Information processing device, control method, and control program

Abstract

To provided an information processing device, a control method, and a control program that reduce the burden on a sender and suppress erroneous transmission.SOLUTION: An information processing device 100 has a transmission unit that transmits image data G of a document D to an external device 200, an acquisition unit that acquires first information indicating an approver P that analyzes the image data G and permits transmission of the image data G to the external device 200 based on an analysis result, and a transmission control unit that, when permission to transmit the image data G to the external device 200 is acquired from a terminal device 300 of the approver P indicated by the first information, controls the transmission unit to transmit the image data G to the external device 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There are cases where an office worker sends (by facsimile or email) image data of a document (such as an order form or invoice) on behalf of the document creator. In such cases, due to misunderstandings or lack of communication, the person sending the image data on behalf of the document creator may send the image data to the wrong destination.

[0003] Techniques for preventing erroneous transmissions have been known up until now. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2007-258946 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for preventing erroneous transmissions by transmitting a facsimile only when approved by an approver designated by the sender.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-98468 (Patent Document 2) discloses that a communication device that receives a facsimile extracts destination information indicating the destination from the received image, and if it determines that an erroneous transmission has occurred based on the destination information and the identification information of the communication device, it does not print the received image, thereby preventing information leakage due to erroneous transmission. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-258946 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-98468 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the sender must specify an approver who is authorized to send. Therefore, the sender must be careful not to specify the wrong approver. A sender may be requested by multiple people to send on their behalf, and having to specify an approver is troublesome for the sender. Furthermore, according to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, although it is possible to prevent information leakage due to erroneous sending, it is not possible to prevent erroneous sending itself.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide a mechanism that reduces the burden on senders and prevents erroneous transmissions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a transmitting unit that transmits image data of a document to an external device, an acquiring unit that analyzes the image data and acquires first information indicating an approver who authorizes the image data to be transmitted to the external device based on the analysis results, and a transmitting control unit that controls the transmitting unit to transmit the image data to the external device when permission to transmit the image data to the external device is obtained from a terminal device of the approver indicated by the first information.

[0009] Preferably, the first information includes information identifying the approver.

[0010] Preferably, the identifying information includes the approver's name.

[0011] Preferably, the transmission control unit controls the transmission unit to transmit a request for permission to transmit to the terminal device.

[0012] Preferably, the information processing device further includes a storage unit that stores approver information including, for each of a plurality of approver candidates, the name of the candidate and the destination of the candidate's terminal device. The acquisition unit acquires the name as first information from a predetermined area of ​​the image indicated by the image data based on the analysis result. The transmission control unit identifies, from the approver information, the destination of the candidate's terminal device corresponding to the name indicated by the first information, as a destination of the request. The transmission control unit controls the transmission unit to transmit the request to the identified destination.

[0013] Preferably, the information processing device further includes a storage unit that stores approver information for each of a plurality of approver candidates, the approver information including the name of the candidate, attributes related to the document of the candidate, and a destination of the terminal device of the candidate. The attributes include the creator of the document. The acquisition unit acquires, as first information, a plurality of names from a predetermined area of ​​the image indicated by the image data based on the analysis result. The transmission control unit identifies, from the approver information, the attributes of the candidate corresponding to the name based on each of the plurality of names indicated by the first information. The transmission control unit identifies, as a destination of the terminal device of the candidate whose identified attribute indicates the creator of the document, the destination of the request. The transmission control unit controls the transmission unit to transmit the request to the identified destination.

[0014] Preferably, the information processing device further includes a storage unit that stores approver information for each of a plurality of approver candidates, the approver information including the name of the candidate, attributes related to the document of the candidate, a destination of the terminal device of the candidate, and a priority for selecting the candidate as an approver. The acquisition unit acquires, based on the analysis result, a plurality of names from a predetermined area of ​​the image represented by the image data as first information. The transmission control unit identifies, from the approver information, a priority of the candidate corresponding to the name based on each of the plurality of names represented by the first information. The transmission control unit identifies, as a first destination of the request, the destination of the terminal device of the candidate corresponding to the highest first priority among the identified priorities. The transmission control unit controls the transmission unit to transmit the request to the destination identified as the first destination.

[0015] Preferably, if permission to transmit cannot be obtained from the terminal device that is the first transmission destination within a predetermined time, the transmission control unit identifies the destination of a candidate terminal device that corresponds to a priority next to the first priority among the identified priorities as a second transmission destination of the request, and controls the transmission unit to transmit the request to the destination identified as the second transmission destination.

[0016] Preferably, the attributes include a creator of the document, a reviewer of the document, and a person responsible for the document, and a candidate whose attribute indicates the creator of the document has a higher priority than a candidate whose attribute indicates the reviewer of the document, and a candidate whose attribute indicates the reviewer of the document has a higher priority than a candidate whose attribute indicates the person responsible for the document.

[0017] Preferably, the information processing device further includes a scanner for scanning a document to obtain image data.

[0018] Preferably, the information processing device further includes a receiving unit configured to receive destination information of the image data. The obtaining unit obtains second information indicating a destination of the image data based on the analysis result. The transmission control unit controls the transmitting unit to transmit the request to the terminal device when the destination information and the second information do not match.

[0019] A control method according to another aspect of the present disclosure, executed by a computer, for controlling transmission of image data of a document includes: analyzing the image data; acquiring first information indicating an approver who authorizes transmission of the image data to an external device based on the analysis result; and controlling a communication interface to transmit the image data to the external device when permission to transmit the image data to the external device is acquired from a terminal device of the approver indicated by the first information.

[0020] A control program according to another aspect of the present disclosure is executed by a processor installed in a computer, causing the computer to execute the above-described control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the burden on the sender and prevent erroneous transmission. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of processing performed by the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an external device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an analysis area according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an approver table according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on a display of the terminal device in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control device of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an analysis area in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an approver table according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an approver table according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control device of an information processing device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on a display of a terminal device in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control device of an information processing device according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Note that the embodiments and modifications described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

[0024] [Embodiment 1] (Overview of processing by information processing device) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the processing of an information processing device in embodiment 1. Information processing device 100 in embodiment 1 is configured to be able to communicate with external device 200 and terminal device 300. User U shown in Fig. 1 is a person who has been requested by the creator of document D (for example, an order form or an invoice) to send image data G of document D, that is, a sender who acts as an agent to send image data G.

