Information processing system, image processing device, server, and control methods therefor, and program

Abstract

This system reduces the effort required from the user while accurately excluding unnecessary fax data from the fax data received by the image processing device from being printed. [Solution] The MFP (Multifunction Printer), an image processing device, sends the received fax data to a server. The server uses a program to determine whether the transmitted fax data is unnecessary and returns the result to the MFP. When a fax data determined to be unnecessary by the server is printed by the MFP at the user's instruction, the MFP notifies the server that the fax data deemed unnecessary has been printed. The server then retrains its decision program based on the fax data sent from the MFP, the decision result, and the content of the notification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an image processing apparatus, a server, and control methods thereof, and a program, and particularly to an information processing system, an image processing apparatus, a server, and control methods thereof, and a program for discriminating unnecessary FAX data.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is an information processing system in which image processing apparatus transfers received FAX data to a FAX server, and the FAX server determines whether the transferred FAX data is unnecessary FAX data (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the server determines whether all FAX data received by the image processing apparatus is unnecessary FAX data based on the user's file operation, and the labor of the user is large.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can accurately exclude unnecessary FAX data from print targets while reducing the labor of the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the information processing system according to claim 1 of the present invention is an information processing system comprising an image processing device and a server that are connected to each other in a communicative manner, wherein the image processing device comprises a first receiving means for receiving FAX data from an external source, an adding means for adding a first command including identification information that identifies the FAX data when the first receiving means receives the FAX data, and a first transmitting means for transmitting the FAX data to the server together with the first command, wherein the server comprises a second receiving means for receiving the FAX data transmitted by the first transmitting means together with the first command, an output means for outputting a determination result using a FAX determination program that indicates whether the FAX data received by the second receiving means is unnecessary FAX data, and, as a response to the first command, the determination result together with the identification information received with the FAX data, the image processing device The image processing device further comprises a reply means for sending a reply to an image processing device, wherein, in response to the first command, when the server returns a determination result indicating that the FAX data is unnecessary FAX data, and the FAX data is printed according to user instructions, the image processing device further comprises a second transmission means for sending a second command to the server indicating that the FAX data has been printed, including identification information of the FAX data, the server further comprises a storage means for storing the determination result output by the output means together with the FAX data sent together with the first command, a rewriting means for rewriting the determination result for the FAX data stored by the storage means from unnecessary FAX data to necessary FAX data when the second command is received by the second transmission means, and a retraining means for retraining the FAX determination program using the determination result stored by the storage means.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the image processing apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that is communicatively connected to a server, and is characterized by comprising: a first receiving means for receiving FAX data from an external source; an adding means for adding a first command including identification information that identifies the FAX data when the first receiving means receives FAX data; a first transmitting means for transmitting the FAX data to the server together with the first command; and a second transmitting means for transmitting a second command to the server indicating that the FAX data has been printed, including identification information for the FAX data, when the server returns a determination result that the FAX data is unnecessary FAX data in response to the first command and the FAX data is printed according to user instructions.

[0008] To solve the above problems, the server according to claim 6 of the present invention is a server that is communicably connected to an image processing device, and comprises: an analysis means for analyzing a command received from the image processing device; an output means that, when the analysis means analyzes the received command to be a first command, outputs a determination result using a FAX determination program indicating whether the FAX data transmitted together with the first command is unnecessary FAX data; a reply means that, as a response to the first command, returns the determination result together with identification information that identifies the FAX data received together with the FAX data to the image processing device; a storage means for storing the determination result output by the output means together with the FAX data transmitted together with the first command; when the analysis means analyzes the received command to be a second command, a rewriting means for rewriting the determination result for the FAX data stored by the storage means from unnecessary FAX data to necessary FAX data; and a retraining means for retraining the FAX determination program using the determination result and FAX data stored by the storage means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, unnecessary fax data received by an image processing device can be accurately excluded from printing while reducing the effort required of the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows the network configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows the hardware configuration of the MFP in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the language model server. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the processing steps when receiving fax data on an MFP (Multifunction Printer). [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of the process for determining whether fax data received by an MFP (Multifunction Printer) is necessary on the language model server. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the post-processing steps S406 of the fax printout. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart of the process for rewriting the judgment information of the language model server. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of the retraining process for the fax detection program. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the print confirmation screen displayed on the MFP display unit in step S601. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a command header for a command that the MFP sends to the language model server. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] In the information processing system according to this embodiment, an MFP 100 having print, scan, and fax functions is used as an image processing device, and a language model server 300 that automatically determines whether FAX data transferred from the MFP 100 is unnecessary FAX data is used as a server.

