JP2009065517A - Complex device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a complex device that acquires destination information managed by a management server while preventing a latency time of a user from being caused at inadequate timing. <P>SOLUTION: The complex device has at least a scanner function and a printer function, and acquires destination information that represents a destination of information produced using the scanner function, from a management server connected thereto through a network. The complex device includes: destination information acquisition means for attempting to acquire the needed destination information at a time from the management server when initially entering a state in which the destination information may become necessary; destination information holding means for temporarily holding the acquired destination information if the destination information can be acquired by the destination information acquisition means, so as to enable this destination information to be utilized; and control means for storing a failure result of acquisition of the destination information if the destination information can not be acquired by the destination information acquisition means, and constraining the destination information acquisition means from attempting to acquire the destination information from the management server until a predetermined failure reset condition is fulfilled. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a multifunction peripheral, and more particularly to a multifunction peripheral having at least a scanner function and a printer function.

  A so-called multifunction device having a scanner function or a printer function has a function that allows information read using the scanner function to be transmitted by e-mail, stored in a specific folder, or sent by fax. There is something. If the e-mail transmission function is used, information read by using the scanner function can be transmitted to an e-mail address designated by the user. If a function for saving in a specific folder is used, information read using the scanner function can be saved in a folder specified by the user. In addition, when the fax transmission function is used, information read using the scanner function can be faxed to a fax destination number designated by the user.

  One of the functions for improving the convenience of the user when the user uses such a function is a function of centrally managing the destination information by the management server and providing it to the user (for example, Patent Document 1). : Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-249847). In other words, when the multifunction device is connected to the management server via a network, the management server centrally manages information related to email addresses, storage folders, and fax destination numbers, and the multifunction device manages these information. It can be obtained from the server.

  The following timing is conceivable as the timing at which the multifunction peripheral acquires such destination information from the management server. First of all, when the MFP is turned on, all the destination information held by the management server is acquired, or when the user logs in, the user registers it. This is a method of acquiring all destination information from the management server. Secondly, when the user tries to input or select the destination information, the multifunction device acquires only necessary destination information from the management server.

However, in the first method, destination information whose usage is unknown is acquired every time. In addition, when the amount of information of the destination information is large, it takes a long time to acquire the destination information when the MFP is turned on or when the user logs in, which increases the waiting time of the user. is there. On the other hand, in the second method, since the destination information is acquired from the management server immediately before the user inputs or selects the destination information, the waiting time of the user occurs at a necessary point of processing, and the user is uncomfortable. You may feel In addition, when the response is slow due to a high network addition, there is a problem that the waiting time of the user at a point requiring processing becomes long.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-249847

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a multifunction device that avoids the occurrence of a user waiting time at an inappropriate timing while acquiring destination information managed by a management server. Objective.

In order to solve the above problems, a multifunction peripheral according to the present invention has at least a scanner function and a printer function, and sends destination information, which is a destination of information generated using the scanner function, via a network. A multi-function machine that is acquired from the connected management server.
Destination information acquisition means for attempting to acquire the necessary destination information from the management server at the same time when first shifting to a state where the destination information will be required;
When the destination information can be acquired by the destination information acquisition unit, the destination information holding unit temporarily holds the acquired destination information and enables use of the destination information;
When the destination information cannot be acquired by the destination information acquisition unit, the destination information acquisition unit stores that the acquisition of the destination information has failed and the predetermined information is satisfied until the predetermined release condition is satisfied. Limiting means for limiting attempts to obtain the destination information from:
It is characterized by providing.

  In this case, the destination information is managed for each user in the management server, and the destination information acquisition unit once receives from the management server the destination information of the user who is currently using the multifunction device. You may try to get to.

  Alternatively, the destination information is managed in units of groups in the server, and the destination information acquisition unit obtains destination information of a group to which a user who is currently using the multifunction peripheral belongs from the management server. You may try to acquire it at once.

  The multifunction device may further include first cancellation determination means for determining that the predetermined cancellation condition is satisfied when a predetermined time has elapsed after the acquisition of the destination information has failed. Good.

