Information processing device, control method, program

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device, a control method, and a program that determine a match with a facsimile transmission instruction based on the facsimile transmission history. [Solution] In an information processing system in which one or more clients and a facsimile server are connected in a communication manner, the facsimile server, which is equipped with a management device for managing history information transmitted by facsimile, determines the status of the match between the transmission instruction information received from the client as a facsimile transmission instruction and the managed history information, and if it determines that there is a match, it outputs information related to that status.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a FAX system, there is a case where a FAX is double-transmitted due to the influence of a user's incorrect operation or a defect on the cooperating system side. In the case of an order receiving and placing business or the like, when such an event occurs, duplicate processing is performed on the receiving side, which may cause an impact on the business.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that provides a mechanism for suppressing the setting of an incorrect transmission destination by displaying the FAX data transmitted to the destination the last time when the transmission destination of the facsimile data is set by the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When the user sets the transmission destination of the facsimile data, a mechanism is provided to suppress the setting of an incorrect transmission destination by displaying the data transmitted to the same destination the last time. However, with this technique, manual confirmation is required, and there is a possibility of omission.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can perform a coincidence determination for a facsimile transmission instruction based on the facsimile transmission history information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention relates to an information processing device equipped with a management device for managing history information transmitted by facsimile, characterized in that it comprises a determination means for determining the status of a match between transmission instruction information received as a facsimile transmission instruction and the managed history information, and an output means for outputting information relating to the status when a match is determined to occur. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a mechanism can be provided that can determine a match with a facsimile transmission instruction based on the facsimile transmission history. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of a system configuration. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration of client terminal 101 and facsimile server 102. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of set value data. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of fax transmission history data. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating an example of the process of the present invention. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of an alert display screen. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of a notification email. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the client 101 (there are two in Figure 1, but there can be one or more) and the facsimile server 102 are connected in a way that allows them to communicate with each other.

[0011] By receiving operations from the user, the client 101 has functions to issue instructions to the facsimile server 102 and to display facsimile data transmitted and received by the facsimile server 102.

[0012] The facsimile server 102 has a function to send and receive facsimiles via a public line or the like.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable as the client 101 and the facsimile server 102 of the present invention.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, in the information processing apparatus, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a storage device 204, an input controller 205, an audio controller 206, a video controller 207, a memory controller 208, and a communication I / F controller 209 are connected via a system bus 200.

[0015] The CPU 201 comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 200.

[0016] The ROM 202 or the external memory 213 holds a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System), an OS (Operating System), which are control programs executed by the CPU 201, a computer-readable and executable program for realizing the present information processing method, and various necessary data (including data tables).

[0017] The RAM 203 functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 201. When executing processing, the CPU 201 loads a program or the like necessary for the execution from the ROM 202 or the external memory 213 into the RAM 203, and realizes various operations by executing the loaded program.

[0018] The input controller 205 controls the input from input devices such as a keyboard 210 and a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). When the input device is a touch panel, it is assumed that various instructions can be given by the user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) in accordance with the icons, cursors, and buttons displayed on the touch panel.

[0019] Further, the touch panel may be a touch panel capable of detecting the positions touched with multiple fingers, such as a multi-touch screen.

[0020] The video controller 207 controls the display to an external output device such as a display 212. The display is assumed to include the display of a notebook personal computer integrated with the main body. Note that the external output device is not limited to a display, and for example, a projector may be used. Also, for a device capable of receiving the above-described touch operation, an input device is also provided.

[0021] Note that the video controller 207 can control a video memory (VRAM) for display control, and can use a part of the RAM 203 as the video memory area, or can separately provide a dedicated video memory.

[0022] The memory controller 208 controls access to an external memory 213. As the external memory, an external storage device (hard disk) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edited files, and various data, a flexible disk (FD), or a compact flash (registered trademark) memory connected via an adapter to a PCMCIA card slot can be used.

[0023] The communication I / F controller 209 connects and communicates with external devices via a network, and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP, a telephone line such as ISDN, and communication using a 4G line or 5G line of a mobile phone are possible.

[0024] Furthermore, the CPU 201 enables display on the display 212 by, for example, performing the process of expanding (rasterizing) outline fonts into the display information area in RAM 203. The CPU 201 also enables user input via a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display 212.