[0013] 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.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the network configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0015] In FIG. 1, the MFP 100 is communicably connected to the language model server 300 via the Internet 200. Note that the information processing system according to the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which some functions of a PC are connected to the Internet 200 instead of the language model server 300 may be used.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the MFP 100.

[0017] In FIG. 2, the MFP 100 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a storage device 204, a communication unit I / F 205, an operation unit I / F 207, a UI control unit 209, and an image processing unit 211. Further, the MFP 100 includes a printer controller I / F 212, a scanner controller 214, and a FAX modem I / F 217. These modules are connected to each other via a system bus 216.

[0018] The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the MFP 100. The CPU 201 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 202 or the storage device 204 and performs various controls such as reading control and printing control. <000​ROM202 primarily stores a boot program that deploys control programs, which are executable by the CPU201 and stored in storage204, to the executable RAM203.

[0020] RAM203 is the main memory of the CPU201 and is used as a temporary storage area for deploying various control programs stored in the work area, ROM202, and storage204.

[0021] In addition to executable control programs, storage 204 stores received fax data 221, print data, image data, various programs, and various setting information received by the MFP100.

[0022] In this embodiment of the MFP100, one CPU 201 uses one memory (RAM 203) to execute each process shown in the flowchart described later, but other configurations are also possible. For example, multiple CPUs, RAM, ROM, and storage can work together to execute each process shown in the flowchart described later. Alternatively, some processes may be executed using hardware circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0023] The control unit I / F 207 connects to the control unit 208. The scanner controller I / F 214 connects to the reading unit 215. The reading unit 215 reads the image on the sheet and generates image data. The image data generated by the reading unit 215 can be transmitted to an external device or printed on the sheet. The reading unit 215 can also scan multiple sheets by rapidly scanning sheets placed on a document feeder (not shown).

[0024] The printing unit 213 is connected to the printer controller interface 212. Image data to be printed is transferred to the printing unit 213 via the printer controller interface 212. The printing unit 213 receives control commands and image data to be printed, and prints an image based on the image data onto a sheet. The printing method of the printing unit 213 may be electrophotographic or inkjet. In the case of electrophotographic, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a photoreceptor, developed with toner, the toner image is transferred to a sheet, and the transferred toner image is fixed to form an image. On the other hand, in the case of inkjet, ink is ejected to print an image onto a sheet.

[0025] The fax modem interface 217 (first receiving means) is connected to a fax modem 218, which sends and receives fax data via a telephone line. The received fax data is saved to storage 204 before printing, and printing is performed by the user.

[0026] Furthermore, the MFP100 connects to the Internet 200 via a communication connector 206 connected to the communication unit I / F205.

[0027] The UI control unit 209 is connected to the display unit 210, such as an LCD, and controls the display unit. The image processing unit 211 performs rotation, compression, and resolution conversion of image data to be output to the printing unit 213 via the printer controller interface 212.

[0028] The query program 219 is deployed in RAM 203 and is executed by CPU 201. By executing the query program 219, CPU 201 queries the language model server 300 via the communication connector 206 to determine whether the received FAX data 221 stored in storage 204 is unnecessary.

[0029] The discrimination information 220 is information stored in the storage 204, and indicates the result of the language model server 300's determination of whether each of the received fax data 221 is unnecessary fax data, and is information linked to the corresponding received fax data 221.

[0030] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the language model server 300.

[0031] In Figure 2, the language model server 300 comprises a CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, storage 304, and a communication interface 305. These modules are connected to each other via a system bus 307.

[0032] The CPU 301 controls the entire language model server 300. The CPU 301 either directly reads and executes programs held in the ROM 302 and storage 304, or loads them into RAM 303 before reading and executing them.

