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

Abstract

To solve the security problem in an image processing apparatus that cooperates with a network communication service such as a chat application, thereby improving usability.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 10, when receiving a FAX (S901), posts a message indicating the reception of the FAX on a chat service (S902), when an F code is set to the received FAX, posts a message indicating demanding input of a password on the chat service (S906), and posts a message indicating the details of received data on the chat service based on a password received via the chat service (S914).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a function of receiving a facsimile, a control method of the image processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Some image processing apparatuses have a function of notifying reception information to a notification destination such as a pre-registered email address when receiving a facsimile (hereinafter referred to as "FAX"). However, this function unilaterally notifies information, and when giving an instruction for new FAX processing, it is necessary to do so from the operation unit of the image processing apparatus, and when the user is away from the image forming apparatus, it was impossible to respond.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a technique for performing reception notification and processing instruction using a chat application of a terminal device when receiving a FAX has been proposed. In the chat application, it is possible to display reception information and a reception image and to instruct processing such as transfer of reception data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Some image processing devices have a function that, when receiving a fax requiring a password to view, allows the user to enter the password from the device's control panel, and only allows viewing of the received image if the input matches. Other image processing devices also have a function that prompts the user to enter a password when transferring data received from a fax. However, for these post-fax reception processes, functions that require the input of authentication information such as passwords are not integrated with network communication services such as chat. For example, even if a reception notification can be confirmed via chat, the contents of a password-protected fax cannot be accessed. In Patent Document 1, the received image is displayed in a chat application upon receipt. However, if the received image of a fax, which should normally only be viewable after entering a password, is displayed in a chat application without password input, as in Patent Document 1, the risk of unauthorized access to the received image by a third party increases, posing a security challenge.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems. The purpose of this invention is to provide a mechanism that solves security issues in an image processing device that interacts with a network communication service and improves usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus equipped with a function for receiving facsimile, which indicates to a message communication service that a facsimile has been received. 1 A control means for controlling the posting of messages, and received data received by facsimile Post a message that shows the content. It has processing means for controlling the process, and the control means is When a facsimile with an F code is received, the setting in the image processing device to notify the first message when a facsimile with an F code is received is set to notify. Depending on the conditions, After posting the first message mentioned above, This indicates that you are being asked to enter authentication information. 2nd Further control to post a message, the processing means, based on authentication information received via the message communication service, Post a message indicating the contents of the received data via facsimile. It is characterized by controlling the processing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, security issues in image processing equipment that works in conjunction with network communication services can be resolved, and usability can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of the FAX reception notification system that embodies this embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of the chat server in this embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the processing of the image forming apparatus upon receiving a fax in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the processing when a password input notification is received by the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the screen used to configure chat application notification settings on an image forming apparatus. [Figure 8A] A diagram illustrating the chat application screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 8B] A diagram illustrating the chat application screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 9A] A diagram illustrating the processing sequence in the first embodiment. [Figure 9B] A diagram illustrating the processing sequence in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating the processing of the image forming apparatus upon receiving a fax in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating the processing when a password input notification is received by the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment. [Figure 12A] A diagram illustrating the chat application screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 12B] A diagram illustrating a chat application screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 13A] A diagram illustrating the sequence of processing in the second embodiment. [Figure 13B] A diagram illustrating the sequence of processing in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] A diagram illustrating a screen related to the FAX function of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 15] A diagram illustrating a screen related to the parent expansion box of an image forming apparatus.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 〔First Embodiment〕 In the first embodiment, when an image forming apparatus receives a facsimile with an F code setting from a facsimile apparatus, the chat application of the terminal device is notified of the received information and a password confirmation notice. When the passwords match, the received image is displayed. The configuration will be described below. Hereinafter, "facsimile" is also referred to as "FAX", "fax", or "fax". The "F code" will be described later.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a FAX reception notification system showing an embodiment of the present invention. The FAX reception notification system of this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 10, a chat server 20, and a terminal device 30.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 10, the chat server 20, and the terminal device 30 are connected via the Internet 40. In this system, the external FAX apparatus 50 and the image forming apparatus 10 are connected by a PSTN (public telephone network), and FAX transmission and reception are possible. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a FAX is transmitted from the FAX apparatus 50 to the image forming apparatus 10. Note that the image forming apparatus 10 and the FAX apparatus 50 may be connected by the Internet 40 to perform FAX transmission and reception.

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100, including the CPU 101, controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 10. The CPU 101 reads the control program stored in the ROM 102 and performs various controls such as read control and transmit control. The ROM 102 is a boot ROM and stores the system's boot program. The RAM 103 is used as the main memory of the CPU 101, a temporary storage area for the work area, etc.

[0014] The HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104 stores image data, various programs, and various information tables. The HDD 104 is also used to store scanned documents and temporarily store facsimile data received from the FAX device 50. Alternatively, other storage devices such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) may be used in place of or in conjunction with the HDD.

[0015] The control unit 105 is an interface for connecting the control unit 109 and the control unit 100. The control unit 109 is equipped with a liquid crystal display with touch panel functionality, a keyboard, and the like. The printer control unit 106 is an interface for connecting the printer 110 and the control unit 100. Image data to be printed by the printer 110 is transferred from the control unit 100 via the printer control unit 106 and printed on the recording medium (paper) by the printer 110. The scanner control unit 107 is an interface for connecting the scanner 111 and the control unit 100. The scanner 111 reads an image on the document, generates image data, and inputs it to the control unit 100 via the scanner control unit 107.

[0016] The FAX control unit 112 is connected to a telephone line such as the PSTN 130, and transmits and receives FAX data with other FAX devices 50 via this telephone line. In other words, the image forming apparatus 10 is an image processing device equipped with the function of receiving FAXes.

[0017] When the FAX control unit 112 sends a FAX, the document is placed in the scanner 111 and the FAX transmission operation is performed by the operation unit 109, at which point the FAX processing is executed. If communication with the recipient is possible, the transmission process is then carried out sequentially via the communication line to the recipient's machine. When the FAX control unit 112 receives a FAX, it acquires the received information while performing communication processing and stores it in the HDD 104. The received information acquired here includes, for example, telephone number information, TSI (Transmitting Subscriber Identificational Signal), reception time, and received image. The image forming apparatus 10 then performs various image processing on the image data as needed and outputs it from the printer 110 via the printer control unit 106.

