Information processing apparatus and computer program

Abstract

To improve users' convenience as compared with a case where only specific apparatuses receive and output facsimile, without increasing the installed number of apparatuses that transmit and receive facsimile.SOLUTION: A multifunction peripheral master unit 10 refers to a correspondence list in which a correspondence relationship between a telephone number and identification information identifying a communication partner by facsimile from or to the telephone number is registered, and transfers received facsimile data. When receiving a facsimile transmission request from a request source, if a correspondence relationship between identification information identifying the request source and a telephone number of a transmission destination included in the transmission request is not registered in the correspondence list, the multifunction peripheral master unit adds and registers the correspondence relationship between the identification information and the telephone number to the correspondence list.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a facsimile apparatus including data transmission means for transmitting document data transferred from an information processing apparatus via a LAN (Local Area Network) to another facsimile apparatus via a public line, and printer means for printing document data transferred from the information processing apparatus via the LAN.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to be able to receive a document from the outside using the facsimile function, a contract for using a telephone line is required. However, if devices are prepared to use the facsimile function on multiple devices, the convenience for the user increases, but a contract for using the telephone line needs to be concluded, and the initial cost and the fixed cost increase. On the other hand, if only a specific device can receive and output a document from the outside using the facsimile function, the user has to move to the device to receive the document transmitted by facsimile and output by the device, resulting in a decrease in convenience.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a computer program that can improve the convenience for a user without increasing the number of installed devices for transmitting and receiving facsimiles, as compared with the case where only a specific device receives and outputs facsimiles.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a processor. The processor refers to correspondence information in which a correspondence relationship between a telephone number and identification information for identifying a communication partner by facsimile from or to the telephone number is registered, transfers received facsimile data, and when receiving a facsimile transmission request from a request source, if the correspondence relationship between the identification information for identifying the request source and the telephone number of the transmission destination included in the transmission request is not registered in the correspondence information, adds and registers the correspondence relationship between the identification information and the telephone number in the correspondence information.

[0007] The information processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the processor registers the correspondence relationship between the identification information and the telephone number in the correspondence information only when receiving a transmission request from a specific request source.

[0008] The information processing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the specific request source is a request source having an electronic mail address of a predetermined domain as identification information.

[0009] The information processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the specific request source is a request source that has transmitted a facsimile transmission request from a predetermined network.

[0010] The information processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the processor does not register the correspondence relationship between the identification information and the telephone number in the correspondence information even if the correspondence relationship between the identification information for identifying the request source and the telephone number is not registered in the correspondence information during a predetermined period.

[0011] The information processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the processor registers the correspondence relationship between the identification information and the telephone number in the correspondence information only when receiving a transmission request from a specific request source.

[0012] The information processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein when there are a plurality of pieces of the identification information corresponding to the telephone number of the facsimile transmission source, the processor transfers the information to the transfer destination of the identification information with the highest priority.

[0013] The information processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect, wherein the processor transfers the information to the transfer destination of the identification information with the largest number of transmissions to the telephone number.

[0014] The information processing apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the processor deletes the identification information for which a predetermined period has elapsed since the last transmission to the telephone number from the corresponding information.

[0015] The information processing apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the ninth aspect, wherein the processor deletes the identification information for which the number of transmissions to the telephone number is equal to or less than a predetermined number from the corresponding information.

[0016] The computer program according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention causes a computer to refer to corresponding information in which a correspondence relationship between a telephone number and identification information for identifying a communication partner by facsimile from or to the telephone number is registered, transfer received facsimile data, and when receiving a facsimile transmission request from a request source, if the correspondence relationship between the identification information for identifying the request source and the destination telephone number included in the transmission request is not registered in the corresponding information, execute a process of adding and registering the correspondence relationship between the identification information and the telephone number in the corresponding information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the first aspect of the present invention, when receiving a facsimile, by referring to corresponding information to transfer facsimile data and registering a correspondence relationship as necessary when receiving a request to send a facsimile, the convenience of the user can be improved as compared with the case where only a specific device receives and outputs the facsimile when receiving the facsimile.

[0018] According to the second aspect of the present invention, by registering a correspondence relationship only in the case of a transmission request from a specific source, automatic transfer to a source other than the source can be prevented.

[0019] According to the third aspect of the present invention, by not registering a correspondence relationship in the case of a transmission request from a domain that is not a predetermined domain, automatic transfer to the source can be prevented.

