Information processing device, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

To prevent reduction of visibility of a user caused by a system which provides the user with a unique identification number by compulsion, as a file name.SOLUTION: An information processor has provision means for providing a set screen regarding preparing a file name of a file. The set screen has a plurality of items which can be used to prepare a file name, and a user can select at least one of the items on the set screen. Also, display is made so that the item used to prepare a file name is prevented from being registered when the item regarding a date or the time of the items is not selected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In business operations involving faxing, fax documents received via MFPs or fax machines are digitized using the MFP's scanning function or document scanner and then stored on a file server. Here, MFP stands for Multi Function Peripheral, an example of an image forming device with multiple functions, such as a copier, scanner, and fax. To streamline the digitization and storage of fax documents on a file server, fax reception forwarding systems have been developed that automatically digitize fax documents and store them on a file server according to their attributes. In such systems, file names are created based on the fax sender's telephone number and other attribute information, and the fax documents are stored on the file server. If a file name conflicts, the new fax document overwrites the existing fax document, potentially resulting in the loss of the stored fax document.

[0003] As a countermeasure against the loss of stored fax documents, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a fax server assigns a unique identification number as a file name to fax documents received by the fax server and stores them. By using the technology in Patent Document 1, a unique identification number specific to the communication network or a unique identification number within the fax server is used as the file name for the fax document, making it possible to create unique file names and prevent data loss due to duplicate file names. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-64534 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in the above Patent Document 1 is an information processing device that has a providing means for providing information on a setting screen related to the creation of a file name, and allows the user to select one or more items from a plurality of items that can be used to create a file name on the setting screen, and displays a message urging the user to select an item that will make the created file name a unique file name, and saves the created file with the given file name. A folder specified by the user as , in the information processing device The aforementioned For Da There has been no disclosure of an information processing device having a storage means for storing a file with the file name.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

[0007] The present invention is characterized by: Created File names are unique A message will be displayed prompting you to select an item to use as a valid file name. The present invention aims to provide a technology that enables such a [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: An information processing device having a providing means for providing information on a setting screen relating to the creation of a file name, wherein one or more items can be selected from a plurality of items that can be used to create a file name on the setting screen, and a message is displayed prompting the user to select an item that will make the created file name a unique file name, Save the created file with the given file name. A folder specified by the user as , in the information processing device The aforementioned For Da The file system is characterized by having a storage means for storing the file with the given file name. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, Created File name A technique can be provided that displays a message prompting the user to select an item with a unique file name. .

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the MFP according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a file server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of software modules of the MFP according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of software modules of the file server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining an example of destination information stored in a destination information management unit of the MFP according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a view showing an example of a file storing transfer setting information stored in a transfer setting information management unit of the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a status display screen displayed on the operation unit of the MFP according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a file server setting screen displayed by the MFP according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a setting screen for setting a file naming rule displayed by the MFP according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting a folder naming rule displayed by the MFP according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a test transmission screen displayed by the MFP according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 6 is a flowchart for explaining the process of setting a file server, a file naming rule, a folder naming rule, and the like by the MFP according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 4 is a sequence diagram for explaining a process in which the MFP according to the first embodiment receives image data by fax and transfers an image file of the received image data to a file server. FIG. [Figure 15] 6 is a flowchart for explaining fax reception processing by the MFP according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 16 is a flowchart for explaining the process of creating a file name for an image file to be transferred in S1505 of FIG. [Figure 17] 16 is a flowchart for explaining the process of creating a folder name of a file server in which an image file to be transferred is stored, in step S1506 of FIG. [Figure 18] 14 is a flowchart for explaining the file naming rule setting process in S1306 of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a confirmation dialog displayed on an MFP according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a confirmation dialog display process by the MFP according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of transfer setting information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a folder naming rule setting screen displayed on an MFP according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. [Embodiment 1] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, an example of a transfer setting process for a fax document, fax reception, and the accompanying file transfer process in a system including an MFP, which is an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and a file server having a file storage function will be described.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] In this information processing system, an MFP 110 and a file server 120 are connected via a LAN 100 .

[0015] The MFP 110 is a multifunction peripheral (multi-function processing device) having an operation unit 111, a scanner unit 112, and a printer unit 113, and is capable of receiving faxes by connecting to a public line network 150. In the information processing system according to the first embodiment, the MFP 110 is used as a receiving terminal for fax documents. The file server 120 authenticates the connecting terminal, and stores and manages received files under designated file names and folder names. However, the system according to the first embodiment is not limited to the number of constituent devices shown in FIG. 1. For example, the MFP 110 may have a file server function internally, so that the MFP and the file server are configured as the same device. Furthermore, the file server may be configured as a server on the Internet or as a cloud system.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0017] The operation unit 111 has a display unit with a touch panel function, various hard keys, etc., and displays information to the user according to data from the control unit 200, and inputs information according to user operations to the control unit 200. The scanner unit 112 reads an image of an original document, creates image data of the image, and supplies the image data to the control unit 200. The printer unit 113 prints an image on a paper sheet based on the image data received from the control unit 200.

[0018] The control unit 200 is electrically connected to the operation unit 111, scanner unit 112, and printer unit 113, and is also connected to the LAN 100 via a network interface (I / F) 206. This enables communication via the LAN 100 using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP. In the control unit 200, a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a HDD 204, an operation unit I / F 205, a network I / F 206, a scanner I / F 207, an image processing unit 208, and a printer I / F 209 are connected via a system bus 211. The CPU 201 executes a boot program in the ROM 202 to load the OS and control programs stored in the HDD 204 into the RAM 203, and comprehensively controls the MFP 110 in accordance with the programs. This control includes executing programs for implementing the flowcharts described below. The ROM 202 stores the boot program and various data for the MFP 110. The RAM 203 provides work memory for the CPU 201 to operate, and also provides image memory for temporarily storing received image data, etc. The HDD 204 is a hard disk drive that stores the OS, various programs, and image data. The operation unit I / F 205 is an interface unit that connects the system bus 211 and the operation unit 111. The network I / F 206 is connected to the LAN 100 and the system bus 211, and inputs and outputs information via the network (LAN) 100. The scanner I / F 207 controls the interface between the scanner unit 112 and the control unit 200. The image processing unit 208 performs image processing such as rotation, color conversion, and image compression / decompression on image data input from the scanner unit 112 and image data output to the printer unit 113. The printer I / F 209 receives image data processed by the image processing unit 208 and controls printing by the printer unit 113 in accordance with attribute data attached to the image data. The modem 210 is connected to the public line network 150 and the system bus 211, and transmits and receives faxes to and from an external fax terminal (not shown) via the public line network 150.In the first embodiment, an example of an MFP 110 capable of displaying a UI using an operation unit 111 will be described, but instead of this MFP 110, an information processing device such as a general-purpose computer, or other image processing device may be used.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the file server 120 according to the first embodiment.

