Information processor, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To allow use situations of data about an information processor to be easily grasped.SOLUTION: An information processor includes: access means accessible to first destination management information which an administrator can use but a non-administrator cannot use and second destination management information which both the administrator and the non-administrator can use; first transmission means transmitting data associated with a prescribed function to any one address selected by the administrator from the first destination management information; first update means for updating last use date and time of a destination that matches the destination to which the first transmission means has transmitted the data according to the current time in the first destination management information; and display control means displaying for displaying to a display part a first editing screen that allows one or both of the first destination management information and the second destination management information to be edited by the administrator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, image processing devices have functions for transmitting image data to external devices via a network and for storing address books. A technique is known in which each user of an image processing device registers destinations in the address book, and the destinations registered in the address book can be reused when transmitting image data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-202506 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in an environment where multiple users share an image processing device, unused destinations remain registered in the address book, which can be cumbersome when selecting a destination to reuse from the address book. Furthermore, in order to delete unused destinations from the address book, an administrator may need to check with the user of the image processing device about the destination usage status, which can be very time-consuming for the administrator to inventory the address book. Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device that has an inventory function that associates and stores information about the number of times a destination registered in the address book has been used with information about the last date and time of use, and extracts destinations to be deleted from the destinations registered in the address book.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to make it possible to easily grasp the usage status of data related to an information processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device comprising: an access means capable of accessing first destination management information that can be used by an administrator but not by non-administrators, the first destination management information having at least one destination information including at least information indicating a destination and information indicating a last used date and time; and second destination management information that can be used by both the administrator and the non-administrators, the second destination management information having at least one destination information including at least information indicating a destination and information indicating a last used date and time; a first transmission means that transmits data associated with a predetermined function to any destination selected by the administrator from the first destination management information; a first update means that updates, with the current time, the last used date and time of a destination in the first destination management information that matches the destination to which the first transmission means transmitted data; and a display control means that displays, on a display unit, a first editing screen that enables the administrator to edit either or both of the first destination management information and the second destination management information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to easily grasp the usage status of data related to an information processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Overall configuration of the image processing system [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image processing device [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of user data stored in a storage device; [Figure 4] Flowchart showing a process for authenticating a user [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for accepting a user's login. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 shows an example of an operation screen in system management mode and an operation screen in a mode other than system management mode that are displayed when a user logs in. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for accepting edits to an address book by a general user. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for accepting edits to the address book in a mode other than the system management mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for registering a new destination in the address book. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a destination management table stored in a storage device. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing a process for accepting settings for transmitting image data. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for accepting transmission settings. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for accepting the selection of a destination registered in an address book. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for accepting transmission settings. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for inputting a new destination. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for setting a notification destination of a job completion notification. [Figure 17] A flowchart showing a process for executing a job for transmitting image data. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transmission history database stored in a storage. [Figure 19] Flowchart showing the process of accepting edits to the address book by the administrator [Figure 20] Figure 10 shows an example of an operation screen for accepting edits to the address book in system management mode. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an administrator destination management table stored in a storage device. [Figure 22] Flowchart showing the process of accepting settings for communication management reports in system management mode [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for accepting settings for a communication management report in system management mode. [Figure 24] Flowchart showing the process of outputting a communication management report [Figure 25] Flowchart showing the process of outputting a communication management report [Figure 26] Flowchart showing the process of accepting forwarding settings [Figure 27] Figure 10 shows an example of an operation screen for accepting transfer settings in system management mode. [Figure 28] Flowchart showing the process of transferring received data DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the disclosure according to the claims. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the disclosure, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0010] First Embodiment <Summary> An overview of a first embodiment will be described. An information processing device is configured to exclude destinations associated with a predetermined function from deletion candidates when executing an inventory function for an address book containing multiple destinations. Here, the predetermined functions include, for example, a received document forwarding function, a report sending function, a consumables notification function, and an error notification function. Furthermore, the information processing device may also be configured to exclude group destinations registered in the address book as a group from deletion candidates when executing an inventory function for an address book containing multiple destinations. However, for example, destinations that have not been used for a long time may be excluded from deletion candidates even though they are unnecessary, resulting in destinations that have not been used for a long time remaining in the address book. In such a case, when a new administrator takes over the management of the information processing device, it may be difficult for the new administrator to grasp the usage status of the destinations excluded from deletion candidates. In particular, if the new administrator cannot access information other than the destinations that are deletion candidates, it may be difficult for the new administrator to grasp the usage status of the destinations excluded from deletion candidates. This is not limited to the new administrator; it also applies to a user taking over an address book inventory. As described above, regardless of whether the user taking inventory of the address book is an administrator or not, it is difficult for the user to grasp the usage status of destinations that are excluded from the inventory.

[0011] In the embodiment described below, an example of an information processing device that can more easily grasp the usage status of the destination of data in the information processing device will be described.

[0012] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image processing system. In this image processing system, a file sharing server 101, a mail server 102, and an image processing device 103, such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), are connected via a network 104. The network 104 may be wired or wireless, and the communication method is not limited. The image processing device 103 is also connected to a public telephone line network 110.

[0013] The image processing device 103 can transmit image data (file transmission) to a folder in the file sharing server 101 as a destination using SMB, FTP, or WebDAV. The image processing device 103 can also transmit image data by e-mail (mail transmission) via the mail server 102. The image processing device 103 is also connected to the public telephone line network 110, and can therefore communicate (transmit and receive data) with a facsimile (not shown). The image processing device 103 can also transfer data received from a facsimile (not shown) to a folder in the file sharing server 101 based on transfer settings, and can also transfer data to a predetermined e-mail address via the mail server 102. The image processing device 103 also has a login authentication function, and can perform login authentication by entering a user name and password when using the image processing device 103.

[0014] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image processing device 103. The image processing device 103 has a control unit 210, an operation unit 220, a printer unit 221, a scanner unit 222, and a modem unit 223. The control unit 210 has a processor 211 such as a CPU, a ROM 212, a RAM 213, a storage 214, an operation unit I / F 215, a printer I / F 216, a scanner I / F 217, a modem I / F 218, a network I / F 219, and a timer 230.

[0015] The control unit 210 controls the overall operation of the image processing device 103. The processor 211 loads and executes a control program stored in the ROM 212 via a work area in the RAM 213, thereby performing various types of control, such as print control, reading control, and transmission control. The RAM 213 is used as a temporary storage area, such as the main memory and work area, of the processor 211. The storage 214 stores image data, various programs, and various setting information, such as an address book. In this embodiment, the storage 214 is assumed to be an auxiliary storage device, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but a non-volatile memory, such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), may be used instead of the HDD.

[0016] The operation unit I / F 215 connects the operation unit 220 and the processor 211 (control unit 210). The operation unit 220 includes, for example, a touch panel, which is a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel function, as a display unit. The processor 211 also functions as a display control unit that controls the screen displayed on the display unit via the operation unit I / F 215.

[0017] The printer I / F 216 connects the printer unit 221 and the processor 211 (control unit 210). Image data to be printed by the printer unit 221 is transferred from the control unit 210 to the printer unit 221 via the printer I / F 216, and is printed by the printer unit 221 on a recording medium such as paper (sheet).

[0018] The scanner I / F 217 connects the scanner unit 222 and the processor 211 (control unit 210). The scanner unit 222 reads an image on a document, generates image data (image file), and inputs the image data to the control unit 210 via the scanner I / F 217. The image processing device 103 can transmit the image data (image file) generated by the scanner unit 222.

[0019] The modem I / F 218 connects the modem unit 223 and the processor 211 (control unit 210). The modem unit 223 connects the image processing device 103 (control unit 210) to the public telephone network 110. The modem unit 223 transmits and receives data to and from a facsimile machine (not shown) on the public telephone network 110.

[0020] The network I / F 219 connects the image processing device 103 (control unit 210) to the network 104. The network I / F 219 transmits image data and information to external devices on the network 104, such as the file sharing server 101 and the mail server 102, and conversely receives various information from external devices on the network 104.

[0021] The timer 230 manages the current time, including the year, month, date, and time.

[0022] <Login authentication function> Next, a login authentication function provided in the image processing device 103 of this embodiment will be described. The image processing device 103 provides various functions provided in the image processing device 103, such as transmission and fax, to a user who has been permitted to log in through login authentication. The user who has been permitted to log in uses each function of the image processing device 103 via the operation unit 220 of the image processing device 103.

[0023] 3 is a diagram showing an example of user data 300 stored in the storage 214 of the image processing device 103. The user data 300 is information for managing users who log in to the image processing device 103, and includes a username 301, a password 302, a role 303, an email address 304, etc. The user data 300 may also include other management data, such as identification information for folders of logged-in users.

[0024] The user name 301 is a user name that uniquely identifies the user. The password 302 indicates a password for authenticating the user. The role 303 is information indicating the authority of the user who uses the image processing device 103. Here, two types are exemplified: "Administrator," which indicates a user who has authority to manage the image processing device 103, and "General User," which indicates a user who does not have authority to manage the image processing device 103. For example, a user with the role "Administrator" can configure management settings of the image processing device 103, such as transfer settings and communication management reports, which will be described later. On the other hand, a user with the role "General User" cannot configure management settings of the image processing device 103, such as transfer settings and communication management reports, which will be described later. Hereinafter, a user with the role "Administrator" will be referred to as an administrator (administrator user), and a user with the role "General User" will be referred to as a general user. The email address 304 is an email address associated with the logged-in user.

[0025] <Authentication process> Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the process of authenticating a user by the image processing device 103. The process shown in the flowchart in Fig. 4 is realized by the processor 211 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 212 via the RAM 213. Note that the process of this flowchart starts when power is supplied to the image processing device 103 and the image processing device 103 becomes available for use by various boot programs.

[0026] In S401, the processor 211 displays a login screen 500 shown in Fig. 5 on the operation unit 220. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 220 for accepting login by a user.

[0027] In S402, the processor 211 accepts input of a username and password via the login screen 500. Specifically, the user touches the "Username" field 501 and enters the username via the displayed keyboard. Then, the user touches the "Password" field 502 and enters the password via the displayed keyboard. The processor 211 stores the accepted username and password in the RAM 213. Note that, although an example in which the user enters the username and password via the displayed keyboard has been described here, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the processor 211 of the image processing device 103 may acquire the username and password from the card via wireless communication by bringing a card carried by the user close to the image processing device 103.

