JP2006087028A - Address book management program and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently realize address book management processing. <P>SOLUTION: Destination management for managing destination data to be used for transmission processing and selection management for managing the user selection of destination data are separated to construct the device of address book management and further, an address book management unit is realized by using: an address book class in charge of the destination management; a selection sheet class in charge of the selection management; a bookshelf class bundling the address book classes; a destination class corresponding to each of destinations; a sending letter class for managing transmission to a selected destination; an existent destination selection sheet class that is a sub-class of the selection sheet class, specified for selection of an existent destination; and an additional destination selection sheet class that is a sub-class of the selection sheet class, specified for the purpose of selecting a newly inputted destination. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention refers to a destination management table for managing destination data representing a destination of electronic data, and an address book management program used for providing destination data to a user when the user transmits electronic data. More particularly, the present invention relates to an address book management program and an image forming apparatus that can efficiently implement address book management processing and can easily add and modify functions.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a multi-function machine in which a plurality of functions such as a printer, a copy, and a scanner are stored in a single casing. In such a multifunction device, a plurality of applications called a printer application, a copy application, and a scanner application are mounted on a general-purpose OS such as UNIX (registered trademark), and a plurality of functions are realized while switching execution processes of these applications. It was.

  However, since the printer application, the copy application, and the scanner application perform engine control, memory control, system control, and the like separately, wasteful duplication processing has occurred.

  For this reason, in Patent Document 1, the applications such as engine control, memory control, and system control, which have been performed by a plurality of applications installed in the multifunction peripheral, are grouped from each application as a common processing part (platform). The development efficiency is improved.

JP 2002-084383 A

  However, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 shares a processing part for controlling hardware, and does not share all internal processes of each application. For this reason, there is still room for improvement in the application on the multifunction peripheral in order to improve the development efficiency.

  For example, destination data used as a destination for transmission processing is managed as an address book, and when a user instructs transmission processing such as FAX transmission, address book management processing for providing such destination data to the user is combined. Although this process is common to each application installed in the machine, it is not a process that directly controls hardware, and is therefore realized separately in each application and can be shared.

  In addition, in such address book management processing, update processing for updating destination data and selection processing for managing destination data selected by the user are usually performed, but these processings are complicated. Therefore, if the address book management process is simply made common, the shared address book management process becomes complicated, and it may be difficult to add or modify functions.

  For these reasons, how to efficiently realize the address book management process of the application installed in the multi-function peripheral is a big issue. Note that such a problem does not occur only for the multi-function peripheral, but occurs similarly when, for example, a transmission apparatus that refers to destination data and performs transmission processing using the destination data is formed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and can efficiently implement address book management processing, and can easily add and modify functions. It is an object to provide a program and an image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an address book management program according to the invention of claim 1 refers to a destination management table that manages destination data representing a destination of electronic data, and the user can An address book management program used to provide the destination data to the user when electronic data is transmitted, the predetermined transmission from the destination management table managing destination data in a format corresponding to each transmission method Address book means for extracting destination data in a format corresponding to the method and holding it as a destination, obtaining the destination from the address book means and providing the user with a list of the destinations, selected by the user The computer is made to function as selection sheet means for creating a list of destinations and providing the list to other subsystems.

  The address book management program according to a second aspect of the invention is the address book management program according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the address book means re-sends the updated destination data when the destination data managed by the destination management table is updated. Re-extracting means for performing extraction, wherein the selection sheet means further comprises destination deleting means for deleting a destination held when destination data managed by the destination management table is updated. To do.

  An address book management program according to a third aspect of the present invention is the address book management program according to the first or second aspect, wherein the address book means is generated for each of the transmission methods before accepting a transmission request from the user. The selection sheet means is generated for each transmission request received from the user.

  The address book management program according to a fourth aspect of the invention is the address book management program according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein the selection sheet means holds a maximum number of destinations that can be selected, and the range is less than or equal to the maximum number. When a user selects and deselects a destination, and receives a destination confirmation instruction from the user, a list of the destination is created and provided to another subsystem.

  An address book management program according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the address book management program according to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the selection sheet means corresponds to the selected destination when receiving the selection of the destination by the user. A destination unit is generated, link information to the destination unit is held, and when the user deselects the destination, the corresponding destination unit and link information are deleted.

  An address book management program according to a sixth aspect of the present invention provides the address book management program according to the third, fourth, or fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the selection sheet means manages the transmission of the electronic data when the destination confirmation instruction is accepted. A cover sheet means is generated, and the link information held is delivered to the cover sheet means.

  The address book management program according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the address book management program according to any of the third to sixth aspects, wherein the selection sheet means holds destinations acquired from the address book means as selection candidates, and a list of the selection candidates. Is an existing destination selection sheet means for providing the user with the above-mentioned information.

  Further, the address book management program according to the invention of claim 8 is the invention according to claims 3 to 6, wherein the selection sheet means checks the format of a newly input destination, and if the format is valid, the destination Is an additional destination selection sheet means for holding a list of selection candidates and providing a list of the selection candidates to the user.

  An address book management program according to a ninth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the third to sixth aspects of the invention, the selection sheet means is the existing destination selection sheet means and the additional destination selection sheet means. .

  An address book management program according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the address book management program according to any of the third to ninth aspects, wherein the address book means is managed as a child of a tree structure and corresponds to a transmission method designated by the user. The book shelf means is provided with means for providing the means to the user, and the book shelf means does not permit the address book means to be referred to during the destination data update process.

  An address book management program according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the address book management program according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein when the book shelf means starts updating the destination data, the address book means Instructing the deletion of the selection sheet means and the destination means related to.

  An address book management program according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the address book management program according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, wherein the book shelf means holds a state as to whether or not the address book means can be referred to, and updates the destination data. If the address book means is received, the address book means is not permitted to be referred to by setting the state to be inaccessible, the address book means reflecting the updated contents, and the address book existing when the update request is accepted When the deletion of the means, the selection sheet means, and the destination means is completed, reference to the address book means reflecting the updated contents is permitted by setting the state to be referable.

  An address book management program according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the address book management program according to any of the sixth to twelfth aspects of the present invention, when the cover page means receives a transmission completion notice from the other subsystems. An instruction is given to delete the related selection sheet means and the destination means related to the selection sheet means.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention refers to a destination management table that manages destination data representing a destination of electronic data, and when the user transmits the electronic data, An image forming apparatus that provides the destination data, and extracts destination data in a format corresponding to a predetermined transmission method from the destination management table that manages destination data in a format corresponding to each transmission method, Address book means to be retained, destinations are acquired from the address book means, a list of the destinations is provided to the user, a list of destinations selected by the user is created and provided to other subsystems And a selection sheet means.

  The image forming apparatus according to the invention of claim 15 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the address book means re-extracts the updated destination data if the destination data managed by the destination management table is updated. Re-extracting means is further provided, and the destination means is further provided with destination deleting means for deleting the stored destination when the destination data managed by the destination management table is updated.

  The image forming apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect, wherein the address book means is generated for each transmission method before receiving a transmission request from the user. The selection sheet means is generated for each transmission request received from the user.

