Information Processing Apparatus, Control Method Thereof, and Program

Abstract

To prevent the loss of image data transferred from a multifunction machine even when a failure occurs in a relay system or cloud service.SOLUTION: In an image processing device that sets transfer of image data, display control of a user interface screen is performed such that a storage server or the like other than a relay system is separately set as a transfer destination when a user designates a transfer destination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for transferring FAX documents.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, some multifunction devices have a function of transmitting data of a document image received by FAX (hereinafter referred to as "FAX image") to a specific server or the like on a network. In addition, there are also multifunction devices having a function of transmitting FAX image data to a cloud service via a relay system connected via a network such as the Internet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Here, the cloud service refers to, for example, online storage that provides a service of lending out a storage server, or a mail service that performs mail delivery.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When transferring FAX image data to a cloud service via a relay system, since the multifunction device can retry until the transfer of the FAX image data to the relay system is successful, the transfer of the FAX image data from the multifunction device to the relay system can be guaranteed on the multifunction device side. However, whether the transfer of the FAX image data from the relay system to the cloud service is successful depends on the processing on the relay system side, so the multifunction device side cannot handle this. For example, when a failure occurs in the cloud service, the relay system cannot transfer the FAX image data to the cloud service, but the multifunction device side cannot confirm or handle this fact. In addition, depending on the situation of the failure, there is also a risk that the FAX image data already transferred to the relay system will be lost.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] The image processing apparatus according to the technology of the present disclosure An image processing apparatus capable of receiving image data, comprising control means for controlling the display of a user interface screen for a user to specify the transfer destination of the image data, and based on the specification made on the user interface screen, Transfer destination information Setting means for setting transfer means for transferring the received image data using the transfer destination information set by the setting means; and is characterized by when a relay system for further transferring the received image data is set as the transfer destination information based on the specification made on the user interface screen, not only the relay system but also another transfer destination other than the relay system is set as the transfer destination information without the relay system being set as the transfer destination information alone; the following.

Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the technology of the present disclosure, even when a failure occurs in the relay system or cloud service, it is possible to prevent the loss of image data transferred from the multifunction machine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out 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 features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the invention.

[0009] [Embodiment 1] [System Configuration] FIG. 1 is an overall view of an image processing system. In FIG. 1, on a network 100 that supports the TCP / IP protocol, an MFP (Multi function Peripheral) 101, a file server 102, and a relay server 104 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate. The MFP 101 is an example of an image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions such as scanning, printing, copying, and FAX. The file server 102 is an example of an external server that can store image data and the like.

[0010] The MFP101 is a multifunction peripheral connected to a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Networks) 110 and capable of performing FAX communication of document image data with a FAX device (not shown). Hereinafter, in this specification, the document image data received by the MFP101 through FAX communication shall be referred to as "FAX image data".

[0011] The relay server 104 is an example of an information processing device having a function of transmitting FAX image data received from the MFP101 to an online storage 105, a mail server 106, etc. connected via the network 100.

[0012] The online storage 105 is realized by one or more information processing devices. The online storage 105 is a server that provides a service of lending out a storage area (storage device) of the storage. Examples of online storage include Google Drive (registered trademark), OneDrive (registered trademark), and Dropbox (registered trademark), etc.

[0013] The mail server 106 is realized by one or more information processing devices. The mail server 106 is a server for sending and receiving electronic mails.

[0014] The above shows a general system configuration and is not limited thereto. For example, in addition to the above configuration, an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer) used by a user to access information on a cloud service may be connected to the network 100. Alternatively, a configuration in which the MFP101 is connected to the online storage 105, the mail server 106, etc. via the network 100 may also be possible.

[0015] <Hardware Configuration of MFP101> Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the MFP 101. A control unit 210 including a CPU 211 controls the operation of the entire MFP 101. The CPU 211 reads out control programs stored in a ROM 212 and performs various controls such as reading, printing, and communication. A RAM 213 is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 211. Note that in the MFP 101, it is assumed that one CPU 211 executes each process shown in the flowchart below using one memory (RAM 213 or HDD 214), but other modes may be used. For example, it is also possible to execute each process shown in the flowchart by having a plurality of CPUs, a plurality of RAMs, or HDDs cooperate with each other.

[0016] The HDD 214 stores image data and various programs. An operation unit I / F 215 connects the operation unit 220 and the control unit 210. The operation unit 220 is provided with a liquid crystal display having a touch panel function, a keyboard, etc., and serves as a reception unit that receives operations / inputs / instruction by the user.

[0017] A printer I / F 216 connects the printer 221 and the control unit 210. Image data to be printed by the printer 221 is transferred from the control unit 210 via the printer I / F 216 and printed on a recording medium by the printer 221.

[0018] A scanner I / F 217 connects the scanner 222 and the control unit 210. The scanner 222 reads an image on a document to generate image data and inputs it to the control unit 210 via the scanner I / F 217. The MFP 101 can transmit the image data generated by the scanner 222 by file transmission or email transmission.

[0019] A modem I / F 218 connects the modem 223 and the control unit 210. The modem 223 executes FAX communication with a FAX device (not shown).

[0020] The network I / F 219 connects the control unit 210 (MFP 101) to the network 100. The MFP 101 uses the network I / F 219 to transmit image data and information to external devices (such as the file server 102) and relay servers 104 on the network 100, and to receive various types of information.

[0021] <Software Configuration of MFP101> Figure 3 is a software configuration diagram of the MFP 101. The software of the MFP 101 is roughly divided into two major parts: the native function unit 310 and the additional application 320. Each part included in the native function unit 310 is standardly provided in the MFP 101, while the additional application 320 is an application additionally installed in the MFP 101. The additional application 320 is an application based on Java (registered trademark), and can easily realize the addition of functions to the MFP 101. Note that other additional applications (not shown) may be installed in the MFP 101.

