Image processing apparatus and control method

Abstract

To provide an image processor or the like capable of flexibly selecting a destination.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus includes a first selection unit that selects one or a plurality of first addresses from one or a plurality of addresses received from a terminal using short-range wireless communication, a second selection unit that selects one or a plurality of second addresses different from the first addresses, and an image transmission unit that transmits an image to the first addresses and the second addresses.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, digital multifunction peripherals (MFPs; Multi-Function Peripheral / Printers) having functions such as a copying function, a printing function, a scanner function, a mail transmission function, etc. have been widely used. Also, some multifunction peripherals have a function of transmitting an image of a document read by a scanner function to a destination designated by a user.

[0003] [[ID=…]] Also, technologies for acquiring destination information from other devices have been proposed. For example, an image processing apparatus has been proposed that acquires destination information from a mobile terminal and switches an image processing function to be executed and sets the image processing function based on the acquired destination information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses that an image processing apparatus can use a destination included in destination information received from a mobile terminal as a destination (transmission destination) of image data. However, the image processing apparatus according to Patent Document 1 has a problem that a destination can only be specified from the destination information received from the mobile terminal.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an image processing apparatus and the like that can flexibly select a destination.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the image processing apparatus according to this disclosure is characterized by comprising: a first selection unit that selects one or more first addresses from one or more addresses received from a terminal device using short-range wireless communication; a second selection unit that selects one or more second addresses different from the first addresses; and an image transmission unit that transmits images to the first addresses and the second addresses.

[0008] The control method according to this disclosure is characterized by including: a first selection step of selecting one or more first addresses from one or more addresses received from a terminal device using short-range wireless communication; a second selection step of selecting one or more second addresses different from the first addresses; and an image transmission step of transmitting an image to the first addresses and the second addresses. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This disclosure makes it possible to provide an image processing device, etc., that can flexibly select a destination. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the terminal device in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure illustrates an example of the data structure of address information stored in a terminal device in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the image processing apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates an example of a data structure for address information stored in an image processing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates an example of the data structure of transmission history information in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram for explaining the processing flow executed by the terminal device and the image processing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of the address selection process in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of the image transmission process in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a diagram for explaining an operation example in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a diagram for explaining an operation example in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a diagram for explaining an operation example in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a diagram for explaining an operation example in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a diagram for explaining an operation example in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a diagram for explaining an example of the data structure of the transmission history information in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of the image transmission process in the third embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of the transmission history display process in the third embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a diagram for explaining an operation example in the third embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a diagram for explaining an operation example in the third embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment for implementing the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the invention described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0012] [1. First Embodiment] [1.1 Overall Configuration] Referring to FIG. 1, the system 1 in this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 of this embodiment includes a terminal device 10 and an image processing device 20. Further, the terminal device 10 and the image processing device 20 have a function of performing short-range wireless communication.

[0013] The terminal device 10 is an information processing device carried by a user. The terminal device 10 is, for example, a device such as a smartphone or a tablet. Note that the terminal device 10 may be a device such as a smartwatch, a PC (Personal Computer), or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

[0014] The image processing device 20 is a device having functions such as a copy function, a print function, a scanner function, a mail transmission function, etc., and is generally a device called a digital multi-function peripheral (MFP). Note that the image processing device 20 may be an image forming device provided with means for forming an image on a recording sheet such as paper or an OHP film using means such as an electrophotographic method.

[0015] [1.2 Functional Configuration] [1.2.1 Terminal Device] The configuration of the terminal device 10 in this embodiment will be described based on FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 10 includes a control unit 100, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, a storage unit 160, a short-range wireless communication unit 180, and a communication unit 190.

[0016] The control unit 100 controls the entire terminal device 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 160, and is composed of one or more arithmetic units (for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)).

[0017] The display unit 140 displays various information. The display unit 140 is composed of a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, or a microLED (Light Emitting Diode) display.

[0018] The operation unit 150 receives input from the user using the terminal device 10. The operation unit 150 is composed of input devices such as touch sensors. The method used to detect input in the touch sensor can be any common detection method, such as resistive, infrared, electromagnetic induction, or capacitive touch. The terminal device 10 may also be equipped with a touch panel in which the display unit 140 and the operation unit 150 are integrally formed.

[0019] The storage unit 160 stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the terminal device 10. The storage unit 160 is composed of, for example, a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which are semiconductor memory.

[0020] The memory unit 160 reserves an address information storage area 162 as a storage area. The address information storage area 162 stores information (address information) related to the user's contacts (e.g., telephone number, email address, etc.). The address information stored in the terminal device 10 is generally the information displayed by a function called an address book or telephone book.

[0021] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of address information stored in the address information storage area 162. As shown in Figure 3, the address information stored in the address information storage area 162 includes the user's name (for example, "Aiueo"), the user's telephone number (for example, "080-0123-4567"), and the user's email address (for example, "aiueo@example.com").

[0022] The address information stored in terminal device 10 may include multiple telephone numbers and email addresses corresponding to a single user's name. In addition to the information described above, the address information stored in terminal device 10 may also include other information such as the phonetic spelling of the name, fax number, address, company name, department name, category, and memo.