  According to the address book management program of claim 1, destination data in a format corresponding to a predetermined transmission method is extracted from a destination management table for managing destination data in a format corresponding to each transmission method, and held as a destination. The address book means and a computer as a selection sheet means for obtaining destinations from the address book means and providing a list of destinations to the user, creating a list of destinations selected by the user and providing them to other subsystems Since it is configured to function, by separating the address management process and the address selection process, software developers and software maintenance personnel can easily add and modify functions, and manage the address book. There exists an effect that processing can be realized efficiently.

  According to the address book management program of claim 2, the address book means further comprises re-extraction means for re-extracting the updated destination data when the destination data managed by the destination management table is updated. Since the selection sheet means is further provided with a destination deletion means for deleting the destination held when the destination data managed by the destination management table is updated, the management processing of the highly reliable destination data is performed. There is an effect that can be.

  According to the address book management program of claim 3, the address book means is generated for each transmission method before accepting the transmission request from the user, and the selection sheet means transmits the transmission received from the user. Because it is configured to be generated for each request, it is possible to provide destinations according to the transmission method, and reliable destination selection even when transmission processing by multiple users is performed in parallel Processing can be provided, and it is possible for the software developer and software maintenance personnel to easily add or modify functions.

  According to the address book management program of claim 4, the selection sheet means holds the maximum number of destinations that can be selected, and allows the user to select and deselect destinations within a range equal to or less than the maximum number. When receiving and accepting a destination confirmation instruction from the user, a list of destinations is created and provided to other subsystems, so that an efficient destination selection process can be provided and a software developer And software maintenance personnel can easily add or modify functions.

  According to the address book management program of claim 5, when the selection sheet means accepts selection of a destination by the user, the selection sheet means generates a destination means corresponding to the selected destination and links to the destination means. If the information is retained and the user deselects the destination, the corresponding destination means and link information are deleted so that software developers and software maintenance personnel can easily add or modify functions. There is an effect that can be.

  According to the address book management program of the sixth aspect, when the selection sheet means accepts the destination confirmation instruction, the selection sheet means generates the cover sheet means for managing the transmission of the electronic data, and stores the link information held therein. Since it is configured so as to be delivered to the cover sheet means, it is possible for the software developer or software maintenance personnel to easily add or modify functions.

  According to the address book management program of claim 7, the selection sheet means retains the destination acquired from the address book means as a selection candidate, and provides an existing destination selection sheet that provides a list of selection candidates to the user. Since it is configured as a means, it is possible to efficiently perform the destination selection process registered in the address book.

  According to the address book management program of claim 8, the selection sheet means checks the format of the newly input destination, and if the format is valid, holds the destination as a selection candidate. Since it is configured to be an additional destination selection sheet means for providing the list to the user, there is an effect that it is possible to efficiently perform a process of selecting a destination that is not registered in the address book.

  According to the address book management program of the ninth aspect, since the selection sheet unit is configured to be the existing destination selection sheet unit and the additional destination selection sheet unit, the destination registered in the address book and the registered destination are registered. There is an effect that it is possible to efficiently perform selection processing of a non-destination.

  According to the address book management program of claim 10, the book shelf means for managing the address book means as a child of the tree structure and providing the user with address book means corresponding to the transmission method designated by the user. And the book shelf means is configured not to permit the address book means to be referred to during the destination data update process, so that it can provide an address book according to the type of user transmission request and It is possible to provide an update process for highly reliable destination data.

  According to the address book management program of the eleventh aspect, when the book shelf means starts the update process of the destination data, the book shelf means sends the address book means the selection sheet means and the destination means related to the address book means. Since the deletion is instructed, it is possible to effectively prevent the occurrence of an inconsistent state such as a mixture of old and new destination data during the destination data update process.

  According to the address book management program of the twelfth aspect, the book shelf means holds a state as to whether or not the address book means can be referred to, and refers to such a state when receiving a destination data update request. By disabling it, the address book means are not allowed to be referenced, and the address book means reflecting the updated contents are generated, and the address book means, selection sheet means, and destination means existing when the update request is received are deleted. When the process is completed, it is configured to allow reference to the address book means reflecting the updated contents by setting such state to be referable, so that the old and new destination data are mixed during the destination data update process. It is possible to effectively prevent the occurrence of the inconsistency state.

  According to the address book management program of claim 13, when the cover sheet means receives a transmission completion notification from another subsystem, the selection sheet means associated with the cover sheet means and the selection sheet means Since it is configured to instruct to delete the destination means related to the, it is possible to effectively prevent the unnecessary means from remaining after the transmission is completed.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the fourteenth aspect, the destination data in the format corresponding to the predetermined transmission method is extracted from the destination management table that manages the destination data in the format corresponding to each transmission method, and the address is held as the destination. And a selection sheet unit that obtains a destination from the address book unit, provides the user with a list of the destinations, creates a list of destinations selected by the user, and provides the list to other subsystems. By separating the address management process and the address selection process, software developers and software maintenance personnel can easily add functions and modify the address book, and manage the address book. The effect that it can implement | achieve efficiently is produced.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the fifteenth aspect, the address book means further includes a re-extraction means for re-extracting the updated destination data when the destination data managed by the destination management table is updated. Since the destination means is further configured to include destination deletion means for deleting the destination held when the destination data managed by the destination management table is updated, highly reliable destination data management processing can be performed. There is an effect that can be done.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the sixteenth aspect, the address book means is generated for each transmission method before the transmission request from the user is received, and the selection sheet means receives the transmission request received from the user. It is possible to provide destinations according to the transmission method, and reliable destination selection processing even when transmission processing by multiple users is performed in parallel. As a result, it is possible for software developers and software maintenance personnel to easily add or modify functions.

  Exemplary embodiments of an address book management program according to the present invention and an image forming apparatus including a computer for executing the program will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various apparatuses that perform address book management.

  First, an outline of an image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “multifunction machine”) 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 13 and 14. FIG. 1 is a network diagram for explaining a network environment surrounding the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the MFP 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a relationship between software and hardware of the multifunction machine 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the software configuration installed in the multifunction device 1, and FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between software and hardware of the conventional multifunction device. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 1, with the recent progress of networking, devices such as personal computers (PCs) provided in offices are connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and can communicate with each other. It became normal. For example, as shown in the figure, such a network is connected to a client PC, an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server, an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server, a server PC, etc., for sending and receiving e-mails and transferring files. The modem-connected delivery server can communicate with a fax machine outside the office.

  With the progress of such networking, the multifunction device 1 is also connected to such a network and can communicate with a device such as a PC. By incorporating a storage device such as a hard disk, a so-called network multifunction device can be obtained. It has evolved to meet various user needs.

  For example, in addition to the normal copy function, the multi function device 1 has a printer function for printing document data or the like in response to a print request from the client PC, and a modem connected to the server PC for document data or the like in response to a fax request from the client PC. It has a fax function that sends it to fax machines in other offices via the Internet, and a storage function that stores received fax documents and copy documents on a built-in hard disk.