[0020] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by not registering a correspondence relationship in the case of a transmission request from a domain that is not a predetermined domain, automatic transfer to the source can be prevented.

[0021] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a period during which registration in the corresponding information is not automatically performed can be set.

[0022] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, even during a period when registration in the corresponding information is not automatically performed, by registering a correspondence relationship only in the case of a transmission request from a specific source, automatic transfer to the source can be performed.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to transfer only to the transfer destination with the highest priority instead of all transfer destinations.

[0024] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to transfer only to the transfer destination with the largest number of transmissions to the source.

[0025] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the load of maintenance work can be reduced as compared with the case of not deleting.

[0026] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, information of a telephone number with a small number of transmissions can be deleted from the corresponding information.

[0027] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when receiving a facsimile, referring to the corresponding information to transfer the facsimile data, and registering the correspondence as necessary when receiving a request to send a facsimile, the convenience of the user can be improved compared to the case where only a specific device receives and outputs the facsimile when receiving a facsimile.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual ratios.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the present embodiment. The information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a multi-function machine main unit 10, multi-function machine sub-units 20A and 20B, and a personal computer (PC) 30. The multi-function machine main unit 10, the multi-function machine sub-units 20A and 20B, and the PC 30 are mutually connected via an IP (Internet Protocol) network 40. The IP network 40 includes at least one of a LAN (Local Area Network) and a WAN (Wide Area Network). Also, the IP network 40 may be a wired network or a wireless network.

[0031] The multi-function machine main unit 10 is a multi-function machine having a plurality of functions such as a scan function, a print function, a copy function, an e-mail function, and a facsimile function, and is an example of the information processing apparatus of the present invention. The multi-function machine sub-units 20A and 20B are multi-function machines having an e-mail function excluding at least the facsimile function among the functions of the multi-function machine main unit 10. In the following description, the multi-function machine sub-units 20A and 20B may be collectively referred to as the multi-function machine sub-unit 20. The PC 30 is a device having at least an e-mail function.

[0032] The multi-function machine main unit 10 has a facsimile function of transmitting and receiving facsimiles to and from external FAX devices through a telephone line network 50. In FIG. 1, external FAX devices 60A and 60B connected to the telephone line network 50 are shown, but the number of external FAX devices may be three or more. In the following description, the external FAX devices 60A and 60B may be collectively referred to as the external FAX device 60.

[0033] The sub-machines 20A and 20B of the multifunction machine can send a facsimile to an external FAX device by requesting the main multifunction machine 10 to send a facsimile. And the sub-machines 20A and 20B of the multifunction machine can receive a facsimile from an external FAX device by receiving the transfer of facsimile data from the main multifunction machine 10. Note that the sub-machines 20A and 20B of the multifunction machine may have a facsimile function, but in that case, they do not have to be connected to the telephone line network 50.

[0034] Similar to the sub-machines 20A and 20B of the multifunction machine, the PC 30 can send a facsimile to an external FAX device by requesting the main multifunction machine 10 to send a facsimile. And similar to the sub-machines 20A and 20B of the multifunction machine, the PC 30 can receive a facsimile from an external FAX device by receiving the transfer of facsimile data from the main multifunction machine 10.

[0035] Note that in the following description, the sub-machines 20A and 20B of the multifunction machine and the PC 30 may be collectively referred to as "sub-machines".

[0036] In enterprises, it is often the case that multiple multifunction machines are installed according to the number of people. In such enterprises, in order for all users to be able to use the facsimile function on the multifunction machine near their desks, if all multifunction machines are equipped with a facsimile function and a telephone line is assigned to each multifunction machine, an initial cost for installing the telephone line and a fixed cost for using the telephone line will be incurred. On the other hand, if only a specific multifunction machine is equipped with a facsimile function, the moving distance to the multifunction machine where the facsimile function can be used may become long for some users, so the convenience of the users will decrease compared to the case where all multifunction machines are equipped with a facsimile function. In addition, users who are teleworking or working from home may need to send and receive facsimiles in transactions with other companies. However, there are often no devices that can send and receive facsimiles at home or in a satellite office, and it takes time to go to the workplace to send a facsimile or send a facsimile at a convenience store or the like for sending and receiving facsimiles.