[0022] The FAX receiving unit 311 receives the document image data transmitted via the PSTN 110. The document image data received by the FAX receiving unit 311 is converted into a format such as PDF and then passed to the transfer unit 312. At this time, the FAX receiving unit 311 creates a control file including the transmission source information (the FAX number of the transmission source) of the document image data and the reception date and time of the document image data, and passes it to the transfer unit 312 together with the document image data.

[0023] The transfer unit 312 transfers the FAX image data received from the FAX receiving unit 311 according to preset conditions. As the transfer destination of the FAX image data, the printing unit 313, the file server 102, a PC (not shown) on the LAN 100, etc. can be set. Here, it is assumed that all the FAX image data is once set to be transferred to the additional application 320.

[0024] The transfer unit 312 has an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client function and transfers FAX image data to the application receiving unit 322 having an FTP server function by FTP. Note that the control file created by the FAX receiving unit 311 is also FTP transferred to the application receiving unit 322 together with the image data. The address book storage unit 314 stores address information registered by the user of the MFP 101.

[0025] The storage function unit 315 is an internal storage having the same function as the file server 102. That is, it can hold FAX image data and accept access from a PC (not shown) or the like to refer to the stored FAX image data.

[0026] The application receiving unit 322 receives the FAX image data internally transferred from the transfer unit 312 and passes it to the application transfer unit 321. The application transfer unit 321 transfers (sends) the FAX image data to the file server 102, the storage function unit 315, the relay server 104, etc. according to the settings made by the method described later. For the transfer here, in addition to FTP, SMB, WebDAV, HTTPS, etc. can be used. Also, the application transfer unit 321 is permitted to access the address book storage unit 314 and obtains the registered name described later. The obtained registered name is used for the folder path and file name of the transfer destination. Also, when transmitting FAX image data to the relay server 104, it also has a function of transmitting together with the registered name obtained from the address book storage unit 314 and the FAX reception information including the information of the control file received from the transfer unit 312.

[0027] <Software Configuration of Relay Server 104> Figure 4 is a diagram showing the software configuration of the relay server 104.

[0028] The infrastructure 401 is a foundation for the relay server 104 to provide services and is composed of a server, a virtual machine, storage, a network, and an operating system.

[0029] The cloud platform 402 is a framework that uses the infrastructure 401 to provide common basic functions to the application 407, and is composed of a file system 403, an account / job management 404, and a database 405.

[0030] The application 407 can communicate with a web browser operating on a PC (not shown), etc., display a menu on the web browser screen of the PC, and receive input from the user. The application 407 is a software module that manages the user count available for using the MFP 101, visualizes the usage statistics of the MFP 101, and provides various functions of the MFP 101 to the user.

[0031] The authentication application 410 is one of the applications 407, and manages users who can use the MFP 101 by using the account / job management 404 which is the cloud platform 402. User authentication may use an external authentication server such as Active Directory or LDAP instead of using the account / job management 404 which is the cloud platform 402.

[0032] The device management application 411 is one of the applications 407, and performs device management such as registration, editing, and deletion of devices such as the MFP 101 to be connected.

[0033] The usage statistics application 413 is one of the applications 407, and manages statistical information on the usage results of functions such as printing, scanning, and FAX. The display method of the statistical information is displayed on the web browser screen of the PC in units of multifunction printers registered in the device management application 411 or in units of users registered in the authentication application 410.

[0034] The FAX management application 414 is one of the applications 407. It has functions such as sending FAX image data received from the MFP 101 to cloud services (online storage 105 and mail server 106), and functions for accepting settings such as the cloud service for the transfer destination, folder path, file name, etc. for each device.

[0035] <Explanation of the UI screen related to FAX transfer of the MFP> Figures 5 to 10 are examples of user interface screens (UI screens) related to the FAX transfer function (additional application 320) in the MFP 101. The user makes various settings on these UI screens to transfer the image data received by FAX at the MFP 101 to the file server 102 or the like. These UI screens are displayed on the operation unit 220 when the CPU 211 of the MFP 101 executes the control program stored in the HDD 214.

[0036] (a) and (b) of FIG. 5 are examples of the status display screen 500 according to the present embodiment. In the status display area 501 of the status display screen 500, messages indicating the current operation status of the FAX transfer function and the like are displayed. In the illustrated example, it is shown that the additional application 320 is currently operating normally. For example, when the transfer of FAX image data to the file server 102 or the like fails or the additional application 320 is not operating normally, a message indicating that fact is displayed in the status display area 501. Of course, a guide regarding transfer settings may be displayed to make it easier for the user to perform transfer settings. Further, operation keys for updating the display content of the status display area 501 may be provided within the status display screen 500. The [To Transfer Settings Screen] key 502 is a button for the user to start the input regarding the first transfer setting, and the [To Sub-Transfer Settings Screen] key 503 is a button for the user to start the input regarding the second and subsequent transfer settings. When the [To Transfer Settings Screen] key 502 is pressed, the transfer destination selection screen 600 shown in FIG. 6(a) for designating the first transfer destination is displayed. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the [To Sub-Transfer Settings Screen] key 503 is, for example, grayed out so that it cannot be selected until the designation of the first transfer destination is completed. When the [To Sub-Transfer Settings Screen] key 503 is pressed, the transfer destination selection screen 600 shown in FIG. 6(b) for designating the second transfer destination is displayed.

[0037] (a) and (b) of FIG. 6 are examples of a transfer destination selection screen. On the transfer destination selection screen 600, the specification of the transfer destination of FAX image data is accepted. When the [File Server] key 601 is pressed, the file server setting screen 700 shown in FIG. 7(a) is displayed with the transfer destination being the file server. When the [MFP Storage] key 602 is pressed, the MFP storage setting screen 710 shown in FIG. 7(b) is displayed with the transfer destination being the storage function unit 315 which is the internal storage. Note that the [Relay Server] key 603 is only displayed when specifying the second transfer destination, and it becomes possible to specify the relay server 104 as the transfer destination. When the [Relay Server] key 603 is pressed, the test transmission screen 1000 shown in FIG. 10(a) is displayed. At this time, the file server setting screen 700 and the MFP storage setting screen 710 are not displayed because the setting for transferring FAX image data to the cloud service via the relay server 104 is performed on the FAX transfer setting screen of the relay server 104 which will be described later.

