JP2014154906A - Image forming device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique that allows an image forming device to use a setting information file even if a special program to transmit the setting information file used for setting a setting item of an image processing job to the image forming device is not installed in a server.SOLUTION: An MFP 10 identifies a storage destination folder of a setting information file for setting related to an image processing job performed by the MFP 10 (step S13). The storage destination folder is a folder in a server connected with the MFP 10 via a network. In addition, the MFP 10 uses a communication protocol for file transfer to download the setting information file from the storage destination folder via the network (step S16). Then, the MFP 10 sets the setting item of the image processing job on the basis of the setting information file (step S17).

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and related technology.

  The image forming system includes an image forming apparatus and an external computer connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, and setting information used for setting image processing in the image forming apparatus is input to the external computer. There is a technique stored in the storage unit of the external computer. In such a technique, a predetermined program installed in an external computer is executed in response to a request from the image forming apparatus, and setting information stored (stored) in the external computer is stored in the image forming apparatus. Sent.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 includes an image processing apparatus and a personal computer (hereinafter also referred to as a personal computer), and an image processing system that performs the following operation by executing a program installed in the personal computer. Is described. Specifically, in the image processing system, setting information for image processing in the image processing apparatus is input to a personal computer and stored in a hard disk of the personal computer. When the program installed in the personal computer receives a request from the image processing apparatus, the program transmits the setting information stored in the personal computer to the image processing apparatus.

  According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, an operator can input setting information for image processing executed by the image forming apparatus (image processing apparatus) using an external computer (personal computer) that is familiar to the user. Is possible. The image forming apparatus (image processing apparatus) can set image processing using setting information transmitted from an external computer (personal computer).

JP 2003-259074 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, a special program for transmitting setting information (setting information file) of image processing (image processing job) stored in an external computer (server) to the image forming apparatus Must be installed on an external computer.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide the image forming apparatus in which the special program for transmitting the setting information file used for setting the setting items of the image processing job to the image forming apparatus is not installed in the server. The purpose is to provide a technology capable of using the setting information file.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention of claim 1 is an image forming apparatus, which is a storage folder in a server connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, and is executed by the image forming apparatus. A specifying unit for specifying a storage destination folder that is a storage destination folder for a setting information file for setting related to an image processing job, and a storage protocol specified by the specifying unit using a communication protocol for file transfer. Communication control means for downloading the setting information file via the network; and setting means for setting setting items of the image processing job based on the setting information file downloaded by the communication control means. It is characterized by.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the image processing job is a scan transmission job for generating a scan image by optically reading a document and transmitting the scan image. It is characterized by that.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the scan transmission job, a transmission destination folder that is a transmission destination folder of the scanned image is designated, and the specifying unit includes the scanning unit. The transmission destination folder specified in the transmission job is specified as the storage destination folder, and the communication control means uses the communication protocol for file transfer, and the setting information file is specified by the specification means. Downloading from a storage destination folder via the network, the setting means sets the setting items of the scan transmission job based on the setting information file.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, when the setting information file for setting related to the scan transmission job is not stored in the transmission destination folder, the communication control means The file transfer communication protocol is used to obtain extension information regarding file extensions of a plurality of scanned images stored in the transmission destination folder in the past scan transmission job via the network, and the setting The means identifies the largest number of file formats from among the plurality of scanned image file formats as the most file format based on the extension information, and the most frequently used file format is newly generated in the scan transmission job. It is set as a file format of a scanned image.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention, when the setting information file for setting related to the scan transmission job is not stored in the transmission destination folder, the communication control means Using the communication protocol for file transfer, obtaining creation date / time information regarding the file creation date / time of a plurality of scan images stored in the transmission destination folder in a past scan transmission job via the network; and The means identifies the latest scan image from the plurality of scan images based on the creation date information, and sets the file format of the latest scan image as a new scan image file generated in the scan transmission job. It is set as a format.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, when a plurality of setting information files are stored in the storage destination folder, the image is downloaded from the storage destination folder. Display control means for displaying on the display section a designation screen for designating one setting information file from among the plurality of setting information files, wherein the communication control means comprises a communication protocol for file transfer. The one setting information file designated via the designation screen is downloaded from the storage destination folder via the network.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the setting information file includes change information indicating that the transmission destination folder should be changed to a new transmission destination folder. The setting change of the transmission destination of the scanned image from the transmission destination folder to the new transmission destination folder is performed based on the change information.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the invention, the change information is information relating to a distribution method for distributing the scanned image to each distribution destination folder according to a file creation date of the scanned image. And the setting means changes the setting of the transmission destination of the scanned image from the transmission destination folder to a distribution destination folder according to the file creation date and time of the scanned image based on information on the distribution method. And

  A ninth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, wherein each of the distribution destination folders is a lower hierarchy folder of the storage destination folder.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the communication protocol for file transfer includes at least one of an FTP protocol, an SMB protocol, and a WebDAV protocol. It is characterized by.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer built in the image forming apparatus, wherein a) a storage destination folder in a server connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, and image processing executed by the image forming apparatus A step of specifying a storage destination folder that is a storage destination folder of setting information files for settings relating to a job; b) from the storage destination folder specified in step a) using a communication protocol for file transfer; Downloading the setting information file via the network; and c) setting setting items of the image processing job based on the setting information file downloaded in step b). It is the program of this.

  According to the first to eleventh aspects of the present invention, even if a special program for transmitting a setting information file for setting an image processing job to the image forming apparatus is not installed in the server, the image forming process is performed. The setting information file can be used in the apparatus.