[0023] The short-range wireless communication unit 180 communicates wirelessly with other devices located around the terminal device 10. The short-range wireless communication unit 180 is composed of, for example, a communication device equipped with an antenna. The wireless communication method used by the short-range wireless communication unit 180 may be any wireless communication method commonly used for short-range communication, such as Bluetooth®, NFC (Near Field Communication), ZigBee®, or wireless USB.

[0024] The communication unit 190 communicates with external devices. The communication unit 190 consists of, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) used in wired / wireless LAN (Local Area Network) and a communication module that can connect to LTE (Long Term Evolution) / LTE-A (LTE-Advanced) / LAA (License-Assisted Access using LTE) / 5G lines.

[0025] [1.2.2 Image Processing Devices] The configuration of the image processing apparatus 20 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the image processing apparatus 20 is configured to include a control unit 200, an image input unit 220, an image forming unit 230, a display unit 240, an operation unit 250, a storage unit 260, a short-range wireless communication unit 280, and a communication unit 290.

[0026] The control unit 200 controls the entire image processing device 20. The control unit 200 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 260, and is composed of one or more arithmetic units (e.g., CPUs).

[0027] The image input unit 220 reads the original document and inputs the data of the scanned image. For example, the image input unit 220 is composed of a scanning device equipped with a device that converts optical information such as a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) or CCD (Charge Coupled Device) into electrical signals, and reads the original document placed on the mounting table of the image processing device 20. The image input unit 220 may also be composed of an interface (terminal) for reading images stored in a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0028] The image forming unit 230 forms (prints) an image on a recording medium such as recording paper. The image forming unit 230 is composed of, for example, a laser printer using an electrophotographic method.

[0029] The display unit 240 displays various information. The display unit 240 is composed of a display device such as an LCD, an organic EL panel, or a microLED display.

[0030] The operation unit 250 receives input from the user using the image processing device 20. The operation unit 250 is composed of input devices such as hardware keys (physical keys, numeric keypad) and touch sensors. The method of detecting input in the touch sensor can be any common detection method, such as resistive, infrared, electromagnetic induction, or capacitive touch. The image processing device 20 may also be equipped with a touch panel in which the display unit 240 and the operation unit 250 are integrally formed.

[0031] The memory unit 260 stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the image processing device 20. The memory unit 260 is composed of, for example, a storage device such as a semiconductor memory SSD or HDD.

[0032] The memory unit 260 reserves an image data storage area 262, an address information storage area 264, and a transmission history information storage area 266 as storage areas.

[0033] The image data storage area 262 stores image data of images input by the image input unit 220. The image data may be, for example, data representing an image formed by the image forming unit 230 (print data), or a file in a format readable by other devices.

[0034] The address information storage area 264 stores information related to the user's contacts (for example, address information such as telephone numbers and email addresses). The address information stored in the image processing device 20 is generally the information displayed by a function called an address book or telephone book.

[0035] Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of address information stored in the address information storage area 264. As shown in Figure 5, the address information stored in the address information storage area 264 includes the user's name (for example, "Takagi Seiichi"), the phonetic spelling of the name (for example, "Takagi Seiichi"), the user's email address (for example, "takagi@example.com"), and the fax number indicating the fax recipient number (for example, "03-0123-4567").

[0036] The address information stored in the image processing device 20 may include multiple email addresses and fax numbers corresponding to a single user's name. In addition to the information described above, the address information stored in the image processing device 20 may also include other information such as address, company name, department name, category, and memo.

[0037] The transmission history information storage area 266 stores the history information (transmission history information) of when an image was transmitted from the image processing device 20. An example of the data structure of the transmission history information stored in the transmission history information storage area 266 is shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 6, the transmission history information stored in the transmission history information storage area 266 includes the destination indicating the name of the user who sent the image (for example, "Makoto Takahashi"), the user's email address (for example, "makoto.takahashi@example.com"), and the date and time the image was sent (for example, "January 15, 2021, 19:02:21").

[0038] The short-range wireless communication unit 280 communicates wirelessly with other devices located around the image processing device 20. The short-range wireless communication unit 280 is composed of, for example, a communication device equipped with an antenna. The wireless communication method used by the short-range wireless communication unit 280 may be any wireless communication method commonly used for short-range communication, such as Bluetooth, NFC, ZigBee, or wireless USB.

[0039] The communication unit 290 communicates with external devices via a LAN or WAN. The communication unit 290 is composed of communication devices and communication modules, such as NICs used in wired / wireless LANs.

[0040] [1.3 Processing Flow] [1.3.1 Processing flow of terminal device and image processing device] Next, the processing flow in this embodiment will be explained. First, with reference to Figure 7, the processing and communication information of the terminal device 10 and the image processing device 20 will be described.

[0041] First, the control unit 200 of the image processing device 20 determines whether the user has selected the image transmission function (S1000). The image transmission function is, for example, a function that sends image data generated by scanning a document with the image input unit 220 using email (ScanToEmail function).

[0042] If the image transmission function is selected, the control unit 200 acquires an image via the image input unit 220 (S1000; Yes → S1002). The control unit 200 may store the image data of the image acquired in S1002 in the image data storage area 262. If a function other than the image transmission function is selected in S1000, the control unit 200 executes a predetermined process corresponding to the selected function (S1000; No).

[0043] Next, the control unit 200 determines whether or not an operation to receive address information from the terminal device 10 has been performed (S1004). An operation to receive address information from the terminal device 10 is, for example, pressing the button displayed on the display unit 240 that indicates "Refer to the phonebook of an external device".

