Image processing device, processing system, and processing method

Abstract

To provide an image processing device, etc. that can prevent input errors in e-mail addresses and eliminate the hassle of input when setting an e-mail destination related to a Scan to E-mail function.SOLUTION: An image processing device includes a display portion capable of accepting the specification of an e-mail destination, a transmitting / receiving unit capable of transmitting and receiving the e-mail, a job execution unit that executes a job via the e-mail, and a control unit that acquires destination information of the e-mail to be sent as the job from reception information of the received e-mail and displays it on the display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Some image processing devices, such as multifunction peripherals, have a function (scan to e-mail function) that converts scanned data of a document into electronic data, such as PDF, and sends the converted electronic data as an attachment to an e-mail.

[0003] Conventionally, when setting the destination of an e-mail, a user sets the destination by selecting the desired e-mail address from the destination information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the address book) managed by the image processing device, or if the address book does not manage the desired e-mail address, the user directly enters the e-mail address via an input means such as a keyboard.

[0004] On the other hand, in order to set the destination of an e-mail more efficiently, a method is also known in which the destination is set by reading a printed copy of encoded information that encodes information about the destination's email address using a reading means such as a camera (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-325168 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, with the conventional technology, there are problems such as incorrect sending due to inputting an email address, and inputting an email address is time-consuming. Also, when setting a destination by reading the coded information according to Patent Document 1, it is necessary to prepare the coded information in a format that can be read by an image processing device, which is time-consuming.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to provide an image processing device, etc. that can prevent input errors in email addresses when setting the destination of emails related to the Scan to Email function, and eliminate the hassle of inputting email addresses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the image processing device of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising a display unit capable of accepting designation of a destination of an e-mail, a transmission / reception unit capable of sending and receiving the e-mail, a job execution unit that executes a job via the e-mail, and a control unit that obtains destination information of the e-mail to be sent as the job from reception information of the received e-mail and displays the information on the display unit.

[0009] In addition, the processing system according to the present disclosure is characterized by comprising an image processing device having a terminal device that sends an email containing destination information written in a predetermined format, a display unit that can accept designation of the destination of the email, a sending / receiving unit that can send and receive the email, a job execution unit that executes a job via the email, and a control unit that obtains the destination information of the email to be sent as the job from the email received from the terminal device and displays it on the display unit.

[0010] In addition, the processing method according to the present disclosure is characterized by comprising a designation step of accepting designation of a destination of an email, a sending and receiving step of sending and receiving the email, a job execution step of executing a job via the email, and a control step of obtaining destination information of the email to be sent as the job from reception information of the received email and displaying the information on a display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an image processing device, etc., which can prevent input errors in email addresses when setting the destination of electronic data via email using the Scan to Email function, and eliminate the hassle of inputting email addresses. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 2 is a diagram illustrating one configuration of a connection form of a multifunction peripheral to a network NW according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is an external perspective view of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a format information management table. [Figure 5] 1A is a diagram illustrating a destination information management table, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a registrant information management table managed by the multifunction peripheral. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a registrant information management table managed by the terminal device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a format storage area. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a functional configuration diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to a second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this disclosure, a multifunction peripheral capable of performing jobs related to copying, faxing, scanning, email, and the like in a single housing will be described as one embodiment of an image processing device according to the present disclosure. In particular, the multifunction peripheral described in this disclosure is an image processing device capable of executing a scan-to-email function as a job, which converts scanned data of a document into electronic data such as a PDF and sends the converted electronic data as an attachment to an email. In the following description, the term "job" refers to a job related to the scan-to-email function, unless otherwise specified. Note that the following embodiment is an example for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the description set forth in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0014] [1 First Embodiment] The first embodiment is a configuration of a multifunction peripheral that acquires destination information for an email to be sent as a job from the reception information of a received email and displays the information on the display unit. Here, the reception information is character information contained in the header and main body (referred to as the body) of the email. Furthermore, the destination information is information contained in the reception information of the received email, such as an email address for determining the destination of the email to be sent as a job, and character information for identifying that the received email is an email related to the Scan to Email function. The configuration of the destination information will be explained later.

[0015] [1.1 Overall structure] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating one configuration of a connection topology of the multifunction peripheral 10 to a network NW. Examples of the network NW include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and the Internet. FIG. 1 illustrates a topology in which the multifunction peripheral 10 and a mail server 90 are connected to a network NW1, and terminal devices 50a, 50b, and 50c are connected to a network NW2, with the networks NW1 and NW2 being connected to each other. However, the topology of the networks NW is not limited to this. For example, the multifunction peripheral 10 and terminal devices 50 (50a to 50b) may be connected to the same network NW, and the mail server 90 may be connected to a different network NW. The topology of the multifunction peripheral 10 to the network NW is not particularly limited as long as it allows for receiving emails sent from the terminal devices 50 (50a to 50c).

[0016] [1.2 Functional Configuration] [1.2.1 About the Multifunction Device 10] The functional configuration of the multifunction device 10 will be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3. Fig. 2 is an external perspective view that schematically explains the overall configuration of the multifunction device 10. Fig. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction device 10. The multifunction device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation input unit 15, a communication unit 17, an image forming unit 19, an image reading unit 21, a short-range wireless communication unit 23, and a storage unit 29.