  In this way, in order to realize many functions required by the progress of compounding and networking, the software installed in the compound machine 1 is large and complicated. Along with this, the man-hours for developing and maintaining such software have also increased significantly.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 1. As shown in the figure, the multifunction machine 1 has a configuration in which a controller 10 and an engine unit (Engine) 60 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus. The controller 10 is a controller that controls the entire multifunction device 1 and controls drawing, communication, and input from an operation unit (not shown). The engine unit 60 is a printer engine that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a one-drum color plotter, a four-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit. The engine unit 60 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine part such as a plotter.

  The controller 10 includes a CPU 11, a north bridge (NB) 13, a system memory (MEM-P) 12, a south bridge (SB) 14, a local memory (MEM-C) 17, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 16 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 18, and the north bridge (NB) 13 and the ASIC 16 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 15. The MEM-P 12 further includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12b.

  The CPU 11 performs overall control of the multifunction machine 1 and includes a chip set including the NB 13, the MEM-P 12, and the SB 14, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

  The NB 13 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 11 to the MEM-P 12, SB 14, and AGP 15, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 12, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 12 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like, and includes a ROM 12a and a RAM 12b. The ROM 12a is a read-only memory used as a program / data storage memory, and the RAM 12b is a writable / readable memory used as a program / data development memory, a printer drawing memory, or the like.

  The SB 14 is a bridge for connecting the NB 13 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 14 is connected to the NB 13 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 16 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP 15, PCI bus, HDD 18 and MEM-C 17. The ASIC 16 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that is the core of the ASIC 16, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 17, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that perform rotation of image data by hardware logic. Access Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the engine unit 60 via the PCI bus. An FCU (Fax Control Unit) 30, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 40, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface 50 are connected to the ASIC 16 via a PCI bus.

  The MEM-C 17 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 18 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms. It is.

  The AGP 15 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed for speeding up graphics processing. The AGP 15 speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 12 with high throughput. .

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the hardware and software configuration of the multi-function device 1, and specifically, an integrated application 110 including an address book management unit 112a, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment to be described later. The hierarchical relationship between the software 100 and the hardware 200 is shown. As shown in the figure, the hardware 200 includes a hardware resource 201. The hardware resource 201 includes a scanner 201a, a plotter 201b, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 201c, a network 201d, and other resources 201e. . The other resource 201e is a hardware resource 201 other than 201a to 201d, and indicates an input / output device such as an operation panel, for example.

  The software 100 installed in the hardware 200 is hierarchized, and a service layer 102 is constructed above the operating system 103, and an application layer 103 is constructed above the service layer 102. The service layer 102 corresponds to a driver that controls each hardware resource (201a to 201e). The scanner control unit 102a, plotter control unit 102b, storage control unit 102c, distribution / mail transmission / reception control unit 102d, FAX transmission / reception It has a control unit 102e, a network communication control unit 102f, and another control unit 102g.

  Here, how the software 100 shown in FIG. 3 has taken such a hierarchical structure will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in the software configuration installed in the multifunction machine 1. As shown in the pre-service layer separation application 501 in FIG. 13, the software installed in the multifunctional multifunction device 1 is created as an independent application for each function such as a copy application, a FAX application, and a scanner application. It was operating on the operating system 103 shown.

  However, since these applications include a driver (service layer 102) that controls hardware resources, duplicate processing exists in each application. As a result, the scale of each application has become large.

  Therefore, as shown in an application 502 after service layer separation in FIG. 13, a portion corresponding to the service layer 102 of the application 501 before service layer separation is bundled into a service layer 102, and each application is an upper layer of the service layer 102. The application layer 101 is constructed. By adopting such a hierarchical structure, each application has been streamlined and development effort has been reduced.

  However, as the networking and multi-functionalization of the multifunction machine 1 further advance, it has become a problem that a common processing part exists in each application. Specifically, each application of the application layer 101, such as a copy application or a scanner application, performs processing for communicating with a driver such as the scanner control unit 102a or the accumulation control unit 102c, or when various functions perform transmission processing. It has a similar process such as address book management for managing the destination data used in the address book as an address book. As described above, when each application has the same processing, the development scale of each application is increased, and the improvement scale of each application with respect to the specification change of the service layer is increased.

  In order to solve this problem, as shown in the common routine separation application 503 in FIG. 13, it has been considered that such a similar process (common processing part) is bundled as a common routine. However, since such a common routine is intended to share slightly different processing in each application, the processing inside the common routine becomes complicated. For example, when adding a new application such as a printer application, it is necessary to modify the common routine in order to adapt to the new application.

  However, since the internal processing of the common routine is complicated, it became difficult for repair personnel to grasp the processing, and there were concerns about the increase in the scale of repair and the impact on other applications due to repair mistakes.

  Therefore, as shown in the object-oriented application 504 in FIG. 13, the plurality of applications are integrated into the integrated application 110 by an object-oriented design method (object modeling). Specifically, a common processing part of each application is extracted as an object model, and the integrated application 110 is configured from the collection of object models. The functions such as the conventional copy function and scanner function are realized by the cooperative relationship of the object model.

  By adopting such a configuration, for example, addition of a new function such as a printer function can be dealt with by subclassing a class belonging to the object model. For this reason, a repair part becomes clear and the influence on other functions by repair can be made small. In addition, the object modeling program is easier to grasp the process than the conventional procedural program, so it is easier for the repair staff to grasp the process, reducing the scale of the repair, and other applications due to mistakes in the repair. The influence on can be reduced.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a conventional application at the stage of the service layer separated application 502 shown in FIG. 13 and the relationship between the application and each driver of the service layer 102. As shown in the figure, the application layer 101 includes a copy application 120, a scanner application 130, a fax application 140, and a printer application 150.

  For example, the copy application 120 transmits / receives data to / from the scanner control unit 102a, the plotter control unit 102b, the accumulation control unit 102c, and the other control unit 102g in order to realize the copy function. In addition, the fax application 140 performs data transmission / reception with the plotter control unit 102b, the accumulation control unit 102c, the FAX transmission / reception control unit 102e, the network communication control unit 102f, and the other control unit 102g in order to realize the fax function. As described above, communication between each application in the application layer 101 and each driver in the service layer 102 is complicated.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 3, a plurality of applications existing in the application layer 101 are integrated into the integrated application 110 by the object modeling described above. The communication processing with each driver, which has been performed by each application overlappingly, is configured to be performed by a predetermined object model that configures the integrated application 110, so that the application of the application layer 101 and the service layer 102 of Communication between the drivers is simpler than that shown in FIG.

  Next, the internal configuration of the integrated application 110 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the integrated application 110. As shown in the figure, the integrated application 110 includes an operation system subsystem 111, a management system subsystem 112, and an execution system subsystem 113.

  The operation system subsystem 111 is a software group in charge of man-machine interface. Specifically, the operation subsystem 111 performs a process for accepting a user request, a process for instructing execution of the request, and a process for providing the user with information about the execution status and execution result of the request. .

  The management subsystem 112 is a software group that manages the resources of the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, the management subsystem 112 performs a service for managing the hardware resource 201 and the data state held by the hardware resource 201.