  In addition, the multifunction device determines that the predetermined release condition is satisfied when the user who uses the multifunction device logs out after failing to acquire the destination information. A means may be further provided.

  In addition, the multifunction device may further include third release determination means for determining that the predetermined release condition is satisfied when the multifunction device is restarted after the acquisition of the destination information has failed. May be.

  The destination information may include at least one of an e-mail address, a save destination folder, and a fax destination number.

  In addition, when the screen shifts to a menu screen that requires input of the destination information, it may be determined that the state has shifted to a state where the destination information will be required.

A control method for a multifunction peripheral according to the present invention has at least a scanner function and a printer function, and manages destination information that is a destination of information generated by using the scanner function, connected via a network. A method of controlling a multifunction device acquired from a server,
Attempting to obtain the required destination information from the management server at the same time when first transitioning to a state where the destination information would be required;
As a result of attempting to acquire the destination information, if the destination information can be acquired, temporarily storing the acquired destination information and enabling the use of the destination information;
If the destination information could not be acquired as a result of the acquisition of the destination information, the fact that acquisition of the destination information has failed is stored, and again from the management server until a predetermined release condition is satisfied Limiting attempts to obtain the destination information;
It is characterized by providing.

A multifunction peripheral system according to the present invention is a multifunction peripheral system in which a multifunction peripheral and a management server for managing the multifunction peripheral are connected via a network, and the multifunction peripheral includes at least a scanner function and a printer function. In a multifunction peripheral system that acquires destination information that is a destination of information generated by using the scanner function from the management server,
The MFP is
Destination information acquisition means for attempting to acquire the necessary destination information from the management server at the same time when first shifting to a state where the destination information will be required;
When the destination information can be acquired by the destination information acquisition unit, the destination information holding unit temporarily holds the acquired destination information and enables use of the destination information;
When the destination information cannot be acquired by the destination information acquisition unit, the destination information acquisition unit stores that the acquisition of the destination information has failed and the predetermined information is satisfied until the predetermined release condition is satisfied. Limiting means for limiting attempts to obtain the destination information from:
With
The management server
Destination information server holding means for holding the destination information;
In response to a request from the destination information acquisition means, destination information providing means for providing the destination information held by the destination information server holding means to the multifunction device;
It is characterized by providing.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

  The multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured so that when the user operates the operation unit and shifts to a menu screen where destination information may be required, the multifunction peripheral manages the user's destination managed by the management server. Information is acquired. Furthermore, the multifunction peripheral acquires all the destination information of the user at once, and once the acquisition fails, a predetermined time elapses, the user logs off, or the power is turned on again. Up to this point, the MFP is restricted so that it does not go to the management server to acquire the destination information of the user again. This avoids unnecessary waiting time for the user. More details will be described below.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of an overall configuration diagram of a multifunction peripheral system including a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an internal configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows an example of a block diagram of the internal configuration of the management server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a multifunction machine system 10 according to the present embodiment includes one or more multifunction machines 30, one or more computers 40, and one management server 50 via a network 20. Are connected to each other. The network 20 can be configured by a network of any standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction machine 30 according to the present embodiment is a so-called multi-function printer that includes at least a scanner function unit 31 and a printer function unit 32. The multifunction machine 30 further includes an operation unit 33, a network interface 34, and a control unit 35. The scanner function unit 31 is a function unit for reading a document set by the user on the multifunction machine 30. In general, the scanner function unit 31 reads a document set on a document reading surface with a line sensor and generates information related to an image.

  The printer function unit 32 is a function unit that prints print data transmitted from the computer 40 to the multi-function device 30 or prints information related to an image read by the scanner function unit 31. In general, print data and information about images are expanded into printable data, and printing is performed by a print engine such as a laser printer or an inkjet printer.

  The operation unit 33 is a unit for the user to input various instructions to the multifunction machine 30. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 33 is configured by, for example, a touch panel on which various information is displayed and an instruction can be input by touching by the user.

