Image processing device, method for controlling the image processing device, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that can omit inputting authentication information necessary when transmitting image data of a document to an external device.SOLUTION: An image processing device includes reading means for reading a document, analysis means for analyzing code information in image data generated by reading the document by the reading means, acquisition means for acquiring authentication information for logging into an external device by analyzing the code information with the analysis means, login means for logging into the external device using the authentication information acquired by the acquisition means, and sending means for sending the image data to an external device logged in by the login means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method for an image processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an education management system has been used in which a student operates an image processing apparatus to receive and print an assignment created by a teacher from an external device, and then makes the image processing apparatus read a manuscript with additional writing by the student and uploads and submits it as image data.

[0003] The teacher can perform grading and feedback on the submitted assignments on the education management system, thereby efficiently managing remote learning and the learning progress of students.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes authenticating a user from an image processing apparatus to an external device, printing assignment data on the external device, and transmitting image data generated by reading a manuscript to the external device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] It takes time for a student to solve an assignment from printing to submission.

[0007] If the authentication state between the image processing apparatus and the external device is maintained during the period from printing to submission of the assignment as in Patent Document 1, the communication session on the external device side will continue to be occupied.

[0008] On the other hand, if authentication status is not maintained, users will have to enter their authentication information not only when printing assignments but also when submitting them, which is inconvenient.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. The object of the present invention is Code information is generated based on storage location information received from an external device, and the image is printed based on the image data received from that external device and the generated code information. Image data generated by scanning the document Storage location indicated by storage location information to Store The objective is to provide a mechanism that reduces the effort required to input authentication information and storage location information when performing such operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A receiving means for receiving image data and storage location information from an external device, A generation means that generates code information based at least on the storage destination information received by the receiving means, A printing means for printing an image based on the image data received by the receiving means and the code information generated by the generating means, The image was printed by the printing means. A means of reading the manuscript, The image data generated by reading the original document using the reading means includes The aforementioned An analysis means for analyzing code information, By analyzing the code information using the aforementioned analysis means The aforementioned Authentication information for logging into an external device, and the aforementioned generated A means for obtaining storage location information that indicates the storage location for storing image data, A login means for logging into the external device using the authentication information obtained by the acquisition means, The storage location indicated by the storage location information acquired by the acquisition means generated In order to store the image data, the external device logged in by the login means is used generated It is characterized by having a transmission means for transmitting image data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, Code information is generated based on storage location information received from an external device, and the image is printed based on the image data received from that external device and the generated code information. Image data generated by scanning the document Storage location indicated by storage location information to StoreIt is possible to reduce the labor of inputting authentication information and storage destination information required when performing the operation.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure showing an example of the system configuration including the image processing apparatus in this embodiment [Figure 2] Figure showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus in this embodiment [Figure 3] Flowchart explaining the overall processing in the task printing and submission application in this embodiment [Figure 4] Flowchart explaining the server setting processing in this embodiment [Figure 5] Flowchart explaining the task printing processing in this embodiment [Figure 6] Flowchart explaining the task submission processing in this embodiment [Figure 7] Flowchart explaining the manual authentication processing in this embodiment [Figure 8] Flowchart explaining the file position specifying processing in this embodiment [Figure 9] Figure showing an example of the HOME screen including the task printing and submission application in this embodiment [Figure 10] Figure showing an example of the menu screen within the task printing and submission application in this embodiment [Figure 11] Figure showing an example of the server setting screen in this embodiment [Figure 12] Figure showing an example of the screen related to the manual authentication processing in this embodiment [Figure 13] Figure showing an example of the screen related to the file position specifying processing in this embodiment [Figure 14] Figure showing an example of the screen when the acquisition of the task image fails in this embodiment [Figure 15] Figure showing an example of the screen requesting the setting of the original document in this embodiment [Figure 16] Figure showing an example of the screen when authentication and transmission fail in this embodiment [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of a screen displaying the results of the file location identification process in this embodiment. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of an image in which a QR code (registered trademark) is embedded in the problem image in this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0014] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0015] Figure 1 shows the configuration of an image processing system including an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0016] The image processing system in Figure 1 includes an image processing device 100, an education management server 104, and a data management server 105. The image processing device 100 can communicate with the education management server 104 and the data management server 105 via a network 102 and the internet 103. The education management server 104 can communicate with the data management server 105 via the internet 103.