  The execution subsystem 113 is a software group in charge of executing a request from a user. Specifically, the execution subsystem 113 performs processing from reading a document to outputting a product when a copy request is made.

  The operation system subsystem 111, the management system subsystem 112, and the execution system subsystem 113 mutually request processing as necessary and send the results. In this way, the subsystems cooperate to provide services required for the multifunction device 1 as the integrated application 110 as a whole.

  The management subsystem 112 further includes an address book management unit 112a that is a characteristic part of the present embodiment. The address book management unit 112a is a processing unit that manages a destination when performing transmission processing such as FAX transmission and electronic mail transmission.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram in which each subsystem shown in FIG. 4 is replaced with a UML (Unified Modeling Language) class diagram (UML class diagram). Here, UML is a system modeling language for which specifications are formulated by OMG (Object Management Group), and defines a notation for describing the results of modeling. This UML is widely used in the design of object-oriented software.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the integrated application 110 has a plurality of packages, and the integrated application 110 itself is one package. Here, the package is a group of components (symbols) of the UML model, and is expressed by a symbol in the form of a folder with a tab on the upper left. A straight line connecting the packages indicates that there is a relationship such as a processing request between the packages.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the integrated application 110 is a package having three packages of an operation subsystem 111, a management subsystem 112, and an execution subsystem 113 inside. Furthermore, the management subsystem 112 is a package having an address book management unit 112a, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment. A straight line connecting the operation subsystem 111, the management subsystem 112, and the execution subsystem 113 indicates that there is a relationship such as a processing request (for example, message transmission / reception) between the packages. A symbol written at the right end of the tabs of the operation subsystem 111, the management subsystem 112, and the execution subsystem 113 is a UML symbol indicating that the package is a subsystem.

  Next, the address book management unit 112a, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment, will be described in detail. Note that the address book management unit 112a has an object model configured so that existing processing is not simply converted into an object and functions can be added or modified more easily when designing based on object orientation. . The configuration of the object model will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation panel 400 of the multifunction machine 1. As shown in the figure, the operation panel 400 includes an initial setting key 401, a copy key 402, a copy server key 403, a printer key 404, a transmission key 405, a ten key 406, a clear / stop key 407, a start key 408, a preheating key. 409, a reset key 410, and a liquid crystal touch panel 420.

  For example, if the user sets a paper document in the multifunction device 1 and presses the transmission key 405, a transmission destination (destination) setting screen is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 420. The user determines a destination by operating this setting screen and selecting a destination from the destination list or by directly inputting a new destination. When the start key 408 is pressed, the multifunction device 1 reads a paper document to generate electronic data, and transmits the electronic data. In this case, if a FAX number is selected as a destination, FAX transmission can be performed, and if an e-mail address is selected, e-mail transmission can be performed.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a processing outline of conventional address book management. As shown in the figure, the destination data is data using a company name or a personal name as a key, and each destination data includes a FAX number, an e-mail address, an HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) address, and the like. A collection of these destination data is called an address book. The address book may be stored in the HDD 18 or the MEM-P 12 in advance, or may be acquired from a server PC connected via a network and stored in the HDD 18 or the MEM-P 12.

  Such an address book has a view edited in a predetermined format such as for FAX transmission or e-mail transmission. For example, the FAX transmission view is obtained by extracting the company name and the FAX number from each destination data in the address book, and the e-mail transmission view is obtained by extracting the company name and the e-mail address. As described above, since the address book has a plurality of views for FAX transmission and e-mail transmission, there is no inconsistency that old and new destinations are mixed between the views when the address book is updated. So you need to ensure the consistency of each view.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a problem of conventional address book management. As shown in the figure, when a renewal operation for updating the address book destination is performed, it is necessary to reflect the update of the address book in all views such as a FAX transmission view. In particular, the multifunctional multifunction device 1 needs to have many views because the transmission functions provided are diverse. Therefore, when performing object modeling of the address book management unit, it is necessary to have a class configuration that facilitates batch updating for all views. It should be noted that such an address book update operation is an operation of updating the destination data, and therefore it is not necessary to modify the program.

  Further, as the multifunction device 1 is networked and multifunctional, a plurality of transmission processes are often performed on the multifunction device 1 at the same time. For example, when a plurality of users via a network perform transmission processing, it is necessary to individually manage the destination selected by each user until the transmission processing is completed. In addition, as the multifunction device 1 becomes more multifunctional, it is expected that a destination selection method will be added. Therefore, it is necessary to perform object modeling of the address book management unit so that the scale of refurbishment accompanying the addition of the selection method can be suppressed. There is.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of the configuration of the address book management unit 112a, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the address book management unit 112a has a configuration in which a destination management part in charge of updating and providing destination data is separated from a selection management part in charge of selection of destination data. With such a configuration, it is expected that it will be possible to provide an address book management mechanism that facilitates rework such as updating destination data and adding selection methods while reducing design complexity. The

  FIG. 10 is a UML class diagram showing the class structure of the address book management unit 112a designed by the object modeling described above. As shown in the figure, the address book management unit 112a has a book shelf class 310 that manages a plurality of address books to maintain consistency among the address books, and an address book class that manages reading and writing of destinations registered in the address book. 320, a selection sheet class 330 that manages the destination selection from the address book and holds the selected destination, a destination class 340 corresponding to each destination, and a cover sheet class 350 in charge of transmission processing for the selected destination .

  In addition, the address book management unit 112a, as a subclass of the selection sheet class 330, includes an existing destination selection sheet class 331 specialized for destination selection using the address book and an additional destination selection sheet class specialized for newly entered destination selection. 332 is further included. In this embodiment, the selection sheet class 330 is subclassed to have these two classes. However, when a new selection method is added, the selection sheet class 330 is similarly subclassed. As a result, the address book management unit 112a corresponding to a new selection method can be provided.

  Next, a class description method in the class and UML class diagram will be described. A class is a concept that corresponds to a blueprint for the objects that make up an object-oriented system. It defines the attributes and processing that an object has and defines relationships with other classes, such as inheritance and aggregation relationships. It is.

  The class in the UML class diagram is described as a rectangle having three sections. From the top, each section is called a name section indicating a class name, an attribute section indicating data (attribute) included in the class, and an operation section indicating processing (operation) included in the class. For example, a rectangular name section indicating the bookcase class 310 indicates that the class name of the class is “bookcase”, an attribute section indicates that the attribute of the class is “state”, and the operation section Indicates that the operations possessed by such a class are “take out ()” and “replace ()”.

  Thus, each class has an attribute section for possessing data (attribute) and an operation section for possessing processing (operation) for writing and reading such an attribute. Since these classes are included as a part of the program (integrated application 110), when this program stored in the ROM 12a in advance is executed, each class is materialized in a predetermined area of the RAM 12b and included in the attribute section. Each data (attribute) is expanded on the RAM 12b. Therefore, the object in which the class is materialized can write and read each data (attribute) on the RAM 12b.

  In addition, if a "-" symbol is attached to the left side of a class element such as attribute or operation, this indicates that the element is private to external classes, and if a "+" symbol is attached, this element Indicates that it is open to external classes. Also, for operations, it is customary to add a “()” symbol, such as “Enter ()”, and to describe an argument to be passed to the operation, such as “(Argument 1, Argument 2)” There is also.