[0028] In S403, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Login" key 503 provided on the login screen 500 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Login" key 503 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S404. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Login" key 503 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S402 and repeats the process.

[0029] In S404, the processor 211 compares the received user name and password with the user name 301 and password 302 included in the user data 300 stored in the storage 214, and executes authentication processing for the user information. Note that, in the present embodiment, the received user name and password are compared with the user name and password stored in the storage 214 of the image processing apparatus 103 to authenticate the user, but this is not limiting. It is also possible to connect to an external authentication server via the network I / F 219 and use the authentication results of the external authentication server. In this case, exchange of authentication information with the external authentication server is performed using a known technology, such as LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol).

[0030] In S405, the processor 211 determines whether or not the user authentication has been successful. If it is determined that the user authentication has been successful, the processor 211 proceeds to S406. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user authentication has not been successful, the processor 211 proceeds to S407.

[0031] In S406, the processor 211 logs the user into the image processing device 103, and proceeds to S408. In order to manage users who are logged into the image processing device 103, the processor 211 stores in the RAM 213 the user names of users who have logged into the image processing device 103.

[0032] In S407, the processor 211 displays on the operation unit 220 that the authentication has failed, and ends the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0033] In S408, the processor 211 displays the home screen shown in FIG. 6(a) or 6(b) on the operation unit 220, and ends the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0034] 6(a) and 6(b) are diagrams showing examples of operation screens displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 220 when a user logs in. A home screen 600 shown in FIG. 6(a) is an example of a home screen displayed when an administrator logs in. A home screen 610 shown in FIG. 6(b) is an example of a home screen displayed when a general user logs in. That is, FIG. 6(a) is a home screen displayed in the system management mode, and FIG. 6(b) is a home screen displayed in a mode other than the system management mode (i.e., normal mode). When an administrator logs in to an image processing apparatus using an administrator ID, the image processing apparatus enters the system management mode. When a user other than the administrator (i.e., a non-administrator) logs in to an image processing apparatus using a user ID other than the administrator ID (i.e., a non-administrator ID), the image processing apparatus enters a mode other than the system mode.

[0035] The home screens 600 and 610 are provided with buttons (icons) for activating various functions of the image processing device 103. On the home screen 600, a "Transfer Settings" button 603 and a "Communication Management Report" button 604 are displayed in a form that can be pressed. In contrast, on the home screen 610, a "Transfer Settings" button 613 and a "Communication Management Report" button 614 are displayed in a form that cannot be pressed. Specifically, the "Transfer Settings" button 613 and the "Communication Management Report" button 614 are displayed semi-transparently. Alternatively, the "Transfer Settings" button 613 and the "Communication Management Report" button 614 may be configured to be hidden. That is, in this embodiment, only the administrator can configure the transfer settings and use the communication management report.

[0036] <Address book editing process by general users> Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the process in which the image processing device 103 accepts editing of the address book by a general user. The process shown in the flowchart in Fig. 7 is realized by the processor 211 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 212 via the RAM 213. Note that the process of this flowchart is started when a general user presses the "Register destination" button 612 while the home screen 610 shown in Fig. 6(b) is displayed.

[0037] In S701, the processor 211 acquires destination information from the destination management information (destination management table (also called “second destination management table”)) 1000 stored in the storage 214.

[0038] In S702, the processor 211 displays an address book editing screen 800 shown in FIG. 8A on the operation unit 220. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for accepting editing of the address book, which is displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 220. The processor 211 displays a plurality of pieces of destination information acquired from the destination management table 1000 in a destination list 803. For example, the destination list 803 displays a plurality of pieces of destination information corresponding to the protocol 1003, name 1002, address 1004, and last used date and time 1009 acquired from the destination management table 1000 (see FIG. 10). The plurality of pieces of destination information are also sorted and displayed in order from the most recent to the oldest last used date and time. The address book editing screen 800 also allows the user to register a new destination in the address book, delete a destination from the address book, and so on.

[0039] In S703, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Register new destination" key 801 provided on the address book editing screen 800 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Register new destination" key 801 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S704. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Register new destination" key 801 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S721.

[0040] In S704, the processor 211 displays the destination type selection screen shown in FIG. 8(b) on the operation unit 220. FIG. 8(b) shows an example of a pop-up screen 811 used as the destination type selection screen in this embodiment, displayed on the address book editing screen 800. Here, the destination type selection targets are described using email, file, and group as examples, but are not limited to these. Here, email refers to the unit specified when registering one destination. Furthermore, file refers to the unit specified when registering one destination. Furthermore, a group is a unit used when sending image data collectively to multiple destinations as a group transmission, and one or more destinations can be included in this group.

[0041] In S705, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Email" key 812 provided on the pop-up screen 811 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Email" key 812 has been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S706. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Email" key 812 has not been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S710.

[0042] In S706, the processor 211 displays an email destination registration screen 900 shown in Fig. 9(a) on the operation unit 220. Fig. 9(a) is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for registering a new email destination in the address book, which is displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 220. In the "Destination Name" field 901 and the "Email Address" field 902, it is possible to enter the content to be registered in association with each destination. Note that the configurable items are not limited to those described above, and other setting items may be provided.

[0043] In S707, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "OK" key 903 provided on the mail destination registration screen 900 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "OK" key 903 has been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S708. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "OK" key 903 has not been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S709.

[0044] In S708, the processor 211 registers the information on the last use date and time initialized to null in the destination management table 1000 in association with the destination information entered on the mail destination registration screen 900, and then returns to S701 to repeat the process.

[0045] In S709, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Cancel" key 904 provided on the mail destination registration screen 900 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Cancel" key 904 has been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S701 and repeats the processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Cancel" key 904 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S707 and repeats the processing.

[0046] Although not specifically stated, a user who is not an administrator can input destination information into the email destination registration screen 900 between the time the processor 211 executes S706 and the time it judges YES in S707 or S709.

[0047] In S710, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "File" key 813 provided on the pop-up screen 811 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "File" key 813 has been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S711. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "File" key 813 has not been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S715.

[0048] In S711, the processor 211 displays a file destination registration screen 910 shown in FIG. 9B on the operation unit 220. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 220 for registering a new file transmission destination in the address book. In the file destination registration screen 910, a "Protocol Selection" field 912 allows the user to select a file transmission protocol. In this embodiment, the protocols that can be specified include, but are not limited to, SMB, FTP, and WebDAV. In addition, the "Destination Name" field 911, "Host Name" field 913, "Folder Path" field 914, "User Name" field 915, and "Password" field 916 allow the user to enter information to be registered in association with each destination. Note that the configurable items are not limited to those described above, and other setting items may be provided.

[0049] In S712, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "OK" key 917 provided on the file destination registration screen 910 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "OK" key 917 has been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S713. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "OK" key 917 has not been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S714.

[0050] In S713, the processor 211 registers the information on the last use date and time initialized to null in the destination management table 1000 in association with the destination information entered on the file destination registration screen 910, and then returns to S701 to repeat the process.

[0051] In S714, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Cancel" key 918 provided on the file destination registration screen 910 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Cancel" key 918 has been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S701 and repeats the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Cancel" key 918 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S712 and repeats the process.

[0052] Although not specifically stated, a user who is not an administrator can input destination information into the file destination registration screen 910 between the time the processor 211 executes S711 and the time it judges YES in S712 or S714.

[0053] In S715, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Group" key 814 provided on the pop-up screen 811 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Group" key 814 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S716. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Group" key 814 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S720.

[0054] In S716, the processor 211 displays a group destination registration screen 920 shown in FIG. 9(c) on the operation unit 220. FIG. 9(c) is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for registering a new destination for group transmission in the address book, which is displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 220. On the group destination registration screen 920, a "destination name" field 921 allows the user to input the name of the destination as a group. A destination list 922 displays a list of destinations registered as group destinations. Furthermore, when an "add from address book" key 923 is pressed, the processor 211 displays an address book editing screen 800 shown in FIG. 8(a) on the operation unit 220. The user can select a destination to register as a group destination from the destinations registered in the address book.

[0055] In S717, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "OK" key 924 provided on the group destination registration screen 920 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "OK" key 924 has been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S718. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "OK" key 924 has not been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S719.

[0056] In S718, the processor 211 registers the information on the last use date and time initialized to null in the destination management table 1000 in association with the destination information entered on the group destination registration screen 920, and then returns to S701 to repeat the process.

[0057] In S719, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Cancel" key 925 provided on the group destination registration screen 920 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Cancel" key 925 has been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S701 and repeats the processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Cancel" key 925 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S717 and repeats the processing.

[0058] Although not specifically stated, a user who is not an administrator can input destination information into the group destination registration screen 920 between the time when the processor 211 executes S716 and the time when it judges YES in S717 or S71.

[0059] In S720, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "close" key 815 provided on the pop-up screen 811 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "close" key 815 has been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S701 and repeats the processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "close" key 815 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S705 and repeats the processing.

[0060] In S721, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Delete" key 802 provided on the address book editing screen 800 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Delete" key 802 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S722. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Delete" key 802 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S723.

[0061] In S722, the processor 211 deletes the destination information of the destination selected by the user on the destination list 803 from the destination management table 1000, and then returns to S701 to repeat the process.