[0017] The image processing device 101 has a transmission function that reads a document, generates image data representing the image of the document, and transmits the generated image data. It also has a copying function that reads a document, generates image data representing the image of the document, and performs printing based on the generated image data.

[0018] Network 102 may be configured to connect wirelessly to an access point (not shown) as long as it is a network configuration capable of transmitting image data. In this embodiment, image data refers to electronic data. Specifically, the image data is not limited to electronic data converted from RAW image data, but may also be electronic data conforming to image formats such as TIFF and JPEG, or electronic data conforming to the PDF format, and the present invention does not limit its form.

[0019] The education management server 104 is a server that can communicate with the image processing device 101 via the network 102 and the internet 103. Furthermore, the education management server 104 can communicate with the data management server 105 via the internet 103.

[0020] The data management server 105 is a server that can communicate with the image processing device 101 via the network 102 and the internet 103, and stores image data. The data management server 105 can also communicate with the education management server 104 via the internet 103.

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing device 101. Hereafter, the image processing device 101 will be referred to as an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral).

[0022] The control unit 110, which includes the CPU 111, controls the operation of the entire MFP. The CPU 111 reads and executes control programs stored in the ROM 112 or storage 114 to perform various controls such as read control, print control, and communication control.

[0023] ROM112 stores control programs that can be executed by CPU111.

[0024] ROM112 also stores boot programs and font data.

[0025] RAM113 is the main memory of the CPU111 and is used as a temporary storage area for deploying various control programs stored in the work area, ROM112, and storage114.

[0026] Storage 114 stores image data, print data, address book, shortcuts, various programs, and various setting information. In this embodiment, flash memory is assumed as storage 114, but the present invention is not limited to auxiliary storage devices such as SSDs, HDDs, and eMMCs.

[0027] In this MFP, one CPU 111 uses one memory (RAM 113) to execute each process shown in the flowchart described later, but other configurations are also acceptable. For example, multiple CPUs, RAM, ROM, and storage can work together to execute each process shown in the flowchart described later. Alternatively, some processes may be executed using hardware circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs.

[0028] The control interface 115 connects the control unit 116 and the control unit 110. The control unit 116 has a touch panel in which a touch panel sheet and a liquid crystal display are integrated, and hard keys. The control unit 116 displays information via the touch panel and accepts user input via the touch panel or hard keys.

[0029] The reading unit interface 117 connects the reading unit 118 and the control unit 110. The reading unit 118 reads the image on the document and converts it into image data such as binary data. The image data generated by the reading unit 118 can be transmitted to an external device, stored in an external recording device, or printed on recording paper (sheet).

[0030] The printing interface 119 connects the printing unit 120 and the control unit 110. The CPU 111 transfers the image data to be printed (image data to be printed) to the printing unit 120 via the printing interface 119. The printing unit 120 prints the image on recording paper transported from the paper cassette (not shown) using toner supplied from a cartridge (not shown).

[0031] The external storage interface 121 connects the external storage device 122 and the control unit 110. The CPU 111 saves image data to the external storage device 122 via the external storage interface 121. In this embodiment, the external storage interface 121 is assumed to be a USB interface and the external storage device 122 is assumed to be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, but an external storage device such as an SD card may also be used.

[0032] The control unit 110 is connected to the network 100 via the communication unit I / F 123.

[0033] The communication interface 123 connects to the data management server 105 via network 102 and the internet 103 to perform authentication, transmit image data, and obtain data management information. The communication interface 123 also connects to the education management server 104 via network 102 and the internet 103 to perform authentication and send / receive various data. Furthermore, the communication interface 123 can communicate with the data management server 105 via network 102 and the internet 103.