[0017] The control unit 11 controls the entire multifunction device 10. The control unit 11 is configured, for example, with one or more arithmetic units (CPUs (Central Processing Units) and the like). The control unit 11 realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 29.

[0018] The display unit 13 displays various types of information to the user, etc. The display unit 13 can be configured by a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-luminescence) display.

[0019] The operation input unit 15 accepts information input by a user or the like. The operation input unit 15 can be configured with hard keys (for example, a numeric keypad), buttons, etc. The operation input unit 15 can be configured as a touch panel that allows input via the display unit 13. In this case, the input method of the touch panel can be a general method such as a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a capacitance method.

[0020] The communication unit 17 includes a wired / wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices via a communication line such as a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, a telephone line, a fax line, etc. The communication unit 17 also functions as a transmitting / receiving unit for transmitting and receiving e-mails.

[0021] Image forming unit 19 forms an image based on image data on paper as a recording medium. Image forming unit 19 feeds paper from paper feed unit 25, forms an image on the paper based on the image data, and then discharges the paper to paper discharge unit 27. Image forming unit 19 can be configured, for example, by a laser printer that uses an electrophotographic method. In this case, image forming unit 19 forms an image using toner supplied from toner cartridges (not shown) that correspond to toner colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black).

[0022] The image reading unit 21 generates image data by scanning and reading the document image to be read. The image reading unit 21 can be configured as a scanner device equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor). There are no limitations on the configuration of the image reading unit 21 as long as it is configured to generate image data by reading a reflected light image from the document image with an image sensor.

[0023] The short-range wireless communication unit 23 communicates with other devices such as the terminal device 50 using a short-range wireless communication protocol such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared, NFC, or RFID. Note that it is also possible to configure the communication unit 17 to take on some of the functions of the short-range wireless communication unit 23.

[0024] The storage unit 29 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the multifunction device 10. The storage unit 29 can be configured with a storage device such as a RAM (Random access memory), an HDD (Hard disk drive), an SSD (Solid state drive), or a ROM (Read only memory).

[0025] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 29 stores a control program 291, a job execution program 292, an email program 293, and a display processing program 294, and reserves a format information management table 295, a destination information management table 296, and a registrant information management table 297.

[0026] The control program 291 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 to realize operations in each operation mode, such as copy, fax, scan, email, etc. The control unit 11 that reads the control program 291 realizes each operation mode by controlling the display unit 13, operation input unit 15, communication unit 17, image forming unit 19, image reading unit 21, short-range wireless communication unit 23, etc.

[0027] The job execution program 292 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when executing a job in each operation mode such as copy, fax, scan, or email. After reading the job execution program 292, the control unit 11 controls the scan and email operations to execute a job based on the Scan to Email function, etc.

[0028] The email program 293 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 when sending or receiving emails. After reading the email program 293, the control unit 11 sends or receives emails based on protocols such as SMTP (Simple mail transfer protocol), POP (Post office protocol), and IMAP (Internet message access protocol).

[0029] The email program 293 also includes a received information analysis program 2931. The received information analysis program 2931 is a program that the control unit 11 reads when obtaining destination information for an email to be sent as a job from the reception information of a received email. When the reception information includes destination information written in a predetermined format (hereinafter referred to as a format), the control unit 11 reads the received information analysis program 2931 and obtains the destination information.

[0030] The display processing program 294 is a program that the control unit 11 reads out when controlling the display unit 13 and the operation input unit 15. The control unit 11 that reads out the display processing program 294 controls the output of, for example, a destination selection screen, which will be described later. Furthermore, the control unit 11 that reads out the display processing program 294 can display, on the display unit 13, an email address of the multifunction peripheral 10, which will be described later, and encoded information that encodes the email address, which will be described later. Note that in this disclosure, the control unit 11 is described as controlling input and output of a touch panel that is an integrated configuration of the display unit 13 and the operation input unit 15, but it is also possible to configure the display unit 13 and the operation input unit 15 separately and control each independently.

[0031] The format information management table 295 is a table for managing information related to formats. After reading the received information analysis program 2931, the control unit 11 can determine whether the received information of the received email contains destination information written in a predetermined format by referring to the format information management table 295.

[0032] Here, the format information management table 295 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating one form of the format information management table 295 according to the first embodiment. The format information management table 295 includes a format ID, a format, and a value. The format ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying a format. The format is a character string for identifying the format. The value represents any value stored in the format.

[0033] Here, the format of format ID "#01" is represented by the format "Scan" and is a format called the standard format. The standard format is a format for identifying that an email is an email containing destination information related to a job of the Scan to E-mail function. The format "Scan" related to format "#01" is written in the subject. When the control unit 11 receives an email with "Scan" written in the subject, it recognizes that the email is an email related to a job of the Scan to E-mail function and can distinguish it from other emails that are not intended for Scan to E-mail, such as mistyped emails or spam emails.

[0034] The format of format ID "#02" is expressed in the format "Pass:[]" and is a format related to private functions. The format "Pass:[]" related to format ID "#02" is written in the body, and an arbitrary password (*****) written in the "[]" in the format is set as the value. When the control unit 11 receives an email with "Pass:[*****]", which is authentication information for user authentication, written in the body, it notifies the user that an email destination has been set and requests the user to enter a password when an operation related to the Scan to Email function is performed. Only when the entered password matches the value "*****", will the control unit 11 perform control to automatically set the email destination or prompt the user to select a destination.