[0020] The file server 120 includes a CPU 301, a RAM 302, a ROM 303, an input unit 304, a network I / F 305, a hard disk drive (HDD) 306, and a display unit 307, all of which are connected to each other via a system bus 308 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The ROM 303 stores a boot program, and when the power is turned on, the CPU 301 reads the boot program and loads the OS, control programs, etc. installed on the HDD 306 into the RAM 302. The CPU 301 then executes the programs loaded into the RAM 302, thereby realizing the functions of the file server 120. The CPU 301 also communicates with other devices on the LAN 100 connected via the network I / F 305. The input unit 304 includes a keyboard, a pointing device, etc., and receives instructions from the user. The display unit 307 displays menu screens, messages, etc. to the user. The display unit 307 may also have a touch panel function.

[0021] 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of software modules of the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment. These software modules are installed in the HDD 204 of the MFP 110, and upon execution, are loaded into the RAM 203 and executed under the control of the CPU 201.

[0022] The fax receiving unit 401 performs a receiving process when the modem 210 receives a fax. The fax receiving unit 401 receives facsimile data received via the modem 210, converts it to PDF or the like to create a fax document, and stores the fax document as an image file in the HDD 204 using the temporary storage unit 403. The fax receiving unit 401 also creates a control file that includes the reception date and time, which is the date and time when the fax was received, and the sender number, which is the telephone number of an external fax terminal (not shown) connected via the public line network 150. The control file is then stored in the HDD 204 together with the image file (fax document). Note that although the expression "fax document" is used in the embodiment, it goes without saying that this fax document includes general images.

[0023] The transfer unit 402 transfers the image file that the fax receiving unit 401 has saved in the HDD 204 to the file server 120. At this time, the transfer unit 402 reads the reception date and time and the sender number from the control file that the fax receiving unit 401 has saved in the HDD 204. The transfer unit 402 also acquires transfer setting information, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 7, from the transfer setting information management unit 404. The transfer unit 402 also transmits the sender number to the destination information management unit 405, and acquires the registered name corresponding to the sender number from the telephone number in the destination information, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 6.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of destination information stored in the destination information management unit 405 of the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0025] This destination information is registered in advance in the destination information management unit 405 by the user via the operation unit 111 of the MFP 110. Columns 601 to 603 and 607 indicate the columns of data records from row 604 to row 606. Destination ID 601 is an identifier that uniquely identifies each destination. Registered name 602 indicates a specific user name. Phone number 603 indicates the sender number (phone number) corresponding to registered name 602 when receiving a fax. Destination book name 607 indicates the destination book (address book) group to which the destination corresponding to registered name 602 belongs.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a file storing transfer setting information stored in the transfer setting information management unit 404 of the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0027] This file stores the items set on the file server setting screen in Figure 9, the file naming convention setting screen in Figure 10, and the folder naming convention setting screen in Figure 11, which will be described later. These setting screens will be explained in detail later. The format of this file can be CSV, XML, or another format, and the format is not important.

[0028] Hostname 701 indicates the host name of the file server 120. In the figure, "sharedserver" is specified as the host name of the file server 120. Note that the IP address of the file server 120 may also be used as this host name. Folderpath 702 indicates the path that serves as the starting point of the folder where the transferred image file is to be stored. In the figure, "root" is specified as the destination folder path. Username 703 indicates the login user name used for authentication to the file server 120. In FIG. 7, "administrator," which indicates the administrator, is specified as the login user name. Password 704 indicates the password used for authentication to the file server 120. In the figure, "32942xc45" is specified as the password. Note that the password character string may be obfuscated using an encryption method such as hashing. Filerule 705 indicates the file naming rule used when saving image files to the file server 120. Folderrule 706 indicates the folder path naming rule used when saving image files to the file server 120. These will be described in more detail below.

[0029] The transfer unit 402 creates a file name for the image file to be sent to the file server 120 based on this filenamerule 705, the registration name, telephone number, reception date and time, address book name, line name, serial number, random number, etc. The transfer unit 402 also creates a folder name for the image file to be sent to the file server 120 and saved therein based on the foldernamerule 706, the registration name, telephone number, reception date and reception month. The transfer unit 402 then reads the image file stored in the HDD 204 and sends it to the file server 120 specified by the hostname 701, assigning the above-mentioned file name and folder name to the image file. The transfer unit 402 can also perform a test transmission (described later) using the telephone number and reception date and time received from the UI unit 406 and a test fax document previously saved in the HDD 204, with processing details similar to those of the above-mentioned file transfer processing.

[0030] The temporary storage unit 403 receives image files and control files, and stores and manages them in the HDD 204. The transfer setting information management unit 404 stores and manages transfer setting information, for example, shown in FIG. 7, set by a UI unit 406 (described later), in the HDD 204. The transfer setting information management unit 404 also transmits the stored transfer setting information to the transfer unit 402 in response to a request from the transfer unit 402. The destination information management unit 405 stores and manages destination information, for example, shown in FIG. 6, set by the UI unit 406 (described later), in the HDD 204. The UI unit 406 displays various screens on the display unit of the operation unit 111 via the operation unit I / F 205 and detects content entered by the user via a pointing device, hardware keys, or the like of the operation unit 111. The UI unit 406 also displays a status display screen (described later with reference to FIG. 8) on the operation unit 111 and receives user input regarding whether or not to perform transfer settings. The UI unit 406 also displays a file server setting screen, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 9, acquires the file server settings entered by the user, transmits them to the transfer setting information management unit 404, and requests that the file server settings be saved. The UI unit 406 also displays a file naming rule setting screen, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 9, on the operation unit 111, acquires the file naming rule entered by the user, transmits them to the transfer setting information management unit 404, and requests that the file naming rule be saved. The UI unit 406 also displays a folder naming rule setting screen, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 10, on the operation unit 111, acquires the folder naming rule entered by the user, transmits them to the transfer setting information management unit 404, and requests that the folder naming rule be saved. The UI unit 406 also displays a test transmission screen, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 12, on the operation unit 111, acquires the sender's telephone number and reception date and time entered by the user, and transmits them to the transfer unit 402, requesting a test transmission.

[0031] 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of software modules of the file server 120 according to embodiment 1. These software modules are stored in the HDD 306 of the file server 120, and upon execution, are loaded into the RAM 302 and executed under the control of the CPU 301.