  Next, an outline of the class of the address book management unit 112a, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment, will be described. As described above, the address book management unit 112a includes the bookcase class 310, the address book class 320, the selected sheet class 330, the existing destination selection sheet class 331, the additional destination selection sheet class 332, the destination class 340, and the cover sheet class 350. . Below, the outline | summary of these classes is demonstrated first.

  The bookcase class 310 is a class that manages a plurality of address books and maintains consistency between the address books. The book shelf class 310 designates a key address book from among a plurality of address book objects 320A and updates the destination data at once (addresses). If the request (book replacement) is received, a process of reflecting the update of the destination data on all the address book objects 320A is performed. Specifically, this bookcase class 310 has a state 310a as an attribute, and has () 310 b and () 310 c to be taken out as operations. When the book shelf object 310A that materializes the book shelf class 310 is generated, the state 310a is expanded on the RAM 12b, and thus this data (attribute) can be written and read.

  The state 310a holds the current open state of the bookshelf. There are two public states, “public” and “non-public”, and “public” indicates a state in which the address book managed by the bookcase class 310 can be taken out. Here, taking out the address book refers to referring to the destination data held by the address book object 320A managed by the bookcase class 310. On the other hand, “Non-public” means that the address book is being replaced and the address book cannot be taken out.

  The fetch () 310 b searches for a type corresponding to the designated transmission type from among the plurality of address book objects 320 A, and performs processing to return to the request source. For example, if the designated transmission type is “e-mail transmission”, an address book object 320A holding a list of e-mail addresses is returned. The address book object 320A is returned only when the state held by the state 310a is “publishing”.

  The replacement () 310c performs replacement (batch update) processing of destination data held by all address book objects 320A to be managed. When the replacement () 310 c is called, the state held by the state 310 a is changed to “unpublished”, and when the replacement process is completed, the state is changed to “public”.

  The address book class 320 is a class that holds a view of the address book corresponding to each transmission type and manages reading and writing of the held destination data. Specifically, this address book class 320 has a possible operation 320a and a use state 320b as attributes, and has a browse () 320 c, a revision () 320 d and a create () 320 e as operations. When the address book object 320A that materializes the address book class 320 is generated, the possible operation 320a and the use state 320b are expanded on the RAM 12b, so that these data (attributes) are written and read. Is possible.

  The possible operation 320 a holds the type of operation that can be performed on the destination data held by the address book class 320. There are two types: “viewable / revised” and “readable only”. That is, if the type held by the possible operation 320a is “viewing / revising is possible”, browsing () 320 c and revision () 320 d can be executed, and if “viewing is only possible”, browsing is possible. () 320 c can be executed, but the execution request for the revised () 320 d is not accepted.

  The usage state 320 b is an attribute that holds the usage state of the address book class 320. This usage state includes “unused” indicating that the destination data held by the address book class 320 is not used by another object, and “viewing” indicating that the destination data is being browsed. In addition, there is “unusable” indicating that the destination data cannot be used due to replacement of the destination data. As an operation different from the replacement of the destination data, when the address book class 320 is edited and the configuration has “edit ()”, this indicates that the destination data is being edited. ”State.

  Browsing () 320 c is called from the operation system subsystem 111 and performs processing for browsing the destination data held in the address book class 320. Each time this browsing () 320 c is browsed, a selection sheet object 330 A corresponding to each call is generated, and this selection sheet object 330 A holds the association (link information) with the address book object 320 A that is the generation source. By doing so, the destination data held by the address book object 320A is referred to. Further, when the browsing () 320c is called, the state held in the use state 320a is changed to “browsing”, and when the browsing process is completed, the state is changed to “unused”. To do.

  The revision () 320 d is called from the operation subsystem 111 and performs batch update (replacement) processing of the destination data held in the address book class 320. When this revision () 320d is called, the state held in the use state 320a is changed to “unusable”, and when the replacement process is completed, the state is changed to “unused”. change. The created () 320e performs a process of creating an address book view corresponding to each transmission type.

  The selection sheet class 330 is a class that manages destination selection from the address book and performs processing for holding the selected destination. This selection sheet class 330 is a higher class (super class) of the existing destination selection sheet class 331 and the additional destination selection sheet class 332, and the attributes and operations of the selection sheet class 330 are the existing destination selection which is a lower class (subclass). It is inherited by the sheet class 331 and the additional destination selection sheet class 332. Note that the selection sheet class 330 may have the functions of the existing destination selection sheet class 331 and the additional destination selection sheet class 332.

  The maximum number of destinations 330a holds the maximum number of destinations that can be selected. This maximum number is set to a predetermined value due to hardware or software limitations. When the number of destinations exceeding the maximum number is selected, for example, an error notification is sent to the operation subsystem 111 to notify the user to that effect.

  The selection state 330b holds the selection state of the selected sheet. In this selection state, the destination data is selected or deselected and the selection is not yet confirmed, the “Selecting” state, the selection is confirmed, the “Confirming” state, and the destination data need not be retained. There is a "discarding" state.

  The selecting () 330c performs processing for selecting destination data from the corresponding address book object 320A. Specifically, after confirming the validity of the designated destination data, if it is determined that the destination data is valid and can be selected, a destination object 340A corresponding to the destination data is generated, and this object The relationship (link information) is retained. The selected () 330 c is inherited by the existing destination selection sheet class 331 and the additional destination selection sheet class 332 which are subclasses, and is overridden by specific processing in each subclass. The specific processing will be described in the class descriptions of the existing destination selection sheet class 331 and the additional destination selection sheet class 332 described later.

  The deselecting () 330d performs a deselecting process of the destination data selected by the selecting () 330c. Specifically, the destination object 340 </ b> A generated by selecting () 330 c is deleted, and the held association (link information) is deleted.

  The confirmation () 330e performs a process of confirming the destination selected by the selection () 330c. After the confirmation () 330e is called, the selection cannot be canceled or further selection can be made. The confirmation () 330e generates a cover page object 350A, and takes over the relationship (link information) with the destination object 340A that has been held by the cover page object 350A, so that the selected destination is the cover page object. Processing to be passed to 350A is performed.

  The discard () 330 f is called when it is no longer necessary to hold the selected destination, and the destination object 340 A generated by the selected () 330 c is erased and the held association (link information) is deleted. Perform erasure processing.

  The existing destination selection sheet class 331 is a subclass of the selection sheet class 330, and is a class that performs processing specialized for destination selection from the address book. Specifically, the existing destination selection sheet class 331 includes all the attributes (the maximum number of destinations 330a and the selection state 330b) and all the operations (select () 330c, deselect () 330d, Inherits () 330 e to be confirmed and () 330 f to be discarded. Then, the inherited selection () 330 c is overridden by the selection () 331 a of the existing destination selection sheet class 331. Here, this selection () 331a will be described, and descriptions of other attributes and operations will be omitted.

  When the existing destination selection sheet object 331A that materializes the existing destination selection sheet class 331 is generated, the inherited maximum number of destinations 330a and the selection state 330b are expanded on the RAM 12b, so that these data (attributes) Can be written and read.

