Systems, image processing devices, and methods for controlling them.

Abstract

It was necessary to consider ways to improve the convenience of cloud scanning, which involves uploading scanned images to cloud storage. [Solution] The client terminal 102 accepts the settings for a scan job, including the scan settings, information identifying the destination storage server for the scanned image data, authentication information for the storage server, and storage location information (S707~S714), and registers them with the intermediate server 103 (S715~S717). The MFP 101 obtains the scan job from the intermediate server 103 (S718, S719), and sends the scanned image data obtained from the scan process executed based on the scan settings of the scan job to the intermediate server 103 (S720~S721). The intermediate server 103 receives the scanned image data read by the MFP 101 based on the scan settings from the MFP 101, and sends the scanned image data to the storage server 104 according to the destination settings (S722).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, an image processing apparatus, and a control method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] A form in which a document is scanned by an image processing apparatus and an instruction is given to transmit the scanned image to a specific destination is called "push scan". The destinations include various cloud storage servers. In recent years, the instruction for push scan is not limited to the instruction from the screen operation on the image processing apparatus, and may also be given from a client terminal connected to the network.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, regarding the improvement of the convenience of cloud scan for uploading a scanned image to a cloud storage as described above, further consideration was required.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of improving the convenience of cloud scan.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention relates to a system comprising an image processing device, an information processing terminal, and an intermediate server, wherein the information processing terminal has setting means for setting scan settings, information identifying a storage server to which scanned image data will be sent as a destination setting, authentication information of the storage server, and storage location information as settings for a scan job; the intermediate server has a first registration means for registering a scan job in which the scan settings and destination settings have been set; a first transmission means for transmitting the scan job to the image processing device in response to a request from the image processing device; and a second transmission means for receiving scanned image data read by the image processing device based on the scan settings from the image processing device and transmitting the scanned image data to the storage server according to the destination settings; and the image processing device has a first acquisition means for acquiring the scan job from the intermediate server and a control means for transmitting scanned image data obtained by a scan process executed based on the scan settings of the scan job to the intermediate server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the convenience of cloud scanning can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a system including the image processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of an MFP hardware configuration. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a client terminal. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an intermediate server. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of a storage server hardware configuration. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of a sequence for registering an MFP with an intermediate server in the first embodiment. [Figure 7]A diagram showing an example of a push scan sequence in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of the scanner selection screen of a client terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of the transmission settings screen of a client terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the save destination folder selection screen for the client terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of the scan settings screen of a client terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of the push scan completion screen on a client terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] A flowchart illustrating an example of the process from obtaining the scanner list on the client terminal to completing the transmission of scanned images in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] A flowchart showing an example of the destination setting process for a client terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] A flowchart showing an example of the scan setting process for a client terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] Flowchart for registering a scan job on a client terminal in the first embodiment [Figure 17] A flowchart showing an example of MFP processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 18] A flowchart showing an example of the processing of the intermediate server in the first embodiment. [Figure 19] A flowchart showing an example of the processing of the storage server in the first embodiment. [Figure 20] A diagram showing an example of a sequence for registering the MFP101 with the intermediate server 103 in the second embodiment. [Figure 21] A diagram showing an example of a push scan sequence in the second embodiment. [Figure 22]A flowchart showing an example of the process from obtaining the list of scanners of the client terminal to the completion of transmission of the scanned image in the second embodiment. [Figure 23] It is a flowchart showing an example of the transmission process of the client terminal in the second embodiment. [Figure 24] A flowchart showing an example of the process of the MFP in the second embodiment. [Figure 25] A flowchart showing an example of the process of the intermediate server in the second embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the invention.

[0010] 〔First Embodiment〕 As the first embodiment of the present invention, a configuration will be described in which an image processing apparatus acquires a push scan job from an intermediate server and transmits a scanned image to a destination cloud storage via the intermediate server.

[0011] First, referring to FIG. 1, a system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system including an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] In the system according to the present embodiment, an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 101, a client terminal 102, an intermediate server 103, and a storage server 104 are communicably connected via a network line 105.

[0013] The MFP101 is a full-color image processing device that employs, for example, an electrophotographic method, and is equipped with scanning, copying, and printing functions. However, the printing method of the MFP101 is not limited to electrophotography; other printing methods such as inkjet printing may also be used. The MFP101 has the function of receiving scan jobs from the intermediate server 103 via the network line 105 and transmitting an electronic file containing image data acquired by scanning a document from the scanner provided by the MFP101, according to the scan job. This transmission function also includes transmission via the intermediate server 103. The MFP101 also has a function for configuring settings for cooperation with the intermediate server 103. Note that a scanning device (scanner, image reader) without printing capabilities may be used as an image processing device instead of the MFP101.

[0014] The client terminal 102 is a general information processing terminal (information processing device) such as a personal computer (PC), tablet terminal, or smartphone. The client terminal 102 can configure the MFP 101 to connect to the intermediate server 103 via the network line 105, and can also request the intermediate server 103 to issue scan jobs.

[0015] The intermediate server 103 manages information about scan devices and scan jobs. The intermediate server 103 receives requests via the network line 105, such as requests to register scan devices, requests to issue scan jobs from client terminals 102, requests to acquire scan jobs from MFP 101, and requests to send scanned images. The intermediate server 103 also manages print jobs and can manage information about printing devices. It receives registration requests for printing devices from printing devices or client terminals 102 via the network line 105 and manages the information of those devices. It can also send print jobs received from client terminals 102 or other print services on the network to registered printing devices and execute the printing process for the print data. In the case of MFP 101, since it has both scanning and printing functions, it can be registered with the intermediate server 103 as both a scanning device and a printing device. In this embodiment, the intermediate server 103 is called "intermediate" because it relays scan data from MFP 101, but in reality it is a service provider server on a cloud system that provides scanning and printing services. Furthermore, the intermediate server 103 also manages authentication information to permit or restrict requests such as scanning, printing, and device registration, as needed.

[0016] The storage server 104 is a service that manages electronic files, including image data. The storage server 104 stores and manages electronic files received from the MFP 101. In addition, the storage server 104 also manages authentication information to restrict requests for saving new electronic files and access requests for each electronic file it manages, as needed.

[0017] Note that there may be multiple MFP101, client terminals 102, and storage servers 104. Also, the network connection 105 can be an intranet, the internet, wired, or wireless, as long as communication between terminals is possible.

[0018] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 to describe an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP101. Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP101. The MFP101 includes a CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, control unit 204, scanner 205, printer 206, image processing circuit 207, hard disk 208, and network interface 209. Alternatively, the hard disk may be replaced with, or used in conjunction with, other storage devices such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard).

[0019] The CPU201 is a control circuit that controls the entire system using the program stored in the ROM202 and the memory in the RAM203. The control unit 204 is a circuit that performs user operations. Scanner 205 reads images from the document and outputs the scanned images page by page. Printer 206 prints onto a recording medium based on the image.

[0020] The image processing circuit 207 consists of a large-capacity image memory, an image rotation circuit, a resolution scaling circuit, and encoding / decoding circuits for MH, MR, MMR, JBIG, JPEG, etc., and can also perform various image processing operations such as shading, cropping, and masking.

[0021] A hard disk drive (HDD) is a high-capacity storage medium connected via an interface (I / F) such as SCSI or IDE. Alternatively, other storage devices such as SSDs (Solid State Drives) or eMMCs (embedded MultiMediaCards) may be used in place of or in conjunction with the HDD. Network I / F 209 is a circuit for connecting to network line 105.

[0022] The scanner 205, printer 206, and image processing circuit 207 are connected via a high-speed video bus separate from the CPU bus from the CPU 201, enabling high-speed transmission of images. The MFP 101 processes the image read by the scanner 205 using the image processing circuit 207.

[0023] Next, referring to Figure 3, an example of the hardware configuration of client terminal 102 will be described. Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of client terminal 102. CPU301 is connected to DRAM302 via a bus. DRAM302 is used by the CPU301 as working memory to temporarily store program data representing arithmetic instructions and data to be processed during the calculation process.

[0024] Furthermore, the CPU 301 is connected to the I / O controller 303 via a bus. The I / O controller 303 is connected to the network interface 304. The network interface 304 is used to connect wired LAN devices, wireless LAN devices, and data communication devices. The CPU 301 enables communication over the network line 105 by controlling wired LAN devices, wireless LAN devices, and data communication devices via the network interface 304.

[0025] Furthermore, the I / O controller 303 performs input and output to various devices according to the instructions of the CPU 301. The I / O controller 303 is connected to a SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) interface 305, to which the FlashROM 306 is connected. Note that a mass storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) may be connected instead of a FlashROM. CPU301 uses FlashROM306 to permanently store the program itself, such as the push scan application, and settings.

[0026] Furthermore, a panel interface 307 is connected to the I / O controller 303, and the CPU 301 provides user-facing input and output to the operation unit 308 of the client terminal 102, which is connected via the panel interface 307. An example of the operation unit 308 is a touch panel. The operation unit 308 may also include a display device such as a display for displaying information and an input device such as a keyboard for inputting information, which may be connected to the panel I / F 307.

[0027] Next, with reference to Figure 4, an example of the hardware configuration of the intermediate server 103 will be described. Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the intermediate server 103. CPU401 is a central processing unit that controls the overall operation of the intermediate server 103. RAM402 is volatile memory. RAM402 is used by the CPU401 as working memory to temporarily store program data representing arithmetic instructions and data to be processed during the calculation process.

[0028] ROM403 is non-volatile memory and stores the startup program for CPU401. HDD404 stores various programs and data. Alternatively, other storage devices such as SSDs (Solid State Drives) or eMMCs (embedded MultiMediaCards) may be used instead of or in conjunction with the HDD. DB (Database)406 is used for managing information necessary for executing scan jobs. CPU401 communicates with other devices on network line 105 via network I / F405.

[0029] Next, with reference to Figure 5, an example of the hardware configuration of the storage server 104 will be described. Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the storage server 104. CPU 501 is the central processing unit that controls the operation of the entire storage server 104. RAM502 is volatile memory. RAM502 is used by the CPU501 as working memory to temporarily store program data representing arithmetic instructions and data to be processed during the calculation process of the CPU501.