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional block of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the functional block of a server. It is a figure which shows a shortened address registration screen. It is a figure which shows an alerting | reporting screen. It is a figure which shows an alerting | reporting screen. It is a figure which shows a selection screen. It is a figure which shows a new creation screen. It is a figure which shows a designation | designated screen. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows a destination setting screen. It is a figure which shows a setting screen. It is a figure which shows a designation | designated screen. It is a figure which shows a setting screen. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hierarchical structure of a folder.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<1. First Embodiment>
<1-1. System configuration outline>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system 1 including a multi-function peripheral (also abbreviated as MFP) 10 and a server 50.

<1-2. MFP 10>
The MFP 10 functions as an image forming apparatus. More specifically, the MFP 10 is configured as a device (also referred to as a multifunction device) having a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile communication function, and the like.

  The MFP 10 is connected to the server 50 via the network NW, and can transmit and receive data (data file) to and from the server 50. The network NW includes various networks such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and the Internet.

  Specifically, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the MFP 10 includes an image reading unit 2, a print output unit 3, a communication unit 4, a storage unit 5, an input / output unit 6, a controller 9, and the like. Various functions are realized by operating these components in a complex manner.

  The image reading unit 2 is a processing unit that optically reads (that is, scans) a document placed at a predetermined position of the MFP 10 and generates image data of the document (also referred to as a document image or a scanned image). is there. In other words, the image reading unit 2 is also referred to as a scanning unit.

  The print output unit 3 is an output unit that prints out an image on various media such as paper based on image data related to a print target.

  The communication unit 4 is a processing unit capable of performing facsimile communication via a public line or the like. Furthermore, the communication unit 4 can perform network communication via the communication network NW. In this network communication, various network protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SMB (Server Message Block), and WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning) are used. The TCP / IP is a protocol used in the Internet, an intranet, and the like. FTP is a file transfer protocol for TCP / IP. SMB is a protocol that provides functions such as file sharing in a Windows (registered trademark) network. WebDAV is a protocol that extends the HTTP that exchanges files (data) on the Web and provides a file management function in the client.

  The storage unit 5 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 5 temporarily stores a setting information file JF (described later) downloaded from the server 50. The storage unit 5 stores an address book for registering various data transmission destination folders as shortened destinations.

  The input / output unit 6 includes an operation input unit 6a that receives input to the MFP 10 and a display unit 6b that displays and outputs various types of information. Specifically, the MFP 10 is provided with an operation panel PN. The operation panel PN is configured by embedding a piezoelectric sensor or the like in a liquid crystal display panel, and functions as a part of the display unit 6b and also functions as a part of the operation input unit 6a.

  The controller 9 is a control device that is built in the MFP 10 and controls the MFP 10 in an integrated manner, and includes a CPU and various semiconductor memories (such as a RAM and a ROM). Various functions of the MFP 10 are realized by various processing units operating under the control of the controller 9. For example, the scan transmission job SP is realized under the control of the controller 9. The controller 9 also controls various processes as described below.

  The controller 9 implements various processing units by executing a predetermined software program (hereinafter also simply referred to as a program) PG stored in a ROM (for example, EEPROM) in the CPU.

  Specifically, the controller 9 implements various processing units including a specifying unit 91, a communication control unit 93, a setting unit 95, and a display control unit 97.

  The specifying unit 91 is a processing unit that specifies a storage destination folder that stores a setting information file JF for setting related to an image processing job. The setting information file JF is a data file used for setting setting items related to the scan transmission job SP. The scan transmission job SP is a job for generating a scanned image by scanning a document (optically reading the document) and transmitting the scanned image. Since this scan transmission job SP includes a scan image generation process (image process), it is also expressed as an image processing job.

  The communication control unit 93 is a processing unit that controls the communication operation in cooperation with the communication unit 4. Specifically, the communication control unit 91 downloads the setting information file JF from a predetermined folder specified by the specifying unit 91 using FTP, which is a file transfer protocol.

  The setting unit 95 is a processing unit that sets setting items related to image processing executed by the MFP 10 based on the setting information file JF.

  The display control unit 97 is a processing unit that controls the display operation on the operation panel PN.

<1-3. Server 50>
The server 50 has an FTP server function capable of exchanging data with other devices using FTP, and also has a file server function for storing the setting information file JF and the like. The server 50 is a device that stores the setting information file JF outside the MFP 10, and is also referred to as an external storage device or an information storage device.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the server 50.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the server 50 includes a communication unit 54, a storage unit 55, and the like.

  The communication unit 54 is a processing unit that performs network communication with the MFP 10 using a communication protocol such as FTP.

  The storage unit 55 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 55 includes a folder FD (“conference 01”).

  The folder FD (“Conference 01”) stores setting information files JF1 (“File1.sjf”) and JF2 (“File2.sjf”) used for setting the setting items related to the scan transmission job SP. This folder FD is also referred to as a storage folder because it is the storage destination of the setting information file JF1.

<1-4. Operation>
Next, the operation of the MFP 10 in the first embodiment will be described.

  In the following, two operations will be mainly described. The first is an operation related to the generation processing of the setting information file JF (JF3), and the second is an operation related to the execution processing of the scan transmission job SP.

<1-4-1. Generation processing of setting information file JF>
First, the first operation (operation related to the generation processing of the setting information file JF (JF3)) will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the setting information file JF (JF3) is generated in the registration process of the shortened destination SA1. Specifically, in the registration process for registering the folder FD of the server 50 as the shortened destination SA1, a setting information file JF (JF3) is newly generated. The setting information file JF (JF3) is stored in the folder FD of the server 50. Here, it is assumed that a plurality of setting information files JF1 (“File1.sjf”) and JF2 (“File2.sjf”) are already stored in the folder FD of the server 50 (see FIG. 3). It is assumed that the setting information file JF3 newly generated in the SA1 registration process is additionally stored.