[0044] If an operation is performed to receive address information from the terminal device 10, the terminal device 10 and the image processing device 20 perform pairing in order to enable short-range wireless communication between the terminal device 10 and the image processing device 20 (S1004; Yes → S1006).

[0045] Once pairing is complete, the control unit 100 of the terminal device 10 detects that the user has entered an operation to transmit address information via the operation unit 150 (S1008). Furthermore, the control unit 100 communicates wirelessly with the image processing device 20 and transmits (transfers) the address information stored in the address information storage area 162 to the image processing device 20 (S1010).

[0046] For example, the control unit 100 uses a Bluetooth profile such as OPP (Object Push Profile) or PBAP (Phone Book Access Profile) to send all address information stored in the address information storage area 162 to the image processing device 20 in a single batch. This allows the control unit 100 to send address information to the image processing device 20 without using a specific application. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may send address information to the image processing device 20 by using a specific application that has the function of sending address information to the image processing device 20. If a specific application is used, the input for the operation to send address information may be performed on the specific application.

[0047] Next, the control unit 200 of the image processing device 20 receives the address information transmitted from the terminal device 10 via the short-range wireless communication unit 280 using short-range wireless communication (S1012).

[0048] Next, the control unit 200 of the image processing device 20 performs an address selection process to select a destination to which the image acquired in S1002 should be sent (S1014). Furthermore, the control unit 200 performs a transmission process to send the image to the destination selected in S1014 (S1016). The processing flow in the address selection process and the transmission process will be described later.

[0049] In addition, if it is selected in S1004 not to obtain an address from the terminal device 10, the control unit 200 of the image processing device 20 will not obtain address information from the terminal device 10 and will send the image to a predetermined destination (S1004; No). In this case, the destination address to which the image is sent may be, for example, an email address stored in the address information stored in the address information storage area 264, or an address directly entered by the user.

[0050] [1.3.2 Address Selection Process] The address selection process will be explained with reference to Figure 8. First, the control unit 200 temporarily stores the address information received from the terminal device 10 in the storage unit 260, separately from the address information storage area 264 (step S100) (address storage unit).

[0051] Next, the control unit 200 displays the address information stored in step S100 on the display unit 240 (step S102). For example, the control unit 200 displays the name and email address information included in the address information in a list format on the display unit 240.

[0052] Next, the control unit 200 selects one or more destinations (first addresses) to which image data will be sent, based on user operation, from the address information received and stored from the terminal device 10 in step S100 (step S104) (first selection unit). For example, the control unit 200 selects all of the email addresses included in the address information displayed in list format in step S102 as addresses indicating destinations to which images will be sent. In addition, the control unit 200 can also select email addresses included in the address information selected by the user from the address information displayed in list format in step S102 as addresses indicating destinations to which images will be sent. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the one or more destinations (addresses) selected based on the address information received and stored from the terminal device 10 are also referred to as the first address group.

[0053] Next, the control unit 100 displays the address information (registered address information) that was previously stored in the address information storage area 264 on the display unit 240 (step S106). For example, the control unit 200 displays the name and email address information included in the address information in list format on the display unit 240.

[0054] Next, the control unit 200 additionally selects one or more destinations (second addresses) that are different from the destination based on the address information received from the terminal device 10 and stored in step S100 (second selection unit). In this embodiment, one or more destinations (addresses) that are different from the destination based on the address information received from the terminal device 10 are also referred to as the second address group.

[0055] First, the control unit 200 determines whether the user has selected one or more address information from the registered address information (step S108). For example, the control unit 200 determines that address information has been selected when the user performs the operation of selecting one or more address information from the address information displayed in list format in step S106.

[0056] If the control unit 200 determines that address information has been selected, it further selects the address selected in step S108 (step S108; Yes → step S110) (second selection unit). For example, the control unit 200 adds the email address included in the address information selected by the user in step S108 to the address selected in step S104. As a result, the control unit 200 can select the address selected in step S104 and the address selected in step S108 as the destination address for sending the image.

[0057] On the other hand, if the control unit 200 determines in step S108 that no address information was selected, it determines whether or not to display the global address book (step S108; No → step S112). The global address book is a screen for displaying global address information. Global address information is address information shared among the organization that owns the image processing device 20 or the facility where the image processing device 20 is installed. For example, when an operation to display global address information is performed (for example, when the button to display the global address book is selected by the user), the control unit 200 determines to display the global address book.

[0058] When the control unit 200 displays global address information, it acquires the global address information and displays the acquired global address information on the display unit 240 (step S112; Yes → step S114). For example, the control unit 200 connects to a server device or service that manages global address information (for example, a directory service or a service that manages destinations provided on the cloud) via the communication unit 290. The control unit 200 then acquires address information managed as global address information from the connected server device or service. The control unit 200 also displays the name and email address information included in the acquired address information in list format on the display unit 240.

[0059] Next, it is determined whether one or more global address information entries were selected from the global address information displayed in step S114 (step S116).

[0060] If the control unit 200 determines in step S116 that global address information has been selected, it further selects the address selected in step S116 (step S116; Yes → step S118) (second selection unit). The processing in step S118 is the same as the processing in step S110.

[0061] On the other hand, if the control unit 200 determines in step S112 that it is not to display global address information, it determines whether or not the address was directly entered by the user (step S112; No → step S120). The control unit 200 determines that the address was directly entered when, for example, an operation to directly enter an address is performed (for example, when the user enters an address in a predetermined input area and the "OK" button is selected).