[0030] ROM503 is non-volatile memory. ROM503 stores the startup program for CPU501. Storage 504 is a storage device with a larger capacity compared to RAM 502 (for example, a hard disk drive: HDD), and is used for storing electronic files. Note that storage 504 may also be a solid-state drive (SSD), or any other storage device with equivalent functionality to a hard disk drive. CPU501 communicates with other devices on network 105 via network I / F505.

[0031] The intermediate server 103 and the storage server 104 may each be implemented by a single computer or by multiple computers. For example, the intermediate server 103 and the storage server 104 may be implemented using cloud computing technology.

[0032] Referring to Figure 6, an example sequence for registering the MFP101 with the intermediate server 103 and enabling the intermediate server 103 to manage the MFP101's scan jobs will be described. Figure 6 shows an example of a sequence for registering an MFP with an intermediate server in the first embodiment. In this figure, the processing of the client terminal 102 is achieved by the CPU 301 of the client terminal 102 reading and executing a program stored in the Flash ROM 306 or the like. The processing of the MFP 101 is achieved by the CPU 201 of the MFP 101 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 202 or the like. The processing of the intermediate server 103 is achieved by the CPU 401 of the intermediate server 103 reading and executing a program stored in the HDD 404 or the like.

[0033] The user first uses client terminal 102 to perform an operation to request registration of MFP 101 with intermediate server 103. Upon receiving this operation, client terminal 102 sends an intermediate server registration request to MFP 101 (S601).

[0034] When MFP101 receives the request in S601, it sends an intermediate server registration request to the intermediate server 103 (S602). When the intermediate server 103 receives the request in S602, it sends an intermediate server registration request response to the MFP 101, which includes a registration URL for intermediate server registration (S603).

[0035] Upon receiving the response from S603, MFP101 sends registration URL display screen information, including the intermediate server registration URL, to the client terminal 102 (S604). When the client terminal 102 receives the screen information from S604, it displays a screen (not shown) containing the registered URL on the operation unit 308 in accordance with the screen information (S605).

[0036] The user operates the client terminal 102 and accesses the registration URL displayed in S605. This causes the client terminal 102 to send an intermediate server registration approval request to the intermediate server 103, which includes authentication information for the intermediate server 103 (S606). This authentication information identifies a user authorized to use the intermediate server 103 and has been previously registered with the intermediate server 103 by the user.

[0037] When the intermediate server 103 receives the registration approval request in S606, it performs the registration process for the MFP 101 based on the registration approval request and sends an intermediate server registration approval response to the client terminal 102 (S607). In this registration process, the intermediate server 103 assigns a scanner ID to the MFP 101 and registers it in DB406. The scanner ID is identification information used by the intermediate server 103 to identify the registered scanner.

[0038] Furthermore, MFP101 sends an intermediate server registration confirmation request to intermediate server 103 (S608). When the intermediate server 103 receives the registration confirmation request in S608, it sends an intermediate server registration confirmation response containing the scanner ID to the MFP 101 (S609). When the MFP 101 receives the response in S609, it stores the scanner ID contained in this response, for example, in the HDD 208, and uses it to obtain scan jobs from the intermediate server 103.

[0039] After confirming that it has registered with the intermediate server 103 based on the response to S609 (i.e., it received a response including the scanner ID), the MFP101 sends a scan capability registration request to the intermediate server 103 (S610) which includes the scanner ID obtained in S609 and information indicating its own scanning capability (scan capability information). When the intermediate server 103 receives the scan capability registration request in S610, it adds data associating scanner IDs with scan capabilities to DB406, as shown in Table 1 below, and sends a scan capability registration response to MFP101 (S611).

[0040] This allows the client terminal 102 to obtain supported configuration information from the intermediate server 103 when it issues a scan command to the MFP 101. If the scanning capabilities change due to changes in the MFP 101's device configuration or settings, the S610-S611 processes may be performed as needed to re-register the information. At this point, the MFP101 is registered with the intermediate server 103, and it becomes possible to transmit scanned images via the intermediate server 103.

[0041] In this example, we have described a configuration in which, when MFP101 is registered with the intermediate server 103, MFP101 sends its scan capability information to the intermediate server 103 for registration. However, in S602, when MFP101 sends a registration request to the intermediate server 103, it may also include its own scan capability information in the registration request before sending it to the intermediate server 103.

[0042] Table 1 shows an example of a table used by the intermediate server 103 to manage the scanning capabilities of each scanner. [Table 1]

[0043] In Table 1, each record contains a "scanner ID" that identifies the scanner and the "scanning capability" of that scanner. Here, we will explain the scanning capabilities using a record in Table 1 where the scanner ID is "scanner-A" as an example.

[0044] "source" indicates the supported reading source. "platen" indicates support for platen reading, and "feeder" indicates support for feeder reading. The "size" option indicates the supported paper sizes. "a4" means A4 paper, "a3" means A3 paper, "letter" means letter size, and "legal" means legal size. "color" indicates the supported color mode. "cl" indicates support for color, "bw" for black and white, and "gs" for grayscale. Other scanning capabilities are described similarly. Adding a column indicating the client ID may allow for management of scanners available to each client terminal. Other columns may also be included depending on the intended use.

[0045] Next, referring to Figures 7 to 12, an example of a sequence for the MFP 101 to send scanned images to the storage server 104 via the intermediate server 103 will be described. This sequence assumes that each communication is authenticated each time.

[0046] Figure 7 shows an example of a push scan sequence in the first embodiment. In this figure, the processing of the client terminal 102 is achieved by the CPU 301 of the client terminal 102 reading and executing a program stored in the Flash ROM 306 or the like. The processing of the MFP 101 is achieved by the CPU 201 of the MFP 101 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 202 or the like. The processing of the intermediate server 103 is achieved by the CPU 401 of the intermediate server 103 reading and executing a program stored in the HDD 404 or the like. The processing of the storage server 104 is achieved by the CPU 501 of the storage server 104 reading and executing a program stored in the storage 504 or the like.

[0047] Figures 8 to 12 show examples of screens displayed on the client terminal 102 in the first embodiment. Each screen shown in Figures 8 to 12 may be displayed via a web browser running on the client terminal 102, or it may be displayed by a dedicated scanning application. Note that the processing of the "back" button on each screen is omitted as it only displays the previous screen.

[0048] First, the client terminal 102 requests a list of available scanners from the intermediate server 103 (S701). When the intermediate server 103 receives the request in S701, it extracts a list of available scanners based on the registered information as shown in Table 1 and responds to the client terminal 102 (S702).

[0049] When client terminal 102 receives the response from S702, it displays a list of scanners as shown in Figure 8 on the operation unit 308 based on this response (S703).

[0050] Now, let's explain Figure 8. Figure 8 shows an example of the scanner selection screen of the client terminal in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the scanner selection screen displays a list 801 of available scanners. When the user selects a scanner from the list 801 and presses the "Next" button 803, the client terminal 102 determines that the scanner selection has been confirmed. The "Back" button 802 is used to return to the previous screen.

[0051] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 7. When the user selects a scanner on the scanner selection screen displayed in S703, the client terminal 102 accepts this scanner selection operation (S704).

[0052] The client terminal 102 requests scan capability information for the scanner selected in S704 from the intermediate server 103 (S705). This request includes the scanner ID from which to obtain scan capability information (i.e., the scanner ID of the scanner selected in S704). When the intermediate server 103 receives the request in S705, it responds to the client terminal 102 with the scanning capability corresponding to the scanner ID included in the request in S705, based on the information registered as shown in Table 1 (S706).

[0053] Upon receiving the response to S706, client terminal 102 accepts various settings (S707-S714). The settings do not necessarily have to be in the order shown in the sequence in Figure 7. A detailed explanation follows.

[0054] First, let's explain the destination settings for S707 to S712. The client terminal 102 displays a settings screen for transmission on the operation unit 308, as shown in Figure 9 (S707).

[0055] Now, let's explain Figure 9. Figure 9 shows an example of the transmission settings screen of a client terminal in the first embodiment. On the sending settings screen, pressing the "Storage Server" button 901 displays a dialog box (not shown), allowing the user to configure the destination storage server. Configuration methods include selecting from a pre-prepared list of destinations or directly entering strings such as hostnames or IP addresses.

[0056] When the "Authentication Information" button 902 is pressed, a dialog box (not shown) is displayed, allowing the user to configure authentication information for the storage server configured in 901. Configuration methods include, for example, obtaining an access token via OAuth authentication, or directly entering a username and password. The information displayed by the "Authentication Information" button 902 may indicate whether or not the information has been configured, as shown in Figure 9, or it may be some of the configured authentication information, such as the username.

[0057] When the "Save Location" button 903 is pressed, the user can set the save location for scanned documents on the storage server configured in 901, as shown in Figure 10 below. After setting items 901-903, pressing the "Next" button 905 will confirm the destination settings. The "Back" button 904 is used to return to the previous screen.

[0058] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 7. When a user selects a destination storage server from the transmission settings screen shown in Figure 9 (by pressing the "Storage Server" button 901 to select a storage server), the client terminal 102 accepts this destination storage server selection operation (S708). The following describes the sequence when storage server 104 is selected as the destination in S708.

[0059] The client terminal 102 accepts user operations for setting authentication information for the storage server 104 selected in S708 (S709). Specifically, when the "Authentication Information" button 902 is pressed, the client terminal 102 displays a screen (not shown) for setting authentication information for the storage server 104 selected in S708 on the operation unit 308. When the user performs an operation to input authentication information from this screen, the client terminal 102 accepts it. Note that if the authentication information has already been set in a previous operation (if "Set" is displayed on the "Authentication Information" button 902), S709 may be omitted. In addition, if an access token for OAuth authentication is to be obtained as authentication information, it may be obtained by communicating separately with the authentication server. In this case, the operations for setting authentication information accepted from the user include inputting a username and password to the authentication server and operations such as biometric authentication. In addition, when obtaining the access token, the client terminal 102 may obtain the access token from the authentication server via the intermediate server 103. In this embodiment, authentication using an access token as authentication information is assumed, but other authentication methods such as password authentication may also be used. Furthermore, a function to verify whether the configured authentication information is valid may also be included.