[0035] The format of format ID "#03" is expressed in the format "Time:[]", and is a format for setting a predetermined time. The format "Time:[]" related to format ID "#03" is written in the body of the email, and an arbitrary predetermined time (*****) written in the "[]" in the format is set as the value. When the control unit 11 receives an email with "Time:[*****]" written in the body of the email, it reserves processing until the predetermined time has passed. Here, the predetermined time is a time set when it is expected that the time required for the email to actually arrive at the multifunction device 10 after the user sends it will exceed a preset default setting time (e.g., 5 minutes). The predetermined time can be set to any time; for example, in units of seconds, minutes, or hours, or it is also possible to specify a day, month, year, or specific date.

[0036] The format of format ID "#04" is expressed in the format "CC:[]", and is a format related to the broadcast transmission function. The format "CC:[]" related to format ID "#04" is written in the body of the email, and any email address (*****@*****) written in the "[]" in the format is set as the value. When the control unit 11 receives an email with "CC:[*****@*****]" written in the body of the email, it can perform broadcast transmission to the email address set as the value. Note that email addresses written in "CC:[*****@*****]" are not displayed on the destination selection screen described below, and instead "Broadcast transmission enabled" is displayed.

[0037] The format of format ID "#05" is represented by the format "TO:[]", and is a format related to the function of adding a TO destination in addition to the reply destination email address and the Reply-to destination email address. The format "TO:[]" related to format ID "#05" is written in the body of the email, and any email address (*****@*****) written in the "[]" in the format is set as the value. When the control unit 11 receives an email address with "TO:[*****@*****]" written in the body of the email, it can send an email to the email address set as the value. The email address written in "TO:[*****@*****]" is displayed on the destination selection screen described below.

[0038] The format of format ID "#06" is expressed in the format "BCC:[]", and in the first embodiment, this is a format related to a function similar to broadcast transmission. The format "BCC:[]" related to format ID "#06" is written in the body of the email, and any email address (*****@*****) written in the "[]" in the format is set as the value. When the control unit 11 receives an email with "BCC:[*****@*****]" written in the body of the email, it can send the email to the email address set as the value. Note that the email address written in "BCC:[*****@*****]" is not displayed on the destination selection screen described below, and instead "BCC sent" is displayed.

[0039] The format of format ID "#07" is a format related to a combination of formats "#01" to "#06." The format related to format ID "#07" can include all or part of the formats "#01" to "#06."

[0040] 3, the destination information management table 296 is a table for managing destination information obtained from reception information of received e-mails. Here, one form of the destination information management table 296 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5(a).

[0041] The destination information management table 296 includes an email ID, a reply email address, a format ID, and an email address. The email ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying a received email. The reply email address indicates the email address of the reply destination (sender) of the email written in the header of the received email. If an email address is set in Reply to, that email address is also acquired. The format ID indicates a predetermined format included in the reception information of the received email using the format ID. If the predetermined format included in the reception information is a format related to format IDs "#04" to "#07," the email address indicates the email address written in that format. The destination information management table 296 can also be provided with further items related to reception, such as date and time information when the email identified by the email ID was received and the number of times it was received.

[0042] For example, an email associated with email ID "#1011" has a reply-to (sender) email address of "user1@sample.com" and "nnnn@sample.com" set in Reply to. The email associated with email ID "#1011" has "Scan" in the subject line for the standard format, and the body of the email contains a predetermined password (not shown) for format ID "#02" and an email address ("cccc@xyz.com") for the broadcast sending function for format ID "#04."

[0043] Also, for example, the email associated with email ID "#1020" is an example in which the reply-to (sender) email address is set to "user3@sample.com." The email associated with email ID "#1020" represents an example in which the subject line contains "Scan," which is related to the standard format, but the body does not contain destination information in the specified format.

[0044] The control unit 11 can set the destination of an e-mail to be sent as a job by referring to the destination information management table 296.

[0045] 3, the registrant information management table 297 is a table for managing registrant information, that is, an address book, registered in the multifunction device 10. Here, one form of the registrant information management table 297 managed by the multifunction device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 5(b).

[0046] The registrant information management table 297 includes a registrant ID, a registrant name, and an email address. The registrant ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying a registrant registered in the multifunction device 10. The registrant name indicates the name or title of the registrant. The email address indicates the email address of the registrant. In addition to the items exemplified in FIG. 5(b), the registrant information management table can also include registration items such as address, residence, telephone number, fax number, and department name.

[0047] For example, the email address "yamada@sample.com" is registered for the registrant name "yamada taro" identified by the registrant ID "RI01." The email addresses registered in the registrant information management table 237 can be used as email destinations for functions such as Scan to Email.

[0048] [1.2.2 Terminal Device 50] The terminal devices 50a, 50b, and 50c can be configured as information processing terminal devices such as smartphones, tablets, mobile phones, notebook computers, desktop computers, etc. Since the terminal devices 50a, 50b, and 50c can have the same configuration, they will be described below as the terminal device 50.