[0037] Therefore, in order to reduce the initial cost and the fixed cost, and to improve the convenience for the user, as shown in FIG. 1, a telephone line is assigned only to the multi-function machine main unit 10, and from other devices (the multi-function machine sub-units 20A, 20B, and the PC 30), a scan image to be transmitted by facsimile is transmitted to the multi-function machine main unit 10 having a facsimile function via the IP network 40, and by using the multi-function machine main unit 10 as a relay machine, the facsimile can be transmitted on behalf of others.

[0038] And in the present embodiment, for the multi-function machine sub-units 20A, 20B, and the PC 30 that cannot transmit and receive facsimiles through the telephone line network 50, in order to enable the transmission and reception of facsimiles with an external FAX device, the multi-function machine main unit 10 has a correspondence list inside. The correspondence list is a list in which correspondence information regarding the correspondence relationship between the external FAX device and the multi-function machine sub-units 20A, 20B, and the PC 30 is described. The multi-function machine main unit 10 refers to the correspondence list and transfers the facsimile from the external FAX device to the multi-function machine sub-units 20A, 20B, and the PC 30.

[0039] In addition, when the multi-function machine main unit 10 receives a facsimile transmission request from the multi-function machine sub-units 20A, 20B, and the PC 30, it checks whether it is described in the correspondence list regarding the correspondence relationship between the multi-function machine sub-units 20A, 20B, and the PC 30 and the destination external FAX device. If it is not described, the multi-function machine main unit 10 describes the correspondence relationship in the correspondence list and then transmits the facsimile to the destination external FAX device.

[0040] When the multi-function machine main unit 10 receives a facsimile, it refers to the correspondence information to transfer the facsimile data, and registers the correspondence relationship as necessary when receiving a request to transmit a facsimile, so that when receiving a facsimile, compared with the case where only a specific device receives and outputs the facsimile, the convenience for the users of the multi-function machine sub-units 20A, 20B, and the PC 30 can be improved.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the multi-function machine main unit 10.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-function machine main unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a storage 14, an input unit 15, a display unit 16, and a communication interface (I / F) 17. Each component is connected to be communicable with each other via a bus 19.

[0043] The CPU 11 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each unit. That is, the CPU 11 reads a program from the ROM 12 or the storage 14 and executes the program using the RAM 13 as a work area. The CPU 11 performs control of the above components and various arithmetic processes according to the programs recorded in the ROM 12 or the storage 14. In this embodiment, the ROM 12 or the storage 14 stores an information processing program related to facsimile transmission and reception with an external fax device.

[0044] The ROM 12 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 13 temporarily stores a program or data as a work area. The storage 14 is composed of a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory, and stores various programs including an operating system and various data.

[0045] The input unit 15 includes a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and is used to perform various inputs.

[0046] The display unit 16 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information. The display unit 16 may adopt a touch panel method and function as the input unit 15.

[0047] The communication interface 17 is an interface for communicating with other devices such as the multifunction peripheral sub-devices 20A and 20B and the PC 30. For example, standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) are used.

[0048] When executing the above information processing program, the multifunction peripheral main unit 10 realizes various functions using the above hardware resources. The functional configuration realized by the multifunction peripheral main unit 10 will be described.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral main unit 10.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, the multifunction peripheral main unit 10 includes, as functional components, a FAX transmission unit 101, a FAX reception unit 102, a network transmission unit 103, a network reception unit 104, a UI (User Interface) display unit 105, a correspondence list management unit 106, an image transfer determination unit 107, and a FAX image processing unit 108. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 11 reading and executing an information processing program stored in the ROM 12 or the storage 14.

[0051] The FAX transmission unit 101 performs facsimile transmission to an external FAX device through the telephone line network 50. The FAX transmission unit 101 performs not only facsimile transmission from the multifunction peripheral main unit 10 but also facsimile transmission based on a facsimile transmission request from the multifunction peripheral sub-devices 20A and 20B or the PC 30. When the FAX transmission unit 101 performs facsimile transmission based on a facsimile transmission request from the multifunction peripheral sub-devices 20A and 20B or the PC 30, it refers to the correspondence list managed by the correspondence list management unit 106.

[0052] The FAX reception unit 102 receives a facsimile from an external FAX device transmitted through the telephone line network 50.

[0053] The network transmission unit 103 transmits data to the multifunction machine sub-units 20A and 20B and the PC 30 connected to the IP network 40. For example, if the destination of the fax received by the fax reception unit 102 is at least one of the multifunction machine sub-units 20A and 20B or the PC 30, the network transmission unit 103 transmits the received fax image data to the destination multifunction machine sub-unit 20A or 20B or the PC 30 by e-mail or the like. The destination is determined by the image transfer determination unit 107.