[0032] The communication unit 501 has file transmission services such as SMB (Server Message Block) and WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning). The communication unit 501 receives requests via the LAN 100, processes them, and responds with the processing results. The authentication unit 502 authenticates the client (here, the MFP 110) based on authentication information included in the request for the file transmission service. The file management unit 503 manages files stored in the HDD 306 in response to requests for the file transmission service. The file management unit 503 saves and reads image files on the HDD 306 according to folder names and file names received from the MFP 110 via the communication unit 501. The file management unit 503 also checks whether a folder with a folder name received from the MFP 110 via the communication unit 501 exists on the HDD 306. The file management unit 503 also creates a folder on the HDD 306 according to the folder name received from the MFP 110 via the communication unit 501.

[0033] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a filerule 705, which is a file naming rule when saving an image file in the file server 120, will be described.

[0034] This naming rule is stored in the format of [item name 1] separator (here, "_") [item name 2] separator (here, "_") [item name 3]. For example, when adding a new item name, the separator "_" and the additional item name are added to the existing naming rule. For example, if "item name 4" is added in Figure 7, the naming rule will be [item name 1]_[item name 2]_[item name 3]_[item name 4]. The item name [REGISTNAME] corresponds to the registered name in Figure 6, the item name [FAXNUMBER] corresponds to the telephone number in Figure 6, and [DATE] indicates the date and time of reception. Although not shown, the item name [ADDRESSLISTNAME] indicates the address list, and the item name [LINENAME] indicates the line name. The item name [SERIAL] indicates a serial number generated by the system; specifically, it is a number such as "00000001," and a different serial number is set each time. The item name [RANDOM] indicates a random number generated by the system, such as "a761232ed4211cebacd00aa0057b223", and a different random number is set each time. In Figure 7, the file naming convention is specified as [REGISTNAME]_[FAXNUMBER]_[DATE], and in this case, the file name will be "Registration name_(sender's) phone number_date".

[0035] Folderrule 706 indicates the naming rule for folder paths when saving image files to the file server 120. The format of this naming rule is stored as follows: [item name 1] path delimiter (here, " / ") [item name 2] path delimiter (here, " / ") [item name 3]. When adding a new item name, the path delimiter (" / ") and the added item name are added to the existing naming rule. For example, when item name 4 is added, the naming rule for folder paths becomes: [item name 1] (path delimiter) / [item name 2] / [item name 3] / [item name 4]. The item name [REGISTNAME] indicates the registered name, the item name [FAXNUMBER] indicates the telephone number, and [DATE] indicates the date and time of reception. In FIG. 7, [REGISTNAME] / [FAXNUMBER] / [DATE] is specified as the naming rule for folder paths, and "registered name / telephone number / date" becomes the folder path for the save destination.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a status display screen displayed on the operation unit 111 of the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0037] 4 operating on the MFP 110 and the operating status of the MFP 110. When the UI unit 406 displays this status display screen, the UI unit 406 checks the operating status of the software modules of the MFP 110 and each system unit. If the software modules and each system unit of the MFP 110 are operating normally, the UI unit 406 displays a message indicating normal operation. If an abnormality has occurred, the UI unit 406 displays the software module or part thereof in which the abnormality has occurred and its status, etc. A Go to Settings Screen button 802 instructs transition to a screen for changing the transfer setting information managed by the transfer setting information management unit 404 of the MFP 110. When the user presses (instructs) the Go to Settings Screen button 802, a transfer setting change process, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 13, is initiated, and transition to the file server setting change screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed.

[0038] 8 may be provided with a GUI button for updating the status display 801 in accordance with the latest software module status of the MFP 110 and the operating status of each unit of the MFP 110.

[0039] In addition, in the first embodiment, when the setting screen button 802 is pressed, the screen transitions to the file server setting screen of FIG. 9, but GUI buttons may be provided on this status display screen to directly transition to each of the screens of FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 described below.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a file server setting screen displayed by the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0041] The host name input box 901 is an input field for inputting the host name of the file server 120 to which the image file (fax document) is to be transferred. The name input in the host name input box 901 is sent by the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 to the transfer setting information management unit 404 and saved as hostname 701 (FIG. 7) in the transfer setting information. The folder path input box 902 is an input field for inputting the folder name of the file server 120 to which the image file is to be transferred. The name input in this input box 902 is sent by the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 to the transfer setting information management unit 404 and saved as folderpath 702 (FIG. 7) in the transfer setting information. The login user name input box 903 is an input field for inputting the login user name required for authentication by the file server 120 to which the image file is to be transferred. The name entered in this input box 903 is sent by the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 to the transfer setting information management unit 404 and saved as username 703 ( FIG. 7 ) in the transfer setting information. The login password input box 904 is an input field for entering a login password required for authentication at the file server to which the image file is transferred. In this input box 904, the input characters are displayed as "*" to conceal the content entered by the user. The input characters are not limited to "*" and may be other symbols such as "●", or may be displayed without being concealed. The password entered in this input box 904 is sent by the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 to the transfer setting information management unit 404 and saved as password 704 ( FIG. 7 ) in the transfer setting information. The cancel button 905 is a button for canceling changes to the transfer setting information on this screen. When the user presses the cancel button 905, the changes to the transfer settings made on this screen are canceled and the screen transitions to the status display screen of FIG. 8.

[0042] The Next button 906 is a button for changing the file server settings in the transfer setting information and for issuing an instruction to transition to the next screen, which is a file naming rule setting screen shown in Fig. 10, which will be described later. When the user presses the Next button 906, the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 transmits the file server settings entered on this file server setting screen to the transfer setting management unit 404, and the transfer setting information management unit 404 saves this file server setting. The UI unit 406 then transitions to the file naming rule setting screen, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 10.

[0043] In this embodiment 1, when the Next button 906 is pressed, the screen transitions to the file naming convention setting screen of FIG. 10, but this file server setting screen may also be provided with GUI buttons for directly transitioning to the screens of FIG. 11 and FIG. 12.

[0044] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting a file naming rule displayed by the MFP 110 according to embodiment 1. The file names of image files to be transferred to the file server 120 are determined according to the file naming rule set by the user via this file naming rule setting screen.

[0045] Items 1002-1004 are areas for specifying the item names to be used in the file name from among the following item names: registered name, telephone number, receipt date / time, address book name, line name, serial number, and random number. Here, registered name, telephone number, and receipt date / time are selected. Here, item 1002 indicates the first item name in the file name, item 1003 indicates the second item name in the file name, and item 1004 indicates the third item name in the file name. Here, a pull-down menu is provided for selecting the file name for each item. The options for each pull-down menu are "None," "Registered Name," "Fax Number," "Date," "Address Book Name," "Line Name," "Serial Number," and "Random Number." The "Line Name" is obtained based on the facsimile number specified as the destination, for example, as registered name 602 corresponding to telephone number 603 shown in FIG. 6. Selecting "None" indicates that the following item names will not be generated. For example, if "Registered Name" is selected in the first item 1002 and "None" is selected in the second item 1003, it is determined that the file name after the second item has not been specified, and the file name will be just "Registered Name." Item 1005 is a pull-down menu for selecting the separator symbol that separates each item, and separator options include "hyphen," "underscore," and "space," and any one of these can be selected as the separator.