[0034] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of the main processes in this embodiment.

[0035] Before explaining each step, let's outline this flowchart. This flowchart describes three processes: the assignment printing process, the assignment submission process, which are the main processes of the assignment printing and submission application, and the server configuration process, which is the preliminary setup for these processes. These three processes are executed in the order described below.

[0036] The first process performed is the server configuration process. This process involves configuring the server on which the MFP will authenticate and log in. The details of the server configuration process will be described later using Figure 4.

[0037] The second process performed is the assignment printing process. The user logs into the education management server 104, which was configured during the server setup process, using the authentication information they entered. The system then prints image data, which combines the authentication information and location information, onto the assignment image data stored in the data management server 105, which is associated with the education management server 104. Figure 5 illustrates the details of the assignment printing process. Note that adding information to the printed document from the assignment printing process is equivalent to answering the assignment.

[0038] The third process performed is the assignment submission process. The original document is the printed assignment form with user annotations. The MFP101 scans this document and obtains authentication information and location information combined with the image data obtained from the scan. Using the obtained authentication information, the MFP101 logs into the education management server 104 and sends the scanned image data and location information to the data management server 105, which is associated with the education management server 104. The details of the assignment submission process are explained in Figure 6. Note that sending image data in the assignment submission process is equivalent to the user submitting the assignment form with their answers added.

[0039] Each step in the flowchart in Figure 3 is achieved by the CPU 111 reading a program stored in the ROM 112 or storage 114 into the RAM 113 and executing it.

[0040] In S301, the CPU 111 displays the HOME screen shown in Figure 9 on the operation unit 116. Screen 900 shows the HOME screen, and display 901 indicates that screen 900 is the HOME screen. The HOME screen consists of buttons 903 corresponding to applications for performing the printing and submission functions of assignments in the proposed system, and buttons 902 for other functions or applications. Here, as examples of buttons 902, a copy button for using the copy function and a fax button for using the fax function are shown.

[0041] In S302, the CPU 111 determines whether the button 903 for the assignment printing / submission application on the HOME screen shown in Figure 9, displayed on the control unit 116, has been selected. If it is determined that it has been selected, the process proceeds to S303; otherwise, the process ends.

[0042] In S303, the CPU 111 displays the menu screen of the assignment printing and submission application shown in Figure 10 on the operation unit 116. Screen 1000 in Figure 10 is the menu screen of the assignment printing and submission application. Display 1001 indicates that screen 1000 is the screen of the assignment printing and submission application.

[0043] In S304, the CPU 111 determines whether the setting button 1004 displayed on the control unit 116 has been selected. If it has been selected, the process proceeds to S305; otherwise, the process proceeds to S306.

[0044] In S305, CPU111 performs the server configuration process described later in Figure 4.

[0045] In S306, the CPU 111 determines whether the assignment print button 1002 displayed on the operation unit 116 has been selected. If it determines that it has been selected, the process proceeds to S307; otherwise, the process proceeds to S308.

[0046] In S307, CPU111 performs the task printing process described later in Figure 5.

[0047] In S308, the CPU 111 determines whether the assignment submission button 1003 displayed on the operation unit 116 has been selected. If it determines that it has been selected, it proceeds to S309; ​​otherwise, it proceeds to S310.

[0048] In S309, CPU111 performs the assignment submission process, which will be described later in Figure 6.

[0049] In S310, the CPU 111 determines whether the cancel button 1005 displayed on the control unit 116 has been selected. If it determines that the button has been selected, it terminates the process; otherwise, it returns to S303.

[0050] Figure 4 illustrates the flowchart of the server configuration process in the proposed system. Each step in the flowchart in Figure 4 is achieved by the CPU 111 reading a program stored in ROM 112 or storage 114 into RAM 113 and executing it.

[0051] In S401, the CPU 111 causes the operation unit 116 to display the server settings screen 1100 shown in Figure 11. The display 1101 in Figure 11 indicates that it is the screen for server settings processing in the assignment printing and submission application. The user can select the IP address input field 1102 of the education management server 104 using the operation unit 116 and enter the IP address.