[0025] The information processing device 100 is, for example, an image forming device, and has an operation panel 40 including a display. The information processing device 100 has a means for authenticating users, and a user of the information processing device 100 logs in to use the information processing device 100. The information processing device 100 is configured to be able to transmit image data G of a document D to an external device 200. The information processing device 100 is also configured to be able to transmit a request R for permission to transmit the image data G to the external device 200 to a terminal device 300.

[0026] The external device 200 is, for example, an image forming device. The external device 200 is configured to be able to receive image data G from the information processing device 100. The image data G may be transmitted from the information processing device 100 to the external device 200 by facsimile transmission or email transmission.

[0027] The terminal device 300 is a device used by an approver P who authorizes the information processing device 100 to transmit image data G to the external device 200. The approver P is the creator of the document D and is the person who requested the user U to transmit the image data G. The terminal device 300 is, for example, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a smartphone, or a tablet. The terminal device 300 has a display 341. The terminal device 300 is configured to be able to receive a request R for permission to transmit from the information processing device 100. The terminal device 300 is also configured to be able to transmit permission to transmit or an instruction to cancel transmission (hereinafter also referred to as an "cancel instruction") to the information processing device 100 in response to the request R.

[0028] When a user U wishes to send image data G of a document D to an external device 200, the user places the document D on the document table 52 or document tray 53 of the information processing device 100, enters the fax number of the destination (or the destination email address, if sending by email) into the operation panel 40, and instructs the user to send the document.

[0029] When the information processing device 100 receives a transmission instruction, it acquires image data G by scanning document D. The information processing device 100 analyzes the image data G and, based on the analysis results, identifies the destination of the transmission permission request R, i.e., the destination of the terminal device 300. The information processing device 100 transmits the transmission permission request R to the identified destination. If the information processing device 100 obtains transmission permission from the terminal device 300, it transmits the image data G to the external device 200. If the information processing device 100 does not obtain transmission permission from the terminal device 300, it cancels the transmission of the image data G to the external device 200. Examples of cases in which transmission permission is not obtained from the terminal device 300 include cases in which the information processing device 100 obtains a cancel instruction from the terminal device 300, and cases in which neither transmission permission nor a cancel instruction is obtained from the terminal device 300 within a predetermined time after transmitting the request R.

[0030] In this way, according to the information processing device 100, the user U does not need to specify a destination of the request for permission to send R. Furthermore, the image data G is transmitted to the external device 200 only when permission to send is obtained from the terminal device 300, that is, only when permission to send is given by the approver. This reduces the burden on the sender and prevents erroneous transmission.

[0031] (Configuration of information processing device) 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to Embodiment 1. Information processing device 100 includes control device 10, RAM (Random Access Memory) 11, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, image forming unit 20, storage device 30, operation panel 40, VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 43, scanner 50, communication interface 60, and memory card interface 70. Control device 10, RAM 11, ROM 12, image forming unit 20, storage device 30, operation panel 40, VRAM 43, scanner 50, communication interface 60, and memory card interface 70 are connected to each other via an internal bus 99 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0032] The control device 10 is configured, for example, by at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is configured, for example, by at least one central processing unit (CPU), at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof.

[0033] The control device 10 implements various processes according to this embodiment by loading the program 32 stored in the storage device 30 into the RAM 11 and executing it. The RAM 11 is configured with a volatile memory and functions as a work memory required for the control device 10 to execute the program 32. The ROM 12 stores programs such as an OS (Operating System) executed by the control device 10.

[0034] The image forming unit 20 forms an image on a recording medium (for example, paper, etc.) based on image data (for example, image data G) generated by the scanner 50 or image data received from the external device 200 or the terminal device 300 via the communication interface 60. In detail, the image forming unit 20 forms a toner image according to the image data and prints the toner image on paper.

[0035] The storage device 30 is configured by a non-volatile memory. Alternatively, the storage device 30 may be, for example, a hard disk or a solid state drive (SSD), and may be either built-in or external. The storage device 30 stores a program 32 for implementing various processes according to this embodiment and various data (for example, analysis area information 34, approver table TB1, etc.).

[0036] The operation panel 40 includes a display 41 and a touch panel 42. The operation panel 40 is an example of a "reception unit." The operation panel 40 outputs information on the position (coordinates) on the display 41 selected by the user using the touch panel 42 to the control device 10. The VRAM 43 functions as a memory for storing the content displayed on the display 41.

[0037] Scanner 50 scans document D to obtain image data G of document D. Scanner 50 includes a cover 51, a document tray 53, a document table 52, and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 54 (see FIG. 1). One end of cover 51 is fixed to document table 52, and cover 51 is configured to be able to open and close using that end as a fulcrum.

[0038] By opening cover 51, user U can place a document (e.g., document D) on platen 52. When scanner 50 receives a scan instruction, a facsimile transmission instruction, or an email transmission instruction with a document placed on platen 52, it starts scanning the document placed on platen 52. When scanner 50 receives a scan instruction, a facsimile transmission instruction, or an email transmission instruction with a document placed on document tray 53, it advances the document one sheet at a time to the scanning position using ADF 54 and scans the document. Scanner 50 outputs image data (e.g., image data G) obtained by scanning the document to control device 10.

[0039] The communication interface 60 is configured to be able to communicate with communication interfaces possessed by the external device 200 and the terminal device 300. The communication interface 60 is an example of a "transmitter." The communication interface 60 communicates with the external device 200 and the terminal device 300 via a network. The network may be, for example, a public network such as the Internet, a public line (including a telephone line), or a public wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or may be a private network such as a LAN or a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

[0040] The memory card interface 70 relays data transmission between the control device 10 and the memory card 70A. The memory card 70A includes a general-purpose semiconductor storage device such as an SD (Secure Digital), a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk, an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), and the like.

[0041] The program 32 is provided by being stored in a storage medium such as a memory card 70A. The program 32 is read from the memory card 70A by the memory card interface 70 and installed in the information processing device 100.