[0060] The client terminal 102 accepts user input for setting the storage destination for the storage server 104 selected in S708 (S710~S712). In detail, when the "Save Destination" button 903 is pressed on the client terminal 102, the operation unit 308 displays a screen as shown in Figure 10, which is a screen for setting the save destination for the storage server 104 selected in S708 above.

[0061] Now, let's explain Figure 10. Figure 10 shows an example of the save destination folder selection screen on the client terminal in the first embodiment. The save destination folder selection screen displays the currently set save destination 1001. Furthermore, the folder structure of the currently set save destination 1002 is displayed. When the user selects a folder displayed in 1002, the subfolder structure of that folder is displayed. Also, when the "Up" button 1003 is pressed, the parent folder structure of the folder currently displayed in 1001 is displayed. As will be explained in detail later, the folder structure displayed here is obtained when the client terminal 102 requests a list of the contents of the folder from the storage server 104 (S711), and the storage server 104 responds with a list of the contents of the folder corresponding to this list request (S712). When the user presses the "Confirm" button 1005, it is determined that the save destination displayed in 1001 has been confirmed. The "Back" button 1004 is used to return to the previous screen.

[0062] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 7. When a user selects a folder from the folder structure 1002 shown in Figure 10, the client terminal 102 accepts this selection (S710). Furthermore, the client terminal 102 requests a list of the contents of the folder selected in S710 from the storage server 104 (S711). The request in S711 includes identification information of the folder selected in S710. This list request may be made via the intermediate server 103. When the storage server 104 receives the list request in S711, it responds with a list of the contents of the folder corresponding to the list request (S712). When the client terminal 102 receives this response, it displays a save destination setting screen on the operation unit 308 based on the list included in the response and accepts further folder selection or save destination confirmation operations.

[0063] Then, if the user makes a further folder selection (for example, if a folder is selected or if the up button 1003 or back button 1004 is pressed), the client terminal 102 reverses the process of S710. On the other hand, if the "Confirm" button 1005 is pressed, the client terminal 102 considers that the selection of the destination folder has been confirmed and proceeds to process S713.

[0064] Furthermore, the client terminal 102 accepts scan settings (S713-S714). Specifically, the client terminal 102 displays a scan settings screen on the operation unit 308, as shown in Figure 11 (S713).

[0065] Now, let's explain Figure 11. Figure 11 shows an example of the scan settings screen of a client terminal in the first embodiment. On the scan settings screen, buttons 1101 to 1106 are used to configure the scanning settings, and each button displays its current setting. The "Scan Target Setting" button 1101 is used to set the scanning target (pressure plate or feeder). The "Paper Size Setting" button 1102 is used to set the paper size to be scanned (e.g., A4 or A3). The "Color Mode Setting" button 1103 is used to set the color mode during scanning (e.g., color or black and white). The "Feed Direction Setting" button 1104 is used to set the feed direction of the document (e.g., portrait or landscape). The "File Format Setting" button 1105 is used to set the file format of the image to be sent (e.g., JPEG or PDF). The "Resolution Setting" button 1106 is used to set the resolution during scanning (e.g., 300dpi or 600dpi). Pressing the "Start Sending" button 1108 confirms that the scan settings have been finalized. The "Back" button 1107 is used to return to the previous screen.

[0066] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 7. The various settings and configurable values ​​displayed on the scan settings screen, as shown in Figure 11, are controlled based on the scan capability information responded to from the intermediate server 103 in S706. In the example in Figure 11, the settings for scan target, paper detail, color mode, feed direction, file format, and resolution are displayed, but this is not the only option. On this scan settings screen, when the user performs an operation to configure scan settings, the client terminal 102 accepts this operation (S714).

[0067] On the scan settings screen shown above, once the "Start Sending" button 1108 is pressed and the scan settings are confirmed, the settings shown in S707 to S714 above will be completed. Once the settings described in S707 to S714 above are completed, the client terminal 102 requests the intermediate server 103 to register a scan job (S715). This registration request includes the scanner ID of the scanner selected in S704, destination settings including the storage server, authentication information, and storage location information set in S708 to S712, and the scan settings set in S714.

[0068] When the intermediate server 103 receives the scan job registration request in S715, it issues a scan job ID (identification information for the scan job) corresponding to the scan job registration request and registers the scan job in DB406 as shown in Table 2 below (S716). The intermediate server 103 then responds to the client terminal 102 with the result of the scan job registration (S717). The response of the registration result in S717 includes the scan job ID. The client terminal 102 receives the response in S717. In response to this, the client terminal 102 may output a display to the operation unit 308 indicating that the scan job has been registered.

[0069] The MFP101 sends a request to the intermediate server 103 to acquire a scan job (S718). This request in S718 includes the scanner ID that was received and stored in S609 in Figure 6. For example, the MFP101 periodically sends requests to acquire scan jobs. Alternatively, it may send requests to acquire scan jobs in response to user operations from the operation unit 204.

[0070] When the intermediate server 103 receives the scan job acquisition request in S718, it responds to the MFP 101 with a scan job corresponding to the scanner ID included in the acquisition request, based on the scanner ID included in the acquisition request and the information shown in Table 2 below (S719). The scan job responded to in S719 includes the scan job ID and scan settings. If there is no scan job corresponding to the scanner ID included in the scan job acquisition request, no scan job is included in the response in S719.

[0071] Upon receiving the response in S719, if the response includes a scan job, the MFP101 extracts the scan settings from the scan job included in the response and performs the scan using those scan settings (S720). At this point, it is assumed that the document to be scanned is placed in the MFP101.

[0072] Once the scan in S720 is complete, the MFP 101 requests the intermediate server 103 to send the scanned images (S721). This transmission request in S721 includes the scanned image data obtained in the scan process in S720 and the scan job ID responded to by the intermediate server 103 in S719.

[0073] Upon receiving the scan image transmission request in S721, the intermediate server 103 identifies the destination setting from the scan job ID included in the transmission request in S721 based on the information shown in Table 2 described later, and requests the storage server 104 corresponding to that destination setting to save the scan image included in the transmission request in S721 (S722). In addition to the scan image, this save request in S722 includes storage destination information and authentication information such as access tokens extracted from the transmission settings based on the information shown in Table 2 described later.

[0074] When the storage server 104 receives the save request in S722, it saves the scanned image included in the save request and sends the save result back to the intermediate server 103 (S723). When the intermediate server 103 receives the response of the saving result in S723, it responds to the MFP 101 with the scan image transmission result (S724).

[0075] Furthermore, the client terminal 102 requests the status of the scan job from the intermediate server 103 (S725). This request in S725 includes the scan job ID that was responded to by the intermediate server 103 in S719. This request in S725 is made periodically after the response in S717 until the scan job reaches a completed status.

[0076] Upon receiving the scan job status request in S725, the intermediate server 103 identifies the scan job status (job status) from the scan job ID included in the request in S725, based on the information shown in Table 2 below, and responds to the client terminal 102 (S726).

[0077] Upon receiving the response from S726, the client terminal 102 displays the status of the responded scan job on the operation unit 308, as shown in Figure 12 (S727).

[0078] Now, let's explain Figure 12. Figure 12 shows an example of the push scan completion screen on a client terminal in the first embodiment. On the push scan completion screen, the scan job results area 1201 displays a message indicating that the scan job has been completed. If an error occurs during the scan job, an error message or error code will be displayed in this area. The "Complete" button 1202 is used to close this screen.

[0079] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 7. The scan job acquisition request in S718 may be configured to be performed periodically in the background, or it may be configured to be performed when instructed by the user operating the MFP101. Furthermore, in the configuration where scan jobs are acquired when instructed by the user operating the MFP101, the MFP101 may display a list of one or more scan jobs acquired in the scan job acquisition response in S719 on the operation unit 204, accept the user's selection of a scan job to be executed from the operation unit 204, and execute the selected scan job. Alternatively, even in the configuration where scan jobs are acquired periodically, when the user logs in, the MFP101 may display a list of one or more scan jobs that have been acquired and saved on the HDD208 on the operation unit 204, accept the user's selection of a scan job to be executed from the operation unit 204, and execute the selected scan job.

[0080] Table 2 shows an example of a table used by the intermediate server 103 to manage scan jobs. [Table 2]

[0081] Each record in the table shown in Table 2 contains the following information: a scan job ID that identifies the scan job, a scanner ID that identifies the scanner performing the scan job, destination settings, scan settings, and the job status of the scan job. In Table 2, we will explain the details of each column using a record where the scan job ID is "1" as an example. From the scanner ID, the scanner performing the scan job is "scanner-A". In the destination settings, "server" indicates that the destination storage server is "example.cloud.com". From "dest" indicates that the save location is "\\share\folderA". From "token" indicates that the authentication information is "abc123". In the scan settings, "source" indicates the source of the scan, and "platen" indicates that the setting is to scan from a platen. "size" indicates the paper size to be scanned, and "a4" indicates that A4 size paper will be scanned. "color" indicates the color mode, and "cl" indicates that the scan will be scanned in color. Other scan settings are described similarly. The job status is "ready", indicating that the scan job is in the preparation stage. Furthermore, it may be possible to manage scan jobs for each client terminal by adding a column indicating the client ID, etc. Other columns may also be included depending on the purpose of use.

[0082] Next, referring to Figure 13, the flow from obtaining the scanner list on the client terminal 102 to the completion of sending the scanned image in the first embodiment will be explained. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the process from obtaining the scanner list to completing the transmission of scanned images on the client terminal 102 in the first embodiment. The processing of the client terminal 102 in the flowcharts in Figure 13 and Figures 14 to 16 described later is achieved by the CPU 301 of the client terminal 102 reading and executing a program stored in the Flash ROM 306 or the like.