[0062] In S723, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "close" key 804 provided on the address book editing screen 800 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "close" key 804 has been pressed, the processor 211 ends the processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 7. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "close" key 804 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S703 and repeats the processing.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a destination management table 1000 stored in the storage 214 of the image processing device 103. Destination information input via the screens of FIGS. 9A to 9C is registered and managed in this destination management table 1000. An access unit (not shown) is provided between the processor 211 and the storage 214 to enable the processor 211 to access the destination management table 1000 stored in the storage 214. The access unit may be provided as part of the storage 214. A destination management table 1000 with no records may be prepared in the storage 214, for example, when the image processing device 103 is manufactured. The destination management table 1000 has fields for a destination ID 1001, a name 1002, a protocol 1003, an address 1004, a folder path 1005, a user name 1006, a password 1007, a destination ID list 1008, and a last use date and time 1009. The destination ID 1001 uniquely identifies a destination managed in the destination management table 1000. The name 1002 corresponds to the name determined in the "destination name" fields 901, 911, and 921 described with reference to FIGS. 9(a) to 9(c). The protocol 1003 corresponds to the type of destination registered via the selection of email or file on the pop-up screen 811 shown in FIG. 8(b) and the screen shown in FIG. 9(b). The address 1004 corresponds to the address in the "email address" field 902 described with reference to FIG. 9(a) and the "host name" field 913 described with reference to FIG. 9(b). The folder path 1005 corresponds to the path name in the "folder path" field 914 described with reference to FIG. 9(b). The user name 1006 corresponds to the user name in the "user name" field 915 described with reference to FIG. 9(b). The password 1007 corresponds to the password in the "password" field 916 described with reference to FIG. 9(b). The destination ID list 1008 is used in group records. A single destination ID (e.g., destination ID 003) for identifying a group is associated with multiple destination IDs (e.g., destination ID 001 and destination ID 002) described in the destination ID list 1008 as related destination information.In other words, the destination ID 1001 makes it possible to call up multiple pieces of destination information (destination IDs) as related destination information. In one record of a group, the destination ID 1001, name 1002, protocol 1003, address 1004, destination list 1008, and last used date and time 1009 are saved as group destination information for one group. Depending on the destination indicated by the address 1004, the user name 1006 and password 1007 are also included in the group destination information. The last used date and time 1009 is updated with the current time based on the processing shown in the flowchart described below. Specifically, numbers are stored in the order of year, month, day, and time as information indicating the transmission time. The transmission time here may be the time when transmission started or the time when transmission was completed. It is assumed that information on the last used date and time is stored in association with the destinations registered in the address book.

[0064] When "Email" is entered in the Protocol 1003 field, for example, smtp is used as the protocol, and an email address as shown in Fig. 10 is used as the destination. When ftp or smb is used as the protocol, a host name or a combination of a host name and a folder path as shown in Fig. 10 is used as the destination. An IP address may be used instead of a host name.

[0065] <Transmission setting acceptance process> Next, a transmission function provided in the image processing device 103 of this embodiment will be described.

[0066] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the process of the image processing device 103 accepting settings for transmitting image data to a specified destination. The process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 11 is realized by the processor 211 reading a program stored in the ROM 212 via the RAM 213 and executing it. Note that the process of this flowchart is started when a general user presses the "scan and send" button 611 while the home screen 610 shown in Fig. 6(b) is displayed.

[0067] In S1101, the processor 211 displays a transmission setting screen 1200 shown in Fig. 12 on the operation unit 220. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for accepting transmission settings, which is displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 220.

[0068] The "Address Book" key 1201 is a key used by the user when setting a destination for image data from among multiple destinations pre-registered in the address book. The "Enter New" key 1202 is a key used by the user when entering a destination that is not registered in the address book and setting it as the destination for image data. The "Send to Me" key 1203 is a key used by the user when setting his / her own email address as the destination for image data (when the user wants to send image data by email with his / her own email address as the destination). The user can set the destination for the image data to be sent by pressing either the "Address Book" key 1201, the "Enter New" key 1202, or the "Send to Me" key 1203.

[0069] The "Color Settings" key 1204 is a key used to set whether to scan a document in color or monochrome. The "Resolution Settings" key 1205 is a key used to set the scanning resolution. The "Scanning Size Settings" key 1206 is a key used to set the scanning size. The "File Format Settings" key 1207 is a key used to set the format of image data to be transmitted. The "Double-Sided Original Settings" key 1208 is a key used to set double-sided scanning. The "Job Completion Notification Settings" key 1209 is a key used to set the job completion notification. The user can configure these transmission settings by pressing the "Color Settings" key 1204, "Resolution Settings" key 1205, and "Scanning Size Settings" key 1206. The user can also configure these transmission settings by pressing the "File Format Settings" key 1207, "Double-Sided Original Settings" key 1208, and "Job Completion Notification Settings" key 1209.

[0070] A "job completion notification setting" key 1209 is a key used when, when image data transmission is completed, a pre-specified destination is notified of the result by e-mail as a job completion notification. If the transmission job takes a long time to execute, the user can confirm the completion of the transmission job by receiving the job completion notification.

[0071] In S1102, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Address Book" key 1201 provided on the transmission setting screen 1200 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Address Book" key 1201 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1103. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Address Book" key 1201 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1109.

[0072] In S1103, the processor 211 acquires destination information from the destination management table 1000 stored in the storage 214.

[0073] In S1104, the processor 211 displays an address book screen 1300 shown in Fig. 13 on the operation unit 220. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for accepting selection of a destination registered in the address book displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 220. The processor 211 displays destination information acquired from the destination management table 1000 in a destination list 1301. For example, the destination list 1301 displays a plurality of pieces of destination information corresponding to the protocol 1003, name 1002, address 1004, and last used date and time 1009 acquired from the destination management table 1000, sorted in order from the destination with the most recent last used date and time to the destination with the oldest last used date and time.

[0074] In S1105, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Cancel" key 1302 provided on the address book screen 1300 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Cancel" key 1302 has been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S1101 and repeats the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Cancel" key 1302 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1106.

[0075] In S1106, the processor 211 determines whether or not a predetermined destination has been selected from the destinations displayed in the destination list 1301. If it is determined that a predetermined destination has been selected, the processor 211 proceeds to S1107. On the other hand, if it is determined that a predetermined destination has not been selected, the processor 211 returns to S1105 and repeats the process.

[0076] In S1107, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "OK" key 1303 provided on the address book screen 1300 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "OK" key 1303 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1108. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "OK" key 1303 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S1105 and repeats the process.

[0077] In S1108, the processor 211 adds the destination selected by the user on the destination list 1301 to the selected destination list, returns to S1101, and repeats the process. For example, when the "OK" key 1303 is pressed with the destination 1304 corresponding to destination ID 004 and the destination 1305 corresponding to destination ID 005 registered in the destination management table 1000 selected, the transmission setting screen 1400 shown in Fig. 14(a) is displayed. Also, when the "OK" key 1303 is pressed with the destination 1306 corresponding to destination ID 003 registered in the destination management table 1000 selected, the transmission setting screen 1410 shown in Fig. 14(b) is displayed.

[0078] In S1109, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "new input" key 1202 provided on the transmission setting screen 1200 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "new input" key 1202 has been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S1110. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "new input" key 1202 has not been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S1123.

[0079] In S1110, the processor 211 displays a destination type selection screen (not shown) on the operation unit 220. The destination type selection screen is provided with an email key for inputting a destination for sending email that is not registered in the address book, and a file key for inputting a destination for sending a file that is not registered in the address book. Here, email and file will be described as examples of targets for selecting a destination type, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0080] In S1111, the processor 211 determines whether or not an email key provided on a destination type selection screen (not shown) has been pressed. If it is determined that the email key has been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S1112. On the other hand, if it is determined that the email key has not been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S1117.

[0081] In S1112, the processor 211 displays an email destination setting screen 1500 shown in Fig. 15(a) on the operation unit 220. Fig. 15(a) is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for inputting a new destination for email transmission, which is displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 220. An email address to be used as the destination for email transmission can be input in an "Email address" field 1501. Note that the configurable items are not limited to those described above, and other setting items may be provided.

[0082] In S1113, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Cancel" key 1502 provided on the mail destination setting screen 1500 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Cancel" key 1502 has been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S1101 and repeats the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Cancel" key 1502 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1114.

[0083] In S1114, the processor 211 determines whether or not a destination for sending an e-mail has been input. If it is determined that a destination for sending an e-mail has been input, the processor 211 proceeds to S1115. On the other hand, if it is determined that a destination for sending an e-mail has not been input, the processor 211 returns to S1113 and repeats the process.

[0084] In S1115, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "OK" key 1503 provided on the mail destination setting screen 1500 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "OK" key 1503 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1116. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "OK" key 1503 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S1113 and repeats the process.

[0085] In S1116, the processor 211 adds the destination of the mail transmission input on the mail destination setting screen 1500 to the selected destination list, and returns to S1101 to repeat the process.

[0086] In S1117, the processor 211 determines whether or not a file key provided on a destination type selection screen (not shown) has been pressed. If it is determined that the file key has been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S1118. On the other hand, if it is determined that the file key has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S1111 and repeats the process.

[0087] In step S1118, the processor 211 displays a file destination setting screen 1510 shown in FIG. 15B on the operation unit 220. FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for inputting a new destination for file transmission, which is displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 220. On the file destination setting screen 1510, a "Protocol Selection" field 1511 allows the user to select a file transmission protocol. In this embodiment, the protocols that can be specified include, but are not limited to, SMB, FTP, and WebDAV. A "Host Name" field 1512 allows the user to input the host name of the server that manages the folder that is the destination for image data. A "Folder Path" field 1513 allows the user to input the path to the folder that is the destination for image data. A "User Name" field 1514 allows the user to input the username required to access the folder that is the destination for image data. A "Password" field 1515 allows the user to input the password required to access the folder that is the destination for image data. Note that the configurable items are not limited to those described above, and other setting items may be provided.

[0088] In S1119, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Cancel" key 1516 provided on the file destination setting screen 1510 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Cancel" key 1516 has been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S1101 and repeats the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Cancel" key 1516 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1120.

[0089] In S1120, the processor 211 determines whether or not a destination for file transmission has been input. If it is determined that a destination for file transmission has been input, the processor 211 proceeds to S1121. On the other hand, if it is determined that a destination for file transmission has not been input, the processor 211 returns to S1119 and repeats the process.

[0090] In S1121, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "OK" key 1517 provided on the file destination setting screen 1510 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "OK" key 1517 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1122. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "OK" key 1517 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S1119 and repeats the process.

[0091] In S1122, the processor 211 adds the file transmission destination input on the file destination setting screen 1510 to the selected destination list, and returns to S1101 to repeat the process.