[0042] The program 32 may be provided not as a standalone program but as part of an arbitrary program. In this case, the program 32 cooperates with the arbitrary program to realize the processing according to this embodiment. Even a program that does not include some of these modules does not deviate from the spirit of the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment. Furthermore, some or all of the functions provided by the program 32 may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0043] Furthermore, instead of installing the program 32 stored in the memory card 70A in the information processing device 100, a program downloaded from a distribution server or the like via the communication interface 60 may be installed in the information processing device 100.

[0044] (External device configuration) 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an external device in Embodiment 1. The external device 200 includes a control device 210, a RAM 211, a ROM 212, an image forming unit 220, a storage device 230, an operation panel 240, a VRAM 243, a scanner 250, and a communication interface 260. The control device 210, the RAM 211, the ROM 212, the image forming unit 220, the storage device 230, the operation panel 240, the VRAM 243, the scanner 250, and the communication interface 260 are connected to each other via an internal bus 299 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0045] The control device 210, RAM 211, ROM 212, image forming unit 220, memory device 230, operation panel 240, VRAM 243, scanner 250, and communication interface 260 are similar to the control device 10, RAM 11, ROM 12, image forming unit 20, memory device 30, operation panel 40, VRAM 43, scanner 50, and communication interface 60, respectively, and therefore will not be described repeatedly.

[0046] The storage device 230 stores a program 232 and various data for implementing various processes in the external device 200. The communication interface 260 is configured to be able to communicate with a communication interface 60 included in the information processing device 100. The communication interface 260 communicates with the information processing device 100 via a network. The network may be, for example, a public network such as the Internet, a public line (including a telephone line), or a public wireless LAN, or a private network such as a LAN or VPN.

[0047] (Terminal Device Configuration) 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device in the first embodiment. The terminal device 300 has a control device 310, a RAM 311, a ROM 312, a storage device 330, a display 341, an input device 342, a VRAM 343, and a communication interface 360. The control device 310, the RAM 311, the ROM 312, the storage device 330, the display 341, the input device 342, the VRAM 343, and the communication interface 360 ​​are communicably connected to each other via an internal bus 399. The control device 310, the RAM 311, the ROM 312, and the storage device 330 are similar to the control device 10, the RAM 11, the ROM 12, and the storage device 30, respectively, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

[0048] The storage device 330 stores a program 332 for implementing various processes in the terminal device 300 and various data.

[0049] The display 341 displays various types of information. The input device 342 is used by the user to input instructions to the terminal device 300. The input device 342 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. Information on the position (coordinates) on the display 341 selected by the user using the input device 342 is output to the control device 310. The VRAM 343 functions as a memory for storing the content displayed on the display 341.

[0050] The communication interface 360 ​​is configured to be able to communicate with the communication interface 60 of the information processing device 100. The communication interface 360 ​​communicates with the information processing device 100 via a network. The network may be, for example, a public network such as the Internet, a public line (including a telephone line), or a public wireless LAN, or may be a private network such as a LAN or VPN.

[0051] (Functional configuration of information processing device) The functional configuration of the information processing device in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device in the first embodiment. The information processing device 100 in the first embodiment includes a control device 10, a storage device 30, an operation panel 40, a scanner 50, and a communication interface 60. The control device 10 includes an acquisition unit 111 and a transmission control unit 112. The acquisition unit 111 and the transmission control unit 112 are realized by the control device 10 executing a program 32.

[0052] User U refers to a person who has been requested by the creator of document D to send image data G of document D, that is, a sender who acts as an agent to transmit image data G. When user U wants to send image data G of document D to external device 200, user U places document D on platen 52 or document tray 53 of information processing device 100, inputs information indicating the destination of image data G (hereinafter also referred to as "destination information") into operation panel 40, and issues a transmission instruction. In the case of facsimile transmission, the destination information is the fax number of destination external device 200, and in the case of email transmission, it is the email address of destination external device 200. User U can input a transmission instruction by pressing a predetermined button on operation panel 40.

[0053] The operation panel 40 accepts destination information for the image data G and an instruction to send the image data G. When the destination information and the instruction to send are accepted by the operation panel 40, the scanner 50 acquires the image data G by scanning the document D and outputs the acquired image data G to the control device 10.

[0054] When the acquiring unit 111 receives the image data G from the scanner 50, the acquiring unit 111 analyzes the image data G and acquires, based on the analysis result, first information M1 indicating the approver P who is to permit the image data G to be transmitted to the external device 200. As described above, the approver P is the creator of the document D and the person who requested the user U to transmit the image data G. The first information M1 includes information identifying the approver P. As an example, the information identifying the approver P includes the approver P's name. As another example, the information identifying the approver P may include the approver P's position in the organization (e.g., department manager, section manager, etc.). As another example, the information identifying the approver P may include a photo of the approver P or an icon that identifies the approver P. Furthermore, based on the analysis result, the acquiring unit 111 acquires second information M2 indicating the destination of the image data G. The second information M2 is the fax number or email address of the external device 200. Here, the analysis process by the acquiring unit 111 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an analysis area in the first embodiment.

[0055] 6 is an image indicated by image data G, that is, an image acquired by the scanner 50 scanning the document D. The analysis areas of the acquisition unit 111 are an area AR1 and an area AR2.

[0056] Area AR1 is an area that includes information indicating the creator of document D (corresponding to "Person in Charge" in area AR1 in Figure 6). The information indicating the creator of document D includes information that identifies the creator of document D. In the example shown in Figure 6, the name of the creator of document D is included in area AR1 as information that identifies the creator of document D. Area AR1 includes areas AR11 and AR12. Area AR11 is an area that includes the signature or seal of the creator of document D, i.e., an area that includes the name of the creator of document D. Area AR12 is also an area that includes the name of the creator of document D. In this embodiment, area AR1 includes only information that indicates the creator of document D, and does not include information that indicates the reviewer of document D or the person responsible for document D. It is sufficient that area AR1 includes at least one of area AR11 and area AR12. In addition, instead of the name of the creator of document D, area AR1 may include the job title of the creator of document D in the organization (e.g., department manager, section manager, etc.), a photo of the creator of document D, or an icon that identifies the creator of document D.

[0057] Area AR2 is an area that includes information indicating the destination of image data G. Area AR2 includes the FAX number and email address of external device 200, which is the destination of image data G.