[0054] The function or protocol for transferring fax image data is not limited to a specific one. For example, the network transmission unit 103 may transmit the fax image data to the Internet Fax e-mail address of the multifunction machine sub-units 20A and 20B or the PC 30 using the Internet Fax function and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol).

[0055] The network reception unit 104 receives data from the multifunction machine sub-units 20A and 20B and the PC 30 connected to the IP network 40. For example, if the data received by the network reception unit 104 includes a fax transmission request from the multifunction machine sub-unit 20A, 20B, or the PC 30, the network reception unit 104 instructs the FAX transmission unit 101 to transmit a fax based on the transmission request.

[0056] The UI display unit 105 displays a user interface on the display unit 16. The user interface displayed by the UI display unit 105 is a user interface for operating the multifunction machine main unit 10, and is a user interface for allowing the user to execute the scan function, print function, copy function, e-mail function, and fax function provided by the multifunction machine main unit 10.

[0057] The correspondence list management unit 106 manages a correspondence list in which the correspondence relationships between the multifunction machine sub-units 20A and 20B and the PC 30 connected to the IP network 40 and the external fax devices 50A and 50B are described. Details of the correspondence list will be described later.

[0058] The image transfer determination unit 107 refers to the correspondence list to determine whether to transfer the facsimile image data received by the FAX reception unit 102 to the multi-function peripheral sub-devices 20A and 20B connected to the IP network 40 or the PC 30.

[0059] The FAX image processing unit 108 converts the facsimile data received by the FAX reception unit 102 into image data in a predetermined format such as the JPEG format or the TIFF format. The image data generated by the FAX image processing unit 108 can be attached to an e-mail transmitted by the network transmission unit 103 and transmitted to the multi-function peripheral sub-devices 20A and 20B or the PC 30.

[0060] Next, the operation of the multi-function peripheral main unit 10 will be described.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the information processing flow when receiving a facsimile by the multi-function peripheral main unit 10. When the CPU 11 reads an information processing program from the ROM 12 or the storage 14 and expands and executes it in the RAM 13, information processing at the time of receiving a facsimile is performed.

[0062] First, in step S101, when the CPU 11 receives a facsimile through the telephone line network 50, subsequently, in step S102, it determines whether the sender of the facsimile can be confirmed. The sender of the facsimile is the telephone number of the external FAX devices 60A and 60B or the G3 ID.

[0063] In step S102, if the sender of the facsimile can be confirmed (step S102; Yes), subsequently, the CPU 11 determines in step S103 whether there is a match between the sender of the facsimile and the FAX number of an external FAX device within the correspondence list managed by the multi-function peripheral main unit 10.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence list managed by the multi-function machine main unit 10. The correspondence list 110 includes a FAX number column 111 of an external FAX device, an information column 112 for specifying a slave unit, a latest transmission date and time column 113, and a transmission count column 114. The FAX number column 111 of the external FAX device stores the FAX numbers of the external FAX devices. The information column 112 for specifying a slave unit stores information for specifying a slave unit, such as an Internet FAX email address, as identification information for identifying the slave unit. The latest transmission date and time column 113 stores the date and time when the slave unit corresponding to the FAX number in the same row last sent a facsimile. The transmission count column 114 stores the number of times the slave unit corresponding to the FAX number in the same row has sent a facsimile. The CPU 11 refers to the FAX number column 111 of the external FAX device in the correspondence list 110 and checks whether the sender of the facsimile exists in the FAX number column 111 of the external FAX device.

[0065] In step S103, if the sender of the facsimile matches the FAX number of an external FAX device in the correspondence list managed by the multi-function machine main unit 10 (step S103; Yes), then subsequently, in step S104, the CPU 11 transfers the received facsimile to the slave unit corresponding to the matched FAX number. The CPU 11 converts the received facsimile into image data, attaches the image data to an email, and sends it to the email address for specifying the corresponding slave unit to transfer the facsimile.

[0066] For example, when receiving a facsimile from the FAX number "0123456789", the CPU 11 can grasp that "0123456789" exists in the FAX number column 111 of the external FAX device by referring to the correspondence list 110. Therefore, the CPU 11 refers to the information column 112 for specifying the slave unit in the row of "0123456789" to obtain the email address "MFP-Child-01@xxx.co.jp", attaches the image data of the received facsimile to an email, and sends it to the obtained email address.