[0092] In S1123, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Send to yourself" key 1203 provided on the transmission setting screen 1200 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Send to yourself" key 1203 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1124. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Send to yourself" key 1203 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1126.

[0093] In S1124 , the processor 211 acquires the email address 304 of the logged-in user from the user data 300 stored in the storage 214 based on the user name 301 stored in the RAM 213 .

[0094] In S1125, the processor 211 adds the email address 304 of the logged-in user to the selected destination list, returns to S1101, and repeats the process. For example, when a general user corresponding to the user name "UserA" registered in the user data 300 is logged in to the image processing device 103, and presses the "Send to me" key 1203, a transmission setting screen 1420 shown in FIG. 14(c) is displayed.

[0095] In S1126, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Job Completion Notification Setting" key 1209 provided on the transmission setting screen 1200 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Job Completion Notification Setting" key 1209 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1127. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Job Completion Notification Setting" key 1209 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1139.

[0096] In S1127, the processor 211 displays a job completion notification setting screen 1600 shown in FIG. 16A on the operation unit 220. FIG. 16A is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for setting a destination of a job completion notification, which is displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 220. A "Select from Address Book" key 1601 and a "Send to Me" key 1602 are keys for specifying a destination of a job completion notification. An "Email Address" field 1603 displays the destination of a job completion notification that has been specified and set using the "Select from Address Book" key 1601 or the "Send to Me" key 1602. Note that the configurable items are not limited to those described above, and other setting items may be provided.

[0097] In S1128, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Select from Address Book" key 1601 provided on the job completion notification setting screen 1600 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Select from Address Book" key 1601 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1129. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Select from Address Book" key 1601 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1132.

[0098] In S1129, the processor 211 acquires the destination information from the destination management table 1000 stored in the storage 214.

[0099] In S1130, the processor 211 displays the address book screen 1610 shown in FIG. 16B on the operation unit 220. The processor 211 displays, in a destination list 1611, destination information acquired from the destination management table 1000, for which the protocol 1003 corresponds to "Email." For example, the destination list 1611 displays multiple pieces of destination information corresponding to the protocol 1003, name 1002, address 1004, and last used date and time 1009 acquired from the destination management table 1000, sorted in order from the destination with the most recent last used date and time to the destination with the oldest last used date and time. The user can specify the destination of the job completion notification from the destination list 1611.

[0100] In step S1131, the processor 211 registers the email address selected by the user on the destination list 1611 as the job completion notification destination, and proceeds to step S1135.

[0101] In S1132, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Send to Me" key 1602 provided on the job completion notification setting screen 1600 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Send to Me" key 1602 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1133. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Send to Me" key 1602 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1137.

[0102] In S1133 , the processor 211 acquires the email address 304 of the logged-in user from the user data 300 stored in the storage 214 based on the user name 301 stored in the RAM 213 .

[0103] In S1134, the processor 211 registers the email address 304 of the logged-in user as the job completion notification destination, and proceeds to S1135.

[0104] In S1135, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "OK" key 1605 provided on the job completion notification setting screen 1600 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "OK" key 1605 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1136. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "OK" key 1605 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1137.

[0105] In S1136, the processor 211 sets the job end notification setting flag to ON, stores the flag in the RAM 213, returns to S1101, and repeats the process.

[0106] In S1137, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Cancel Settings" key 1604 provided on the job completion notification setting screen 1600 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Cancel Settings" key 1604 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1138. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Cancel Settings" key 1604 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S1128 and repeats the process.

[0107] In S1138, the processor 211 sets the job end notification setting flag to OFF, stores the flag in the RAM 213, returns to S1101, and repeats the process.

[0108] In S1139, the processor 211 determines whether any destination has been added to the selected destination list. If it is determined that any destination has been added to the selected destination list, the processor 211 proceeds to S1140. On the other hand, if it is determined that any destination has not been added to the selected destination list, the processor 211 returns to S1102 and repeats the process.

[0109] In S1140, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Start" key 1401 provided on the transmission setting screen 1400 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Start" key 1401 has been pressed, the processor 211 ends the processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 11. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Start" key 1401 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S1102 and repeats the processing.

[0110] <Send job execution process> Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing of the image processing device 103 executing a job to transmit image data to a specified destination. The processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 17 is realized by the processor 211 reading a program stored in the ROM 212 via the RAM 213 and executing it. Note that the processing of this flowchart is started when a general user presses the "start" key 1401 while the transmission setting screen 1400 shown in Fig. 14(a) is displayed.

[0111] In S1701, the processor 211 instructs the scanner unit 222 to read a document in accordance with the transmission settings received via the transmission setting screen 1200 shown in FIG. 12, and starts reading the document. The scanner unit 222 reads the document, generates image data of the document, and sends the generated image data to the processor 211. The processor 211 receives the image data sent from the scanner unit 222, and stores the received image data in the storage 214.

[0112] In S1702, the processor 211 acquires one destination from the selected destination list, and proceeds to S1703.

[0113] In S1703, the processor 211 transmits the image data stored in the storage 214 to the destination acquired from the selected destination list.

[0114] In S1704, the processor 211 determines whether or not the transmission of the image data has been completed. If it is determined that the transmission of the image data has been completed, the processor 211 proceeds to S1705. On the other hand, if it is determined that the transmission of the image data has not been completed, the processor 211 returns to S1703 and continues transmitting the image data.

[0115] In S1705, the processor 211 determines whether the destination acquired from the selected destination list is a destination registered in the destination management table 1000. If it is determined that the destination is registered in the destination management table 1000, the processor 211 proceeds to S1706. On the other hand, if it is determined that the destination is not registered in the destination management table 1000, the processor 211 proceeds to S1709.

[0116] In S1706, the processor 211 acquires the current time from the timer 230, and updates the last use date and time 1009 of the destination acquired from the selected destination list with the current time.

[0117] In S1707, the processor 211 determines whether the destination acquired from the selected destination list is a group destination. If it is determined that the destination acquired from the selected destination list is a group destination, the processor 211 proceeds to S1708. On the other hand, if it is determined that the destination acquired from the selected destination list is not a group destination, the processor 211 proceeds to S1709.

[0118] In S1708, the processor 211 obtains the current time from the timer 230 and updates the last used date and time 1009 of all destinations included in the destination ID list 1008 with the current time. Therefore, the last used date and time 1009 of the group destination is updated in S1706, and the last used date and time 1009 of all destinations included in the group destination is updated in S1708.

[0119] In S1709, the processor 211 adds a transmission history record to the transmission history database 1800 shown in Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the transmission history database 1800 stored in the storage 214 of the image processing apparatus 103. The transmission history database 1800 is stored in the storage 214 and can store multiple transmission histories (transmission job execution histories). The transmission history database 1800 has areas for a reception number 1801, a start time 1802, a transmission destination address 1803, a protocol 1804, a file format 1805, a user name 1806, a communication result 1807, and an output flag 1808. In the transmission history database 1800, one transmission history record is created and managed for each transmission job. The reception number 1801 indicates a number uniquely assigned to each record. The start time 1802 indicates the time when execution of the transmission job started. Specifically, numbers are stored in the order of year, month, day, and time as information indicating the transmission time (transmission time). Destination address 1803 indicates the address of the destination of the image data. Protocol 1804 indicates the protocol used to transmit the image data. File format 1805 indicates the file format into which the image data to be transmitted was converted and transmitted. User name 1806 indicates the name of the user who instructed the transmission of the image data. Communication result 1807 indicates whether the transmission of the image data was successful or not. Output flag 1808 indicates whether output (transmission or printing) has been completed for each record.

[0120] In S1710, the processor 211 determines whether the transmission of the image data was successful. If it is determined that the transmission of the image data was successful, the processor 211 proceeds to S1711. On the other hand, if it is determined that the transmission of the image data was not successful, the processor 211 proceeds to S1712.

[0121] In S1711, the processor 211 registers "OK" indicating that the transmission was successful in the area of ​​the communication result 1807 in the transmission history database 1800, and proceeds to S1713.

[0122] In S1712, the processor 211 registers "NG" indicating that the transmission failed in the field of the communication result 1807 in the transmission history database 1800, and proceeds to S1713.

[0123] In S1713, the processor 211 increments the value of the number counter stored in the storage 214. The number counter is used to identify the total number of records stored in the transmission history database 1800 whose output flag 1808 is in the "not output" state. It is set to 0 when shipped from the factory, and is thereafter incremented each time a transmission job is executed. Here, "not output" means that the communication management report has not been output.

[0124] In S1714, the processor 211 determines whether the job end notification setting flag stored in the RAM 213 is ON. If it is determined that the job end notification setting flag is ON, the processor 211 proceeds to S1715. On the other hand, if it is determined that the job end notification setting flag is OFF, the processor 211 proceeds to S1718.

[0125] In S1715, the processor 211 sends a job completion notification to the email address registered as the job completion notification destination, and proceeds to S1716.

[0126] In S1716, the processor 211 determines whether the email address registered as the job completion notification destination is a destination registered in the destination management table 1000. If it is determined that the email address registered as the job completion notification destination is a destination registered in the destination management table 1000, the processor 211 proceeds to S1717. On the other hand, if it is determined that the email address registered as the job completion notification destination is not a destination registered in the destination management table 1000, the processor 211 proceeds to S1718.

[0127] In step S1717, the processor 211 obtains the current time from the timer 230, and updates the last use date and time 1009 of the email address registered as the job completion notification destination with the current time.

[0128] In S1718, the processor 211 determines whether there are any unsent destinations in the selected destination list. If it is determined that there are any unsent destinations in the selected destination list, the processor 211 returns to S1702 and repeats the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that there are no unsent destinations in the selected destination list, the processor 211 ends the process shown in the flowchart in FIG.

[0129] <Address book editing process by administrator> Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the process in which the image processing device 103 accepts editing of the address book by an administrator. The process shown in the flowchart in Fig. 19 is realized by the processor 211 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 212 via the RAM 213. The process of this flowchart is started when the administrator presses the "Register destination" button 602 while the home screen 600 shown in Fig. 6(a) is displayed.

[0130] In S1901, the processor 211 obtains destination information from both the destination management table 1000 stored in the storage 214 and the destination management information for the administrator (destination management table for the administrator (also called the "first destination management table")) 2100 stored in the storage 214.