[0062] If the control unit 200 determines that an address has been entered directly, it additionally selects the entered address in step S120 (step S120; Yes → step S122) (second selection unit). The processing in step S122 is the same as the processing in step S110.

[0063] If the control unit 200 determines in step S120 that the address has not been directly entered by the user, it returns to step S108 (step S120; No → step S108).

[0064] Next, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the user has performed an operation to start sending an image (step S124). For example, the control unit 200 determines that an operation to start sending an image has been performed when the user selects the button to send an image.

[0065] If the control unit 200 determines that the user has initiated the operation to start transmitting an image (transmission instruction), it terminates the address selection process (step S124; Yes). On the other hand, if the control unit 200 determines that the user has not initiated the operation to start transmitting an image, it returns to step S102 (step S124; No → step S102). This allows the control unit 200 to allow the user to add addresses based on address information transferred from the terminal device 10 and address information pre-stored in the image processing device 20, as well as addresses based on global address information and addresses entered directly.

[0066] Furthermore, before executing the processing in step S124, the control unit 200 may display a list of the addresses selected in steps S104, S110, S118, and S122 on the display unit 240. This allows the user to confirm the addresses of the destinations to which images are to be sent, based on address information transferred from the terminal device 10 to the image processing device 20, or address information pre-stored in the image processing device 20. In addition, the control unit 200 may delete addresses from the list of displayed addresses based on user operations. In this way, the control unit 200 can allow the user to delete addresses that have already been added as destinations for sending images.

[0067] Furthermore, if the control unit 200 detects in step S124 that an operation other than the operation to start sending an image (for example, an operation to return to the home screen or an operation to change settings) has been performed, it will execute the processing corresponding to the detected operation.

[0068] [1.3.3 Transmission Process] Next, the image transmission process will be explained with reference to Figure 9. The image transmission process is executed in step S124 after the user initiates the operation (transmission instruction) to start transmitting an image.

[0069] First, the control unit 200 executes a job to send the image acquired in S1002 of Figure 7 to the address selected by the address selection process (step S150) (image transmission unit). For example, the control unit 200 attaches the image data of the image acquired in S1002 of Figure 7 and generates an email addressed to the email address selected in steps S104, S110, S118, and S122 of Figure 8. Then, the control unit 200 sends the generated email via the communication unit 290.

[0070] Next, the control unit 200 deletes the address information (address information received from the terminal device 10) stored in step S100 of Figure 8 from the storage unit 260 (step S152) (address deletion unit). As a result, the image processing device 20 no longer holds the address information received from the terminal device 10.

[0071] Next, the control unit 200 stores the addresses selected in steps S104, S110, and S118 of Figure 8 and the addresses entered in step S122 (for example, email addresses) as transmission history information (step S154) (history information storage unit).

[0072] For example, the control unit 200 generates transmission history information using the name and email address included in the address information selected in steps S104, S110, and S118 of Figure 8, and the date and time the image was sent, as the recipient, email address, and date and time sent, respectively. Alternatively, the control unit 200 generates transmission history information using the email address and date and time the image was sent, respectively, as the email address and date and time sent, without including any specific information in the recipient field. The control unit 200 then stores the generated transmission history information in the transmission history information storage area 266.

[0073] As a result of the above process, the address information received from the terminal device 10 is not stored in the address information storage area 264 of the image processing device 20. On the other hand, among the address information received from the terminal device 10, the addresses included in the address information selected as the destination for sending the image are stored as transmission history information in the storage unit 260 (transmission history information storage area 266) of the image processing device 20. In step S154, the control unit 100 may also perform a process to prevent the transmission history information related to the address information received from the terminal device 10 from being stored in the transmission history information storage area 266. In this case, no address information received from the terminal device 10 is stored in the storage unit 260 of the image processing device 20.

[0074] In the above explanation, the control unit 200 was described as deleting the address information received from the terminal device 10 after transmitting the image. However, the timing of deleting the address information received from the terminal device 10 may differ from the timing described above. For example, the control unit 200 may delete the address information received from the terminal device 10 when it is instructed to start the image transmission job, or it may delete the address information received from the terminal device 10 before or during the transmission of the image.

[0075] [1.4 Example of Operation] Next, an example of operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 14. Figures 10(a) and 10(b) are examples of the display screen shown on the display unit 240 when the image transmission function is selected.

[0076] The display screen W100 shown in Figure 10(a) is the screen for a function called simple scan, which is part of the image transmission function, and the settings that can be configured by the user are limited. By selecting (pressing) button B100, which indicates "Refer to the phonebook of an external device," the user can use the address information stored in the terminal device 10 that the user is using in the image processing device 20.

[0077] Furthermore, the display screen W110 shown in Figure 10(b) is the screen for the mode (E-mail mode) for executing the ScanToEmail function. In particular, the display screen W110 is the basic screen of E-mail mode when the address book stored in the main body of the image processing device 20 is open. The user can set the destination to which to send images via the display screen W110. In addition, by selecting (pressing) button B110, which indicates "refer to the phone book of an external device," the user can also use the address information stored in the terminal device 10 used by the user in the image processing device 20.