[0018] The information notification control unit 113 analyzes the received information from the fax machine 50 to create a reception notification and notifies the terminal device 30 via the chat server 20. The information reception control unit 114 receives the password entered by the user on the terminal device 30 from the chat server 20. The information notification control unit 113 and the information reception control unit 114 are implemented, for example, by the CPU 101 reading and executing a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the like.

[0019] The network control unit 108 is an interface for connecting the control unit 100 to the LAN 120. The network control unit 108 transmits and receives information to and from external devices connected to the Internet 40 via the LAN 120.

[0020] The functions of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described below. The following are some of the typical functions (applications) of the image forming apparatus 10. The "copy" function reads an image from a document using the scanner 111 and prints the generated image data using the printer 110. The "Print" function prints image data on the printer 110 based on print jobs submitted from external devices such as client PCs. The "Scan and Send" function reads an image from the document using the scanner 111 and sends the generated image data to an external source via the network control unit 108. The "Scan and Save" function reads an image from the document using the scanner 111 and saves the generated image data to the HDD 104. The "Use Saved Files" function prints image data stored on HDD104 using printer 110 or sends it externally via network control unit 108. A "browser" function that allows you to view, print, and save data on a web server via a web browser. A "FAX" function that sends and receives documents to and from the FAX device 50 via a telephone line.

[0021] An example of the screen for the fax function is explained using Figure 14. Figure 14 shows an example of the fax settings screen 1400 that is displayed when a user activates the fax function (fax application) from the operation unit 109 of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0022] On the fax settings screen 1400, the destination number input field 1401 is for entering the destination telephone number for fax transmission. Advanced setting 1402 is an option to select when you want to configure detailed settings related to the fax function. If you select advanced setting 1402, the fax advanced settings screen 1410 will be displayed.

[0023] The fax detailed settings screen 1410 includes input fields for the F-code 1411 and password 1412, which are set when sending confidential faxes using an F-code. When a fax document with F-code 1411 and password 1412 set is received, it is saved to memory such as a confidential mailbox. Note that the fax detailed settings screen 1410 may also contain items related to other fax functions not described in this embodiment. The print hold 1413 and password 1414 for received data will be described later.

[0024] Here, we will explain the functions related to the private mailbox. The private mailbox stores fax images that have been received via facsimile, specifically those with a subaddress included in the SUB signal (compliant with ITU-T Recommendation T.30) and a password included in the PWD signal. The "subaddress" is referred to as the "F code," and in this embodiment, it will be described as "F code." When a fax is received, if the F code notified by the sending fax machine matches the F code pre-set in the private mailbox (as described later), the fax image is saved in the corresponding private mailbox. Furthermore, when a user views the received image in the private mailbox, they must enter the password pre-set in the private mailbox. In this way, if a received fax has an F code setting, the fax data is saved in the private mailbox corresponding to that F code, and a password is required to view the fax data.

[0025] Figure 15(a) shows an example of the settings / registration screen for the private mailbox displayed on the operation unit 109. In Figure 15(a), the private mailbox settings / registration screen 1500 displays a list of private mailboxes, including private mailbox number 1501, private mailbox name 1502, etc. For example, as in 1504, private mailbox number "01" is registered with the box name "Tanaka". Similarly, as in 1505, private mailbox number "02" is registered with the box name "Sato".

[0026] When a private mailbox is selected from the private mailbox list on the private mailbox settings / registration screen 1500, and the "Details / Edit" button 1506 is pressed, the screen switches to the detailed settings screen for the selected private mailbox. Pressing the "Close" button 1507 closes this screen.

[0027] Figure 15(b) shows an example of the detailed settings screen 1510 for the private mailbox, which is displayed after record 1504 is selected on the private mailbox settings / registration screen 1500 and the "Details / Edit" button 1506 is pressed.

[0028] In the detailed settings screen 1510 for the private mailbox, as illustrated in Figure 15(b), selecting the box name 1511 displays a soft keyboard, allowing you to register the private mailbox name. Selecting the F code 1512 enables alphanumeric input, allowing you to register an F code of up to 20 characters. Selecting the password 1513 enables alphanumeric input, allowing you to register a password of up to 20 characters.

[0029] If the "Cancel" button 1514 is pressed on the private mailbox detailed settings screen 1510, the screen switches to the private mailbox settings / registration screen 1500 without saving the entered private mailbox name, box password, F code, and password information. If the "OK" button 1515 is pressed, the entered information is saved to the HDD 104, etc., and the screen switches to the private mailbox settings / registration screen 1500.

[0030] When selecting a private mailbox, the user enters a password, and only if the entered password matches the password 1513 previously set on the private mailbox's detailed settings screen can the user access the received documents stored in that private mailbox. Note that the private mailbox settings / registration screen 1500 and the private mailbox detailed settings screen 1510 may contain items related to other fax functions not described in this embodiment. Once the settings / registration of the private mailbox are completed as described above, the settings / registration values ​​are stored on HDD104, etc.

[0031] The explanation of the fax function will now return. Furthermore, the fax function (fax application) has a feature that, upon receiving a fax, saves the received data to memory such as HDD104 without printing it, and then prints it using a password (print hold function for received data). When this function is enabled, a password is also required when receiving and forwarding faxes. The print hold function for received data will be explained below using Figure 14.

[0032] On the fax detailed settings screen 1410, checking the "Print Hold for Received Data" option 1413 and entering the password 1414 enables the aforementioned print hold function for received data. As described above, when forwarding a received fax with the print hold function for received data enabled, you will need to enter the password 1414 during the forwarding process. Just as printing will not occur without a password, forwarding will not occur without a password. As described above, when settings are made from the fax settings screen 1400 and the fax detailed settings screen 1410, the settings are stored in the HDD 104, etc.

[0033] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the chat server 20. The chat server 20 comprises a control unit 200, a storage unit 210, and a network communication unit 220. The chat server 20 provides a message communication service (hereinafter referred to as "chat service") to the terminal device 30.

[0034] The control unit 200 has a chat processing unit 201. The chat processing unit 201 analyzes the chat text (messages posted to the chat service) received from the terminal device 30, retrieves appropriate chat text from the dialogue data 211, and responds. The chat processing unit 201 is implemented, for example, by the control unit 200 reading and executing a program stored in a storage device such as the memory unit 210.

[0035] The network communication unit 220 receives various messages, such as fax reception notification information (a message indicating that a fax has been received), from the image forming apparatus 10 via the internet 40.

[0036] The memory unit 210 stores the dialogue data 211, the received notification information 212, and the received image 213. Dialogue data 211 is dialogue data used for chat processing, and it stores the chat text necessary for dialogue processing, including chat text learned by the AI. The reception notification information 212 stores the reception notification information for the FAX received from the image forming apparatus 10. The received image 213 stores the received image received from the image forming apparatus 10.