  The selection () 331a performs processing for selecting destination data from the corresponding address book object 320A. Specifically, such destination selection is performed by selecting an identifier of each destination. Then, a destination object 340A corresponding to the selected identifier is generated, and an association (link information) with this object is held.

  The additional destination selection sheet class 332 is a subclass of the selection sheet class 330, and is a class that performs processing specialized for newly input destination selection. Specifically, the existing destination selection sheet class 331 checks the format of a newly input destination, and if the format is valid, holds the destination as a selection candidate and requests from the user. Provides a list of selection candidates.

  In addition, the existing destination selection sheet class 331 includes all the attributes (the maximum number of destinations 330a and the selection state 330b) and all the operations (select () 330c, deselect () 330d, and confirm (). 330e and discard () 330f) are inherited. Then, the inherited selection () 330 c is overridden by the selection () 332 a of the additional destination selection sheet class 332. Here, the selection () 332a will be described, and description of other attributes and operations will be omitted.

  When the existing destination selection sheet object 332A that materializes the existing destination selection sheet class 332 is generated, the inherited maximum number of destinations 330a and the selection state 330b are expanded on the RAM 12b, so that these data (attributes) Can be written and read.

  The selection () 332 a performs processing for selecting the directly input destination information. The selected () 332 a generates a destination object 340 A corresponding to the directly input destination information, and holds an association (link information) with this object.

  The destination class 340 is a class that holds destination information corresponding to each destination. Specifically, this destination class 340 has an identifier 340a and transmission information 340b as attributes. When the destination object 340A that materializes the destination class 340 is generated, the identifier 340a and the transmission information 340b are expanded on the RAM 12b, so that these data (attributes) can be written and read. Become.

  The identifier 340a holds an identifier uniquely assigned to each destination. The transmission information 340b holds a transmission address such as a FAX number or an e-mail address used in the transmission process to each destination. Note that the identifier 340a and the transmission information 340b are written in values according to () 331a selected by the existing destination selection sheet class 331 or () 332a selected by the additional destination selection sheet class 331, and these values are the cover page class. Read at 350.

  The cover page class 350 is a class that performs transmission processing for a selected destination. Specifically, this cover page class 350 has a sending state 350a as an attribute, and has a creation () 350b and a discard () 350c as operations. When a cover page object 350A that materializes the cover page class 350 is generated, the send state 350a is expanded on the RAM 12b, so that this data (attribute) can be written and read.

  The sending state 350a holds the state of transmission processing. This state includes a “sending” state that indicates that the sending process is being performed for the address registered on the cover sheet, and an “end of sending” state that indicates that the sending process for the address registered on the cover sheet has been completed. There is. Also, the created () 350 b performs processing for registering the destination in the cover sheet and discards () 350 c is called from the execution subsystem 113 when the sending process is completed, and discards the selected sheet class 330. () The process of calling 330f is performed.

  Next, the relationship between the classes shown in FIG. 10 will be described. As shown in the figure, in the UML class diagram, when there is some relationship between classes, rectangles representing those classes are connected by a straight line. The characters near both ends of this line represent the class role, and the numbers represent the multiplicity of the class. Here, the role is the role of the class with respect to the other class connected by a straight line, and the multiplicity is the number of objects generated in association with the object of the other class connected by a straight line. That is.

  For example, the role of the selection sheet class 330 viewed from the address book class 320 is “selection list”, and the role of the address book class 320 viewed from the selection sheet class 330 is “selected resource”. Further, the multiplicity of the address book class 320 is “1”, and the multiplicity of the selected sheet class 330 is “0..n”. Here, “0..n” indicates that the multiplicity of the selected sheet class 330 is in the range of 0 to n. Although the upper limit of the multiplicity is n, it is naturally limited by hardware specifications.

  First, the class relationship between the bookcase class 310 and the address book class 320 will be described. The bookcase class 310 manages the address book class 320 and selects one address book class 320 as a key from among the address book classes 320 to be managed. Therefore, the book shelf class 310 is a “original” that is a collection of all the address book classes 320, and each address book class 320 is a “abstract” obtained by extracting a part of the “original”. The address book class 320 as a key has a role of “key abstraction”.

  Further, only one bookcase object 310A is generated, and one address book object 320A as a key is also generated. However, when the destination data is not registered, the address book object 320A is not generated, so the address book object 320A as a key is generated in the range of 0 or more and 1 or less. Further, there are 0 to n address book objects that are not keys.

  Next, the relationship between the address book class 320 and the selection sheet class 330 will be described. The selection sheet class 330 acquires the destination data held by the address book class 320 and generates a selection list using the acquired destination data as selection candidates. Therefore, the address book class 320 and the selection sheet class 330 have a relationship of “selection resource” and “selection list”.

  In addition, since transmission requests made by a plurality of users may be processed in parallel, there are a plurality of selection sheet objects 330A for one address book object 320A. When there is no selection request being processed, the selection sheet object 330A does not exist. Therefore, the selected sheet object 330A exists in the range of 0 to n for one address book object 320A.

  Next, the class relationship among the selected sheet class 330, the existing destination selected sheet class 331, and the additional destination selected sheet class 332 will be described. The selected sheet class 330 is an upper class (super class) of the existing destination selection sheet class 331 and the additional destination selection sheet class 332, and the existing destination selection sheet class 331 and the additional destination selection sheet class 332 are attributes of the selection sheet class 330. And inherit operations.

  Next, the class relationship between the selected sheet class 330 and the destination class 340 will be described. The selected sheet class 330 generates an object of the destination class 340 corresponding to the selected destination data. Therefore, the selected sheet class 330 and the destination class 340 have a relationship of “selector” and “selection target”. In addition, since 0 to n destination data may be selected from one selection list, the destination object 340A has a range of 0 to n for one selected sheet object 330A. Exists.

  Next, the class relationship between the destination class 340 and the cover sheet class 350 will be described. The cover page class 350 can hold a plurality of destination classes 340 as destinations, and transmits data to the destinations held by the destination classes 340. Therefore, the destination class 340 and the cover sheet class 350 have a relationship of “send address” and “sender”. Since the cover sheet object 350A transmits data to one or more destinations, the destination object 340A exists in the range of 1 to n for one cover sheet object 350A.

  Finally, the relationship between the selected sheet class 330 and the cover sheet class 350 will be described. When the selection process of the destination data is confirmed, the selection sheet class 330 generates an object of a cover sheet class 350 that is responsible for data transmission to the selected destination data. In addition, when the destination data selection process is not confirmed, there is no cover sheet object 350A in charge of the transmission process. Therefore, the cover sheet object 350A exists in the range of 0 to 1 for one selected sheet object 330A.

  In this way, the bookshelf class 310, address book class 320, selection sheet class 330, existing destination selection sheet class 331, additional destination selection sheet class 332, destination class 340, and cover page class 350 objects are related to each other. In cooperation, the functions necessary for the address book management unit 112a are realized.

