Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and non

Abstract

To store an electronic file in a storage area of a storage device which cannot be accessed.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: In one embodiment, the information processing device is a device that cannot access the storage device. The information processing apparatus includes a receiver and a transmitter. The reception unit receives a first electronic file. The transmission unit transmits a second electronic file, which is the same electronic file as a first electronic file or an electronic file generated based on the first electronic file, and storage destination information indicating a storage area of the storage device as a storage destination of the second electronic file to a communication device capable of accessing the storage device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, various companies offer file transfer services as cloud services. File transfer services perform various processes on document files uploaded from devices such as multifunction peripherals or smartphones. For example, file transfer services can extract document information by processing document files using OCR (Optical Character Recognition). File transfer services store uploaded document files in external storage services. External storage services are provided as cloud services.

[0003] In file transfer services, there is a need to store document files in storage devices on an internal company network. However, the internal company network storage devices are behind firewalls. Because file transfer services cannot access the internal company network storage devices, they cannot directly store document files in the storage devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-142124 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables electronic files to be stored in a storage area of ​​a storage device that is not accessible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the information processing device is a device that cannot access a storage device. The information processing device includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit receives a first electronic file. The transmitting unit transmits a second electronic file, which is the same electronic file as the first electronic file or an electronic file generated based on the first electronic file, and storage destination information indicating a storage area of ​​the storage device as a storage destination for the second electronic file, to a communication device that can access the storage device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration example of an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of data stored in the template information storage area according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating a registration process of the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of setting template information according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of checking an access result according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing of a first electronic file according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of saving a second electronic file according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of each part in each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may be changed as appropriate. Also, for the sake of explanation, each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may omit components.

[0009] [Embodiment] (Configuration example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of an information processing system S. The information processing system S is a system for processing the transfer of electronic files.

[0010] An electronic file is any file that has been digitized. The electronic file will be described as an electronic file representing a form, but is not limited to this. For example, the form may be, but is not limited to, an application form, an invoice, or an order form. For example, the application may be, but is not limited to, a travel expense reimbursement application form.

[0011] The electronic file will be described as image data generated by scanning a medium such as paper with the multifunction device 2, but is not limited to this. The electronic file may also be data including text data created by a word processing application on the terminal 3.

[0012] The information processing system S includes an information processing device 1, a plurality of multifunction devices 2, a plurality of terminals 3, and a plurality of storage devices 4. The information processing system S may include a single multifunction device 2 instead of a plurality of devices. The information processing system S may include a single terminal 3 instead of a plurality of devices. The information processing system S may include a single storage device 4 instead of a plurality of devices. The information processing system S is an example of an information processing system that includes at least two devices out of the information processing device 1, a plurality of multifunction devices 2, a plurality of terminals 3, and a plurality of storage devices 4.

[0013] The information processing device 1, the multiple multifunction peripherals 2, and the multiple terminals 3 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network NWA. The network NWA includes one or more networks such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be a wireless LAN or a wired LAN. The multiple multifunction peripherals 2 and the multiple storage devices 4 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network NWB. The network NWB includes networks such as a LAN. For example, the network NWB is an in-house network. Hereinafter, the term "network" is used to refer to either the network NWA or the network NWB, or a network that combines both.

[0014] The information processing device 1 is a device for controlling a file transfer service. The file transfer service includes a service for saving an electronic file in a storage area of ​​the storage device 4. Hereinafter, an electronic file that the information processing device 1 receives from a device such as the multifunction device 2 or the terminal 3 is also referred to as a first electronic file. An electronic file that the information processing device 1 sends to the multifunction device 2 is also referred to as a second electronic file. The second electronic file is an electronic file that is the same as the first electronic file or an electronic file that is generated based on the first electronic file. The second electronic file sent from the information processing device 1 to the multifunction device 2 is saved in a storage area of ​​the storage device 4 via the multifunction device 2. For example, the storage area is a folder.

[0015] For example, the information processing device 1 is a server on a cloud. Note that the information processing device 1 is a device that cannot access the storage device 4 via a network due to a firewall. Access includes the meanings of connection and communication.

[0016] The multifunction device 2 is a digital multifunction device that comprehensively utilizes the functions of various office devices. The multifunction device 2 has a scanning function that generates image data of a medium by scanning the medium. The multifunction device 2 has a printing function based on the image data generated by the scanning function or data transmitted from the terminal 3. For example, the multifunction device 2 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral). The multifunction device 2 is a device that can access a storage device 4 via a network. The multifunction device 2 is an example of a communication device that can communicate with other devices.