[0037] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 is, for example, an information processing device such as a smartphone, a PC (personal computer), or a tablet. The terminal device 30 includes a control unit 300, a storage unit 310, a display unit 320, and a network communication unit 330.

[0038] The control unit 300 performs various processes by reading and executing the control program 311 stored in the memory unit 310. The control program 311 also incorporates an interactive application (chat processing unit 301) for interacting with the chat server 20. In other words, the chat processing unit 301 is realized when the control unit 300 reads and executes the control program 311 stored in the memory unit 310.

[0039] The display unit 320 is composed of, for example, a touch panel display, and can display the status of the terminal device 30 and allow operation input. The display unit 320 displays the chat application screen of an interactive application, displays chat text on the chat application screen, and accepts chat text input from the user. The network communication unit 330 is connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via the Internet 40 and receives FAX reception notification information from the image forming apparatus 10.

[0040] The operation of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described below. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process by which the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax from the fax machine 50 and then sends a notification of receipt information and a password confirmation notification to the terminal device 30 via the chat server 20. The processing by the CPU 101 in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 101 reading and executing a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the like. Figures 8A and 8B show examples of chat application screens 800 displayed on the display unit 320 of the terminal device 30. Hereafter, Figures 8A and 8B will be collectively referred to as "Figure 8".

[0041] In S501, when the FAX control unit 112 receives a FAX from the FAX device 50 via the PSTN, the CPU 101 acquires the received information and the received image, and stores the acquired received information and the received image in the HDD 104 or the like. As described above, when a FAX is received, if the F code notified by the sending FAX device 50 matches the F code registered in the private mailbox of the image forming apparatus 10, the received image data is stored in the private mailbox. Note that accessing the received image data stored in the private mailbox requires entering a password that has been set in advance for the private mailbox (for example, the password set from password 1513 in Figure 15).

[0042] Next, in S502, CPU101 determines whether the setting for receiving information to chat, as shown in Figure 7 later, is set to notify the chat application. If the setting is not to notify receiving information (No in S502), CPU101 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0043] On the other hand, if the setting is to notify the system of received information (Yes in S502), CPU101 proceeds to process S503.

[0044] In S503, the CPU 101 creates received notification information to be sent to the chat server 20 based on the received information stored in the HDD 104 in S501. Next, in S504, the CPU 101 instructs the information notification control unit 113 to send the received notification information created in S503 from the network control unit 108 to the chat server 20 via the LAN 120. As a result, the received notification message is sent to the terminal device 30 via the chat server 20 and displayed on the chat application screen 800 as message 801 in Figure 8(a), which will be described later. This allows the user to be notified that a fax has been received.

[0045] Next, in S505, the CPU 101 determines whether or not an F-code setting exists based on the received information stored in the HDD 104 in S501. If there is no F-code setting (the result is No in S505), the CPU 101 proceeds to S506. In S506, the CPU 101 instructs the information notification control unit 113 to send the received image stored in the HDD 104 in S501 to the chat server 20 via the LAN 120 from the network control unit 108, and the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0046] On the other hand, if an F-code setting exists (Yes in S505), CPU101 proceeds to S507. In S507, the CPU 101 instructs the information notification control unit 113 to send a password confirmation notification from the network control unit 108 to the chat server 20 via the LAN 120. As a result, the password confirmation notification message is sent to the terminal device 30 via the chat server 20 and displayed on the chat application screen 800 as message 802 in Figure 8(a), which will be described later. This prompts the user to enter their password. After processing S507, CPU101 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0047] In S505, the system is configured to post a message requesting a password to the chat service only if the received fax has an F-code setting. However, the condition for posting a message requesting a password to the chat service is not limited to the received fax having an F-code setting. Any condition that requires password input for processing the received fax data is acceptable. For example, regardless of whether the fax has an F-code setting, the system may configure the image forming apparatus 10 to require a password to view the received fax image and post a message requesting a password to the chat service on that condition.

[0048] Furthermore, while this explanation uses the example of posting the received image to a chat service as an example of processing received fax data, the processing of received fax data is not limited to this. Also, although a message requesting a password is posted to the chat service, a message requesting authentication information other than a password (for example, biometric authentication such as fingerprint authentication) could also be posted to the chat service.

[0049] The process shown in Figure 5 makes it possible to display a message indicating receipt information, such as 801 in Figure 8(a), and a password confirmation message, such as 802, on the chat application screen 800 of the terminal device 30 via the chat server 20, in response to receiving a fax. When prompted by these messages, the user enters a password on the chat application screen 800 of the terminal device 30, for example, as shown in 803 in Figure 8(a), and the entered password is notified to the image forming apparatus 10 via the chat server 20. The following describes the processing when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a password input notification from the chat server 20.

[0050] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the process when a password is entered on the terminal device 30 based on the password confirmation notification in S507 of Figure 5, and the image forming apparatus 10 receives the password input notification via the chat server 20. The processing by the CPU 101 in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 101 reading and executing a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the like.

[0051] In S601, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a password input notification has been received by the information reception control unit 114. If the information reception control unit 114 does not receive a password input notification, i.e., there is no password input notification (No in S601), the CPU 101 repeats the process in S601. On the other hand, if the information reception control unit 114 receives a password input notification, that is, if a password input notification has been received (if the answer to S601 is Yes), the CPU 101 proceeds to S602.

[0052] In S602, the CPU 101 determines whether the password received in the password input notification matches a password that has been pre-set and stored in the HDD 104 of the image forming apparatus 10. The password that has been pre-set and stored in the HDD 104 of the image forming apparatus 10 is the password corresponding to the private box in which the received image is stored in S501 of Figure 5, and for example, it refers to a password set from password 1513 in Figure 15 and stored in the HDD 104.

[0053] If the password received in the password input notification matches the password previously stored in the HDD 104 of the image forming apparatus 10 (i.e., if the answer is Yes in S602), the CPU 101 proceeds to S603. In S603, the CPU 101 instructs the information notification control unit 113 to send the received image stored in the HDD 104 or the like from the network control unit 108 to the chat server 20 via the LAN 120 in S501 of Figure 5. That is, it posts a message indicating the content of the received data received in S501 of Figure 5. As a result, the received image data is notified to the terminal device 30 via the chat server 20, and the received image is displayed on the chat application screen 800 of the terminal device 30, as shown in message 804 in Figure 8(a).