  Next, the execution procedure of the operation of each class shown in FIG. 10 will be described with an example. FIG. 11 is a UML sequence diagram illustrating an operation execution procedure when the address book management unit 112a, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment, receives a sending instruction.

  Here, the UML sequence diagram will be described. Each rectangle arranged in the upper part of FIG. 11 indicates a class object. A line extending downward from each object is a line (lifeline) indicating that each object is alive, and time is considered to flow from the top to the bottom. An elongated rectangle present on this line indicates a period during which the object is actually active (active period). And the horizontal arrow which connects between each lifeline shows execution of operation contained in an object. Specifically, this arrow indicates that the original object of the arrow calls an operation included in the object at the end of the arrow.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the user operates the operation panel 400 of the multifunction device 1 to instruct sending such as FAX transmission, the service user (operation system subsystem 111) has an address corresponding to the desired transmission means. In order to take out the book, call out () 310b of the bookcase object 310A (step S101). Subsequently, the operation subsystem 111 calls the browse () 320 c for the address book object 320 A acquired by calling the fetch () 310 b (step S 102). The address book object 320A, which is called the browse () 320c, calls the generation () of the selection sheet object 330A in order to create a destination selection list (step S103). Here, this generation () is an operation that all objects have, and each object is materialized on the RAM 12 b by calling this generation ().

  Subsequently, when the user operates the destination list displayed on the operation panel 400 of the multi-function peripheral 1 to select a destination, the operation subsystem 111 calls the selection () 330c of the selection sheet object 330A. (Step S104). The selection sheet object 330A for which the selection () 330c is called generates a destination object 340A responsible for holding destination data corresponding to the selected destination (step S105).

  If the user gives an instruction to cancel the selection, the operation subsystem 111 calls a selection cancellation () 330d of the selection sheet object 330A (step S106). The selection sheet object 330A, for which the selection cancellation () 330d is called, deletes the destination object 340A responsible for holding destination data corresponding to the destination whose selection has been canceled (step S107). Then, according to the user's operation, steps S206 to S207 are repeated, and if the user instructs confirmation of the selection, the operation subsystem 111 calls the confirmation () 330e of the selected sheet object 330A (step S108). ).

  Subsequently, the selected sheet object 330A that has been called to confirm () 330e calls () 350b created by the cover sheet object 350A in order to perform the sending process for the selected destination (step S109). Then, the cover sheet object 350A for which the created () 350b is called requests the execution subsystem 113 to execute the transmission process for the selected destination.

  When the sending process is completed, the executing subsystem 113 calls the discard () 350c of the cover sheet object 350A (step S110), and the selection sheet object 330A, the destination object 340A and the sending that are no longer necessary. Instructs deletion of the shape object 350A. The cover page object 350A for which the discard () 350b is called calls the discard () 330f of the selected sheet object 330A (step S111) and then disappears itself. The selected sheet object 330A for which the discard () 330f is called up deletes the related destination object 340A (step S112) and disappears itself.

  As described above, since the plurality of address book objects 320A corresponding to the transmission means desired by the user are used, an address book management mechanism that can be easily modified even when the transmission means is added is provided. be able to. In addition, since the selection sheet object 330A is generated for each user transmission instruction and the destination data is selected, even if a plurality of user transmission instructions are processed in parallel, Reliable destination selection and transmission processing can be performed.

  In the description of FIG. 11, in the portion described as the selection sheet object 330A, the existing destination selection sheet object 331A or the additional destination selection sheet object 332A that is an object of the subclass is actually used according to the selection method. .

  Next, an operation execution procedure when the address book management unit 112a, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment, receives an address book replacement instruction will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a UML sequence diagram showing an operation execution procedure when the address book management unit 112a, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment, accepts a replacement instruction.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the user operates the operation panel 400 of the multifunction device 1 to instruct address book replacement, the service user (operation system subsystem 111) performs the address book batch replacement. Then, the replacement () 310c of the bookcase object 310A of the address book management unit 112a is called (step S201). The bookshelf object 310A for which the replacement () 310c has been called changes the state 310a to “unpublished” and then calls the revised () 320d for all the address book objects 320A being managed (step S202). .

  Subsequently, each address book object 320A that has been called to revise () 320d calls the discard () 330f of the selected sheet object 330A to prevent inconsistency of the destination data being selected (step S203). Instructs to discard the selected destination data. Then, the selection sheet object 330A for which the destruction () 330f is called up calls the deletion () of the destination object 340A in order to destroy the destination object 340A generated by itself (step S204), and the destination object 340A disappears. Let This deletion () is an operation that all objects have, and each object is deleted from the RAM 12 b by calling this deletion ().

  If all the selected sheet objects 330A and destination objects 340A related to the address book object 320A are deleted, the bookcase object 310A calls () 320e created by the address book object 320A (step S205). An address book object 320A reflecting the subsequent destination data is generated.

  Subsequently, the bookcase object 310A calls deletion () of each address book object 320A before replacement (step S206), and erases all address book objects 320A before replacement. If the disappearance of all the address book objects 320A before the replacement is completed, the status 310a is changed to “published” and the fact that the replacement process is completed is reported to the operation subsystem 111 (step S207). ). The operation subsystem 111 that has received the report notifies the user of the completion of replacement by displaying on the operation panel 400 that the address book batch replacement has been completed.

  In this embodiment, the address book object 320A corresponding to the destination data after replacement is generated and then the address book object 320A corresponding to the destination data before replacement is deleted. After deleting the address book object 320A corresponding to the data, the address book object 320A corresponding to the destination data after replacement may be generated.

  In this way, processing to invalidate the destination data being used is performed, and address book reference is not permitted during replacement processing, thus preventing inconsistencies such as mixing old and new destination data. Thus, a reliable address book replacement process can be performed.

  In the description of FIG. 12, in the portion described as the selection sheet object 330A, the existing destination selection sheet object 331A or the additional destination selection sheet object 332A that is an object of the subclass is actually used according to the selection method. .

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the address book management mechanism is constructed by separating destination management for managing destination data used for transmission processing and selection management for managing selection of destination data by the user, In addition, the address book class responsible for address management, the selection sheet class responsible for selection management, the bookcase class that bundles the address book class, the address class corresponding to each address, and the cover sheet class that manages transmission to the selected address Use an existing destination selection sheet class that is a subclass of the selection sheet class and specializes in selecting an existing destination, and an additional destination selection sheet class that is a subclass of the selection sheet class and specializes in selection of a newly input destination Since the address book management unit is realized by the software, software developers and software maintenance personnel can easily add or modify functions. It is possible to perform, can be implemented efficiently managing process of the address book.

  The address book management program executed in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a flexible disc (FD), a CD. It may be configured to be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as -R (CD Recordable) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). In this case, the CPU 11 reads out the address book management program from the storage medium and loads it on the MEM-P 12, thereby causing the image forming apparatus to realize the above steps, means, or units.

  Further, the address book management program may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Furthermore, such an address book management program may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  As described above, the address book management program and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention are useful for address book management of various apparatuses that perform transmission processing with reference to destination data, and particularly for address book management of the image forming apparatus. Is suitable.