[0033] The communication unit I / F305 (second receiving means), under the control of the CPU301, transmits data to and receives data from the MFP100, which is connected to the Internet 200 via the communication connector 306.

[0034] The FAX judgment program 308 is loaded into RAM 303 and is executed by CPU 301. By executing the FAX judgment program 308, CPU 301 first receives FAX data and a command requesting to determine whether the FAX data is unnecessary from MFP 100 via the Internet 200, communication connector 306, and communication interface 305. Next, in response to the determination request, it determines whether the received FAX data is unnecessary and returns the determination result to MFP 100. The method for generating the FAX judgment program 308 is not particularly limited, but for example, a method using supervised learning such as a Naive Bayes classifier, similar to spam filtering, may be used. In this method, emails that were spam and emails that were not spam are trained together with the correct answers. Similarly, the FAX judgment program 308 may be generated by training it with unnecessary FAX data (e.g., spam FAX) and non-unnecessary FAX data together with the correct answers.

[0035] Storage 304 stores the fax data 310 received from the MFP100 so far, and the judgment information 309, which is the result of the fax judgment program 308 determining whether each of the fax data 310 is unnecessary fax data, linked together.

[0036] Storage 304 further stores the FAX judgment relearning program 311. The FAX judgment relearning program 311 is a program that is loaded into RAM 303 and executed when a predetermined number of FAX data 310 have been collected. Specifically, the FAX judgment relearning program 311 uses the FAX data 310 and the judgment information 309 as training data to retrain the FAX judgment program 308. The method of retraining the FAX judgment program 308 in the FAX judgment relearning program 311 is a well-known method, so details are omitted. When a new FAX judgment program is generated through relearning in the FAX judgment relearning program 311, the CPU 301 replaces the old FAX judgment program 308 in RAM 303 with this newly generated FAX judgment program and uses it.

[0037] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the processing when a fax is received by the MFP100.

[0038] This process is executed by the CPU 201 in the MFP 100 by loading the control program stored in the ROM 202 or storage 204 into the RAM 203.

[0039] In step S401, CPU201 waits until it receives the fax data. Once it receives the fax data (YES in step S401), it proceeds to step S402.

[0040] In step S402, the CPU 201 saves the received fax data as received fax data 221 in the storage 204. Then, the CPU 201 (addition means / first transmission means) sends the fax data to the language model server 300 with an added command requesting whether or not the fax data is unnecessary.

[0041] In step S403, the CPU 201 waits until it receives a determination result from the language model server 300 indicating whether the fax data is unnecessary. Once it receives the determination result from the language model server 300 (YES in step S403), it proceeds to step S404.

[0042] In step S404, the CPU 201 associates the received judgment result with the corresponding received fax data 221 and saves it as judgment information 220 in the storage 204, then proceeds to step S405.

[0043] In step S405, the CPU 201 determines whether the judgment result contained in the discrimination information 220 saved in step S404 indicates that printing is not required. If the judgment result indicates that printing is required (NO in step S405), the process proceeds to step S406, where the received FAX data 221 associated with that judgment result is printed, and then the process proceeds to step S407. In step S407, the post-printing processing of the FAX, as described later in Figure 6, is executed, and the process ends. On the other hand, if the judgment result indicates that printing is not required (YES in step S405), the process proceeds to step S408, where a print confirmation screen (Figure 9) is displayed to ask the user whether printing is required along with the received FAX data 221 associated with that judgment result, and then the process proceeds to step S409.

[0044] In step S409, the system determines whether the received fax data 221 needs to be printed based on the user's operation on the print confirmation screen. If it is determined that the received fax data 221 needs to be printed (NO in step S409), the system proceeds to the processes from step S406 onward. On the other hand, if it is determined that the received fax data 221 does not need to be printed (YES in step S409), the system terminates without printing the received fax data 221.

[0045] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the process by which the language model server 300 determines whether or not to require the FAX data received by the MFP 100.

[0046] This process is executed by the CPU 301 in the language model server 300 by loading the program stored in ROM 302 or storage 304 into RAM 303.

[0047] In step S501, CPU301 waits until it receives a command from MFP100. Once it receives a command (YES in step S501), it proceeds to step S502.

[0048] In step S502, the CPU 301 (analysis means) verifies the contents of the command received in step S501 by analyzing its header portion (command header), and then proceeds to step S503.