[0054] On the other hand, if the password received in the password input notification does not match the password previously stored in the HDD 104 of the image forming apparatus 10 (i.e., if the result in S602 is "No"), the CPU 101 proceeds to S604. In S604, the CPU 101 instructs the information notification control unit 113 to send a password reconfirmation notification from the network control unit 108 to the chat server 20 via the LAN 120. As a result, the password reconfirmation message is notified to the terminal device 30 via the chat server 20, and the password reconfirmation message is displayed on the chat application screen 800 of the terminal device 30, as shown in 805 of Figure 8(b). After processing S603 or S604, CPU 101 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0055] Through the above process, depending on the conditions (in the example above, the received fax has an F code set), a message requesting the input of authentication information (in the example above, a password) is posted to the chat service, and the input of authentication information is accepted via the chat service. In other words, if the input of authentication information such as a password is required to process the received data received by fax (in the example above, viewing the received image), the authentication information is accepted via the chat service. Then, it becomes possible to control the processing of the received data based on the authentication information. For example, when receiving a fax with an F code set, the password can be entered via the chat application to appropriately display the received image in the chat application. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access to the received image by a third party, solves security issues, and improves the usability of the fax function.

[0056] Figure 7 shows an example of a chat application notification settings screen for sending information notifications to the chat application on the terminal device 30 when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax. On the chat app notification settings screen 700, the setting for notifying the chat app when a fax is received allows you to set whether or not the image forming apparatus 10 will notify the chat app on the terminal device 30 of the received fax. If "Notify" 701 is set, the image forming apparatus 10 will notify the chat app on the terminal device 30 of the received fax. If "Do not notify" 702 is set, the image forming apparatus 10 will not notify the chat app on the terminal device 30 of the received fax.

[0057] The notification settings for password-protected fax reception allow you to configure whether or not the image forming apparatus 10 sends a notification to the chat application when it receives a fax that requires a password to view the received image. If "Notify" 703 is selected, the image forming apparatus 10 will send a notification to the chat application with both the information and the password confirmation when it receives a fax that requires a password to view the received image. If "Do not notify" 704 is selected, the image forming apparatus 10 will not send a notification to the chat application when it receives a fax that requires a password to view the received image.

[0058] In S501 of Figure 5 described above, if a fax without an F-code setting is received, it is determined that a fax that does not require password input to view the received image has been received. Then, depending on whether "Notify" 701 is set, S502 determines Yes. On the other hand, depending on whether "Do not notify" 702 is set, S502 determines No. Also, if a fax with an F-code setting is received, it is determined that a fax that requires password input to view the received image has been received. Then, depending on whether both "Notify" 701 and "Notify" 703 are set, S502 determines Yes. On the other hand, depending on whether "Do not notify" 702 or "Do not notify" 703 is set, S502 determines No. In other words, the notification settings for receiving password-protected faxes (703, 704) correspond to the setting of whether or not to enter the password required to post the received image via the chat service.

[0059] The password-protected fax forwarding settings allow you to configure whether the image forming apparatus 10 will prompt the user to enter the password via the chat application and initiate forwarding when it receives a fax that requires password input during forwarding. If "Forward" 705 is selected, the image forming apparatus 10 will send a password confirmation notification to the chat application when it receives a fax that requires password input during forwarding. If "Do not forward" 706 is selected, the image forming apparatus 10 will not send a password confirmation notification to the chat application when it receives a fax that requires password input during forwarding. In other words, the password-protected fax forwarding settings (705, 706) correspond to the setting of whether or not the password required for the forwarding process is entered via the chat service.

[0060] Please note that the "Notification settings for receiving password-protected faxes" and "Forwarding settings for password-protected faxes" are only effective if "Notify" (701) is selected in "Notify chat app when receiving faxes." If "Do not notify" (702) is selected, settings 703-706 will be grayed out and disabled.

[0061] As described above, when the settings 701 to 706 are configured on the chat application notification settings screen 700 and the "OK" button is pressed, these settings are saved to the HDD 104 or the like of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0062] The following describes the chat application screen 800 when the image forming apparatus 10 notifies the terminal device 30 of the received information and password confirmation upon receiving a fax, using Figure 8. Note that in this explanation, it is assumed that the password-protected fax forwarding setting 700 in the chat application notification settings screen 700 of Figure 7 is set to "Notify" 701, and the notification setting for receiving a password-protected fax is set to "Notify" 703.

[0063] Figure 8(a) shows an example of the chat application screen when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax document with an F code, displays the received information and password confirmation on the chat application screen 800, and the user's password input matches a pre-set password. Message 801 displays the date and time of receipt, phone number, and sender's name as notification information.

[0064] Next, message 802 displays a password confirmation message. Message 803 prompts the user to enter their password. The image forming apparatus 10 performs a password check on the password entered in message 803, and if the password matches, it displays the received image in message 804.

[0065] Figure 8(b) shows an example of the chat application screen when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax document with an F code, displays the received information and password confirmation on the chat application screen 800, and the entered password does not match. Note that messages identical to those in Figure 8(a) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted.

[0066] The image forming apparatus 10 performs a password check on the password entered in message 803, and if the password does not match, it displays the password reconfirmation message in message 805. Message 806 prompts the user to re-enter their password. The image forming apparatus 10 performs a password check on the password entered in message 806, and if the password matches, it displays the received image in message 807.

[0067] Figure 8(c) shows an example of the chat application screen when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax document with an F code, displays the received information and password confirmation on the chat application screen 800, and the password input does not match after a predetermined number of attempts.

[0068] Message 808 displays a password reconfirmation message. Message 809 prompts the user to re-enter their password. The image forming apparatus 10 performs a password check on the password entered in message 810, and if the passwords do not match, it displays the password reconfirmation message in message 811. Message 812 displays a message prompting the image forming apparatus 10 to verify the received image if the password check fails more than a predetermined number of times.

[0069] The predetermined number of repetitions is determined in advance by the image forming apparatus 10, and the user may also set the number of repetitions. This prevents unauthorized access to received images by third parties who do not know the password.

[0070] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate the sequence by which the image forming apparatus 10 notifies the terminal device 30 of the received information when it receives a fax. Here, it is assumed that the password-protected fax forwarding setting 700 on the chat application notification settings screen 700 in Figure 7 is set to "Notify" 701, and the notification setting for receiving a password-protected fax is set to "Notify" 703.

[0071] Figure 9A illustrates the sequence when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax document with an F-code, displays the reception information and password confirmation on the chat application screen 800, and the user's password input matches. In Figure 9A, the chat application screen 800 shown in Figure 8(a) is displayed.