[0046] A preview display 1006 displays the file name that will be created based on the selections made in items 1002 to 1004. The display content displays a file name that corresponds to the selection made in items 1002 to 1004. In the example of FIG. 10, "Registered Name" is selected in the first item 1002, "Fax Number (Telephone Number)" is selected in the second item 1003, and "Date" is selected in the third item 1004, with an underscore "_" as the separator. Therefore, the file name is displayed as a preview of "[Registered Name]_[Fax Number]_[Date]." Message 1001 is displayed when the predetermined condition of selecting one of the received date and time (date), serial number, and random number in items 1002 to 1004 is not met. This is because a uniquely identifiable file name cannot be determined unless any of the received date and time (date), serial number, and random number is selected. In the example of FIG. 10, a date is selected in item 1004. However, if no date is selected, message 1001 displays, for example, "Please select the received date and time." In the above-mentioned predetermined conditions, for example, the reception date and time includes time information down to the second. Furthermore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions may include other information as long as it is information necessary to uniquely identify the file name.

[0047] The cancel button 1007 instructs the user to cancel the content input via this setting screen. When the user presses the cancel button 1007, the screen transitions to a status display screen as shown in FIG. 8, for example. The back button 1008 instructs the user to return to the previous screen. When the user presses the back button 1008, the screen transitions to a file server setting screen as shown in FIG. 9, for example. The next button 1009 instructs the user to proceed to the next screen. When the user presses the next button 1009, the screen transitions to a folder naming rule setting screen as shown in FIG. 11, for example.

[0048] Note that the Next button 1009 can be pressed when any one of the date, serial number, and random number is selected in the items 1002 to 1004. If none of these items is selected, the Next button 1009 is in an unselectable state and cannot be pressed. This makes it possible to prevent file names from being created according to naming rules that do not result in unique file names.

[0049] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting a folder naming rule displayed by the MFP 110 according to embodiment 1. Folder names for files saved in the file server 120 are determined according to the folder naming rule set on this screen.

[0050] Radio button 1101 is a checkbox for selecting whether or not to save image files in separate layers. If this button 1101 is checked, a folder name is created according to the naming rules set on this screen, and the image file is saved. If button 1101 is not checked, the image file is saved directly under the folder path specified on the file server setting screen shown in Figure 9.

[0051] Items 1102 to 1104 indicate hierarchical names. Here, these include the first hierarchical level 1102, the second hierarchical level 1103, and the third hierarchical level 1104. Selection methods for folder names corresponding to each hierarchical level are provided in pull-down menus 1105 to 1108. Here, the pull-down options include "None," "Registered Name," "Fax Number," "Received Date," "Received Month," "Address Book Name," and "Line Name." Note that selecting "None" indicates that no hierarchical level below the option will be generated. For example, if "Registered Name" is selected for the first hierarchical level 1102 and "None" is selected for the second hierarchical level 1103, it is determined that no folder name has been specified for the second hierarchical level or below, and the folder name will be simply "Registered Name." Preview display 1108 shows a preview of the folder name according to the selection results of items 1102 to 1104. In the example of Figure 11, "Registered Name" is selected in the first layer 1102, "Fax Number" in the second layer 1103, and "Date Received" in the third layer 1104, so the preview display 1108 is "[Registered Name] / [Fax Number] / [Date Received]."

[0052] The cancel button 1109 instructs the user to cancel the operation via this screen. When the user presses the cancel button 1109, the screen transitions to a status display screen as shown in FIG. 8, for example. The back button 1110 instructs the user to return to the previous screen. When the user presses the back button 1110, the screen transitions to a file naming convention setting screen as shown in FIG. 10, for example. The next button 1111 instructs the user to proceed to the next screen. When the user presses the next button 1111, the screen transitions to a test transmission screen as shown in FIG. 12, for example.

[0053] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a test transmission screen displayed by the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0054] The sender number input box 1201 is an input field for inputting information to be used as the sender's phone number when performing a test transmission. The phone number input in the sender number input box 1201 is transmitted to the transfer unit 402 by the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 and used as the sender's number (phone number) when performing the test transmission. The reception date and time input box 1202 is an input field for inputting the date and time to be used as the reception date and time when performing the test transmission. The date and time input in the reception date and time input box 1202 is transmitted to the transfer unit 402 by the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 and used as the reception date and time when performing the test transmission.

[0055] 9, 10, and 11. When the user presses the setting confirmation button 1203, the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 displays a setting confirmation screen (not shown) for displaying the transfer setting information entered via the setting screens of FIGS. 9, 10, and 11. The test transmission button 1204 is a button for issuing an instruction to perform a test transmission using the transfer setting information entered in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, and the information entered in the sender number input box 1201 and the reception date and time input box 1202. When the user presses the test transmission button 1204, the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 transmits the telephone number in the sender number input box 1201 and the date and time in the reception date and time input box 1202 to the transfer unit 402, and a test transmission request is sent to the transfer unit 402. When the test transmission button 1204 is pressed, the transfer unit 402 assumes that a fax document has been received with the received sender number and date and time, and performs a test transmission to the file server 120. When the test transmission is completed, the transfer unit 402 displays a test transmission result screen (not shown) for displaying the results of the test transmission.

[0056] A cancel button 1205 is a button for canceling the setting of the transfer setting information. When the user presses the cancel button 1205, the screen transitions to the status display screen of FIG. 8. A back button 1206 is a button for transitioning to the previous screen. When the user presses the back button 1206, the screen transitions to the previous screen, the folder naming rule setting screen of FIG. 11. An OK button 1207 is a button for ending the setting of the transfer setting information and transitioning to the status display screen shown in FIG. 8. When the user presses the OK button 1207, the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 transitions to the status display screen shown in FIG. 8.

[0057] In the first embodiment, the sender number used during the test is entered in the sender input box 1201, and the reception date and time is entered in the reception date and time input box 1202. However, other input boxes or input buttons may also be provided for specifying the fax document to be used for the test transmission.

[0058] 13 is a flowchart for explaining the process of setting a file server, setting a file naming rule, and setting a folder naming rule by MFP 110 according to the first embodiment. Note that each operation (step) shown in this flowchart is realized by CPU 201 of MFP 110 loading a control program stored in HDD 204 into RAM 203 and executing it. This flowchart is executed when the user selects a control program that executes this flowchart via operation unit 111 of MFP 110.