[0078] Furthermore, when button B100 in Figure 10(a) or button B110 in Figure 10(b) is selected, a screen for obtaining address information from the terminal device 10 is displayed on the display unit 240 of the image processing device 20. Here, Figure 11(a) shows the display screen that is displayed on the display unit 240 of the image processing device 20 when button B110 is selected by the user in Figure 10(b). Figure 11(a) is an example of the display screen W120 that is displayed on the display unit 240 when button B110 in Figure 10(b) is selected. As shown in Figure 11(a), the display screen W120 is a screen in which a dialog message M120 prompting the user to pair with the terminal device 10 is displayed on the display screen W110. The user pairs the terminal device 10 and the image processing device 20 while referring to the dialog message M120.

[0079] Figure 11(b) shows an example of the display screen W130 that appears on the display unit 240 after pairing is complete. As shown in Figure 11(b), the display screen W130 displays a dialog message M130 indicating that the address information (phonebook data) stored in the terminal device 10 is being read.

[0080] Figure 12(a) shows an example of the display screen W140 displayed on the display unit 240 after address information is received from the terminal device 10. The display screen W140 is a destination list screen that displays a list of destinations to which images will be sent. The display screen W140 includes a list E140 that displays the address information selected as the destination to which images will be sent.

[0081] List E140 displays address information transferred from terminal device 10. For example, in the example in Figure 12(a), three pieces of address information transferred from terminal device 10 are displayed in list format.

[0082] Thus, in the image processing device 20, the address information (destinations) transferred from the terminal device 10 are displayed in a list on the display screen W140, and the desired destination can be selected from this list. In this embodiment, all email addresses stored in the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 are selected (set) as destinations for sending images.

[0083] Furthermore, the display screen W140 includes a button B140 for closing the display screen W140. When the user selects button B140, the display unit 240 displays the display screen W150, as shown in Figure 12(b). The display screen W150 is a screen that displays address information pre-stored in the image processing device 20. In other words, the display screen W150 is a screen of the address book stored in the image processing device 20.

[0084] The display screen W150 includes an area E150 that displays the number of destination addresses that have already been selected. As shown in Figure 12(b), since the email addresses (3) stored in the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 have already been selected as destinations to which the image will be sent, the number "3", which is the number of selected email addresses, is displayed in area E150.

[0085] Note that list E140 may be a list in which one or more address information can be selected by the user. In this case, the image processing device 20 selects the email addresses stored in the address information selected in list E140 as the destinations to which the image is sent, and displays the number of selected email addresses in area E150.

[0086] Furthermore, the user can select a destination to send the image to, based on the address information stored in the image processing device 20, via the display screen W150.

[0087] Here, the display screen W150 includes a list E152 that displays address information (registered address information) that is pre-stored in the address information storage area 264. The user can add and select destinations to send images to by selecting one or more address information from list E152. The image processing device 20 adds the email addresses stored in the address information selected by the user to the addresses of the destinations to which the images will be sent.

[0088] Additionally, the display screen W150 includes a magnifying glass button B150 for displaying the global address book, a button B152 for searching the global address book, and an input area F150 for directly entering addresses.

[0089] Figure 13(a) shows the display screen W160, which displays the global address book. The display screen W160 includes a list E160 that displays global address information. The user can add and select destinations to send images to by selecting one or more address entries from list E160.

[0090] Furthermore, the display screen W160 may include an area E162 where buttons and other controls used to narrow down global address information are displayed. For example, after entering a keyword in the input field F162, the user can select the re-search button B162 to display address information containing the keyword entered in input field F162 in list E160. The user can then add and select destinations for sending images by selecting one or more address entries from the address information narrowed down based on the keyword.

[0091] Furthermore, Figure 13(b) shows an example of the display screen W170 displayed on the display unit 240 when the input area F150 shown in Figure 12(b) is selected. The display screen W170 includes an area E170 where a software keyboard is displayed. The user can input characters into the input area F170 by selecting a button included in area E170. The user can also add the address entered in the input area F170 as a destination for sending images by selecting the OK button B170 included in area E170.

[0092] Figure 14 shows the display screen W180, which is displayed after destinations selected or entered via the display screen W150 shown in Figure 12(b), the display screen W160 shown in Figure 13(a), and the display screen W170 shown in Figure 13(b) have been added. Display screen W180 is a destination list screen that displays a list of destinations to which images will be sent. Display screen W180 includes a list E180 that displays the address information selected as the destination to which images will be sent.

[0093] As shown in Figure 14, list E180 includes address information E182 selected from address information transferred from terminal device 10, and address information E184 added by operating the image processing device 20 after the address information was transferred from terminal device 10. By referring to list E180, the user can confirm whether the address information selected from address information transferred from terminal device 10 and the address information added via the image processing device 20 have been correctly added as destinations for sending images. The display screen W180 may also display buttons for deleting address information from list E180. By selecting the desired address information from list E180 and operating the delete button, the address information can be deleted from list E180. The display screen W180 may also display buttons for adding address information to list E180.

[0094] In this embodiment, an email address is used as the destination (address) for sending images. However, other address information (e.g., a facsimile number, IP address, etc.) may be used as long as it identifies the destination for sending images.

[0095] Thus, according to this embodiment, after transferring address information stored in a terminal device such as a smartphone to the image processing device, the user can flexibly specify the destination (address) to which to send images by continuing to operate the image processing device. In other words, the user can add or delete destinations selected from one or more address information sources, including address information transferred from the terminal device, address information stored in the image processing device, and global address information, or destinations entered directly, as destinations. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the user can flexibly select the destination to which to send images in the image processing device without installing a specific application on their smartphone.