[0072] In S901, the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax from the fax machine 50. At that time, the image forming apparatus 10 acquires the reception information and the received image of the fax and stores them in the HDD 104. Next, in S902, the image forming apparatus 10 creates reception notification information based on the reception information stored in the HDD 104 in S901 and sends it to the chat server 20.

[0073] In S903, the chat server 20 stores the received notification information received from the image forming apparatus 10 in the received notification information 212 of the storage unit 210. The chat processing unit 201 of the control unit 200 analyzes the received notification information stored in the received notification information 212 and creates a chat message related to the received information from the dialogue data 211. In S904, the chat server 20 sends a chat message regarding the received information created in S903 to the terminal device 30.

[0074] In S905, the terminal device 30 receives a message of notification information from the chat server 20 via the chat processing unit 301 of the control unit 300. The control program 311 of the storage unit 310 also launches the chat application and displays the chat message received from the chat server 20 (the message of notification information mentioned above) on the display unit 320 as message 801 in Figure 8(a).

[0075] In S906, the image forming apparatus 10 determines from the received information stored in the HDD 104 whether an F-code setting exists, and if a code setting exists, it sends a password confirmation to the chat server 20. In S907, the chat server 20 analyzes the password confirmation received from the image forming apparatus 10 in the chat processing unit 201 of the control unit 200, and creates a chat message regarding password confirmation from the dialogue data 211. In S908, the chat server 20 sends the chat message regarding password verification created in S907 to the terminal device 30.

[0076] In S909, the terminal device 30 receives a password confirmation message from the chat server 20 via the chat processing unit 301 of the control unit 300. The control program 311 of the storage unit 310 also launches the chat application and displays the chat message received from the chat server 20 (the password confirmation message) on the display unit 320 as message 802 in Figure 8(a).

[0077] In S910, the terminal device 30 receives the user's password input from the display unit 320, as shown in message 803 in Figure 8(a). The chat processing unit 301 of the control unit 300 analyzes the password input and creates a password input notification. In S911, the terminal device 30 sends the password input notification created in S910 to the chat server 20.

[0078] In S912, the chat server 20 analyzes the password input notification received from the terminal device 30 using the chat processing unit 201 of the control unit 200 and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 10. In step S913, the image forming apparatus 10 analyzes the password input notification received from the chat server 20 using the CPU 101 to determine if the passwords match. Figure 9A illustrates the case where the passwords match. In S914, the image forming apparatus 10, having determined in S913 that the password matched, retrieves the received image from the HDD 104 and sends it to the chat server 20.

[0079] In step S915, the chat server 20 stores the received image from the image forming apparatus 10 in the received image 213 of the storage unit 210. The chat processing unit of the control unit 200 analyzes the received image stored in the received image 213 and creates a chat message. In S916, the chat server 20 sends a chat message regarding the received image created in S915 to the terminal device 30.

[0080] In S917, the terminal device 30 receives the image message from the chat server 20 via the chat processing unit 301 of the control unit 300. The control program 311 of the storage unit 310 also launches the chat application and displays the chat message received from the chat server 20 (the image message) on the display unit 320 as message 804 in Figure 8(a).

[0081] Figure 9B illustrates the sequence of events when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax document with an F-code, displays the reception information and password confirmation on the chat application screen 800, and the password input does not match. In Figure 9B, the information displayed on the chat application screen 800 in Figures 8(b) and 8(c) will be explained. Note that steps S918 to S929 in Figure 9B are the same processes as S901 to S912 in Figure 9A, so their explanation is omitted.

[0082] In S930, the image forming apparatus 10 analyzes the password input notification received from the chat server 20 using the CPU 101 to determine if the passwords match. Figure 9B illustrates the case where the passwords do not match. In S931, the image forming apparatus 10 sends a password confirmation message (password reconfirmation message) to the chat server 20 because the password does not match.

[0083] In S932, the chat server 20 analyzes the password confirmation received from the image forming apparatus 10 in the chat processing unit 201 of the control unit 200, and creates a chat message regarding password confirmation from the dialogue data 211. In S933, the chat server 20 sends the chat message created in S932 regarding password reconfirmation to the terminal device 30.

[0084] In S934, the terminal device 30 receives a password reconfirmation message from the chat server 20 via the chat processing unit 301 of the control unit 300. The control program 311 of the storage unit 310 also launches the chat application and displays the chat message received from the chat server 20 (the password reconfirmation message) on the display unit 320 as message 805 in Figure 8(b).

[0085] After this, although not shown in Figure 9B, the process from S927 to S930 (the same process as S910 to S913) is repeated. If the password check is successful, the process from S914 to S917 in Figure 9A is performed, and the received image of message 807 in Figure 8(b) is displayed on the chat application screen 800 of the terminal device 30.

[0086] Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 9B, the process from S927 to S930 (the same process as S910 to S913) is repeated to perform a password check, and the case where the password check fails to match a predetermined number of times will be explained. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 sends a message to the chat server 20 indicating that it failed to acquire the received image. This message is sent to the terminal device 30 via the chat server 20, and the message 812 in Figure 8(c), indicating that it failed to acquire the received image, is displayed on the chat application screen 800 of the terminal device 30.

[0087] As described above, in the first embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax with an F-code setting, it performs password verification with the terminal device 30, and only if the password matches does it display the received image in the chat application of the terminal device. This makes it possible to display the appropriate received fax image based on the password input. Therefore, the risk of unauthorized access to the received image by a third party is reduced, and security issues can be resolved.

[0088] In the above embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax with an F-code setting, a configuration was described in which the image forming apparatus 10 prompts the terminal device 30 to enter a password via a chat service for password verification. Note that if the setting "Do not notify" 704 is selected, the above password verification will not be performed. However, even if password verification is not performed, the user may proactively post the password (in the above example, "12345") via a message such as "Password: 12345" from the chat service. The image forming apparatus 10, upon receiving the entered password, may process the received fax data (post the received image to the chat service) if the password matches.

[0089] Furthermore, after the password matches, the user may be able to proactively instruct the chat service to process the fax data (e.g., print, forward, etc.), and the image forming apparatus 10, upon receiving the instruction, may perform processing on the received fax data according to the instruction.