[0131] In S1902, the processor 211 displays an address book editing screen 2000 shown in Fig. 20 on the operation unit 220. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for accepting editing of the address book, which is displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 220. The processor 211 displays the destination information acquired from both the destination management table 1000 and the administrator destination management table 2100 in a destination list 2003. For example, the destination list 2003 displays a plurality of destination information acquired from the destination management table 1000 and a plurality of destination information acquired from the administrator destination management table 2100, sorted in descending order of last used date and time from the most recent to the oldest. The address book editing screen 2000 also allows the user to register a new destination in the address book, delete a destination from the address book, etc.

[0132] In S1903, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Register New Destination" key 2001 provided on the address book editing screen 2000 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Register New Destination" key 2001 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1904. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Register New Destination" key 2001 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1921.

[0133] In S1904, the processor 211 displays the destination type selection screen shown in FIG. 8(b) on the operation unit 220.

[0134] In S1905, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Email" key 812 provided on the pop-up screen 811 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Email" key 812 has been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S1906. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Email" key 812 has not been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S1910.

[0135] In S1906, the processor 211 displays the mail destination registration screen 900 shown in FIG. 9(a) on the operation unit 220.

[0136] In S1907, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "OK" key 903 provided on the mail destination registration screen 900 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "OK" key 903 has been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S1908. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "OK" key 903 has not been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S1909.

[0137] In S1908, the processor 211 registers the information on the last use date and time initialized to null in the administrator destination management table 2100 in association with the destination information entered on the mail destination registration screen 900, and then returns to S1901 to repeat the process.

[0138] In S1909, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Cancel" key 904 provided on the email destination registration screen 900 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Cancel" key 904 has been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S1901 and repeats the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Cancel" key 904 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S1907 and repeats the process.

[0139] Although not specifically stated, a user who is not an administrator can input destination information into the email destination registration screen 900 between the time the processor 211 executes S1906 and the time it judges YES in S1907 or S1909.

[0140] In S1910, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "File" key 813 provided on the pop-up screen 811 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "File" key 813 has been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S1911. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "File" key 813 has not been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S1915.

[0141] In S1911, the processor 211 displays the file destination registration screen 910 shown in FIG. 9(b) on the operation unit 220.

[0142] In S1912, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "OK" key 917 provided on the file destination registration screen 910 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "OK" key 917 has been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S1913. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "OK" key 917 has not been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S1914.

[0143] In S1913, the processor 211 registers the information on the last use date and time initialized to null in the administrator destination management table 2100 in association with the destination information entered on the file destination registration screen 910, and then returns to S1901 to repeat the process.

[0144] In S1914, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Cancel" key 918 provided on the file destination registration screen 910 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Cancel" key 918 has been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S1901 and repeats the processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Cancel" key 918 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S1912 and repeats the processing.

[0145] Although not specifically stated, a user who is not an administrator can input destination information into the file destination registration screen 910 between the time the processor 211 executes S1911 and the time it judges YES in S1912 or S1914.

[0146] In S1915, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Group" key 814 provided on the pop-up screen 811 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Group" key 814 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1916. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Group" key 814 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1920.

[0147] In S1916, the processor 211 displays a group destination registration screen 920 shown in FIG. 9C on the operation unit 220.

[0148] In S1917, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "OK" key 924 provided on the group destination registration screen 920 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "OK" key 924 has been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S1918. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "OK" key 924 has not been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S1919.

[0149] In S1918, the processor 211 registers the information on the last use date and time initialized to null in the administrator destination management table 2100 in association with the destination information entered on the group destination registration screen 920, and then returns to S1901 to repeat the process.

[0150] In S1919, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Cancel" key 925 provided on the group destination registration screen 920 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Cancel" key 925 has been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S1901 and repeats the processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Cancel" key 925 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S1917 and repeats the processing.

[0151] Although not specifically stated, a user who is not an administrator can input destination information into the group destination registration screen 920 between the time the processor 211 executes S1916 and the time it determines YES in S1917 or S1919.

[0152] In S1920, processor 211 determines whether or not "Close" key 815 provided on pop-up screen 811 has been pressed. If it is determined that "Close" key 815 has been pressed, processor 211 returns to S1901 and repeats the processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that "Close" key 815 has not been pressed, processor 211 returns to S1905 and repeats the processing.

[0153] In S1921, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Delete" key 2002 provided on the address book editing screen 2000 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Delete" key 2002 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1922. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Delete" key 2002 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S1923.

[0154] In S1922, the processor 211 deletes the destination information of the destination selected by the user on the destination list 2003 from either the destination management table 1000 or the administrator destination management table 2100, and then returns to S1901 to repeat the process.

[0155] In S1923, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Close" key 2004 provided on the address book editing screen 2000 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Close" key 2004 has been pressed, the processor 211 ends the processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 19. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Close" key 2004 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S1903 and repeats the processing.

[0156] Note that the drop-down menu labeled "All Destination Tables" in FIG. 20 allows the selection of "Destination Management Table Only," "Administrator Destination Management Table Only," or "Destination Management Table and Administrator Destination Management Table." When "Destination Management Table Only" is selected, only the destination management table is displayed, and only destination information in the destination management table can be deleted. When "Administrator Destination Management Table Only" is selected, only destination information in the administrator destination management table can be deleted. When "Destination Management Table and Administrator Destination Management Table" is selected, destination information in the destination management table and destination information in the administrator destination management table can be deleted. Note that in S1908, S1913, and S1918, as described above, destination information is registered in the administrator destination management table.

[0157] FIG. 21 shows an example of an administrator destination management table 2100 stored in the storage 214 of the image processing device 103. Destination information entered via the screens of FIGS. 9A to 9C is registered and managed in this administrator destination management table 2100. An access unit (not shown) is provided between the processor 211 and the storage 214 to enable the processor 211 to access the administrator destination management table 2100 stored in the storage 214. The access unit may be provided as part of the storage 214. An administrator destination management table 2100 without any records may be prepared in the storage 214, for example, when the image processing device 103 is manufactured. The administrator destination management table 2100 has fields for a destination ID 2101, a name 2102, a protocol 2103, an address 2104, a folder path 2105, a user name 2106, and a password 2107. The destination ID 2101 uniquely identifies a destination managed in the administrator destination management table 2100. Name 2102 corresponds to the name determined in the "Destination Name" fields 901, 911, and 921 described with reference to Figures 9(a) to 9(c). Protocol 2103 corresponds to the type of destination registered via the selection of email or file on the pop-up screen 811 shown in Figure 8(b) and the screen of Figure 9(b). Address 2104 corresponds to the address in the "Email Address" field 902 described with reference to Figure 9(a) and the "Host Name" field 913 described with reference to Figure 9(b). Folder Path 2105 corresponds to the path name in the "Folder Path" field 914 described with reference to Figure 9(b). User Name 2106 corresponds to the user name in the "User Name" field 915 described with reference to Figure 9(b). Password 2107 corresponds to the password in the "Password" field 916 described with reference to Figure 9(b). The destination ID list 2108 is used in group records, and multiple destination IDs described in the destination ID list 2108 are linked as related destination information to one destination ID for identifying a group. The last used date and time 2109 is updated with the current time based on the processing shown in the flowchart described below.

[0158] <Communication management report setting acceptance process> Next, a report transmission function provided in the image processing apparatus 103 of this embodiment will be described.

[0159] Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing the processing by which the image processing device 103 accepts settings for a communication management report. The processing shown in the flowchart in Fig. 22 is realized by the processor 211 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 212 via the RAM 213. Note that the processing of this flowchart is started when the administrator presses the "Communication Management Report" button 604 while the home screen 600 shown in Fig. 6(a) is displayed.

[0160] In S2201, the processor 211 displays a communication management report setting screen 2300 shown in Fig. 23(a) on the operation unit 220. Fig. 23(a) is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for accepting settings for a communication management report, which is displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 220.

[0161] The communication management report setting screen 2300 has a "Print" key 2301, a "Send" key 2302, an "Off" key 2303, and a "Communication Count Designation" field 2304. The administrator operates these keys to perform settings for outputting a communication management report according to the number of records in the "Not Output" state counted in S1713. The "Print" key 2301 is a key for designating printing of a communication management report according to the number of records in the "Not Output" state counted in S1713 that have been stored, the number of records specified in the "Communication Count Designation" field 2304. The "Send" key 2302 is a key for designating transmission of a communication management report according to the number of records in the "Not Output" state counted in S1713 that have been stored, the number of records specified in the "Communication Count Designation" field 2304. The "Off" key 2303 is a key for disabling both the function for printing a communication management report according to the number of records in the "Not Output" state and the function for transmitting a communication management report according to the number of records in the "Not Output" state.

[0162] The communication management report setting screen 2300 also has a "Print" key 2305, a "Send" key 2306, an "Off" key 2307, and a "Specified Time" field 2308. The administrator operates these keys to perform settings for outputting a communication management report when the time measured by the timer 230 reaches a specified time. The "Print" key 2305 is a key for specifying that a communication management report be printed when the time measured by the timer 230 reaches the time specified in the "Specified Time" field 2308. The "Send" key 2306 is a key for specifying that a communication management report be sent when the time measured by the timer 230 reaches the time specified in the "Specified Time" field 2308. The "Off" key 2307 is a key for disabling the function of outputting a communication management report when the time measured by the timer 230 reaches the time specified in the "Specified Time" field 2308.

[0163] The "Destination" key 2309 is a key for specifying the destination of the communication management report. The "Destination" field 2310 displays the destination of the communication management report that is specified and set using the "Destination" key 2309. Note that the configurable items are not limited to those described above, and other setting items may be provided.

[0164] In S2202, the processor 211 accepts the settings for the communication management report via the communication management report setting screen 2300.

[0165] In S2203, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Destination" key 2309 provided on the communication management report setting screen 2300 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Destination" key 2309 has been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S2204. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Destination" key 2309 has not been pressed, the processor 211 proceeds to S2210.

[0166] In S2204, the processor 211 acquires the destination information from the destination management table 2100 for the administrator.