[0067] When a facsimile is received from the fax number "0987654321", in the example of the correspondence list 110 shown in FIG. 5, there are two corresponding handsets. In this case, the CPU 11 may transfer the facsimile to all the handsets, or may transfer the facsimile only to the handset with the highest priority. When transferring the facsimile to the handset with the highest priority, the CPU 11 may use, as the handset with the highest priority, the handset that has made the most number of transmissions to the telephone number of the sender of the facsimile. Also, the CPU 11 may use, as the handset with the highest priority, the handset with the most recent transmission date and time to the telephone number of the sender of the facsimile.

[0068] Following step S104, in step S105, the CPU 11 determines whether there is any other received facsimile whose sender matches the correspondence list.

[0069] As a result of the determination in step S105, if there is any other received facsimile whose sender matches the correspondence list (step S105; Yes), the CPU 11 returns to step S104 and transfers the received facsimile to the handset corresponding to the matching fax number. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S105, if there is no other received facsimile whose sender matches the correspondence list (step S105; No), the CPU 11 executes post-reception processing of the facsimile in step S106. The post-reception processing of the facsimile includes, for example, deleting the image data of the facsimile.

[0070] On the other hand, in step S102, if the sender of the fax cannot be confirmed (step S102; No), then subsequently, in step S107, the CPU 11 executes post-reception processing of the fax when the corresponding sub-machine is unknown. The post-reception processing of the fax when the corresponding sub-machine is unknown includes, for example, output processing of the received fax on the multi-function parent machine 10, transfer processing of the fax to a specific sub-machine, transfer processing of the fax to all sub-machines, etc. The CPU 11 can appropriately print and output on a multi-function machine through the post-reception processing of the fax when the corresponding sub-machine is unknown, so that there is no oversight in confirming the receipt of the fax even when receiving a fax from an external FAX device not registered in the correspondence list.

[0071] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the information processing flow when a fax transmission request is received from a sub-machine by the multi-function parent machine 10. When the CPU 11 reads an information processing program from the ROM 12 or the storage 14 and expands and executes it in the RAM 13, information processing is performed when a fax transmission request is received from a sub-machine.

[0072] First, in step S111, the CPU 11 receives a fax transmission request from a sub-machine through the IP network 40. The fax transmission request from the sub-machine is made, for example, by e-mail.

[0073] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an e-mail transmitted from a sub-machine to the multi-function parent machine 10. The e-mail 120 shown in FIG. 7 consists of a sender address 121, a transmission date and time 122, a destination address 123, a subject 124, an attached file 125, and a message body 126. The FAX number of the external FAX device is written in the subject 124. The attached file 125 is image data transmitted as a fax from the multi-function parent machine 10 to the external FAX device. A text for requesting the transmission of a fax to the external FAX device is written in the message body 126.

[0074] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the multi-function parent device 10 is requested by a child device with an email address of "MFP-Child-17@xxx.co.jp" to send an image file named "image.tif" by fax to an external fax device with a fax number of "0999999999". The attached file 125 attached to the email 120 can be an image file generated by paper scanning processing on the multi-function child device 20 if the child device is the multi-function child device 20 and the multi-function child device 20 is equipped with a scanning function. The attached file 125 attached to the email 120 can be an image file created based on a document file created on the PC 30 if the child device is the PC 30.

[0075] Subsequently, in step S112, the CPU 11 determines whether the fax has been successfully sent based on the fax transmission request from the child device.

[0076] As a result of the determination in step S112, if the fax has been successfully sent (step S112; Yes), subsequently, in step S113, the CPU 11 determines whether the correspondence relationship between the information identifying the source child device and the destination fax number is registered in the correspondence list.

[0077] As a result of the determination in step S113, if the correspondence relationship between the information identifying the source child device and the destination fax number is not registered in the correspondence list (step S113; No), subsequently, in step S114, the CPU 11 newly adds the correspondence relationship between the information identifying the source child device and the destination fax number to the correspondence list.

[0078] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence list managed by the MFP parent device 10. In the correspondence list 110 shown in FIG. 5, there is no record with the FAX number of the external FAX device being "0999999999". Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 11 registers "0999999999" in the FAX number column 111 of the external FAX device, "MFP-Child-17@xxx.co.jp" in the information column 112 for identifying the child device, "2021 / 03 / 26 17:18:00" in the latest transmission date and time column 113, and "1" in the transmission count column 114, respectively.