[0049] In step S503, the CPU 301 checks whether the command from the MFP 100 is the same command that was sent from the MFP 100 in step S402 (a command requesting whether or not the FAX data is unnecessary). If it is not a command requesting whether or not the FAX data is unnecessary (NO in step S503), the process terminates. On the other hand, if it is a command requesting whether or not the FAX data is unnecessary (YES in step S503), the process proceeds to step S504.

[0050] In step S504, the CPU 301 (output means) responds to the received command. Specifically, it uses the FAX judgment program 308, which is deployed in the RAM 303 of the language model server 300, to determine whether the FAX data received with the command in step S501 is necessary or unnecessary, and outputs the determination result. The method for generating the FAX judgment program 308 is not particularly limited, but for example, as described above, it may be generated by performing supervised learning in advance.

[0051] Next, the process proceeds to step S505, where the CPU 301 (storage means) stores the determination result of whether the data is needed or not in step S504 as determination information 309, linked to the fax data sent from the MFP 100, and then proceeds to step S506.

[0052] In step S506, the CPU 301 (reply means) sends the determination result from step S504 back to the MFP 100 that sent the command in step S501, and terminates this process.

[0053] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the post-processing of the fax print in step S406. This process is executed when the language model server 300 returns a result to the MFP 100 indicating that the fax data is unnecessary fax data, and the MFP 100 prints the fax data according to user instructions.

[0054] In step S601, the CPU 201 waits until one of the received fax data 221 is printed by user input. Once printed (YES in step S601), the process proceeds to step S602. The specific user input in step S601 will be described later using Figure 9.

[0055] In step S602, the CPU 201 checks, based on the discrimination information 220 associated with the FAX data printed in step S601, whether the language model server 300 has determined that the FAX data is unnecessary FAX data. If the result of the check is that the data is not determined to be unnecessary FAX data (NO in step S602), the process ends as is. If the data is determined to be unnecessary FAX data (YES in step S602), the process proceeds to step S603.

[0056] In step S603, the CPU 201 (second transmission means) sends a notification command to the language model server 300 informing it that the fax data, which was determined to be unnecessary, has been printed (i.e., the user has determined that the fax data is necessary). After that, this process ends.

[0057] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the process for rewriting judgment information in the language model server 300.

[0058] This process is executed by the CPU 301 in the language model server 300 by loading the program stored in ROM 302 or storage 304 into RAM 303.

[0059] In step S701, CPU301 waits until it receives a command from MFP100. Once it receives a command (YES in step S701), it proceeds to step S702.

[0060] In step S702, the CPU 301 verifies the contents of the command received in step S701 by analyzing its header portion (command header), and then proceeds to step S703.

[0061] In step S703, the CPU 301 checks whether the command from the MFP 100 is the notification command sent from the MFP 100 in step S603 (a notification command that notifies that unwanted fax data has been printed). If it is a notification command that notifies that unwanted fax data has been printed (YES in step S703), the process proceeds to step S704. On the other hand, if it is not a notification command that notifies that unwanted fax data has been printed (NO in step S703), the process ends.

[0062] In step S704, the CPU 301 extracts the fax data from the storage 304 that has been notified to be printed by the received notification command. Next, the CPU 301 (rewriting means) rewrites the judgment result in the judgment information 309 associated with the extracted fax data from unnecessary fax data to necessary fax data. After that, this process is terminated.

[0063] Figure 8 is a flowchart of the retraining process for the FAX judgment program 308.

[0064] This process is executed by the CPU 301 in the language model server 300 by loading the program stored in ROM 302 or storage 304 into RAM 303.

[0065] In step S801, the CPU 301 waits until the number of FAX data 310 received from the MFP 100 and stored in the storage 304 reaches a predetermined value. Once the predetermined value is reached (YES in step S801), the process proceeds to step S802.

[0066] In step S802, the CPU 301 loads the FAX judgment relearning program 311 into the RAM 303. Next, the CPU 301 (relearning means) uses the loaded FAX judgment relearning program to start relearning the FAX judgment program 308, using the judgment information 309 stored in the storage 304 as training data and the FAX data 310 as training data. After that, the process proceeds to step S803.