  The network interface 34 is an interface for connecting the multifunction machine 30 to the network 20. The control unit 35 is a unit for performing overall control of the multifunction machine 30. In the present embodiment, the control unit 35 includes a central processing unit (CPU) that is a main body that performs control, a random access memory (RAM) that holds information necessary for control in a volatile manner, A ROM (Read Only Memory) in which a program for performing the above is held in a nonvolatile manner is provided. In the present embodiment, in particular, a program for executing destination information acquisition processing and destination acquisition error initialization processing, which will be described later, is stored in this ROM, and management information acquired in the destination information acquisition processing is stored in the RAM. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the management server 50 is a server for managing the multifunction machine 30 and the computer 40 connected to the network 20. The management server 50 has various management functions. In this embodiment, in particular, the management server 50 has a function of providing destination information in response to a request from the multifunction machine 30. That is, the management server 50 holds destination information such as an e-mail address, a storage folder, and a fax destination number for each user who uses the multi-function device 30, and the management server 50 responds to a request from the multi-function device 30. In response, the requested destination information of the user is provided to the multifunction machine 30. As a result, the user can freely use the already-registered destination information regardless of which MFP 30 connected to the network 20 is used.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the management server 50 includes at least a network interface 51, a control unit 52, and a destination information storage unit 53. The network interface 51 is an interface for connecting the management server 50 to the network 20. The control unit 52 is a unit that performs overall control of the management server 50. In this embodiment, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that is a main body unit that performs control, a RAM (Random Access Memory) in which information necessary for performing control is stored in a volatile manner, A ROM (Read Only Memory) in which a program to be executed is held in a nonvolatile manner is provided.

  The destination information storage unit 53 stores and holds destination information such as the above-described e-mail address, storage destination folder, and fax destination number. In the present embodiment, the destination information storage unit 53 is configured by an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the e-mail address storage table TB10 held in the destination information storage unit 53 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 5 is shown in the destination information storage unit 53 according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the fax destination storage table TB30 held in the destination information storage unit 53 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the e-mail address storage table TB10 according to the present embodiment is configured for each user. That is, the e-mail address is stored as the destination information classified for each user ID.

  Specifically, at least a user ID storage unit ITM10, an email address storage unit ITM12, and a name storage unit ITM14 are formed in each table of the email address storage table TB10. Each table may have a storage unit other than these items.

  The user ID storage unit ITM10 stores the user IDs of users who have registered e-mail addresses in the table. The user ID stored in the user ID storage unit ITM10 identifies which user the e-mail address stored in each table belongs to.

  The e-mail address storage unit ITM12 stores an e-mail address registered by the user, and the name storage unit ITM14 stores a name and a name corresponding to the e-mail address registered by the user.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the storage destination folder storage table TB20 according to the present embodiment is configured for each user. That is, the storage destination folder is stored as the destination information classified for each user ID.

  Specifically, at least a user ID storage unit ITM20 and a storage destination folder storage unit ITM22 are formed in each table of the storage destination folder storage table TB20. Each table may have a storage unit other than these items.

  The user ID storage unit ITM20 stores the user ID of the user who has registered the save destination folder in the table. The user ID stored in the user ID storage unit ITM20 identifies which user the storage destination folder stored in each table belongs to.

  The storage destination folder storage unit ITM22 stores information for specifying a storage destination folder registered by the user. In the example of FIG. 5, a user whose user ID is ABCDEFG has a folder “save destination 1” in the PC 1 of the computer 40, a folder “save destination 2” in the PC 2 of the computer 40, and a management server. 50 “shared folders” are registered as storage folders.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the fax destination storage table TB30 according to the present embodiment is configured for each user. That is, the fax destination number is stored as the destination information classified for each user ID.

  Specifically, each table of the fax destination storage table TB30 includes at least a user ID storage unit ITM30, a fax destination number storage unit ITM32, and a name storage unit ITM34. Each table may have a storage unit other than these items.

  The user ID storage unit ITM30 stores the user ID of the user whose fax destination number is registered in the table. The user ID stored in the user ID storage unit ITM30 identifies which user the fax destination number stored in each table belongs to.

  The fax destination number storage unit ITM32 stores the fax destination number registered by the user, and the name storage unit ITM34 stores the name and name corresponding to the fax destination number registered by the user.