[0038] FIG. 7(a) is an example of a file server setting screen, and FIG. 7(b) is an example of an MFP storage setting screen. On the file server setting screen 700 and the MFP storage setting screen 710, information for specifying the file server 102 and information for accessing the file server 102 or the storage function unit 315 are set. The host name 701 is where the host name of the file server 102 is input. The folder path 702 is where the starting point of the folder path for specifying the storage destination of the FAX image data is input. The user name 703 and the password 704 are where the authentication information (user name and password) necessary for logging in to the file server 102 or the storage function unit 315 is input. Note that on the MFP storage setting screen 710, the storage destination is specified as the storage function unit 315 and the input of the host name is not required.

[0039] FIG. 8 is an example of a file name setting screen. On the file name setting screen 800, the rule for the file name to be assigned to the FAX image data transferred to the file server 102 or the storage function unit 315 is set.

[0040] For the FAX image data transferred by the additional application 320 to the file server 102 or the storage function unit 315, a file name combining three types of information, [registered name], [FAX number], and [receiving date and time], can be set. The [registered name] is a name registered in advance in the address book in association with the FAX number of the sender of the FAX image data. The [FAX number] is the FAX number of the sender of the FAX image data. The [receiving date and time] is the receiving date and time of the FAX image data.

[0041] The operation keys 801 to 803 are keys for accepting the selection of a separator (delimiter symbol) for separating the three types of information described above. When the operation key 801 is pressed, [-] (hyphen) is selected. When the operation key 802 is pressed, [_] (underscore) is selected. When the operation key 803 is pressed, [ ] (space) is selected. In the illustrated example, [_] (underscore) is highlighted, indicating that it is selected by the user.

[0042] The check boxes 813 to 815 are used to specify the order of the three types of information described above. When the check box 813 is selected, the file name is set in the order of [registered name], [FAX number], [receiving date and time]. For example, when the registered name is "ABC Corporation", the FAX number is "0311112222", and the receiving date and time is "January 1, 2021, 12:15:10", a file name "ABC Corporation_0311112222_20210101121510.pdf" is set. When the check box 814 is selected, the file name is set in the order of [receiving date and time], [registered name], [FAX number]. When the check box 815 is selected, the file name is set in the order of [FAX number], [registered name], [receiving date and time]. Here, not all orders are candidates (only some orders are candidates), but it may be possible to select all orders as candidates.

[0043] FIG. 9 is an example of a folder path setting screen. In the folder path setting screen 900, a rule for the folder path for specifying the folder where the FAX image data is to be stored is set.

[0044] When the checkbox 901 is selected, the FAX image data is stored in the folders specified in the selection columns 911 to 913, and if not checked, the FAX image data is stored in the area indicated by the folder path 702 of the file server setting screen 700.

[0045] In the selection column 911, the type of information to be used as the folder name of the first layer (the topmost layer among the three layers) is specified. The selection of the information type is accepted from the candidates of [registered name], [FAX number], and [date] presented by the pull-down menu. The [registered name] is the name registered in advance in the address book in association with the FAX number of the sender of the FAX image data. The [FAX number] is the FAX number of the sender of the FAX image data. The [date] is the reception date of the FAX image data. Note that it is also possible to leave any type unselected, in which case the FAX image data is stored in the area specified by the folder path 702 of the file server setting screen 700.

[0046] In the selection column 912, the type of information to be used as the folder name of the second layer (the middle layer among the three layers) is specified. Similar to the first layer, the selection of the information type is accepted from the candidates of [registered name], [FAX number], and [date] presented by the pull-down menu. Note that it is also possible to leave any type unselected, in which case the FAX image data is stored in the folder specified in the selection column 911.

[0047] In the selection column 913, the type of information to be used as the folder name of the third layer (the lowest layer among the three layers) is specified. Similar to the first layer, the selection of the information type is accepted from the candidates of [Registration Name], [FAX Number], and [Date] presented by the pull-down menu. Note that it is also possible to leave any type unselected. In this case, the FAX image data will be stored in the folder specified in the selection column 912.

[0048] In the display column 914, the sorting order of various information according to the selection for each layer in the selection columns 911 to 913 is shown. In the illustrated example, it can be seen that the folder name of the first layer is [Registration Name], the folder name of the second layer is [FAX Number], and the folder name of the third layer is [Date]. By appending the folder path shown in the display column 914 after the character string specified in the folder path 702 of the file server setting screen 700, the formal folder path is completed. For example, when the registration name is "ABC Corporation", the FAX number is "0311112222", and the date is "January 1, 2021", a folder path of "root / ABC Corporation / 0311112222 / 20210101" is set.

[0049] Figures 10(a) and (b) are examples of the test transmission screen. On the test transmission screen 1000, settings related to test transmission to the transfer destination (file server 102, storage function unit 315, or relay server 104) specified on the transfer destination setting screen 600 are made.

[0050] In the FAX number 1001, an arbitrary transmission source FAX number to be used for test transmission is entered. Also, in the reception date and time 1002, an arbitrary reception date and time to be used for test transmission is entered. Although the description is omitted, when the [Setting Confirmation] key 1011 is pressed, based on the FAX number 1001, the reception date and time 1002, and the setting contents on the various setting screens in FIGS. 6 to 9, it is displayed in which folder the FAX image data is stored with what file name. Thereby, the user can confirm the setting contents related to FAX transfer.

