning a name to each of one or more destinations, A setting step of controlling to set a subject for an e-mail to which a file including image data generated by using the scanner is attached, A transmission step of transmitting the e-mail to a designated destination, and In the setting step, the name of the designated destination is set as the subject of the e-mail. A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by this.

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the image processing apparatus according to claim 9.

Images