[0083] In S1301, the client terminal 102 obtains a list of scanners from the intermediate server 103. Next, in S1302, the client terminal 102 displays a scanner selection screen on the operation unit 308, as shown in Figure 8, based on the list of scanners acquired in S1301, and accepts the user's selection of the scanner to be used. Once the client terminal 102 accepts the scanner selection, it proceeds to S1303.

[0084] In S1303, the client terminal 102 obtains the scanning capability of the scanner selected in S1302 from the intermediate server 103. Next, in S1304, the client terminal 102 receives the destination setting from the user. Details of S1304 will be explained in Figure 14 below. Next, in S1305, the client terminal 102 receives scan settings from the user. Details of S1305 will be explained in Figure 15 below.

[0085] Next, in S1306, the client terminal 102 performs a transmission process via the intermediate server 103 based on the settings received in S1304 and S1305. Details of S1306 will be explained later in Figure 16. After this transmission process, the client terminal 102 terminates the process in this flowchart.

[0086] Next, referring to Figure 14, we will explain in detail the destination setting flow of client terminal 102 in S1304 of Figure 13. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the destination setting process for the client terminal 102 in the first embodiment.

[0087] In S1401, the client terminal 102 displays a transmission settings screen on the operation unit 308, as shown in Figure 9. Next, in S1402, the client terminal 102 detects that a button on the transmission settings screen has been pressed by the user, and proceeds to S1403.

[0088] In S1403, the client terminal 102 determines whether the button detected to have been pressed in S1402 is the "Storage Server" button 901. If the button that was detected to have been pressed is the "Storage Server" button 901 (if the answer is Yes in S1403), the client terminal 102 proceeds to S1404. In S1404, client terminal 102 displays a dialog box (not shown) to receive the destination storage server settings from the user and returns processing to S1401.

[0089] On the other hand, if the button that was detected to have been pressed is not the "Storage Server" button 901 (the answer is No in S1403), the client terminal 102 proceeds to S1405.

[0090] In S1405, the client terminal 102 determines whether the button detected to have been pressed in S1402 is the "authentication information" button 902. If the button that was detected to have been pressed is the "Authentication Information" button 902 (if the answer is Yes in S1405), the client terminal 102 proceeds to S1406.

[0091] In S1406, client terminal 102 checks whether the storage server has been configured. If the storage server is already configured (Yes in S1406), client terminal 102 proceeds to S1407. In S1407, the client terminal 102 displays a dialog box (not shown) and accepts the user's authentication information for the storage server configured in S1404, and returns processing to S1401.

[0092] On the other hand, if the storage server is not configured (the answer is No in S1406), the process proceeds to S1408. In S1408, the client terminal 102 displays an error screen (not shown) on the operation unit 308 and returns processing to S1401.

[0093] Furthermore, in step S1405, if the button detected as pressed is not the "Authentication Information" button 902 (i.e., the result in No in S1405), the client terminal 102 proceeds to S1409.

[0094] In S1409, the client terminal 102 determines whether the button detected to have been pressed in S1402 is the "Save Destination" button 903. If the button that was detected to have been pressed is the "Save Destination" button 903 (if the answer is Yes in S1409), the client terminal 102 proceeds to S1410.

[0095] In S1410, the client terminal 102 checks whether the destination storage and authentication information have been configured. If the destination storage and authentication information have already been configured (Yes in S1410), the client terminal 102 proceeds to S1411.

[0096] In S1411, the client terminal 102 displays a save destination folder selection screen on the operation unit 308 as shown in Figure 10, accepts a save destination setting operation from the user, and proceeds to S1412.

[0097] In S1412, the client terminal 102 determines whether the operation received in S1411 is a folder selection. If the received operation is folder selection (Yes in S1412), client terminal 102 proceeds to S1413. In S1413, the client terminal 102 obtains a list of the contents of the folder selected in S1412 from the intermediate server 103, and based on that list, redisplays the folder structure on the destination folder selection screen 1002 as shown in Figure 10, and returns processing to S1411.

[0098] On the other hand, if the operation received in S1411 is not folder selection (i.e., if the response in S1412 is No), the client terminal 102 returns processing to S1411. Furthermore, if the destination storage and authentication information are not configured in S1410 (if the result is No in S1410), the client terminal 102 proceeds to S1414. In S1414, the client terminal 102 displays an error screen (not shown) on the operation unit 308 and returns to S1401.

[0099] Furthermore, in step S1409, if the button detected as pressed in step S1402 is not the "Save Destination" button 903 (i.e., the result in No in step S1409), the client terminal 102 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0100] Next, with reference to Figure 15, we will describe the details of the scan settings flow for client terminal 102 in S1305. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the scan setting process for the client terminal 102 in the first embodiment.

[0101] In S1501, the client terminal 102 displays a scan settings screen on the operation unit 308, as shown in Figure 11. Next, in S1502, the client terminal 102 receives an operation from the user and proceeds to S1503.

[0102] In S1503, the client terminal 102 determines whether the user operation in S1502 is a scan setting operation. If the user operation here is a scan setting operation (Yes in S1503), the client terminal 102 proceeds to S1504. In S1504, client terminal 102 updates the settings corresponding to the above user operation and returns processing to S1502. On the other hand, if the user operation is not a scan setting operation (No in S1503), the client terminal 102 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0103] Next, with reference to Figure 16, the details of the transmission process flow of client terminal 102 in S1306 will be explained. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the transmission process of client terminal 102.

[0104] In S1601, the client terminal 102 sends a scan job to the intermediate server 103 and registers it with the intermediate server 103. The scan job includes the destination settings configured in S1304 in Figure 13 and the scan settings configured in S1305.

[0105] Next, in S1602, the client terminal 102 obtains the status of the scan job registered in S1601 from the intermediate server 103. At this time, the client terminal 102 may also display the obtained scan job status on the operation unit 308.

[0106] Subsequently, in S1603, the client terminal 102 determines whether the status of the scan job obtained in S1602 is in a completed status. If the scan job status is not complete (No in S1603), client terminal 102 returns processing to S1602.

[0107] On the other hand, if the scan job status is complete (Yes in S1603), client terminal 102 proceeds to S1604. In S1604, the client terminal 102 displays a push scan completion screen on the operation unit 308, as shown in Figure 12, and terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0108] Next, with reference to Figure 17, the flow of the MFP101 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of the MFP101 in the first embodiment. In this flowchart, the processing of the MFP101 is achieved by the CPU201 of the MFP101 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM202 or the like.

[0109] In S1701, the MFP101 obtains a scan job from the intermediate server 103. The scan job includes the scan job ID and scan settings. Note that the scan job acquisition step in S1701 may be performed periodically or in response to user operation from the operation unit 204. Next, in S1702, the MFP101 checks whether or not there is a scan job based on the response from the intermediate server 103 in S1701.

[0110] If there are no scan jobs at this point (if the answer is Yes in S1702), MFP101 returns processing to S1701. On the other hand, if there is a scan job (if the answer is Yes in S1702), MFP101 proceeds to S1703.

[0111] In S1703, the MFP101 performs a scan using the scan settings included in the scan job acquired in S1701. Alternatively, the MFP101 may display one or more scan jobs acquired in S1701 in a list on the operation unit 204, accept user selection of the scan job to be executed from the operation unit 204, and execute the user-selected scan job in S1703. Scan jobs that were not executed at this stage are saved on the MFP101's HDD208 and displayed in the scan job list mentioned above, and can be executed according to user operation. If the user instructs the deletion of a scan job displayed in the scan job list, the MFP101 deletes the specified scan job and sends its scan ID to the intermediate server 103 as the scan ID of the deleted scan job.

[0112] After the scan is executed in S1703, in S1704, the MFP101 requests the intermediate server 103 to send the scanned images from S1703 (scan image transmission request). This transmission request includes the scan job ID obtained in S1701 and the scanned images from S1703. After that, the MFP101 returns processing to S1701.

[0113] Next, with reference to Figure 18, the flow of the intermediate server 103 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the intermediate server 103 in the first embodiment. In this flowchart, the processing of the intermediate server 103 is achieved by the CPU 401 of the intermediate server 103 reading and executing a program stored in the HDD 404 or the like.

[0114] In S1801, when the intermediate server 103 receives a request from an external source, it proceeds to processing in S1802. The request from the external source includes the authentication information of the requester. In S1802, the intermediate server 103 authenticates the requester using the authentication information included in the request in S1801.

[0115] Next, in S1803, the intermediate server 103 determines whether or not the authentication in S1802 was successful. If authentication fails at this point (if the response is No in S1803), the intermediate server 103 proceeds to S1818. In S1818, the intermediate server 103 responds to the requester with an error and returns processing to S1801.

[0116] On the other hand, if authentication is successful (Yes in S1803), the intermediate server 103 proceeds to S1804. In S1804, the intermediate server 103 determines whether the request received in S1801 is a scanner list request.

[0117] If the request is a scanner list request (Yes in S1804), the intermediate server 103 proceeds to S1805. In S1805, the intermediate server 103 responds to the requester with a list of scanners and returns processing to S1801. In this response, it sends a list of registered scanners as shown in Table 1.

[0118] On the other hand, if the request is not a scanner list request (resulting in No in S1804), the intermediate server 103 proceeds to S1806. In S1806, the intermediate server 103 determines whether the request received in S1801 is a scan capability request. If the request is a scan capability request (Yes in S1806), the intermediate server 103 proceeds to S1807. This scan capability request includes the scanner ID. In S1805, the intermediate server 103, based on the information shown in Table 1, responds to the requester with the scan capability of the scanner corresponding to the scanner ID included in the scan capability request, and returns processing to S1801.

[0119] On the other hand, if the request is not a scan capability request (resulting in No in S1806), the intermediate server 103 proceeds to S1808. In S1808, the intermediate server 103 determines whether the request received in S1801 is a scan job registration request.

[0120] If the request is a scan job registration request (Yes in S1808), the intermediate server 103 proceeds to S1809. In S1809, the intermediate server 103 issues a scan job ID and associates the scan ID identified from the authentication information in S1802, the destination settings and scan settings included in the request, and the job status, and registers them in a table like Table 2. Subsequently, in S1810, the intermediate server 103 responds to the requester with the result of registering the scan job and returns processing to S1801.