[0058] Information indicating these analysis areas is stored in the storage device 30 as analysis area information 34. When the acquisition unit 111 acquires the image data G, it first identifies the analysis areas of the image I based on the analysis area information 34. As a result, areas AR1 and AR2 are identified as the analysis areas.

[0059] Next, the acquisition unit 111 analyzes a character string (including at least one of letters, numbers, and symbols) included in the identified analysis area. As an example of the analysis, the acquisition unit 111 performs OCR (Optical Character Reader) processing on the identified analysis area. The acquisition unit 111 analyzes the area AR1 and acquires a name ("AA" in the example shown in FIG. 6) obtained as information indicating the approver P (first information M1). The acquisition unit 111 also analyzes the area AR2 and acquires a fax number or an email address (a fax number in the example shown in FIG. 6) obtained as information indicating the destination of the image data G (second information M2).

[0060] Referring again to Fig. 5, the transmission control unit 112 refers to the approver table TB1 stored in the storage device 30 and identifies the destination of the request R for transmission permission. The approver table TB1 will now be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the approver table in the first embodiment.

[0061] The approver table TB1 is an example of approver information. The approver table TB1 associates, for each of a plurality of candidates for the approver P, the name of the candidate with the destination of the terminal device 300 used by the candidate. For example, the email address of the terminal device 300 is associated as the destination of the terminal device 300. Based on the name indicated by the first information, the transmission control unit 112 identifies, from the approver table TB1, the destination of the candidate terminal device 300 corresponding to the name, as the destination of the request R for permission to send. As an example, if the name indicated by the first information is "AA," the transmission control unit 112 identifies, from the approver table TB1, the destination "aaa" corresponding to "AA" as the destination of the request R for permission to send.

[0062] 5 again, the transmission control unit 112 instructs the communication interface 60 to transmit a request R for permission to send to the identified destination ("aaa" in the examples shown in FIGS. 6 and 7). As a result, the communication interface 60 transmits the request R for permission to send to the terminal device 300 of the person whose name is included in the area AR1, that is, the creator of the document D.

[0063] The request R for permission to send will now be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the display of the terminal device in embodiment 1. As an example, the request R for permission to send is sent by email from the information processing device 100 to the terminal device 300, and a notification screen SG1 notifying the request R is displayed on the display 341 of the terminal device 300.

[0064] The notification screen SG1 includes a message R1 asking whether to permit transmission by the user U, information R2 indicating a transmission destination of the image data G acquired as second information M2 by the acquisition unit 111, and information R3 indicating a transmission destination of the image data G input by the user U to the operation panel 40. The notification screen SG1 also includes a button R4 for selecting a response to the request R. The button R4 includes a button R41 and a button R42. The button R41 is operated when the creator of the document D as the approver P permits the information processing device 100 to transmit the image data G to the external device 200. The button R42 is operated when the creator of the document D as the approver P prohibits the information processing device 100 from transmitting the image data G to the external device 200.

[0065] By displaying the notification screen SG1 on the display 341, the approver P can confirm whether the destination information of the image data G input by the user U to the operation panel 40 matches the destination information of the image data G acquired by the acquisition unit 111 (i.e., the destination information described in the document D). Therefore, the approver P can easily confirm whether the destination information of the image data G input by the user U to the operation panel 40 is correct. If the approver P permits the transmission, he / she clicks the button R41. As a result, a transmission permission is transmitted from the terminal device 300 to the information processing device 100. On the other hand, if the approver P does not permit the transmission, he / she clicks the button R42. As a result, a cancel instruction is transmitted from the terminal device 300 to the information processing device 100.

[0066] 5 again, when the communication interface 60 receives permission to send from the terminal device 300, the transmission control unit 112 instructs the communication interface 60 to send the image data G to the external device 200 specified by the destination information input to the operation panel 40 by the user U. As a result, the communication interface 60 transmits the image data G to the external device 200 specified by the destination information input to the operation panel 40 by the user U.

[0067] On the other hand, when the communication interface 60 receives a stop instruction from the terminal device 300, the transmission control unit 112 instructs the communication interface 60 to stop transmitting the image data G. As a result, the transmission of the image data G is stopped.

[0068] In addition, even if the communication interface 60 is unable to obtain either permission to send or an instruction to stop sending from the terminal device 300 within a specified time after sending the request R, the transmission control unit 112 may instruct the communication interface 60 to stop sending the image data G.

[0069] (Processing of the control device of the information processing device) 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the control device of the information processing device in embodiment 1. In step S1, the control device 10 receives destination information for image data G. The destination information is a fax number or email address of the external device 200 to which the image data G is to be sent, and is input to the operation panel 40 by the user U.

[0070] In step S2, the control device 10 determines whether an instruction to transmit image data G has been issued. The control device 10 determines that an instruction to transmit image data G has been issued when document D is placed on platen 52 or document tray 53 and a predetermined button on operation panel 40 is pressed. If the control device 10 determines that an instruction to transmit image data G has been issued (YES in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3.

[0071] In step S3, the control device 10 acquires image data G. The image data G is acquired by the scanner 50 scanning the document D, and is output to the control device 10.

[0072] In step S4, the control device 10 analyzes the image data G, and acquires first information M1 indicating the approver P and second information M2 indicating the destination of the image data G based on the analysis result.

[0073] In step S5, the control device 10 identifies a destination of the request for permission to send R based on the first information M1 and the approver table TB1.

[0074] In step S6, the control device 10 instructs the communication interface 60 to transmit a request R for permission to send to the identified destination.

[0075] In step S7, the control device 10 determines whether the transmission is permitted. The control device 10 determines that the transmission is permitted when it receives a transmission permission from the terminal device 300 that is the destination of the transmission permission request R. On the other hand, the control device 10 determines that the transmission is not permitted when it receives a stop instruction from the terminal device 300 that is the destination of the transmission permission request R, or when it is unable to obtain either a transmission permission or a stop instruction from the terminal device 300 within a predetermined time after transmitting the transmission permission request R.

[0076] If the control device 10 determines that the transmission is permitted (YES in step S7), the process proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, if the control device 10 determines that the transmission is not permitted (NO in step S7), the process proceeds to step S9.

[0077] In step S8, the control device 10 instructs the communication interface 60 to transmit the image data G to the external device 200 specified by the destination information input by the user U to the operation panel 40.