[0049] 6 is a functional configuration diagram of the terminal device 50. The terminal device 50 includes a control unit 51, a display unit 53, an operation input unit 55, a communication unit 57, a short-range wireless communication unit 59, an imaging / scanning unit 61, and a storage unit 63.

[0050] The control unit 51 controls the entire terminal device 50. The control unit 51 is configured by, for example, one or more arithmetic units (CPUs, etc.), and realizes its functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 63.

[0051] Display unit 53 displays various information to the user, etc. Display unit 53 can be configured with, for example, an LCD, an organic EL display, etc. Display unit 53 can display, for example, a destination selection screen for selecting a destination of an e-mail, based on display control by control unit 51 that has read application program 631.

[0052] The operation input unit 55 receives information input from a user or the like. The operation input unit 55 can be configured as a touch panel display that allows input via the display unit 53. In this case, the input method for the touch panel display can be, for example, a resistive film method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, a capacitance method, or the like.

[0053] The communication unit 57 has either a wired or wireless interface or both for communicating with other devices via a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, a telephone line, etc. The communication unit 57 also functions as a sending / receiving unit for sending and receiving e-mails.

[0054] The short-range wireless communication unit 59 communicates with other devices such as the multifunction device 10 using a short-range wireless communication protocol such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared, NFC, or RFID. The short-range wireless communication unit 59 communicates with the short-range wireless communication unit 23 of the multifunction device 10, and can also acquire the email address of the multifunction device 10 when it is provided as electronic data. Note that it is also possible for the communication unit 57 to take on some of the functions of the short-range wireless communication unit 59.

[0055] The imaging and scanning unit 61 can be, for example, an imaging device such as a camera, a scanning device using laser light, etc. The imaging and scanning unit 61 can acquire the email address displayed by the multifunction device 10 based on the control of the control unit 51 that has read the multifunction device information acquisition program 6313. There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the imaging and scanning unit 61 as long as it is capable of acquiring the email address of the multifunction device 10.

[0056] The storage unit 63 stores various programs and various data required for the operation of the terminal device 50. The storage unit 63 can be configured by a storage device such as a RAM, an HDD, an SSD, or a ROM.

[0057] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 63 stores an application program 631, and reserves a registrant information management table 633 and a format storage area 635.

[0058] The application program 631 is a program that the control unit 51 reads when executing various applications such as calls, faxes, social networking services, video and music viewing, games, etc. In addition to these various applications, the application program 631 also includes an email program 6311 and a multifunction device information acquisition program 6313.

[0059] The email program 6311 is a program that is read by the control unit 51 when sending or receiving emails. After reading the email program 6311, the control unit 51 sends or receives emails based on protocols such as SMTP, POP, IMAP, etc. Furthermore, after reading the email program 6311, the control unit 51 can create emails written based on the format stored in the format storage area 635 and send the emails to the multifunction device 10.

[0060] The multifunction device information acquisition program 6313 is a program that is read by the control unit 51 when acquiring the email address of the multifunction device 10 from the multifunction device 10. The control unit 51 that has read the multifunction device information acquisition program 6313 acquires the email address of the multifunction device 10 by controlling the communication unit 57, the short-range wireless communication unit 59, the imaging / scanning unit 61, etc.

[0061] The registrant information management table 633 is a table for managing registrant information, that is, an address book, registered in the terminal device 50. Here, one form of the registrant information management table 633 managed by the terminal device 50 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0062] The registrant information management table 633 includes a registrant ID, a registrant name, and an email address. The registrant ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying a registrant registered in the terminal device 50. The registrant name indicates the name or title of the registrant. The email address indicates the email address of the registrant. In addition to the items exemplified in FIG. 7, the registrant information management table 633 can also include registration items such as address, residence, telephone number, fax number, and department name.

[0063] For example, the email address "cccc@xyz.com" is registered to the registrant name "ai ueo" identified by the registrant ID "001." The email addresses managed in the registrant information management table 633 can be used as destinations for regular emails and for emails written in a specified format.

[0064] The format storage area 635 is a storage area that stores the formats described above. As shown in Fig. 8, the format storage area 635 stores a format for each format ID (format IDs #01 to #07). The control unit 51 that reads out the email program 6311 can create an email written based on the format stored in the format storage area 635 and send it to the multifunction device 10.

[0065] [1.2.3 About Mail Server 90] The mail server 90 is a mail server that sends e-mails sent from the terminal device 50 to the multifunction device 10. There are no particular restrictions on the mail server 90, as long as it has the functions and configuration of an SMTP server, a POP server, an IMAP server, a DNS (Domain name system) server, etc., and it is possible to use a mail distribution service provided by a general provider, etc. Therefore, a description of the mail server 90 will be omitted here.

[0066] [1.3 Processing flow] Next, the processing flow of the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the multifunction device 10. This processing can be executed by the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 reading out a control program 291, a job execution program 292, an email program 293, a display processing program 294, etc.

[0067] First, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an email has been received (step S10). If it is determined that an email has been received, the control unit 11 stores the reception time (step S10; Yes → step S20). On the other hand, if it is determined that an email has not been received, the control unit 11 waits until an email is received (step S10; No).

[0068] The control unit 11 analyzes the received information of the received e-mail (step S30). As a result of analyzing the received information, the control unit 11 determines whether the received information includes destination information written in a predetermined format (see FIGS. 4, 9, etc.) (step S40).