  Returning again to the description of FIG. 1, the computer 40 of FIG. 1 shows an example of a client computer used by the user. The server that manages the computer 40 may be the management server 50 shown in FIG. 1 or another server (not shown).

  In the present embodiment, for example, the user can maintain the destination information used by the management server 50 using the application of the computer 40. In other words, destination information such as necessary e-mail address, storage folder, fax destination number is registered in the management server 50, or destination information such as unnecessary e-mail address, storage folder, fax destination number, etc. Can be deleted from the management server 50. Further, such registration and deletion of destination information may be performed from the multifunction device 30 by using the operation unit 33 of the multifunction device 30.

  Specifically, for example, the user can register a new e-mail address in his / her e-mail address storage table TB10 in the management server 50 by using an application of the computer 40. The e-mail address can be deleted from its own e-mail address storage table TB10 in the management server 50. The same applies to the save destination folder storage table TB20 and the fax destination storage table TB30.

  Next, a destination information acquisition process executed by the multifunction machine 30 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of the destination information acquisition process according to the present embodiment. The destination information acquisition process shown in FIG. 7 is a process executed by the control unit 35 in the multifunction machine 30. More specifically, the CPU provided in the control unit 35 is also provided in the control unit 35. This is a process realized by reading and executing a destination information acquisition processing program from the ROM. This destination information acquisition process is a process that is activated and executed by the multifunction machine 30 when the user moves to a menu screen that would require destination information.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the function selection screen W10 is displayed on the touch panel 100 of the operation unit 33. In the example of FIG. 8, a copy function selection button B10, a printer function selection button B12, and a scanner function selection button B14 are displayed on the function selection screen W10. In this state, when the user touches the copy function selection button B10, the multifunction device 30 shifts to a mode for performing copying, and when the user touches the printer function selection button B12, the multifunction device 30 receives the print received from the computer 40. Switch to data printing mode.

  On the other hand, when the user touches the scanner function selection button B14 on the function selection screen W10, the multi function device 30 shifts to a mode in which the scanner function unit 31 is used, and the scan function shown in FIG. The selection screen W20 is displayed.

  In the example of FIG. 9, a scan to mail button B20, a scan to file button B22, and a scan to fax button B24 are displayed on the scan function selection screen W20. In the scan function selection screen W20, when the user touches the scan-to-mail button B20, the information generated by scanning with the scanner function unit 31 is transferred to the e-mail address designated by the user. To do.

  Further, when the user touches the scan-to-file button B22 on the scan function selection screen W20, the information generated by scanning with the scanner function unit 31 is transmitted and stored in the storage destination folder designated by the user. Enter mode. Furthermore, when the user touches the scan to fax button B24 on the scan function selection screen W20, the information generated by scanning with the scanner function unit 31 is faxed to the fax destination number designated by the user and transmitted. Migrate to

  For this reason, in the multifunction machine 30 of the present embodiment, when the user touches the scanner function selection button B14 on the function selection screen W10, it can be determined that the user will need destination information in the future. That is, when the user touches the scanner function selection button B14, it can be predicted in advance that destination information such as an e-mail address, a storage destination folder, and a fax destination number will be required. Therefore, in the multifunction machine 30 of the present embodiment, the destination information acquisition process of FIG. 7 is started when the user touches the scanner function selection button B14.

  As shown in FIG. 7, first, the multifunction device 30 determines whether or not the destination information of the user who is currently using the multifunction device 30 has already been acquired from the management server 50 (step S10). In the present embodiment, before the user uses the multifunction device 30, it is necessary to log in to the multifunction device 30 using the user ID. For this reason, the multifunction machine 30 can specify who the user currently using is.

  If the destination information has been acquired (step S10: YES), the multi-function device 30 ends this destination information acquisition process.

  On the other hand, if the destination information has not been acquired (step S10: NO), the multi-function device 30 determines whether a destination acquisition error has occurred or has not occurred (step S12). In this embodiment, it is determined based on the destination acquisition error flag whether the destination acquisition error has occurred or has not occurred. That is, in this embodiment, when acquisition of destination information fails, a destination acquisition error flag is set.