  Specifically, the following processing is performed in the MFP 10.

  First, when registration processing of the shortened destination SA1 is started in accordance with a predetermined operation by the user, the display control unit 97 of the MFP 10 displays a screen GA1 shown in FIG. 4 on the operation panel PN. The screen GA1 is a screen (also referred to as an abbreviated destination registration screen) for registering the abbreviated destination SA1.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the screen GA1 includes a plurality of boxes BX1 to BX4 and a plurality of buttons BT1 and BT2.

  The plurality of boxes BX1 to BX4 are boxes for inputting necessary items (“IP address”, “folder name”, “user name”, and “password”) regarding the registration of the shortened destination SA1.

  Specifically, the box BX1 is a box for inputting the IP address of the device registered as the shortened destination SA1. Here, the IP address (“192.168 .. ***. ***”) of the server 50 is input in the box BX1.

  The box BX2 is a box for inputting a folder name of a predetermined folder of the device (server 50) registered as the shortened destination SA1. Here, the folder name of the folder FD of the server 50 (“conference 01”) is input in the box BX2.

  The box BX3 is a box for inputting the user name of the device (server 50) registered as the shortened destination SA1. Here, the user name (“yamamoto”) of the server 50 is input in the box BX3.

  The box BX4 is a box for inputting a password set in the apparatus (server 50) registered as the shortened destination SA1. Here, the password (“*******”) set in the server 50 is entered in the box BX4.

  The button BT1 is a button (also referred to as a “return” button) for accepting a display instruction for the immediately preceding screen (not shown), and the button BT2 is a button for accepting a registration start instruction for the shortened destination SA1 (“ Also called “start” button).

  When the button BT2 is pressed after the above-described contents are input on the screen GA1, the communication control unit 93 of the MFP 10 starts a connection with the server 50 according to the IP address input to the box BX1. To do.

  Further, the display control unit 97 of the MFP 10 displays the screen GA2 shown in FIG. 5 on the operation panel PN. Screen GA <b> 2 is a notification screen for notifying that connection processing is being performed between MFP 10 and server 50.

  If the connection between the MFP 10 and the server 50 cannot be established, the display control unit 97 displays the screen GA3 shown in FIG. 6 on the operation panel PN. Screen GA3 is a notification screen for notifying that the connection between MFP 10 and server 50 has failed. In this screen GA3, a button BT3 for ending the registration process of the shortened destination SA1 is provided. When the button BT3 is pressed, the shortened destination SA1 is not registered, and the registration of the shortened destination SA1 is performed. Processing ends.

  On the other hand, when the connection is established between the MFP 10 and the server 50, the MFP 10 registers the folder FD (“conference 01”) of the server 50 in the address book as the shortened destination SA1.

  Then, the display control unit 97 of the MFP 10 displays the screen GA4 shown in FIG. 7 on the operation panel PN.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the screen GA4 is a screen for selecting either a new creation of the setting information file JF (JF3) or an update of the existing setting information file JF (JF1, JF2). Specifically, the screen GA7 includes radio buttons RD1 and RD2 and a plurality of buttons BT5 and BT6.

  The button BT5 is a button (also referred to as a “new creation” button) for selecting a new creation of the setting information file JF (JF3).

  The radio buttons RD1 and RD2 are buttons for designating a setting information file JF (JF1, JF2) to be updated when updating an existing setting information file JF.

  The button BT6 is a button (also referred to as an “update” button) for selecting an update of one setting information file JF designated via the radio buttons RD1 and RD2.

  Here, the description is continued assuming that the new creation button BT5 is selected and the setting information file JF (JF3) is newly created.

  Specifically, when new creation button BT5 is selected, display control unit 97 of MFP 10 displays screen GA5 shown in FIG. 8 on operation panel PN. The screen GA5 is a new creation screen for the setting information file JF (JF3) used for setting the setting items related to the scan transmission job S.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the screen GA5 includes radio button groups RB1, RB2, and RB3, check boxes CB1 and CB2, a call button BT7, a box BX5, and a creation start button BT8.

  The radio button group RB1 is a button for selecting a file format of a scan image generated in the scan transmission job SP. Here, a radio button corresponding to the file format “PDF” is selected.

  The radio button group RB2 is a button for selecting the resolution of the scan image generated in the scan transmission job SP. Here, the radio button corresponding to the resolution “200 dpi” is selected.

  The radio button group RB3 is a radio for selecting a sorting method (“year”, “month”, “year / month”) for sorting the scanned image into each sorting folder according to the file creation date and time of the scanned image. Button. This radio button group RB3 can be selected when a check is entered in the check box CB1 regarding the sorting method. When no check is input in the check box CB1, the radio button group RB3 is displayed in a grayed out state (that is, a state in which selection is not possible). Here, it is assumed that no check is input in the check box CB1, and no sorting method is selected. The operation when a check is input to the check box CB1 will be described later.

  The call button BT7 is a button for calling a folder selection dialog (not shown). The folder selection dialog is a dialog for selecting a storage folder for a scanned image generated in the scan transmission job SP. The call button BT7 can be selected when a check is entered in the check box CB2 regarding the save destination folder. When no check is input in the check box CB2, the button BT7 is displayed in a grayed-out state (that is, a state where selection is not possible). Here, it is assumed that a check is not input in the check box CB2, and a save destination folder is not selected. The operation when a check is input to the check box CB2 will be described later.