[0121] On the other hand, if the request is not a scan job registration request (the response is No in S1808), the intermediate server 103 proceeds to S1811. In S1811, the intermediate server 103 determines whether the request received in S1801 is a scan job acquisition request.

[0122] If the request is a scan job acquisition request (Yes in S1811), the intermediate server 103 proceeds to S1812. This scan job acquisition request includes the scanner ID. In S1812, the intermediate server 103 responds to the requester with a scan job corresponding to the scanner ID included in the request, based on the information shown in Table 2, and returns processing to S1801.

[0123] On the other hand, if the request is not a scan job acquisition request (resulting in No in S1811), the intermediate server 103 proceeds to S1813. In S1813, the intermediate server 103 determines whether the request received in S1801 is a scan image transmission request. This scan image transmission request includes the scan image and the scan job ID.

[0124] If the request is a request to send a scanned image (Yes in S1813), the intermediate server 103 proceeds to S1814. In S1814, the intermediate server 103 identifies the destination setting from the scan job ID included in the scan image transmission request and saves the scan image included in the scan image transmission request to the destination storage server indicated by the destination setting (sends a scan image save request including authentication information, save location information, and scan image to the destination storage server 104). Next, in S1815, the intermediate server 103 responds to the requester with the result of saving the scanned image and returns processing to S1801.

[0125] In this embodiment, the scan image transmission request includes the scan image and the scan job ID, and the intermediate server 103 uses the scan job ID included in the scan image transmission request to obtain the destination setting from the scan job registered in DB406 and transmit the scan image. However, it is also possible to include the scan image transmission request with the transmission setting for the scan image and the scan job, and the intermediate server 103 uses the destination setting included in the scan image transmission request to transmit the scan image. In this configuration, the server from which the client terminal 102 registers the scan job and from which the MFP 101 obtains the scan job may be other than the intermediate server 103.

[0126] On the other hand, if the request is not a request to send a scanned image (the response is No in S1813), the intermediate server 103 proceeds to S1816. In S1816, the intermediate server 103 determines whether the request received in S1801 is a scan job status request.

[0127] If the request is a scan job status request (Yes in S1816), the intermediate server 103 proceeds to S1817. In S1817, the intermediate server 103 identifies the status of the scan job from the scan job ID included in the request based on the information shown in Table 2, responds to the requester, and returns processing to S1801.

[0128] On the other hand, if the request is not a scan job status request (No in S1816), the intermediate server 103 proceeds to S1818. In S1818, the intermediate server 103 sends an error response to the requester and returns processing to S1801.

[0129] In this example, the requests processed by the intermediate server 103 are shown to be a scanner list request, a scan capability request, a scan registration request, a scan job acquisition request, a scan image transmission request, and a scan job status request. However, other requests may also be made. In this case, the intermediate server 103 shall process and respond to the requests accordingly.

[0130] Next, with reference to Figure 19, the flow of the storage server 104 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the storage server 104 in the first embodiment. In this flowchart, the processing of the storage server 104 is achieved by the CPU 501 of the storage server 104 reading and executing a program stored in the storage 504, etc.

[0131] In S1901, when the storage server 104 receives a request from an external source, it proceeds to process S1902. In S1902, the storage server 104 authenticates the requester based on the request received in S1901.

[0132] Then, in S1903, the storage server 104 determines whether or not the authentication in S1902 was successful. If authentication fails at this point (if the result is No in S1902), the storage server 104 proceeds to S1909. In S1909, the storage server 104 responds to the requester with an error and returns processing to S1901.

[0133] On the other hand, if authentication is successful (Yes in S1902), the storage server 104 proceeds to process S1903. In S1903, the storage server 104 determines whether the request received in S1901 is a folder list request.

[0134] If the request is a folder list request (Yes in S1903), the storage server 104 proceeds to process S1904. In S1904, the storage server 104 retrieves folder information from the folder identification information included in the folder list request, responds to the requester, and returns processing to S1901.

[0135] On the other hand, if the request is not a folder list request (resulting in No in S1903), the storage server 104 proceeds to process S1906. In S1906, the storage server 104 determines whether the request received in S1901 is a request to save scanned images.

[0136] If the request is a scan image save request (Yes in S1906), the storage server 104 proceeds to S1907. The scan image save request includes destination information and the scanned image. In S1907, the storage server 104 performs the saving process based on the destination information and scanned image included in the request. Then, in S1908, the storage server 104 responds to the requester with the result of the scanning image saving process and returns the process to S1901.

[0137] On the other hand, if the request is not a request to save scanned images (the response is No in S1906), the storage server 104 proceeds to S1909. In S1909, the storage server 104 sends an error response to the requester and returns processing to S1901.

[0138] In this example, the requests processed by the storage server 104 are shown to be a folder list request and a scanned image save request. However, other requests may also be made. In this case, the intermediate server 103 shall process and respond to those requests.

[0139] In this embodiment, communication is always assumed to be via an intermediate server. However, when communicating data with other servers, such as a log collection server, direct communication without an intermediate server is also acceptable.

[0140] As described above, according to the first embodiment, even though the image processing device transmits scanned images to the storage server via an intermediate server, the user can initiate a push scan by operating an external terminal only, without having to operate the image processing device's screen, thereby reducing the user's operational burden. In this way, the convenience of cloud scanning can be improved.

[0141] Furthermore, the client terminal 102 may send a scan job acquisition request to the intermediate server 103 to acquire registered scan jobs and make them available for user operation to modify. If a scan job is modified, the intermediate server 103 may send an update request including the modified scan job to the intermediate server 103 to update the scan jobs registered with the intermediate server 103.

[0142] [Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, a configuration is described in which a client terminal requests a scan job from an image processing device and transmits the scanned image to a destination cloud via an intermediate server. In the first embodiment described above, the client terminal requested a scan job from the image processing device via an intermediate server. In the second embodiment, however, the client terminal requests a scan job directly from the image processing device without going through an intermediate server. This will be explained in detail below.

[0143] The system configuration example in the second embodiment is the same as in Figure 1 of the first embodiment, except for differences in the roles of each terminal, such as the MFP 101 receiving scan job issuance requests from the client terminal 102, so it will be omitted by reference. In the second embodiment, the MFP101 manages scan jobs and receives registration requests for scan jobs from the client terminal 102 via the network line 105. It also manages authentication information to restrict these requests as needed.

[0144] The configurations in Figures 2 to 5 in the second embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment and are therefore omitted by reference. Similarly, the screen configurations in Figures 8 to 12 are the same as in the first embodiment and are therefore omitted by reference.

[0145] The following describes an example of a sequence for linking MFP101 and intermediate server 103, with reference to Figure 20. Figure 20 shows an example of a sequence for registering the MFP 101 with the intermediate server 103 in the second embodiment. In this figure, the processing of the client terminal 102 is achieved by the CPU 301 of the client terminal 102 reading and executing a program stored in the Flash ROM 306 or the like. The processing of the MFP 101 is achieved by the CPU 201 of the MFP 101 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 202 or the like. The processing of the intermediate server 103 is achieved by the CPU 401 of the intermediate server 103 reading and executing a program stored in the HDD 404 or the like.

[0146] The user first uses client terminal 102 to perform an operation to send an intermediate server registration request to MFP 101. Upon receiving this operation, client terminal 102 sends an intermediate server registration request to MFP 101 (S2001).

[0147] When MFP101 receives the request in S2001, it sends an intermediate server registration request to the intermediate server 103 (S2002). When the intermediate server 103 receives the request in S2002, it sends an intermediate server registration request response to the MFP 101, which includes a registration URL for intermediate server registration (S2003).

[0148] Upon receiving the response from S2003, MFP101 sends registration URL display screen information, including the intermediate server registration URL, to client terminal 102 (S2004). When client terminal 102 receives the screen information from S2004, it displays a screen (not shown) containing the registered URL on the operation unit 308 in accordance with the screen information (S2005).

[0149] The user operates client terminal 102 and accesses the registration URL displayed in S2005. This causes client terminal 102 to send an intermediate server registration approval request to intermediate server 103, including the client ID and its authentication information (S2006). The client ID and its authentication information indicate a user authorized to use intermediate server 103, and the user has registered with intermediate server 103 in advance.

[0150] When the intermediate server 103 receives the registration approval request in S2006, it performs the registration process for the MFP 101 based on the registration approval request and sends an intermediate server registration approval response to the client terminal 102 (S2007). In addition, the intermediate server 103 assigns a scanner ID to the MFP 101 during the registration process and registers it in DB406. The scanner ID is used by the intermediate server 103 to identify the registered scanner.

[0151] Furthermore, MFP101 sends an intermediate server registration confirmation request to intermediate server 103 (S2008). When the intermediate server 103 receives the registration confirmation request in S2008, it sends an intermediate server registration confirmation response containing the scanner ID to the MFP 101 (S2009). When the MFP 101 receives the response in S609, it stores the scanner ID contained in this response, for example, in the HDD 208. At this point, the MFP101 is registered with the intermediate server 103 and can send a request to the intermediate server 103 to send scanned images.

[0152] Next, referring to Figure 21, an example of a sequence for a client terminal 102 to instruct the MFP 101 to send scanned images to the storage server 104 via the intermediate server 103 will be described. This sequence assumes that each communication is authenticated each time.

[0153] Figure 21 shows an example of a push scan sequence in the second embodiment. In this figure, the processing of the client terminal 102 is achieved by the CPU 301 of the client terminal 102 reading and executing a program stored in the Flash ROM 306 or the like. The processing of the MFP 101 is achieved by the CPU 201 of the MFP 101 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 202 or the like. The processing of the intermediate server 103 is achieved by the CPU 401 of the intermediate server 103 reading and executing a program stored in the HDD 404 or the like. The processing of the storage server 104 is achieved by the CPU 501 of the storage server 104 reading and executing a program stored in the storage 504 or the like.