[0078] In step S9, the control device 10 instructs the communication interface 60 to stop transmitting the image data G.

[0079] After step S8 or step S9, the control device 10 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0080] In this way, the information processing device 100 in the first embodiment analyzes the image data G of the document D and, based on the analysis results, acquires the first information M1 indicating the approver P who is authorized to transmit the image data G to the external device 200. Therefore, the user U, i.e., the sender who acts as a proxy to transmit the image data G, does not need to consider who to designate as the approver P. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 in the first embodiment transmits the image data G to the external device 200 only when transmission permission is obtained from the terminal device 300 of the approver P indicated by the first information M1. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the sender and prevent erroneous transmission.

[0081] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 in the first embodiment transmits the request R for permission to send to the terminal device 300 of the approver P indicated by the first information M1. Therefore, the user U does not need to specify a destination for the request R for permission to send. This reduces the burden on the sender.

[0082] Furthermore, in the past, in order for the approver P to confirm that the destination information entered into the operation panel 40 matches the destination information described in the document D, the user U had to separately notify the approver P of the destination information entered into the operation panel 40, which was time-consuming. In contrast, the information processing device 100 in the first embodiment analyzes the image data G of the document D and, based on the analysis results, acquires second information M2 indicating the destination of the image data G. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 in the first embodiment transmits a request R including the second information M2 and the destination information entered by the user U into the operation panel 40 to the terminal device 300 of the approver P indicated by the first information M1. Therefore, the user U does not need to separately notify the approver P of the destination information entered into the operation panel 40. This reduces the burden on the sender.

[0083] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment, area AR1 includes only information indicating the creator of document D, and does not include information indicating the verifyer of document D or the person responsible for document D. In contrast, in the second embodiment, area AR1 includes information indicating multiple people including the creator of document D. The information processing device in the second embodiment transmits a request R for transmission permission to the terminal device 300 of the person corresponding to the creator of document D among the multiple people. Note that the configurations of the information processing device, external device, and terminal device in the second embodiment are similar to the configurations of the information processing device 100, external device 200, and terminal device 300 in the first embodiment, respectively, and therefore the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated. Furthermore, the processing flow of the control device 10 of the information processing device 100 in the second embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

[0084] In contrast, the method of specifying the analysis area, the approver table, and the destination of the request for transmission permission R in the second embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment. Therefore, the following describes the method of specifying the analysis area, the approver table, and the destination of the request for transmission permission R in the second embodiment.

[0085] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an analysis area in embodiment 2. Image I shown in Fig. 10 is an image indicated by image data G, that is, an image acquired by scanner 50 scanning document D. The analysis areas by acquisition unit 111 are area AR1 and area AR2.

[0086] Area AR1 includes area AR13. Area AR13 is an area including information indicating multiple people including the creator of document D (corresponding to "Person in Charge" in area AR13 in FIG. 10). The information indicating multiple people including the creator of document D includes information identifying multiple people including the creator of document D. In the example shown in FIG. 10, area AR13 includes the names of multiple people including the creator of document D as information identifying multiple people including the creator of document D. As an example, area AR13 is an area including the signatures or seals of the creator of document D, the verifying person of document D, and the person responsible for document D. Note that area AR13 may include, instead of the names of each of the multiple people, the titles of each of the multiple people in the organization (e.g., department manager, section manager, etc.), photos of each of the multiple people, or icons that can identify each of the multiple people. Note that area AR2 is similar to that in embodiment 1, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

[0087] Information indicating these analysis areas is stored in the storage device 30 as analysis area information 34. When the acquisition unit 111 acquires the image data G, it first identifies the analysis areas of the image I based on the analysis area information 34. As a result, areas AR13 and AR2 are identified as the analysis areas.

[0088] Next, the acquisition unit 111 analyzes a character string (including at least one of letters, numbers, and symbols) included in the identified analysis area. As an example of the analysis, the acquisition unit 111 performs OCR processing on the identified analysis area. The acquisition unit 111 analyzes the area AR13 and acquires a plurality of names ("AA," "DD," and "EE" in the example shown in FIG. 10) obtained as information indicating the approver P (first information M1). The acquisition unit 111 also analyzes the area AR2 and acquires a fax number or email address (a fax number in the example shown in FIG. 10) obtained as information indicating the destination of the image data G (second information M2).

[0089] 11 is a diagram showing an approver table in the second embodiment. The approver table TB2 is an example of approver information. In the second embodiment, the approver table TB2 is stored in the storage device 30 instead of the approver table TB1.

[0090] Approver table TB2 associates, for each of multiple candidates for approver P, the candidate's name, the candidate's attributes related to document D, and the destination of the terminal device 300 used by the candidate. The attributes related to document D of the candidate approver P include the document creator, document reviewer, and document manager. As an example, the creator of document D and the person in charge of the transaction are classified into an attribute called "document creator." Furthermore, the direct superior of the creator of document D and the person in charge of the transaction, and the leader of the same project as the creator of document D and the person in charge of the transaction, are classified into an attribute called "document reviewer." Furthermore, the superior of the creator of document D and the person in charge of the transaction who are not classified as "document reviewer," and the budget approver, are classified into an attribute called "document manager."

[0091] In the second embodiment, first, the transmission control unit 112 identifies the attribute of a candidate corresponding to each of the multiple names indicated in the first information from the approver table TB2. In the example shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the transmission control unit 112 identifies the attribute of a candidate corresponding to the name "AA" as "creator of the document," the attribute of a candidate corresponding to the name "DD" as "confirmer of the document," and the attribute of a candidate corresponding to the name "EE" as "person in charge of the document."

[0092] Next, the transmission control unit 112 specifies the destination of the terminal device 300 that is a candidate whose identified attribute indicates the creator of the document as the destination of the request for transmission permission R. In the example shown in Figures 10 and 11, of the multiple candidates corresponding to the multiple names indicated by the first information, the candidate whose identified attribute indicates the creator of the document is the candidate corresponding to the name "AA." Therefore, the transmission control unit 112 specifies the destination "aaa" corresponding to "AA" from the approver table TB2 as the destination of the request for transmission permission R.

[0093] Next, the transmission control unit 112 instructs the communication interface 60 to send a request R for permission to send to the identified destination ("aaa" in the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11). As a result, the communication interface 60 sends the request R for permission to send to the terminal device 300 of the creator of the document D whose name is included in the area AR13.