[0051] When the [Test Transmission] key 1012 is pressed, test transmission is executed based on the contents of the FAX number 1001 and the reception date and time 1002, and the settings in the various setting screens of FIGS. 6 to 9. In the test transmission, the test image data held in advance in the additional application (in the HDD 214) is transmitted to the transfer destination. By executing the test transmission, it is possible to confirm that the FAX image data is normally stored in the folder of the file server 102 or the storage function unit 315. After the test transmission is executed, a UI screen showing the result of the test transmission may be displayed. When the transfer destination is set to the relay server 104, the FAX reception information including the contents of the FAX number 1001 and the reception date and time 1002 is transmitted together with the FAX image data to the relay server 104 and the process ends. It is necessary to check the cloud service side (online storage 105 or mail server 106) whether the FAX image data is stored in the cloud service via the relay server 104. Therefore, when the transmission to the relay server 104 is successful, a configuration may be adopted in which an information dialog 1050 prompting the user for confirmation is displayed as shown in FIG. 10(b).

[0052] <Explanation of the UI screen regarding the function provision of the relay server> ≪Device Management Screen≫ FIGS. 11(a) to (c) are an example of a UI screen for setting various functions provided by the relay server 104 according to the present embodiment. These UI screens are generated and provided with functions by the respective applications 410 to 414 in the application 407 of the relay server 104. Further, these UI screens are displayed on the Web browser operating on a PC (not shown) or the like by the Web browser communicating with the relay server 104.

[0053] Figure 11(a) shows the device management screen of the device management application 411 displayed by clicking on the "Device" item 1120. In the display column 1124, a list of devices such as MFPs that provide the functions of the relay server 104 is displayed. Above the display column 1124, there are a device addition button 1121, a device edit button 1122, and a device deletion button 1123. When adding or deleting a device that provides functions in the relay server 104, the user presses the addition button 1121 or the deletion button 1123. When editing the information (IP address, location, etc.) of the registered device, the user presses the edit button 1122. The relay server 104 provides functions such as authentication of available users, statistics and visualization of printing and scanning usage records on each device, and FAX transfer for the registered device group.

[0054] ≪FAX Transfer Settings Screen≫ Figure 11(b) shows the FAX transfer settings screen displayed by clicking on the "FAX Transfer" item 1140. In the transfer destination list 1141, devices with FAX functions among the devices registered in the relay server 104 are displayed. Note that for devices with the FAX transfer function enabled, an enabled label 1150 is displayed. When the user edits or references the FAX transfer settings of each device, the corresponding device is selected from the transfer destination list 1141. Here, the explanation is given assuming that the device named "iR-ADV C5550" is selected.

[0055] When the destination tab 1142 is selected, the enable button 1144 is a radio button used to enable the FAX transfer function for the selected device. The disable button 1145 is a radio button used to disable the FAX transfer function for the selected device. The selection field 1147 specifies the cloud service that will be the destination for the FAX image data received from the selected device. The user selects the destination cloud service from the candidates of various cloud services (online storage 105 and mail server 106) presented by the pull-down menu. When the save button 1149 is pressed, the settings for the FAX transfer function for the selected device are finalized, and the content that has been input, selected, etc. up to that point is saved.

[0056] Figure 11(c) shows the state where the file / folder path tab 1143 is selected. Here, the folder path and file name rules for the FAX image data to be transferred to the cloud service specified in the selection field 1147 of Figure 11(b) are set. In the root folder setting field 1160, the starting point of the folder path for specifying the storage destination of the FAX image data is input.

[0057] In the folder path selection field 1161, the setting rules for the folder path for specifying the folder that will be the storage destination of the FAX image data to be transferred are input. Here, a folder path combining three types of information, [registration name], [FAX number], and [date], as described in the folder path setting screen 900 can be set. Although an example set from the first layer to the third layer is shown here, all combinations or some combinations such as setting only the first layer or setting up to the second layer can be selected from the pull-down menu. Additionally, a file name combining information that can be used by the relay server 104 (for example, the name of the device, etc.) may be set, or direct input from the user may be accepted.

[0058] In the file name selection field 1162, enter the file name setting rules for the FAX image data to be transferred. Here, it is possible to set a file name by combining three types of information: [registered name], [FAX number], and [date and time] as described on the file name setting screen 800, and all or some of the sorting orders can be selected from the pull-down menu. Additionally, it may be possible to set a file name by combining information that can be used in the relay server 104 (such as the name of the device, etc.), or it may be possible to accept direct input from the user. When the save button 1149 is pressed, the settings for the FAX transfer function for the selected device are finalized, and the content input, selected, etc. at that time is saved.

[0059] Note that when the service of the mail server 106 is selected in the selection field 1147, the root folder setting field 1160 and the folder path selection field 1161 may not be displayed. Also, when the service of the online storage 105 where the folder cannot be specified is selected in the selection field 1147, the root folder setting field 1160 and the folder path selection field 1161 may not be displayed.

[0060] <MFP FAX Transfer Setting Process> Figure 12(a) is a flowchart for explaining the setting operation for transferring the FAX image data received by the MFP 101 to a transfer destination (file server 102, storage function unit 315, or relay server 104) according to the present embodiment. Each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of Figure 12(a) is realized by the CPU 211 of the MFP 101 executing the control program stored in the HDD 214. In the following description, the symbol "S" means step.

[0061] In S1201, it is determined whether the first transfer setting is completed. If it is completed, in the subsequent S1202, the key 503 "[Go to Sub-transfer Setting Screen]" is enabled (changed to a selectable state), and the process proceeds to S1203. If it is not completed, the key 503 "[Go to Sub-transfer Setting Screen]" remains disabled (maintaining the non-selectable state), and the process proceeds to S1203.

[0062] In S1203, the status display screen 500 (Fig. 5) is displayed on the operation unit 220. At this time, if the first transfer setting is incomplete, the key 503 "[To Sub-transfer Setting Screen]" in the status display screen 500 is in a state where it cannot be selected by the user. On the other hand, if the first transfer setting is completed, the key 503 "[To Sub-transfer Setting Screen]" is in a state where it can be selected by the user.

[0063] In S1204, it is determined whether or not the key 502 "[To Setting Screen]" on the status display screen 500 has been pressed. If it has not been pressed, in S1205, it is determined whether or not the key 503 "[To Sub-transfer Setting Screen]" has been pressed. If neither key has been pressed, the process returns to S1204. This means waiting until the key 502 or the key 503 is pressed. When the pressing of the key 502 "[To Setting Screen]" is detected, the process proceeds to S1207. When the key 503 "[To Sub-transfer Setting Screen]" is pressed, the key 603 "[Relay Server]" is enabled (the non-display state is changed to the display state) in S1206, and the process proceeds to S1207.