[0067] In step S803, CPU 301 waits until the relearning initiated in step S802 is complete. Once relearning is complete (YES in step S803), the process proceeds to step S804.

[0068] In step S804, the CPU 301 replaces the original FAX judgment program 308 with the result of retraining, and then terminates the process.

[0069] Figure 9(a) shows a first modified example of the print confirmation screen (UI) displayed on the display unit 210 of the MFP100 in step S601.

[0070] The print confirmation screen 901a shown in Figure 9(a) is displayed on the display unit 210 of the MFP100 and operated by the user via the operation unit 208.

[0071] The print confirmation screen 901a includes a list of spam faxes received 902a, and YES buttons 903a and NO buttons 904a associated with each spam fax data.

[0072] The spam fax reception list 902a includes, for fax data among the received fax data 221 that are identified as unwanted fax data based on the identification result shown in the associated identification information 220, the list number, reception date and time, and sender number as information to identify that fax data.

[0073] When a user presses the NO button 904a on a row in the print confirmation screen 901a, the information for that row is removed from the spam fax reception list 902a. Also, when a user presses the YES button 903a on a row in the print confirmation screen 901a, the received fax data listed on that row of the received fax data 221 is printed. In this case, the process in Figure 6 determines that unwanted fax data has been printed, and in step S603, the notification command described above is sent to the language model server 300.

[0074] Figure 9(b) shows a second modified example of the print confirmation screen (UI) displayed on the display unit 210 of the MFP100.

[0075] The print confirmation screen 901b shown in Figure 9(b) is displayed on the display unit 210 of the MFP100 and can be operated by the user via the operation unit 208.

[0076] The print confirmation screen 901b includes the fax reception list 902b, and print buttons 903b and delete buttons 904b associated with each spam fax data.

[0077] The FAX reception list 902b includes information that identifies each received FAX data 221, such as the list number, reception date and time, and sender number. The FAX reception list 902b also includes whether the identification result shown in the identification information 220 associated with each received FAX data 221 is that of unwanted FAX data.

[0078] When a user presses the delete button 904b on a row in the print confirmation screen 901b, the information for that row is deleted from the fax reception list 902b. Also, when the user presses the print button 903b on a row in the print confirmation screen 901b, the received fax data listed on that row of the received fax data 221 is printed. In this case, the process in Figure 6 determines that unnecessary fax data has been printed, and in step S603, the notification command described above is sent to the language model server 300.

[0079] Furthermore, on the print confirmation screens 901a and 901b, preview images of the received fax data shown in each row of the spam fax reception list 902a and fax reception list 902b may be displayed along with, or instead of, the list number, reception date and time, and sender number as the identifying information. Additionally, on the print confirmation screens 901a and 901b, a preview button (not shown) may be added to each row, and when the user presses the preview button on a row, a preview image of the received fax data listed on that row may be displayed in a separate window or similar.

[0080] Figure 10 shows an example of a command header for a command that MFP100 sends to the language model server 300.

[0081] The command header contains "type," which indicates the type of request the command created by the MFP100 is, and "fax no," which indicates the fax number of the fax data targeted by the command. The fax number is a number assigned to each received fax data by the MFP100, and it is a unique number that identifies each received fax data, generated from the MFP100's serial number, reception date and time, and recipient number.

[0082] Command header 1000a is an example of a command header for a command (the first command) that requests a decision from the MFP100 to the language model server 300 as to whether or not the received FAX data is unnecessary.

[0083] Command header 1000a contains a "type" 1001 that requests a determination of whether the fax data is unnecessary. Following this, "fax no" 1002 (identification information) contains the fax number of the fax data to be determined. The command including command header 1000a is attached to the fax data of the fax number specified in "fax no" 1002 and sent from MFP 100 to language model server 300.

[0084] Command header 1000b is an example of a command header for a notification command (second command) that notifies the language model server 300 that FAX data deemed unnecessary by the language model server 300 has been printed by the MFP 100.

[0085] Command header 1000b contains a description in "type" 1003 indicating that fax data has been printed. Following this description, "fax no" 1004 (identification information) contains the fax number of the printed fax data mentioned in the notification.