[0069] If it is determined that destination information written in a predetermined format is included, the control unit 11 acquires the destination information and adds the acquired destination information to the destination information management table 296 (step S40: Yes → step S50). On the other hand, if it is determined that destination information written in a predetermined format is not included, the control unit 11 acquires an email address of the reply destination (sender) of the email from the header part of the email, or if an email address is set in the Reply to field, as destination information and adds it to the destination information management table 296 (step S40: No → step S60).

[0070] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a selection instruction for a job based on the Scan to E-mail function has been input (step S70). Note that the selection instruction for a job based on the Scan to E-mail function can be received, for example, via a home screen (not shown).

[0071] If it is determined that an instruction to select the Scan to E-mail function has been received, the control unit 11 determines whether the difference between the time the e-mail was received and the current time is equal to or less than a default time setting (for example, 5 minutes) (step S70; Yes → step S80). Note that if it is determined that an instruction to execute Scan to E-mail has not been received, the control unit 11 waits until the instruction to execute the function is received (step S70; No).

[0072] If it is determined that the difference between the time the email was received and the current time is equal to or less than the default time setting, the control unit 11 displays a destination selection screen, which will be described later, on the display unit 13 (step S80; Yes→step S90).

[0073] Then, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the user has selected an email destination as a job via the displayed destination selection screen (step S100). If it is determined that the user has selected an email destination, the control unit 11 sets the destination selected by the user as the destination for Scan to Email (step S100; Yes → step S110). Then, the control unit 11 executes the job and ends the process (step S120).

[0074] On the other hand, if it is determined that the difference between the time the email was received and the current time is longer than the default setting time (step S80; No), or if it is determined that the user has not selected a destination for the email (step S100; No), the control unit 11 displays a destination input field and a destination selection screen (step S130).

[0075] Next, the control unit 11 sets the destination entered via the destination input field or the destination selected via the destination selection screen as the destination of Scan to E-mail (step S140), and then the control unit 11 executes the job and ends the process (step S120).

[0076] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing in the terminal device 50. This processing can be executed by the control unit 51 of the terminal device 50 reading out the email program 6311, the multifunction device information acquisition program 6313, etc., of the application program 631.

[0077] First, upon receiving a start-up instruction from the user, control unit 51 reads out email program 6311 to start up the email application (step S200).

[0078] Next, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the operation via the email application is an operation relating to the creation of an email addressed to the multifunction device 10 (step S210). Whether or not the operation is relating to the creation of an email addressed to the multifunction device 10 can be determined by, for example, detecting an operation to specify an email address addressed to the multifunction device 10, or an operation to obtain the email address of the multifunction device 10 via the communication unit 57, the short-range wireless communication unit 59, the imaging / scanning unit 61, etc.

[0079] If it is determined that the operation is related to creating an email addressed to the multifunction device 10, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the email address of the multifunction device 10 has been acquired (step S210; Yes→step S220). If it is determined that the operation is not related to creating an email addressed to the multifunction device 10, the control unit 51 displays an email creation screen (not shown) on the display unit 13 and creates an email based on the operation by the user (step S210; No→step S250).

[0080] If it is determined that the email address of the multifunction device 10 has been acquired, the control unit 51 determines whether the email uses a predetermined format (step S230). If it is determined that the email address of the multifunction device 10 has not been acquired, the control unit 51 waits until the email address is acquired (step S220; No).

[0081] When the control unit 51 determines that the email uses a predetermined format, it acquires the corresponding format from the format information management table 295 (step S230; Yes → step S240). Note that when there is no need to acquire the corresponding format and the user directly creates an email in a predetermined format, the process of step S240 can be omitted.

[0082] Then, the control unit 51 creates an e-mail (step S250), sends the created e-mail to the multifunction device 10 (step S260), and ends the process.

[0083] [1.4 Example of operation] Next, an example of operation according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 11 shows an example of the display format of an email address displayed by the multifunction device 10 on the display unit 13. When displaying an email address on the display unit 13, the control unit 11 can display the user's own email address by reading out the display processing program 294.

[0084] 11 includes an email address display area R10, which includes a direct address display area R12 and an encoded information display area R14.

[0085] The direct address display area R12 is an area that directly displays the email address of the multifunction device 10 as a string of characters (numbers, English letters, kana, hiragana, kanji, symbols, etc.). The user can send an email to the multifunction device 10 by inputting the email address displayed in the direct address display area R12 via an email application running on the terminal device 50.

[0086] The coded information display area R14 is an area that displays the email address of the multifunction peripheral 10 as coded information. The coded information may be a one-dimensional code such as a barcode (e.g., EAN code, JAN code, Codabar, CODE128, etc.) or a two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code may be a stack-type two-dimensional code (e.g., PDF417, CODE49, etc.) or a matrix-type two-dimensional code (e.g., Quick Response Code (QR Code (registered trademark)), Data Matrix, VeriCode, Aztec, etc.). In the following description, a QR Code (registered trademark) will be used as an example of coded information. A user can acquire the coded information via the imaging / scanning unit 61 of the terminal device 50. Then, the acquired coded information can be decoded to acquire the email address of the multifunction peripheral 10.