[0017] The terminal 3 is a device that processes information. The terminal 3 can create an electronic file containing text data using an application such as a word processor. For example, the terminal 3 is a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, or a smartphone, but is not limited to these.

[0018] The storage device 4 is a device for storing a second electronic file. The storage device 4 is a device that cannot be accessed by the information processing device 1 via a network. The storage device 4 is a device that can be accessed by the multifunction device 2 via a network.

[0019] The storage device 4 may include a processing circuit. The processing circuit includes one or more circuits that perform multiple processes based on multiple functions. For example, the circuit may be, but is not limited to, a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). For example, the processor may be, but is not limited to, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The storage device 4 may include storage for storing the second electronic file. The storage may include one or more storage devices. For example, the storage device may be, but is not limited to, a semiconductor storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example configuration of the information processing device 1. As shown in FIG. The information processing device 1 includes a processing circuit 11, a main memory 12, a storage 13, and a communication circuit 14. The processing circuit 11, the main memory 12, the storage 13, and the communication circuit 14 are connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals therefrom.

[0021] The processing circuit 11 corresponds to the central part of the information processing device 1. The processing circuit 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the information processing device 1. The processing circuit 11 includes one or more circuits that execute multiple processes based on multiple functions. The processing circuit 11 loads a program stored in the main memory 12 or the storage 13 into the main memory 12. The processing circuit 11 executes the program loaded into the main memory 12, thereby enabling various processes to be executed.

[0022] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the information processing device 1. The main memory 12 is an element that constitutes the computer of the information processing device 1. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or a program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processing circuit 11. For example, the main memory 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a nonvolatile memory area. For example, the main memory 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area.

[0023] The storage 13 corresponds to an auxiliary storage portion of the information processing device 1. The storage 13 includes one or more storage devices. The storage 13 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processing circuitry 11 when performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processing circuitry 11.

[0024] The storage 13 includes a registered device information storage area 131. The registered device information storage area 131 stores registered device information for each multifunction device 2 registered as a communication device used in the file transfer service. The registered device information storage area 131 is an example of a storage unit that stores registered device information. The registered device information is information that can identify a multifunction device 2 registered as a communication device used in the file transfer service.

[0025] The storage 13 includes a template information storage area 132. The template information storage area 132 stores template information for each template. A template is a prototype set according to the purpose of the file transfer service. The template information storage area 132 is an example of a storage unit that stores template information. For example, the template is a template set for the purpose of processing a travel expense reimbursement application form, but is not limited to this. The template information is information that indicates the content of the template. The template information may include name information, processing content information, save destination information, and destination information, which are associated with each other.

[0026] The name information is information indicating the name of the template. If the template is a template set for the purpose of processing an application form for travel expense reimbursement, the name of the template may be "travel expense reimbursement."

[0027] The processing content information is information indicating at least one process for the first electronic file executed by the information processing device 1. For example, the processes by the information processing device 1 include, but are not limited to, information extraction and file division. Information extraction is a process of extracting information from the first electronic file by OCR processing.

[0028] File division is a process of dividing a first electronic file into multiple second electronic files. The information processing device 1 can divide the first electronic file into multiple second electronic files by using a barcode included in the first electronic file as a separator. For example, assume that the first electronic file consists of 10 pages of data and includes barcodes on pages 3 and 6. In this example, the information processing device 1 divides the first electronic file into three second electronic files. The first second electronic file is a second electronic file consisting of pages 1-3 of data. The second second electronic file is a second electronic file consisting of pages 4-6 of data. The third second electronic file is a second electronic file consisting of pages 7-10 of data.

[0029] The storage destination information is information indicating the storage destination of the second electronic file. Hereinafter, the notation "storage destination" refers to the storage destination of the second electronic file. For example, the storage destination is a storage area of ​​the storage device 4.

[0030] The destination information is information indicating the destination of the second electronic file. The destination includes the meaning of the transmission destination. Hereinafter, the notation "destination" refers to the destination of the second electronic file. The destination is a communication device that relays the second electronic file transmitted from the information processing device 1 and stores it in the storage area of ​​the storage device 4. For example, the destination is a registered multifunction peripheral 2.

[0031] The storage 13 includes an electronic file storage area 133. The electronic file storage area 133 stores a second electronic file and information for storage processing. The electronic file storage area 133 is an example of a storage unit that stores the second electronic file and information for storage processing. The second electronic file and information for storage processing are associated with destination information and save destination information included in template information of a template selected for the first electronic file.

[0032] The storage process information is information for saving the second electronic file in a destination. For example, the storage process information is information for saving the second electronic file in a destination with a specified file name. The specified file name may be a name including a character string extracted from the first electronic file by information extraction. If the first electronic file is an electronic invoice file, the specified file name may be a name including the invoice number extracted from the first electronic file.