[0052] In S402, the CPU 111 determines whether the save button 1104 displayed on the control panel 116 has been selected. If it has been selected, the process proceeds to S404; otherwise, it proceeds to S403.

[0053] In S403, the CPU 111 determines whether the cancel button 1103 displayed on the control unit 116 has been selected. If it determines that the button has been selected, it terminates the process; otherwise, it returns to S401.

[0054] In S404, the CPU 111 stores the IP address entered in the IP address input field 1102 of the education management server 104 in the RAM 113. The IP address stored here is used as the IP address of the education management server in the assignment printing process described later in Figure 5. In this embodiment, the input of an IP address is used as a means of specifying the education management server 104, but this is not limited to any method that can identify the education management server 104.

[0055] Figure 5 illustrates the flowchart of the problem printing process in the proposed system. Each step in the flowchart in Figure 5 is achieved by the CPU 111 reading a program stored in ROM 112 or storage 114 into RAM 113 and executing it.

[0056] In S501, CPU 111 executes the manual authentication process described in Figure 7. During the manual authentication process, the user logs in to the education management server 104 using the authentication information entered into the operation unit 116.

[0057] In S502, CPU111 determines whether or not authentication information is stored in RAM113. If it is stored, the process proceeds to S503; otherwise, it terminates. Note that if the authentication information is stored, it means that the manual authentication process in S501 was successful and MFP101 is logged into the education management server.

[0058] In S503, CPU 111 performs the file location determination process, which will be described later in Figure 8. In the file location determination process, the logged-in education management server 104 refers to the data management server 105 corresponding to the education management server 104 and obtains the file path in the data management server 105 where the assignment data selected by the user should be stored. Hereafter, the file path where the assignment data should be stored will be referred to as file location information (storage location information).

[0059] In S504, CPU111 determines whether or not the file location information is stored in RAM113. If it determines that it is stored, it proceeds to S505; otherwise, it proceeds to S509. Note that if the file location information is stored, it means that the file location information was successfully obtained in the file location identification process in S503.

[0060] In S505, CPU 111 obtains file location information to be stored in RAM 113. Using the obtained file location information, the task data selected by the user during the file location identification process in S503 is retrieved via the education management server 104 and stored in RAM 113.

[0061] In S506, CPU111 determines whether or not there is problem data in RAM113. If it determines that there is problem data, it proceeds to S507; otherwise, it proceeds to S510.

[0062] In S507, the CPU 111 reads the authentication information for the education management server 104, the file location information, and the IP address of the education management server from the RAM 113, encodes them into a single QR code, and generates an image by compositing it at a predetermined position in the assignment image. Hereafter, the image generated here will be called the embedded image. The embedded image is then stored in the RAM 113. The QR code composited into the embedded image is analyzed by the scan data analysis process S604 in the assignment submission process, as explained in Figure 6, and the original authentication information, file location information, and IP address of the education management server are read out. Here, a QR code is explained as an example of code information, but other codes may be embedded in the image data. In that case, encoding by a method other than a QR code, or a configuration in which the authentication information for the education management server, file location information, and IP address of the education management server are encoded separately and composited into the image is also possible. Furthermore, although not explained in this paper, a configuration in which the information compositing position is not fixed and the user specifies the compositing position after previewing the assignment image is also possible. The embedded image corresponds to the embedded image 1800 in Figure 18. Display 1801 shows a QR code that encodes the authentication information for the aforementioned education management server, file location information, and the IP address of the education management server, and is superimposed on the assignment image in S507. Display 1802 shows the title of the assignment, Display 1803 shows the question text, and Display 1804 shows the answer field.

[0063] In S508, the CPU 111 reads the embedded image stored in RAM 113 and prints it from the printing unit 120.

[0064] In S509, CPU111 deactivates the authentication status with the education management server.

[0065] In S510, the CPU 111 causes the operation unit 116 to display screen 1400 indicating that it failed to acquire the task image. Display 1401 in Figure 14 indicates that it failed to acquire the task image.