[0087] The email address of the multifunction device 10 displayed in the address direct display area R12 and the encoded information display area R14 can also be displayed on the exterior of the multifunction device 10, as shown in Fig. 12. In this case, the email address and encoded information to be displayed in the address direct display area R12 and / or the encoded information display area R14 can be formed on a sticker or the like and fixed by sticking it to a predetermined position P10 on the exterior of the multifunction device 10.

[0088] Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an operation screen of an email application running on the terminal device 50. The operation screen W20a illustrated in Fig. 13(a) represents the operation screen immediately after an email address has been acquired from the multifunction device 10 (for example, immediately after a QR code (registered trademark) has been read). On the other hand, the operation screen W20b illustrated in Fig. 13(b) represents the operation screen when the user has entered destination information in a predetermined format after acquiring an email address from the multifunction device 10. Note that Fig. 13 describes an example of the operation when user1 associated with the registrant ID "010" registered in the terminal device 50 sends an email to the multifunction device 10 (see Fig. 7).

[0089] 13(a), the operation screen W20a includes a header HE10 and a body BD10. The header HE10 includes the email address "user1@sample.com" of the user (user1) who is the sender of the email, the email address "MFP@aaa.co.jp" of the destination multifunction peripheral 10, and the subject "Scan."

[0090] Figure 13(a) shows an example in which the email address of the multifunction device 10 obtained using the method described in Figures 11, 12, etc. is set as the email destination, and the value "Scan" related to the standard format is set as the subject.

[0091] Furthermore, the main BD 10 displays "Add another destination" so that a value related to the format ID "#04" can be input.

[0092] By entering a destination (broadcast destination) based on the format ID "#04" in the "Add another destination" field of the main body BD10, the user can send an e-mail to the destination.

[0093] For example, Figure 13(b) shows an example in which the user has added "CC:[ccc@xyz.com]" as an alternative destination based on the format ID "#04." In this way, by describing a destination based on a specified format as an alternative destination in the body BD10, an email can be sent to that destination.

[0094] Fig. 14(a) is a diagram illustrating an operation screen W20c according to another embodiment of the operation screen W20a illustrated in Fig. 13(a). The operation screen W20c illustrated in Fig. 14(a) includes options such as "Add another destination" for the format ID "#04" of the main BD10, as well as "Scan settings," "Resolution selection," "Select (color, grayscale)," and "Format selection." These options are configured to be selectable by the user, and the selected option can be sent to the multifunction device 10 as job setting information for the Scan to E-mail function.

[0095] Figure 14(b) is a diagram illustrating the operation screen W20d when the user adds "CC:[ccc@xyz.com]" as a separate destination based on the format ID "#04" and further selects the selection values ​​of "Resolution selection: 600" and "Format selection: JPG." In this way, it is possible to write a destination based on a specified format as a separate destination in the main text BD10 and also to set a job related to the Scan to E-mail function, so that an e-mail based on the desired settings can be sent to the destination.

[0096] Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a simple setting screen W30 displayed by the multifunction device 10. The simple setting screen W30 illustrated in Fig. 15 is a setting screen related to the settings of an image transmission job that functions mainly in the operation mode of email transmission. Note that Fig. 15 also illustrates an example of the configuration of a simple setting screen W30 displayed by the multifunction device 10 when it receives an email transmitted via the operation screens W20a to 20d of the terminal device 50 illustrated in Fig. 13 or 14, etc.

[0097] The simple settings screen W30 includes a setting value button B10. The setting value button B10 accepts the selection and input of configurable setting values ​​by the user via the simple settings screen W30. For example, the user can select the address book button and set the destination of the image data generated by scanning as a setting value via a destination selection screen described below. The destination selection screen displayed by selecting the address book button can be generated based on the registrant information management table 297 described in FIG. 5(b).

[0098] The setting value button B10 illustrated in FIG. 15 is an example in which, in addition to the address book button, a sending history button, a global address search button, and a received mail button B101 are provided as configuration examples of setting values ​​that can be set by the user.

[0099] Here, the received email button B101 is displayed as active so that the user can select it when the multifunction device 10 is receiving an email sent from the terminal device 50. At this time, the destination display area R16 displays the email address of the sender of the received email ("user1@sample.com" in the example of FIG. 13 or 14) as the reply destination (destination) of the email to be sent as a job.

[0100] On the other hand, if no e-mail sent from the terminal device 20 has been received, the received e-mail button B101 is grayed out so that it cannot be selected by the user, as shown in Fig. 16. Also, since no e-mail has been received, the e-mail address of the reply destination (destination) is not displayed in the destination display area R16.

[0101] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the destination selection screen W40a according to the first embodiment. The destination selection screen W40a illustrated in Figure 17 can be displayed, for example, by selecting the address book button on the simple settings screen W30 described in Figure 16. In this case, the control unit 11 can generate the destination selection screen W40a based on the registrant information registered in the registrant information management table 297.

[0102] The destination selection screen W40a includes a selected destination display area R18, a destination selection area R20, and a start button B12. The selected destination display area R18 is an area that displays the destination selected in the destination selection area R20 as the destination of the email. Note that the selected destination display area R18 can display not only the selected destination but also a destination directly input by the user. The selected or input destination is set as the destination of the email.