[0090] [Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax from the fax machine 50 that requires password input during transfer, it will notify the chat application on the terminal device 30 of the received fax information and verify the password, and if they match, it will transfer the received image. The case where a fax requiring password input during transfer is received corresponds to the case where the received fax matches the transfer conditions set in the image forming apparatus 10 and the print hold function for received data described above is enabled in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0091] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process in which the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax from the fax machine 50 that requires password input during transmission, and then sends a reception notification and a password confirmation notification to the terminal device 30 via the chat server 20. The processing by the CPU 101 in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 101 reading and executing a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the like. Figures 12A and 12B show examples of chat application screens 800 displayed on the display unit 320 of the terminal device 30. Hereafter, Figures 12A and 12B will be collectively referred to as "Figure 12".

[0092] In S1001, when the CPU 101 receives a fax from the fax machine 50 via the PSTN using the fax control unit 112 that matches the pre-set transfer conditions, it acquires the received information and the received image, and stores the acquired received information and the received image in the HDD 104 or the like.

[0093] Next, in S1002, the CPU 101 determines whether the setting for receiving information to the chat, as shown in Figure 7, is set to notify the chat application. If the setting is not to notify receiving information (the answer is No in S1002), the CPU 101 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0094] On the other hand, if the setting is to notify the system of received information (Yes in S1002), CPU101 proceeds to process S1003.

[0095] In S1003, the CPU 101 creates received notification information to be sent to the chat server 20 based on the received information stored in the HDD 104 in S1001. Next, in S1004, the CPU 101 instructs the information notification control unit 113 to send the received notification information created in S1003 from the network control unit 108 to the chat server 20 via the LAN 120. As a result, the received notification message is sent to the terminal device 30 via the chat server 20 and displayed on the chat application screen 800 as message 1201 in Figure 12(a), which will be described later. This allows the user to be notified that a fax has been received.

[0096] Next, in S1005, the CPU 101 instructs the information notification control unit 113 to send the received image stored in the HDD 104 in S1001 from the network control unit 108 to the chat server 20 via the LAN 120. As a result, the received image data is notified to the terminal device 30 via the chat server 20, and the received image is displayed on the chat application screen 800 of the terminal device 30, as shown in message 1202 in Figure 12(a).

[0097] Next, in S1006, the CPU 101 determines whether a password has been set for transfer. Whether or not to perform password verification during transfer is determined by whether or not the print hold function for received data described above is enabled in the image forming apparatus 10. The setting for enabling / disabling the print hold function for received data described above is set in advance on a screen such as the fax detailed settings screen 1410 of the image forming apparatus 10, as exemplified in Figure 14, and the setting value is stored in the HDD 104. In S1006, the above setting value is obtained from the HDD 104 and the determination is made. In the example of the fax detailed settings screen 1410 in Figure 14, if the print hold function for received data 1413 is checked and a password 1414 is registered, the print hold function for received data described above is enabled. In any other setting, the print hold function for received data described above is disabled.

[0098] If the setting is not to require password verification during transfer (No in S1006), CPU101 proceeds to process S1007. In S1007, the CPU 101 instructs the FAX control unit 112 to execute the FAX transfer process. In S1008, the CPU 101 instructs the information notification control unit 113 to send the result of the FAX transfer process performed in S1007 to the chat server 20, and terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0099] On the other hand, if the setting is to require password verification during transfer (Yes in S1006), CPU101 proceeds to process S1009. In S1009, the CPU 101 instructs the information notification control unit 113 to send a password confirmation notification from the network control unit 108 to the chat server 20 via the LAN 120. As a result, the password confirmation notification message is sent to the terminal device 30 via the chat server 20 and displayed on the chat application screen 800 as message 1203 in Figure 12(a), which will be described later. This prompts the user to enter their password. After processing S1009, CPU101 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0100] The process shown in Figure 10 allows the terminal device 30's chat application screen 800 to display, via the chat server 20, a reception notification message like 1201 in Figure 12(a), a reception image like 1202, and a password confirmation message like 1203, in response to a fax reception. Prompted by these messages, the user enters a password on the terminal device 30's chat application screen 800, for example, as shown in 1204 in Figure 12(a). The entered password is then notified to the image forming apparatus 10 via the chat server 20. The following describes the processing that occurs when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a password input notification from the chat server 20.

[0101] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the process when a password is entered on the terminal device 30 based on the password confirmation notification S1009 in Figure 10, and the image forming apparatus 10 receives the password input notification via the chat server 20. The processing by the CPU 101 in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 101 reading and executing a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the like.

[0102] In S1101, the CPU 101 determines, via the information reception control unit 114, whether or not there is a password input notification from the chat server 20. If the information reception control unit 114 does not receive a password input notification, i.e., there is no password input notification (the result in S1101 is No), the CPU 101 repeats the process in S1101. On the other hand, if the information reception control unit 114 receives a password input notification, that is, if a password input notification has been received (if the answer is Yes in S1101), the CPU 101 proceeds to process S1102.

[0103] In S1102, the CPU 101 determines whether the password received in the password input notification matches a password that has been pre-set and stored in the HDD 104 of the image forming apparatus 10. In the example of the fax detailed settings screen 1410 in Figure 14, the password that has been set from password 1414 and stored in the HDD 104 refers to the password that has been set from password 1414.

[0104] If the password received in the above password input notification matches the password previously stored in the HDD 104 of the image forming apparatus 10 (if the answer is Yes in S1102), the CPU 101 proceeds to S1103. In S1103, the CPU 101 instructs the FAX control unit 112 to execute the FAX transfer process. Next, in S1104, the CPU 101 instructs the information notification control unit 113 to send the result of the FAX transfer process performed in S1103 to the chat server 20, and the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0105] On the other hand, if the password received in the password input notification does not match the password previously stored in the HDD 104 of the image forming apparatus 10 (the result is No in S1102), the CPU 101 proceeds to S1105. Here, it is assumed that the password-protected fax forwarding setting is set to "Forward" 705 in the chat application notification setting screen 700 in Figure 7.

[0106] In S1105, the CPU 101 instructs the information notification control unit 113 to send a password reconfirmation notification from the network control unit 108 to the chat server 20 via the LAN 120. As a result, the password reconfirmation message is notified to the terminal device 30 via the chat server 20, and the password reconfirmation message is displayed on the chat application screen 800 of the terminal device 30, as shown in 1206 of Figure 12(b). After processing S1105, CPU101 terminates the processing of this flowchart.

[0107] Through the above process, if the processing of received fax data (forwarding in the example above) requires the input of authentication information such as a password, it becomes possible to receive authentication information via chat and control the processing of the received data based on that authentication information. For example, when receiving a fax that requires password input for forwarding, the password can be entered via the chat application to properly process the forwarding of the received data. This reduces the risk of received faxes being forwarded without authorization and ensures that forwarding is performed properly by entering a password, thereby solving security issues and improving the usability of the fax function.