[0167] In S2205, the processor 211 displays an address book screen 2320 shown in FIG. 23(b) on the operation unit 220. FIG. 23(b) is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for accepting selection of a destination registered in the address book displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 220. The processor 211 displays destination information acquired from the administrator destination management table 2100 in a destination list 2321. For example, the destination list 2321 displays multiple pieces of destination information corresponding to the protocol 2103, name 2102, address 2104, and last used date and time 2109 acquired from the administrator destination management table 2100. In addition, the multiple pieces of destination information are sorted and displayed in order from the destination with the most recent last used date and time to the oldest last used date and time. The administrator can specify a destination to which a communication management report is to be sent from the destination list 2321.

[0168] In S2206, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Cancel" key 2322 provided on the address book screen 2320 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Cancel" key 2322 has been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S2201 and repeats the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Cancel" key 2322 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S2207.

[0169] In S2207, the processor 211 determines whether or not a predetermined destination has been selected from the destinations displayed in the destination list 2321. If it is determined that a predetermined destination has been selected, the processor 211 proceeds to S2208. On the other hand, if it is determined that a predetermined destination has not been selected, the processor 211 returns to S2206 and repeats the process.

[0170] In S2208, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "OK" key 2323 provided on the address book screen 2320 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "OK" key 2323 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S2209. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "OK" key 2323 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S2206 and repeats the process.

[0171] In S2209, the processor 211 registers the destination selected by the administrator on the destination list 2321 as the destination of the communication management report, and returns to S2201 to repeat the process.

[0172] In S2210, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Cancel" key 2311 provided on the communication management report setting screen 2300 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Cancel" key 2311 has been pressed, the processor 211 discards the communication management report settings accepted via the communication management report setting screen 2300, and terminates the processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 22. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Cancel" key 2311 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the processing to S2211.

[0173] In S2211, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "OK" key 2312 provided on the communication management report setting screen 2300 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "OK" key 2312 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S2212. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "OK" key 2312 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S2202 and repeats the process.

[0174] In S2212, the processor 211 stores the communication management report settings received via the communication management report setting screen 2300 in the storage 214, and ends the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0175] <Communication management report output processing> 24 is a flowchart showing the process in which the image processing device 103 outputs (transmits or prints) a communication management report on the condition that the number of records whose output flag 1808 is set to "not output" and that specified in the "number of communications" field 2304 have been stored. The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 24 is realized by the processor 211 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 212 via the RAM 213. The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 24 is executed when the "print" key 2301 or the "send" key 2302 in FIG. 23(a) is designated. In other words, when the "off" key 2303 in FIG. 23(a) is designated, the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 24 is not executed.

[0176] In S2401, the processor 211 determines whether the number of records in the "not output" state specified in the "number of communications specification" column 2304 has been stored. Specifically, the processor 211 determines whether the number of records in the "not output" state counted in S1713 has been stored as specified in the "number of communications specification" column 2304. If it is determined that the number of records in the "not output" state specified in the "number of communications specification" column 2304 has been stored, the processor 211 proceeds to S2402. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of records in the "not output" state specified in the "number of communications specification" column 2304 has not been stored, the processor 211 repeats the processing of S2401.

[0177] In S2402, the processor 211 determines whether or not transmission has been specified by the "Send" key 2302 on the communication management report setting screen 2300 shown in Fig. 23(a). If it is determined that transmission has been specified by the "Send" key 2302, the processor 211 proceeds to S2403. On the other hand, if it is determined that transmission has not been specified by the "Send" key 2302, the processor 211 determines that printing has been specified by the "Print" key 2301, and proceeds to S2408.

[0178] In S2403, the processor 211 acquires the transmission history database 1800 shown in FIG.

[0179] In S2404, the processor 211 extracts records in the transmission history database 1800 stored in the RAM 213 for which the output flag 1808 is in the "not output" state, and generates a CSV file including the extracted records.

[0180] In S2405, the processor 211 transmits the file (communication management report) generated in S2404 to the destination of the communication management report specified from the destination list 2321.

[0181] In S2406, the processor 211 determines whether the destination of the communication management report is a destination registered in the administrator destination management table 2100. That is, the processor 211 determines whether the destination that matches the destination of the communication management report is included in the destinations registered in the administrator destination management table 2100. If it is determined that the destination of the communication management report is a destination registered in the administrator destination management table 2100, the processor 211 proceeds to S2407. On the other hand, if it is determined that the destination of the communication management report is not a destination registered in the administrator destination management table 2100, the processor 211 proceeds to S2411.

[0182] In S2407, the processor 211 obtains the current time from the timer 230, updates the last used date and time 2109 of the destination (same record) registered as the destination of the communication management report with the current time, and then proceeds to S2411.

[0183] In S2408, the processor 211 acquires the transmission history database 1800 shown in FIG.

[0184] In S2409, the processor 211 extracts records in the transmission history database 1800 stored in the RAM 213 for which the output flag 1808 is in the "not output" state, and generates image data for printing including the extracted records.

[0185] In S2410, the processor 211 sends the image data generated in S2409 to the printer unit 221, causes the printer unit 221 to execute printing based on the print data, and advances the process to S2411.

[0186] In S2411, the processor 211 changes the output flag 1808 of the record in the transmission history database 1800 stored in the RAM 213 that is in the "not output" state to "outputted."

[0187] In S2412, the processor 211 sets the value of the number counter to 0, and ends the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0188] Fig. 25 is a flowchart showing the process in which the image processing device 103 outputs (transmits or prints) a communication management report when the time measured by the timer 230 reaches a predetermined time. The process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 25 is realized by the processor 211 reading a program stored in the ROM 212 via the RAM 213 and executing it. Note that the process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 25 is executed when the "Print" key 2305 or the "Send" key 2306 in Fig. 23(a) is designated. In other words, when the "OFF" key 2307 in Fig. 23(a) is designated, the process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 25 is not executed.

[0189] In S2501, the processor 211 determines whether the time measured by the timer 230 has reached the time specified in the "specified time" column 2308. If it is determined that the time measured by the timer 230 has reached the time specified in the "specified time" column 2308, the processor 211 proceeds to S2502. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time measured by the timer 230 has not reached the time specified in the "specified time" column 2308, the processor 211 repeats the processing of S2501.

[0190] In S2502, the processor 211 determines whether or not transmission has been specified by the "Send" key 2306 on the communication management report setting screen 2300 shown in Fig. 23(a). If it is determined that transmission has been specified by the "Send" key 2306, the processor 211 proceeds to S2503. On the other hand, if it is determined that transmission has not been specified by the "Send" key 2306, the processor 211 determines that printing has been specified by the "Print" key 2305, and proceeds to S2508.

[0191] In S2503, the processor 211 acquires the transmission history database 1800 shown in FIG.

[0192] In S2504, the processor 211 extracts records in the transmission history database 1800 stored in the RAM 213, for which the output flag 1808 is in the "not output" state, and generates a CSV file including the extracted records.

[0193] In S2505, the processor 211 transmits the file (communication management report) generated in S2504 to the destination of the communication management report specified from the destination list 2321.

[0194] In S2506, the processor 211 determines whether the destination of the communication management report is a destination registered in the administrator destination management table 2100. If it is determined that the destination of the communication management report is a destination registered in the administrator destination management table 2100, the processor 211 proceeds to S2507. On the other hand, if it is determined that the destination of the communication management report is not a destination registered in the administrator destination management table 2100, the processor 211 proceeds to S2511.

[0195] In S2507, the processor 211 obtains the current time from the timer 230, updates the last use date and time 2109 of the destination registered as the destination of the communication management report with the current time, and then proceeds to S2511.

[0196] In S2508, the processor 211 acquires the transmission history database 1800 shown in FIG.

[0197] In S2509, the processor 211 extracts records in the transmission history database 1800 stored in the RAM 213 for which the output flag 1808 is in the "not output" state, and generates image data for printing including the extracted records.

[0198] In S2510, the processor 211 sends the image data generated in S2509 to the printer unit 221, causes the printer unit 221 to execute printing based on the print data, and advances the process to S2511.

[0199] In S2511, the processor 211 changes the output flag 1808 of the record in the transmission history database 1800 stored in the RAM 213 that is in the "not output" state to "outputted."

[0200] In S2512, the processor 211 sets the value of the number counter to 0, and ends the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0201] <Forwarding setting acceptance process> Next, a received document transfer function provided in the image processing apparatus 103 of this embodiment will be described.

[0202] Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing the process of receiving transfer settings by the image processing device 103. The process shown in the flowchart in Fig. 26 is realized by the processor 211 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 212 via the RAM 213. Note that the process of this flowchart is started when the administrator presses the "Transfer Settings" button 603 while the home screen 600 shown in Fig. 6(a) is displayed.

[0203] In S2601, the processor 211 displays a transfer setting registration screen 2700 shown in Fig. 27(a) on the operation unit 220. Fig. 27(a) is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for accepting transfer settings, which is displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 220.

[0204] The transfer setting registration screen 2700 allows the user to register conditions for transferring data received from a facsimile machine (not shown). The "Transfer Condition Name" key 2701 is a key for inputting the name of the transfer condition. The "Transfer Condition" key 2702 is a key for setting transfer conditions such as whether to take into account the data receiving means or the caller's telephone number. The "Transfer Destination" key 2703 is a key for specifying the transfer destination of the received data. The "File Name" key 2704 is a key for inputting the file name of the received data. The "File Format Setting" key 2705 is a key used when setting the file format of the data to be transferred. Note that the configurable items are not limited to those described above, and other setting items may be provided.

[0205] In S2602, the processor 211 accepts the transfer setting via the transfer setting registration screen 2700.

[0206] In S2603, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Transfer destination" key 2703 provided on the transfer setting registration screen 2700 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Transfer destination" key 2703 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S2604. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Transfer destination" key 2703 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S2610.

[0207] In S2604, the processor 211 acquires the destination information from the destination management table 2100 for the administrator.