  Note that the check boxes CB1 and CB2 are exclusively controlled, and a check cannot be input to both the check boxes CB1 and CB2.

  A box BX5 is a box for inputting a file name given to the scanned image. Here, the file name “minutes” is input in the box BX5. As the file name, a character string (such as “minutes 01”) that is a combination of the character strings (such as “minutes”) input in the box BX5 and serial numbers (“01”, “02”, etc.) Is granted.

  The creation start button BT8 is a button for accepting the creation start of the setting information file JF (JF3).

  When the creation start button BT8 is pressed after the above-described contents are input on such a screen GA5, the MFP 10 newly creates (generates) a setting information file JF3 (“File3.sjf”). Specifically, the MFP 10 determines the scan image file format (“PDF” format), the reading resolution (“200 dpi”), and the scan image file name (in accordance with the input content on the screen GA5 (see FIG. 8)). This setting information file JF3 including “Minutes 01”) is newly created. A dedicated extension (“.sjf”) is used for the setting information file JF3 as in the case of the existing setting information files JF1 and JF2. Thereby, it is possible to easily distinguish between the setting information file JF and a file (image file or the like) other than the setting information file JF.

  When the setting information file JF3 (“File3.sjf”) is generated, the MFP 10 transmits the setting information file JF3 to the folder FD (“conference 01”) of the server 50 registered as the shortened destination SA1. As a result, in the folder FD of the server 50, the newly created setting information file JF3 is stored (registered) in addition to the existing setting information files JF1 and JF2. In other words, the folder FD of the server 50 functions as a storage folder for the setting information files JF1 to JF3.

  Thereafter, the display control unit 97 of the MFP 10 displays the screen GA6 shown in FIG. 9 on the operation panel PN. The screen GA6 is a designation screen for designating a setting information file JF used for setting setting items related to the scan transmission job SP.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the screen GA6 includes check boxes CB61 and CB62, radio buttons RD61 to RD63, and a button BT10.

  When a check is input to the check box CB61 on the screen GA6, the setting information file JF is designated each time the scan transmission job SP is executed via the designation screen GA9 (see FIG. 13) described later.

  On the other hand, when a check is input to the check box CB62 on the screen GA6, the setting information file JF is designated in advance via the radio buttons RD61 to RD63. Radio buttons RD61, RD62, and RD63 correspond to setting information files JF3, JF2, and JF1, respectively.

  Here, assuming that a check is input to the check box CB61 and the button BT10 is pressed, the setting information file JF is displayed when the scan transmission job SP is executed via the designation screen GA9 (see FIG. 13) described later. It shall be selected each time.

<1-4-2. Execution processing of scan transmission job SP>
Next, the second operation (operation related to the execution processing of the scan transmission job SP) will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing operations related to the execution processing of the scan transmission job SP. Hereinafter, the operation related to the execution processing of the scan transmission job SP will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the start instruction for the scan transmission job SP is received, the display control unit 97 of the MFP 10 displays the destination setting screen GA7 shown in FIG. 11 on the operation panel PN (step S11 in FIG. 10). The destination setting screen GA7 is a screen for setting a transmission destination folder for a new scan image generated in the scan transmission job SP.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the destination setting screen GA7 includes destination buttons BT11, BT12,... And a setting button BT20.

  The destination buttons BT11, BT12,... Are buttons corresponding to the shortened destinations SA1, SA2,... Registered in the address book of the MFP 10, respectively. The setting button BT20 sets (designates) one shortened destination SA selected via the destination selection buttons BT11, BT12,... As a destination folder for a new scan image generated in the scan transmission job SP. It is a button to do.

  Here, it is assumed that the destination button BT11 corresponding to the short destination SA1 (the folder FD of the server 50) registered in the above short destination registration process is selected and the setting button BT20 is pressed. Accordingly, the MFP 10 sets (designates) the folder FD of the server 50 registered as the shortened destination SA1 as a transmission destination folder for a new scan image generated in the scan transmission job SP (step S12). That is, the MFP 10 designates the folder FD as a transmission destination folder.

  Next, in step S13, the specifying unit 91 of the MFP 10 specifies the storage destination folder of the setting information file JF. Specifically, the specifying unit 91 specifies the “transmission destination folder” specified in step S12 as the “storage destination folder” of the setting information file JF. By using the “destination folder” as the “storage destination folder”, it is possible to simultaneously specify the “storage destination folder” by specifying the “destination folder” in each of a plurality of scan transmission jobs. it can. In other words, in each of the plurality of scan transmission jobs, it is possible to omit the unique designation operation of “storage folder”. Therefore, the operator can obtain high operability.

  Thereafter, the MFP 10 determines whether or not the setting information file JF is stored in the folder FD of the server 50 (step S14), and performs branch processing based on the determination result. If it is determined that the setting information file JF is stored in the folder FD, the setting items of the scan transmission job SP are automatically set based on the setting information file JF (steps S15 to S17 described later), and the setting is performed. A screen GA10 (see FIG. 14) (described later) is displayed on the operation panel PN (described later in step S18). On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting information file JF is not stored in the folder FD, the setting items for the scan transmission job SP are not automatically set, and the setting screen GA8 (see FIG. 12) (described later) is displayed on the operation panel. It is displayed on the PN (step S18 described later).