[0079] By making a fax transmission request from the child device to the external FAX device and having the CPU 11 update the correspondence list, the initial setting of the correspondence list becomes unnecessary. Also, even when a new transmission destination for the external FAX device is created, if a fax is sent from the child device to the new external FAX device, it becomes possible to receive faxes from the new external FAX device with an appropriate child device without the trouble of manually setting the correspondence list.

[0080] Subsequent to step S114, in step S115, the CPU 11 performs post-processing for fax transmission. Post-processing for fax transmission includes, for example, deleting the original image data of the fax.

[0081] On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S113, if the correspondence relationship between the information for identifying the source child device and the FAX number of the destination is registered in the correspondence list (step S113; Yes), then subsequently, the CPU 11 skips step S114 and performs the post-processing for fax transmission in step S115.

[0082] Also, as a result of the determination in step S112, if the fax cannot be normally transmitted (step S112; No), then subsequently, the CPU 11 executes error processing for fax transmission in step S116. Error processing for fax transmission includes, for example, the process of sending an email containing an error message to the child device that requested the transmission.

[0083] When registering a record in the correspondence list, the CPU 11 may register in the correspondence list the correspondence relationship between the identification information for identifying the source of the request and the FAX number of the external FAX device only when receiving a transmission request from a specific source. In this case, the specific source may be a source having an e-mail address of a predetermined domain as the identification information. For example, the CPU 11 may register in the correspondence list for a request from an e-mail address having a company domain, but may not register in the correspondence list for a request from an e-mail address of a domain other than the company domain. Also in this case, the specific source may be a source that has transmitted a FAX transmission request from a predetermined network. For example, when a FAX transmission request is transmitted from the in-company network, the CPU 11 may register in the correspondence list the correspondence relationship between the identification information for identifying the source of the request and the FAX number of the external FAX device.

[0084] During a predetermined period, the CPU 11 may not register in the correspondence list the correspondence relationship between the identification information for identifying the source of the request and the FAX number even when such a correspondence relationship is not registered in the correspondence list. Information on the predetermined period can be set in advance by an administrator who manages the multi-function parent machine 10. In this case, even within the predetermined period, the CPU 11 may register in the correspondence list the correspondence relationship between the identification information and the FAX number only when receiving a transmission request from a specific source.

[0085] The correspondence list may be held not by the multi-function parent machine 10 but by the multi-function sub-machines 20A and 20B. When the multi-function sub-machines 20A and 20B hold the correspondence list, the multi-function parent machine 10 refers to the correspondence list held by the multi-function sub-machines 20A and 20B during FAX transfer.

[0086] FIG. 9 is an example of a correspondence list held by the MFP sub-unit 20A. The correspondence list 130 shown in FIG. 9 consists of a FAX number column 131 of an external FAX device, a latest transmission date / time column 132, and a transmission count column 133. The FAX number column 131 of the external FAX device stores the FAX numbers of the external FAX devices. The latest transmission date / time column 132 stores the date and time when the MFP sub-unit 20A last sent a facsimile to the FAX number it corresponds to. The transmission count column 133 stores the number of times the MFP sub-unit 20A has sent a facsimile to the FAX number it corresponds to.

[0087] FIG. 10 is an example of a correspondence list held by the MFP sub-unit 20B. The correspondence list 140 shown in FIG. 10 consists of a FAX number column 141 of an external FAX device, a latest transmission date / time column 142, and a transmission count column 143. The FAX number column 141 of the external FAX device stores the FAX numbers of the external FAX devices. The latest transmission date / time column 142 stores the date and time when the MFP sub-unit 20B last sent a facsimile to the FAX number it corresponds to. The transmission count column 143 stores the number of times the MFP sub-unit 20B has sent a facsimile to the FAX number it corresponds to.

[0088] The MFP main unit 10 can determine the transfer destination of the received facsimile with reference to the correspondence lists 130 and 140 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0089] When there are multiple MFP main units 10 and each has an MFP sub-unit maintaining a parent-child relationship, if it becomes necessary to change the parent-child relationship by adjusting the number of MFPs, and if the MFP main unit 10 holds a correspondence list, it was necessary to modify the held correspondence list. However, by having each MFP sub-unit hold the information of the FAX numbers of the corresponding external FAX devices, it becomes possible to change the parent-child relationship without modifying the correspondence list of the MFP main unit 10.