[0103] The destination selection area R20 is an area that displays selectable email addresses associated with the registrant IDs "RI01" to "RI05" registered in the registrant information management table 297. The start button B12 includes a black and white start button and a color start button. If the user wishes to send a black and white image, the user selects the black and white start button. On the other hand, if the user wishes to send a color image, the user selects the color start button. When the user selects either the black and white start button or the color start button, the control unit 11 executes processing related to the image sending job.

[0104] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the destination selection screen W40b displayed by the control unit 11 in response to selection of the received email button B101 described in Figure 15. The destination selection screen W40b can have the same configuration as the destination selection screen W40a described above, but differs in that the email addresses displayed in the destination selection area R20 are based on the reception information (destination information) included in the received email.

[0105] The destination selection screen W40b is an example of displaying destination information obtained from the received email associated with the email ID "#1011" in the destination information management table 296 of FIG. 5(a). For example, the sender's email address for the email associated with the email ID "#1011" is "user1@sample.com," and the email address set as "Reply to" is "nnnn@sample.com." The email address for the broadcast transmission function associated with the format ID "#04" ("cccc@xyz.com") is also included in the body of the email. The email address associated with the broadcast transmission function written in the body of the email is not displayed in the destination selection area R20; instead, only "Broadcast transmission available" is displayed, indicating that an email address associated with the broadcast transmission function has been included. Even if the email address associated with the broadcast transmission function is not directly displayed in the destination selection area R20, if it is selected as a destination for an email (using the Scan to Email function), the email address can be displayed in the selected destination display area R18, as shown in FIG. 18.

[0106] The destination selection screen W40c shown in Figure 19 is an example that displays destination information obtained from the reception information of the email associated with email ID "#1020" in Figure 5(a). For example, the sender's email address for the email associated with email ID "#1020" is "user3@sample.com," and no specific email address is set in the Reply to field. Furthermore, the body of the email does not contain any destination information in a specified format. In this case, only the sender's email address, "user3@sample.com," is displayed in the destination selection area R20.

[0107] The destination selection screen W40d illustrated in Fig. 20 is another display form of the destination selection screen W40b illustrated in Fig. 18. The destination selection screen W40d is a form that can display registrant information managed by the multifunction device 10 in addition to the email addresses displayed in the destination selection area R20 illustrated in Fig. 18. In this case, in addition to the destination information acquired from the received email information related to email ID "#1011", it is possible to display registrant information managed by the multifunction device 10 (for example, registrant IDs "RI01" and "RI02"), so that the recipient of the email to be sent as a job can be selected from a larger number of destination candidates.

[0108] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the destination information of the email to be sent as a job related to the Scan to E-mail function is obtained from the reception information of the received email and displayed on the display unit, thereby preventing input errors in the email address and eliminating the hassle of inputting the email address.

[0109] [2 Second Embodiment] The second embodiment is an embodiment that can improve security by discarding destination information obtained from a received email after a job related to the Scan to Email function is executed.

[0110] [2.1 Functional Configuration] [2.1.1 About the Multifunction Printer 70] The functional configuration of the multifunction device 70 according to the second embodiment can be substantially the same as that of the multifunction device 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, with regard to the functional configuration of the multifunction device 70, parts that are the same as those in the multifunction device 10 are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0111] 21 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction device 70. The multifunction device 70 includes a storage unit 79 instead of the storage unit 29 of the multifunction device 10.

[0112] In the second embodiment, the memory unit 79 stores a control program 291, a job execution program 292, an email program 293, a display processing program 294, and a destination information management program 791, and secures a format information management table 295, a destination information management table 296, and a registrant information management table 297.

[0113] The destination information management program 791 is a program that is read by the control unit 11 when managing destination information obtained from received e-mails. The control unit 11 that reads the destination information management program 791 monitors the execution of a job related to the Scan to E-mail function, and when the job is completed, performs control to discard the obtained destination information from the destination information management table 296.

[0114] [2.1.2 Terminal Device 50] The functional configuration of the terminal device 50 can be the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0115] [2.2 Processing flow] The processing flow of the multifunction device 70 according to the second embodiment can be performed in the same manner as the processing (steps S10 to S120) of the multifunction device 10 described in the flowchart of Fig. 9. In the second embodiment, when executing a job in step S120 of Fig. 9, a process of notifying the user that the acquired destination information will be discarded and then discarding the destination information can be added.

[0116] The processing flow of the terminal device 50 according to the second embodiment can be performed in the same manner as the processing of the terminal device 50 described in the flowchart of Fig. 10. Therefore, a description of the processing of the terminal device 50 will be omitted.

[0117] [2.3 Example of operation] Next, an operation example according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 22. Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a notification screen M10 that notifies the user that acquired destination information will be discarded when a job is executed.

[0118] The notification screen M10 shown in Fig. 22 can be displayed, for example, when the selection of the start button B12 provided on the destination selection screen W40b (see Fig. 18) is accepted. However, the timing of notification by the notification screen M10 is not limited to this, and it may be when an email address is selected in the destination selection area R20, or it is of course possible to have the notification be sent after the job is executed.

[0119] 22 shows an example of a notification screen M10 that indicates that the email address used as destination information will be discarded after the job is executed and the email is sent. The notification screen M10 has a confirmation button and a hold button, and the user can select the accept button if they agree to discard the email address, or can select the hold button to hold off on discarding the email address if they wish to hold off on discarding the email address.