  If it is determined in this step S12 that no destination acquisition error has occurred (step S12: NO), that is, if the destination acquisition error flag has not been set, the multi-function device 30 receives the current login from the management server 50. An attempt is made to acquire all the destination information of the user who is doing (step S14). Based on the request from the multifunction device 30, the management server 50 provides the designated device management information stored in the destination information storage unit 53 to the multifunction device 30 at a time.

  Here, acquiring the destination information of a user at once means that the management server 50 manages the user instead of separately acquiring a part of the management information managed by the management server 50. This means that all management information is acquired in one acquisition process. In other words, in the present embodiment, all information registered in the email address storage table TB10, the storage folder storage table TB20, and the fax destination storage table TB30 of the logged-in user is acquired in one acquisition process. Is meant to do.

  Next, the multifunction machine 30 determines whether or not the destination information has been acquired from the management server 50 at one time (step S16). If the destination information can be acquired at once (step S16: YES), the multi-function device 30 stores the acquired destination information in the RAM in the control unit 35, and ends this destination information acquisition processing.

  On the other hand, depending on the state of the network 20 or the management server 50, it is conceivable that the multifunction device 30 cannot normally acquire the destination information of the user from the management server 50. For this reason, when it is determined in step S16 that the destination information could not be acquired (step S16: NO), the multi-function device 30 changes the destination acquisition error to an occurrence state (step S20). That is, the multi-function device 30 changes to a state in which the destination acquisition error flag is set. Then, an error indicating that the destination information could not be acquired for some reason is notified to the user (step S22). The manner in which the error is notified to the user is arbitrary. For example, the user can be notified by displaying that the destination information cannot be acquired from the management server on the screen of the touch panel 100. .

  Even when it is determined in step S12 described above that a destination acquisition error has occurred (step S12: YES), the multi-function device 30 informs the user that acquisition of the destination information has failed in step S22 described above. Notice.

  Even when the error notification in step S22 ends, the destination information acquisition process ends.

  Next, a destination acquisition error initialization process executed by the multifunction machine 30 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of destination acquisition error initialization processing according to the present embodiment. The destination acquisition error initialization process shown in FIG. 10 is a process executed by the control unit 35 in the multifunction machine 30. More specifically, the CPU provided in the control unit 35 is also provided in the control unit 35. This process is realized by reading and executing a destination acquisition error initialization processing program from the read ROM.

  The destination acquisition error initialization process shown in FIG. 10 is a process activated at a predetermined time interval. In this embodiment, for example, it is set to be activated at a rate of once every 10 minutes. This means that even if the acquisition of the destination information fails, if about 10 minutes have passed, the waiting time of the user will increase unnecessarily even if the acquisition of the destination information from the management server 50 is attempted again. This is because it is highly likely that the re-acquisition will be successful due to reasons such as changes in the state of the network 20 and the management server 50. It should be noted that the time interval for starting the destination acquisition error initialization process is arbitrary.

  In addition to this, in the present embodiment, the destination acquisition error initialization process is started even when the user currently logged in to the multifunction machine 30 logs out. This is because if the user logs out and then logs in again, it can be assumed that the user wants to acquire destination information.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the destination acquisition error initialization process is started even when the power of the multifunction device 30 is turned off and then turned on again. This is because when the user turns off the power once and then turns on again, it can be assumed that the user wants to acquire the destination information. If the destination acquisition error flag is volatile information stored in a RAM or the like, the destination acquisition error flag is automatically initialized when the MFP 30 is turned off. Return to standing. In such a configuration, it is not necessary to start the destination acquisition error initialization process as in the present embodiment.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, these three conditions are judged in parallel, and if any one of the three cancellation conditions is satisfied, the destination acquisition error initialization process is started and the destination acquisition error is started. The occurrence state of the destination acquisition error is arbitrary under any conditions. For example, the destination acquisition error initialization process may be started at a predetermined time interval, but in other cases, the destination acquisition error initialization process may not be started. In this way, the MFP 30 can be restricted from re-acquiring management information without exception until a predetermined time elapses.