[0033] The communication circuit 14 is an interface for inputting or outputting signals. The communication circuit 14 connects the information processing device 1 to other devices via a network NW so that the information processing device 1 can communicate with each other. The communication circuit 14 is an example of a communication unit of the information processing device 1.

[0034] The hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 is not limited to the above configuration, and the information processing device 1 allows the above components to be omitted or changed, and new components to be added, as appropriate.

[0035] Each unit realized by the processing circuit 11 will be described. The processing circuit 11 realizes a registration unit 111, a setting unit 112, a receiving unit 113, a transmitting unit 114, an acquiring unit 115, a data processing unit 116, a confirmation processing unit 117, and a management control unit 118. Each unit realized by the processing circuit 11 can also be said to be a function.

[0036] The registration unit 111 executes a process for registering the multifunction peripheral 2 in the information processing device 1 as a communication device used for the file transfer service. The setting unit 112 sets the template information. The receiving unit 113 receives a signal via a network. The transmitter 114 transmits the signal over the network. The acquisition unit 115 acquires template information. The data processing unit 116 processes the first electronic file. The data processing unit 116 is an example of a processing unit that processes the first electronic file. The confirmation processing unit 117 confirms the access result from the multifunction device 2 indicated by the destination information to the storage area of ​​the storage device 4 indicated by the destination information, based on the storage destination information and the address information. The access result is either successful access or unsuccessful access. Successful access means that access was successful. Unsuccessful access means that access was not possible. The confirmation processing unit 117 is an example of a processing unit that confirms the access result. The management control unit 118 controls the management of the second electronic file stored in the electronic file storage area 133. The second electronic file stored in the electronic file storage area 133 is an example of a second electronic file in the information processing device 1. The management control unit 118 is an example of a control unit that controls the management of the second electronic file. Note that the management control unit 118 can control the management of the storage processing information in the same way as the second electronic file.

[0037] Controlling the management of the second electronic file includes maintaining the second electronic file in a state where it is stored in the electronic file storage area 133. Maintaining the second electronic file in a state where it is stored in the electronic file storage area 133 is an example of maintaining management of the second electronic file in the information processing device 1. Controlling the management of the second electronic file includes deleting the second electronic file from the electronic file storage area 133. Deleting the second electronic file from the electronic file storage area 133 is an example of ending management of the second electronic file in the information processing device 1.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of the multifunction peripheral 2. As shown in FIG. The multifunction device 2 includes a control unit 21, a control panel 22, a scanner unit 23, a communication circuit 24, an input / output interface 25, an audio output device 26, and a printer unit 27. The control unit 21, the control panel 22, the scanner unit 23, the communication circuit 24, the input / output interface 25, the audio output device 26, and the printer unit 27 are connected to each other so that signals can be input and output.

[0039] The control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the multifunction peripheral 2. The control unit 21 includes a processing circuit 211, a main memory 212, and a storage 213.

[0040] The processing circuitry 211 corresponds to the central part of the multifunction device 2. The processing circuitry 211 is an element that constitutes the computer of the multifunction device 2. The processing circuitry 211 includes one or more circuits that execute multiple processes based on multiple functions. The processing circuitry 211 loads programs stored in the main memory 212 or the storage 213 into the main memory 212. The processing circuitry 211 executes the programs loaded into the main memory 212, thereby enabling various processes to be executed.

[0041] The main memory 212 corresponds to the main storage portion of the multifunction peripheral 2. The main memory 212 is an element that constitutes the computer of the multifunction peripheral 2. The main memory 212 may be configured in the same manner as the main memory 12.

[0042] The storage 213 corresponds to an auxiliary storage portion of the multifunction device 2. The storage 213 includes one or more storage devices. The storage 213 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processing circuitry 211 when performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processing circuitry 211.

[0043] The control panel 22 includes a display device 221 and an input device 222 . The display device 221 is a device capable of displaying an image, and is a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, but is not limited to these.

[0044] The input device 222 is a device that can input instructions based on user operations. The input device 222 may include a button that can be pressed. The input device 222 may be a touch panel that is integrated with the display device 221.

[0045] The scanner unit 23 is a device that reads images such as characters, figures, and photographs drawn on a medium placed at a predetermined position by scanning the medium. The scanner unit 23 includes a line sensor. The line sensor may be of the CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type or the CIS (Contact Image Sensor) type. The scanner unit 23 generates image data based on the image read using the line sensor.