[0108] The following describes the chat application screen 800 when the image forming apparatus 10 notifies the terminal device 30 of the received information and password confirmation upon receiving a fax that meets the transfer conditions, using Figure 12. Here, we assume that the password-protected fax transfer setting is set to "Notify" 701 and the password-protected fax transfer setting is set to "Transfer" 705 in the chat application notification setting screen 700 shown in Figure 7.

[0109] Figure 12(a) shows an example of the chat application screen when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax that requires password input during transfer, displays the received information and password confirmation on the chat application screen 800, and the user's entered password matches the set password.

[0110] Message 1201 displays the date and time of receipt, phone number, and sender's name as notification information. Message 1202 displays the received image. Next, message 1203 displays a password confirmation message.

[0111] Message 1204 prompts the user to enter their password. The image forming apparatus 10 performs a password check on the password entered in message 1204. If the password matches, the image forming apparatus 10 executes the transfer process and displays a message 1205 indicating that the transfer is complete and showing the destination information.

[0112] Figure 12(b) shows an example of the chat application screen when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax requiring password input during transfer, displays the received information and password confirmation on the chat application screen 800, and the user's entered password does not match the set password. Note that the same reference numerals are used for messages identical to those in Figure 12(a), and their explanations are omitted.

[0113] The image forming apparatus 10 performs a password check on the password entered in message 1204, and if the password does not match, it displays the password confirmation message in message 1206. Message 1207 prompts the user to re-enter their password. The image forming apparatus 10 performs a password check on the password entered in message 1207. If the password matches, the image forming apparatus 10 executes the transfer process and displays message 1208 indicating that the transfer is complete and showing the destination information.

[0114] Figure 12(c) shows an example of the chat application screen when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax that requires password input during transfer, displays the received information and password confirmation on the chat application screen 800, and the user's password input does not match after a predetermined number of attempts.

[0115] Message 1209 displays a password reconfirmation message. Message 1210 prompts the user to re-enter their password. The image forming apparatus 10 performs a password check on the password entered in message 1211, and if the password does not match, it displays the password reconfirmation message in message 1212. Message 1213 displays a message prompting the image forming apparatus 10 to verify the password if it fails to match after a predetermined number of password checks.

[0116] The predetermined number of repetitions is determined in advance by the image forming apparatus 10, and the user may also set the number of repetitions. This prevents unauthorized forwarding of received faxes by third parties who do not know the password.

[0117] Figures 13A and 13B show the sequence in which the image forming apparatus 10 notifies the terminal device 30 of the received information when it receives a fax that meets the transfer conditions and requires password input during transfer. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the password-protected fax transfer setting is set to "Notify" 701 and the password-protected fax transfer setting is set to "Transfer" 705 in the chat application notification setting screen 700 in Figure 7.

[0118] Figure 13A illustrates a sequence in which the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax that meets the transfer conditions and requires password input during transfer, displays the received information and password confirmation on the chat application screen 800, and the user's password input matches. In the explanation of Figure 13A, it is assumed that the chat application screen 800 shown in Figure 12(a) is displayed.

[0119] In S1301, the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax from the fax machine 50 that matches the transfer settings. At that time, the image forming apparatus 10 acquires the reception information and the received image of the fax and stores them in the HDD 104. Next, in S1302, reception notification information is created based on the received information stored in HDD104, and the reception notification information and received image are sent to chat server 20.

[0120] In S1303, the chat server 20 stores the received notification information and received image from the image forming apparatus 10 in the received notification information 212 of the storage unit 210. The chat processing unit 201 of the control unit 200 analyzes the received notification information and received image stored in the received notification information 212 and creates a chat message related to the received notification information and received image from the dialogue data 211. In S1304, the chat server 20 sends the chat message regarding the received notification information and received image created in S1303 to the terminal device 30.

[0121] In S1305, the terminal device 30 receives notification messages and received image messages from the chat server 20 via the chat processing unit 301 of the control unit 300. The control program 311 of the storage unit 310 also launches the chat application and displays the chat message received from the chat server 20 (the notification message mentioned above) on the display unit 320 as message 1201 in Figure 12(a).

[0122] In S1306, the control program 311 of the storage unit 310 starts the chat application and displays the chat message received from the chat server 20 (the message in the received image above) on the display unit 320 as message 1202 in Figure 12(a).

[0123] In S1307, the image forming apparatus 10 checks the FAX settings stored in the HDD 104 to determine if password input is required for FAX transfer, and if a password input is required, it sends a password confirmation to the chat server 20.

[0124] In S1308, the chat server 20 analyzes the password confirmation received from the image forming apparatus 10 in the chat processing unit 201 of the control unit 200 and creates a chat message regarding password confirmation from the dialogue data 211. In S1309, the chat server 20 sends the chat message regarding password verification created in S1308 to the terminal device 30.

[0125] In S1310, the terminal device 30 receives a password confirmation message from the chat server 20 via the chat processing unit 301 of the control unit 300. The control program 311 of the storage unit 310 also launches the chat application and displays the chat message received from the chat server 20 (the password confirmation message mentioned above) on the display unit 320 as message 1203 in Figure 12(a).

[0126] In S1311, the terminal device 30 receives a password input from the user via the display unit 320, as shown in message 1204 in Figure 12(a). The chat processing unit 301 of the control unit 300 analyzes the password input and creates a password input notification. In S1312, the terminal device 30 sends the password input notification created in S1311 to the chat server 20.

[0127] In S1313, the chat server 20 analyzes the password input notification received from the terminal device 30 using the chat processing unit 201 of the control unit 200 and sends it to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0128] In S1314, the image forming apparatus 10 analyzes the password input notification received from the chat server 20 using the CPU 101 to determine if the passwords match. Figure 13A illustrates the case where the passwords match. In S1315, the image forming apparatus 10 determines that the password matches in S1314, and therefore executes the fax transfer process. In S1316, the image forming apparatus 10 sends a message to the chat server 20 indicating that the transfer has been completed.

[0129] In S1317, the chat server 20 analyzes the transfer results received from the image forming apparatus 10 in the chat processing unit of the control unit 200 and creates a chat message. In S1318, the chat server 20 sends a chat message regarding the transfer result created in S1317 to the terminal device 30.

[0130] In S1319, the terminal device 30 receives the transfer result message from the chat server 20 via the chat processing unit 301 of the control unit 300. The control program 311 of the storage unit 310 also launches the chat application and displays the chat message received from the chat server 20 (the transfer result message mentioned above) on the display unit 320 as message 1205 in Figure 12(a).