  In addition, the destination acquisition error initialization process is started at a predetermined time interval, and when the user logs out, the destination acquisition error initialization process is started. The activation process may not be activated. Even in this case, the destination acquisition error initialization process is started and the occurrence state of the destination acquisition error is canceled when a predetermined time has passed without the user performing a special operation.

  In addition, the destination acquisition error initialization process is started at a predetermined time interval, and the destination acquisition error initialization process is started even when the power is turned on again. The activation process may not be activated. Even in this case, the destination acquisition error initialization process is started and the occurrence state of the destination acquisition error is canceled when a predetermined time has passed without the user performing a special operation.

  As shown in FIG. 10, first, the multi-function device 30 determines whether or not a destination acquisition error has occurred (step S30). That is, it is determined whether the destination acquisition error flag is set.

  If the destination acquisition error has occurred (step S30: YES), that is, if the destination acquisition error flag is set, the multi-function device 30 changes the destination acquisition error to the non-occurrence state (step S32). ). That is, the destination acquisition error flag is not set. Then, the destination acquisition error initialization process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30 described above that the destination acquisition error has not occurred (step S30: NO), that is, if the destination acquisition error flag is not set, the multi-function device 30 starts this destination acquisition error initial stage. The process is terminated as it is.

  As described above, according to the multifunction machine 30 according to the present embodiment, when the user operates the operation unit 33 and presses the scanner function selection button B14 on the function selection screen W10, the destination information is required. It is determined that the state has shifted to the state, and the multifunction device 30 acquires the destination information of the user currently logged in to the multifunction device 30 from the management server 50. For this reason, prior to the use of the user destination information, the destination information can be acquired in advance from the management server 50, and the user can select the scan to mail button B20, the scan to file button B22 on the scan function selection screen W20, or At the stage of inputting destination information after pressing the scan to fax button B24, the multi-function device 30 can already store the destination information in the RAM of the control unit 35. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a user from feeling uncomfortable due to a waiting time for acquiring the destination information immediately before inputting the destination information.

  Further, after the failure of obtaining the destination information of the user, the multi-function device 50 restricts the management server 50 so as not to obtain the destination information of the user again until a predetermined time elapses. did. Thereby, every time the user presses the scanner function selection button B14 on the function selection screen W10, a waiting time for acquiring the destination information from the management server 50 is generated, so that unnecessary waiting time is avoided for the user. can do.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can deform | transform variously. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described by taking an e-mail address, a storage folder, and a fax destination number as destination information managed by the management server 50. However, other information is managed as destination information. Even when the server 50 manages the present invention, the present invention can be applied. The destination information managed by the management server 50 may be a part of the e-mail address, the save destination folder, and the fax destination number exemplified here. That is, the management server 50 may manage at least one of the e-mail address, the save destination folder, and the fax destination number as the destination information.

  Further, in the multifunction device 30 according to the above-described embodiment, when the user operates the operation unit 33 and individually inputs an instruction to acquire destination information to the multifunction device 30, the multifunction device 30 already has the user's Even when the destination information is acquired from the management server 50, the destination information may be acquired from the management server 50 again. As a result, even when the user registers new destination information in the management server 50, the multifunction device 30 can acquire and use the destination information reflecting this registration at an arbitrary timing.

  In the above-described embodiment, the management server 50 manages the destination information in units of users. Therefore, the MFP 30 also acquires the destination information from the management server 50 in units of the currently logged-in user at a time. However, the unit for managing the destination information by the management server 50 is not limited to the user unit. For example, in the case where the management server 50 manages the destination information in units of groups, when the MFP 30 acquires the destination information, the destination information of the group to which the currently logged-in user belongs is displayed at once. You may make it acquire.