[0094] In this way, the information processing device 100 in the second embodiment transmits the request R for permission to send to the terminal device 300 of the person who corresponds to the creator of document D, among the multiple people whose names are included in the analysis area. Therefore, the user U does not need to consider who to designate as the approver P or specify the destination of the request R for permission to send. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 in the second embodiment transmits the image data G to the external device 200 only when permission to send is obtained from the terminal device 300 of the approver P (the creator of document D). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the sender and prevent erroneous transmissions.

[0095] [Embodiment 3] In the second embodiment, the request R for transmission permission was sent only to the terminal device 300 of the creator of document D whose name was included in the analysis area. In contrast, in the third embodiment, if transmission permission cannot be obtained from the terminal device 300 of the creator of document D within a predetermined time, the request R for transmission permission is sent to the checker or person in charge of document D whose name was included in the analysis area. Note that the configurations of the information processing device, external device, and terminal device in the third embodiment are similar to the configurations of the information processing device 100, external device 200, and terminal device 300 in the second embodiment, respectively, and therefore the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated. Furthermore, the analysis area and the information acquired from the analysis results (first information M1 and second information M2) in the third embodiment are similar to those in the second embodiment, and therefore their description will not be repeated.

[0096] In contrast, the approver table, the method for specifying the destination of the request for transmission permission R, and the processing flow of the control device 10 of the information processing device 100 in the third embodiment are different from those in the second embodiment. Therefore, the approver table, the method for specifying the destination of the request for transmission permission R, and the processing flow of the control device 10 of the information processing device 100 in the third embodiment will be described below.

[0097] 12 is a diagram showing an approver table in the third embodiment. The approver table TB3 is an example of approver information. In the third embodiment, the approver table TB3 is stored in the storage device 30 instead of the approver table TB2.

[0098] Approver table TB3 associates, for each of a plurality of candidates for approver P, the candidate's name, attributes related to document D of the candidate, the destination of the terminal device 300 used by the candidate, and the priority for selecting the candidate as approver P. As in the second embodiment, the attributes related to document D of the candidate approver P include the document creator, document reviewer, and document manager. In approver table TB3, the higher the priority, the smaller the number associated with the candidate.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 12, a candidate whose attribute indicates the creator of a document has a higher priority than a candidate whose attribute indicates the reviewer of a document, which in turn has a higher priority than a candidate whose attribute indicates the person responsible for the document.

[0100] In the third embodiment, first, the transmission control unit 112 identifies the priority of the candidate corresponding to each of the multiple names indicated in the first information from the approver table TB3. In the example shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 12, the transmission control unit 112 identifies the priority of the candidate corresponding to the name "AA" as "1," the priority of the candidate corresponding to the name "DD" as "2," and the priority of the candidate corresponding to the name "EE" as "3."

[0101] Next, the transmission control unit 112 identifies the destination of the terminal device 300 that is the candidate corresponding to the first priority, which is the highest of the identified priorities, as the first destination of the request for permission to send R. In the example shown in Figures 10 and 12, of the multiple candidates corresponding to the multiple names indicated by the first information, the candidate corresponding to the first priority is the candidate corresponding to the name "AA." Therefore, the transmission control unit 112 identifies the destination "aaa" corresponding to "AA" from the approver table TB3 as the first destination of the request for permission to send R.

[0102] Next, the transmission control unit 112 instructs the communication interface 60 to transmit a request R for permission to send to the destination identified as the first destination.

[0103] If transmission permission cannot be obtained from the terminal device 300 that is the first transmission destination within a predetermined time, the transmission control unit 112 specifies the destination of the terminal device 300 that is a candidate corresponding to the priority next to the first priority (hereinafter also referred to as the "second priority") among the specified priorities as the second transmission destination of the request for transmission permission R. In the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, among the multiple candidates corresponding to the multiple names indicated by the first information, the candidate corresponding to the priority next to the first priority is the candidate corresponding to the name "DD." Therefore, the transmission control unit 112 specifies the destination "ddd" corresponding to "DD" from the approver table TB3 as the second transmission destination of the request for transmission permission R.

[0104] Next, the transmission control unit 112 instructs the communication interface 60 to transmit a request R for permission to send to the destination identified as the second destination.

[0105] If transmission permission cannot be obtained from the terminal device 300 that is the second destination within a predetermined time, the transmission control unit 112 identifies the destination of the candidate terminal device 300 that corresponds to the next highest priority among the identified priorities as the third destination of the transmission permission request R. The transmission control unit 112 instructs the communication interface 60 to transmit the transmission permission request R to the destination identified as the third destination.

[0106] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control device of an information processing device according to Embodiment 3. Of the processing shown in Fig. 13, the same steps as those shown in Fig. 9 are denoted by the same step numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0107] In step S5A, the control device 10 identifies the priority of the candidates for the approver P. In detail, based on each of the multiple names indicated by the first information acquired in step S4, the control device 10 identifies the priority of the candidates for the approver P corresponding to the name from the approver table TB3.

[0108] In step S5B, the control device 10 specifies the destination of the candidate terminal device 300 corresponding to the first priority, which is the highest of the specified priorities, as the destination of the request R for permission to send.

[0109] In step S5C, the control device 10 instructs the communication interface 60 to transmit a request R for permission to send to the identified destination.

[0110] In step S5D, the control device 10 determines whether or not a stop instruction has been received from the terminal device 300. If the control device 10 has received a stop instruction from the terminal device 300 (YES in step S5D), the control device 10 proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if the control device 10 has not received a stop instruction from the terminal device 300 (NO in step S5D), the control device 10 proceeds to step S5E.

[0111] In step S5E, the control device 10 determines whether or not a transmission permission has been received from the terminal device 300. If the control device 10 has received a transmission permission from the terminal device 300 (YES in step S5E), the control device 10 proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, if the control device 10 has not received a transmission permission from the terminal device 300 (NO in step S5E), the control device 10 proceeds to step S5F.

[0112] In step S5F, the control device 10 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If the control device 10 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S5F), the process proceeds to step S5G. On the other hand, if the control device 10 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S5F), the process proceeds to step S5D.