[0208] In S2605, the processor 211 displays an address book screen 2710 shown in FIG. 27(b) on the operation unit 220. FIG. 27(b) is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for accepting selection of a destination registered in the address book displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 220. The processor 211 displays destination information acquired from the administrator destination management table 2100 in a destination list 2711. For example, the destination list 2711 displays multiple pieces of destination information corresponding to the protocol 2103, name 2102, address 2104, and last used date and time 2109 acquired from the administrator destination management table 2100. In addition, the multiple pieces of destination information are sorted and displayed in order from the destination with the most recent last used date and time to the oldest last used date and time. The administrator can specify a transfer destination of the received data from the destination list 2711.

[0209] In S2606, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Cancel" key 2712 provided on the address book screen 2710 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Cancel" key 2712 has been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S2601 and repeats the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Cancel" key 2712 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S2607.

[0210] In S2607, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "OK" key 2713 provided on the address book screen 2710 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "OK" key 2713 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S2608. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "OK" key 2713 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S2606 and repeats the process.

[0211] In S2608, the processor 211 determines whether or not any destination has been selected from the destinations displayed in the destination list 2711. If it is determined that any destination has been selected, the processor 211 proceeds to S2609. On the other hand, if it is determined that no destination has been selected, the processor 211 returns to S2601 and repeats the process.

[0212] Although not specifically stated, the administrator can select any of the destinations displayed in the destination list 2711 between the time the processor 211 executes S2605 and the time it makes a YES determination in S2606 or S2607.

[0213] In S2609, the processor 211 registers the destination selected by the administrator on the destination list 2711 as the transfer destination of the received data, and returns to S2601 to repeat the process.

[0214] In S2610, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "Cancel" key 2706 provided on the forwarding setting registration screen 2700 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "Cancel" key 2706 has been pressed, the processor 211 discards the forwarding settings accepted via the forwarding setting registration screen 2700, and terminates the processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 26. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "Cancel" key 2706 has not been pressed, the processor 211 advances the processing to S2611.

[0215] In S2611, the processor 211 determines whether or not the "OK" key 2707 provided on the transfer setting registration screen 2700 has been pressed. If it is determined that the "OK" key 2707 has been pressed, the processor 211 advances the process to S2612. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "OK" key 2707 has not been pressed, the processor 211 returns to S2602 and repeats the process.

[0216] In S2612, the processor 211 stores the transfer settings received via the transfer setting registration screen 2700 in the storage 214, and ends the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0217] <Received data transfer process> 28 is a flowchart showing a process in which the image processing device 103 transfers received data in response to receiving the data from a facsimile (not shown). The process shown in the flowchart in FIG. 28 is realized by the processor 211 reading a program stored in the ROM 212 via the RAM 213 and executing it.

[0218] In S2801, the processor 211 determines whether or not data has been received by the modem unit 223. If it is determined that data has been received by the modem unit 223, the processor 211 proceeds to S2802. On the other hand, if it is determined that data has not been received by the modem unit 223, the processor 211 repeats the processing of S2801.

[0219] In S2802, the processor 211 acquires the telephone number of the caller from the received data.

[0220] In S2803, the processor 211 determines whether or not the transfer condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the transfer condition is satisfied, the processor 211 proceeds to S2804. On the other hand, if it is determined that the transfer condition is not satisfied, the processor 211 proceeds to S2808.

[0221] In S2804, the processor 211 converts the file format of the received data into the file format registered in the transfer setting.

[0222] In S2805, the processor 211 transfers the received data to the transfer destination.

[0223] In S2806, the processor 211 determines whether the transfer destination of the received data is a destination registered in the administrator destination management table 2100. If it is determined that the transfer destination of the received data is a destination registered in the administrator destination management table 2100, the processor 211 proceeds to S2807. On the other hand, if it is determined that the transfer destination of the received data is not a destination registered in the administrator destination management table 2100, the processor 211 ends the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0224] In S2807, the processor 211 acquires the current time from the timer 230 and updates the last use date and time 2109 of the destination that is registered in the administrator destination management table 2100 and matches the transfer destination of the received data, with the current time. Thereafter, the processing shown in the flowchart in FIG. 28 ends.

[0225] In S2808, the processor 211 sends the received data to the printer unit 221, causes the printer unit 221 to execute printing based on the print data, and ends the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0226] According to the first embodiment described above, the processes (especially S2407 and S2507) of the flowcharts in Figures 24 and 25 are executed. Therefore, when a communication management report is sent, the last usage date and time of the destination registered as the destination of the communication management report is updated with the sending time of the communication management report. Therefore, the administrator can grasp the appropriate usage status of the destination associated with the report sending function.

[0227] 28 (especially S2807), the last usage date and time of the destination registered as the forwarding destination of the received data is updated with the forwarding time of the received data when the received data is forwarded. This allows the administrator to grasp the usage status of the destination associated with the received document forwarding function.

[0228] 17 (especially S1708) is executed, the last usage date and time of all destinations included in the destination group is updated with the time of transmission to the destination group when image data is sent to the destination group. This allows the administrator to grasp the usage status of all destinations included in the destination group.

[0229] In addition, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of the administrator having to check the usage status of addresses with the user, and since unused addresses are deleted by the administrator, it is possible to improve the operability when the user selects an address that he or she wants to reuse from the address book.

[0230] According to this embodiment, when a communication management report is sent, the last usage date and time of the destination registered as the destination of the communication management report is updated with the sending time of the communication management report in the administrator destination management table 2100. Therefore, the administrator can grasp the usage status of the destination associated with the report sending function.

[0231] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when received data is forwarded, the last usage date and time of the destination registered as the forwarding of the received data is updated with the forwarding time of the received data in the administrator destination management table 2100. Therefore, the administrator can grasp the usage status of the destination associated with the received document forwarding function.

[0232] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when image data is sent to a group destination, the last usage date and time of all destinations included in the group destination is updated with the time of transmission to the group destination in the destination management table 1000. Therefore, the administrator can grasp the usage status of all destinations included in the group destination.

[0233] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of the administrator having to check the usage status of a destination with the user, and since unused destinations can be deleted by the administrator, it is possible to improve the operability when the user selects a destination that they want to reuse from the address book.

[0234] <Other embodiments> In the first embodiment, the destination management table 1000 shown in Fig. 10 has been described as storing one piece of information about last use date and time 1009 associated with one destination, but this is not limited to this. For example, for one destination, information about last use date and time 1009 that does not specify a user who has logged in to the image processing device 103 and information about last use date and time 1009 that specifies a user who has logged in to the image processing device 103 may be stored in association with each other. In this case, the following updates are performed in the processes of S1706, S1708, and S1717 in Fig. 17. That is, both the last use date and time 1009 that does not specify a user who has logged in to the image processing device 103 and the last use date and time 1009 that specifies a user who has logged in to the image processing device 103 are updated with the current time.

[0235] 7, multiple pieces of destination information acquired from the destination management table 1000 are displayed. At this time, the multiple pieces of destination information acquired from the destination management table 1000 are sorted and displayed in order of the last use date and time 1009, which identifies the user who logged in to the image processing device 103, from the most recent to the oldest. This is effective when, in S702, the address book screen is displayed based on the destination management table 1000, narrowing down to destinations managed as destinations by the logged-in user.

[0236] 11, multiple pieces of destination information acquired from the destination management table 1000 are displayed. At this time, the multiple pieces of destination information acquired from the destination management table 1000 are sorted and displayed in order of the last usage date and time 1009, which identifies the user who logged in to the image processing device 103, from the most recent to the oldest. This is effective when, in S1104 and S1130, an address book screen is displayed for selecting a destination for image data based on the destination management table 1000, narrowing down the destinations to those managed as destinations by the logged-in user.

[0237] 19, multiple pieces of destination information acquired from the destination management table 1000 are displayed. At this time, the multiple pieces of destination information acquired from the destination management table 1000 are sorted and displayed in order from the most recent to the oldest last usage date and time 1009, which does not specify the user who logged in to the image processing device 103. This is effective in the case where, in S1902, the address book screen is displayed based on the destination management table 1000 and the administrator destination management table 2100 without narrowing down the destinations by a specific user.

[0238] In the first embodiment, when displaying a plurality of pieces of destination information acquired from the destination management table 1000 or the administrator-use destination management table 2100 in a destination list, the pieces of destination information are sorted and displayed in order from the most recent to the oldest last used date and time. However, this is not limited to this. For example, when displaying a plurality of pieces of destination information acquired from the destination management table 1000 or the administrator-use destination management table 2100 in a destination list, the pieces of destination information may be sorted and displayed in order from the oldest to the newest last used date and time.

[0239] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a destination for a communication management report was selected from the administrator destination management table 2100, but this is not limited to this. Even in a configuration in which a destination for data associated with a predetermined function is selected from the administrator destination management table 2100 and the data is sent to the selected destination, the last use date and time of the destination may be updated with the current time. In addition to the communication management report sending function, examples of predetermined functions include a consumables notification function and an error notification function.

[0240] In the above embodiment, the image to be transmitted is assumed to be one read by the scanner unit 222. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the image to be transmitted may be an image read from a storage device inside or outside the image processing device, or may be an image received from another device (e.g., a computer or a mobile terminal) that communicates with the image processing device.

[0241] The storage device that stores the destination management table 1000 and the administrator destination management table 2100 may be located inside or outside the image processing device 103. Furthermore, the destination information may be managed by a management method different from the table-based management method.

[0242] The above-described embodiments can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. The program may be executed by a single computer or by multiple computers in cooperation with each other. Furthermore, all of the above-described processes do not need to be implemented by software; some or all of the processes may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC. Furthermore, the CPU is not limited to a single CPU that performs all processes; multiple CPUs may perform processes in cooperation with each other as appropriate. The functions of the above-described embodiments are not necessarily realized by a computer reading and executing program code. The above-described functions may also be realized by an operating system (OS) running on a computer that performs some or all of the actual processes based on the instructions of the program code.

[0243] <Technical Features of the Present Disclosure> The present disclosure includes the following configurations, methods, and programs.