[0154] First, the client terminal 102 searches for (detects) available scanners among the communication terminals on the same LAN (S2101). The MFP101 and other scanners respond to S2101 above (S2102). When client terminal 102 receives the response to S2102, it displays a scanner selection screen on the operation unit 308 as shown in Figure 8 (S2103). The scanner displayed as an option here is the scanner that responded to S2101.

[0155] In the scanner selection screen displayed in S2103, when the user selects the scanner to be used, the client terminal 102 accepts this scanner selection operation (S2104). Here, we assume that MFP101 has been selected. The client terminal 102 requests scan capability information from the MFP 101 selected in S2104 (S2105). When MFP101 receives the request in S2105, it responds to the client terminal 102 with its capability (S2106).

[0156] Upon receiving the response to S2106, client terminal 102 accepts various settings (S2107-S2114). The settings do not necessarily have to be in the order shown in the sequence in Figure 21. A detailed explanation follows.

[0157] First, let's explain the destination settings for S2107 to S2112. The client terminal 102 displays a settings screen for transmission on the operation unit 308, as shown in Figure 9 (S2107). When a user selects a destination storage server from the transmission settings screen shown in Figure 9 (by pressing the "Storage Server" button 901 to select a storage server), the client terminal 102 accepts this destination storage server selection operation (S2108). The following describes the sequence when storage server 104 is selected as the destination in S2108.

[0158] The client terminal 102 accepts user operations for setting authentication information for the storage server 104 selected in S2108 (S2109). Specifically, when the "Authentication Information" button 902 is pressed, the client terminal 102 displays a screen (not shown) for setting authentication information for the storage server 104 selected in S2108 on the operation unit 308. When the user performs an operation to input authentication information from this screen, the client terminal 102 accepts it. Note that if the authentication information has already been set in a previous operation (if "Set" is displayed on the "Authentication Information" button 902), S2109 may be omitted. In addition, if an access token for OAuth authentication is to be obtained as authentication information, it may be obtained by communicating separately with the authentication server. In this case, the operations for setting authentication information accepted from the user include inputting a username and password to the authentication server and operations such as biometric authentication. In addition, when obtaining the access token, the client terminal 102 may obtain the access token from the authentication server via the intermediate server 103. In this embodiment, authentication using an access token as authentication information is assumed, but other authentication methods such as password authentication may also be used. Furthermore, a function to verify whether the configured authentication information is valid may also be included.

[0159] The client terminal 102 accepts user input for setting the save destination for the storage server 104 selected in S2108 (S2110~S2112). In detail, when the "Save Destination" button 903 is pressed, the client terminal 102 displays a screen on the operation unit 308 as a screen for setting the save destination for the storage server 104 selected in S2108, as shown in Figure 10. When the user selects a folder from the folder structure 1002 on the screen as shown in Figure 10, the client terminal 102 accepts this (S2110). Furthermore, the client terminal 102 requests a list of the contents of the folder selected in S2110 from the storage server 104 (S2111). The request in S2111 includes identification information of the folder selected in S2110. This list request may be made via the intermediate server 103. When the storage server 104 receives the list request in S2111, it responds with a list of the contents of the folder corresponding to the list request (S2112). Upon receiving this response, the client terminal 102 displays a save location setting screen on the operation unit 308 based on the list included in the response, and accepts further folder selection or confirmation of the save location.

[0160] Then, if the user makes a further folder selection (such as selecting a folder or instructing the user to press the Up button 1003 or Back button 1004), the client terminal 102 reverses the process of S2110. On the other hand, if the user is instructed to press the Confirm button 1005, the client terminal 102 considers that the selection of the destination folder has been confirmed and proceeds to process S2113.

[0161] Furthermore, the client terminal 102 accepts scan settings (S2113-S2114). Specifically, the client terminal 102 displays a scan settings screen on the operation unit 308, as shown in Figure 11 (S2113). The various settings and configurable values ​​displayed on this scan settings screen are based on the scan capability information responded to from the MFP101 in S2106 above. When the user performs an operation to configure the scan settings on this scan settings screen, the client terminal 102 accepts this operation (S2114).

[0162] On the scan settings screen shown above, once the "Start Sending" button 1108 is pressed and the scan settings are confirmed, the settings shown in S2107 to S2114 above will be completed. Once the settings described in S2107 to S2114 above are completed, the client terminal 102 requests the MFP 101 to register a scan job (S2115). This scan job request includes destination settings, including the authentication information set in S2108 to S2112 above, and scan settings set in S2114 above.

[0163] When MFP101 receives the scan job registration request in S2115, it issues a scan job ID corresponding to the scan job registration request and registers the scan job as shown in Table 3 below (S2116). Then, MFP101 responds to the client terminal 102 with the result of the scan job registration (S2117). The registration result response in S2117 includes the scan job ID. The client terminal 102 receives the response in S2117. In response to this, the client terminal 102 may output a display to the operation unit 308 indicating that the scan job has been registered.

[0164] The MFP101 extracts the scan settings from the registered scan jobs and performs the scan (S2118). At this point, it is assumed that the document to be scanned is placed on the MFP101. Alternatively, after registering the scan job in S2116, the MFP101 may display one or more registered scan jobs in a list on the operation unit 204 in response to user operation, accept user selection of the scan job to be executed from the operation unit 204, and execute the selected scan job.

[0165] Once the scan in S2118 is complete, the MFP 101 requests the intermediate server 103 to send the scanned images (S2119). This transmission request in S2119 includes the scanned images read in S2118 and the destination settings from the request from the client terminal 102 in S2115.

[0166] When the intermediate server 103 receives the request to send the scanned image in S2119, it requests the storage server 104 to save the scanned image based on the transmission settings included in the transmission request (S2120). The save request in S2120 includes the destination information and authentication information such as the access token, which are included in the transmission settings of the request from the MFP 101 in S2119.

[0167] When the storage server 104 receives the save request in S722, it saves the scanned images included in the save request and sends the save result back to the intermediate server 103 (S2121). When the intermediate server 103 receives the response of the saving result in S2121, it responds to the MFP 101 with the scan image transmission result (S2122).

[0168] Furthermore, the client terminal 102 requests the MFP 101 to check the status of the scan job (S2123). This request in S2123 includes the scan job ID that was returned by the intermediate server 103 in S2117. This request in S2123 is made periodically after the response in S2117 until the scan job reaches a completed status.

[0169] When MFP101 receives the scan job status request in S2123, it identifies the status of the scan job from the scan job ID included in the request in S2123, based on the information shown in Table 3 below, and responds to the client terminal 102 (S2124).

[0170] When client terminal 102 receives the response from 2124, it displays the status of the responded scan job as shown in Figure 12 (S2125). Furthermore, the processing from S2118 onwards may be performed immediately after the processing in S2117, or it may be performed when instructed by the user through operation of the MFP101.

[0171] Table 3 shows an example of a table used by the MFP101 to manage scan jobs. [Table 3]

[0172] Each record in the table shown in Table 3 contains the scan job ID that identifies the scan job, destination settings, scan settings, and the job status of the scan job. In Table 3, the details of each column are explained using the record with scan job ID "1" as an example. In the destination settings, "server" indicates that the destination storage server is "example.cloud.com". "dest" indicates that the save location is "\\share\folderA". "token" indicates that the authentication information is "abc123". In the scan settings, "source" indicates the source of reading, and "platen" indicates that the setting is to read from a platen. "size" indicates the paper size to be read, and "a4" indicates that A4 size paper will be read. "color" indicates the color mode, and "cl" indicates that it will be read in color. Other scan settings should be described similarly. The job status being "ready" indicates that the scan job is in the preparation state. Note that by adding a column indicating the client ID, it may be possible to manage scan jobs for each client terminal. In addition, there may be other columns depending on the purpose of use.

[0173] The following describes the flow of the client terminal 102 until transmission is completed in the second embodiment, with reference to Figure 22. Figure 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the process from obtaining the scanner list to completing the transmission of scanned images on the client terminal 102 in the second embodiment. The processing of the client terminal 102 in the flowcharts of Figure 22 and Figure 23, which will be described later, is realized by the CPU 301 of the client terminal 102 reading and executing a program stored in the Flash ROM 306 or the like.

[0174] In S2201, client terminal 102 searches for (detects) available scanners on the same LAN and obtains a list of scanners. Next, in S2202, the client terminal 102 displays a scanner selection screen on the operation unit 308, as shown in Figure 8, based on the list of scanners acquired in S2101, and accepts the user's selection of the scanner to be used. Once the client terminal 102 accepts the scanner selection, it proceeds to S2203.

[0175] In S2203, the client terminal 102 obtains the scanning capability of the scanner selected in S2202. Next, in S2204, the client terminal 102 receives destination settings from the user. The details of S2204 are the same as in Figure 14, so they are omitted here. Next, in S2205, the client terminal 102 receives scan settings from the user. The details of S2205 are the same as in Figure 15, so they are omitted here.

[0176] Next, in S2206, the client terminal 102 performs a transmission process based on the settings received in S2204 and S2205. Details of S2206 will be explained in Figure 23 below. After this transmission process, the client terminal 102 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0177] Next, with reference to Figure 23, the details of the transmission process flow of client terminal 102 in S2206 will be explained. Figure 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the transmission process of the client terminal 102 in the second embodiment.

[0178] In S2301, the client terminal 102 sends a scan job to the MFP 101 and registers it with the MFP 101. The scan job includes the destination settings configured in S2204 in Figure 22 and the scan settings configured in S2205.

[0179] Next, in S2302, the client terminal 102 obtains the status of the scan job registered in S2301 from the MFP 101. At this time, the client terminal 102 may also display the obtained scan job status on the operation unit 308.

[0180] Subsequently, in S2303, the client terminal 102 determines whether the status of the scan job obtained in S2302 is in a completed status. If the scan job status is not complete (No in S2303), client terminal 102 returns processing to S2302.

[0181] On the other hand, if the scan job status is complete (Yes in S2303), client terminal 102 proceeds to S2304. In S2304, the client terminal 102 displays a push scan completion screen on the operation unit 308, as shown in Figure 12, and terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0182] Next, with reference to Figure 24, the flow of the MFP101 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the MFP101 in the second embodiment. In this flowchart, the processing of the MFP101 is achieved by the CPU201 of the MFP101 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM202 or the like.