[0059] First, in S1301, the CPU 201 displays a status display screen such as that shown in Fig. 8. Next, the process proceeds to S1302, where the CPU 201 determines whether the Go to Settings Screen button 802 has been pressed on this status display screen. If the Go to Settings Screen button 802 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1303, where the CPU 201 displays a file server settings screen such as that shown in Fig. 9. The user then inputs the name of the file server to be the transfer destination, the folder path, authentication information, etc. via this file server settings screen.

[0060] Next, the process proceeds to S1304, where the CPU 201 determines whether the user has pressed the Cancel button 905 or the Next button 906 on this file server setting screen. If it is determined that the Next button 906 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1305, and if it is determined that the Cancel button 905 has been pressed, the process returns to S1301. In S1305, the CPU 201 stores the file server setting information input via this file server setting screen in the HDD 204 of the MFP 110.

[0061] Next, the process proceeds to S1306, where the CPU 201 displays a file naming rule setting screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 10. The user then executes file naming rule setting processing, inputting file naming rule setting information via this setting screen. Next, the process proceeds to S1307, where the CPU 201 determines which button the user pressed on this file naming rule setting screen. If it is determined in S1307 that the Next button 1009 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1308; however, as described above, there are cases where the Next button 1009 cannot be pressed. This file naming rule setting processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 18. On the other hand, if it is determined that the Cancel button 1007 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1301, and if it is determined that the Back button 1008 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1303.

[0062] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the file naming rule setting process in S1306 of FIG.

[0063] First, in S1801, the CPU 201 acquires information selected from items 1002 to 1004 on the file naming rule setting screen shown in FIG. 10, for example. Next, the process proceeds to S1802, where the CPU 201 determines whether or not an item that allows a unique file name to be set has been selected based on the information acquired in S1801. Note that the items that allow a unique file name to be set are the "date," "serial number," and "random number," as described above, and the process determines whether or not one or more of these items are included. If one or more unique items are included, the process determines that an item that allows a unique file name to be set has been selected, and proceeds to S1805. In S1805, the CPU 201 stores the file naming rule determined on this screen in the HDD 204.

[0064] On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines in S1802 that the file name does not include an item that will make the file name unique, the process proceeds to S1803. In S1803, the CPU 201 displays a warning message 1001 in Fig. 10 prompting the user to select an item that will make the file name unique. In Fig. 10, message 1001 displays "Please select the date and time of receipt," but a message prompting the user to select another item that will make the file name unique may also be displayed.

[0065] Next, the process proceeds to S1804, where the CPU 201 prevents the user from pressing the Next button 1009. Specifically, the Next button 1009 is grayed out to make it invalid (the button cannot be pressed), and the process does not allow the user to move on to the next screen. This prevents image files from having non-unique file names. Once a unique file name is specified on the file naming rule setting screen, the Next button 1009 becomes pressable, and when the user presses the Next button 1009, the file naming rule is finalized and the process proceeds to S1308.

[0066] In S1308, the CPU 201 displays a folder naming rule setting screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 11. Then, in S1309, the user executes folder naming rule setting processing, inputting folder naming rule setting information via this setting screen. The process then proceeds to S1310, where the CPU 201 determines which button the user pressed on this folder naming rule setting screen. If it is determined in S1310 that the user pressed the Next button 1111, the process proceeds to S1311. If the user pressed the Cancel button 1109 here, the process proceeds to S1301, and if the user pressed the Back button 1110, the process proceeds to S1306. In S1311, the CPU 201 stores, for example, the information input by the user on the folder naming rule setting screen in the HDD 204.

[0067] Next, the process proceeds to S1312, where the CPU 201 displays a test transmission screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 12. The process proceeds to S1313, where the CPU 201 determines which button the user pressed on this test transmission screen. If the user did not press any button, the process executes S1312. If the process determines that the user pressed the OK button 1207, the process ends. On the other hand, if the process determines that the user pressed the cancel button 1205, the process proceeds to S1301. If the process determines that the back button 1206 was pressed, the process proceeds to S1309. If the process determines that the user pressed the test transmission button 1204, the process proceeds to S1314. In S1314, the CPU 201 performs a transmission test based on the settings made on the file server setting screen (FIG. 9), the file naming rule setting screen (FIG. 10), the folder naming rule setting screen (FIG. 11), and the test transmission screen (FIG. 12), and then proceeds to S1312.

[0068] Next, a fax reception process by the MFP 110 according to this embodiment will be described. The following mainly describes the process in which the MFP 110 receives a fax document and transfers the fax document as an image file. Here, the received fax document is transferred to the file server 120 as an image file using the transfer setting information (FIG. 7) and destination information (FIG. 6) described above. At this time, a file name and folder name for the fax document (image file) are created and transferred to the file server 120. It is assumed that the destination information has been registered in advance by the user in the destination information management unit 405 via the operation unit 111 of the MFP 110 as shown in FIG. 6. Here, a description of the process for registering the destination information will be omitted.

[0069] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process in which the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment receives image data (document data) by fax and transfers an image file of the received image data to the file server 120. In FIG.

[0070] In step 1401, a fax image is sent from an external fax terminal to the MFP 110. When the MFP 110 receives this fax image, the fax receiving unit 401 and the transfer unit 402 perform fax reception processing.

[0071] 15 is a flowchart illustrating fax reception processing by the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment. Note that each operation shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 of the MFP 110 loading a control program stored in the HDD 204 into the RAM 203 and executing it.

[0072] First, in S1501, the CPU 201 receives a fax from an external fax terminal via the public line 150 using the modem 210. The CPU 201 also uses the modem 210 to acquire the telephone number of the external fax terminal as the sender number, and further acquires the date and time of fax reception as the reception date and time. Next, the process proceeds to S1502, where the CPU 201 converts the fax document received in S1501 into an image file such as a PDF. The CPU 201 also creates a control file that lists the sender telephone number and reception date and time acquired in S1501. The image file containing the fax document is then temporarily stored in the HDD 204 together with the control file.

[0073] Next, the process proceeds to S1503, where the CPU 201 determines whether the image file was successfully temporarily stored in the HDD 204. If the image file was successfully stored, the process proceeds to S1504, where the CPU 201 acquires the sender's telephone number and the date and time of reception that were temporarily stored in the HDD 204. On the other hand, if the image file has not been temporarily stored, the CPU 201 performs error processing and ends the process. An example of a temporary storage failure here is insufficient capacity of the HDD 204. The error processing here may include sending the fax document to the printer unit 113 via the printer I / F 209 to print it, and displaying a status display screen (FIG. 8) on the operation unit 111 to display the error status.