[0090] When the multi-function machine main unit 10 continuously receives a facsimile transmission request from a sub-unit, the amount of correspondence relationships recorded in the correspondence list increases. Therefore, the CPU 11 may delete the record of identification information (for example, an email address) for which a predetermined period has elapsed since the last transmission to the FAX number of an external FAX device from the correspondence list. In this case, the CPU 11 may delete the record of identification information for which a predetermined period has elapsed since the last transmission and the number of transmissions to the FAX number is equal to or less than a predetermined number from the correspondence list.

[0091] The information processing system according to the present embodiment can include not only a multi-function machine but also a PC 30 as shown in FIG. 1 in its configuration. That is, if there is one multi-function machine main unit 10, it is possible to perform facsimile transmission and reception from individual devices in a configuration including a plurality of PCs 30 without a facsimile function or multi-function machine sub-units 20. Furthermore, even when a facsimile device is not close to the user for reasons such as remote work or telecommuting, the user can use the multi-function machine main unit 10 according to the present embodiment through the sub-unit via the IP network 40 to perform facsimile transmission and reception using the multi-function machine main unit 10 as needed.

[0092] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the information processing in which the CPU reads and executes software (program) may be executed by various processors other than the CPU. Examples of the processor in this case include a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and a dedicated electric circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) having a circuit configuration designed specifically to execute specific processing. Also, the information processing may be executed by one of these various processors, or may be executed by a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a plurality of FPGAs, and a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, etc.). Also, the hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0093] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, although the mode in which the program for information processing is pre-stored (installed) in the ROM or the storage has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto. The program may be provided in a form recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Further, the program may be in a form downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0094] In each of the above embodiments, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes a general-purpose processor (for example, a CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and a dedicated processor (for example, a GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, an ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, an FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, a programmable logic device, etc.).

[0095] Also, the operation of the processor in each of the above embodiments may be achieved not only by one processor, but also by a plurality of physically separated processors cooperating with each other. Further, the order of each operation of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0096] 1 Information processing system 10 Multifunction machine main unit 20A, 20B Multifunction machine sub-units 30 PC 40 IP network 50 Telephone line network 60A, 60B External FAX devices

Claims

1. comprising a processor, wherein the processor refers to correspondence information in which a correspondence relationship between a telephone number and identification information for identifying a communication partner by facsimile from or to the telephone number is registered, transfers received facsimile data, when receiving a facsimile transmission request from a request source, if a correspondence relationship between identification information for identifying the request source and a destination telephone number included in the transmission request is not registered in the correspondence information, adds and registers a correspondence relationship between the identification information and the telephone number in the correspondence information, even if, within a predetermined period, a correspondence relationship between identification information for identifying the request source and the telephone number is not registered in the correspondence information, does not register a correspondence relationship between the identification information and the telephone number in the correspondence information, an information processing apparatus.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor registers a correspondence relationship between the identification information and the telephone number in the correspondence information only when receiving a transmission request from a specific request source.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the specific request source is a request source having an e-mail address of a predetermined domain as identification information.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the specific request source is a request source that has transmitted a facsimile transmission request from a predetermined network.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor registers a correspondence relationship between the identification information and the telephone number in the correspondence information only when receiving a transmission request from a specific request source.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when there are a plurality of pieces of the identification information corresponding to a telephone number of a facsimile transmission source, the processor transfers the information to a transfer destination of the identification information with the highest priority.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the processor transfers the information to a transfer destination of the identification information with the largest number of transmissions to the telephone number.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor deletes the identification information for which a predetermined period has elapsed since the last transmission to the telephone number from the correspondence information.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the processor deletes the identification information for which the number of transmissions to the telephone number is equal to or less than a predetermined number from the correspondence information.

10. In a computer, Referring to correspondence information in which a correspondence relationship between a telephone number and identification information for identifying a communication partner by facsimile from or to the telephone number is registered, transfer the received facsimile data, When receiving a facsimile transmission request from a requester, if the correspondence relationship between the identification information for identifying the requester and the telephone number of the transmission destination included in the transmission request is not registered in the correspondence information, add and register the correspondence relationship between the identification information and the telephone number in the correspondence information, Even if the correspondence relationship between the identification information for identifying the requester and the telephone number is not registered in the correspondence information within a predetermined period, do not register the correspondence relationship between the identification information and the telephone number in the correspondence information, A computer program that causes processing to be executed.

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