[0066] In S511, the CPU 111 determines whether the button 1402 to reacquire the task image on the screen 1400 displayed on the operation unit 116 has been selected. If it determines that the button has been selected, it returns to S505; otherwise, it proceeds to S512. In this flow, if the acquisition of the task image fails in S506, the only options provided are to reacquire the task image in S511 and cancel in S512. However, it is also possible to configure the system to include an option to return to S503 and reacquire the file location information.

[0067] In S512, the CPU 111 determines whether the cancel button 1403 on the screen 1400 displayed on the control unit 116 has been selected. If it determines that it has not been selected, it returns to S510 and displays the screen 1400. If it determines that it has been selected, it proceeds to S509.

[0068] Figure 6 illustrates the flowchart of the task submission process in the proposed system. Each step in the flowchart in Figure 6 is achieved by the CPU 111 reading a program stored in ROM 112 or storage 114 into RAM 113 and executing it.

[0069] In S601, the CPU 111 displays a screen 1500 on the operation unit 116 requesting the setting of a document, as shown in Figure 15. The document to be set here is a sheet of paper on which the embedded image 1800 shown in Figure 18 has been printed, and on which the user has completed adding to the answer section 1804.

[0070] In S602, the CPU 111 determines whether the scan button 1502 on the screen requesting the setting of the document, which is displayed on the operation unit 116, has been selected. If it has been selected, the process proceeds to S603; otherwise, it proceeds to 611. The scan button 1502 is the button used to perform the scanning of the document by the reading unit 118.

[0071] In S603, the CPU 111 reads the document using the reading unit 118 and stores the generated scanned image in the RAM 113.

[0072] In S604, the CPU 111 analyzes the QR code in the scanned image acquired in S603, obtains authentication information for the education management server 104, file location information, and the IP address of the education management server, and stores them in RAM 113. As mentioned above in S507 of the task printing process in Figure 5, this paper describes the case where the QR code is superimposed at a predetermined position on the document. If the QR code is not superimposed at a predetermined position, the user can specify the position of the QR code from the preview screen of the scanned image displayed on the operation unit 116 and perform the analysis. Also, if the authentication information for the education management server 104, file location information, and the IP address of the education management server are encoded in a format other than a QR code in S507, the analysis method corresponding to the encoding method should be performed in S604.

[0073] In S605, CPU111 determines whether the authentication information for the education management server 104, file location information, and the IP address of the education management server are stored in RAM113. If all of these are stored, the process proceeds to S606; otherwise, it proceeds to S612.

[0074] In S606, CPU 111 reads the authentication information for the education management server 104 and the IP address of the education management server 105 stored in RAM 113, and performs authentication to the education management server 104. Specifically, it sends the authentication information to the education management server 104 and receives response information from the education management server 104.

[0075] In S607, CPU 111 receives response information from the education management server 104 in S606 and determines whether authentication was successful. If successful, it proceeds to S608; otherwise, it proceeds to S612. Receiving response information from the education management server 104 signifies the completion of authentication to the education management server 104.

[0076] In S608, the CPU 111 reads the scanned image acquired in S603, the file location information acquired in S604, and the IP address of the education management server 104 from RAM 113. Then, it sends information to the education management server 104 instructing it to store the image data in the data management server 105, along with the scanned image and file location information it has read. The education management server 104 analyzes the received information instructing it to store the image data and the file location information, and stores the received image data in the path specified by the file location information in the data management server 105. In this embodiment, the file name of the image data to be stored is a string obtained by adding a specific string such as the date and time to the file name of the original assignment image data, but it is not limited to this as long as there is a method that can determine the file name. When the storage of the image data is complete, the education management server sends information to the MFP indicating that the storage is complete.

[0077] In S609, the CPU 111 determines whether it has received the information from the education management server 104 indicating that storage is complete, as described in S608. If it determines that it has received the information, it proceeds to S610; otherwise, it proceeds to S612. Receiving the information indicating storage is complete means that the storage of the transmitted image to the data management server was completed in S608.