[0074] Next, the process proceeds to S1505, and the CPU 201 references the sender number and reception date and time acquired in S1504, the transfer setting information (FIG. 7), and the destination information (FIG. 6), to create a file name for the image file when it is transferred to the file server 120. Details of the process of S1505 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0075] Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the process of creating a file name for an image file to be transferred in S1505 of Fig. 15. Note that each operation shown in this flowchart is realized by CPU 201 of MFP 110 loading a control program stored in HDD 204 into RAM 203 and executing it, and therefore, the operations will be described here as being performed by CPU 201.

[0076] First, in S1601, the CPU 201 acquires the filenamerule 705 (file naming rule) stored in the HDD 204. Next, the process proceeds to S1602, where the CPU 201 acquires destination information (FIG. 6) based on the telephone number. Here, the registered name 602 is searched for and acquired using the telephone number 603 as a key. Next, the process proceeds to S1603, where the CPU 201 determines whether or not a registered name 602 corresponding to the telephone number 603 exists. If a registered name 602 exists, the process proceeds to S1604, where the corresponding registered name is acquired, and then the process proceeds to S1606. On the other hand, if a registered name 602 does not exist, the process proceeds to S1605, where the CPU 201 acquires a preset default registered name and then the process proceeds to S1606. Note that, for example, "Not Matched" is set as the default registered name. This default registered name may be stored in the ROM 202 or the HDD 204 in advance. Furthermore, an input box for setting a default registered name may be provided, for example, on the file naming rule setting screen of FIG. 10, so that the user can change the default name. In step S1606, the CPU 201 creates a file name using the registered name, sender telephone number, reception date and time, destination book name, line name, etc., in accordance with the file naming rules acquired in step S1601.

[0077] The process then proceeds to S1506 in Fig. 15. In S1506, the CPU 201 creates a folder name for the transfer based on the sender's telephone number and reception date and time acquired in S1504, the transfer setting information (Fig. 7), and the destination information (Fig. 6). Details of the process of S1506 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 17.

[0078] Fig. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the process of creating a folder name of file server 120 in which an image file to be transferred is stored, in step S1506 of Fig. 15. Note that each operation shown in this flowchart is realized by CPU 201 of MFP 110 loading a control program stored in HDD 204 into RAM 203 and executing it, and therefore, the operations will be described here as being performed by CPU 201.

[0079] First, in S1701, the CPU 201 acquires the foldernamerule 706 stored in the HDD 204. Next, the process proceeds to S1702, where the CPU 201 acquires destination information and searches for and acquires the corresponding registered name using the telephone number acquired in S1504 as a key. The process proceeds to S1703, where the CPU 201 determines whether or not a registered name corresponding to the telephone number exists. If it is determined that a registered name exists, the process proceeds to S1704, where the CPU 201 acquires the corresponding registered name, and then proceeds to S1706. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1703 that a registered name corresponding to the telephone number does not exist, the process proceeds to S1705, where the CPU 201 acquires a preset default registered name, and then proceeds to S1706. Note that an example of the default registered name is set to "Not Matched." This default registered name may be stored in the ROM 202 or the HDD 204 in advance. Also, an input box for setting a default registered name may be provided on the folder naming rule setting screen of FIG. 11, for example, so that the default name stored in the HDD 204 or the like can be changed by user input.

[0080] In S1706, the CPU 201 creates a folder name using the registered name, sender telephone number, reception date and time, etc., in accordance with the folder name rule 706 acquired in S1701. The process then proceeds to S1707, where the CPU 201 sets the folder path 703 at the beginning of the folder name, and ends this process.

[0081] 14, in step 1402, the MFP 110 performs authentication processing with the file server 120. This authentication processing is executed from step S1507 in FIG.

[0082] 15, the CPU 201 reads the transfer setting information (FIG. 7) from the HDD 204 and acquires the hostname 701, username 703, and password 704. The CPU 201 then accesses the address specified by the hostname 701 and sends the username 703 and password 704 as the username and password, respectively, along with an authentication request to the file server 120. The process then proceeds to S1508.

[0083] 14. In 1402, when the communication unit 501 of the file server 120 receives an authentication request from the MFP 110, it acquires a user name and password from the authentication request and transmits them to the authentication unit 502. The authentication unit 502 compares the user ID and password using the authentication information stored in the HDD 306 and transmits the authentication result to the communication unit 501. In response, the communication unit 501 transmits the received authentication result to the MFP 110.

[0084] 15, the CPU 201 determines whether or not an authentication result has been received from the file server 120. If it determines that an authentication result has not been received, the CPU 201 executes S1508, and if it has received an authentication result, the CPU 201 proceeds to S1509, where the CPU 201 determines whether or not the authentication result received in S1508 indicates successful authentication. If the CPU 201 determines that the authentication has been successful, the CPU 201 proceeds to S1510, but if not, the CPU 201 performs error processing and ends the process. Examples of error processing here include displaying a status display screen (FIG. 8) on the operation unit 111 to display the error status.

[0085] 14, when the MFP 110 has been successfully authenticated, the MFP 110 queries the file server 120 to determine whether a folder with the name of the folder created in S1506 exists, and if not, requests the creation of the folder. At this time, the MFP 110 executes the process of S1510 in FIG.

[0086] In step S1510, the CPU 201 transmits the name of the folder created in step S1506 to the file server 120, and transmits a request to confirm the existence of a file with that folder name.

[0087] 14, when the communication unit 501 of the file server 120 receives a folder existence confirmation request from the MFP 110, it transmits the folder name included in the folder existence confirmation request to the file management unit 503 and requests folder existence confirmation processing. In response, the file management unit 503 determines whether a folder with the received folder name exists in the HDD 306, and transmits the confirmation result to the communication unit 501 as the folder existence confirmation result. In response, the communication unit 501 transmits the folder existence confirmation result to the MFP 110. Then, the processing proceeds to S1511 in FIG.

[0088] In S1511, the CPU 201 determines whether a folder existence confirmation result has been received from the file server 120. If it is determined that a folder existence confirmation has not been received, the process proceeds to S1511 again. If it is determined in S1511 that a folder existence confirmation has been received, the process proceeds to S1512. In S1512, the CPU 201 determines, from the folder existence confirmation received in S1511, whether a folder with the folder name created in S1506 exists on the file server 120. If it is determined here that a folder with the same name exists, the process proceeds to S1515, but if it is determined that a folder with the same name does not exist, the process proceeds to S1513.

[0089] In step S1513, the CPU 201 transmits the name of the folder created in step S1506 to the file server 120, and requests the file server 120 to create the folder.

[0090] 14 , at 1403, when the communication unit 501 of the file server 120 receives a folder creation request from the MFP 110, it transmits the folder name included in the folder creation request to the file management unit 503 and requests the creation of a folder with the folder name. The file management unit 503 creates a folder with the received folder name in the HDD 306 and transmits the created response to the communication unit 501. When the communication unit 501 receives the folder creation response, it transmits the folder creation response to the MFP 110.