  First, a case where it is determined in step S14 that the setting information file JF is stored in the folder FD of the server 50 will be described. In this case, the process proceeds from step S14 to step S15. Here, since the three setting information files JF1, JF2, and JF3 are stored in the folder FD of the server 50, it is determined that the setting information file JF is stored at the destination of the scanned image, and the process proceeds to step S15. Proceed to

  In step S15, the display control unit 97 of the MFP 10 displays the designation screen GGA9 shown in FIG. 13 on the operation panel PN. The designation screen GA9 is a screen for designating one setting information file JF (also referred to as a use target file) to be used for setting setting items related to the scan transmission job SP from a plurality of setting information files JF.

  Here, since three setting information files JF1 to JF3 are stored in the folder FD of the server 50, as will be described in detail below, one setting information file JF is selected by the operator on the designation screen GA9. It is specified according to the operation (manually). However, when the setting information file JF (for example, the (latest) setting information file JF3) is stored alone in the folder FD of the server 50, the setting information file JF (without the specification screen GA9) is stored. JF3) may be automatically specified as the use target file.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the designation screen GA9 includes a plurality of radio buttons RD81, RD82, and RD83, and a start button BT30.

  Radio buttons RD81, RD82, and RD83 are buttons corresponding to the setting information files JF3, JF2, and JF1 stored in the folder FD (“conference 01”) of the server 50, respectively. Through the radio buttons RD81, RD82, and RD83, one setting information file JF used for setting the setting items related to the scan transmission job SP is designated by the operator.

  The start button BT30 is a button for accepting an instruction to start downloading one setting information file JF designated through the radio buttons RD81, RD82, and RD83.

  Here, the radio button RD81 corresponding to the latest setting information file JF3 (“File.sjf”) is selected and the start button BT30 is pressed, and the description is continued.

  When the radio button RD81 is selected and the start button BT30 is pressed, the communication control unit 91 of the MFP 10 downloads the setting information file JF3 from the folder FD (“conference 01”) of the server 50 using FTP ( Step S16).

  Then, the setting unit 95 of the MFP 10 automatically sets the setting items regarding the scan transmission job SP based on the setting information file JF3 (step S17).

  Specifically, the setting unit 95 automatically sets the setting item “file format”, the setting item “resolution”, and the setting item “file name” based on the setting information file JF3. Specifically, the setting unit 95 sets the setting item “file format” to “PDF format”, sets the setting item “resolution” to “200 dpi”, and sets the setting item “file name” to “minutes 01.pdf”. To "".

  Thereafter, in step S18, the display control unit 97 of the MFP 10 displays the setting screen GA10 shown in FIG. 14 on the operation panel PN. The setting screen GA10 is a screen for manually setting the scan transmission job SP. According to the setting screen GA10, it is possible to correct (change) the setting contents set automatically.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the setting screen GA10 includes call buttons BN1 to BN6. The call buttons BN1 to BN6 are used for detailed setting screens for each setting item (“original image quality”, “color”, “resolution”, “file (format)”, “OCR”, “compositing”) regarding the scan transmission job SP. This is a button for calling (not shown). The setting contents (“character”, “full color”, “200 dpi”, “PDF (format)”, “none”, “stamp”) of each setting item are displayed inside the call buttons BN1 to BN6. In detail, inside the buttons BN1, BN2, BN5, and BN6, default setting contents (“character”, “full color” of each setting item (“original image quality”, “color”, “OCR”, “composite”) are provided. ”,“ None ”,“ Stamp ”). On the other hand, the setting contents (“200 dpi”, “PDF (format)”) after the automatic setting (step S17) of each setting item (“file”, “OCR”) are stored in the buttons BN3, BN4. Is displayed. As described above, in the setting screen GA10, the setting contents automatically set based on the setting information file JF3 are reflected on each setting item of the scan transmission job SP.

  When a setting operation by the operator is accepted on this setting screen GA10, the setting unit 95 of the MFP 10 appropriately sets (changes settings) the setting items of the scan transmission job SP in accordance with the setting operation.

  Thereafter, when a predetermined operation for instructing start of execution of the scan transmission job SP (operation of pressing a start key provided in the MFP 10) is received, the MFP 10 executes the scan transmission job SP based on the above-described setting content. To start.

  Next, a case where it is determined in step S14 that the setting information file JF is not stored in the folder FD of the server 50 will be described. In this case, the setting item of the scan transmission job SP is not automatically set, and the process proceeds from step S14 to step S18.

  In step S18, the display control unit 97 of the MFP 10 displays the setting screen GA8 shown in FIG. 12 on the operation panel PN. The setting screen GA8 is a screen for manually setting the scan transmission job SP.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the setting screen GA8 includes call buttons BN1 to BN6, similarly to the screen GA10. However, the default setting contents (“character”, “full color”, “400 dpi”, “JPEG”, “none”, “stamp”) of each setting item are stored in the call buttons BN1 to BN6 of the setting screen GA8. Is displayed. In particular, the display contents (default setting contents) inside the call buttons BN3 and BN4 on the setting screen GA8 are different from the display contents (setting contents after automatic setting) inside the call buttons BN3 and BN4 on the setting screen GA10. Yes.

  When the setting operation by the operator is accepted on the setting screen GA8, the setting unit 95 of the MFP 10 appropriately sets the setting items of the scan transmission job SP according to the setting operation.

  In the above operation, the setting information file JF3 used for setting the setting items related to the scan transmission job SP is downloaded from the folder FD of the server 50 to the MFP 10 using FTP (step S16 in FIG. 10). In other words, even if a special program for transmitting the setting information file JF3 to the MFP 10 is not installed in the server 50, the setting information file JF can be stored using the FTP that is a general file transfer protocol. Downloaded from the server 50 to the MFP 10. Therefore, even if a special program for transmitting the setting information file JF3 to the MFP 10 is not installed in the server 50, the setting information file JF3 is used in the MFP 10 (more specifically, the setting of the scan transmission job SP). Can be performed automatically).