[0096] [2. Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is one in which the terminal device 10 does not transfer all address information stored in the terminal device 10 to the image processing device 20.

[0097] In this embodiment, at S1008 in Figure 7 of the first embodiment, the control unit 100 displays the address information stored in the address information storage area 162 on the display unit 140 in a display mode selectable by the user (for example, list format).

[0098] Furthermore, the control unit 100 transmits one or more address information selected by the user in S1008 to the image processing device 20 in S1010. This allows the terminal device 10 to selectively transfer address information to the image processing device 20.

[0099] The image processing device 20 performs address selection processing and image transmission processing based on address information selectively transferred by the terminal device 10. The address selection processing and image transmission processing in the second embodiment are the same as the processing described in the first embodiment.

[0100] According to this embodiment, the user can selectively transfer address information from the terminal device to the image processing device 20, thereby limiting the addresses transferred to the image processing device 20. This allows the user to avoid sending unnecessary information from the terminal device 10 to the image processing device 20, and also reduces the time required to transfer address information.

[0101] [3. Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is an embodiment in which the user can choose whether or not to store the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 after the job to transmit an image has been executed. This embodiment can be applied to either the first or second embodiment. This embodiment is an embodiment in which Figure 9 in the first embodiment is replaced with Figure 16. The same reference numerals are used for the same processes as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0102] The image processing device 20 in this embodiment further includes a user authentication function. Furthermore, the user authentication function of the image processing device 20 in this embodiment can be switched on or off by the user (for example, the administrator of the image processing device 20).

[0103] When the user authentication function is enabled, the image processing device 20 authenticates the user and then makes the authenticated user available to use a predetermined function. User authentication can be performed using any commonly used method. For example, authentication information, including a login name and password, may be stored in the storage unit 260, and the user may be authenticated if the login name and password entered by the user match any of the login names and passwords included in the authentication information. Alternatively, a method of user authentication using an authentication server may be used, or authentication methods using biometric authentication or authentication cards may be used.

[0104] Furthermore, Figure 15 shows an example of the data structure of the transmission history information stored in the transmission history information storage area 266 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 15, the transmission history information in this embodiment stores a login name (e.g., "user1") to identify the user who performed the operation to send the image, a destination (e.g., "Makoto Takahashi") indicating the name of the user to whom the image was sent, the email address of the user to whom the image was sent (e.g., "makoto.takahashi@example.com"), the date and time the image was sent (e.g., "January 15, 2021, 19:02:21"), and a transfer flag (e.g., "Yes") indicating whether or not the email address was forwarded from the terminal device 10.

[0105] As shown in Figure 15, the transfer flag stores either "Yes" or "No" information. The transfer flag only needs to store information that distinguishes whether the email address of the user to whom the image is sent was transferred from the terminal device 10. Therefore, if the email address of the user to whom the image is sent was transferred from the terminal device 10, the transfer flag stores predetermined information; otherwise, no information is required.

[0106] Furthermore, the image processing device 20 in this embodiment can be configured to handle address information transferred from the terminal device 10 in one of the following two ways. (A) Confirm with the user whether or not to store address information when sending an image. (B) Delete all images when sending them.

[0107] If (B) is selected as the handling of the address information transferred from the terminal device 10, the control unit 200 of the image processing device 20 executes the process described in the first and second embodiments as the image transmission process. That is, the control unit 200 deletes the address information received from the terminal device 10 from the storage unit 260, triggered by a job start instruction from the user (for example, the selection of a button to execute a job). The control unit 100 may delete the address information received from the terminal device 10 from the storage unit 260 after executing the job to transmit the image.

[0108] On the other hand, if (A) is selected as the handling of address information transferred from the terminal device 10, the control unit 200 of the image processing device 20 executes the process shown in Figure 16 as the image transmission process.

[0109] In the image transmission process when confirming with the user whether or not to store address information when transmitting an image, first, in step S150, the control unit 200 executes a job to transmit an image, and then displays a confirmation message on the display unit 240 (step S250).

[0110] A confirmation message is a message sent to the user to confirm how the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 should be stored. In this embodiment, the control unit 200 will prompt the user to select from the following three methods for storing the address information transferred from the terminal device 10. (a) Store as address information and transmission history information. (b) Store only as transmission history information. (c) Do not store it as address information or transmission history information (delete everything).

[0111] This allows the user to choose, via a confirmation message, whether or not to register the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 in the address book of the image processing device 20, or whether or not to save it as a transmission history.

[0112] Next, the control unit 200 determines whether the user has selected to store the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 in the image processing device 20 (step S252).

[0113] If the control unit 200 determines that an operation has been performed to store the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 in the image processing device 20, it stores the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 in the address information storage area 264 (step S252; Yes → step S254). Alternatively, the control unit 200 may convert the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 into address information that can be stored in the address information storage area 264, and then store the converted address information in the address information storage area 264.

[0114] Next, the control unit 200 stores the addresses selected in steps S104, S110, and S118 of Figure 8 and the addresses entered in step S122 (for example, email addresses) as transmission history information (step S256).