[0046] The communication circuit 24 is an interface for inputting or outputting signals, and connects the multifunction peripheral 2 to other devices via the network NW so that they can communicate with each other.

[0047] The input / output interface 25 is an interface for connecting the multifunction device 2 to an external device. The input / output interface 25 includes a connector for a wired cable.

[0048] The audio output device 26 is a device that can output audio under the control of the processing circuit 211. For example, the audio output device 26 is a speaker.

[0049] The printer unit 27 is a unit for printing. The printer unit 27 includes a storage section 271, a transport section 272, an image forming section 273, and a fixing device 274. The storage section 271 stores paper. The transport section 272 transports paper in the printer unit 27. The image forming section 273 forms a toner image on the paper. The image forming section 273 includes an intermediate transfer belt, multiple developing sections, an exposure device, a transfer section, etc. The fixing device 274 applies heat and pressure to the paper on which the toner image supplied from the image forming section 273 has been formed. The fixing device 274 forms an image on the paper by fixing the toner image formed on the paper to the paper using heat and pressure.

[0050] The hardware configuration of the multifunction device 2 is not limited to the above configuration. The multifunction device 2 allows the above components to be omitted or changed, and new components to be added, as appropriate.

[0051] Each unit realized by the processing circuit 211 will be described. The processing circuit 211 realizes a registration unit 2111, a transmission unit 2112, a reception unit 2113, a storage processing unit 2114, and a confirmation processing unit 2115. Each unit realized by the processing circuit 211 can also be called a function.

[0052] The registration unit 2111 executes a process for registering the multifunction peripheral 2 in the information processing device 1 as a communication device used for the file transfer service. The transmitter 2112 transmits the signal over the network. The receiving unit 2113 receives a signal via a network. The save processing unit 2114 saves the second electronic file in a storage area of ​​the storage device 4. Based on the storage destination information, the confirmation processing unit 2115 accesses the storage area of ​​the storage device 4 indicated by the storage destination information and confirms the access result. The confirmation processing unit 2115 is an example of a processing unit that confirms the access result. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of data stored in the template information storage area 132. As shown in FIG. The template information storage area 132 stores template information for each template. The template information includes name information, processing content information, storage destination information, and destination information, which are associated with each other.

[0053] (Processing example) The processing of the information processing system S will be described. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating the registration process of the multifunction device 2. As shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the administrator inputs an instruction to register the multifunction device 2 using the input device 222 of the multifunction device 2. The instruction to register the multifunction device 2 is an instruction to register the multifunction device 2 in the information processing device 1 as a communication device to be used for the file transfer service. The instruction to register the multifunction device 2 includes information that can identify the multifunction device 2.

[0055] The processing circuit 211 of the multifunction device 2 transmits a registration instruction for the multifunction device 2 to the information processing device 1 in order to register the multifunction device 2 as a communication device used in the file transfer service (ACT1). ACT1 may be processing by the registration unit 2111. In ACT1, for example, the processing circuit 211 transmits a registration instruction for the multifunction device 2 to the information processing device 1 via the network NWA.

[0056] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 receives a registration instruction for the multifunction device 2 (ACT2). ACT2 may be processing by the registration unit 111. In ACT2, for example, the processing circuit 11 receives a registration instruction for the multifunction device 2 from the multifunction device 2 via the network NWA.

[0057] Based on the registration instruction from the multifunction device 2, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 registers the multifunction device 2 in the information processing device 1 as a communication device used for the file transfer service (ACT3). ACT3 may be processing by the registration unit 111. In ACT3, for example, the processing circuit 11 registers the multifunction device 2 in the information processing device 1 by storing the registered device information in the registered device information storage area 131.

[0058] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process for setting template information. Here, it is assumed that the administrator inputs a setting instruction for template information on a web page using the terminal 3. The setting instruction for template information is an instruction for setting the template information in the information processing device 1. The setting instruction for template information includes the template information.

[0059] The terminal 3 transmits a setting instruction for the template information (ACT 11). In ACT 11, for example, the terminal 3 transmits the setting instruction for the template to the information processing device 1 via the network NWA.

[0060] The processing circuitry 11 of the information processing device 1 receives the instruction to set the template information (ACT12). ACT12 may be processing by the receiving unit 113. In ACT12, for example, the processing circuitry 11 receives the instruction to set the template information from the terminal 3 via the network NWA.

[0061] The processing circuitry 11 of the information processing device 1 sets the template information based on the instruction to set the template information (ACT13). ACT13 may be processing by the setting unit 112. In ACT13, for example, the processing circuitry 11 sets the template information by saving the template information in the template information storage area 132. Setting the template information is an example of setting some or all of the name information, processing content information, save destination information, and address information, which are associated with each other.