[0086] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of this embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more general-purpose processors (ASICs) in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by a dedicated processor (e.g., an ASIC or FPGA) that implements one or more functions. Moreover, the present invention can also be realized by a combination of a general-purpose processor and a dedicated processor. Here, "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense and includes both general-purpose processors and dedicated processors. Furthermore, the process of realizing the present invention may be executed by only one processor, or it may be executed by the cooperation of multiple processors located in physically separate locations.

[0087] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist.

[0088] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) An information processing system comprising an image processing device and a server connected to each other in a communicative manner, wherein the image processing device comprises a first receiving means for receiving FAX data from an external source, an adding means for adding a first command including identification information that identifies the FAX data when the first receiving means receives the FAX data, and a first transmitting means for transmitting the FAX data to the server together with the first command, wherein the server comprises a second receiving means for receiving the FAX data transmitted by the first transmitting means together with the first command, an output means for outputting a determination result using a FAX determination program indicating whether the FAX data received by the second receiving means is unnecessary FAX data, and a reply means for returning the determination result, along with the identification information received together with the FAX data, to the image processing device as a response to the first command. The image processing device further comprises a second transmission means for sending a second command to the server indicating that the FAX data has been printed, including identification information of the FAX data, when the server returns a determination result that the FAX data is unnecessary FAX data in response to the first command, and the FAX data is printed according to user instructions; the server further comprises a storage means for storing the determination result output by the output means together with the FAX data sent together with the first command; a rewriting means for rewriting the determination result for the FAX data stored by the storage means from unnecessary FAX data to necessary FAX data when the second command is received by the second transmission means; and a retraining means for retraining the FAX determination program using the determination result stored by the storage means. (Configuration 2) The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing device displays information that identifies the FAX data that has been identified as unnecessary FAX data as a result of the judgment returned by the reply means, and further comprises a UI that asks the user whether or not to print the FAX data on which the identifying information is displayed, and in the UI, if the user gives an instruction to print the FAX data on which the identifying information is displayed, the system prints the FAX data on which the identifying information is displayed. (Configuration 3) The information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the information to be identified is the list number, reception date and time, and sender number of the FAX data on which the information to be identified is displayed. (Configuration 4) The information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the information to be identified is a preview image of the FAX data on which the information to be identified is displayed. (Configuration 5) An image processing device that is communicatively connected to a server, comprising: a first receiving means for receiving FAX data from an external source; an adding means for adding a first command including identification information that identifies the FAX data when the FAX data is received by the first receiving means; a first transmitting means for transmitting the FAX data to the server together with the first command; and a second transmitting means for transmitting a second command to the server indicating that the FAX data has been printed, including identification information for the FAX data, when the server returns a determination result that the FAX data is unnecessary FAX data in response to the first command and the FAX data is printed according to user instructions. (Configuration 6) A server that is communicatively connected to an image processing device, comprising: an analysis means for analyzing a command received from the image processing device; an output means that, when the analysis means analyzes the received command to be a first command, outputs a determination result using a fax determination program indicating whether the fax data sent together with the first command is unnecessary fax data; a reply means that, as a response to the first command, returns the determination result together with identification information that identifies the fax data received together with the fax data to the image processing device; a storage means for storing the determination result output by the output means together with the fax data sent together with the first command; when the analysis means analyzes the received command to be a second command, a rewriting means for rewriting the determination result for the fax data stored by the storage means from unnecessary fax data to necessary fax data; and a retraining means for retraining the fax determination program using the determination result and fax data stored by the storage means. (Configuration 7) The server according to claim 6, characterized in that the retraining means retrains the output means when the number of FAX data stored in the storage means reaches a predetermined value. (Method 1) A control method for an information processing system comprising an image processing device and a server connected to each other in a communication manner, comprising: a first receiving step performed in the image processing device for receiving FAX data from an external source; an adding step, when FAX data is received in the first receiving step, for adding a first command including identification information that identifies the FAX data; and a first transmitting step for sending the FAX data to the server together with the first command; comprising: a second receiving step performed in the server for receiving the FAX data sent together with the first command in the first transmitting step; an output step for outputting a determination result indicating whether the FAX data received in the second receiving step is unnecessary FAX data; and a reply step for returning the determination result, along with the identification information received together with the FAX data, to the image processing device as a response to the first command. The control method further comprises: a second transmission step, which is performed in the image processing device in response to the first command, when the server returns a determination result indicating that the FAX data is unnecessary FAX data, and the FAX data is printed according to user instructions, a second command indicating that the FAX data has been printed, including identification information of the FAX data, and a storage step, which is further performed in the server, in which the determination result output by the output step is stored together with the FAX data sent together with the first command; a rewriting step, which, when the second command is received by the second transmission step, rewrites the determination result for the FAX data stored in the storage step from unnecessary FAX data to necessary FAX data; and a relearning step, which relearns the output step using the determination result stored in the storage step. (Method 2) A control method for an image processing device that is connected to a server in a communicative manner, comprising: a first receiving step of receiving FAX data from an external source; an adding step of adding a first command including identification information that identifies the FAX data when FAX data is received in the first receiving step; a first transmitting step of sending the FAX data to the server together with the first command; and a second transmitting step of sending a second command to the server indicating that the FAX data has been printed, including identification information for the FAX data, when the server returns a determination result that the FAX data is unnecessary FAX data in response to the first command and the FAX data is printed according to user instructions. (Method 3) A method for communicating with an image processing device and controlling a server, comprising: an analysis step of analyzing the header portion of a command received from the image processing device; an output step of outputting a determination result using a fax determination program to indicate whether the fax data sent with the first command is unnecessary fax data, if the analysis step determines that the received command is a first command; a reply step of returning the determination result, along with identification information that identifies the fax data received with the fax data, to the image processing device as a response to the first command; a storage step of saving the determination result output in the output step together with the fax data sent with the first command; a rewriting step of changing the determination result for the fax data saved in the storage step from unnecessary fax data to necessary fax data, if the analysis step determines that the received command is a second command; and a retraining means for retraining the fax determination program using the determination result and fax data saved in the storage step. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing system described in claim 1. (Program 2) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image processing apparatus described in claim 5. (Program 3) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the server means described in claim 6. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 100 MFP 200 Internet 201,301 CPU 202,302 ROM 203,303 RAM 204,304 storage 205,305 Communications I / F 207 Operation unit I / F 209 UI Control Unit 211 Image Processing Unit 212 Printer Controller Interface 214 Scanner Controller 217 FAX Modem I / F 300 language model servers 308 FAX Judgment Program 309 Judgment information 311 FAX Judgment Retraining Program