[0131] Figure 13B illustrates the sequence when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax that meets the transfer conditions and requires password input during transfer, displays the received information and password confirmation on the chat application screen 800, and the user's password input does not match. In the explanation of Figure 13B, it is assumed that the chat application screen 800 shown in Figure 12(b) is displayed. Note that steps S1320 to S1332 in Figure 13B are the same process as S1301 to S1313 in Figure 9A, so the explanation is omitted.

[0132] In S1333, the image forming apparatus 10 analyzes the password input notification received from the chat server 20 using the CPU 101 to determine if the passwords match. Figure 13B illustrates the case where the passwords do not match. In S1334, the image forming apparatus 10 sends a password reconfirmation message to the chat server 20 because the passwords do not match.

[0133] In S1335, the chat server 20 analyzes the password confirmation received from the image forming apparatus 10 in the chat processing unit 201 of the control unit 200, and creates a chat message regarding password confirmation from the dialogue data 211. In S1336, the chat server 20 sends the chat message regarding password reconfirmation, created in S1335, to the terminal device 30.

[0134] In S1337, the terminal device 30 receives a password reconfirmation message from the chat server 20 via the chat processing unit 301 of the control unit 300. The control program 311 of the storage unit 310 also launches the chat application and displays the chat message received from the chat server 20 (the password reconfirmation message mentioned above) on the display unit 320 as message 1206 in Figure 12(b).

[0135] After this, although not shown in Figure 13B, the processes S1330 to S1333 (the same processes as S1311 to S1314) are repeated. If the password check is successful, the processes S1315 to S1319 in Figure 13A are performed, and the message 1208 in Figure 12(b) is displayed on the chat application screen 800 of the terminal device 30.

[0136] Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 13B, the process from S1330 to S1333 (the same process as S1311 to S1314) is repeated to perform a password check, and the case where the password check fails a predetermined number of times will be explained. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 sends a message to the chat server 20 indicating that the transfer failed. This message is sent to the terminal device 30 via the chat server 20 and is displayed on the chat application screen 800 of the terminal device 30 as a message prompting confirmation from the image forming apparatus 10 because the transfer failed, as shown in message 1213 in Figure 12(c).

[0137] As described above, in the second embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a fax that meets the transfer conditions and requires password input during transfer, it verifies the password with the terminal device 30, and performs the transfer only if the password matches. This ensures that the transfer process is performed appropriately using the password, and also enables notification of the transfer result to the chat application on the terminal device 30. While the chat service currently posts messages requesting a password, it is also acceptable to post messages requesting other authentication information (such as biometric authentication like fingerprint recognition) to the chat service.

[0138] In each of the embodiments described above, when the image processing device receives a fax that requires the input of authentication information (such as a password) for processing the received data, it uses the chat application to accept the input of authentication information and processes the received data based on that authentication information. Therefore, even when a fax that requires the input of authentication information for processing the received data is received, it is possible to properly execute the processing of the received data in cooperation with the chat application. Thus, it is possible to solve security issues in image processing devices that cooperate with network communication services such as chat applications and improve usability.

[0139] It should be noted that the structure and content of the various data described above are not limited to those mentioned, and it goes without saying that they can be composed of various structures and contents depending on the use and purpose. Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take the form of, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium. Specifically, it may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices, or to an apparatus consisting of a single device. Furthermore, any configurations combining the above embodiments are also included in the present invention.

[0140] (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. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices or to a device consisting of a single device. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications (including organic combinations of each embodiment) are possible based on the spirit of the invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the invention. That is, all configurations that combine the above-described embodiments and their modified forms are included in the present invention.

Claims

1. An image processing device equipped with a function for receiving facsimile, A control means that controls the posting of a first message indicating the receipt of a facsimile to a message communication service, It includes processing means for controlling the process of posting a message indicating the contents of received data received by facsimile, When the control means receives a facsimile with an F code, it further controls the image processing device to post the first message and then post a second message indicating that it is requesting the input of authentication information, depending on the setting in the image processing device to notify the first message when a facsimile with an F code is received. The image processing apparatus is characterized in that the processing means controls the process of posting a message indicating the content of the received data received by the facsimile, based on authentication information received via the message communication service.

2. An image processing device equipped with a function for receiving facsimile, A control means that controls the posting of a message indicating that a facsimile has been received to the message communication service, It includes processing means for controlling the process of transferring received data received by facsimile to a predetermined destination using the facsimile function, The control means further controls the posting of a message indicating that authentication information is required, depending on the conditions that the received facsimile meets the transfer conditions of a predetermined facsimile function and that the image processing device is configured to require the input of authentication information for the transfer process by the facsimile function. The image processing apparatus is characterized in that the processing means controls the process of transferring the received data to a predetermined destination using a facsimile function, based on authentication information received via the message communication service.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the control means further controls posting a message indicating the result of the transfer process of the received data.

4. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that if authentication based on the authentication information fails, the processing means causes the control means to execute control to post a message indicating that it is requesting the input of authentication information again.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that if the processing means fails to perform authentication based on the authentication information a predetermined number of times, it causes the control means to execute control to post a message indicating that the processing of the received data has failed.

6. The system has setting means for setting either a first setting, which involves inputting authentication information necessary for the transfer process of the received data by the facsimile function via the message communication service, or a second setting, which involves not inputting authentication information via the message communication service. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the control means controls to post a message indicating that the user is requested to input the authentication information according to the conditions when the first setting is made, and does not post a message indicating that the user is requested to input the authentication information according to the conditions when the second setting is made.

7. A control method for an image processing device equipped with a facsimile receiving function, When a facsimile with an F-code is received, depending on the setting in the image processing device, which is configured to notify the message communication service of whether or not a first message indicating that a facsimile has been received is posted, the posting step includes posting the first message and then posting a second message indicating that authentication information is to be entered. A processing step that controls the processing of received data from a facsimile with the F code set, based on authentication information received via the message communication service, A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by having the following features.

8. A control method for an image processing device equipped with a facsimile receiving function, A first posting step involves posting a message to the message communication service indicating that a facsimile has been received, A second posting step involves posting a message indicating that authentication information is required, depending on the conditions that the received facsimile meets the transfer conditions of a predetermined facsimile function and that the image processing device is configured to require the input of authentication information for the transfer process by the facsimile function. A processing step that controls the process of transferring the received facsimile data to a predetermined destination using the facsimile function, based on authentication information received via the message communication service, A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by having the following features.

9. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images