[0078] On S610, CPU111 deactivates the authentication status with the education management server.

[0079] In S611, the CPU 111 determines whether the cancel button 1503 on the screen 1500 displayed on the operation unit 116 has been selected. If it determines that the button has been selected, it terminates the process; otherwise, it returns to S601.

[0080] In S612, the CPU 111 displays the authentication / transmission failure screen 1600 shown in Figure 16 on the operation unit 116. The display 1601 of the authentication / transmission failure screen 1600 presented as shown in Figure 16 indicates that authentication or transmission failed.

[0081] In S613, the CPU 111 determines whether the rescan button 1604 shown in Figure 16 on the control panel I / F 115 has been selected. If it has been selected, it returns to S601; otherwise, it proceeds to S614. Note that display 1602 in Figure 16 indicates that if the user selects the rescan button 1604 in S613, the document must be set in advance.

[0082] In S614, the CPU 111 determines whether the manual input button 1603 shown in Figure 16 on the operation unit 116 has been selected. If it has been selected, the process proceeds to S615; otherwise, it proceeds to S619. If the manual input button 1603 has been selected, the process in S615 involves obtaining authentication information through manual authentication processing and in S617 involves obtaining file location information through file location identification processing.

[0083] In S615, CPU 111 performs the manual authentication process described later in Figure 7. In this flowchart, when submitting an assignment, authentication is basically performed based on the results of analyzing the QR code in the scanned image in S604, so the input of user authentication information can be omitted. However, a manual input button 1603 is provided for cases where obtaining authentication information or file location information fails in S605, authentication fails in S607, or storage of the scanned image to the data management server fails in S609. In particular, by selecting the manual input button 1603, it becomes possible to send the document without rescanning if there is noise in the QR code portion of the document or if the document is an assignment image created outside of the assignment printing process. Therefore, although not included in this embodiment, by including the manual input button 1603 in Figure 16 on the screen 1500 in Figure 15 displayed in S601, the manual authentication process and file location identification process may also be performed when submitting an assignment.

[0084] In S616, CPU111 determines whether or not authentication information is stored in RAM113. If it determines that it is stored, it proceeds to S617; otherwise, it returns to S612.

[0085] In S617, CPU111 performs the file location locating process.

[0086] In S618, CPU111 determines whether or not file location information is stored in RAM113. If it determines that it is stored, it returns to S606; otherwise, it returns to S612.

[0087] In S619, the CPU 111 determines whether the cancel button 1605 shown in Figure 16 on the operation unit 116 has been selected. If it determines that the button has been selected, it terminates the process; otherwise, it returns to S612.

[0088] Figure 7 illustrates the flowchart of the manual authentication process in the proposed system. Each step in the flowchart in Figure 7 is achieved by the CPU 111 reading a program stored in ROM 112 or storage 114 into RAM 113 and executing it.

[0089] In S701, the CPU 111 displays the manual authentication screen 1200 shown in Figure 12 on the operation unit 116. Display 1201 on the manual authentication screen 1200 prompts the user to enter information into the user ID input field 1202 and the password input field 1203.

[0090] In S702, the CPU 111 determines whether the login button 1205 on the manual authentication screen 1200 displayed on the operation unit 116 has been selected. If it is determined that the button has been selected, the process proceeds to S703; otherwise, the process proceeds to S708.

[0091] In S703, CPU111 retrieves the authentication information entered in the user ID input field 1202 and the password input field 1203 and sends it to the education management server.

[0092] In S704, CPU111 receives response information from the education management server.

[0093] In S705, if CPU111 determines that the response information received in S704 indicates successful authentication, it proceeds to S706; otherwise, it proceeds to S709.

[0094] In S706, the CPU 111 displays the manual authentication success screen 1210 shown in Figure 12 on the operation unit 116. Display 1211 on the manual authentication success screen 1210 indicates that authentication was successful.

[0095] In S707, CPU111 stores the authentication information obtained by S703 in RAM113. Alternatively, the authentication information obtained by S703 may be stored in RAM113.