[0062] As described above, the information processing device 1 can set template information. This allows the information processing device 1 to set template information that combines storage destination information and destination information for each template.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process for checking the access result. The administrator inputs a start instruction on the web page using the terminal 3 to cause the information processing device 1 to start the process of checking the access result. The administrator may input the start instruction using the terminal 3 when inputting the setting instruction for the template information. The start instruction includes the save destination information specified by the administrator and the destination information associated with the save destination information. The start instruction may be input based on the selection of a button on the web page.

[0064] The following description focuses on one arbitrary multifunction device 2. It is assumed that the multifunction device 2 periodically transmits a request to the information processing device 1 via the network NWA by performing polling. The request includes the meaning of an inquiry.

[0065] Based on the start instruction, the processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 transmits a confirmation request to confirm the access result as a response to the request (ACT21). ACT21 may be processed by the confirmation processing unit 117. The confirmation request is a request to make the multifunction device 2 indicated by the destination information confirm the access result to the storage area of ​​the storage device 4 indicated by the storage destination information. In ACT21, for example, the processing circuit 11 transmits the confirmation request to the multifunction device 2 indicated by the destination information via the network NWA based on the destination information and the storage destination information. The confirmation request includes the storage destination information.

[0066] The processing circuit 211 of the multifunction device 2 receives the confirmation request (ACT22). ACT22 may be processing by the confirmation processing unit 2115. In ACT22, for example, the processing circuit 211 receives the confirmation request from the information processing device 1 via the network NWA.

[0067] The processing circuit 211 of the multifunction device 2 accesses the storage destination based on the storage destination information included in the confirmation request (ACT23). ACT23 may be processing by the confirmation processing unit 2115. In ACT23, for example, the processing circuit 211 accesses the storage area of ​​the storage device 4 indicated by the storage destination information via the network NWB based on the storage destination information. The processing circuit 211 confirms the access result based on the access to the storage area of ​​the storage device 4.

[0068] The processing circuit 211 of the multifunction device 2 transmits the access result information (ACT24). ACT24 may be processing by the confirmation processing unit 2115. In ACT24, for example, the processing circuit 211 transmits the access result information to the information processing device 1 via the network NWA based on the confirmation of the access result. The access result information is information indicating the access result.

[0069] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 receives the access result information (ACT25). ACT25 may be processing by the confirmation processing unit 117. In ACT25, for example, the processing circuit 11 receives the access result information from the multifunction device 2 via the network NWA.

[0070] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 confirms the access result indicated by the access result information based on the access result information (ACT26). ACT26 may be processing by the confirmation processing unit 117. In this way, the processing circuit 11 can confirm the access result based on the storage destination information and the destination information. Based on the confirmation of the access result, the processing circuit 11 may store the access result information in the template information storage area 132 in association with the template information. If the access result is an access failure, the processing circuit 11 may notify the administrator's terminal 3 of an alert.

[0071] The number of times that the processing circuitry 11 transmits a confirmation request to the multifunction device 2 based on the start instruction is not limited to one. The processing circuitry 11 may periodically transmit a confirmation request to the multifunction device 2 based on the start instruction to confirm the access result.

[0072] In ACT21, an example has been described in which the processing circuitry 11 transmits a confirmation request to the multifunction device 2 as a response to a request, but the present invention is not limited to this. Communication such as MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) may be used between the information processing device 1 and the multifunction device 2. In this case, the processing circuitry 11 of the information processing device 1 can transmit a confirmation request to the multifunction device 2 while a connection is established, without needing a request from the multifunction device 2.

[0073] As described above, the information processing device 1 can check the access result based on the storage destination information and the address information. This allows the information processing device 1 to check whether the multifunction device 2 can access a storage area of ​​the storage device 4 that the information processing device 1 cannot access.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing of the first electronic file.

[0075] Here, it is assumed that the user uploads the first electronic file to the information processing device 1 using the multifunction device 2. Note that the user can also upload the first electronic file to the information processing device 1 using the terminal 3.

[0076] The processing circuit 211 of the multifunction peripheral 2 transmits the first electronic file (ACT31). ACT31 may be processing by the transmitting unit 2112. In ACT31, for example, the processing circuit 211 transmits the first electronic file designated by the user to the information processing device 1 via the network NWA.

[0077] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 receives the first electronic file (ACT32). ACT32 may be processing by the receiving unit 113. In ACT32, for example, the processing circuit 11 receives the first electronic file designated by the user from the multifunction device 2 via the network NWA.