[0064] In S1207, the transfer destination setting screen 600 (Fig. 6) is displayed on the operation unit 220.

[0065] In S1208, it is determined whether or not the key 603 "[Relay Server]" has been pressed. If it has not been pressed, in S1209, it is determined whether or not any other key (the key 601 "[File Server]" or the key 602 "[MFP Storage]") has been pressed. If neither key has been pressed, the process returns to S1208. This means waiting until one of the keys 601 to 603 is pressed. When the key 603 "[Relay Server]" is pressed, the process proceeds to S1230 with the transfer destination being the relay server 104. When it is determined that any other key has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1210 to perform settings for a file server or the like. Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 12(b), the setting process for a file server or the like in S1210 will be described.

[0066] ≪File Server and Other Setting Process≫ In S1211, the operation unit 220 displays a file server setting screen 700 (Fig. 7(a)) or an MFP storage setting screen (Fig. 7(b)).

[0067] In S1212, it is determined whether the [Cancel] key 711 has been pressed. If the [Cancel] key 711 has been pressed, the process returns to S1201 and the status display screen 500 is displayed. If the [Cancel] key 711 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S1212, and it is determined whether the [Next] key 712 has been pressed. If the [Next] key 712 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1214. If the [Next] key 712 has not been pressed, the process returns to S1212.

[0068] In S1214, the operation unit 220 displays a file name setting screen 800 (Fig. 8).

[0069] In S1215, it is determined whether the [Cancel] key 821 has been pressed. If the [Cancel] key 821 has been pressed, the process returns to S1201 and the status display screen 500 is displayed. If the [Cancel] key 821 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S1216, and it is determined whether the [Back] key 822 has been pressed. If the [Back] key 822 has been pressed, the process returns to S1211 and the file server setting screen 700 or the MFP storage setting screen 710 is displayed. If the [Back] key 822 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S1217, and it is determined whether the [Next] key 823 has been pressed. If the [Next] key 823 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1218. If the [Next] key 823 has not been pressed, the process returns to S1215.

[0070] In S1218, the operation unit 220 displays a folder path setting screen 900 (Fig. 9).

[0071] In S1219, it is determined whether the [Cancel] key 921 has been pressed. If the [Cancel] key 921 has been pressed, the process returns to S1201 and the status display screen 500 is displayed. If the [Cancel] key 921 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S1220 and it is determined whether the [Back] key 922 has been pressed. If the [Back] key 922 has been pressed, the process returns to S1214 and the file name setting screen 800 is displayed. If the [Back] key 922 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S1221 and it is determined whether the [Next] key 923 has been pressed. If the [Next] key 923 has been pressed, the process of step 1210 ends and the process proceeds to S1230. If the [Next] key 923 has not been pressed, the process returns to S1219.

[0072] <<Test Transmission Process>> S1230 is a test transmission process. Hereinafter, the test transmission process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12(c).

[0073] In S1231, the test transmission screen 1000 (FIG. 10) is displayed on the operation unit 220. The user of the MFP 101 can perform test transmission to the transfer destination (file server 102, storage function unit 315, or relay server 104) via the test transmission screen 1000.

[0074] In S1232, it is determined whether the [Test Transmission] key 1012 has been pressed. If the [Test Transmission] key 1012 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1233. If the [Test Transmission] key 1012 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S1234.

[0075] In S1233, test transmission is executed based on the contents of the FAX number 1001 and the reception date and time 1002, and the contents set on the UI screens of FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0076] In S1234, it is determined whether the [Cancel] key 1021 has been pressed. If the [Cancel] key 1021 has been pressed, the process returns to S1201 and the status display screen 500 is displayed. If the [Cancel] key 1021 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S1235 to determine whether the [Back] key 1022 has been pressed. If the [Back] key 1022 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1236. In S1236, it is determined whether the transfer destination specified on the transfer destination setting screen 600 displayed in S1207 is the relay server 104. If the specified transfer destination is the relay server 104, the process returns to S1207 and the transfer destination setting screen 600 is displayed. If the specified transfer destination is not the relay server 104 (it is the file server 102 or the storage function unit 315), the process returns to S1218 and the folder path setting screen 900 is displayed. If the [Back] key 1022 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S1237 to determine whether the [OK] key 1023 has been pressed. If the [OK] key 1023 has been pressed, the process of S1230 ends and the process proceeds to S1240. If the [OK] key 1023 has not been pressed, the process returns to S1232.

[0077] Finally, in S1240, the content of the transfer settings input in each of the previous processes is saved to the HDD 214. In the flowchart of Fig. 12(a), the transfer settings are saved after the test transmission is performed, but a configuration in which the test transmission is omitted and the settings are saved may also be used.

[0078] ≪Summary of FAX Transfer Settings≫ As described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 12(a) to 12(c), when the first transfer setting is incomplete, the display control of the UI screen is performed so that only the input related to the first transfer setting is accepted and the input related to the second transfer setting cannot be made. In the first transfer setting, the user can specify the file server 102 or the storage function unit 315 as the transfer destination, and the transfer setting with the relay server 104 as the transfer destination is not saved first. When performing the second and subsequent transfer settings, the status display screen 500 shown in FIG. 5(b) in which the [To Sub Transfer Setting Screen] key 503 is selectable is displayed. And only at the time of the second transfer setting, on the transfer setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 6(b), the relay server 104 can be selected as the transfer destination (the [Relay Server] key 603 is displayed). By such processing, when setting the relay server 104 as the transfer destination, another transfer setting in which a destination other than the relay server 104 is specified as the transfer destination will always be made.