[0025] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate an example of the data used.

[0026] Figure 3 shows an example of the set value data. The set value data is configured in advance using a settings screen (not shown).

[0027] The setting value data 300 includes the items: check pattern 301 and check flag 302. Check pattern 301 indicates the items to be checked when sending a fax. Check flag 302 is set to either enable (value 1) or disable (value 0) the items checked in check pattern 301.

[0028] Figure 4 shows an example of fax transmission history data. Fax transmission history data is data recorded when a fax is sent.

[0029] The FAX transmission history data 400 includes the following items: binary data 401, FAX item ID 402, recipient FAX number 403, and sender 404. The binary data 401 is the main body of the data transmitted by FAX, i.e., the binary data of documents, images, etc., instructed to be sent from client 101, and does not include header data added before FAX transmission depending on the sender and recipient. The FAX item ID 402 is a number or alphanumeric string that identifies the history data. The recipient FAX number 403 is the recipient's FAX number, and the sender 404 is the sender's user ID. Note that the recipient FAX number 403 and sender 404 do not have to be a FAX number and user ID, as long as they can uniquely identify the recipient and sender.

[0030] An example of the processing performed by the information processing system of the present invention will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 5. This processing is performed by the FAX system, i.e., the facsimile server 102, based on a transmission instruction from the user, i.e., the client 101, or a transmission instruction via system integration. The facsimile server 102 also generates screens and emails, sends them to the client 101, and the user confirms them.

[0031] In step S501, the user issues a transmission command for a fax item registered in the fax system.

[0032] In step S502, it is determined whether the check flag in column 302, which is in the same row as the check pattern "Sender and recipient are the same" in column 301 of the setting value data 300, is set. If the check flag is set, the process moves to step S503. If it is not set, the process moves to the next check pattern.

[0033] In step S503, the binary data in column 401 is obtained from the recipient fax number in column 403 and the sender in column 404 of the fax transmission history data 400.

[0034] In step S504, it is determined whether the binary data of the currently transmitted image matches. If they match, the process proceeds to step S514; otherwise, the process proceeds to the next check pattern.

[0035] In steps S505 to S507, the same processing as in steps S502 to S503 is performed for the case where the check pattern in column 301 of the setting value data 300 is "different sender, same recipient".

[0036] In steps S508 to S510, the same processing as in steps S502 to S503 is performed for the case where the check pattern in column 301 of the setting value data 300 is "Check when the sender is the same but the recipient is different".

[0037] In steps S511 to S513, the same processing as in steps S502 to S503 is performed for the check pattern "Sender and recipient are different" in column 301 of the setting value data 300. However, if the result is No in steps S511 and S513, there is no next check pattern, so the process moves to step S520. In step S514, a hold instruction is issued to the fax item.

[0038] In step S515, it is determined whether the fax system used for this transmission is a system integration system or a client system. If it is a system integration system, the process proceeds to step S516; if it is a client system, the process proceeds to step S518.

[0039] Step S516 determines whether an alert message is set. If it is set, the process proceeds to S517; otherwise, this process terminates.

[0040] In step S517, an alert message is displayed from the client, and this process is terminated.

[0041] Figure 6 shows an example of an alert display screen. The alert display screen 601 pops up on top of the send instruction screen 600 when a send instruction is executed from the send instruction screen 600. Note that the method of notifying alerts does not have to be a pop-up display; any method that allows the user to check the alert content is acceptable.

[0042] Step S518 determines whether email notifications are configured. If they are configured, the process proceeds to S519; otherwise, this process terminates.

[0043] In step S519, a notification is sent via email from the system integration, and this process is terminated.

[0044] Figure 7 shows an example of a notification email. The notification email 700 includes information 701 that can identify the fax item.

[0045] Step S520 adds fax header information to the fax.

[0046] In step S521, a fax is sent from the fax system through the fax device.

[0047] In step S522, the data sent this time is added to the fax transmission history data 400.