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising an image processing device and a server that are connected in a communicative manner, The aforementioned image processing device is A first receiving means for receiving fax data from an external source, When FAX data is received by the first receiving means, an additional means adds a first command including identification information that identifies the FAX data, A first transmission means that transmits the FAX data to the server along with the first command, Equipped with, The aforementioned server, A second receiving means for receiving the FAX data transmitted by the first transmitting means along with the first command, An output means that outputs a determination result indicating whether the FAX data received by the second receiving means is unwanted FAX data, using a FAX determination program, A reply means that, in response to the first command, sends the determination result back to the image processing device along with the identification information received along with the FAX data, Equipped with, The aforementioned image processing device is In response to the first command, if the server returns a result indicating that the FAX data is unnecessary FAX data, and the FAX data is printed at the user's instruction, the system further includes a second transmission means that sends a second command to the server indicating that the FAX data has been printed, including identification information of the FAX data. The aforementioned server, A storage means for saving the determination result output by the output means together with the FAX data transmitted with the first command, When the second transmission means receives the second command, the rewriting means rewrites the determination result for the FAX data stored by the storage means from unnecessary FAX data to necessary FAX data. An information processing system further comprising a relearning means for relearning the FAX judgment program using the judgment results stored by the storage means.

2. The aforementioned image processing device is The system further includes a UI that displays information identifying the fax data that has been identified as unnecessary fax data in the judgment result returned by the reply means, and asks the user whether or not to print the fax data on which the identifying information is displayed. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the UI, if the user gives an instruction to print the fax data on which the identified information is displayed, the system prints the fax data on which the identified information is displayed.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the information to be identified is the list number, reception date and time, and sender number of the FAX data on which the information to be identified is displayed.