[0115] The processing in step S256 is the same as the processing in step S154 in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the control unit 200 further performs the following processing. (a) If the address information included in the transmission history information is the address information received from terminal device 10, set the transmission history information transfer flag to "Yes". (b) If the address information included in the transmission history information is address information that has been previously stored in the image processing device 20, the transfer flag of the transmission history information is set to "No".

[0116] In this way, the control unit 200 makes it possible to distinguish, based on the transfer flag, whether or not an email address included in the transmission history information is based on address information transferred from the terminal device 10, by using different information for the transfer flag stored in the transmission history information.

[0117] Furthermore, in the process of step S254, the control unit 200 stores the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 in the address information storage area 264 of the image processing device 20. Furthermore, in the process of step S256, the control unit 200 stores the address information from the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 that corresponds to the destination to which the image is to be transmitted in the transmission history information storage area 266.

[0118] On the other hand, if the control unit 200 determines that no operation was performed to store the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 in the image processing device 20, it determines whether the user has selected to store the address information as transmission history information (step S252; No → step S258).

[0119] If the control unit 200 determines that an operation to store the information as transmission history information has been performed, it deletes the address information (address information received from the terminal device 10) stored in step S100 of Figure 8 from the storage unit 260 (step S258; Yes → step S152). Furthermore, the control unit 200 stores the address information as transmission history information (step S256). Note that the process in step S256 may be performed before the process in step S152.

[0120] As a result of the above processing, the control unit 200 stores in the transmission history information storage area 266 the address information corresponding to the destination to which the image is to be transmitted, from the address information transferred from the terminal device 10. On the other hand, the control unit 200 does not store the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 in the address information storage area 264 of the image processing device 20.

[0121] In step S258, if the control unit 200 determines that the operation to store the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 as transmission history information was not performed, it determines whether or not the operation to delete all the address information received from the terminal device 10 was performed (step S258; No → step S260). If the control unit 200 determines that the operation to delete all the address information was performed, it deletes the address information stored in step S100 of Figure 8 (address information received from the terminal device 10) from the storage unit 260 (step S260; Yes → step S262). The processing in step S262 is the same as the processing in step S152.

[0122] After processing in step S262, the control unit 200 omits (skips) the processing in step S256. As a result, the control unit 200 does not store the address information corresponding to the destination to which the image is to be sent in the transmission history information storage area 266. Alternatively, instead of omitting the processing in step S256, the control unit 200 may store only the transmission history information related to the address information that was previously stored in the image processing device 20 in the transmission history information storage area 266. In this case, the image processing device 20 does not store the transmission history information corresponding to the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 among the address information corresponding to the destination to which the image is to be sent, and only the transmission history information corresponding to the address information that was previously stored in the image processing device 20 is stored.

[0123] If the user authentication function is disabled, the control unit 200 may, in step S256, store empty information as login name information in the transmission history information (i.e., not store predetermined information in the login name).

[0124] Next, referring to Figure 17, the flow of the transmission history display process will be explained. The transmission history display process is executed when the user performs an operation to display the transmission history (for example, the operation of selecting a button to display the transmission history).

[0125] First, the control unit 200 acquires the transmission history information stored in the transmission history information storage area 266 (step S280). Next, the control unit 200 (history information display unit) conceals the address information received from the terminal device 10 and then displays the transmission history information acquired in step S280 on the display unit 240 (step S282).

[0126] For example, the control unit 200 displays the transmission history information in list format on the display unit 240. In this case, for transmission history information where the forwarding flag is "Yes", the control unit 200 may hide the email address included in the transmission history information or replace it with a predetermined symbol (for example, an asterisk) to mask it. Alternatively, the control unit 200 may delete transmission history information where the forwarding flag is "Yes" from the list of transmission history information that is displayed.

[0127] Next, the control unit 200 determines whether the user authentication function is enabled or not (step S284). If the user authentication function is enabled, the control unit 200 displays the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 by the user authenticated by the user authentication function on the display unit 240 (step S284; Yes → step S286).

[0128] For example, in step S282, the control unit 200 determines, for each item in the list of transmission history information displayed in list format, whether the login name stored in the transmission history information matches the login name of a user authenticated by the user authentication function. The control unit 200 then displays the email address included in the transmission history information where the transfer flag stored in the transmission history information is "Yes" and the login name stored in that transmission history information matches the login name of a user authenticated by the user authentication function. In other words, if the control unit 200 receives address information from the terminal device 10 while a user authenticated by the user authentication function is operating the image processing device 20, it considers that the address information to be information transferred by the user operating the image processing device 20.

[0129] Next, an example of operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. Figure 18 is an example of the display screen W300 when the confirmation message M300 is displayed.

[0130] The confirmation message M300 includes the following three buttons related to the address information transferred from the terminal device 10. (A) Button B300 for storing the address information as address information of the image processing device 20 (B) Button B302 for storing the address information as transmission history information. (C) Button B304 to delete the address information.

[0131] The user can choose whether or not to store the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 by selecting one of the buttons B300, B302, or B304.

[0132] Figure 19 shows a display screen (transmission history screen) showing transmission history information. Figure 19(a) shows an example of the transmission history screen W310 when the user authentication function is enabled. The transmission history screen W310 includes a list E310 that displays transmission history information.

[0133] Here, the items in area E312 of list E310 are items based on address information transferred from terminal device 10. If the items in area E312 are items of transmission history information based on address information transferred by a user authenticated by the user authentication function, the addresses included in the transmission history information are displayed without concealment, as shown in Figure 19(a). Therefore, a user authenticated by the user authentication function can reuse addresses that have been previously transferred from terminal device 10 to image processing device 20.