1 is a network diagram showing a network environment surrounding a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining hardware of a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a hierarchical structure of hardware and software in a multifunction peripheral. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of an integrated application. It is a UML class diagram showing the configuration of an integrated application. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation panel of the multifunction machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the process outline of the conventional address book management. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the subject of the conventional address book management. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure outline | summary of the address book management part which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a UML class diagram which shows the class structure of an address book management part. It is a UML sequence diagram which shows the execution procedure of operation when an address book management part receives a transmission instruction | indication. FIG. 10 is a UML sequence diagram illustrating an operation execution procedure when an address book management unit receives a replacement instruction. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a transition of a software configuration installed in a multifunction machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the hierarchical structure of the hardware and software in the conventional multifunction machine.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image forming device (multifunction machine)
10 Controller 11 CPU
12 MEM-P
12a ROM
12b RAM
13 NB
14 SB
15 AGP
16 ASIC
17 MEM-C
18 HDD
20 Keyboard (Operation panel)
30 FCU
40 USB
50 IEEE1394
60 Engine
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Software 101 Application layer 102 Service layer 102a Scanner control part 102b Plotter control part 102c Accumulation control part 102d Delivery / mail transmission / reception control part 102e FAX transmission / reception control part 102f Network communication control part 102g Other control part 103 Operating system 110 Integrated application 111 Operation System Subsystem 112 Management System Subsystem 112a Address Book Management Unit 113 Execution System Subsystem 120 Copy Application 130 Scanner Application 140 Fax Application 150 Printer Application 200 Hardware 201 Hardware Resource 201a Scanner 201b Plotter 201c HDD
201d network 201e other resources 310 bookcase class (an example of bookcase means)
310A Bookcase object (an example of bookcase means)
310a state 310b take out ()
310c Replace ()
320 Address book class (an example of address book means)
320A Address book object (an example of address book means)
320a Possible operation 320b Usage state 320c Browse ()
320d Revise ()
320e create ()
330 Selection sheet class (an example of selection sheet means)
330A Selection sheet object (an example of selection sheet means)
330a Maximum number of destinations 330b Selection state 330c Select ()
330d Deselect ()
330e Confirm ()
330f Discard ()
331 Existing destination selection sheet class (an example of existing destination selection sheet means)
331A Existing destination selection sheet object (an example of existing destination selection sheet means)
331a Select ()
332 Additional destination selection sheet class (an example of additional destination selection sheet means)
332A Additional destination selection sheet object (an example of additional destination selection sheet means)
332a select ()
340 destination class (an example of destination means)
340A Destination object (an example of destination means)
340a identifier 350 cover page class (an example of cover page means)
350A Cover Page Object (an example of cover page means)
350a Send status 350b Create ()
350c Discard ()
400 Operation Panel 401 Initial Setting Key 402 Copy Key 403 Copy Server Key 404 Printer Key 405 Send Key 406 Ten Key 407 Clear / Stop Key 408 Start Key 409 Preheat Key 410 Reset Key 420 Liquid Crystal Touch Panel 501 Application Before Service Layer Separation 502 After Service Layer Separation Application 503 Common routine separation application 504 Object-oriented application

Claims (16)

An address book management program used to provide the destination data to the user when the user transmits the electronic data with reference to a destination management table that manages destination data representing a destination of electronic data. ,
Address book means for extracting destination data in a format corresponding to a predetermined transmission method from the destination management table for managing destination data in a format corresponding to each transmission method, and holding as destination
Selection sheet means for obtaining the destination from the address book means, providing the user with a list of the destination, creating a list of destinations selected by the user, and providing the list to other subsystems An address book management program for causing a computer to function.   The address book means further comprises re-extraction means for re-extracting the updated destination data when the destination data managed by the destination management table is updated, and the selection sheet means is managed by the destination management table. 2. The address book management program according to claim 1, further comprising destination deletion means for deleting a stored destination when destination data to be updated is updated.   The address book means is generated for each transmission method before receiving a transmission request from the user, and the selection sheet means is generated for each transmission request received from the user. The address book management program according to claim 1 or 2.   The selection sheet means holds the maximum number of destinations that can be selected, accepts selection and deselection of destinations by the user within a range equal to or less than the maximum number, and accepts a destination confirmation instruction by the user The address book management program according to claim 3, wherein the address list management program creates the list of destinations and provides the list to other subsystems.   If the selection sheet means accepts selection of a destination by the user, the selection sheet means generates a destination means corresponding to the selected destination, holds link information to the destination means, and selects the destination by the user. 5. The address book management program according to claim 3, wherein if the cancellation is accepted, the corresponding destination means and link information are deleted.   When the selection sheet means accepts the destination confirmation instruction, the selection sheet means generates a cover letter means for managing the transmission of the electronic data, and delivers the held link information to the cover letter means. 6. The address book management program according to claim 3, 4 or 5.   4. The selection sheet unit is an existing destination selection sheet unit that holds destinations acquired from the address book unit as selection candidates and provides a list of the selection candidates to the user. The address book management program as described in any one of -6.   The selection sheet means checks the format of the newly input destination, and if it is a valid format, holds the destination as a selection candidate, and provides an additional destination selection sheet means for providing the user with a list of the selection candidates The address book management program according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein:   7. The address book management program according to claim 3, wherein the selection sheet unit is the existing destination selection sheet unit and the additional destination selection sheet unit.   It further comprises book shelf means for managing the address book means as a child of a tree structure and providing the user with address book means corresponding to the transmission method designated by the user, wherein the book shelf means comprises the destination data 10. The address book management program according to claim 3, wherein reference to the address book means is not permitted during the update process.   11. The book shelf means instructs the address book means to delete the selection sheet means and the destination means related to the address book means when starting the update processing of the destination data. Address book management program described in.   The book shelf means holds a state as to whether or not the address book means can be referred to, and when receiving an update request for the destination data, sets the state to be inaccessible by referring to the address book means. If the generation of the address book means reflecting the update contents and the deletion of the address book means, selection sheet means, and destination means that exist when the update request is accepted are completed, the status can be referred to 12. The address book management program according to claim 11, wherein reference to the address book means reflecting the updated contents is permitted by setting to.   The cover page means instructs to delete the selection sheet means associated with the cover sheet means and the destination means associated with the selection sheet means upon receipt of a transmission completion notification from the other subsystem. The address book management program according to any one of claims 6 to 12. An image forming apparatus that refers to a destination management table that manages destination data representing a destination of electronic data, and provides the destination data to the user when the user transmits the electronic data.
Address book means for extracting destination data in a format corresponding to a predetermined transmission method from the destination management table for managing destination data in a format corresponding to each transmission method, and holding as destination
A selection sheet unit that obtains destinations from the address book unit, provides a list of the destinations to the user, creates a list of destinations selected by the user, and provides the list to other subsystems. An image forming apparatus.   The address book means further includes re-extraction means for re-extracting the updated destination data when the destination data managed by the destination management table is updated, and the destination means is managed by the destination management table. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising: a destination deleting unit that deletes a stored destination when the destination data is updated.   16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the address book unit is generated for each transmission method, and the selection sheet unit is generated for each transmission request received from the user.

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