[0120] 23, after the job is executed and the email is sent, a query screen M12 can be displayed to inquire whether or not to discard the email address used as destination information. If the user wishes to discard the email address, he or she selects the Yes button, and if he or she does not wish to discard the email address, he or she selects the No button.

[0121] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, by discarding the destination information obtained from the received email after the job is executed, it is possible to prevent the transmission information from remaining in the multifunction device, thereby further improving security performance.

[0122] [3 Third embodiment] The third embodiment is a form in which, after executing a job related to the Scan to E-mail function, permission to register destination information obtained from a received e-mail is obtained from the user, thereby improving the services provided by the multifunction device.

[0123] [3.1 Functional Configuration] The functional configurations of the multifunction peripheral and terminal device according to the third embodiment can be substantially the same as those of the multifunction peripheral 70 according to the second embodiment and the terminal device 50 according to the first embodiment, so a description of the functional configurations according to the third embodiment will be omitted.

[0124] [3.2 Processing flow] The processing flow of the multifunction peripheral according to the third embodiment can be performed in the same manner as the processing flow of the multifunction peripheral 70 according to the second embodiment. Furthermore, the processing flow of the terminal device according to the third embodiment can be performed in the same manner as the processing flow of the terminal device 50 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, a description of the processing flow according to the third embodiment will be omitted.

[0125] [3.3 Example of operation] An operation example according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 24. Fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an inquiry screen M14 that asks the user for permission to register the acquired destination information when executing a job.

[0126] The inquiry screen M14 shown in Figure 24 displays to the user a message inquiring whether or not the user should register an email address as transmission information obtained (for example, "May I register your email address? The registered email address will be used only for the purpose of improving our services..."). If the user selects the Yes button, which allows the email address to be registered, the control unit 11 registers the email address. On the other hand, if the user selects the No button, which prevents the email address from being registered, the control unit 11 discards the email address.

[0127] Thus, according to the third embodiment, by storing email addresses that users have given permission to register, it is possible to send direct mail for promoting products and services to those email addresses, or to send emails containing questionnaires about age groups and intended uses, which can be used as a means for market research or understanding the market trends of competitors, etc. If permission to register is not obtained from the user, it is expected that users' trust in the handling of their personal information can be gained by, for example, generating and providing a certificate or the like that has securely destroyed the email address.

[0128] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0129] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiments are described separately for the sake of convenience, they may of course be combined and executed within the scope of technical feasibility.

[0130] In addition, the programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU, etc. (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs (Read Only Memories) and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0131] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, etc.)), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). Furthermore, not only are the functions of the above-described embodiments realized by executing the loaded program, but the functions of the present invention may also be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on instructions from the program.

[0132] Furthermore, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 10, 70 multifunction device 11 Control section 13 Display section 15 Operation input section 17 Communications Department 19 Image forming unit 21 Image reading unit 23 Near Field Wireless Communication Department 25 Paper feed section 27 Paper output section 29, 79 Memory section 291 Control Program 292 Job Execution Program 293 Email Programs 2931 Received Information Analysis Program 294 Display Processing Program 295 Format Information Management Table 296 Destination Information Management Table 297 Registrant Information Management Table 791 Destination Information Management Program 50 Terminal Equipment 51 Control section 53 Display section 55 Operation input section 57 Communications Department 59 Near Field Wireless Communication Department 61 Imaging and scanning unit 63 Storage section 631 Application Program 6311 Email Program 6313 Multifunction printer information acquisition program 633 Registrant Information Management Table 635 Format Storage Area

Claims

1. a display unit capable of accepting designation of an e-mail destination; a sending / receiving unit capable of sending and receiving the e-mail; a job execution unit that executes the job via the email; a control unit that acquires destination information of the email to be sent as the job from reception information of the received email and displays the destination information on the display unit; The received information is The destination information is written in a predetermined format, The destination information is An image processing apparatus comprising: a job information unit that stores information for specifying a type of the job;

2. The control unit 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the destination information is displayed on the display unit so that it is possible to accept designation as a destination of the e-mail to be transmitted as the job.

3. The control unit 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the destination information of the email received within a preset time is subject to acceptance of designation as the destination of the email to be sent as the job.

4. The destination information is 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information includes authentication information for user authentication, and when an instruction to execute the job is input, the image processing apparatus prompts the user to input the authentication information.

5. The control unit 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the destination information is displayed on the display unit together with the address information to be managed.

6. The control unit 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquired destination information is stored or discarded when the job is executed.

7. a terminal device for sending an e-mail containing destination information written in a predetermined format; a display unit capable of accepting designation of a destination of the e-mail; a sending / receiving unit capable of sending and receiving the e-mail; a job execution unit that executes the job via the email; an image processing apparatus having a control unit that acquires the destination information of the email to be sent as the job from the email received from the terminal device and displays the information on the display unit; The destination information is A processing system characterized in that it includes character information that identifies the type of the job.

8. a designation step of accepting designation of a destination of the e-mail; a sending and receiving step of sending and receiving the e-mail; a job execution step of executing the job via the email; a control step of acquiring destination information of the email to be sent as the job from reception information of the received email, and displaying the destination information on a display device; The received information is The destination information is written in a predetermined format, The destination information is The processing method includes character information that identifies the type of the job.

Images