[0078] The processing circuitry 211 of the multifunction peripheral 2 transmits template selection information (ACT33). ACT33 may be processing by the transmission unit 2112. The template selection information is information that can identify one template selected from multiple templates. The user may refer to the names of the templates displayed on the display device 321 and select one template from the multiple templates. In ACT33, for example, the processing circuitry 211 transmits template selection information based on the user's selection to the information processing device 1 via the network NWA.

[0079] The processing circuitry 11 of the information processing device 1 receives the template selection information (ACT34). ACT34 may be processing by the receiving unit 113. In ACT34, for example, the processing circuitry 11 receives the template selection information from the multifunction device 2 via the network NWA.

[0080] The processing circuitry 11 of the information processing device 1 acquires template information (ACT34). ACT34 may be processing by the acquisition unit 115. In ACT34, for example, the processing circuitry 11 acquires the template information from the template information storage area 132 based on the template selection information.

[0081] Because template information includes processing content information, acquiring template information is an example of acquiring processing content information. Because template information includes storage destination information, acquiring template information is an example of acquiring storage destination information. Because template information includes destination information, acquiring template information is an example of acquiring destination information.

[0082] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 processes the first electronic file (ACT36). ACT36 may be processing by the data processing unit 116. In ACT36, for example, the processing circuit 11 executes, on the first electronic file, each process indicated by the processing content information included in the acquired template information.

[0083] The processing circuitry 11 of the information processing device 1 stores the second electronic file in the electronic file storage area 133 based on the processing of the first electronic file (ACT37). ACT37 may be processing by the data processing unit 116. If the processing circuitry 11 does not perform file division on the first electronic file, the second electronic file is the same electronic file as the first electronic file. If the processing circuitry 11 performs file division on the first electronic file, the second electronic file is an electronic file generated based on the first electronic file. In ACT37, for example, the processing circuitry 11 stores the second electronic file in the electronic file storage area 133 in association with the destination information and the address information included in the template information acquired in ACT35.

[0084] The processing circuitry 11 of the information processing device 1 stores the information for saving processing in the electronic file storage area 133 based on the processing of the first electronic file (ACT38). ACT38 may be processing by the data processing unit 116. In ACT38, for example, the processing circuitry 11 generates the information for saving processing based on the processing of the first electronic file. The processing circuitry 11 stores the information for saving processing in the electronic file storage area 133 in association with the saving destination information and address information included in the template information acquired in ACT35.

[0085] Note that, in ACT34, an example has been described in which the processing circuitry 11 acquires template information based on template selection information, but this is not limiting. The processing circuitry 11 may acquire template information of a template suitable for the first electronic file without requiring template selection information. In this example, the processing circuitry 11 selects a template for the first electronic file based on information extracted from the first electronic file. The processing circuitry 11 acquires template information of the template selected for the first electronic file. This eliminates the need for the user to select a template when uploading the first electronic file.

[0086] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of saving a second electronic file. The following description will be given for any one multifunction device 2 and any one storage device 4. It is assumed that the multifunction device 2 periodically transmits requests to the information processing device 1 via the network NWA by performing polling. It is assumed that the multifunction device 2 downloads a second electronic file and information for storage processing. The second electronic file and information for storage processing are associated with storage destination information and addressee information. The storage destination information indicates a storage area of ​​the storage device 4 as the storage destination. The addressee information indicates the multifunction device 2 as the addressee.

[0087] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 transmits the second electronic file, the information for storage processing, and the storage destination information based on the destination information as a response to the request (ACT41). ACT41 may be a process by the transmitting unit 114. In ACT41, for example, the processing circuit 11 transmits the second electronic file, the information for storage processing, and the storage destination information to the multifunction device 2 via the network NWA based on the destination information. Transmitting the second electronic file, the information for storage processing, and the storage destination information not only means transmitting them all at the same time, but also means transmitting them individually at different times. The transmission of the storage destination information may be omitted.

[0088] The processing circuit 211 of the multifunction peripheral 2 receives the second electronic file, the information for storage processing, and the storage destination information (ACT42). ACT42 may be processing by the receiving unit 2113. In ACT42, for example, the processing circuit 211 receives the second electronic file, the information for storage processing, and the storage destination information from the information processing device 1 via the network NWA. Receiving the second electronic file, the information for storage processing, and the storage destination information not only means receiving them all at the same time, but also means receiving them individually at different times. The transmission of the storage destination information may be omitted.