  Further, since the setting information file JF is stored (stored) on the server 50 side instead of the MFP 10 side, when a similar scan transmission job SP (image processing job) is performed by a plurality of MFPs 10, the setting information file in the server 50 is stored. JF can be shared by the plurality of MFPs. In other words, it is possible to reduce the effort for storing the setting information file JF in each of a plurality of MFPs.

  For example, in an image forming system including a plurality of MFPs 10 (10A, 10B, 10C (all not shown)) and the server 50, the setting information file JF to be shared may be stored in a predetermined folder in the server 50. . In the scan transmission job SP, each of the MFPs 10A, 10B, and 10C downloads the setting information file JF from a predetermined folder of the server 50 using FTP. In other words, the MFPs 10A, 10B, and 10C share the setting information file JF stored in a predetermined folder of the server 50 in the scan transmission job SP. According to this, it is possible to reduce the trouble of storing the same setting information file JF in each of the MFPs 10A, 10B, and 10C.

  Further, since the setting information file JF is stored on the server 50 side instead of the MFP 10 side, even if the existing MFP is replaced with a new MFP, it is not necessary to store the setting information file JF in the new MFP.

  Further, in the above-described operation, after some setting items of the scan transmission job SP are automatically set based on the setting information file JF3 (step S17 in FIG. 10), the setting screen GA10 shown in FIG. It is displayed on the PN (step S18). Therefore, the operator sets the setting contents (“PDF (format)”) of the setting items (“file format”, “resolution”) automatically set based on the setting information file JF3 through the setting screen GA10 (see FIG. 14). , “200 dpi”). Further, the operator can manually change the settings related to the setting items of the scan transmission job SP through the setting screen GA10 (see FIG. 14).

  Even if a plurality of setting information files JF1 to JF3 are stored in the folder FD of the server 50, the designation screen GA9 (see FIG. 13) is displayed on the operation panel PN in the above-described step S15. The operator can reliably specify one desired setting information file JF (JF3) to be downloaded from the folder FD.

<2. Second Embodiment>
The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the difference from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the second embodiment, when the setting information file JF is not stored in the folder FD of the server 50 set as the destination of the scanned image, the setting item “file format” is selected from various setting items related to the scan transmission job SP. The case where it sets automatically is illustrated.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP 10 according to the second embodiment.

  In steps S11 to S18 in FIG. 15, processes similar to those in steps S11 to S18 in FIG. 10 are executed. However, in the flowchart of FIG. 10, when it is determined NO in step S14, the process proceeds directly to step S18, whereas in the flowchart of FIG. 15, the process proceeds to step S18 via steps S31 and S32. In this respect, the process of the flowchart of FIG. 15 is different from the process of the flowchart of FIG.

  Hereinafter, the processing of steps S31 and S32 in FIG. 15 will be described.

  In step S31 in FIG. 15, the communication control unit 93 of the MFP 10 includes information on file extensions (hereinafter, referred to as file extensions) of a plurality of scan images stored in the transmission destination folder (folder FD of the server 50) in the past scan transmission job SP. (Also called extension information) is acquired via the network.

  Specifically, the communication control unit 93 acquires file name information regarding the file names of a plurality of scanned images stored in the folder FD of the server 50. Here, five scan images SG1 to SG5 are stored in the folder FD of the server 50, and the communication control unit 91 sets file name information (for example, “image01. pdf "," image02.pdf "," image03.pdf "," image04.jpg "," image05.tif "). This file name information includes extension information (“.pdf”, “.pdf”, “.pdf”, “.jpg”, “.tif”) regarding the file extensions of the scanned images SG1 to SG5. Yes. The scan images SG1 to SG3 are PDF (Portable Document Format) format files, the scan image SG4 is a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format file, and the scan image SG5 is a TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) format file. It is a file.

  Thereafter, in step S32, the setting unit 95 of the MFP 10 adds the extension information (“.pdf”, “.pdf”, “.pdf”, “.jpg”, “.tif”) included in the file name information. ) To set the file format of a new scan image generated in the scan transmission job SP.

  Specifically, the setting unit 95 specifies the largest number of file formats as the most file format from among the file formats of the five scan images SG1 to SG5 based on the extension information. Here, the setting unit 95 specifies the “PDF format” that is the file format of the three scan images SG1 to SG3 among the five scan images SG1 to SG5 as the most file format. Then, the setting unit 93 sets the most frequently used file format (PDF format) as a file format of a new scan image generated in the scan transmission job SP. In other words, the setting unit 93 sets the setting item “file format” of the scan transmission job SP to “PDF (format)”.

  According to the above operation, even when the setting information file JF is not stored in the folder FD of the server 50 set as the destination of the scanned image, the setting item “ "File format" can be set automatically.

  In the second embodiment, the case where the processes of steps S31 and S32 in FIG. 15 are executed on the assumption that the scan images SG1 to SG5 are stored in the transmission destination folder is illustrated. It is not limited. For example, when no scan image is stored in the transmission destination folder, the process of step S18 described above may be executed without executing the processes of steps S31 and S32 of FIG.

<3. Modified example>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the setting information file JF3 is downloaded from the folder FD of the server 50 using FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a protocol other than the FTP is used. You may make it download using. Specifically, the setting information file JF3 may be downloaded using SMB (Server Message Block), or the setting information file JF3 may be downloaded using WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning). It may be downloaded.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the check is not input to the check box CB1 regarding the distribution method and the distribution method is not selected on the screen GA5 shown in FIG. 8 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, on the screen GA5 shown in FIG. 8, a check may be input to the check box CB1, and the distribution method may be selected via the radio button group RB3.