[0091] In S1514, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a folder creation response has been received from the file server 120. If a folder creation response has not been received, the process executes S1514, and if a folder creation response has been received, the process proceeds to S1515. In S1515, the CPU 201 reads out the fax document stored in the HDD 204, and transmits it to the file server 120 along with the file name created in S1505 and the folder name created in S1506, and transmits a file save request.

[0092] This corresponds to 1404 in Figure 14. In 1404, the MFP 110 transmits a fax document (image file) to the file server 120 by specifying the file name created in S1505 and the folder name created in S1506. When the communication unit 501 of the file server 120 receives this file save request in this way, it acquires the file, folder name, and file name from the file save request. The communication unit 501 then transmits the acquired file, folder name, and file name to the file management unit 503, requesting that the file be stored under the specified folder name and file name. The file management unit 503 stores the received file in the location of the specified folder name and file name in the HDD 306, and transmits a storage response to the communication unit 501. The communication unit 501 transmits the storage response to the MFP 110 as a file transmission response.

[0093] 15, the CPU 201 determines whether a file transmission response has been received from the file server 120. If a file transmission response has not been received, the process proceeds to S1516 again, but if a file transmission response has been received, the process ends.

[0094] Through the process described above, when MFP 110 receives a fax, it creates a file name for the received image file (fax document) in accordance with the file naming rules of the transfer setting information, the sender number, the date and time of reception, the registered name of the destination information corresponding to the sender number, etc. The MFP 110 also creates a folder name in accordance with the folder path and folder naming rules of the transfer setting information, the sender number, the date and time of reception, the registered name of the destination information corresponding to the sender number, etc. The MFP 110 also checks the file server 120 to see if the created folder exists, and if the same folder does not exist on file server 120, it requests the creation of the folder and stores the image file in the location of the created folder name and file name.

[0095] As described above, according to the first embodiment, by setting the file naming rule and folder naming rule in advance, a desired file name can be assigned to a received fax image file and stored in a desired folder on a file server. Furthermore, the file naming rule and folder naming rule can search for destination information from the telephone number of the sender of the received fax and obtain and use a registered name corresponding to the destination information. Furthermore, the file naming rule allows a separator to be set as a delimiter between each item. Furthermore, the file naming rule allows items to be selected in a format that is recognizable by the user so that the file name is unique. This increases the user's flexibility in setting file names while improving work efficiency.

[0096] Furthermore, since the desired folder can be created on the file server where the image file is saved and the image file can be stored there, there is an effect that the user can save time and effort in searching for the desired image file.

[0097] [Embodiment 2] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, an example of file name setting process control different from that of the first embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the naming rule is saved without executing the item check process (S1802) of the file naming rule setting process in FIG.

[0098] 19 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation dialog displayed on the MFP 110 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the configurations and system configurations of the MFP 110 and file server 120 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] Message 1901 indicates a message to be displayed in this confirmation dialog. Yes button 1902 is pressed when the user agrees with the displayed contents of this confirmation dialog. When the user presses the Yes button, the screen transitions to, for example, the folder naming rule setting screen shown in FIG. 11 described above. No button 1903 is instructed when the user does not agree with the displayed contents of this confirmation dialog. When the user presses the No button 1903, the screen transitions to, for example, the file naming rule setting screen shown in FIG. 10.

[0100] 20 is a flowchart illustrating a process for displaying a confirmation dialog by the MFP 110 according to the second embodiment. Note that the operations shown in this flowchart are realized by the CPU 201 of the MFP 110 loading a control program stored in the HDD 204 into the RAM 203 and executing it, and therefore the operations will be described below as being performed by the CPU 201. The process shown in this flowchart is performed when the folder naming rule setting screen is displayed in S1309 of FIG.

[0101] First, in S2001, the CPU 201 acquires the information of the filenamerule 705 stored in the transfer setting information (FIG. 7). Next, the process proceeds to S2002, where the CPU 201 determines whether the display conditions of the confirmation dialog are met based on the naming rule acquired in S2001. Here, the display conditions of the confirmation dialog will be explained in detail using the transfer setting information.

[0102] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of transfer setting information according to embodiment 2. In Fig. 21, 2101 to 2106 are the same as the transfer setting information 701 to 706 in Fig. 7 according to the above-mentioned embodiment 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] Dialogrule 2107 indicates conditions for displaying the confirmation dialog. This condition is specified by displaying a display setting screen (not shown) for the confirmation dialog via UI unit 406, or by using a Web browser to specify the condition via a display setting screen (not shown) for the confirmation dialog. In dialogrule 2107, the following can be specified: "Registered name," "Fax number," "Date," "Address book name," "Line name," "Serial number," "Random number," etc. In FIG. 21, [REGISTNAME] (registered name) and [FAXNUMBER] (Fax number) are specified, and if these are not included in filenamerule 2105, the above conditions are met and the confirmation dialog is displayed.

[0104] 20, if the CPU 201 determines that the display conditions for the confirmation dialog are met, the process proceeds to S2003, where a confirmation dialog such as that shown in Fig. 19 is displayed, and the process ends. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that the display conditions are not met in S2002, the process ends without displaying such a confirmation dialog.

[0105] As described above, according to the second embodiment, by specifying any condition, it is possible to impose restrictions on subsequent processing (in the second embodiment, a confirmation dialog is displayed). Therefore, by setting conditions to be confirmed by the user according to the linked system or device, for example, it becomes possible to perform processing according to the system or device, thereby improving user convenience.

[0106] [Embodiment 3] In the first embodiment described above, the folder naming rule is set via a folder naming rule setting screen such as that shown in Fig. 11. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the folder naming rule is set via a setting screen different from that of the first embodiment described above. Note that the configurations and system configurations of the MFP 110 and file server 120 according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0107] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a folder naming rule setting screen displayed on the MFP 110 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This screen is displayed as the folder naming rule setting screen to be displayed on the operation unit 111 in S1306 of Fig. 13, and the folder name when transferred to the file server 120 is determined according to the folder naming rule set on this screen.

[0108] 2201 to 2203 in Fig. 22 show options for folder naming rules, and the one naming rule checked will be applied as the folder naming rule. When naming rule 2201 is selected, a folder name consisting of "registration name / fax number / date" is generated. When naming rule 2202 is selected, a folder name consisting of "date / registration name / fax number" is generated. When naming rule 2203 is selected, a folder name consisting of "fax number / registration name / date" is generated.