[0079] <Transfer Processing Procedure in MFP> FIG. 13(a) is a flowchart for explaining the operation in which the MFP 101 transfers the received FAX image data to a transfer destination (file server 102, storage function unit 315, or relay server 104) specified by the user. Each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13(a) is realized by the CPU 211 of the MFP 101 executing a control program stored in the HDD 214. In the following description, the symbol "S" means a step.

[0080] In S1301, the FAX receiving unit 411 receives document image data by FAX. In S1302, the transfer unit 412 internally transfers the FAX-received document image data (FAX image data) to the application receiving unit 422 by FTP. In S1303, the application transfer unit 421 acquires the source FAX number and the reception date and time from the control file transferred together with the FAX image data.

[0081] In S1304, the application transfer unit 421 inquires of the address book storage unit 414 about the name registered in association with the FAX number of the transmission source.

[0082] In S1305, one transfer setting saved in the HDD 214 by the above-described FAX transfer setting process is acquired. Here, there may be a plurality of saved transfer settings. In subsequent S1306, it is determined whether transfer processing has been performed for all the transfer settings. If transfer processing has been performed for all the transfer settings, this process ends. If there is a transfer setting for which transfer processing has not yet been performed (that is, if transfer processing could be acquired in the process of S1305), the process proceeds to S1307.

[0083] In S1307, it is determined whether the transfer destination specified by the transfer setting acquired in S1305 is the relay server 104. If the transfer destination is other than the relay server 104, that is, if it is the file server 102 or the storage function unit 315, the process proceeds to S1310. If the transfer destination is the relay server 104, the process proceeds to S1330. When the process of S1310 or S1330 is completed, the process returns to S1305 to attempt to acquire the next transfer setting. Such processing is repeated until transfer processing for all the transfer settings is completed.

[0084] ≪Transfer Processing to Other than Relay Server≫ S1310 is transfer processing to other than the relay server 104. In this transfer processing, the application transfer unit 421 creates a folder path and a file name according to the setting information included in the transfer setting acquired in S1305, and transmits the image data to the file server 102 or the storage function unit 315. Here, assuming transmission to the file server 102, with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 13(b), transfer processing to other than the relay server 104 will be described.

[0085] In S1311, the application transfer unit 421 acquires the file name setting included in the transfer setting acquired in S1305. Subsequently, in S1312, the application transfer unit 421 acquires the folder path setting included in the transfer setting acquired in S1305.

[0086] In S1313, the application transfer unit 421 sets the registration name obtained in S1304 as part of the file name and the folder path according to the file name setting and the folder path setting obtained in S1311 and S1312. If the acquisition of the registration name fails (for example, if the sender's FAX number is not registered in the address book), a default name is set as part of the file name and the folder path. The default name is, for example, a character string such as "not applicable".

[0087] In S1314, the application transfer unit 421 sets the FAX number obtained in S1303 as part of the file name and the folder path according to the file name setting and the folder path setting obtained in S1311 and S1312.

[0088] In S1315, the application transfer unit 421 sets the reception date and time obtained in S1303 as part of the file name and the folder path according to the file name setting and the folder path setting obtained in S1311 and S1312.

[0089] Through the processing up to this point, the folder path and the file name used when transmitting the FAX image data to the file server 102 are created. In the subsequent steps, the created folder path and file name are used to transmit the FAX image data to the file server 102.

[0090] In S1316, the application transfer unit 421 accesses the file server 102. At this time, the user name and password included in the transfer setting acquired in S1305 are transmitted to the file server 102, and the result of authentication by the file server 102 is received. In S1317, the application transfer unit 421 determines whether the authentication is successful (whether it is possible to log in to the file server 102). If the authentication is successful, the process proceeds to S1318, and if the authentication fails, the process of S1310 ends.

[0091] In S1318, the application transfer unit 421 checks whether the folder indicated by the folder path exists (by querying the file server 102). In S1319, the application transfer unit 421 distributes the processing based on whether the corresponding folder exists. If the corresponding folder exists, it proceeds to S1321; if not, it proceeds to S1320.

[0092] In S1320, the application transfer unit 421 requests the file server 102 to create the folder indicated by the folder path.

[0093] In S1321, the application transfer unit 421 externally transfers the FAX image data to the file server 102. At this time, the FAX image data is stored in the folder indicated by the aforementioned folder path with the aforementioned file name.

[0094] ≪Transfer Processing to the Relay Server≫ S1330 is the transfer processing to the relay server 104. Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 13(c), the transfer processing to the relay server 104 will be described.

[0095] In S1331, the application transfer unit 421 generates FAX reception information to be transmitted to the relay server 104. The FAX reception information includes at least the FAX number and reception date and time obtained in S1303, and the registered name obtained in S1304.

[0096] In S1332, the application transfer unit 421 accesses the relay server 104.

[0097] In S1333, the application transfer unit 421 determines whether the connection to the relay server 104 is successful. If the connection is successful, it proceeds to S1334; if the connection fails, the processing of S1330 ends.

[0098] In S1334, the FAX image data and the FAX reception information generated in S1331 are transmitted to the relay server 104, and the process of S1330 is terminated.

[0099] <Transfer Processing Procedure in Relay Server> Subsequently, the transfer processing procedure in the relay server 104 that has received the FAX image data from the MFP101 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in which the relay server 104 transfers the FAX image data received from the MFP101 to the transfer destination (online storage 105 or mail server 106). Each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14 is performed by the infrastructure 401 of the relay server 104 executing a control program such as each application 407. In the following description, the symbol "S" means step.

[0100] In S1401, the FAX management application 414 receives an access request from the application transfer unit 421 of the MFP101. This process corresponds to the process in S1332 described above in the MFP101.

[0101] In S1402, the FAX management application 414 determines whether the MFP101 that has sent the access request is a device in which the FAX transfer function is enabled. If it is an enabled device, a connection OK response is returned to the MFP101 in S1403, and the process proceeds to S1404. If it is not an enabled device, a connection impossible response is returned to the MFP101 in S1410 and the process is terminated.