[0089] The processing circuit 211 of the multifunction peripheral 2 saves the second electronic file in a storage area of ​​the storage device 4 based on the save destination information (ACT43). ACT43 may be processing by the save processing unit 2114. In ACT43, for example, the processing circuit 211 saves the second electronic file in a storage area of ​​the storage device 4 indicated by the save destination information via the network NWB. The processing circuit 211 can save the second electronic file in a storage area of ​​the storage device 4 based on the save processing information. Note that depending on the state of the storage device 4 or the state of the network NWB, the processing circuit 211 may not be able to save the second electronic file in the storage area of ​​the storage device 4.

[0090] The processing circuit 211 of the multifunction device 2 transmits the storage result information (ACT44). ACT44 may be processing by the transmitting unit 2112. In ACT2112, for example, the processing circuit 211 transmits the storage result information to the information processing device 1 via the network NWA. The storage result information is information indicating the storage result.

[0091] The saving result is the saving result of the second electronic file in the memory area of ​​the storage device 4. The saving result is either saving successful or saving failed. Saving successful means that the multifunction device 2 was able to save the second electronic file in the memory area of ​​the storage device 4. Saving failed means that the multifunction device 2 was not able to save the second electronic file in the memory area of ​​the storage device 4.

[0092] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 receives the storage result information (ACT45). ACT45 may be processing by the receiving unit 113. In ACT45, for example, the processing circuit 11 receives the storage result information from the multifunction device 2 via the network NWA.

[0093] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 controls management of the second electronic file stored in the electronic file storage area 133 based on the storage result indicated by the storage result information (ACT46). ACT46 may be processing by the management control unit 118. In ACT46, for example, if the storage result is storage success, the processing circuit 11 deletes the second electronic file from the electronic file storage area 133. If the storage result is storage failure, the processing circuit 11 maintains the second electronic file stored in the electronic file storage area 133.

[0094] Similar to the second electronic file, the processing circuitry 11 controls management of the information for storage processing stored in the electronic file storage area 133 based on the storage result. For example, if the storage result is a successful save, the processing circuitry 11 deletes the information for storage processing from the electronic file storage area 133. If the storage result is a failed save, the processing circuitry 11 maintains the information for storage processing stored in the electronic file storage area 133.

[0095] In ACT41, an example has been described in which the processing circuitry 11 transmits the second electronic file or the like to the multifunction device 2 as a response to a request, but the present invention is not limited to this. Communication such as MQTT may be used between the information processing device 1 and the multifunction device 2. In this case, once a connection is established, the processing circuitry 11 can transmit the second electronic file or the like to the multifunction device 2 without needing a request from the multifunction device 2.

[0096] As described above, the information processing device 1 can transmit the second electronic file and the storage destination information to the multifunction device 2. As a result, the information processing device 1 can process the second electronic file via the multifunction device 2 so as to store the second electronic file in a storage area of ​​the storage device 4 that the information processing device 1 cannot access.

[0097] As described above, the information processing device 1 can transmit the second electronic file and the storage destination information to the multifunction device 2 based on the destination information. The information processing device 1 can transmit the second electronic file and the storage destination information to the multifunction peripheral 2 that can access the storage area of ​​the storage device 4 by referring to the destination information.

[0098] As described above, the information processing device 1 can control the management of the second electronic file stored in the electronic file storage area 133 based on the storage result. This allows the information processing device 1 to delete the second electronic file stored in the electronic file storage area 133 at an appropriate timing.

[0099] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, the multifunction peripheral 2 has been described as an example of a communication device that can access the storage device 4, but the communication device is not limited to the multifunction peripheral 2. The communication device may also be an on-premise server located on the network NWB. In an environment where the multifunction peripheral 2 is already installed, the multifunction peripheral 2 can be used as a communication device, so there is no need to install a new server. Therefore, using the multifunction peripheral 2 as a communication device is preferable in terms of operation and cost.

[0100] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the storage 13 of the information processing device 1 includes the registered device information storage area 131, the template information storage area 132, and the electronic file storage area 133. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The registered device information storage area 131, the template information storage area 132, and the electronic file storage area 133 may be included in storage of a device different from the information processing device 1.

[0101] The units realized by the processing circuit 11 described in the above embodiment are not limited to being realized by a single device such as the information processing device 1. The units may be realized in a distributed manner in multiple devices. In this case, a collection of multiple devices is an example of an information processing device.

[0102] The above-described embodiments may be applied to a method executed by one or more devices. The above-described embodiments may be applied to a program that can cause a computer of one or more devices to execute each function. The above-described embodiments may be applied to a recording medium that stores the program.

[0103] Each of the one or more circuits constituting the processing circuit performs one or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of a single circuit, the single circuit performs all of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits performs a part of the multiple processes. The part of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be included in a single device or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0104] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in the device according to the embodiment, or may be transferred in a state where it is not stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or may be transferred in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is computer-readable.