[0096] In S708, the CPU 111 determines whether the cancel button 1204 on the manual authentication screen 1200 shown in Figure 12 on the operation unit 116 has been selected. If it is determined that the button has been selected, the process proceeds to S710; otherwise, it returns to S701.

[0097] In S709, the CPU 111 displays screen 1220 in Figure 12 on the control unit 116. Sections 1221 to 1225 of screen 1220 are the same as those described for sections 1201 to 1205 of screen 1200, so their explanation is omitted. Display 1226 indicates that authentication failed.

[0098] In S710, CPU 111 displays the authentication cancellation screen 1230 shown in Figure 12 on the operation interface 115. Display 1231 on the authentication cancellation screen 1230 indicates that authentication has been canceled.

[0099] Figure 8 illustrates the flowchart of the file location process in the proposed system. Each step in the flowchart in Figure 8 is achieved by the CPU 111 reading a program stored in ROM 112 or storage 114 into RAM 113 and executing it.

[0100] In S801, CPU 111 receives assignment information (class list information, status list information, assignment list information) corresponding to the logged-in user from the education management server 104, which is in an authenticated state, and stores it in RAM 113.

[0101] In S802, the CPU 111 reads the class list information contained in the task information from RAM 113 and displays the class list screen 1300 shown in Figure 13 on the operation unit 116, which was generated according to the read content. The class list screen 1300 displays the class list 1301 corresponding to the logged-in user ID 1301, and displays 1302 to indicate that the user is requested to select a class from the class list 1303. In S802, if a class is selected, the CPU 111 stores the information of the selected class in RAM 113.

[0102] In S803, the CPU 111 determines whether or not class list 1303 in the class list screen 1300 displayed on the operation unit 116 has been selected. Specifically, the CPU 111 determines this by checking whether or not class information exists in RAM 113. If class information exists, the process proceeds to S804; otherwise, it returns to S802.

[0103] In S804, the CPU 111 reads the status list information contained in the task information from RAM 113 and displays the status list screen 1310 shown in Figure 13 on the operation unit 116, which was generated according to the read content. The status list screen 1310 displays the status list 1311 corresponding to the logged-in user ID 1301, and display 1312 indicates that the user is requested to select a status from the status list 1313. In S804, if a status is selected, the CPU 111 stores the status information in RAM 113.

[0104] In S805, the CPU 111 determines whether the status list 1313 in the status list screen 1310 displayed on the operation unit I / F 115 has been selected. Specifically, it determines this by checking whether status information exists in RAM 113. If class information exists, it proceeds to S806; otherwise, it returns to S804.

[0105] In S806, the CPU 111 retrieves task list information from RAM 113, including the class information stored in S802, the status information stored in S804, and the task information stored in S801. Each task included in the task list information retains class and status attributes. The CPU 111 extracts only the tasks from the task list information that have attributes matching the class and status information to create the task list screen 1320 shown in Figure 13, and displays it on the operation unit 116. The task list screen displays a task list 1323 corresponding to the logged-in user's ID 1321, class information 1324, and status information 1325. Display 1322 indicates that the user is requested to select a task from the task list 1323. In S806, if a task is selected, the CPU 111 stores the information of the selected task in RAM 113.

[0106] In S808, CPU111 queries the education management server104 for file location information of the assignment selected in S806, retrieves it, and stores it in RAM113.

[0107] In S809, the CPU 111 determines whether it succeeded in obtaining the file location information in S808. Specifically, the CPU 111 determines whether the file location information is stored in RAM 113. If it determines that it is stored, it proceeds to S810; otherwise, it proceeds to S811.

[0108] In S810, the CPU 111 displays the file location information acquisition success screen 1700 shown in Figure 17 on the operation unit 116. Display 1701 on the file location information acquisition success screen 1700 indicates that the file location information was successfully acquired.

[0109] In S811, the CPU 111 displays the file location information acquisition failure screen 1710 shown in Figure 17 on the operation unit 116. The display 1711 of the file location information acquisition failure screen 1710 indicates that acquisition of file location information failed. The file location information acquisition failure screen 1710 also includes a re-acquisition of file location information button 1713 and a cancel button 1712.