4. The information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the information to be identified is a preview image of the FAX data on which the information to be identified is displayed.

5. An image processing device that can communicate with a server, A first receiving means for receiving fax data from an external source, When FAX data is received by the first receiving means, an additional means adds a first command including identification information that identifies the FAX data, A first transmission means that transmits the FAX data to the server along with the first command, In response to the first command, when the server returns a determination result indicating that the FAX data is unnecessary FAX data, and the FAX data is printed at the user's instruction, a second transmission means sends a second command to the server indicating that the FAX data has been printed, which includes identification information of the FAX data. An image processing apparatus characterized by comprising:

6. A server that can communicate with an image processing device, An analysis means for analyzing commands received from the image processing device, If the received command is analyzed by the analysis means to be a first command, the output means outputs a determination result using a FAX determination program indicating whether the FAX data transmitted with the first command is unnecessary FAX data. A reply means that, in response to the first command, sends the determination result back to the image processing device along with identification information that identifies the FAX data received together with the FAX data, A storage means for saving the determination result output by the output means together with the FAX data transmitted with the first command, If the analysis means determines that the received command is a second command, the analysis means rewrites the determination result for the FAX data stored by the storage means from unnecessary FAX data to necessary FAX data. A server characterized by comprising a relearning means for relearning the FAX judgment program using the judgment results and FAX data stored by the storage means.

7. The server according to claim 6, characterized in that the retraining means retrains the output means when the number of FAX data stored in the storage means reaches a predetermined value.

8. A control method for an information processing system comprising an image processing device and a server that are connected in a communicative manner, The image processing apparatus is executed as follows: A first receiving step involves receiving fax data from an external source, If FAX data is received in the first receiving step, an additional step is to add a first command including identification information that identifies the FAX data, A first transmission step of sending the FAX data to the server along with the first command, It has, The following is executed on the aforementioned server: A second receiving step which receives the FAX data transmitted along with the first command in the first transmission step, An output step that outputs a determination result indicating whether the FAX data received in the second receiving step is unwanted FAX data, A reply step in which the determination result is sent back to the image processing device along with the identification information received along with the FAX data as a response to the first command, It has, Further execution in the aforementioned image processing apparatus: In response to the first command, if the server returns a result indicating that the FAX data is unnecessary FAX data, and the FAX data is printed at the user's instruction, the system includes a second transmission step of sending a second command to the server indicating that the FAX data has been printed, which includes identification information for the FAX data. Further executions performed on the aforementioned server: A saving step which saves the determination result output in the output step together with the FAX data sent with the first command, When the second command is received in the second transmission step, the determination result for the FAX data saved in the save step is rewritten from unnecessary FAX data to necessary FAX data. A control method characterized by having a retraining step that retrains the output step using the determination result saved in the saving step.

9. A method for controlling an image processing device that is connected to a server in a communicative manner, A first receiving step involves receiving fax data from an external source, If FAX data is received in the first receiving step, an additional step is to add a first command including identification information that identifies the FAX data, A first transmission step of sending the FAX data to the server along with the first command, In response to the first command, if the server returns a result indicating that the FAX data is unnecessary FAX data, and the FAX data is printed at the user's instruction, a second transmission step is performed to send a second command to the server indicating that the FAX data has been printed, which includes identification information of the FAX data. A control method characterized by having the following features.

10. A method for connecting to an image processing device in a communicative manner and for controlling a server, An analysis step which involves analyzing the header portion of the command received from the image processing device, If the received command is analyzed in the analysis step to be the first command, the output step involves outputting a determination result using a fax determination program to indicate whether the fax data sent with the first command is unnecessary fax data. A reply step in which the determination result is sent back to the image processing device along with identification information that identifies the FAX data received together with the FAX data, as a response to the first command, A saving step which saves the judgment result output in the output step together with the FAX data sent together with the first command, If the received command is analyzed in the analysis step to be a second command, the determination result for the FAX data saved in the saving step is rewritten from unnecessary FAX data to necessary FAX data. A server characterized by comprising a relearning means for relearning the FAX judgment program using the judgment results and FAX data saved in the saving step.

11. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing system described in claim 1.

12. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image processing apparatus described in claim 5.

13. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the server means described in claim 6.

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