  The radio button group RB3 includes a plurality of buttons for selecting a sorting method (“year”, “month”, “year / month”) for sorting the scanned image into each sorting destination folder according to the file creation date and time of the scanned image. Has radio buttons. The radio button group RB3 has three radio buttons (“year”, “month”, “year / month”) respectively corresponding to the sorting method.

  The sorting method “Year” generates a “Year” folder (“2013”, etc.) corresponding to the file creation year (“2013”, etc.) of the scanned image in the lower hierarchy of the storage folder (“Conference 01”), This is a method of distributing the scanned image to the “year” folder.

  The sorting method “Month” is a lower hierarchy of a storage destination folder (“Meeting 01”) that includes a “Year / Month” folder (“201301”, etc.) corresponding to the file creation date (“January 2013”, etc.). And the scanned image is distributed to the “year / month” folder.

  The sorting method “Year / Month” generates a “Year” folder (“2013”, etc.) corresponding to the scan image file creation year (“2013”, etc.) in the lower hierarchy of the storage folder (“Conference 01”). Further, a “month” folder (“01”, etc.) corresponding to the file creation month (“January”, etc.) of the scanned image is generated in a lower hierarchy of the “year folder”, and the scanned image is distributed to the “month” folder. It is a technique.

  In the screen GA5 shown in FIG. 8, for example, when a check is input to the check box CB1 and the radio button corresponding to the distribution method “year / month” is selected, the MFP 10 changes the distribution method “year / month”. A setting information file JF including information to be shown (also referred to as information relating to the distribution method “year / month”) is generated. Note that the information related to the distribution method “year / month” is information that should be changed from the transmission destination folder of the scanned image to the distribution destination folder, and is also expressed as change information.

  When the radio button corresponding to the distribution method “year / month” is selected on the screen GA5, the MFP 10 performs the following operation when the scan transmission job SP is executed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the MFP 10 sets the “year” folder (for example, “2013”) corresponding to the file creation year of the scanned image to the transmission destination folder (“ It is generated as a lower hierarchy folder ("child folder") of the conference 01 "). Further, the MFP 10 generates a “month” folder (for example, “01”) according to the file creation month of the scanned image as a lower layer folder (“grandchild folder”) of the “year” folder. Then, the setting unit 95 of the MFP 10 sets the “month” folder (“grandchild” folder) as a new destination folder. In other words, the MFP 10 changes the transmission destination of the scanned image from the transmission destination folder (“conference 01”) designated in step S11 of FIG. 12 based on the information related to the distribution method “year / month”. Change the setting to a folder ("01").

  In addition, when the radio button corresponding to the distribution method “year” is selected or when the radio button corresponding to the distribution method “month” is selected, the “distribution method” in the setting information file JF is similar to the above. The transmission destination of the scanned image is appropriately changed based on the information regarding “

  In addition, in the screen GA5 shown in FIG. 8, a check is input to the check box CB2 related to the save destination folder instead of the check box CB1, and a specific folder is selected via a folder selection dialog (not shown) called by the call button BT7. You may be made to do.

  Specifically, when a check is input to the check box CB2 and the call button BT7 is pressed by the operator, the display control unit 97 of the MFP 10 displays a folder selection dialog (not shown) on the operation panel PN. When a specific folder is selected by the operator via the folder selection dialog, the MFP 10 generates a setting information file JF including change information for changing the transmission destination of the scanned image to the specific folder.

  When a specific folder is selected on the screen GA5 via a folder selection dialog (not shown), the MFP 10 performs the following operation when the scan transmission job SP is executed. Specifically, the setting unit 95 of the MFP 10 changes the transmission destination of the scanned image from the transmission destination folder specified in step S11 of FIG. 12 via a folder selection dialog (not shown) based on the setting information file JF. Change settings to a preselected folder.

  In the first embodiment, one setting information file JF used for setting the setting items of the scan transmission job SP is designated each time the scan transmission job SP is executed via the designation screen GA9 shown in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one setting information file JF used for setting the setting items of the scan transmission job SP may be specified in advance when registering the shortened destination SA1 via the screen GA6 shown in FIG. Specifically, on the screen GA6 shown in FIG. 9, when a check is input to the check box CB62, the radio button RD61 is selected, and the button BT10 is pressed, the setting information file JF3 (“File3.sjf”) ) May be used for setting the setting items of the scan transmission job SP.

  In the second embodiment, the file name information of a plurality of scan images stored in the transmission destination folder is acquired, and the setting item “of the scan transmission job SP is set based on the extension information included in the file name information. Although the case where the “file format” is automatically set is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the creation date / time information of a plurality of scan images stored in the transmission destination folder is acquired, and the setting item “file format” of the scan transmission job SP is automatically set based on the creation date / time information. Good.

  Specifically, the MFP 10 may specify the latest scan image from among a plurality of scan images stored in the transmission destination folder based on the creation date information acquired from the transmission folder. Then, the MFP 10 may set the file format of the latest scan image as the file format of a new scan image generated in the scan transmission job SP.

  In the first embodiment, the setting information file JF (JF3) is generated in the registration process of the shortened destination SA (SA1). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and registration of the shortened destination SA (SA1) is performed. The setting information file JF (JF3) may be generated at a timing different from the processing. For example, the setting information file JF may be generated within a period from the completion of the registration process of the shortened destination SA to the start of execution of the scan transmission job SP.