[0102] In S1404, the FAX management application 414 receives the FAX image data and the FAX reception information from the MFP101. This process corresponds to the process in S1334 described above in the MFP101.

[0103] In S1405, the FAX management application 414 acquires the FAX transfer settings associated with the MFP101. The FAX transfer settings are the setting contents of each setting item described in FIGS. 11(b) and 11(c). For example, it refers to the transfer destination cloud service specified in the selection field 1147, the naming rule of the folder path specified in the route folder setting field 1160 and the folder path selection field 1161, the naming rule of the file name specified in the file name selection field 1162, and the like.

[0104] In S1406, the FAX management application 414 generates a folder path according to the FAX transfer settings acquired in S1405. Specifically, the FAX number, reception date and time, registered name, etc. included in the FAX reception information received from the MFP101 in S1404 are set as part of the folder path, and the folder path is determined. Note that this process may be omitted when the transfer destination is the mail server 106 or in the case of the online storage 105 where folder designation is not possible.

[0105] In S1407, the FAX management application 414 generates a file name according to the FAX transfer settings acquired in S1405. Specifically, the FAX number, reception date and time, registered name, etc. included in the FAX reception information received from the MFP101 in S1404 are set as part of the file name, and the file name is determined.

[0106] In S1408, the FAX management application 414 externally transfers the FAX image data to the cloud service. At this time, the FAX image data is stored in the folder indicated by the above-mentioned folder path with the above-mentioned file name. Of course, as described in S1318 to S1320, it is also possible to check the existence of the transfer destination folder, and if it does not exist, send a folder creation request to the cloud service and then externally transfer the FAX image data.

[0107] <Modification Example> In the above-described embodiment, the case where the transfer destination of the transfer process performed by the additional application 320 is set to any one of the file server 102, the MFP storage (storage function unit 315), and the relay server 104 has been described as an example. The transfer destination is not limited to these, and for example, the online storage 105 or the mail server 106 may be used as the transfer destination. In that case, it may be treated equivalently to the file server 102 and the MFP storage, or equivalently to the relay server 104. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the online storage 105 or the mail server 106 can be selected as the first transfer destination, or a configuration may be adopted in which only the online storage 105 or the mail server 106 can be selected as the second transfer destination, similar to the relay server.

[0108] In the above-described embodiment, the transfer of FAX image data has been described as an example. However, the transfer target may be other types of data such as scan image data obtained by scanning with the scanner 222 or print image data used by the printer 221.

[0109] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when setting the relay system as the transfer destination of the image data in the MFP, it is forced that a storage server or the like other than the relay system is always set as another transfer destination. Thereby, even when a failure occurs in the relay system or the cloud service, it is possible to prevent the loss of the image data transferred from the MFP.

[0110] [Embodiment 2] In Embodiment 1, the display control of the transfer setting UI screen has been performed so that the relay server 104 can be specified as the transfer destination only in the second and subsequent transfer settings. Next, an aspect of performing the display control of the transfer setting UI screen will be described as Embodiment 2, while allowing the user to specify the relay server 104 as the transfer destination first and obtaining the same operational effects as in Embodiment 1.

[0111] [Outline of Embodiment 2] In this embodiment, instead of the status display screen 500 shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the status display screen 1500 shown in FIGS. 15(a) to 15(c) is displayed. Also, instead of the flowchart of the transfer setting process shown in FIGS. 12(a) to 12(c), the flowchart of the transfer setting process shown in FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b) is executed. Note that since other configurations are the same as those described in Embodiment 1, the description thereof is omitted.

[0112] <Status display screen> FIGS. 15(a) to 15(c) are an example of a status display screen according to this embodiment. In the status display area 1501 of the status display screen 1500 shown in FIG. 15(a), messages indicating the current operation status of the FAX transfer function, guides regarding transfer settings, etc. are displayed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15(a), since no transfer setting is set, a message indicating that a setting addition is required is displayed.

[0113] When the [Add transfer setting] key 1502 is pressed, a transfer destination selection screen 600 including the [Relay server] key 603 as shown in FIG. 6(b) is displayed.

[0114] In the transfer setting list 1503, a list of saved (applied) or temporarily saved transfer settings is displayed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15(a), since no transfer setting is made, nothing is displayed. When a transfer setting is added, as shown in FIGS. 15(b) and 15(c), transfer settings for which the designation of the transfer destination etc. is completed are displayed in a list. Each transfer setting displayed in the transfer setting list 1503 can be selected. When the [Delete transfer setting] key 1504 is pressed after selecting a desired transfer setting, the selected transfer setting is deleted. Note that the [Delete transfer setting] key 1504 is controlled to be unselectable when no transfer setting exists.

[0115] When the [Cancel] key 1505 is pressed, the temporarily saved transfer settings are discarded.

[0116] When the [Save] key 1506 is pressed, the temporarily saved transfer settings are saved (applied). Note that the [Save] key 1506 is disabled from being selected when there are no transfer settings or when the destination of the transfer settings is specified only as the relay server 104.

[0117] <MFP FAX Transfer Setting Process> Figure 16(a) is a flowchart for explaining the setting operation for transferring the FAX image data received by the MFP 101 to a transfer destination (file server 102, storage function unit 315, or relay server 104) according to the present embodiment. Each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of Figure 16(a) is realized by the CPU 211 of the MFP 101 executing a control program stored in the HDD 214. In the following description, the symbol "S" means step.

[0118] In S1651, it is determined whether there is a transfer setting for which the designation of the transfer destination etc. has been completed. If there is a transfer setting for which the designation has been completed, the [Delete Transfer Setting] key 1504 is enabled in S1652.

[0119] In S1653, it is determined whether the transfer settings for which the designation has been completed include a transfer setting in which a destination other than the relay server 104 is specified as the transfer destination. If it is included, the [Save] key 1506 is enabled in S1654.

[0120] In S1655, a status display screen 1500 corresponding to the current situation of the transfer settings (the presence or absence and the number of transfer settings for which the designation has been completed) is displayed on the operation unit 220.