[0113] In step S5G, the control device 10 determines whether or not transmission of transmission permission requests R has been completed for all candidates whose priorities were specified in step S5A. If the control device 10 determines that transmission of transmission permission requests R has been completed for all candidates whose priorities were specified in step S5A (YES in step S5G), the control device 10 proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if the control device 10 determines that transmission of transmission permission requests R has not been completed for all candidates whose priorities were specified in step S5A (NO in step S5G), the control device 10 proceeds to step S5H.

[0114] In step S5H, the destination of the candidate terminal device 300 corresponding to the next highest priority is identified as the destination of the request R for permission to send, and the process returns to step S5C.

[0115] As described above, if the information processing device 100 in the third embodiment cannot obtain transmission permission from the terminal device 300 of the creator of document D within a predetermined time, it transmits a transmission permission request R to the terminal device 300 of the reviewer or manager of document D in accordance with a predetermined priority order. Therefore, the user U does not need to request transmission permission from a different approver P again if transmission permission is not granted. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 in the third embodiment transmits the image data G to the external device 200 only when transmission permission is obtained from the terminal device 300 of the approver P (creator, reviewer, or manager of document D). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the sender and prevent erroneous transmission.

[0116] [Embodiment 4] In the first embodiment, the information processing device 100 transmitted a request R for permission to send to the terminal device 300 of the approver P (creator of the document D), regardless of whether the information indicating the destination of the image data G acquired as the second information M2 by the acquisition unit 111 matches the destination information of the image data G input by the user U to the operation panel 40. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, the information processing device transmits a request R for permission to send to the terminal device 300 of the approver P (creator of the document D) only when the information indicating the destination of the image data G acquired as the second information M2 by the acquisition unit 111 does not match the destination information of the image data G input by the user U to the operation panel 40.

[0117] Note that the configurations of the information processing device, external device, and terminal device in the fourth embodiment are similar to the configurations of the information processing device 100, external device 200, and terminal device 300 in the first embodiment, respectively, and therefore the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. In contrast, the content transmitted as the request for permission to send R and the processing flow of the control device 10 of the information processing device 100 in the fourth embodiment are different from those in the first embodiment. The following describes the content transmitted as the request for permission to send R and the processing flow of the control device 10 of the information processing device 100 in the fourth embodiment.

[0118] 14 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the display of a terminal device in embodiment 4. As an example, a request R for permission to send is sent by email from the information processing device 100 to the terminal device 300, and a notification screen SG2 notifying the request R is displayed on the display 341 of the terminal device 300.

[0119] The notification screen SG2 includes a message R5 informing the user U that the destination entered into the operation panel 40 may be incorrect, information R2 indicating the destination of the image data G acquired as second information M2 by the acquisition unit 111, and information R3 indicating the destination of the image data G entered into the operation panel 40 by the user U. The notification screen SG2 also includes a button R4 for selecting a response to the request R.

[0120] If the information indicating the destination of the image data G acquired as second information M2 by the acquisition unit 111 does not match the destination information of the image data G entered by the user U on the operation panel 40, the transmission control unit 112 determines that the destination information of the image data G entered by the user U on the operation panel 40 may be incorrect, and instructs the communication interface 60 to send a request R for permission to send to the terminal device 300 of the approver P.

[0121] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control device of an information processing device according to Embodiment 4. Of the processing shown in Fig. 15, the same steps as those shown in Fig. 9 are given the same step numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0122] In step S4A, the control device 10 analyzes the image data G and, based on the analysis result, acquires second information M2 indicating the destination of the image data G. Note that the details of the process of acquiring the second information M2 have been described in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be repeated here.

[0123] In step S4B, the control device 10 determines whether the destination information of the image data G input by the user U to the operation panel 40 matches the second information M2 acquired in step S4A. If the control device 10 determines that the destination information of the image data G input by the user U to the operation panel 40 matches the second information M2 acquired in step S4A (YES in step S4B), the process proceeds to step S8. As a result, the image data G is transmitted to the external device 200.

[0124] On the other hand, if the control device 10 determines that the destination information of the image data G input by the user U to the operation panel 40 does not match the second information M2 acquired in step S4A (NO in step S4B), it proceeds to step S4C.

[0125] In step S4C, the control device 10 analyzes the image data G and, based on the analysis result, acquires first information M1 indicating the approver P. Details of the process for acquiring the first information M1 have been explained in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be repeated here. After step S4C, the processes of steps S5 and S6 are executed, whereby a request R for transmission permission is sent to the terminal device 300 of the approver P (the creator of document D).

[0126] As described above, the information processing device 100 in the fourth embodiment transmits the request R for permission to send to the terminal device 300 of the approver P only when the information indicating the destination of the image data G acquired as the second information M2 by the acquisition unit 111 does not match the destination information of the image data G input by the user U to the operation panel 40. In other words, the request R for permission to send is sent to the terminal device 300 of the approver P only when there is a possibility of erroneous transmission. If the approver P is required to request permission to send every time he or she sends image data G, this places a burden on the approver P. Furthermore, there is a risk that the approval process by the approver P will become meaningless. However, according to the fourth embodiment, if the information indicating the destination of the image data G acquired as the second information M2 by the acquisition unit 111 matches the destination information of the image data G input by the user U to the operation panel 40, the request R for permission to send is not sent to the terminal device 300 of the approver P. Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to reduce the burden on the sender and the risk of erroneous transmission, and also to reduce the burden on the approver P and the need for the approver P's confirmation work to become a mere formality.

[0127] The technical idea of ​​the fourth embodiment may be applied to the second and third embodiments.

[0128] [Other variations] In the above embodiment, the analysis area information 34 and the approver tables TB1, TB2, and TB3 are stored in the storage device 30 of the information processing device 100. However, the analysis area information 34 and the approver tables TB1, TB2, and TB3 may be stored in a device that can communicate with the information processing device 100.

[0129] In addition, when a cancel instruction is received from the terminal device 300, or when neither permission to send nor a cancel instruction is received from the terminal device 300 within a specified time after sending the request R, the control device 10 may control the operation panel 40 to display a message on the operation panel 40 notifying that the sending of the image data G has been prohibited by the approver P.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the image data G is acquired by scanning the document D with the scanner 50, but the image data G may be stored in advance in the storage device 30. In such a case, the information processing device 100 does not need to be equipped with the scanner 50.