[0183] In S2401, when MFP101 receives a request from an external source, it proceeds to process it in S2402. The request received in S2401 includes the authentication information of the requester. In S2402, MFP101 authenticates the requester using the authentication information included in the request received in S2401.

[0184] Next, in S2403, MFP101 determines whether or not the authentication in S2402 was successful. If authentication fails at this point (if the response is No in S2403), MFP101 proceeds to S2411. In S2411, MFP101 responds with an error to the requester and returns processing to S2401.

[0185] On the other hand, if authentication is successful (Yes in S2403), MFP101 proceeds to process S2404. In S2404, the MFP101 determines whether the request received in S2401 is a scan capability request.

[0186] If a scanner capability is required (Yes in S2404), MFP101 proceeds to S2405. In S2405, the MFP101 responds to the requester with its scanning capability and returns processing to S2401.

[0187] On the other hand, if the scanner capability is not required (the response in S2404 is No), MFP101 proceeds to process S2406. In S2406, the MFP101 determines whether the request received in S2401 is a scan job request.

[0188] If this is not a scan job registration request (the response is No in S2406), MFP101 proceeds to S2411. In S2411, MFP101 responds with an error to the requester and returns processing to S2401.

[0189] On the other hand, if it is a scan job registration request (Yes in S2406), MFP101 proceeds to process S2407. In S2407, MFP101 issues a scan job ID, links the destination settings, scan settings, and job status included in the request, and registers them in a table like Table 3.

[0190] Next, in S2408, the MFP101 responds to the requester with the result of registering the scan job. Next, in S2409, the MFP101 performs a scan using the scan settings included in the registered scan job. Alternatively, the MFP101 may be configured to display one or more registered scan jobs in a list on the operation unit 204, accept user selection of the scan job to be executed from the operation unit 204, and execute the selected scan job.

[0191] After the scan in S2409, in S2410, the MFP101 sends a transmission request to the intermediate server 103. This transmission request includes the image scanned in S2409 and the transmission settings for the scan job corresponding to the scanned image. After that, the MFP101 returns processing to S2401.

[0192] Next, with reference to Figure 25, the flow of the intermediate server 103 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the intermediate server 103 in the second embodiment. In this flowchart, the processing of the intermediate server 103 is achieved by the CPU 401 of the intermediate server 103 reading and executing a program stored in the HDD 404 or the like.

[0193] In S2501, when the intermediate server 103 receives a request from an external source, it proceeds to process it in S2502. The request in S2501 includes the authentication information of the requesting party. In S2502, the intermediate server 103 uses the authentication information included in the request received in S2501 to authenticate the requester.

[0194] Next, in S2503, the intermediate server 103 determines whether or not the authentication in S2502 was successful. If authentication fails at this point (the response is No in S2503), the intermediate server 103 proceeds to S2507. In S2507, the intermediate server 103 responds with an error to the requester and returns processing to S2501.

[0195] On the other hand, if authentication is successful (Yes in S2503), intermediate server 103 proceeds to process S2504. In S2504, the intermediate server 103 determines whether the request received in S2501 is a scan job submission request.

[0196] If the request is not a scan job submission request (the answer is No in S2504), the intermediate server 103 proceeds to S2507. In S2507, the intermediate server 103 responds with an error to the requester and returns processing to S2501.

[0197] On the other hand, if the request is a scan job submission request (Yes in S2504), the intermediate server 103 proceeds to S2505. In S2505, the intermediate server 103 identifies the destination storage server using the destination settings included in the scan job transmission request and saves the scanned image included in the scan image transmission request to the storage server's storage location (it sends a scan image save request, including authentication information, storage location information, and the scanned image, to the destination storage server 104). Next, in S2506, the intermediate server 103 responds to the requester with the result of saving in S2506 and returns processing to S2401.

[0198] The flow for storage server 104 is the same as in Figure 19, so it is omitted. In this embodiment, communication is always assumed to be via an intermediate server. However, when communicating data with other servers, such as a log collection server, direct communication without an intermediate server is also acceptable.

[0199] According to the second embodiment, even though the image processing device transmits scanned images to the storage server via an intermediate server, the user can have the image processing device perform a push scan solely by operating an external terminal, without having to operate the image processing device's screen.

[0200] Conventionally, there is a technology in which a job is registered with an intermediate server from an external terminal such as a PC, an image processing device retrieves the job from the intermediate server, performs a scan, and sends the scanned image to a destination storage server (Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the user can perform a push scan without operating the screen of the image processing device. However, Patent Document 1 is a technology in which the image processing device connects to the destination storage server and sends the scanned image, and if there are multiple storage servers that can be destinations, the image processing device had to implement an API (Application Program Interface) or the like to connect to each storage server in order to send to each storage server.

[0201] In push scanning, if the system can send scanned images to multiple storage servers via an intermediate server, the connection processing for sending to each storage server can be centralized at the intermediate server. Therefore, the image processing device does not need to implement APIs or the like for connecting to each storage server. However, in conventional technology, users had to operate the image processing device's screen to configure settings necessary for push scanning, such as authentication information and storage location information for the destination storage server, which placed a heavy burden on the user. In each embodiment of the present invention, while the image processing device, such as the MFP101, sends scanned images to the storage server via an intermediate server, the user can use an external terminal, such as the client terminal 102, to configure settings necessary for push scanning (scan settings, authentication information and storage location information for the destination storage server, etc.), significantly reducing the operational burden during push scanning. This greatly improves the convenience of cloud scanning.

[0202] The above embodiments can significantly improve the convenience of cloud scanning.

[0203] It should be noted that the structure and content of the various data described above are not limited to those mentioned, and it goes without saying that they can be composed of various structures and contents depending on the use and purpose. Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take the form of, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium. Specifically, it may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices, or to an apparatus consisting of a single device. Furthermore, any configurations combining the above embodiments are also included in the present invention.

[0204] [Other Embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices or to a device consisting of a single device. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications (including organic combinations of each embodiment) are possible based on the spirit of the invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the invention. That is, all configurations that combine the above-described embodiments and their modified forms are included in the present invention.

[0205] This embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Composition 1) A system including an image processing device, an information processing terminal, and an intermediate server, The aforementioned information processing terminal is The scan job configuration includes a setting means for configuring scan settings, information identifying the destination storage server for the scanned image data, authentication information for the storage server, and storage location information. The aforementioned intermediate server is A first registration means for registering a scan job in which the scan settings and destination settings have been configured, A first transmission means that transmits the scan job to the image processing device in response to a request from the image processing device, The system includes a second transmission means that receives scanned image data read by the image processing device based on the scan settings and transmits the scanned image data to the storage server according to the destination settings. The aforementioned image processing device is A first acquisition means for acquiring the scan job from the intermediate server, The system includes a control means for transmitting scan image data obtained in a scan process performed based on the scan settings of the scan job to the intermediate server. A system characterized by the following features. (Configuration 2) Multiple scan jobs are registered on the aforementioned intermediate server. The image processing device further includes a selection means for receiving a user selection of a scan job to be executed from the plurality of scan jobs acquired by the first acquisition means, The system according to configuration 1, characterized in that the control means transmits to the intermediate server the scan image data obtained in the scan process executed based on the scan settings of the scan job corresponding to the user selection received by the selection means. (Composition 3) The information processing terminal further includes a third transmission means for transmitting a registration request to the intermediate server via the image processing device for registering the image processing device as a terminal capable of executing the scan job to the intermediate server, The aforementioned intermediate server is The system according to configuration 1 or 2, further comprising a second registration means for registering the image processing device as a terminal capable of executing scan jobs in response to the registration request. (Composition 4) The setting means of the information processing terminal receives selection of a terminal that executes a scan from a list of terminals capable of executing a scan job acquired from the intermediate server, and setting of the scan job to be executed by the selected terminal. The system according to Configuration 3 is characterized by this. (Configuration 5) The image processing apparatus further includes fourth transmission means for transmitting information indicating the scanning ability of the image processing apparatus to the intermediate server. The second registration means of the intermediate server further registers information indicating the scanning ability transmitted from the image processing apparatus. The setting means of the information processing terminal receives the scan setting based on the information indicating the scanning ability. The system according to Configuration 3 or 4 is characterized by this. (Configuration 6) The control means of the image processing apparatus transmits the scanned image data and identification information for identifying the scan job to the intermediate server. The second transmission means of the intermediate server transmits the scanned image data to the storage server according to the transmission destination setting of the scan job corresponding to the identification information. The system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5 is characterized by this. (Configuration 7) The intermediate server manages a print job including print data. The image processing apparatus receives the print job from the intermediate server and prints the print data. The system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6 is characterized by this. (Configuration 8) A system including an image processing apparatus, an information processing terminal, and an intermediate server, The information processing terminal is Setting means for setting, as settings of a scan job, scan settings, information specifying a storage server as a transmission destination as transmission destination settings of scanned image data, authentication information of the storage server, and storage destination information, First transmission means for transmitting the scan job to the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus is The system includes a control means for transmitting scan image data read based on the scan settings of the scan job received from the information processing terminal, and the destination settings of the scan job, to the intermediate server. The aforementioned intermediate server is The system has a second transmission means for transmitting the scanned image data received from the image processing device to the storage server according to the destination setting. A system characterized by the following features. (Composition 9) The aforementioned intermediate server manages print jobs, including print data. The system according to configuration 8, characterized in that the image processing device receives the print job from the intermediate server and prints the print data. (Composition 10) Image processing device A means for acquiring a scan job from an intermediate server, which has the scan settings, information identifying the destination storage server for the scanned image data, authentication information for the storage server, and storage location information configured as part of the scan job settings. A control means for transmitting scan image data obtained in a scan process executed based on the scan settings of the scan job to the intermediate server, An image processing apparatus characterized by having (Composition 11) The image processing device further includes a selection means for receiving a user selection of a scan job to be executed from a plurality of scan jobs acquired by the acquisition means. The image processing apparatus according to configuration 10, characterized in that the control means transmits the scan image data obtained in the scan process executed based on the scan settings of the scan job corresponding to the user selection received by the selection means to the intermediate server. (Composition 12) The image processing apparatus according to configuration 10 or 11, further comprising a transmission means for transmitting information indicating the scanning capability of the image processing apparatus to the intermediate server. (Composition 13) The image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 10 to 12, characterized in that the control means transmits the scanned image data and identification information identifying the scan job to the intermediate server. (Composition 14) The image processing apparatus is characterized by receiving a print job including print data from the intermediate server and printing the print data, as described in any one of configurations 10 to 13. (Composition 15) An image processing device, A receiving means that receives a scan job from an information processing terminal, which has the following settings configured for the scan job: scan settings, information identifying the destination storage server for the scanned image data, authentication information for the storage server, and storage location information. A control means for transmitting scan image data read based on the scan settings of the scan job and the destination settings of the scan job to an intermediate server, An image processing apparatus characterized by having (Composition 16) The image processing apparatus according to configuration 15, characterized in that the image processing apparatus receives a print job including print data from the intermediate server and prints the print data. (Method 1) A control method for a system including an image processing device, an information processing terminal, and an intermediate server, The following is performed by the aforementioned information processing terminal: The setup process for a scan job involves configuring the scan settings, information identifying the storage server to which the scanned image data will be sent, authentication information for the storage server, and storage location information. The following is executed by the aforementioned intermediate server: A registration step for registering a scan job in which the scan settings and destination settings are configured, A first transmission step of transmitting the scan job to the image processing device in response to a request from the image processing device, A second transmission step involves receiving the scanned image data read by the image processing device based on the scan settings from the image processing device and transmitting the scanned image data to the storage server according to the destination settings. The image processing device performs the following: The acquisition step of acquiring the scan job from the intermediate server, A control step of transmitting scan image data obtained in a scan process executed based on the scan settings of the scan job to the intermediate server, A method for controlling a system characterized by having the following features. (Method 2) A control method for a system including an image processing device, an information processing terminal, and an intermediate server, The following is performed by the aforementioned information processing terminal: The setup process for a scan job involves configuring the scan settings, information identifying the storage server to which the scanned image data will be sent, authentication information for the storage server, and storage location information. A first transmission step of transmitting the scan job to the image processing device, The image processing device performs the following: A control step of transmitting scan image data read based on the scan settings of the scan job received from the information processing terminal, and the destination settings of the scan job, to the intermediate server. The following is executed by the aforementioned intermediate server: A second transmission step involves transmitting the scanned image data received from the image processing device to the storage server according to the destination setting, A method for controlling a system characterized by having the following features. (Method 3) A method for controlling an image processing device. The scan job configuration includes a scanning configuration step, where the scan job is retrieved from an intermediate server, containing information identifying the storage server to which the scanned image data will be sent, authentication information for the storage server, and storage location information. A control step of transmitting scan image data obtained by a scan process executed based on the scan setting of the scan job to the intermediate server; A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by comprising the above. (Method 4) A control method for an image processing apparatus, comprising: A receiving step of receiving, from an information processing terminal, a scan job in which scan settings, information specifying a storage server as a transmission destination of scan image data, authentication information of the storage server, and storage destination information are set as settings of the scan job; A control step of transmitting, to an intermediate server, the scan image data read based on the scan setting of the scan job and the transmission destination setting of the scan job; A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by comprising the above.