[0110] In S812, the CPU 111 determines whether the "Get File Location Information Again" button 1713 on the screen 1710 displayed on the operation unit 116 has been selected. If it determines that it has been selected, it returns to S801; otherwise, it proceeds to S813.

[0111] In S813, the CPU 111 determines whether the cancel button 1712 on the screen 1710 displayed on the control unit 116 has been selected. If it determines that the button has been selected, it terminates the process; otherwise, it returns to S811.

[0112] In S814, the CPU 111 displays the cancellation screen 1720 for obtaining file location information shown in Figure 17 on the operation unit 116. Display 1721 in the successful file location information acquisition screen 1720 indicates that the acquisition of file location information has been canceled.

[0113] By controlling the system in this manner, it becomes possible to eliminate the need to input authentication information required when transmitting image data of the original document to an external device.

[0114] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0115] 101 Image Processing Device 104 Education Management Server 105 Data Management Server 111 CPU 112 ROM 113 RAM

Claims

1. Receiving means for receiving image data and storage location information from an external device, A generation means that generates code information based at least on the storage destination information received by the receiving means, A printing means for printing an image based on the image data received by the receiving means and the code information generated by the generating means, A reading means for reading a document on which the image has been printed by the printing means, An analysis means for analyzing the code information in the image data generated by reading the document using the reading means, The analysis means analyzes the code information to obtain authentication information for logging into an external device, and the acquisition means obtains storage location information indicating a storage location for storing the generated image data. A login means for logging into the external device using the authentication information obtained by the acquisition means, An image processing apparatus comprising: a transmission means for transmitting the generated image data to an external device logged in by the login means, in order to store the generated image data in the storage location indicated by the storage location information acquired by the acquisition means.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission means transmits the storage destination information acquired by the acquisition means and the generated image data to the external device logged in by the login means, in order to store the generated image data in the storage destination indicated by the storage destination information acquired by the acquisition means.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the generation means generates the code information based on authentication information received from the user and the storage destination information received by the receiving means.

4. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the storage location information indicates a storage location in another external device different from the external device.

5. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the storage destination information is a file path.

6. If logging into the external device using the authentication information obtained by the acquisition means fails, the system further includes a display means for displaying a screen to receive other authentication information from the user. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the login means logs in to the external device using the other authentication information.

7. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a means for specifying the IP address of the external device.

8. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the external device is an educational management server.

9. A receiving step of receiving image data and storage location information from an external device, A generation step that generates code information based on the storage destination information received in the receiving step, A printing step that prints an image based on the image data received in the receiving step and the code information generated in the generation step, The printing process includes a reading step in which the original document on which the image has been printed is read, The analysis step involves analyzing the code information within the image data generated by reading the original document in the reading step, The analysis step involves analyzing the code information to obtain authentication information for logging into an external device, and an acquisition step involves obtaining storage location information indicating a storage location for storing the generated image data. A login step involves logging into the external device using the authentication information obtained in the acquisition step, A control method for an image processing apparatus, comprising: a transmission step of transmitting the generated image data to the external device logged in during the login step, in order to store the generated image data in the storage location indicated by the storage location information acquired in the acquisition step.

10. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the transmission step involves transmitting the storage destination information acquired in the acquisition step and the generated image data to the external device logged in in the login step, in order to store the generated image data in the storage destination indicated by the storage destination information acquired in the acquisition step.

11. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the generation step generates the code information based on the authentication information received from the user and the storage destination information received in the receiving step.

12. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the storage location information indicates a storage location in another external device different from the external device.

13. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the storage destination information is a file path.

14. If logging into the external device using the authentication information obtained in the acquisition step fails, the system further includes a presentation step that presents a screen for receiving other authentication information from the user. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the login step involves logging into the external device using the other authentication information.

15. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 14, further comprising a specifying step of specifying the IP address of the external device.

16. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that the external device is an educational management server.

17. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 15.

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