[0244] [Configuration 1] access means capable of accessing first destination management information that is usable by an administrator but not by a non-administrator, the first destination management information having at least one piece of destination information including at least information indicating a destination and information indicating a last used date and time; and second destination management information that is usable by both the administrator and the non-administrator, the second destination management information having at least one piece of destination information including at least information indicating a destination and information indicating a last used date and time; a first transmission means for transmitting data associated with a predetermined function to any one of the destinations selected from the first destination management information by the administrator; a first updating means for updating, in the first destination management information, the last use date and time of a destination that matches the destination to which the first transmitting means transmitted data, with the current time; a display control means for displaying on a display unit a first editing screen that enables the administrator to edit either or both of the first destination management information and the second destination management information; Equipped with Information processing device.

[0245] [Configuration 2] a second transmission means for transmitting image data to any of the destinations selected by the non-administrator from the second destination management information or to a destination input by the non-administrator; a second updating means for updating, when a destination to which the second transmitting means has transmitted image data matches any of the destinations registered in the second destination management information, the last use date and time of the destination that matches the destination to which the second transmitting means has transmitted image data, with a current time in the second destination management information; Further provided with the display control means further causes a second editing screen to be displayed on the display unit, the second editing screen enabling the non-administrator to edit the second destination management information. 2. The information processing device according to configuration 1.

[0246] [Configuration 3] the second destination management information further includes at least one group destination information including information indicating a group destination that includes a plurality of destinations and information indicating a last use date and time; the second sending means is capable of sending image data to any group destination selected from the second destination management information, When the group destination to which the second transmission means transmitted the image data matches any of the group destinations registered in the second destination management information, the second update means updates the last usage date and time of the group destination that matches the group destination to which the second transmission means transmitted the image data in the second destination management information with the current time, and updates the last usage date and time of each destination that is grouped into the group destination that matches the group destination to which the second transmission means transmitted the image data. 3. The information processing device according to configuration 2.

[0247] [Configuration 4] a third transmission means for transmitting a job completion notification to any of the destinations selected from the second destination management information by the non-administrator after the second transmission means has transmitted the image data; the second update unit updates the last use date and time of a destination that matches the destination of the job completion notification sent by the third transmission unit in the second destination management information with a current time. 4. The information processing device according to configuration 2 or 3.

[0248] [Configuration 5] the last use date and time of the second destination management information is associated with the non-administrator who has logged in to the information processing device; the display control means sorts the at least one piece of destination information in the second destination management information by the last use date and time associated with the non-administrator who has logged in to the information processing device, and displays the second edit screen. 5. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 2 to 4.

[0249] [Configuration 6] the display control means causes the display unit to display an operation screen that enables the non-administrator to select a destination of image data from the second destination management information. 6. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 2 to 5.

[0250] [Configuration 7] the last use date and time of the second destination management information is associated with the non-administrator who has logged in to the information processing device; the display control means sorts the at least one piece of destination information in the second destination management information by the last use date and time associated with the non-administrator who has logged in to the information processing device, and displays the operation screen. 7. The information processing device according to configuration 6.

[0251] [Configuration 8] the editing of the second destination management information by the non-administrator includes deleting the destination information including information indicating a destination selected from the second destination management information by the non-administrator; 8. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 2 to 7.

[0252] [Configuration 9] The image data is any one of image data read by a scanner unit of the information processing device, image data read from a storage device accessible by the information processing device, and image data received by the information processing device. 9. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 2 to 8.

[0253] [Configuration 10] the last use date and time of the second destination management information is not associated with the non-administrator who logged in to the information processing device, the display control means sorts the at least one piece of destination information in the second destination management information by the last use date and time that is not associated with the non-administrator, and displays the first editing screen. 10. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 2 to 9.

[0254] [Configuration 11] The predetermined function is communication, and the data associated with the predetermined function is data constituting a communication management report. 11. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10.

[0255] [Configuration 12] The predetermined function is image data transfer, and the data associated with the predetermined function is image data. 11. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10.

[0256] [Configuration 13] the display control means causes the display unit to display an operation screen that enables the administrator to select a destination of data associated with the predetermined function from the first destination management information. 13. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12.

[0257] [Configuration 14] the editing of the first destination management information by the administrator includes deleting the destination information including information indicating a destination selected from the first destination management information by the administrator; 14. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13.

[0258] [Configuration 15] the editing of the second destination management information by the administrator includes deleting the destination information including information indicating the destination selected from the second destination management information by the non-administrator; 15. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14.

[0259] [Configuration 16] The destination includes an email address when an email transmission protocol is used for transmission, and includes a host name or IP address and, if necessary, a folder path when a file transmission protocol is used for transmission. 16. An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 15.

[0260] [Configuration 17] The administrator is a user who logs in to the information processing device using an administrator ID, The non-administrator is a user who logs in to the information processing device using an ID that is not an administrator ID. 17. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 16.

[0261] [Configuration 18] a step of preparing first destination management information that can be used by an administrator but not by a non-administrator, the first destination management information having at least one destination information including at least information indicating a destination and information indicating a last used date and time, and second destination management information that can be used by both the administrator and the non-administrator, the second destination management information having at least one destination information including at least information indicating a destination and information indicating a last used date and time; a sending step of sending data associated with a predetermined function to any one of the destinations selected from the first destination management information by the administrator; an updating step of updating, in the first destination management information, the last use date and time of a destination that matches the destination to which the data was transmitted in the transmitting step, with a current time; a display control step of displaying on a display unit a first editing screen that enables the administrator to edit either or both of the first destination management information and the second destination management information; having Information processing methods.

[0262] [Configuration 19] A program that causes a computer to function as the information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 17. [Explanation of symbols]

[0263] 103 Image processing device 211 processor 214 Storage 220 Operation section

Claims

1. an access means capable of accessing first destination management information that is available to an administrator but not available to non-administrators, the first destination management information having at least one piece of destination information including at least information indicating a destination and information indicating a last used date and time; and second destination management information that is available to both the administrator and the non-administrators, the second destination management information having at least one piece of destination information including at least information indicating a destination and information indicating a last used date and time; a first transmitting means for transmitting data associated with a predetermined function to any one of the destinations selected from the first destination management information by the administrator; a first updating means for updating, in the first destination management information, the last use date and time of a destination that matches the destination to which the first transmitting means transmitted data, with the current time; a display control means for displaying on a display unit a first editing screen that enables the administrator to edit either or both of the first destination management information and the second destination management information; Equipped with Information processing device.

2. a second transmission means for transmitting image data to any of the destinations selected by the non-administrator from the second destination management information or to a destination input by the non-administrator; a second updating means for updating, when a destination to which the second transmitting means has transmitted image data matches any of the destinations registered in the second destination management information, the last use date and time of the destination that matches the destination to which the second transmitting means has transmitted image data, with a current time; Further provided with The display control means further causes a second editing screen to be displayed on the display unit, the second editing screen enabling the non-administrator to edit the second destination management information. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the second destination management information further includes at least one group destination information including information indicating a group destination that compiles a plurality of destinations and information indicating a last use date and time; the second sending means is capable of sending image data to any group destination selected from the second destination management information, the second updating means, when the group address to which the second transmitting means transmitted the image data matches any of the group addresses registered in the second address management information, updates the last usage date and time of the group address that matches the group address to which the second transmitting means transmitted the image data in the second address management information with the current time, and updates the last usage date and time of each address that is grouped into the group address that matches the group address to which the second transmitting means transmitted the image data; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. a third transmission unit configured to transmit a job completion notification to any one of the destinations selected from the second destination management information by the non-administrator after the second transmission unit has transmitted the image data; the second updating unit updates the last use date and time of a destination that matches the destination of the job completion notification sent by the third sending unit in the second destination management information with a current time. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

5. the last use date and time of the second destination management information is associated with the non-administrator who has logged in to the information processing device; the display control means sorts the at least one piece of destination information in the second destination management information by the last use date and time associated with the non-administrator who has logged in to the information processing device, and displays the second edit screen. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

6. the display control means causes the display unit to display an operation screen that enables the non-administrator to select a destination of image data from the second destination management information. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

7. the last use date and time of the second destination management information is associated with the non-administrator who has logged in to the information processing device; the display control means sorts the at least one piece of destination information in the second destination management information by the last use date and time associated with the non-administrator who has logged in to the information processing device, and displays the operation screen. The information processing device according to claim 6 .

8. the editing of the second destination management information by the non-administrator includes deleting the destination information including information indicating a destination selected from the second destination management information by the non-administrator; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

9. The image data is any one of image data read by a scanner unit of the information processing device, image data read from a storage device accessible by the information processing device, and image data received by the information processing device. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

10. the last use date and time of the second destination management information is not associated with the non-administrator who logged in to the information processing device, the display control means sorts the at least one piece of destination information in the second destination management information by the last use date and time not associated with the non-administrator, and displays the first editing screen. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

11. The predetermined function is communication, and the data associated with the predetermined function is data constituting a communication management report. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

12. The predetermined function is image data transfer, and the data associated with the predetermined function is image data. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

13. the display control means causes the display unit to display an operation screen that enables the administrator to select a destination of data associated with the predetermined function from the first destination management information. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

14. the editing of the first destination management information by the administrator includes deleting the destination information including information indicating a destination selected from the first destination management information by the administrator; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

15. the editing of the second destination management information by the administrator includes deleting the destination information including information indicating the destination selected from the second destination management information by the non-administrator; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

16. The destination includes an email address when an email transmission protocol is used for transmission, and includes a host name or IP address and, if necessary, a folder path when a file transmission protocol is used for transmission. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

17. The administrator is a user who logs in to the information processing device using an administrator ID, The non-administrator is a user who logs in to the information processing device using an ID that is not an administrator ID. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

18. a step of preparing first destination management information that can be used by an administrator but not by a non-administrator, the first destination management information having at least one destination information including at least information indicating a destination and information indicating a last used date and time, and second destination management information that can be used by both the administrator and the non-administrator, the second destination management information having at least one destination information including at least information indicating a destination and information indicating a last used date and time; a sending step of sending data associated with a predetermined function to any one of the destinations selected from the first destination management information by the administrator; an updating step of updating, in the first destination management information, the last use date and time of a destination that matches the destination to which the data was transmitted in the transmitting step, with a current time; a display control step of displaying on a display unit a first editing screen that enables the administrator to edit either or both of the first destination management information and the second destination management information; having Information processing methods.

19. A program that causes a computer to function as the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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