  Further, even when the destination information is managed for each user, the multi-function device 30 may acquire the destination information regarding all users from the management server 50 at a time. Alternatively, when the management server 50 does not manage destination information for each user, the destination information to be acquired by the multi-function device 30 may be acquired collectively.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration of a multifunction machine system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral included in the multifunction peripheral system of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a management server included in the multifunction machine system of FIG. 1. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the email address storage table which the management server of FIG. 3 hold | maintains. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the preservation | save destination folder storage table which the management server of FIG. 3 hold | maintains. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the fax destination storage table which the management server of FIG. 3 hold | maintains. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of contents of destination information acquisition processing executed by the multifunction peripheral of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function selection screen displayed on the touch panel of the multifunction peripheral of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scan function selection screen displayed on the touch panel of the multifunction peripheral of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of contents of destination acquisition error initialization processing executed by the multifunction peripheral of FIG. 2.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 MFP system 20 Network 30 MFP 31 Scanner function part 32 Printer function part 33 Operation unit 34 Network interface 35 Control unit 40 Computer 50 Management server 51 Network interface 52 Control unit 53 Destination information storage part

Claims (10)

A multifunction device that has at least a scanner function and a printer function, and acquires destination information, which is a destination of information generated using the scanner function, from a management server connected via a network;
Destination information acquisition means for attempting to acquire the necessary destination information from the management server at the same time when first shifting to a state where the destination information will be required;
When the destination information can be acquired by the destination information acquisition unit, the destination information holding unit temporarily holds the acquired destination information and enables use of the destination information;
When the destination information cannot be acquired by the destination information acquisition unit, the destination information acquisition unit stores that the acquisition of the destination information has failed and the predetermined information is satisfied until the predetermined release condition is satisfied. Limiting means for limiting attempts to obtain the destination information from:
A multi-function machine comprising:   The destination information is managed for each user in the management server, and the destination information acquisition unit acquires the destination information of the user who is currently using the multifunction device from the management server at a time. The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the multifunction device attempts to.   The destination information is managed in units of groups in the server, and the destination information acquisition unit obtains destination information of a group to which a user who is currently using the multifunction peripheral belongs from the management server at a time. 2. The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein acquisition is attempted.   The first release determination means for determining that the predetermined release condition is satisfied when a predetermined time has elapsed after the acquisition of the destination information has failed. Item 4. The multifunction device according to any one of Items 3 to 3.   And a second release determination unit configured to determine that the predetermined release condition is satisfied when a user who uses the multi-function peripheral logs out after failing to acquire the destination information. The multifunction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that:   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third release determination unit that determines that the predetermined release condition is satisfied when the MFP is restarted after the acquisition of the destination information has failed. The multifunction device according to claim 5.   7. The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the destination information includes at least one of an e-mail address, a storage destination folder, and a fax destination number.   8. The system according to claim 1, wherein when the screen is shifted to a menu screen that requires input of the destination information, it is determined that the destination information is required to be shifted. A multi-function machine described in 1. A multifunction device control method that has at least a scanner function and a printer function, and acquires destination information, which is a destination of information generated using the scanner function, from a management server connected via a network. There,
Attempting to obtain the required destination information from the management server at the same time when first transitioning to a state where the destination information would be required;
As a result of attempting to acquire the destination information, if the destination information can be acquired, temporarily storing the acquired destination information and enabling the use of the destination information;
If the destination information could not be acquired as a result of the acquisition of the destination information, the fact that acquisition of the destination information has failed is stored, and again from the management server until a predetermined release condition is satisfied Limiting attempts to obtain the destination information;
A control method for a multi-function machine. A multifunction machine system in which a multifunction machine and a management server for managing the multifunction machine are connected via a network, wherein the multifunction machine has at least a scanner function and a printer function, and the scanner function In a multifunction peripheral system that acquires destination information that is a destination of information generated by using the management server,
The MFP is
Destination information acquisition means for attempting to acquire the necessary destination information from the management server at the same time when first shifting to a state where the destination information will be required;
When the destination information can be acquired by the destination information acquisition unit, the destination information holding unit temporarily holds the acquired destination information and enables use of the destination information;
When the destination information cannot be acquired by the destination information acquisition unit, the destination information acquisition unit stores that the acquisition of the destination information has failed and the predetermined information is satisfied until the predetermined release condition is satisfied. Limiting means for limiting attempts to obtain the destination information from:
With
The management server
Destination information server holding means for holding the destination information;
In response to a request from the destination information acquisition means, destination information providing means for providing the destination information held by the destination information server holding means to the multifunction device;
A multi-function machine comprising:

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