[0105] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0106] Some of the above-described embodiments may be expressed as follows. (1) In an information processing device that is not accessible to a storage device, a receiving unit that receives a first electronic file; a transmitting unit that transmits a second electronic file, which is the same electronic file as the first electronic file or an electronic file generated based on the first electronic file, and storage destination information indicating a storage area of ​​the storage device as a storage destination of the second electronic file, to a communication device that can access the storage device; An information processing device comprising: (2) The information processing device according to (1), wherein the transmitting unit transmits the second electronic file and the storage destination information to the communication device based on destination information indicating the communication device as the destination of the second electronic file. (3) The information processing device according to (2), further comprising: a processing unit that confirms a result of access by the communication device to a storage area of ​​the storage device based on the storage destination information and the destination information. (3) The information processing device according to (1), further comprising a control unit that controls management of the second electronic file in the information processing device based on a result of saving the second electronic file in the storage area of ​​the storage device. (4) an information processing device that is not accessible to a storage device; a communication device that can access the storage device; An information processing system comprising: The information processing device includes: a receiving unit that receives a first electronic file; a transmitting unit that transmits to the communication device a second electronic file that is the same as the first electronic file or an electronic file generated based on the first electronic file, and storage destination information that indicates a storage area of ​​the storage device as a storage destination for the second electronic file; The communication device a receiving unit that receives the second electronic file and the storage destination information from the information processing device; a storage processing unit that stores the second electronic file in a storage area of ​​the storage device based on the storage destination information; Equipped with Information processing system. (6) To a computer of an information processing device that is not capable of accessing a storage device, receiving a first electronic file; a function of transmitting a second electronic file, which is the same electronic file as the first electronic file or an electronic file generated based on the first electronic file, and storage destination information indicating a storage area of ​​the storage device as a storage destination of the second electronic file, to a communication device that can access the storage device; A program that can be executed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1...information processing device, 2...multifunction device, 3...terminal, 4...storage device, 11...processing circuit, 12...main memory, 13...storage, 14...communication circuit, 31...control unit, 32...control panel, 33...scanner unit, 34...communication circuit, 35...input / output interface, 36...audio output device, 37...printer unit, 111...registration unit, 112...setting unit, 113...receiving unit, 114...transmitting unit, 115...acquisition unit, 116...data processing unit, 117...confirmation processing unit, 118...management control unit, 131...Registered device information storage area, 132...Template information storage area, 133...Electronic file storage area, 311...Processing circuit, 312...Main memory, 313...Storage, 321...Display device, 322...Input device, 371...Containing section, 372...Conveying section, 373...Image forming section, 374...Fuser, 2111...Registration section, 2112...Transmitting section, 2113...Receiving section, 2114...Storage processing section, 2115...Confirmation processing section, NWA...Network, NWB...Network, S...Information processing system.

Claims

1. In an information processing device that is not accessible to a storage device, a receiving unit that receives a first electronic file; a transmitting unit that transmits a second electronic file, which is the same electronic file as the first electronic file or an electronic file generated based on the first electronic file, and storage destination information indicating a storage area of ​​the storage device as a storage destination of the second electronic file, to a communication device that can access the storage device; An information processing device comprising:

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the transmitting unit transmits the second electronic file and the storage destination information to the communication device based on destination information indicating the communication device as the destination of the second electronic file.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2 , further comprising a processing unit that confirms a result of access by the communication device to a storage area of ​​the storage device based on the storage destination information and the destination information.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a control unit that controls management of the second electronic file in the information processing device based on a result of saving the second electronic file in the storage area of ​​the storage device.

5. an information processing device that is not accessible to a storage device; a communication device that can access the storage device; An information processing system comprising: The information processing device includes: a receiving unit that receives a first electronic file; a transmitting unit that transmits to the communication device a second electronic file that is the same as the first electronic file or an electronic file generated based on the first electronic file, and storage destination information that indicates a storage area of ​​the storage device as a storage destination for the second electronic file; The communication device a receiving unit that receives the second electronic file and the storage destination information from the information processing device; a storage processing unit that stores the second electronic file in a storage area of ​​the storage device based on the storage destination information; Equipped with Information processing system.

6. In a computer of an information processing device that is not capable of accessing a storage device, receiving a first electronic file; a function of transmitting a second electronic file, which is the same electronic file as the first electronic file or an electronic file generated based on the first electronic file, and storage destination information indicating a storage area of ​​the storage device as a storage destination of the second electronic file, to a communication device that can access the storage device; A program that can be executed.

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