[0131] In the above embodiment, user U is a person who is requested by the creator of document D to transmit image data G of document D. However, user U may also be the creator of document D. In such a case, the request R for transmission permission is transmitted to the terminal device 300 of the creator of document D's superior (the "document reviewer" or the "document responsible person"). In detail, the acquisition unit 111 identifies an area that includes at least information indicating the "document reviewer" or the "document responsible person" as an analysis area, and acquires information indicating an approver (for example, the name of the "document reviewer" or the "document responsible person") based on the analysis results of the area. Then, the transmission control unit 112 instructs the communication interface 60 to transmit the request R for transmission permission to the terminal device 300 of the approver (the "document reviewer" or the "document responsible person") indicated by the acquired information.

[0132] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 10,210,310 Control device, 11,211,311 RAM, 12,212,312 ROM, 20,220 Image forming unit, 30,230,330 Storage device, 32,232,332 Program, 34 Analysis area information, 40,240 Operation panel, 41,241,341 Display, 42,242 Touch panel, 43,243,343 VRAM, 50,250 Scanner, 51 Cover, 52 Document table, 53 Document tray, 60,260,360 Communication interface, 70 Memory card interface, 70A Memory card, 99,299,399 Internal bus, 100 Information processing device, 111 Acquisition unit, 112 Transmission control unit, 200 External device, 300 Terminal device, 342 Input device, AR1, AR2, AR11, AR12, AR13 area, D document, G image data, I image, M1 first information, M2 second information, P approver, R request, SG1, SG2 notification screen, TB1, TB2, TB3 approver table, U user.

Claims

1. A transmitting unit that transmits image data to an external device; an acquisition unit that analyzes the image data and acquires, based on the analysis result, first information indicating an approver who permits transmission of the image data to the external device; a transmission control unit that transmits a request for permission to transmit the image data to the external device to the approver indicated by the first information, and controls the transmission unit to transmit the image data to the external device when the permission to transmit is obtained; The transmission control unit When the first information indicates a plurality of approvers, specifying a priority order of the plurality of approvers; designating the address of the approver corresponding to the highest first priority among the identified priorities as a first destination of the request; controlling the transmitting unit to transmit the request to the destination specified as the first destination; If the permission to send cannot be obtained from the first destination within a predetermined time, designate the address of the approver corresponding to the next highest priority among the identified priorities as a second destination of the request; an information processing device that controls the transmission unit to transmit the request to the destination specified as the second destination;

2. A transmission unit that transmits image data to an external device; an acquisition unit that analyzes the image data and acquires, based on the analysis result, first information indicating an approver who permits transmission of the image data to the external device; a transmission control unit that transmits a request for permission to transmit the image data to the external device to the approver indicated by the first information, and controls the transmission unit to transmit the image data to the external device when the permission to transmit is obtained; The transmission control unit When the first information indicates a plurality of approvers, specifying a priority order of the plurality of approvers; designating the address of the approver corresponding to the highest first priority among the identified priorities as a first destination of the request; controlling the transmitting unit to transmit the request to the destination specified as the first destination; If neither the permission to send nor an instruction to stop sending the image data to the external device is obtained from the first destination within a predetermined time, designate the address of the approver corresponding to the next highest priority among the identified priorities as a second destination of the request; an information processing device that controls the transmission unit to transmit the request to the destination specified as the second destination;

3. A transmission unit that transmits image data to an external device; an acquisition unit that analyzes the image data and acquires, based on the analysis result, first information indicating an approver who permits transmission of the image data to the external device; a transmission control unit that transmits a request for permission to transmit the image data to the external device to the approver indicated by the first information, and controls the transmission unit to transmit the image data to the external device when the permission to transmit is obtained; a receiving unit that receives destination information of the image data; the acquiring unit acquires second information indicating a destination of the image data based on the analysis result; The information processing device, wherein the transmission control unit controls the transmission unit to transmit the request when the destination information and the second information do not match.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a scanner that scans a document to acquire the image data.

5. A computer-implemented control method for controlling the transmission of image data, comprising: analyzing the image data and, based on the analysis result, acquiring first information indicating an approver who permits transmission of the image data to an external device; transmitting a request for permission to transmit the image data to the external device to the approver indicated by the first information, and controlling a communication interface to transmit the image data to the external device when the permission to transmit is obtained; Sending the request to the approver indicated by the first information When the first information indicates a plurality of approvers, specifying a priority order of the plurality of approvers; designating the address of the approver corresponding to the highest first priority among the identified priorities as a first destination of the request; sending the request to the destination designated as the first destination; If the permission to send cannot be obtained from the first destination within a predetermined time, designating the address of the approver corresponding to the next highest priority among the identified priorities as a second destination of the request; and transmitting the request to the destination designated as the second destination.

6. A computer-implemented control method for controlling the transmission of image data, comprising: analyzing the image data and, based on the analysis result, acquiring first information indicating an approver who permits transmission of the image data to an external device; transmitting a request for permission to transmit the image data to the external device to the approver indicated by the first information, and controlling a communication interface to transmit the image data to the external device when the permission to transmit is obtained; Sending the request to the approver indicated by the first information When the first information indicates a plurality of approvers, specifying a priority order of the plurality of approvers; designating the address of the approver corresponding to the highest first priority among the identified priorities as a first destination of the request; sending the request to the destination designated as the first destination; If neither the permission to send nor an instruction to stop sending the image data to the external device is obtained from the first destination within a predetermined time, designating the address of the approver corresponding to the next highest priority among the identified priorities as a second destination of the request; and transmitting the request to the destination designated as the second destination.

7. A computer-implemented control method for controlling the transmission of image data, comprising: analyzing the image data and, based on the analysis result, acquiring first information indicating an approver who permits transmission of the image data to an external device; transmitting a request for permission to transmit the image data to the external device to the approver indicated by the first information, and when the permission to transmit is obtained, controlling a communication interface so as to transmit the image data to the external device; receiving destination information of the image data; and acquiring second information indicating a destination of the image data based on the analysis result; A control method, wherein sending the request to the approver indicated by the first information includes sending the request when the destination information and the second information do not match.

8. A control program executed by a processor mounted on a computer, the control program causing the computer to execute the control method according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

Images