[0121] In S1656, it is determined whether the [Add Transfer Setting] key 1502 has been pressed. If the [Add Transfer Setting] key 1502 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1657 and the FAX transfer setting process is performed. Hereinafter, the transfer setting process in S1657 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Figure 16(b).

[0122] ≪Transfer Setting Process≫ The processes of S1206 to S1210 and S1230 are the same as those described in Embodiment 1, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0123] In S1670, the transfer settings are temporarily saved and the transfer setting process of S1657 is terminated. The temporarily saved transfer settings are displayed in the transfer setting list 1503 together with the saved (applied) transfer settings.

[0124] In S1658, it is determined whether the [Delete Transfer Settings] key 1504 has been pressed. If the [Delete Transfer Settings] key 1504 has been pressed, the transfer settings selected in the transfer setting list 1503 are deleted.

[0125] In S1660, it is determined whether the [Cancel] key 1505 has been pressed. If the [Cancel] key 1505 has been pressed, the transfer settings temporarily saved in S1670 are deleted.

[0126] In S1662, it is determined whether the [Save] key 1506 has been pressed. If the [Save] key 1506 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1663; if not, the process returns to S1651.

[0127] In S1663, the transfer settings temporarily saved in S1670 are saved to the HDD 214 and the process ends.

[0128] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the FAX transfer setting process of the MFP, the status display screen 1500 as shown in FIG. 15(a) that can specify the relay system as the transfer destination from the beginning is initially displayed. Then, when the transfer settings are first made with the relay server 104 specified as the transfer destination, the display state shown in FIG. 15(b) in which the [Save] key 1506 is disabled is transitioned. After that, when transfer settings with a transfer destination other than the relay server 104 are added, the display state shown in FIG. 15(c) in which the [Save] key 1506 is enabled is transitioned. By such display control, it is possible to avoid setting only the relay system as the transfer destination as in Embodiment 1.

[0129] [Embodiment 3] In the above-described Embodiment 2, when the relay server 104 is first specified as the transfer destination, the user needs to subsequently perform a transfer setting in which a destination other than the relay server 104 is separately specified as the transfer destination. At this time, Embodiment 3 will describe an aspect in which a transfer setting with a destination other than the relay server 104 is automatically added to reduce the user's workload.

[0130] Note that the difference from Embodiment 2 is only a part of the transfer setting process in S1657 among the FAX transfer setting process procedures shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16(a). Therefore, descriptions of processes other than the transfer setting process will be omitted.

[0131] <Transfer Setting Process> FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of the transfer setting process according to this embodiment. The processes of S1206 to S1210, S1230, and S1670 are not different from the contents described in Embodiments 1 and 2, so the descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0132] In S1781, it is determined whether the transfer destination specified in the transfer setting includes only the relay server 104, including the transfer setting temporarily saved in S1670. If the transfer destination is only the relay server 104, in S1782, a transfer setting with a destination other than the relay server 104 specified as the transfer destination is automatically added and temporarily saved. In this case, the destination other than the relay server 104 is, for example, the MFP storage (storage function unit 315). As a result, an automatically added MFP storage server such as the status display screen 1800 shown in FIG. 18 is automatically added as the transfer destination to the transfer setting list 1503, and the [Save] key 1506 is enabled and the state transitions.

[0133] Note that when the transfer destination other than the automatically added relay server 104 is deleted by the [Delete Transfer Setting] key 1504, the display control may be performed so that the [Save] key 1506 is disabled. Alternatively, the transfer destination in the automatically added transfer setting may be fixed, and the [Delete Transfer Setting] key 1504 may not be used for the deletion operation for the transfer destination.

[0134] By doing so, when adopting the configuration of Embodiment 2, the labor of the user can be reduced.

[0135] (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and causing one or more processors in a computer of the system or device to read and execute the program. Further, it can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus capable of receiving image data, comprising: control means for controlling the display of a user interface screen for a user to specify the transfer destination of the image data; setting means for setting transfer destination information based on the specification made on the user interface screen; transfer means for transferring the received image data using the transfer destination information set by the setting means; wherein when a relay system to which the received image data is further transferred is set as the transfer destination information based on the specification made on the user interface screen, not only the relay system but also another transfer destination other than the relay system is set as the transfer destination information, without the relay system being set as the transfer destination information alone; An image processing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means displays the user interface screen in which the relay system cannot be specified as the transfer destination in the first transfer setting.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control means displays the user interface screen in which the relay system can be specified as the other transfer destination in the second and subsequent transfer settings after the first transfer setting with a destination other than the relay system is completed.

4. The user interface screen has a first button for a user to start an input related to the first transfer setting and a second button for a user to start an input related to the second and subsequent transfer settings, and the control means invalidates the second button when the first transfer setting is not completed, and validates the second button when the first transfer setting is completed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

5. The control means displays candidates for the transfer destination on the user interface screen in response to a user operation on the first button or the second button, wherein the candidates when the first button is selected do not include the relay system, and the candidates when the second button is selected include the relay system. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized by the above.

6. The user interface screen has a button for causing the setting means to execute the setting. When a plurality of destinations are specified on the user interface screen, the control means enables a button for executing the setting only when the plurality of destinations include something other than the relay system. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

7. When the relay system is first specified as the destination on the user interface screen, the control means automatically adds something other than the relay system as the destination. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that.

8. The image data transferred by the transfer means is document image data received by FAX communication. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that.

9. Something other than the relay system is an external server capable of storing image data or an internal storage of the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that.

10. A receiving step of receiving image data; A control step of controlling the display of a user interface screen for the user to specify the transfer destination of the received image data; A setting step of setting transfer destination information based on the specification made on the user interface screen; A transfer step of transferring the received image data using the set transfer destination information; including In the setting step, when the relay system for further transferring the received image data is set as the transfer destination information based on the specification made on the user interface screen, not only the relay system is set as the transfer destination information, but the relay system and another transfer destination other than the relay system are set as the transfer destination information. An image processing method characterized by that.

11. A program for causing a computer to function as the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images