Claims

1. A system including an image processing device, an information processing terminal, and an intermediate server, The aforementioned information processing terminal is The scan job configuration includes a setting means for configuring scan settings, information identifying the destination storage server for the scanned image data, authentication information for the storage server, and storage location information. The aforementioned intermediate server is A first registration means for registering a scan job in which the scan settings and destination settings have been configured, A first transmission means that transmits the scan job to the image processing device in response to a request from the image processing device, The system includes a second transmission means that receives scanned image data read by the image processing device based on the scan settings and transmits the scanned image data to the storage server according to the destination settings. The aforementioned image processing device is A first acquisition means for acquiring the scan job from the intermediate server, The system includes a control means for transmitting scan image data obtained in a scan process performed based on the scan settings of the scan job to the intermediate server. A system characterized by the following features.

2. Multiple scan jobs are registered on the aforementioned intermediate server. The image processing device further includes a selection means for receiving a user selection of a scan job to be executed from the plurality of scan jobs acquired by the first acquisition means, The system according to claim 1, wherein the control means transmits to the intermediate server the scan image data obtained in the scan process executed based on the scan settings of the scan job corresponding to the user selection received by the selection means.

3. The information processing terminal further includes a third transmission means for transmitting a registration request to the intermediate server via the image processing device for registering the image processing device as a terminal capable of executing the scan job to the intermediate server, The aforementioned intermediate server is The system according to claim 1, further comprising a second registration means for registering the image processing device as a terminal capable of executing scan jobs in response to the registration request.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the setting means of the information processing terminal accepts the selection of a terminal to perform a scan from a list of terminals capable of executing a scan job obtained from the intermediate server, and the setting of the scan job to be executed on the selected terminal.

5. The image processing device further includes a fourth transmission means for transmitting information indicating the scanning capability of the image processing device to the intermediate server, The second registration means of the intermediate server further registers the information indicating scanning capability transmitted from the image processing device, The system according to claim 3, characterized in that the setting means of the information processing terminal accepts the scan setting based on the information indicating the scanning capability.

6. The control means of the image processing apparatus transmits the scanned image data and identification information identifying the scan job to the intermediate server. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second transmission means of the intermediate server transmits the scanned image data to the storage server in accordance with the destination setting of the scan job corresponding to the identification information.

7. The aforementioned intermediate server manages print jobs, including print data. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the image processing device receives the print job from the intermediate server and prints the print data.

8. A system including an image processing device, an information processing terminal, and an intermediate server, The aforementioned information processing terminal is The configuration means for setting up a scan job includes setting the scan settings, setting the destination of the scanned image data to be sent to a storage server, setting the authentication information and storage location information for the storage server, The system includes a first transmission means for transmitting the scan job to the image processing device, The aforementioned image processing device is The system includes a control means for transmitting scan image data read based on the scan settings of the scan job received from the information processing terminal, and the destination settings of the scan job, to the intermediate server. The aforementioned intermediate server is The system has a second transmission means for transmitting the scanned image data received from the image processing device to the storage server according to the destination setting. A system characterized by the following features.

9. The aforementioned intermediate server manages print jobs, including print data. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the image processing device receives the print job from the intermediate server and prints the print data.

10. Image processing device A means for acquiring a scan job from an intermediate server, which has the scan settings, information identifying the destination storage server for the scanned image data, authentication information for the storage server, and storage location information configured as part of the scan job settings. A control means for transmitting scan image data obtained in a scan process executed based on the scan settings of the scan job to the intermediate server, An image processing apparatus characterized by having

11. The image processing device further includes a selection means for receiving a user selection of a scan job to be executed from a plurality of scan jobs acquired by the acquisition means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control means transmits to the intermediate server the scan image data obtained in the scan process executed based on the scan settings of the scan job corresponding to the user selection received by the selection means.

12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a transmission means for transmitting information indicating the scanning capability of the image processing apparatus to the intermediate server.

13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the control means transmits the scanned image data and identification information identifying the scan job to the intermediate server.

14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the image processing apparatus receives a print job including print data from the intermediate server and prints the print data.

15. An image processing device, A receiving means that receives a scan job from an information processing terminal, which has the following settings configured for the scan job: scan settings, information identifying the destination storage server for the scanned image data, authentication information for the storage server, and storage location information. A control means for transmitting scan image data read based on the scan settings of the scan job and the destination settings of the scan job to an intermediate server, An image processing apparatus characterized by having

16. The image processing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the image processing apparatus receives a print job including print data from the intermediate server and prints the print data.

17. A control method for a system including an image processing device, an information processing terminal, and an intermediate server, The following is performed by the aforementioned information processing terminal: The setup process for a scan job involves configuring the scan settings, information identifying the storage server to which the scanned image data will be sent, authentication information for the storage server, and storage location information. The following is executed by the aforementioned intermediate server: A registration step for registering a scan job in which the scan settings and destination settings are configured, A first transmission step of transmitting the scan job to the image processing device in response to a request from the image processing device, A second transmission step involves receiving the scanned image data read by the image processing device based on the scan settings from the image processing device and transmitting the scanned image data to the storage server according to the destination settings. The image processing device performs the following: The acquisition step of acquiring the scan job from the intermediate server, A control step of transmitting scan image data obtained in a scan process executed based on the scan settings of the scan job to the intermediate server, A method for controlling a system characterized by having the following features.

18. A control method for a system including an image processing device, an information processing terminal, and an intermediate server, The following is performed by the aforementioned information processing terminal: The setup process for a scan job involves configuring the scan settings, information identifying the storage server to which the scanned image data will be sent, authentication information for the storage server, and storage location information. A first transmission step of transmitting the scan job to the image processing device, The image processing device performs the following: A control step of transmitting scan image data read based on the scan settings of the scan job received from the information processing terminal, and the destination settings of the scan job, to the intermediate server. The following is executed by the aforementioned intermediate server: A second transmission step involves transmitting the scanned image data received from the image processing device to the storage server according to the destination setting, A method for controlling a system characterized by having the following features.

19. A method for controlling an image processing device. The scan job configuration includes a scanning configuration step, where the scan job is retrieved from an intermediate server, containing information identifying the storage server to which the scanned image data will be sent, authentication information for the storage server, and storage location information. A control step of transmitting scan image data obtained in a scan process executed based on the scan settings of the scan job to the intermediate server, A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by having the following features.

20. A method for controlling an image processing device, The scan job configuration includes a receiving step of receiving a scan job from an information processing terminal, which is configured with scan settings, information identifying the storage server to which the scanned image data will be sent, authentication information for the storage server, and storage location information. A control step of transmitting the scan image data read based on the scan settings of the scan job and the destination settings of the scan job to an intermediate server. A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by having the following features.

Images