[0109] The cancel button 2204 indicates that the processing via this screen is to be cancelled. When the user presses the cancel button 2204, the screen transitions to, for example, the status display screen of FIG. 8. The back button 2205 instructs the screen to return to the previous screen. When the user presses the back button 2205, the screen transitions to, for example, the file naming rule setting screen shown in FIG. 10. The next button 2206 indicates that the screen can be advanced to the next screen. When the user presses the next button 2206, the screen transitions to, for example, the test transmission screen shown in FIG. 12.

[0110] In the transfer setting process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 13 described above, the folder naming rule setting screen shown in Fig. 19 is used instead of the folder naming rule setting screen of Fig. 11 in the first embodiment. Then, in S1309, the folder naming rule setting screen shown in Fig. 22 is displayed. Then, in S1310, it is determined which button the user pressed on this folder naming rule setting screen. If the user pressed the Next button 2206, the process proceeds to S1311. If the user pressed the Cancel button 2204, the process proceeds to S1301. If the user pressed the Back button 2205, the process proceeds to S1306. In S1311, the CPU 201 stores the information input on this folder naming rule setting screen of Fig. 22 in the HDD 204.

[0111] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, when setting a folder name, the user can select and set a desired naming rule from among predetermined folder naming rules, which has the effect of simplifying the user's operation. This makes it easy to set a folder for storing received fax documents.

[0112] [Other embodiments] In the first embodiment, the registered name, telephone number, and date can be specified as the folder name, but if, for example, two fax lines are connected to the modem 210 of the MFP 110, the line numbers can also be specified as the folder name.

[0113] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the setting screen is a wizard type screen that allows the user to perform the settings using multiple screens, but it is also possible to configure all the settings on one screen.

[0114] In addition, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the user controls the operation unit 111 of the MFP 110 to display and operate the setting screen on the operation unit 111, but it is also possible to operate the setting screen from a web browser on a general-purpose personal computer.

[0115] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process: software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the programs.

[0116] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 110...MFP, 111...operation unit, 120...file server, 201, 301...CPU, 204, 306...HDD, 402...transfer unit, 403...temporary storage unit, 404...transfer setting information management unit, 405...destination information management unit.

Claims

1. An information processing device having a providing means for providing information on a setting screen relating to the creation of a file name, wherein one or more items can be selected from a plurality of items that can be used to create a file name on the setting screen, and a message is displayed prompting the user to select an item that will make the created file name a unique file name, An information processing device characterized in that the information processing device has a folder specified by a user to store the created file with the file name, and has a storage means for storing the file with the file name in the folder within the information processing device.

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the folder specified by the user is specified by the name of the folder.

3. An information processing device having a providing means for providing information on a setting screen relating to the creation of a file name, wherein one or more items can be selected from a plurality of items that can be used to create a file name on the setting screen, and a message is displayed prompting the user to select an item that will make the created file name a unique file name, a folder for storing the created file with the file name assigned thereto, the folder being instructed by a user to be created within the information processing device; and a storage means for storing the file with the file name assigned thereto; The information processing device is characterized in that the saving means is capable of creating the folder instructed to be created within the information processing device after acquiring the image that is the basis of the file to which the file name is assigned, and saving the file generated from the acquired image in that folder.

4. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the items that make the created file name unique include an item related to date and time.

5. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data contained in the file to which the file name is assigned includes data created by a scanner function.

6. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data contained in the file to which the file name is assigned includes data acquired by fax reception.

7. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the item having a unique file name includes a plurality of items.

8. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an apparatus having a scanner function.

9. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an apparatus having a function of receiving faxes.

10. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data included in the file with the given file name includes data converted into PDF.

11. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the folder can include an arbitrary character string input by the user in the name of the folder.

12. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the folder instructed to be created can include an arbitrary character string input by the user in the path of the folder.

13. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the folder specified by the user can include a date in the name of the folder.

14. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the setting relating to the folder path allows the folder path to include a date.

15. On the computer, Execute the procedure to provide a setting screen for creating file names, A program that allows the user to select one or more items from a plurality of items that can be used to create a file name on the setting screen, and that displays a message prompting the user to select an item that will make the created file name a unique file name, The program is characterized in that it causes the computer to execute a saving procedure for saving the created file with the assigned file name in a folder specified by a user within the computer to which the file with the assigned file name is to be saved.

16. 16. The program according to claim 15, wherein the folder specified by the user is specified by the name of the folder.

17. On the computer, Execute the procedure to provide a setting screen for creating file names, A program that allows the user to select one or more items from a plurality of items that can be used to create a file name on the setting screen, and that displays a message prompting the user to select an item that will make the created file name a unique file name, the program further causes the computer to execute a save procedure for saving the file with the file name in the folder instructed by a user to be created in the computer, the folder being a folder for saving the created file with the file name; A program characterized in that, in the saving procedure, after obtaining an image that is the basis for the file to which the file name is assigned, the folder instructed to be created is created in the computer, and the file generated from the obtained image is saved in that folder.

18. 18. The program according to claim 15, wherein the items that make the file name unique include an item related to date and time.

19. 19. The program according to claim 15, wherein the data included in the file with the given file name includes data created by a scanner function.

20. 19. The program according to claim 15, wherein the data contained in the file with the given file name includes data obtained by fax reception.

21. 21. The program according to claim 15, wherein the item having the file name as a unique file name includes a plurality of items.

22. 22. The program according to claim 15, wherein the information processing device having the computer is a device having a scanner function.

23. 23. The program according to claim 15, wherein the information processing device having the computer is a device having a function of receiving faxes.

24. 24. The program according to claim 15, wherein the data contained in the file with the given filename includes data converted into PDF.

25. 17. The program according to claim 15, wherein the folder can include an arbitrary character string input by the user in the folder name.

26. 18. The program according to claim 17, wherein the folder instructed to be created can include an arbitrary character string input by the user in the folder path.

27. 17. The program according to claim 15, wherein the folder specified by the user can include a date in the name of the folder.

28. 18. The program according to claim 17, wherein the folder instructed to be created can include a date in the path of the folder.

29. A control method for controlling an information processing device having a providing means for providing information on a setting screen related to file name creation, comprising: a step of displaying a message on the setting screen that allows the user to select one or more items from a plurality of items that can be used to create a file name, and prompts the user to select an item that will make the created file name unique; saving the created file with the given file name in a folder specified by a user in the information processing device; A control method comprising:

30. A control method for controlling an information processing device having a providing means for providing information on a setting screen related to file name creation, comprising: a step of displaying a message on the setting screen that allows the user to select one or more items from a plurality of items that can be used to create a file name, and prompts the user to select an item that will make the created file name a unique file name; a step of saving the file with the file name in a folder for saving the file with the file name created, the folder being instructed to be created in the information processing device by a user; A control method characterized in that, in the saving step, after acquiring the image that is the basis for the file to which the file name is assigned, the folder instructed to be created is created within the information processing device, and the file generated from the acquired image can be saved in that folder.

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