[0048] In this embodiment, all transmission instructions were subject to checking. However, if you wish to send without checking, you can add a "Uncheck" setting to the transmission instruction screen 600. When this setting is enabled and a transmission instruction is made, the fax will be sent without checking, even if there is a valid setting in the setting value data 300. The "No Check Required" item will be added to the FAX transmission history data 400 and recorded, so that in the future, the relevant body data will be sent without checking. Alternatively, if you wish to send after checking the results, you can add an "Uncheck" button to the alert display screen 601. When pressed, the fax will be sent, and the "Check Pattern" and "No Check Required" items will be added to the FAX transmission history data 400 and recorded, so that in the future, the corresponding check pattern and body data will be sent without checking.

[0049] Furthermore, if duplicate transmissions are permitted after a predetermined period (time), the predetermined period (time) can be set to allow transmission without checking, or a "Force Send" button can be provided on the alert display screen 601 after checking, allowing the user to decide whether or not to send.

[0050] As described above, the present invention provides a mechanism that can determine a match with a facsimile transmission instruction based on the facsimile transmission history.

[0051] The present invention can take the form of, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium. Specifically, it may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices, or to an apparatus consisting of a single device.

[0052] Furthermore, the program in this invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the processing methods of each flowchart, and the storage medium of this invention stores the program that allows a computer to execute the processing methods of each flowchart. Note that the program in this invention may also be a program for each processing method of each device in each flowchart.

[0053] As described above, it goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying a recording medium containing a program that realizes the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device, and by having the computer (or CPU or MPU) of that system or device read and execute the program stored on the recording medium.

[0054] In this case, the program read from the recording medium itself realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium on which that program is recorded constitutes the present invention.

[0055] For recording media used to supply programs, examples include flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, DVD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, EPROMs, silicon disks, and the like.

[0056] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the functions of the aforementioned embodiments are realized not only by the computer executing the program it has read, but also by the operating system (OS) running on the computer performing some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of that program, thereby realizing the functions of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0057] Furthermore, it goes without saying that this also includes cases where, after a program read from a recording medium is written to the memory of a function expansion board inserted into a computer or a function expansion unit connected to a computer, the CPU or other components of the function expansion board or function expansion unit perform some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, and the functions of the aforementioned embodiments are realized through that processing.

[0058] Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices or to a device consisting of a single device. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied when the results are achieved by supplying a program to a system or device. In this case, by reading a recording medium containing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or device, the system or device can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0059] Furthermore, by downloading and reading the program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or device can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It should be noted that configurations combining the above-described embodiments and their variations are all included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 101 Clients 102 Facsimile Server

Claims

1. An information processing device equipped with a management device for managing historical information transmitted by facsimile, A determination means for determining the status of the matching between the transmission instruction information received as a facsimile transmission instruction and the managed history information, An output means that outputs information relating to the situation when it is determined that the situation matches the said situation, An information processing device characterized by comprising:

2. The aforementioned history information and transmission instruction information each include the main text data, information relating to the sender, and information relating to the recipient. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines the status of matching between the history information and the body data of the history information when the history information and the information relating to the sender of the history information and the information relating to the recipient satisfy predetermined conditions.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the predetermined conditions are whether or not they match.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it includes a condition receiving means for receiving the setting of the predetermined conditions.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that it suspends the transmission of a facsimile transmission instruction that has been determined to be in the aforementioned matching situation.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising recording means for recording the transmission instruction information as history information in the management device when the transmission instruction information is transmitted by facsimile.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, if a predetermined period has elapsed since the aforementioned history information was recorded, even if a facsimile transmission instruction is determined to be in the aforementioned matching situation, it will be transmitted without being held by the facsimile machine.

8. Even if a facsimile transmission instruction is determined to be in the aforementioned matching situation, the system includes a cancellation acceptance means that accepts a cancellation instruction to transmit without holding the facsimile, The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the recording means records information relating to the release instruction in the history information.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the text data of the history information and the transmission instruction information are each binary data.

10. A control method for an information processing device equipped with a management device for managing historical information transmitted by facsimile, A determination step in which the determination means determines the status of the matching between the transmission instruction information received as a facsimile transmission instruction and the managed history information, An output step in which the output means outputs information relating to the situation when it is determined that the situation matches the said situation, A control method for an information processing device, characterized by comprising the following:

11. A program for causing at least one computer to function as one of the means of an information processing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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