[0134] On the other hand, Figure 19(b) shows an example of the transmission history screen W320 when the user authentication function is disabled. The transmission history screen W320 includes a list E320 that displays the transmission history information.

[0135] Here, the items in area E322 of list E320 are items based on address information transferred from terminal device 10. If the user authentication function is disabled, the addresses included in the transmission history information are displayed in a concealed manner, as shown in Figure 19(b). In this case, the user using the image processing device 20 cannot reuse the addresses included in the address information transferred from terminal device 10.

[0136] Even when the user authentication function is enabled, if the user who transferred the address information from the terminal device 10 is different from the user authenticated by the user authentication function, the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 may be kept confidential, as shown in Figure 19(b).

[0137] According to the image processing device of this embodiment, it is possible to choose whether or not to store address information transferred from the terminal device, and whether or not to retain it as transmission history information. This allows the user to freely choose whether to retain the address information transferred from the terminal device 10 to the image processing device 20 in the address book and transmission history of the image processing device 20, or not to retain it at all in the image processing device 20. Furthermore, the image processing device of this embodiment can conceal the address information transferred from the terminal device based on whether or not the user authentication function is enabled, and based on the user authenticated by the user authentication function. This enhances the security of the address information transferred from the terminal device.

[0138] [4. Variant] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0139] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above are explained separately for the sake of explanation, it goes without saying that they may be combined and implemented to the extent that is technically possible.

[0140] Furthermore, in the embodiments, the programs that run in each device are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that make the computer function) in order to realize the functions of the embodiments described above. The information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during processing, and then stored in storage devices such as various ROMs (Read Only Memory) and HDDs, and read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0141] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of the following: semiconductor media (e.g., ROM or non-volatile memory card), optical recording medium / magneto-optical recording medium (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray® Disc), etc.), magnetic recording medium (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). Furthermore, in addition to realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment by executing the loaded program, the functions of the present invention may also be realized by processing in cooperation with the operating system or other application programs based on the instructions of the program.

[0142] Furthermore, when distributing the program to the market, it can be stored on a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is, of course, also included in the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0143] 1 System 10 Terminal devices 100 Control Unit 140 Display section 150 Operation section 160 Storage section 162 Address information storage area 180 Near Field Wireless Communication Department 190 Communications Department 20 Image Processing Devices 200 Control Unit 202 Image Processing Unit 220 Image Input Section 230 Image forming unit 240 Display section 250 Operation section 260 Storage section 262 Image data storage area 264 Address information storage area 266 Transmission history information storage area 280 Near Field Wireless Communication Department 290 Communications Department

Claims

1. It comprises a storage unit, a communication unit, a display unit, and a control unit. The storage unit stores one or more first address pieces of information as destinations for transmitting images. The control unit, The communication unit receives one or more second address pieces of information as destinations for transmitting the image from the terminal device. The communication unit receives one or more third address pieces of information from the server device as destinations for transmitting the image. The display unit is capable of displaying a first display screen containing one or more first address information, a second display screen containing one or more second address information, and a third display screen containing one or more third address information, each as a different display screen. Select at least one address from the one or more first address information, the one or more second address information, or the one or more third address information as the destination to which the image is transmitted, and transmit the image to that destination. The first display screen, the second display screen, and the third display screen are display screens accessible from the scan screen, which has limited configurable settings for the image transmission function. An image processing apparatus characterized by the following:

2. The control unit, The display unit displays the first display screen which includes information relating to the name of the destination included in the one or more first address information, The display unit displays the second display screen which includes information relating to an email address included in the one or more second address information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the display unit displays a third display screen which includes information relating to the name of the destination included in the one or more third address information.

3. The control unit, The display unit displays the first display screen, which includes the one or more first address information displayed in a list. The display unit displays the second display screen, which includes the one or more second address information displayed in a list. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the display unit displays the third display screen which includes the one or more third address information displayed in a list.

4. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first display screen is a display screen for selecting the destination from the one or more first address information.

5. The second display screen is a display screen in which the destinations are listed, The control unit displays the one or more second address pieces in the list, selected as destinations for transmitting the image. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second display screen is a display screen that includes information relating to the number of the one or more second address information items.

7. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the third display screen is a display screen for selecting the destination from the one or more third address information.

8. The control unit, The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, of the one or more second address information described above, one or more second address information used as the destination is stored in the storage unit as transmission history information.

9. The control unit, The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, when the transmission history information is displayed on the display unit, the one or more second address pieces included in the transmission history information are kept secret.

10. A storage unit that stores one or more first address information as destinations for transmitting images, A control method for an image processing apparatus having a communication unit, a display unit, and a control unit, A step of enabling the display of a first display screen containing one or more first address information, a second display screen containing one or more second address information received from a terminal device as a destination for transmitting the image, and a third display screen containing one or more third address information received from a server device as a destination for transmitting the image, each as a different display screen. The steps include selecting at least one address from the one or more first address information, the one or more second address information, or the one or more third address information as the destination to which the image is transmitted, and transmitting the image to the said destination, Includes, The first display screen, the second display screen, and the third display screen are display screens accessible from the scan screen, which has limited configurable settings for the image transmission function. A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by the features described above.

Images