  In each of the above embodiments, the setting items “file format”, “resolution”, “distribution destination folder”, “save destination folder”, and “file name” related to the scan transmission job SP on the new creation screen GA5 shown in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, other setting items (“color”, “character recognition (OCR)”, “density”, “original image quality”, “compositing”, etc.) regarding the scan transmission job SP are also set on the new creation screen GA5 shown in FIG. You may be made to do.

  In the first embodiment, the transmission destination folder (the folder FD of the server 50) is specified as the storage destination folder of the setting information file JF. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the setting information file JF is stored in a folder (folder FD2 of the server 50) different from the transmission destination folder (folder FD1 of the server 50), and the folder FD2 is selected according to the storage folder specifying operation by the operator. May be specified as the storage destination folder of the setting information file JF. In other words, the transmission destination folder of the scanned image may be different from the storage destination folder of the setting information file JF.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the folder FD of the server 50 is set as the transmission destination folder of the scanned image is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a predetermined storage location (hereinafter also referred to as a storage box) BX in the MFP 10 may be set as the transmission destination folder. In this case, instead of the storage box BX of the MFP 10 set as the transmission destination folder, the folder FD of the server 50 is specified as the storage destination folder of the setting information file JF (according to the designation operation by the operator). do it.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the image processing job is the scan transmission job SP is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and image processing jobs other than the scan transmission job SP (copy job CP and facsimile transmission job FP) are used. ), It is possible to apply the idea of the first embodiment.

  Specifically, in the copy job CP, the setting information file JF10 for setting related to the copy job CP may be stored in the folder FD10 of the server 50. Then, at the time of execution of the copy job CP, the setting information file JF10 may be downloaded from the folder FD10 of the server 50, and the setting items regarding the copy job CP may be automatically set in the MFP 10.

  In the facsimile transmission job FP, the setting information file JF20 for setting related to the facsimile transmission job FP may be stored in the folder FD20 of the server 50. Then, when the facsimile transmission job FP is executed, the setting information file JF20 is downloaded from the folder FD20 of the server 50, and the setting items regarding the facsimile transmission job FP may be automatically set in the MFP 10.

JF setting information file PN operation panel RB1, RB2, RB3 radio buttons RD61 to RD63 radio buttons RD81, RD82, RD83 radio buttons SA1, SA2 shortened destination SP scan transmission job

Claims (11)

An image forming apparatus,
A storage destination folder in a server connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, which is a storage destination folder of a setting information file for setting related to an image processing job executed in the image forming apparatus. Identification means to identify;
Communication control means for downloading the setting information file from the storage folder specified by the specifying means via the network using a communication protocol for file transfer;
Setting means for setting the setting items of the image processing job based on the setting information file downloaded by the communication control means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the image processing job is a scan transmission job for generating a scan image by optically reading a document and transmitting the scan image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
In the scan transmission job, a transmission destination folder that is a transmission destination folder of the scanned image is designated,
The specifying unit specifies the transmission destination folder specified in the scan transmission job as the storage destination folder;
The communication control means downloads the setting information file from the storage folder specified by the specifying means via the network using the file transfer communication protocol,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the setting unit sets a setting item of the scan transmission job based on the setting information file. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
When the setting information file for setting related to the scan transmission job is not stored in the transmission destination folder,
The communication control means uses the communication protocol for file transfer to send extension information on file extensions of a plurality of scanned images stored in the transmission destination folder in a past scan transmission job via the network. Acquired,
The setting unit specifies the most file format from among the file formats of the plurality of scan images based on the extension information as the most file format, and the most file format is generated in the scan transmission job. An image forming apparatus which is set as a file format of a new scanned image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
When the setting information file for setting related to the scan transmission job is not stored in the transmission destination folder,
The communication control means uses the communication protocol for file transfer to generate creation date / time information related to file creation dates / times of a plurality of scanned images stored in the transmission destination folder in a past scan transmission job via the network. Acquired,
The setting unit specifies a latest scan image from the plurality of scan images based on the creation date and time information, and sets a file format of the latest scan image as a new scan image generated in the scan transmission job. An image forming apparatus that is set as a file format. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When a plurality of setting information files are stored in the storage destination folder, a designation screen for designating one setting information file to be downloaded from the storage destination folder from the plurality of setting information files is displayed on the display unit. Display control means for displaying,
Further comprising
The communication control means downloads the one setting information file designated via the designation screen from the storage destination folder via the network using the file transfer communication protocol. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
The setting information file includes change information indicating that the transmission destination folder should be changed to a new transmission destination folder,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the setting unit changes the setting of the transmission destination of the scanned image from the transmission destination folder to the new transmission destination folder based on the change information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.
The change information includes information on a sorting method when sorting the scanned image into each sorting folder according to the file creation date of the scanned image,
The setting unit changes the setting of the transmission destination of the scanned image from the transmission destination folder to a distribution destination folder according to the file creation date and time of the scanned image based on information on the distribution method. Forming equipment. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8.
Each of the distribution destination folders is a lower hierarchy folder of the storage destination folder. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the file transfer communication protocol includes at least one of an FTP protocol, an SMB protocol, and a WebDAV protocol. In the computer built in the image forming device,
a) A storage destination folder in a server connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, which is a storage destination folder of a setting information file for settings related to an image processing job executed in the image forming apparatus Identifying a folder;
b) using the communication protocol for file transfer, downloading the setting information file from the storage folder specified in step a) via the network;
c) setting the setting items of the image processing job based on the setting information file downloaded in the step b);
A program for running